Rainforest,Destruction.,Gold,Mining,Place,In,Guyana,,South,America.,Amazon

Gold mining in Peru has moved into sensitive wetland areas and is releasing a lot of stored carbon. These wetlands are peatlands, waterlogged soils built from partly decayed plants that lock away carbon for centuries.



Peat loss turns a slow natural carbon vault into a fast source of emissions. That is why scientists are sounding the alarm about new mining scars in remote corners of the Amazon.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-peatlands-carbon-and-mining">Peatlands, carbon, and mining</h2>



<a href="https://www.unep.org/resources/global-peatlands-assessment-2022" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Peatlands</a> hold an outsized share of the world’s soil carbon and help stabilize climate over long timescales. They cover a small slice of land area yet store a huge fraction of carbon underground.



Lead researcher <a href="https://www.ifgg.kit.edu/english/staff_householder.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">J Ethan Householder</a> is with the Wetland Department, Institute of Geography and Geoecology at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology in Germany (<a href="https://www.ifgg.kit.edu/english/index.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IFGG</a>). 



His team’s field work and satellite analyses focus on peat swamps in southeastern Peru.



The term carbon stocks refers to the amount of carbon stored in plants and soils. In peat, most of that carbon sits below the surface in thick, oxygen poor layers that decompose very slowly.



These peat swamps also support biodiversity, the variety of living species in an ecosystem. When mining drains or digs up peat, both the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/carbon-storage-mystery-emerges-in-the-southern-ocean/">carbon</a> bank and the living communities take a hit.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-satellites-saw">What the satellites saw</h2>



The study analyzed more than three decades of images from <a href="https://landsat.gsfc.nasa.gov/satellites/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Landsat</a>, a U.S. satellite program that produces consistent pictures of Earth’s surface each year. 



That time series lets researchers pinpoint when forests were cleared and when bare mine pits appeared.



They mapped mining scars along rivers in <a href="https://7wonders.org/south-america/peru/madre-de-dios/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Madre de Dios</a>, a region in Peru that has seen a rapid spread of small operations. The scars are easy to spot because forest gives way to sand and water filled pits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-massive-carbon-release-from-mining">Massive carbon release from mining</h2>



In a new paper, the team reports that mining has removed more than 550 hectares of peatland, with over half of that loss happening in just the last two years. 



They estimate that 0.2 to 0.7 million tons of carbon have already been released, and they identify 63 of 219 peatlands showing evidence of mining at their edges.



They also find that mining inside peat now accounts for 9 percent of all mining in the area and could reach 25 percent by 2027 if current trends hold. 



The analysis flags more than 10,000 hectares of peat at immediate risk, with a potential release of 3.5 to 14.5 million tons of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-the-ocean-holds-carbon-hidden-mechanisms-revealed/">carbon</a> if those areas are disturbed.



“The rapid proliferation of gold mining inside peatlands appears to be of such scope as to be an existential threat to the entire peatland complex,” wrote Householder. The numbers and the geographic pattern point in the same direction.



The team also tracked where mining is advancing. An outward front has been pushing into the alluvial plain at about 330 feet per year, and that front is reaching the peat rich margins where swamps are most common.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-mining-is-pushing-into-peatlands">Why mining is pushing into peatlands</h2>



Rivers are the main highways in this part of the Amazon, so early mines hugged the banks. 



As miners followed gold bearing sediments inland, access paths, machinery, and makeshift camps increased, lowering the barrier to work in wetter ground.



Peatlands sit on the outer edges of the river plain where water pools for most of the year. 



Once miners arrive with pumps and hoses, it gets easier for others to follow, especially where law enforcement relies on boats and cannot easily reach new clearings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-driven-destruction">Human-driven destruction</h2>



A long term remote sensing <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2072-4292/10/12/1903" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research</a> record shows that mining has been a major driver of deforestation in southeastern Peru. 



Many operations are small and informal, and the work is a source of income for thousands of families.



Processing often uses mercury, a toxic metal that binds to fine gold particles. 



One river focused <a href="https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2015/em/c4em00567h" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> documented elevated mercury in sediments and fish downstream of mining hubs and found that a large share of carnivorous fish exceeded health guidelines for mercury in tissue.



