Wine is more than a beverage in Italy. It’s a cultural emblem, a historical constant, and an agricultural marvel. From rustic vineyard rows in the hills of Tuscany to sophisticated wine cellars beneath Rome, the Italian wine and grapes story is celebrated.



But few realize that this tale took shape over millennia. The wine we sip today results from thousands of years of patient transformation.



A new study published in the journal PLOS One uncovers this complex history. Led by Mariano Ucchesu from the <a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&amp;rls=en&amp;q=University+of+Montpellier&amp;ie=UTF-8&amp;oe=UTF-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Montpellier</a>, the research team analyzed 1,768 grape seeds from 25 archaeological sites across Italy and San Marino.



These seeds spanned from the Early Neolithic to the Medieval period, covering around 7,000 years. 



Using geometric morphometrics, the team compared ancient seeds to modern wild and cultivated grapes to track their evolution. What emerged was a slow, regionally varied shift from wild <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-grapes-every-day-can-transform-your-muscles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">grape</a> gathering to systematic cultivation and winemaking.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-italians-used-wild-grapes-for-wine">Early Italians used wild grapes for wine</h2>



The oldest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/resveratrol-may-boost-female-fertility-naturally/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">grape</a> seeds, from the Early Neolithic and Early Bronze Age, show no signs of domestication. Most seeds resembled those of modern wild grapevines, suggesting early communities did not yet cultivate vines. 



Instead, people gathered berries from naturally growing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/death-of-the-dinosaurs-helped-grapes-conquer-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a>. These seeds, preserved in waterlogged conditions, remained intact and highly informative.



In these early phases, no domestic-type seed was identified. The study used advanced linear discriminant analysis, trained on a balanced modern reference set, to classify seeds with over 95% accuracy. 



Most pips from La Marmotta (Lazio) and Canàr di San Pietro in Polesine (Veneto) were wild. Even in the Middle Bronze Age, sites across Toscana, Marche, and Emilia Romagna showed only four domestic pips out of 142 examined - a number too small to indicate established cultivation.



This supports a picture of grape use as primarily foraged rather than grown. The absence of consistent domestic traits in northern and central Italy during this period points to a society still reliant on nature’s offerings rather than intentional farming.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-turning-point-in-grape-cultivation">Turning point in grape cultivation </h2>



One site, however, told a different story. Sa Osa in Sardinia revealed a turning point. 



By the end of the Late Bronze Age (ca. 1300–1100 BC), nearly half the seeds from this site were domestic in shape and size. This marks the first significant appearance of cultivated grapes in the western Mediterranean.



The domestic seeds from Sa Osa showed a distinct morphology. They were longer and more elongated, with features typical of modern cultivated grapes. 



Paleogenetic analysis revealed that some seeds shared chlorotypes with modern Armenian varieties. This suggests eastern Mediterranean grapevines reached Sardinia through trade or migration.



Several hypotheses exist to explain this. Local communities may have begun their own domestication process. Alternatively, they may have imported fully domesticated plants. 



Or perhaps there was a blend - cultivated grapes from the east mixed with Sardinian wild varieties, creating new hybrids. Evidence of wine residue in Bronze Age Sardinian pottery supports the idea that these grapes were used not just for eating, but for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wine-production-in-a-warming-world-the-winners-and-losers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fermentation</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-exchange-and-early-viticulture">Cultural exchange and early viticulture</h2>



Sardinia’s role in early viticulture may have depended on its strategic location. The island maintained trade connections with the Mycenaeans and Minoans during the Bronze Age. 



These interactions likely carried not only goods but also agricultural knowledge. Techniques for pruning, vine training, and fermentation could have spread westward with sailors and merchants.



“The appearance of the first domesticated grapes during the Bronze Age, in Italian archaeological contexts, points to a long-standing tradition of Italian wine heritage within the broader landscape of Western Europe,” noted the researchers.



At Terramara Santa Rosa di Poviglio in Emilia Romagna, researchers found pollen matching female wild grapevines. This pollen came from flowers with inaperturate grains, a trait of uncultivated plants. 



Its presence suggests people may have been managing or cultivating wild grapevines nearby - an early, experimental form of agriculture.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expansion-of-grape-farming">Expansion of grape farming</h2>



By the 4th century BC, Italy’s grape story had evolved. At Etruscan sites in Emilia Romagna, most seeds were domestic. This shows that true viticulture had taken root. Grape cultivation wasn’t just experimental - it was widespread and sophisticated.



Evidence from Cetamura in Tuscany backs this up. Genetic testing showed links between Etruscan grape seeds and both wild and domestic varieties. Morphometric analysis also aligned these seeds with modern cultivated grapes. 



The Etruscans not only grew grapes but made and traded wine extensively. Their amphorae have been found across France, Spain, and North Africa.



This period marks a major shift in both grape farming and wine culture. Grapes were chosen for specific traits, possibly including flavor, productivity, and resistance. These communities were no longer passive gatherers of fruit. They were actively shaping grape biology and wine traditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-romans-blended-wild-and-domestic-vines">Romans blended wild and domestic vines</h2>



Viticulture flourished under Roman rule. Between the 1st and 6th centuries AD, archaeological sites show a clear dominance of domestic grape seeds. However, wild seeds did not disappear. In places like Domagnano and Cervia, a significant number of wild or intermediate seeds were found alongside cultivated ones.



This mix points to a deliberate practice. Roman farmers may have cultivated wild vines to create new varieties through introgression. This genetic blending could result in grapes with novel traits—perhaps better suited to different soils or climates.



Interestingly, during Roman times, the difference in shape and size between wild and domestic seeds narrowed. This supports the idea that even wild-looking seeds were cultivated, though not fully transformed. 



Wine was a booming industry, and farmers likely tried every possible way to enhance their yields and flavors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-grapes-and-wine-became-fully-domesticated">Grapes and wine became fully domesticated</h2>



The Medieval period (8th–14th centuries AD) marked a high point in grape domestication. 



Seeds from this era were almost entirely domestic in both shape and size. Sites in Trentino-Alto Adige, Emilia Romagna, and Sardinia all showed this trend.



These seeds closely resembled modern cultivated grapes, suggesting that experimental phases had ended. Farmers had identified and preserved varieties that worked well. Wild vines were no longer widely used. Grape cultivation had become standardized and entrenched in Italian agriculture.



Seed morphology over time supports this. Domestic seeds grew longer and more elongated. Wild seeds, when cultivated, also grew larger than their wild-growing counterparts. But by the Medieval period, the distinction between wild and domestic seeds was wide again, showing that viticulture had settled into a clear direction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-legacy-of-patience-and-innovation">A legacy of patience and innovation</h2>



“This research has made it possible, for the first time, to trace the history of the origins of viticulture in Italy,” the authors write. 



“The appearance of the first domesticated grapes during the Bronze Age, in Italian archaeological contexts, points to a long-standing tradition of Italian wine heritage within the broader landscape of Western Europe.”



Supported by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 program and the ANR MICA project, the study shows how cultural exchange, experimentation, and adaptation shaped Italy’s wine landscape. It emphasizes that domestication is not a moment, but a slow evolution.



“This research was made possible thanks to funding received through the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under the Marie Curie Fellowship (2021–2023 n. Agreement-101019563-VITALY) and supported by the ANR MICA project (grant agreement ANR-22-CE27-0026),” noted the study authors. 



”The successful outcome of the research is also due to the valuable collaboration of the archaeobotanical colleagues from CNRS-ISEM in Montpellier and all the Italian colleagues who generously provided the archaeobotanical materials, valuable advice and suggestions for this research.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-italian-grapes-evolved-to-wine">Italian grapes evolved to wine</h2>



The domestication of grapes in Italy was not a single event. It unfolded over thousands of years, shaped by geography, trade, and curiosity. From wild vines gathered by Neolithic foragers to the disciplined vineyards of Medieval monks, the grape’s journey mirrors Italy’s own transformation.



Today, each glass of Italian wine carries that deep past. With every sip, you taste the result of ancient selections, cross-regional exchanges, and countless seasons of change. The story of the Italian grape is, in essence, the story of civilization itself - patient, rooted, and ever evolving.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0321653" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS One</a>.



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How grapes became wine in Italy over 7,000 years

Wine is more than a beverage in Italy. It’s a cultural emblem, a historical constant, and an agricultural marvel. From rustic vineyard rows in the hills of Tuscany to sophisticated wine cellars beneath Rome, the Italian wine and grapes story is celebrated. But few realize that this tale took shape over millennia. The wine we sip today results from thousands of years of patient transformation. A new study published in the journal PLOS One uncovers this complex history. Led by Mariano Ucchesu from the University of Montpellier,...