Communities that rely on river fish face real exposure risks. This adds a public health layer to the climate and ecosystem costs of tearing up peat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-mining-made-this-carbon-bomb">How mining made this carbon bomb</h2>



The researchers combined annual vegetation change with a classifier that separates mining from other forest losses. That approach reduced false alarms from seasonal flooding or quick regrowth after storms.



They then overlaid those mine maps with peat maps to see where pits and ponds overlap organic soils. That allowed them to calculate both the area lost and the likely carbon released.



Peat stores carbon more densely than nearby upland forests. When miners dig pits, drain water, or burn cleared vegetation, oxygen speeds up decay and carbon escapes into the air.



Even small patches can have outsized impacts because a few feet of peat can hold as much <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/carbon-atoms-in-your-body-took-a-400000-light-year-journey-through-space/">carbon</a> as a much larger area of non peat forest. That is why a few hundred hectares of loss matter.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-happens-next">What happens next</h2>



The results point to three priorities that do not require new technology. 



Map the edges of active peatlands at high resolution, monitor hot spots in near real time, and keep heavy equipment out of places where peat depth is greatest.



Local voices and science can work together to steer enforcement and restoration budgets to the areas of highest risk. 



Peat that stays wet and shaded keeps its carbon, and that is the simplest way to avoid adding more heat trapping gases to the air.



The study is published in <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/adb868" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Research Letters</a>.



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Ticking 'carbon time bomb' has been unleashed in the Amazon rainforest by gold miners

Gold mining in Peru has moved into sensitive wetland areas and is releasing a lot of stored carbon. These wetlands are peatlands, waterlogged soils built from partly decayed plants that lock away carbon for centuries. Peat loss turns a slow natural carbon vault into a fast source of emissions. That is why scientists are sounding the alarm about new mining scars in remote corners of the Amazon. Peatlands, carbon, and mining Peatlands hold an outsized share of the world’s soil carbon and help stabilize climate over long...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Can trees protect their genetic diversity for millions of years?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Climate change is destabilizing ant-plant relationships

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Did the Centinela mass extinction really happen?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



So, what did they find? 



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Caffeine is proven to boost heart health in many people

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Ecosystems are more resilient than expected after natural disasters 

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Fungi can think and make smart decisions without a brain

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Arctic ecosystem stability threatened by declining plant resilience 

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



The study is published in the journal Nature Communications.



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Plants have a secret weapon for surviving stress

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

Scientists have uncovered one of the earliest examples of a winged seed, shedding light on the origins and early evolution of wind dispersal strategies in plants.&nbsp;



The study, published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.92962.3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eLife</a>, details the second-oldest known winged seed -- Alasemenia - from the Late Devonian epoch, which occurred roughly 360 to 385 million years ago. 



Through a solid mathematical analysis, the authors demonstrate that the three-winged seeds of Alasemenia were better adapted to wind dispersal compared to seeds with one, two, or four wings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wind-dispersal-of-plant-seeds">Wind dispersal of plant seeds</h2>



Wind dispersal is a natural mechanism by which plants spread their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birds-increase-forest-recovery-by-dispersing-seeds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seeds</a> to new areas using the air, helping to reduce competition for resources and improve survival chances.&nbsp;



Some common wind dispersal strategies include parachutes, like those used by dandelions and milkweeds, as well as winged seeds, such as the “helicopter” seeds from maple trees.



The earliest plant seeds date back to the Late Devonian epoch, a time marking a significant evolutionary shift.&nbsp;



“This period marks a significant evolutionary milestone in plant history, as they transitioned from spore-based reproduction, as with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-sheds-light-on-the-evolution-of-ferns/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ferns</a> and mosses, to seed-based reproduction,” said lead author Deming Wang, a professor at <a href="https://english.pku.edu.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Peking University</a>'s Department of Geology.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seed-wind-dispersal-mechanisms-nbsp">Seed wind dispersal mechanisms&nbsp;</h2>



However, little is known about wind dispersal mechanisms in seeds from this era, as many fossils are encased in a cupule, a protective cup-shaped structure that may suggest different dispersal methods, such as water transport.



To better understand how early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-plants-disperse-their-seeds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a> used wind to disperse their seeds, Wang and colleagues examined seed fossils from the Late Devonian, sourced from the Jianchuan mine in China’s Anhui Province. Among these, they identified a new fossil species, Alasemenia.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-helping-seeds-catch-the-wind">Helping seeds catch the wind</h2>



The team carefully analyzed the Alasemenia fossils, slicing them to study their internal structure.&nbsp;



The experts found that these seeds are about 25 to 33 millimeters long and lacked the cupule that was common in most seeds of the period, making Alasemenia one of the earliest known examples of a seed without such a structure -- 40 million years earlier than previously thought. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Alasemenia_winged-seed_plant-pollination_credit-elife-sciences_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Alasemenia_winged-seed_plant-pollination_credit-elife-sciences_1s.webp" alt="A fossil of the winged-seed, Alasemenia, sourced from the Jianchuan mine in Xinhang Town, China. Credit: Deming Wang" class="wp-image-1946919"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A fossil of the winged-seed, Alasemenia, sourced from the Jianchuan mine in Xinhang Town, China. Credit: Deming Wang</figcaption></figure>



Instead, Alasemenia had a seed coat, or integument, that extended outward to form three wing-like lobes. These wings, with their outward-curving, broad, flattened structures, would have helped the seeds catch the wind.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-wing-design-for-wind-dispersal-nbsp">Best wing design for wind dispersal&nbsp;</h2>



Next, the researchers compared Alasemenia to two other known winged seeds from the Late Devonian: Warstenia and Guazia, both of which had four wings. While Guazia's wings were broad and flat, Warstenia's were short and straight.&nbsp;



To determine which design was best suited for wind dispersal, the team conducted a quantitative mathematical analysis. Their results showed that Alasemenia’s odd number of wings provided a more stable and faster spin rate as the seed fell, allowing it to catch the wind more effectively and disperse farther from the parent plant.



“Our discovery of Alasemenia adds to our knowledge of the origins of wind dispersal strategies in early land plants,” said senior author Pu Huang, an assistant research fellow at the Nanjing Institute of Geology and Paleontology.&nbsp;



“Combined with our previous knowledge of Guazia and Warsteinia, we conclude that winged seeds as a result of integument outgrowth emerged as the first form of wind dispersal strategy during the Late Devonian, before other methods such as parachutes or plumes.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-progression-of-seeds-nbsp">Evolutionary progression of seeds&nbsp;</h2>



According to Wang, the evolutionary progression of winged seeds didn’t stop there.&nbsp;



“The three-winged seeds seen in Alasemenia during the Late Devonian would have subsequently been followed by two-winged seeds during the Carboniferous period, and then single-winged seeds during the Permian.”



This research offers key insights into the evolutionary timeline of wind dispersal strategies in plants, marking Alasemenia as a critical piece in understanding how plants first took advantage of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/understanding-how-wind-farms-interact-with-wind-can-optimize-their-power/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wind</a> to spread their seeds.



“These findings suggest that during the Famennian [belonging to the late Devonian] the outer layer of some seeds that lacked cupules evolved wings to help the seeds disperse in the wind,” noted the study authors.



“It also indicates that seeds with four or three wings evolved first, followed by other groups of seed plants with fewer seed wings.”



According to the researchers, future studies may find more winged seeds and further our understanding of their evolutionary roles in the early history of seed plants.



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Fossil reveals how plants use winged seeds to expand their habitats

Scientists have uncovered one of the earliest examples of a...

Plants have the ability to absorb micro- and nanoplastics in their roots and stems, raising concerns about how ecosystems will manage when these plastic particles infiltrate natural environments.&nbsp;



However, a Danish-Chinese research team offers a novel solution: why not use plants as a natural and eco-friendly tool to gather and degrade these plastic particles?



Experts the Hubei Key Laboratory of Wetland Evolution &amp; Ecological Restoration in China and the <a href="https://www.sdu.dk/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Southern Denmark</a> have set out to investigate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plants-and-animals-ingest-nanoplastics-nbsp">Plants and animals ingest nanoplastics&nbsp;</h2>



The study comes in the context of an alarming global issue. Since the advent of large-scale plastic production, 9 billion tons of plastic have been manufactured, yet only 9 percent of it has been recycled.&nbsp;



This leaves a huge amount of plastic waste unaccounted for in nature, where it has been breaking down into smaller and smaller pieces.&nbsp;



Micro- and nanoplastics have become a pervasive environmental problem, as these tiny particles can be ingested or absorbed by animals, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-plants-can-absorb-and-neutralize-plastic-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a>, and even humans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plants-ability-to-absorb-nanoplastics-nbsp">Plants’ ability to absorb nanoplastics&nbsp;</h2>



“We believe plants can effectively supplement existing methods for removing plastic from nature. Many plants absorb or adsorb micro- and nanoparticles, but we need to identify the most effective ones to achieve the best results,” explained co-author Elvis Genbo Xu, a biologist at the University of Southern Denmark.