Humans are pushing many of North America’s pollinators dangerously close to extinction, according to a newly released study.&nbsp;



Led by NatureServe, the study examined nearly 1,600 species - bees, beetles, butterflies, moths, flower flies, bats, and hummingbirds - and concluded that over 22% of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pollinators-face-extinction-risk-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollinators</a> are at high risk of disappearing.&nbsp;



Since we rely on them for everything from fruit orchards to backyard gardens, the findings raise urgent alarms about the future of our food systems, ecosystems, and well-being.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dire-assessment-of-pollinator-decline">Dire assessment of pollinator decline </h2>



This large-scale analysis, one of the first to combine so many types of pollinators, revealed that some groups are in more trouble than others. Native <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-spring-flowers-can-save-bees-and-boost-pollination/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bees</a> emerged as a major concern, with 34.7% at risk - leafcutter and digger bees were singled out as especially imperiled.&nbsp;



Bats fared no better; all three pollinating bat species in the study also face troubling declines, while <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hummingbirds-have-an-incredible-strategy-to-survive-food-shortages/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hummingbirds</a> escaped with an overall lower threat level.&nbsp;



According to the authors, the American Southwest is a “hotspot” of risk: it boasts a high diversity of pollinators but also suffers significant climate-related and human-driven stressors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-food-security-is-at-stake">Food security is at stake</h2>



Pollinators are not just pretty insects or interesting mammals. They are the linchpins in a massive network of life, responsible for fertilizing crops and wild plants alike.&nbsp;



Pollinator species contribute over $15 billion a year to the agricultural economy of North America. Their disappearance would undermine the reproduction of key plants, disrupt wildlife <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbial-awakening-arctic-food-webs-are-transforming-from-green-to-brown/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food webs</a>, and cut into human livelihoods, from small-scale farms to major commercial operations.&nbsp;



The authors hope this work draws attention to a bigger picture: losing pollinators doesn’t just mean fewer bees in a meadow. It means fewer seeds, fruits, and flowers - a ripple effect for everything that depends on those resources.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-impact-on-pollinator-decline">Human impact on pollinator decline</h2>



The findings place most of the blame on agriculture, habitat loss, urban expansion, and climate change, though the specific mix of threats varies.&nbsp;



For example, the southwestern United States sees both intense urbanization and searing heat, while many farmland-heavy regions must contend with heavy pesticide use. 



In Florida, for instance, the rapid development of pine rockland habitats has raised concerns that certain butterflies - with limited historical ranges - could vanish.&nbsp;



The same goes for southwestern desert ecosystems where specialized pollinators are increasingly squeezed between farmland and sprawl.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-species-are-struggling-to-hold-on">Species are struggling to hold on</h2>



Dr. Jaret Daniels, a co-author of the study and curator of Lepidoptera at the <a href="https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Museum of Natural History</a>, has witnessed some of these pressures firsthand. 



He noted that Florida harbors remarkable butterfly diversity, yet the state’s intense population growth and land conversion are leaving specialized species with fewer places to go. 



According to Daniels, we’re seeing species that already occupied tiny pockets of habitat now struggling to hold on because of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urbanization-is-a-threat-to-78-of-the-worlds-bird-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">urbanization</a> - just one among the many threats identified by the study



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reversing-pollinator-decline-nbsp">Reversing pollinator decline&nbsp;</h2>



While the data paint a grim picture, the study also highlights actions people can take. Policymakers could integrate at-risk pollinators into wildlife action plans, unlocking more funds and legal safeguards.&nbsp;



Land managers might set aside or restore key habitats like grasslands and shrublands, which support many fragile pollinator communities.&nbsp;



Meanwhile, homeowners can adopt pollinator-friendly landscaping, from replacing turf with native plants to reducing pesticide use. Little steps, such as planting a few pots of native flowers, truly make a difference, noted Daniels.&nbsp;



Working farmland, too, can make space for pollinators. Daniels describes how Florida’s Department of Transportation plants milkweed along roadsides: pollinators that feed there can then travel to nearby farms, helping pollinate crops like blueberries and squash.&nbsp;



Over time, well-managed roadsides and farm edges become vital corridors for creatures that can roam far beyond a single flower bed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-broader-perspective">A broader perspective</h2>



One might ask, why not rely solely on the western honey bee? Daniels warns that placing all our bets on just one species poses risks, especially with pests, diseases, and climate extremes on the rise.&nbsp;



He compares it to a retirement plan: if you invest in only one stock, trouble with that stock could be disastrous. A diverse set of pollinators spreads out the risk and ensures pollination services remain stable.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-swift-action-is-needed">Swift action is needed</h2>



While these newly identified threats are serious, Daniels remains cautiously optimistic, noting that pollinators are resilient if given the right support. The study’s authors likewise call for swift action, pointing to targeted, everyday solutions that individuals, farmers, and governments can pursue.&nbsp;



By fostering habitat patches, easing up on pesticides, and recognizing the value of each native pollinator’s unique role, it may be possible to stem the tide of species declines before it is too late.



Above all, the message is clear: pollinators are in trouble, but there are proven measures we can take to help slow their decline.&nbsp;



With nearly one in five pollinators imperiled, the time for more decisive conservation steps has arrived. After all, the fate of many of our favorite foods and the health of countless ecosystems depend on safeguarding these busy creatures.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2418742122" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Pollinator decline is a direct threat to food security 

Humans are pushing many of North America’s pollinators dangerously close...

Lightning is both terrifying and fascinating. It splits trees, ignites wildfires, and streaks across the sky in brilliant flashes. Most of us see it as a force of destruction - random, violent, and final.



But in the depths of Panama’s tropical forests, trees of the species Dipteryx oleifera challenges that idea. For these trees, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lightning-sparks-the-discovery-of-a-new-electromagnetic-wave/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lightning</a> isn't deadly - it might actually help them survive.



This surprising twist comes from a study published in New Phytologist. 



Led by forest ecologist Evan Gora from the <a href="https://www.caryinstitute.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies</a>, the research shows that these trees not only survive lightning strikes - they grow stronger because of them. With their tall crowns and wide branches, Dipteryx trees seem built to welcome the storm.



The finding reshapes how we understand forest ecology. Instead of being random, lightning may play a targeted role in helping certain trees dominate, survive, and thrive.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trees-that-survive-lightning-strikes">Trees that survive lightning strikes</h2>



Back in 2015, Gora was deep in Panama’s forests when something unusual caught his eye. 



A Dipteryx oleifera had been struck by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lightning-on-earth-can-influence-the-weather-in-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lightning</a>, yet stood tall and mostly unharmed. The strike had been powerful enough to destroy a parasitic vine clinging to its crown and kill more than a dozen trees nearby.



“Seeing that there are trees that get struck by lightning and they’re fine was just mind-blowing,” said Gora.



Intrigued, Gora and his team started paying closer attention to lightning-hit Dipteryx trees. They kept finding the same pattern. The trees lived and thrived. It wasn’t a fluke. Nature had something more deliberate in store.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-lightning-hits-these-trees-win">When lightning hits, these trees win</h2>



By 2022, the team had already shown that trees vary in their ability to survive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lightning-may-have-delivered-the-building-blocks-of-life-to-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lightning</a>. The new research takes this idea even further. 



Using advanced lightning detection tools, the scientists tracked the fate of 93 trees that had endured strikes in Panama’s Barro Colorado Nature Monument.



Among those were nine Dipteryx oleifera, which had all survived. The damage was minimal - some singed bark, a few lost leaves.



In stark contrast, other species hit by lightning lost 5.7 times more foliage and suffered high mortality rates. Within two years, 64% of them had died.



The Dipteryx trees, meanwhile, gained space and freedom. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-red-sprite-lightning-strikes-seen-above-the-himalayas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lightning</a> killed surrounding trees, often as electricity traveled through vines, branches, or short air gaps. On average, each strike wiped out 9.2 nearby trees. That’s not just survival - that’s a strategic clearing of rivals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lightning-removes-parasitic-vines">Lightning removes parasitic vines </h2>



Parasitic vines, or lianas, are a constant threat in tropical forests. They drain trees of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microlightning-from-water-droplets-may-have-sparked-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">light</a> and nutrients, making growth a struggle. But for Dipteryx, lightning works like a scythe. After a strike, liana infestations dropped by 78%, freeing the trees from their tangled burdens.



This effect wasn’t limited to a few cases. Across the forest, Dipteryx trees consistently hosted fewer lianas than other species. Even trees that hadn’t been struck appeared to benefit from the trend. Lightning, in this case, didn’t just act on individuals - it shaped the structure of the entire forest around them.



Over time, the survivors grew taller. Drone-based 3D canopy models showed that Dipteryx trees stood about four meters above their closest neighbors. That height advantage isn’t coincidence. It likely comes from losing nearby competition, letting them reach higher into the sunlit canopy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-some-trees-get-hit-more-often">Some trees get hit more often</h2>



The researchers noted that their data provide the first evidence that some trees benefit from being struck by lightning. “It's better off for a Dipteryx oleifera tree to be struck than not," said Gora.



Why would lightning keep targeting the same kind of tree? The answer might lie in their shape. 



Dipteryx trees often grow taller and spread wider than those around them. According to the study’s calculations, this makes them up to 68% more likely to get hit. Their crowns act like natural lightning rods.



And that’s not a problem. It’s part of their edge. In fact, it may be a key to their success in these chaotic, dense ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lightning-strikes-and-stronger-trees">Lightning strikes and stronger trees</h2>



Lightning may seem rare, but for Dipteryx oleifera, it’s a regular part of life. Each tree is struck once every 56 years on average.



And they don’t just endure - they adapt. These trees live for centuries, possibly more than a thousand years. That means a single tree might be struck more than ten times over its lifetime.



One tree in the study was hit twice in five years. It didn’t weaken. And with each strike, it gained more room, more light, and more strength. The lightning wasn’t ending its life. It was clearing the way for it to flourish.



Even reproduction gets a boost. Gora’s team found that lightning tolerance increased the tree’s ability to produce offspring by 14 times compared to trees that lacked that resilience.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-role-for-lightning-in-ecology">A new role for lightning in ecology</h2>



This research opens up a new way of seeing forest ecosystems. Lightning isn’t just a threat - it’s a selective force. 



Gora’s team now plans to examine how Dipteryx trees survive these extreme strikes. Are certain internal structures, chemicals, or traits at play? And more importantly, do other species show similar strengths?



Understanding this could be vital. With climate change driving up the frequency of lightning in many tropical areas, trees like Dipteryx oleifera may gain an even bigger edge. That could shift the balance of forest biodiversity and influence carbon storage patterns for decades to come.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/nph.70062" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Phytologist</a>.



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Some trees actually benefit from getting struck by lightning

Lightning is both terrifying and fascinating. It splits trees, ignites...

Across the United States, a quiet crisis is unfolding in forests, grasslands, and wetlands. Native plants, many of which have thrived in their home ecosystems for thousands of years, now face an impossible race. 



Climate change is shifting temperature zones and seasonal patterns faster than these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-future-climate-conditions-will-transform-plant-growth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a> can naturally respond. Unlike animals, most plants cannot migrate quickly. Their slow dispersal, tied to seed movement and favorable growing conditions, means many will not survive unless we intervene.



Scientists and conservationists are grappling with a difficult question: Should we help these native species relocate? And if so, how do we do it responsibly?



The idea of helping plants move into nearby habitats, known as “managed relocation,” is gaining momentum. But moving plants is not without danger. 



Many invasive species, which now plague American ecosystems, arrived in similar ways - carried by humans, intentionally or not, into places they never belonged.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moving-native-plants-may-save-them">Moving native plants may save them</h2>



Managed relocation sounds like a solution, but it comes with serious risks. The ecological scars of past mistakes remain. Kudzu, once planted for erosion control, now chokes <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-understanding-of-light-detection-in-plants-may-revolutionize-farming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forests</a>. 



Purple loosestrife clogs wetlands. Japanese honeysuckle overruns fields. All were introduced with good intentions. All became ecological threats.



Despite these examples, doing nothing could be worse. Climate projections show ecosystems changing rapidly, putting slow-moving native species at risk of extinction. Human-assisted movement might be their only shot.



Thomas Nuhfer is the lead author of a new study published in Global Change Biology and a graduate student in organismic and evolutionary biology at the <a href="https://www.umass.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Massachusetts Amherst</a>.



​“We know that, because of climate, native species need to move,” said Nuhfer. "But many of the people working to manage invasive plant species have real concerns about unwittingly contributing to the problem if we start moving native species around.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-assessing-native-plant-traits">Assessing native plant traits</h2>



To solve this challenge, researchers need to understand what makes some plants thrive in new places and others wreak havoc. 



This is where Nuhfer and his advisor, Professor Bethany Bradley, step in. Their new research examines how specific plant traits contribute to success (and potential risk) when relocating native species.



“We’ve made the mistake of introducing invasive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-may-stop-absorbing-carbon-if-temperatures-continue-to-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> so many times in the past and we don’t want to keep making that mistake. But in a changing climate, doing nothing might do even more harm," said Professor Bradley. 



The team in Bradley’s lab has already shown that controlling invasive species is one of the strongest tools local communities can use to prepare for climate change. The researchers have tracked how invasive species numbers are rising rapidly.



In many ecosystems, plants and animals need to shift their range by at least 3.25 kilometers per year just to keep pace with warming temperatures and shifting seasons.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-good-candidates-for-relocation">Good candidates for relocation</h2>



The study was focused on the traits that determine whether a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/space-lettuce-nasas-plans-to-grow-nutritious-plants-on-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant</a> can successfully relocate - and whether it will become a problem after doing so.



Traits like rapid growth, long flowering periods, and seed dispersal by wind often help plants survive in new environments. But these same traits have also been used to flag invasive species.



“We often use specific plant characteristics - like how quickly a plant grows, how long it flowers or whether its seeds can be spread by the wind - to determine its risk of becoming invasive,” said Nuhfer. “But these are also traits that could help a native species to survive in a new environment.”



The study draws from a wide range of literature in both restoration and invasion ecology. The researchers also reviewed the risk assessment tools used by land managers. 



Their conclusion is that many traits promoting establishment are shared by both invasive and native species.



However, key differences emerge later - particularly when plants begin to spread. It’s in this phase that certain traits, such as size or toxicity, begin to distinguish potentially harmful species from those that simply need help surviving.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-drawing-the-line-between-help-and-harm">Drawing the line between help and harm</h2>



Some traits, like a high metabolic rate, support a plant’s ability to establish itself in new surroundings. These traits apply to both native <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-absorb-31-more-co2-than-previously-estimated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> and invasive ones. But other traits, especially those linked to unchecked growth or ecosystem disruption, raise red flags.



Large size, for example, not only helps plants establish but also enables them to dominate landscapes. This can lead to overgrowth and displace local flora. 



Toxicity is another trait of concern. While it doesn’t help a plant settle in, it allows it to repel herbivores and spread aggressively - potentially harming native species that share the habitat.



This creates a dilemma. If we avoid all traits associated with invasive species, we may end up ruling out the very traits that could help a plant survive. On the other hand, ignoring the signs of future invasiveness could create a new wave of ecological damage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changing-the-way-we-measure-risk">Changing the way we measure risk</h2>



The solution, according to the study, is not to ban all plants with certain traits but to refine our risk assessments. 



Current tools used by land managers often take a one-size-fits-all approach. If a plant shares any trait with a known invasive, it may be excluded from relocation efforts. That overly cautious approach could undermine the entire strategy.



“Many of the current risk assessments that managers are using in the field are so risk-averse as to guarantee that managed relocation will fail,” said Professor Bradley.



“And if the relocation fails, then we’ve wasted all sorts of resources and haven’t helped native plants persist," noted Nuhfer.



Instead, the researchers suggest focusing on traits that are most likely to lead to ecological harm - such as toxicity or seed dispersal by water - rather than those that simply help a plant get established.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-path-forward-in-a-warming-world">A path forward in a warming world</h2>



This research, supported by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usgs.gov/programs/climate-adaptation-science-centers/northeast-casc" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. Geological Survey Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center</a>, marks a pivotal moment in conservation thinking.



As climate change accelerates, strategies that once seemed risky are now essential. Managed relocation, when guided by science and nuanced risk assessments, could help preserve the ecological heritage of countless regions.



By learning from past mistakes and using precise criteria, scientists and conservationists may strike a balance - helping native plants survive without repeating the errors that let invasive species flourish.



The stakes are high. But with thoughtful, evidence-based action, we can give native species a fighting chance in a changing world.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.70145" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Change Biology</a>.



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Native plants can’t outrun climate change on their own

Across the United States, a quiet crisis is unfolding in...

California,Wildflower,Super,Bloom,In,Carrizo,Plain,National,Monument,-

Flowers are more than just a sign of spring - they’re part of a natural rhythm shaped by light, temperature, and rainfall. Scientists are now studying that rhythm to better understand how our planet is changing.



A recent study has shown that wildflowers in California can be tracked from above using aircraft and space-based tools. 



The technology, originally designed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (<a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JPL</a>), picks up subtle changes in color that occur during a plant’s life cycle.



These findings could offer a new way for farmers and natural-resource managers to monitor the health and timing of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tree-of-life-created-for-flowering-plants-using-400-million-specimens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flowering plants</a>, which are essential to ecosystems and agriculture.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monitoring-seasonal-plant-life">Monitoring seasonal plant life</h2>



Scientists from the <a href="https://umd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Maryland-College Park</a> and NASA’s <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Goddard Space Flight Center</a> teamed up to test how remote sensing could capture large-scale flowering patterns.



They surveyed thousands of acres of protected land using a high-tech tool called an imaging spectrometer. 



Built by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California, the instrument was mounted on a plane and scanned the land below as the plane flew along.



It recorded light in hundreds of narrow wavelength bands, far beyond what the human eye can see. This allowed it to map out the extent of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flowers-blooming-92-days-earlier-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blooming</a> and fading flowers over several months.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/wildflowers_monitoring_imaging-spectrometer_airplane_nasa_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/wildflowers_monitoring_imaging-spectrometer_airplane_nasa_1s.webp" alt="In this illustration, an imaging spectrometer aboard a research plane measures sunlight reflecting off California coastal scrub. In the data cube below, the top panel shows the true-color view of the area. Lower panels depict the spectral fingerprint for every point in the image, capturing the visible range of light (blue, green, and red wavelengths) to the near-infrared (NIR) and beyond. Spatial resolution is around 16 feet (5 meters). Credit: NASA" class="wp-image-1963384"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">In this illustration, an imaging spectrometer aboard a research plane measures sunlight reflecting off California coastal scrub. In the data cube below, the top panel shows the true-color view of the area. Lower panels depict the spectral fingerprint for every point in the image, capturing the visible range of light (blue, green, and red wavelengths) to the near-infrared (NIR) and beyond. Spatial resolution is around 16 feet (5 meters). Click to enlarge Credit: NASA</figcaption></figure>



It was the first time the instrument had been deployed to track vegetation steadily through the growing season, making this a "first-of-a-kind study,” according to David Schimel, a research scientist at JPL.



The study of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-butterfly-migration-sparked-by-a-surge-in-vegetation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vegetation</a> in relation to seasons is known as phenology and it is important to botanists and agriculturalists alike. From wildflowers to crops, most flowering plants are triggered by shifts in weather and daylight length. 