The researchers have examined various plants' ability to take up micro- and nanoplastics. The results show that fava beans (Vicia faba) can adsorb 100-nanometer nanoplastic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-solution-removes-over-98-percent-of-nanoplastics-from-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">particles</a> via their roots within just two days. 



Adsorption is a process where particles adhere to the roots, whereas absorption refers to the uptake of particles into the plant itself.



Other plants, such as wheat and lettuce, were also shown to bind or even absorb plastic particles, with the latter incorporating them into their leaves and stems in some cases.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aquatic-plants-as-natural-water-filters-nbsp">Aquatic plants as natural water filters&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers found aquatic plants to be of particular interest because they can potentially filter plastic particles from bodies of water, where plastic concentrations are often higher.&nbsp;



The common water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), for example, has demonstrated an ability to adsorb plastic particles. Other aquatic plants, such as duckweed (Lemna minor), have similar potential and could be employed as natural filters to capture micro- and nanoplastics in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wetlands-are-powerful-weapons-in-the-fight-against-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wetlands</a>.



“It would make sense to establish belts of plastic-absorbing plants in areas where nano- and microplastics are known to accumulate, such as along highways where large amounts of microplastics wear off from car tires,” said Xu.



“The belts could function as a filter, capturing plastic particles before they spread to the wider landscape or are washed into streams by rain.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-plastic-pollution-crisis">Global plastic pollution crisis</h2>



Xu emphasizes, however, that using plants alone is not enough to solve the global plastic pollution crisis.&nbsp;



Micro- and nanoplastics are found everywhere - in the air, in water, and in soil. Since no one can escape them (they are present in the air we breathe and the water we drink), multiple solutions are required to address the problem.&nbsp;



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hungry-bacteria-will-devour-plastic-waste/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bacteria</a>, fungi, and microalgae could all play a role in reducing plastic pollution. Plants, while helpful, are just one piece of the puzzle.



Despite the complexity of the issue, Xu remains optimistic, especially about aquatic environments.&nbsp;



“Our lab experiments have been successful. I am optimistic that we can scale this up to remove particles from the environment - at least from aquatic environments, where aquatic plants have proven very effective.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-using-jellyfish-to-remove-plastic-particles-nbsp">Using jellyfish to remove plastic particles&nbsp;</h2>



Other researchers are exploring similarly innovative approaches. At the University of Southern Denmark’s Department of Biology, marine biologist and jellyfish researcher Jamileh Javidpour has investigated the possibility of using jellyfish to remove micro- and nanoplastics from aquatic environments.&nbsp;



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jellyfish-more-than-just-a-snack-for-predatory-fish/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jellyfish</a> produce slime, and laboratory experiments have shown that this slime can remove up to 90 percent of nanoplastic particles from water in treatment plants.



“We’ve found that jellyfish slime is super effective at removing nano-sized plastic particles. It could be part of the solution - I can imagine using dried jellyfish slime to create filters for washing machines, for example,” Javidpour said.



These efforts represent a growing body of research into how natural organisms can be harnessed to address the widespread and persistent issue of plastic pollution.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eehl.2024.04.001" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eco-Environment and Health</a>.



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Plants could help remove nanoplastics from the environment

Plants have the ability to absorb micro- and nanoplastics in...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y4eLFNYrKE
</div></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



The full study was published in the journal Current Biology.



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Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/Fi2OeEwuzRM?si=vTyd2m9FMmtyWkex
</div></figure>







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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What to plant in your garden in mid-July

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

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

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/XYgiPzmNBTU?si=eFYY7gPHU1JznLvU
</div></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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-----

Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



<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



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

<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;



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

<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;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

<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



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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

<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;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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