In addition, scientists are increasingly focused on this connection to monitor how ecosystems respond to warmer temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-flowers-are-hard-to-track">Why flowers are hard to track</h2>



Field surveys and time-lapse photography have long been used to monitor <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildflowers-are-self-fertilizing-to-deal-with-a-lack-of-pollinators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildflower</a> life histories. But those methods only offer a limited view.



“One challenge is that, compared to leaves or other parts of a plant, flowers can be pretty ephemeral,” said Yoseline Angel, a scientist from the University of Maryland-College Park and NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. “They may last only a few weeks.”



That fleeting nature makes it tough to gather reliable data, especially across large areas. Angel and her team turned to one of the most distinct traits of flowers - their color - as a way to study the timing of blooming from the sky.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-science-behind-flower-color">Science behind flower color</h2>



The bright colors of flowers come from pigments that fall into three main groups. Carotenoids and betalains create yellow, orange, and red tones. Anthocyanins are behind the deep reds, purples, and blues. 



These pigments absorb and reflect light in unique ways, creating a “spectral fingerprint.” Using spectrometers, researchers can therefore scan light patterns to identify plants and even track changes as they grow and bloom. 



These tools have been used for decades to study Earth and other planets, but now they’re being fine-tuned to observe the seasonal changes in flowering plants.



In 2022, a spectrometer called <a href="https://avirisng.jpl.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AVIRIS-NG</a> (Airborne Visible/InfraRed Imaging Spectrometer – Next Generation) flew over two nature preserves in Santa Barbara County: the Jack and Laura Dangermond Preserve and the Sedgwick Reserve.



Among the native plants monitored were Coreopsis gigantea and Artemisia californica. The scans ran from February to June.



The team developed a method to differentiate the flower signals from soil, leaves, and shadows. In doing so, they captured 97% of the spectral differences among those features and were able to pinpoint flowering stages with 80% accuracy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-wildflowers-to-agriculture">From wildflowers to agriculture</h2>



This method could one day help track flowering plants across the globe. 



Since flowers make up nearly 90% of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/thousands-of-plant-species-remain-unphotographed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant species</a> on land, this kind of remote sensing could support a wide range of work - from ecology to food production.



A key goal, Angel noted, is to support farmers and land managers who rely on flowering plants - along with the insects and pollinators that depend on them. These plants are vital for producing fruits, nuts, cotton, and even many medicines.



She’s now applying the same technique to data from <a href="https://earth.jpl.nasa.gov/emit/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EMIT</a> (Earth Surface Mineral Dust Source Investigation), another NASA instrument that operates from the International Space Station.



While EMIT’s main purpose is to study mineral dust in dry regions, it can also detect plant pigments. 



By combining this space-based data with weather and environmental information, researchers may one day be able to predict events like <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/poppy-superbloom-in-the-california-desert/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">superblooms</a> - rare bursts of flowers in the desert that follow heavy rains.



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



Superblooms are nature’s way of showing off. They happen when a rare combo of perfect weather conditions - like heavy rains after a long drought - triggers wildflowers to explode across a landscape in crazy, vibrant color. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/superbloom_carrizo-plain-national-park_california_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/superbloom_carrizo-plain-national-park_california_1s.webp" alt="Wildflower super bloom in Carrizo Plain National Monument - one of the best place to see wildflowers in California" class="wp-image-1963388"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Wildflower super bloom in Carrizo Plain National Monument - one of the best place to see wildflowers in California. Click to enlarge.</figcaption></figure>



Think entire valleys carpeted in orange poppies, purple lupines, and yellow goldfields, stretching as far as the eye can see. 



These blooms don’t just pop up anywhere; they’re most famous in arid places like California’s deserts, where wildflowers lie dormant in the soil, waiting years - sometimes decades - for just the right moment to wake up and party.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-citizen-science-and-the-joy-of-flowers">Citizen science and the joy of flowers</h2>



Angel said one of the most rewarding parts of her research is seeing how much people love flowers. 



“I have social media alerts on my phone,” she added, sharing how she stays updated on wildflower sightings around the world.



As flowers continue to signal the pulse of the planet, new technologies are helping us pay closer attention - from the ground, the air, and even from space.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ecs2.70127" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecosphere</a>.



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NASA tracks changes in seasonal flower cycles and migration patterns from the air

Flowers are more than just a sign of spring -...

In a major scientific milestone, a team of researchers has captured the first continuous, real-time footage of cellulose being synthesized and self-assembled into the intricate scaffolding that gives plant cells their structure.&nbsp;



Using advanced microscopy techniques and a custom-built imaging system, the team recorded 24 hours of this cellular construction process in living plant cells, revealing surprising new details about how plant cell walls are built.



The study, led by <a href="https://newbrunswick.rutgers.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rutgers University–New Brunswick</a>, provides an unprecedented look into the behavior of cellulose - the most abundant biopolymer on Earth.



The research also offers insights that could lead to stronger, more resilient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nanoparticles-unlock-a-new-way-to-genetically-modify-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crops</a>, cheaper biofuels, biodegradable plastics, and other sustainable products.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-closer-look-at-plant-cells">Closer look at plant cells</h2>



Cellulose is a key component of plant cell walls and plays a vital role in maintaining plant structure. It’s also a valuable resource used in countless everyday products, from paper and clothing to food thickeners and filtration materials.



Sang-Hyuk Lee is an associate professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Rutgers and a co-author of the study.&nbsp;



“This work is the first direct visualization of how cellulose synthesizes and self-assembles into a dense fibril network on a plant cell surface, since Robert Hook’s first microscopic observation of cell walls in 1667,” said Lee.



“This study also provides entirely new insights into how simple, basic physical mechanisms such as diffusion and self-organization may lead to the formation of complex cellulose networks in cells.”



The <a href="https://www.eurekalert.org/multimedia/1064673" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">videos</a> produced by Lee’s team show protoplasts - plant cells with their outer walls removed - from Arabidopsis, a relative of cabbage, as they spontaneously begin forming cellulose filaments.



These filaments grow outward from the cell surface in seemingly chaotic patterns, gradually coalescing into the highly organized structure of a new cell wall.



“I was very surprised by the emergence of ordered structures out of the chaotic dance of molecules when I first saw these video images,” Lee said. “I thought plant cellulose would be made in a lot more of an organized fashion, as depicted in classical biology textbooks.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-team-effort-across-disciplines">A team effort across disciplines</h2>



The breakthrough is the result of more than six years of collaboration between three Rutgers laboratories representing physics, engineering, and plant biology. Each group played a vital role in bringing the project to life.



When standard laboratory microscopes proved too limited to observe the fine detail of cellulose formation, Lee developed a specialized system based on total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy. 



This method allowed the researchers to image the cell’s underside with high resolution over long periods without damaging the samples.



Meanwhile, Shishir Chundawat, an associate professor in the Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering at Rutgers, led the development of a fluorescent probe system that tagged cellulose molecules so they could be visualized under the microscope. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-watch-plants-build-cell-walls">How to watch plants build cell walls</h2>



His team used a modified bacterial enzyme that binds specifically to cellulose to create the tagging system.



“I have always been fascinated by plants and how they capture sunlight via leaves into reduced carbon forms like cellulose that form cell walls,” said Chundawat, who is also focused on biofuel and bioproduct development. 



“I was inspired by collecting leaves as a middle school student. That early curiosity led me to delve deeper into biomass and its potential to create valuable, sustainable products.”



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/plant-cellulose_microfibril-network_illustration_credit-Ehsan-Faridi_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/plant-cellulose_microfibril-network_illustration_credit-Ehsan-Faridi_1s.webp" alt="Artistic rendering of cellulose regenerating on a plant protoplast cell surface with zoomed out view. Cellulose is synthesized by plasma membrane-bound enzyme complexes (green) and assembles into a microfibril network (brown), forming the main scaffold for the cell wall. Credit: Ehsan Faridi/ Inmywork Studio/ Chundawat, Lee and Lam Labs" class="wp-image-1963291"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Artistic rendering of cellulose regenerating on a plant protoplast cell surface with zoomed out view. Cellulose is synthesized by plasma membrane-bound enzyme complexes (green) and assembles into a microfibril network (brown), forming the main scaffold for the cell wall. Credit: Ehsan Faridi/ Inmywork Studio/ Chundawat, Lee and Lam Labs</figcaption></figure>



Eric Lam, a professor in the Department of Plant Biology, and his team developed the protocol to isolate protoplasts - cells stripped of their original walls. 



This provided a clean slate on which new cellulose fibers could be tracked as they formed in real time.



“This provided little to no background cellulose to confound our visualization and tracking of newly synthesized cellulose under optimized conditions,” Lam explained.



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



The new findings are expected to inform future genetic and biotechnological efforts to enhance cellulose production in crops - improving traits like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/droughts-and-extreme-weather-events-are-escalating/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drought</a> resistance, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/turning-plants-into-carbon-capture-machines-with-cyanobacteria/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon capture</a>, and the efficiency of biomass conversion to fuel.



“This discovery opens the door for researchers to begin dissecting the genes that could play various roles for cellulose biosynthesis in the plant,” Lam said.&nbsp;



“The knowledge gained from these future studies will provide new clues for approaches to design better plants for carbon capture, improve tolerance to all kinds of environmental stresses, from drought to disease, and optimize second-generation cellulosic biofuels production.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-chapter-in-plant-biology">A new chapter in plant biology</h2>



The Rutgers team’s work challenges the traditional textbook narrative of orderly cellulose assembly, showing that what appears initially as disordered movement eventually organizes into the essential structure of the cell wall. 



This finding adds complexity to our understanding of plant biology and could inspire future scientists to take a closer look - literally and figuratively - at the hidden processes that sustain life on Earth.



Animations aimed at young students often simplify how plant cell walls are made, but the Rutgers team’s research reveals that the real process is far more intricate - and far more beautiful.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.ads6312" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



Image Credit: Ehsan Faridi/ Inmywork Studio/ Chundawat, Lee and Lam Labs



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How plants build their cell walls is seen by scientists for the first time ever

In a major scientific milestone, a team of researchers has...

It's easy to think that older forests, with their diverse and well established trees, are better at storing carbon. Many assume that, as trees grow and ecosystems mature, they naturally become more effective at soaking up carbon from the atmosphere. 



A new study from scientists at the <a href="https://umich.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Michigan</a> Biological Station challenges this assumption, however, and suggests that the reality is much more complicated.



The research team, which included more than 100 scientists over several decades, found that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mixed-forests-with-many-tree-species-are-more-effective-at-carbon-storage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon storage in forests</a> depends more on what's happening within the ecosystem than how old it is. 



Factors like the structure of the forest canopy, the types of trees and fungi present, and how nutrients move through the soil all play a bigger role than previously thought.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-at-two-centuries-of-change">Looking at two centuries of change</h2>



The research was conducted at the U-M Biological Station in Pellston, Michigan. This historic field site, founded in 1909, spans over 10,000 acres and has long served as a hub for studying northern <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-rich-tree-diversity-adapt-better-changing-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forest ecosystems</a>. 



Scientists used data from a wide range of forest stands on the property. Some were untouched remnants from the 1800s, while others had been logged or burned at different points in the 20th century.



At the heart of the study was a massive dataset that had been built over decades. It included information from the station’s 150-foot AmeriFlux tower, which tracks carbon dioxide, water, and energy flows between forests and the atmosphere.



Additional data covered everything from soil respiration and microbial activity to leaf litter, root growth, and nutrient cycling.



Luke Nave was the study's lead researcher and a faculty member at Michigan Technological University.



"Time is not what drives <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-release-carbon-faster-than-we-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon cycling</a>," said Nave. "Time is more of a playing field, and the rules of the game on that field are things like canopy structure, tree and microbial community composition, and soil nitrogen availability."



"That means that changes in things like structure, composition and soil nitrogen are what control forest carbon trajectories, whether those changes happen quickly or slowly, and whether we are influencing those changes through management or letting them happen on their own terms."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-power-of-long-term-carbon-research">The power of long-term carbon research</h2>



One of the study’s strengths lies in its use of both historical and current data. 



With so much emphasis on real-time monitoring, the researchers were able to paint a detailed picture of how carbon moves through forest ecosystems - and how that movement has changed over time.



"It's exciting to see the results of this study. It was a lot of work and many years in the making," said Jason Tallant, data manager and research specialist at the University of Michigan Biological Station.



"At the U-M Biological Station, we put a lot of effort into data curation and digitization. It's nice to see the carbon synthesis research team leverage our historic data sets and crunch real-time <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forest-modeling-study-reveals-new-insights-into-carbon-sequestration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon sequestration</a> information to illuminate what's happening in our forests and inform future management."



The project brought together a wide range of measurements, including fungal community studies, root production, carbon pool tracking, and soil enzyme activity. All of these factors helped the team understand how different pieces of the ecosystem influence carbon storage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-forest-management">Rethinking forest management</h2>



The takeaway from this study is clear: managing forests means more than just letting them grow old. 



If we want forests to help mitigate climate change, we need to pay close attention to their structure and species makeup, both above and below the ground.



"With the rates of change we're now seeing in things like climate, forest health and disturbance, and tree species composition, management will have to contend with more challenges and constraints all the time. What was true a decade or two ago can't be assumed as truth at this point," Nave commented.



"A good example for folks who know the territory is on the Burn Plots - the 1998 burn is a thriving young stand of post-clearcut aspen, and the 2017 burn is a regeneration failure. You might not think that 19 years is a long time to a tree, but it is in today's world."



"Researchers and managers who take a whole-ecosystem perspective like we did in the paper will have an easier time understanding what has changed over the last few decades and what we can do about it to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/future-forests-which-tree-species-can-survive-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sustain forests</a>."



This study reminds us that forests are dynamic systems, and treating them as such is essential for their health and their ability to store carbon. 



Simply counting the years isn't enough. Understanding what happens within those years is what really matters.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/eap.70001">Ecological Applications</a>.



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Older forests do not necessarily store more carbon

It's easy to think that older forests, with their diverse...

The blue lotus, a captivating water lily entwined with Egyptian mythology, has long dazzled archaeologists and historians. Its petals were famously found adorning King Tutankhamun’s mummy, and its image flourishes in ancient scrolls and temple art.&nbsp;



For decades, scholars have speculated that the flower held powerful psychedelic properties - used in wine-soaked rituals steeped in ecstasy and divine visions.



Today, a plant bearing the same name is sold widely online, promising everything from tranquility to heightened awareness. But according to <a href="https://www.berkeley.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Berkeley</a> anthropology student Liam McEvoy, those modern offerings have little in common with the true blue <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/how-does-a-lotus-flower-grow/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lotus</a> of antiquity.



McEvoy has spent years tracing the story of Nymphaea caerulea, the authentic Egyptian blue lotus. With a minor in Egyptology and support from the UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics, he’s dug into ancient texts, collaborated with chemists, and even turned to Reddit to track down specimens.&nbsp;



McEvoy’s findings reveal that the plant revered in ancient Egypt is not the same as the water lilies currently sold in online marketplaces - and that both the species and its supposed effects have been widely misunderstood.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-story-of-the-egyptian-blue-lotus-nbsp">The story of the Egyptian blue lotus&nbsp;</h2>



McEvoy’s journey began unexpectedly during high school when he stumbled upon an old BBC documentary called Sacred Weeds. In it, researchers gave participants wine infused with lotus petals and watched to see if they entered a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/magic-mushrooms-are-the-most-popular-psychedelic-drug/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psychedelic</a> state. The footage, complete with dated special effects and questionable methodology, left a lasting impression.



He was hooked. “I wanted to let the plant tell its story and contribute to a discussion where there's all this pseudoscience floating around - pseudoscience that makes some people a lot of money.”



Once at Berkeley, McEvoy dove deeper. Through coursework and work at the <a href="https://hearstmuseum.berkeley.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Phoebe A. Hearst Museum of Anthropology</a>, he learned to read hieroglyphs and came to recognize the true Egyptian blue lotus by its distinctive spotted sepals and consistent petal count.&nbsp;



It appeared again and again in scrolls and religious festivals, most notably in the Hathoric Festival of Drunkenness - an event where celebrants drank themselves into a stupor and awoke, if only briefly, to see the face of the goddess Hathor.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flowers-sold-as-blue-lotus">Flowers sold as blue lotus</h2>



The more McEvoy studied, the more he questioned whether the flowers sold online as “blue lotus” were the real thing.&nbsp;



Many of these products, often marketed as calming or aphrodisiacal, are used in teas, vapes, or essential oils. They claim effects ranging from spiritual insight to improved sleep. But were they really Nymphaea caerulea?



To find out, McEvoy needed a legitimate sample. With wild populations now rare - dam construction and habitat loss have pushed the species to the edge of endangerment - he turned to the internet.&nbsp;



On Reddit, he connected with a user in Arizona who claimed to grow authentic blue lotus. The stranger agreed to send a live plant, which botanists at UC Berkeley confirmed as genuine.



That plant now resides in the <a href="https://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Botanical Garden</a>’s Virginia Haldan Tropical House, making it the only known living Egyptian blue lotus in a U.S. university collection.



McEvoy also ordered petals from Etsy to compare. Partnering with Berkeley chemistry professor Evan Williams and scientist Anthony Iavarone, he used mass spectrometry to analyze both samples.&nbsp;



The results were clear: the authentic flower contained significantly higher levels of the alkaloid nuciferine, thought to be responsible for its psychoactive effects. The Etsy sample, by contrast, likely came from a common non-psychoactive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/japanese-lily-species-discovered-after-over-a-century/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lily</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-take-on-ancient-rituals">A new take on ancient rituals</h2>



In ancient Egypt, it’s often assumed that people steeped the blue lotus directly in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wine-production-in-a-warming-world-the-winners-and-losers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wine</a> to unlock its effects. But McEvoy’s chemical analysis suggests that’s unlikely.&nbsp;



While pure nuciferine dissolves in alcohol, the waxy petals of the flower do not release it so easily. Instead, a fatty substance - similar to olive oil - may have been used to extract the compound before mixing it into wine.



“We're beginning to think the ancient Egyptians didn't just put it into wine,” McEvoy said. “We hypothesize they actually created an infused oil, which was later added to wine.”



This revised understanding reframes centuries of assumptions about ancient Egyptian ceremonial practices and raises new questions about how they engaged with plant-based compounds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-searching-for-molecular-remnants">Searching for molecular remnants </h2>



McEvoy’s next steps include a chemical analysis of a 3,000-year-old Egyptian goblet housed in the Hearst Museum. He hopes to detect trace amounts of fats that would support his theory about infused oils - and perhaps even find molecular remnants of the lotus itself.



Together with Williams and Ph.D. candidate Veena Avadhani, he also plans to use liquid chromatography to break down the flower’s chemical makeup even further.&nbsp;



This advanced method will allow them to isolate individual compounds and gain a clearer understanding of what makes the true blue lotus unique.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-magic-and-modern-science-nbsp">Ancient magic and modern science&nbsp;</h2>



As McEvoy prepares to graduate and pursue a career in intellectual property law, he sees his work as a model for how science and the humanities can illuminate each other.&nbsp;



“There should be someone at the table who has studied people - not just economics, money or political science,” he said. “Someone who sees people as human beings and sees communities as interconnected webs of meaning.”



For now, he’s focused on finishing his research. But in doing so, he’s already redefined the story of a flower once believed to be mythic. His project not only separates fact from fiction in today’s lotus-laced health products - it reopens a window into the lived experience of an ancient civilization.



“This is a rare example of how ancient magic and modern science can come together to deepen our understanding of the nature that has always surrounded us,” he concluded.



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Blue lotus: Unraveling an Egyptian psychedelic mystery

The blue lotus, a captivating water lily entwined with Egyptian...

Climate change has long been framed as a battle between what humans emit and what nature can absorb. At the heart of this balance lies carbon sequestration - the process where plants, trees, and soils pull carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and store it.



For decades, this natural mechanism offered a quiet form of resistance against rising emissions. But now, researchers have uncovered a troubling shift: the Earth’s ability to absorb CO2 is weakening.



A new study by the <a href="https://www.strath.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Strathclyde</a> suggests that the safety net we once relied upon is beginning to fray. As sequestration declines, the race to cut emissions becomes even more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/people-must-reconnect-with-nature-now-to-save-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">urgent</a>. 



While the planet continues to green in appearance, the inner mechanisms that drive long-term carbon storage may be breaking down. The implications stretch far beyond science - they strike at the heart of climate policy, land use, and our collective future.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nature-is-storing-less-co2-each-year">Nature is storing less CO2 each year</h2>



The study reveals that natural sequestration once kept pace with growing emissions. In the 1960s, carbon sequestration grew by 0.8% annually. 



This increase suggested that as human activity released more CO2, plants and forests were also working harder to absorb it. That gave many scientists and policymakers hope that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natures-timing-is-drastically-changing-due-to-extreme-weather/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural systems</a> could buy time as humanity worked on long-term solutions.



But that growth didn’t last. The research found that the sequestration rate peaked in 2008 and is now in decline - falling by 0.25% per year. The numbers show a concerning reversal.



If the 1960s growth had continued uninterrupted, natural carbon uptake would have increased by 50% between 1960 and 2010. Instead, if the current downward trend continues, nature’s ability to absorb CO2 could drop by half over the next 250 years.



The study, published in the journal Weather, offers a stark warning. As emissions rise and sequestration shrinks, the margin for error disappears. Carbon is staying in the atmosphere longer, intensifying the warming effect and weakening our natural climate buffer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-emissions-keep-climbing">Human emissions keep climbing</h2>



While <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natures-climate-solutions-mixed-forests-store-more-carbon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nature</a>’s absorption rate drops, human-generated emissions continue to climb. The report states that emissions from human activities are growing at a rate of about 1.2% annually. That figure may seem modest, but when matched against a declining carbon sink, it becomes overwhelming.



To cancel out this increase, emissions would need to fall by at least 0.3% per year. That translates to about 100 million tons of CO2 annually. 



Achieving such a reduction would require global shifts in energy, transportation, agriculture, and consumption. It’s a monumental task - made harder by the realization that natural systems are no longer absorbing carbon at past levels.



The findings raise difficult questions about how much longer we can lean on forests and soil to balance our carbon books. 



For decades, policies around <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-forests-rose-again-after-the-planets-most-extreme-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reforestation</a> and conservation hinged on the assumption that sequestration would continue to improve. This assumption may no longer hold true.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nature-s-co2-rhythm-isn-t-enough-anymore">Nature’s CO2 rhythm isn’t enough anymore</h2>



James Curran, a visiting professor at Strathclyde’s Centre for Sustainable Development, co-authored the study with Dr. Sam Curran. He explained how the Earth's seasonal rhythms once helped maintain a carbon balance.



“Most of the Earth's land mass is in the Northern Hemisphere,” said Professor Curran. “During the northern summer, the abundant vegetation of the north absorbs a huge amount of CO2 from the atmosphere.



“In the northern winter, some of this CO2 is released back into the atmosphere through the natural biodegradation of dead vegetation, but a portion remains locked in roots, soil and dormant woody matter. The overall curve of CO2 concentrations still rises year-on-year, owing to additional emissions from human activity.”



This process, known as the seasonal carbon cycle, is visible in atmospheric CO2 data. Every year, levels dip in the summer and rise in the winter. But the long-term trend remains upward. The Earth’s vegetative cover can no longer absorb enough to offset what humans emit.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biodiversity-loss-weakens-earth-s-defense">Biodiversity loss weakens Earth’s defense</h2>



Professor Curran emphasizes that restoring nature’s ability to trap carbon is still possible - but time is running out. Reversing the decline in sequestration will require deep investment in ecosystems. That means rethinking how we treat forests, wetlands, grasslands, and even agricultural land.



“It's urgent that every effort is made to rebuild biodiversity and associated ecosystem services, including sequestration. Deforestation must stop; rewilding must be encouraged; forest fires must be prevented,” said Professor Curran.



”For large-scale habitats, which are more resilient and offer enhanced ecosystem services, defragmentation must be prioritized; fossil fuels must be phased out; timber and fiber products must be reused for as long as possible, as part of a wider circular economy.”



These actions are not optional. They are necessary if we want nature to continue helping us in the fight against global warming. Yet restoring biodiversity is not just about planting trees. It involves protecting complex systems that depend on balance - between species, water cycles, soil health, and climate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-greener-nature-doesn-t-mean-more-co2-absorption">Greener nature doesn’t mean more CO2 absorption</h2>



There is a common belief that as CO2 levels rise, so does plant growth. Higher CO2 can act like a fertilizer, making plants grow faster. 



This “greening” has been observed in satellite imagery, especially across cold northern regions like Canada and Russia. But this image of a greener Earth may be misleading.



“There was a widespread belief that sequestration was still increasing but would begin to decline at some point in the future, whereas data showed the fall was already underway,” said Professor Curran.



The assumption that more vegetation means better CO2 absorption is now in doubt. Plants may grow faster in warmer, CO2-rich conditions, but other pressures cancel out the gains.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-web-of-threats-to-vegetation">A web of threats to vegetation</h2>



Curran explained why increased plant growth doesn’t guarantee more sequestration.



“It is known that increasing CO2 in the atmosphere acts like a plant fertilizer, while a warming world also allows vegetation to grow more rapidly and easily, particularly in the extensive chilly northern latitudes of Canada and Russia.



“Satellite observations are reported as seeing the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/we-can-prevent-future-pandemics-by-protecting-nature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth becoming ‘greener’</a> as vegetation spreads. However, that simple assumption is countered by all the other effects that can kick in, including damage to vegetative growth by excessive heat, drought, floods, wind damage, wildfires, desertification and potentially wider spread of plant pests and diseases.”



These threats create a volatile and uncertain future for ecosystems. Heat waves and wildfires can destroy decades of growth in a matter of days. 



Drought can halt photosynthesis, stopping carbon absorption. Pests and diseases, spread by warming temperatures, can decimate entire regions of plant life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nature-can-still-absorb-co2">Nature can still absorb CO2</h2>



As the Earth’s capacity to absorb CO2 weakens, the pressure on human systems increases. Emissions must fall faster. Renewable energy must scale quicker. 



Land use must prioritize restoration, not destruction. Circular economies - where materials are reused and waste is minimized - must become the norm.



The study from the University of Strathclyde doesn’t just outline a problem. It offers a wake-up call. Nature, once our quiet climate ally, is losing strength. If we want to regain control, we must support ecosystems not just as scenery, but as active partners in climate stability.



Nature is still fighting. But without urgent human action, it won’t keep winning for much longer.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://rmets.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/wea.7668" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Weather</a>.



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Nature’s grip on CO2 is slipping: What it means for us all

Climate change has long been framed as a battle between...

For centuries, farmers have struggled to keep their crops safe. Droughts, pests, and poor soil are common challenges. But among the most silent and destructive enemies are parasitic weeds. 



These plants do not grow on their own. Instead, they cling to healthy crops and steal vital nutrients. In regions already battling food insecurity, the damage can be catastrophic.



Now, researchers at the <a href="https://www.ucr.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Riverside</a> may have found a unique solution. Their work focuses on a curious plant hormone and a clever trick: make the weeds destroy themselves. This breakthrough opens a new chapter in how we think about weeds, crops, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-future-climate-conditions-will-transform-plant-growth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">survival</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-parasitic-weeds-cause-major-crop-losses">Parasitic weeds cause major crop losses</h2>



In sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia, fields of rice, sorghum, and other staples often fall victim to parasitic weeds. These aren’t just nuisances. They can wipe out entire harvests. For farmers depending on a single crop to feed their families and communities, the loss is devastating.



Unlike typical weeds, these invaders don’t grow alongside <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-changing-skies-alter-plant-growth-patterns/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crops</a>. They embed themselves into the host’s root system. Once attached, they steal water and nutrients directly. Crops weaken before they can fully develop. The result is lower yields, hunger, and economic hardship.



Farmers in these regions often lack access to strong herbicides or expensive biotechnology. That leaves them with limited tools to stop the spread. This is where UCR’s research offers new hope - by using the weeds’ own instincts against them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-parasitic-weeds-sense-plant-signals">How parasitic weeds sense plant signals</h2>



At the heart of this discovery lies a class of plant hormones called strigolactones. These chemicals, though not widely known outside of plant science, are extremely powerful. 



Inside the plant, the hormones help regulate growth, root development, and responses to stress. But their external role is even more fascinating.



“Most of the time, plant hormones do not radiate externally - they aren’t exuded. But these do,” said UCR plant biologist and study co-author David Nelson. “Plants use strigolactones to attract fungi in the soil that have a beneficial relationship with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-may-stop-absorbing-carbon-if-temperatures-continue-to-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant</a> roots.”



This natural relationship between fungi and plants benefits both sides. The fungi help gather nutrients from the soil, while the plant offers carbohydrates. It’s an elegant system - until parasitic weeds enter the picture.



The weeds have evolved to recognize strigolactones. To them, the hormone is a green light. When they detect it, they germinate and prepare to attack. That’s where the researchers saw their opportunity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tricking-parasitic-weeds">Tricking parasitic weeds</h2>



What if the weeds could be triggered to germinate when no host is present? Without a host, the weeds would sprout, fail to attach to anything, and die. This is the approach UCR’s scientists are testing.



“These weeds are waiting for a signal to wake up. We can give them that signal at the wrong time - when there’s no food for them - so they sprout and die,” Nelson said. “It’s like flipping their own switch against them, essentially encouraging them to commit suicide.”



This concept isn’t just theoretical. One parasitic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predicting-how-climate-change-will-alter-plant-growth-cycles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant</a>, broomrape, produces thousands of seeds on a single stalk. Those seeds lie dormant in the soil for years. But once they detect strigolactones, they awaken. 



By releasing synthetic versions of the hormone at the wrong time, researchers aim to reduce their numbers before they can cause damage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-synthetic-hormones-in-the-lab">Building synthetic hormones in the lab</h2>



To control this process, scientists need a way to produce strigolactones outside the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-understanding-of-light-detection-in-plants-may-revolutionize-farming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant</a>. That’s where microbial engineering comes in. Led by Yanran Li, formerly at UCR and now at UC San Diego, the team created a novel system using bacteria and yeast.



The researchers engineered E. coli and yeast cells to mimic the chemical pathways found in plants. These microbes became tiny hormone factories. With them, the team could study each step of strigolactone production in a clean, controlled setting.



“This is a powerful system for investigating plant enzymes,” Nelson said. “It enables us to characterize genes that have never been studied before and manipulate them to see how they affect the type of strigolactones being made.”



Beyond research, this method may allow large-scale production of synthetic strigolactones. That could mean practical, affordable tools for farmers in the future.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-enzymes-and-possibilities">Evolution, enzymes, and possibilities</h2>



The team’s work also sheds light on how these hormones evolved. They identified a key metabolic branch point — an internal decision made by the plant to direct its chemicals either inward or outward. This may explain how strigolactones took on their unique role outside the plant body.



Understanding this evolution opens more doors. It helps scientists design more precise synthetic versions. They can fine-tune the signals to work in different environments or target specific weeds.



Researchers are continuing to test the strategy in more realistic settings. The idea sounds promising, but real fields are unpredictable. Soil types, weather, and local plant life all affect the outcome.



“We’re testing whether we can fine-tune the chemical signal to be even more effective,” Nelson said. “If we can, this could be a game-changer for farmers battling these weeds.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-parasitic-weeds-reveal-wider-hormone-uses">Parasitic weeds reveal wider hormone uses</h2>



Though the research began with crop protection in mind, strigolactones may offer broader benefits. Studies suggest they might have anti-cancer or anti-viral properties. 



There is also interest in using them to fight citrus greening disease, which has devastated Florida's citrus industry.



Because they affect how cells grow and communicate, these hormones are catching the attention of scientists in medicine and environmental science. What started as a way to help plants may one day help people, too.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clever-solution-to-a-growing-problem">Clever solution to a growing problem</h2>



Parasitic weeds are a quiet threat to global food supplies. But this new approach offers a clever counterattack. By understanding and manipulating natural plant signals, researchers may have found a way to protect crops without harming the environment.



This work is still developing, but its promise is clear. With careful research, dedicated teams, and innovative tools, science may help turn one of nature’s sneakiest tricks into an advantage for farmers everywhere.



The study was made possible in part by the NSF-funded <a href="https://plants3d.ucr.edu/training/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plants3D</a> traineeship program at UCR. Led by Professor Julia Bailey-Serres, the program brings together biology, engineering, and creativity. Its goal is to prepare students for a future where food insecurity grows alongside climate change.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adp0779" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Can parasitic weeds be tricked into dying? Scientists think so

For centuries, farmers have struggled to keep their crops safe....

Photo,Of,Fresh,Pistachios,On,A,Tree

California grows nearly all of the nation’s pistachios, producing 99% of the crop and contributing close to $3 billion annually to the state’s economy. 



Despite their value, pistachios haven’t received as much scientific attention as other crops - mainly due to the absence of a complete, high-quality genetic map. But that is finally changing.



Scientists at the <a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Davis</a> have created the most detailed genome sequence of the pistachio to date. 



The work opens the door to developing better pistachio varieties that are potentially more nutritious and resilient to climate change. 



Alongside the genome, the team also charted the full development cycle of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-nuts-every-day-does-not-cause-weight-gain-but-it-does-improve-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nut</a>, offering insights that could help farmers grow and harvest their crops more efficiently and sustainably.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-sharper-view-of-pistachio-genetics">A sharper view of pistachio genetics</h2>



While previous studies have sequenced pistachio DNA, the new genetic map stands apart for its depth and precision.



“The improvement in accuracy of the new reference <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-genome-size-impact-evolutionary-success/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genome</a> is like going from a hand-drawn map of a landscape to a satellite image from Google Earth,” said study co-author J. Grey Monroe, an assistant professor with the Department of Plant Sciences.



The team focused on the Kerman cultivar, the most widely grown pistachio variety in California. By zeroing in on this standard, the researchers made their findings directly relevant to commercial growers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-threatens-cold-loving-trees">Climate change threatens cold-loving trees</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/image/springtime-brings-greenery-and-dust-to-turkmenistan/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pistachio trees</a> are famously tough. They handle drought and salty soil better than many crops. But they also have a weakness: they need cold winters to flower and produce nuts. 



Warmer winters in recent years, along with less fog in California’s Central Valley, have disrupted that process and reduced yields.



Since pistachio trees can live and produce nuts for up to 50 years, any decision about what to plant carries long-term consequences. With climate patterns shifting, growers are understandably worried about the future of their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/megafire-smoke-has-long-lasting-impacts-on-orchard-trees/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">orchards</a>.



This is where the new genome map could help. It gives plant breeders a powerful tool to create new pistachio varieties that can adapt to warmer conditions while maintaining - or even improving - nut quality.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-flower-to-harvest">From flower to harvest</h2>



The research didn’t stop at the genetic level. The team also tracked how pistachios develop over time, identifying four key stages from flowering to harvest. This includes when the shell hardens and when the kernel inside grows.



“Knowing how the nut changes through development will help farmers make better decisions, like when to water their trees, leading to more sustainable pistachio production,” said study co-author Bárbara Blanco-Ulate.



This information could also help farmers better time their harvests and reduce losses from insects or fungal infections. 



Beyond the physical stages, the researchers also studied the genetic activity at each step, offering a full picture of how the nut grows and changes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pistachios-with-enhanced-health-benefits">Pistachios with enhanced health benefits </h2>



Pistachios are known for being a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-pistachios-daily-proven-to-boost-eyes-vision-and-overall-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">healthy snack</a> packed with protein and unsaturated fats. Now, researchers have pinpointed the specific genes and molecular pathways responsible for these benefits.



“We’re getting information about how all these nutritional characteristics are gained in pistachios and how we can improve that from a management perspective,” said Blanco-Ulate.&nbsp;



Understanding how nutrients build up in the nut over time could help producers fine-tune growing practices or even develop pistachios with enhanced health benefits and longer shelf life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-future-rooted-in-science">A future rooted in science</h2>



With this new genetic map and a clearer picture of how pistachios grow, researchers and farmers are better equipped to face the challenges of tomorrow. 



Whether it’s adapting to climate change or improving nut quality, California’s pistachio industry now has powerful new tools to work with - one gene at a time.



The implications go beyond scientific curiosity. As climate pressures intensify and global demand for nutritious, sustainably grown food rises, advances like these can help secure the future of an industry that supports thousands of jobs and contributes billions to the economy. 



From breeding better trees to optimizing harvest times, science is now firmly planted at the root of pistachio production.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/nph.70060" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Phytologist</a>.



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How pistachio DNA is shaping the future of farming

California grows nearly all of the nation’s pistachios, producing 99%...

In the face of climate change, forests have become more than green landscapes. They regulate temperatures, purify air and water, protect soil, and support biodiversity. 



Forests also absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in trees and soil, helping to reduce global warming.



Oceans do the same, but forests offer a land-based solution, one that we can manage directly. The idea of planting more trees has taken hold worldwide. But the story doesn’t end there.



Not all <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-are-losing-the-battle-against-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trees</a> offer the same benefits. Some grow quickly, others slowly. Some survive tough climates, others do well only in ideal conditions. 



The challenge for forest managers is figuring out which trees will trap the most carbon where they are planted.



The answer lies in matching tree traits with the land on which they grow.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-global-study-seeks-answers">A global study seeks answers</h2>



To explore this issue, researchers from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.inrae.fr/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">INRAE</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agro-bordeaux.fr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bordeaux Sciences Agro</a>&nbsp;teamed up with global partners. The project brought together the&nbsp;French National Forest Office (<a href="https://www.onf.fr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ONF</a>)&nbsp;and the&nbsp;French National Center for Private Forest Ownership (<a href="https://www.cnpf.fr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CNPF</a>).



Together, they studied 223 tree species in 160 forest sites around the world. These included locations in Western Europe, the United States, Brazil, Ethiopia, Cameroon, and South-East Asia.



Each species was chosen to represent one of the world’s major forest biomes. The team focused on functional traits - specific characteristics that affect how a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tree-crops-a-path-to-feeding-the-world-and-saving-the-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree</a> grows, uses water and nutrients, and stores carbon. 



Their goal was simple yet ambitious: to identify which traits lead to better growth and carbon capture in real-world forest conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-old-beliefs-on-carbon-and-trees">Old beliefs on carbon and trees</h2>



For a long time, scientists believed that trees with acquisitive traits grew the fastest. These trees absorb resources like sunlight, water, and soil nutrients very efficiently. In controlled experiments, such as those in greenhouses, they outperform other trees in height, leaf size, and biomass.



Examples include maples, poplars, English oaks, and sessile oaks. These species have large leaves and long roots that gather nutrients quickly. Their leaves also contain large amounts of nitrogen, which supports rapid photosynthesis. All these features make them ideal candidates for storing carbon - at least on paper.



On the other side are conservative species. These trees invest less energy in fast growth. Instead, they survive by conserving internal resources like water and energy. Fir trees, downy oaks, and holm oaks fit this model. They usually grow more slowly but are better at handling environmental stress.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-surprise-from-real-forests">A surprise from real forests</h2>



When the team took their research into real forests, their findings turned the old beliefs upside down. Under natural conditions in boreal and temperate zones, conservative <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/future-forests-which-tree-species-can-survive-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree species</a> actually stored more carbon and grew faster than acquisitive ones. That may seem surprising, but the explanation lies in how these forests function.



Boreal and temperate forests often have cold climates, poor soil, or both. In such settings, being efficient with internal resources becomes more important than fast nutrient absorption.



In tropical forests, the story changes again. These regions have ideal growing conditions - warm temperatures and high rainfall. Here, acquisitive and conservative species grow at similar speeds. Neither group holds a strong advantage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-matching-trees-with-their-environment">Matching trees with their environment</h2>



The biggest lesson from this research is that one size does not fit all. You cannot plant fast-growing trees everywhere and expect success. Tree performance depends heavily on local soil and climate conditions.



In rich, well-watered environments, acquisitive species like maples and poplars will outperform others. They can absorb nutrients quickly and convert them into biomass, storing more carbon. But in dry, cold, or nutrient-poor conditions, conservative species shine. Oaks, firs, and pines may grow more slowly, but they store more carbon over time because they survive and grow when others cannot.



The study highlights the need for precision in reforestation efforts. Forest managers must consider each site’s unique conditions. Planting the right <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-have-an-amazing-ability-to-adapt-to-new-climates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree</a> in the right place is far more effective than planting the same fast-growers everywhere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-choosing-trees-for-better-carbon-impact">Choosing trees for better carbon impact</h2>



This new understanding gives forest managers a sharper tool in the fight against climate change. They can now look beyond growth speed and consider how a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-are-relocating-in-a-race-against-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree’s traits</a> interact with its environment. This leads to smarter choices and healthier forests.



Climate action often demands quick results. But nature does not always work that way. Sometimes the slow-growing, stress-tolerant tree is the one that captures the most carbon in the long run. 



With this knowledge, reforestation can become both more effective and more sustainable.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08692-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Slow and steady tree growth wins the race for carbon capture

In the face of climate change, forests have become more...

Cannabidiol (CBD) is popularly used for its painkilling, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects. It has been used to treat illnesses like epilepsy and multiple sclerosis.



But there has been one key limitation preventing it from being used to its full potential - CBD does not dissolve easily in water, so the body has trouble absorbing it efficiently.



Researchers at the <a href="https://www.unisa.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of South Australia</a> have created a new method to address this issue.



By forming a phospholipid complex using a fat-based molecule that contains phosphorus, scientists have greatly enhanced CBD’s solubility and absorption in the human body.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enhancing-cbd-s-bioavailability">Enhancing CBD's bioavailability </h2>



Today, only a fraction of orally consumed CBD is absorbed into the bloodstream. This restricts its efficacy, and necessitates the use of increased doses to produce therapeutic effects.



Over the years, scientists have tried different methods to enhance CBD’s bioavailability, including using synthetic forms, self-emulsifying systems, and gelatine-based encapsulation. These attempts have only yielded minimal gains.



In the new study, researchers experimented to find the optimal composition of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/phospholipids-tiny-bubbles-that-may-have-been-earths-first-cells/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phospholipids</a> to create nanosized CBD-PLC (phospholipid complex) particles.



The CBD-phospholipid complex particles enhanced dissolution from 0% (without the CBD-PLC particles) to 67.1% after only three hours. This tremendous improvement in drug release guarantees a more uniform and potent treatment for patients.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-more-stable-treatment-option">A more stable treatment option</h2>



In addition to better solubility, the phospholipid complex demonstrated a 32.7% increase in permeability during cellular uptake studies. 



This means more of the drug can pass through the intestinal wall, leading to greater absorption and improved therapeutic effects.



Traditional formulations degrade when exposed to heat, light, or oxygen, which reduces their potency over time. However, testing over 12 months showed that the new CBD-PLC formulation maintained its performance under various storage conditions. 



This makes it a more stable and reliable option for pharmaceutical use.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-cbd-based-therapies">Implications for CBD-based therapies</h2>



“Improved bioavailability means that lower doses can achieve the same therapeutic effect, potentially reducing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/prenatal-exposure-to-cannabis-linked-to-health-risks-later-in-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">side effects</a> and making treatment more cost effective,” said study first author Thabata Muta, a PhD candidate at the University of South Australia.



This discovery could go beyond CBD. Many drugs with poor water solubility face similar challenges. 



The phospholipid complex approach may provide a blueprint for enhancing the absorption of other medications as well.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-road-to-real-world-impact">The road to real-world impact</h2>



With the international CBD market projected to expand from $7.59 billion in 2023 to $202.45 billion by 2032, this innovation comes at an opportune time. 



By overcoming a key challenge in CBD treatment, this technology could make cannabinoid-based therapy more accessible, affordable, and effective for millions worldwide.



The team is currently looking into commercialization prospects and preparing to conduct clinical trials that will confirm the recipe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-safer-cbd-based-medications">Safer CBD-based medications</h2>



CBD’s low water solubility has been a long-standing problem for scientists and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/machine-learning-could-revolutionize-drug-discovery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drug</a> developers.



Nanoemulsions, liposomal carriers, and solid dispersions are some of the techniques that have been tried in order to increase the bioavailability of CBD.



Most of these techniques use complicated manufacturing processes, involve the inclusion of extra stabilizing agents, or don't deliver consistent absorption rates.



The phospholipid complex (CBD-PLC) of the UniSA research group is a more hopeful option. 



By naturally blending in with biological membranes, phospholipids aid in more efficient CBD transport by the digestive tract. This would render artificial surfactants obsolete, and so CBD-based medications could be safer and more tolerable in the long term.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-pharmaceutical-applications">Potential pharmaceutical applications </h2>



In addition to enhancing CBD for general consumer applications, this method may have a seminal role in pharmaceutical applications.



Patients dependent on CBD-based medication for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/medicinal-cannabis-reduces-epileptic-seizures-by-86-percent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">epilepsy</a>, multiple sclerosis, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cbd-can-help-ease-chronic-pain-anxiety-and-mood-disorders/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pain</a> treatment are frequently exposed to unpredictable therapeutic responses because of the variability of absorption.



The improved solubility and stability of CBD-PLC might allow dosing to be more exact which, in turn, may decrease variability of drug action and side effects.



Pharmaceutical companies can also utilize this technology to create advanced cannabinoid medicines with better delivery systems. 



This may open the way for better pain relief, neurological therapies, and potentially even the use of CBD in mental health disorders like anxiety and PTSD.



In addition, by addressing CBD’s issues with bioavailability, this technology may help lower the dosage requirements, ultimately leading to safer and more economical treatments for patients.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/26/6/2647" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Journal of Molecular Sciences</a>.



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Revolutionizing CBD treatment for epilepsy and multiple sclerosis

Cannabidiol (CBD) is popularly used for its painkilling, anti-inflammatory, and...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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"

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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



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

The history of Mars is much more complex than we thought

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research



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



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

Cavefish are healthy despite their sedentary lifestyle

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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites capture the world's biggest and fastest waves

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