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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

It's commonly acknowledged that Mother Nature has her own rules, proving time and again that she plays by her own playbook. And today, we're diving into one such fascinating realm, which presents an opportunity to revise long-held scientific viewpoints on plants and fungi.



We often think of plants as stationary fixtures, hinged to the ground by their roots, twirling their leaves in sync to the rhythm of the wind. But plants, it seems, are silent movers and shakers, involved in a vast annual movement of carbon. 



Remarkably, each year, they shift a whopping 3.58 gigatons of carbon to mycorrhizal fungi - their partners in the underground realms. For visualization's sake, were this carbon a solid mass like ice, it would suffice to lay a slick sheet over 112 million NHL hockey rinks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-market-perspective">The market perspective</h2>



Previously, scientists, akin to economists, have viewed this hefty carbon transfer as a kind of marketplace transaction. The understanding was fairly straightforward - in this unique marketplace, carbon was traded for essential nutrients delivered by those fungi residing underground.



It seemed like an equitable exchange, neatly governed by market principles of trade. But, as it happens in the world of science, not everything is as it seems. 



A team of researchers, including Professor Justine Karst of the University of Alberta, suggest we need to reassess how these eco-critical systems function.



The experts argue that market principles are not universally applicable, particularly not in the case of this unique plant-fungi relationship. "We found no evidence of trade," said Professor Karst.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-link-between-plants-and-fungi">Link between plants and fungi</h2>



Mycorrhizas are essentially symbiotic relationships between plants and fungi that operate underground. The constant shuttling of resources between plants and fungi, seen as a hallmark in biological market models, is well established. 



Herein, mycorrhizal fungi happily accept carbon in the form of lipids and sugars from their botanical partners, reciprocating with a supply of essential nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen.



However, this economic analogy has shrouded our understanding of mycorrhizas, according to the researchers. They argue that it might have made us blind to other possible functions of mycorrhizas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-alternative-perspective">An alternative perspective</h2>



An alternative theory titled the "Surplus C" hypothesis recently surfaced, proposing that plants often manufacture more sugars than they require for growth. 



As per this theory, the excess carbon simply finds a home in the mycorrhizal fungi. This implies the volume of carbon handed over to a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fungi-fusion-turning-food-waste-into-culinary-delights/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fungus</a> isn't dependent on the delivery of nutrients to the plant.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-leaning-toward-the-new-theory">Leaning toward the new theory</h2>



The team's comprehensive review of multiple scientific studies failed to produce convincing support for the biological market models.



The experts found no empirical evidence of a direct regulatory function and hence dissed the idea of "prices" - the ratio of carbon units to nutrient units - controlling the carbon handover to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-fungi-diversity-can-be-pulled-out-of-thin-air/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fungi</a>.



Delving further into the mycorrhizal link, they discovered that plant growth was associated with nutrient uptake, not carbon transfer. Interestingly, what curtails plant growth is not the quantum of carbon sent to mycorrhizal fungi but the volume of nutrients delivered by the fungi.



It appears that the carbon handed over to mycorrhizal fungi is not costly for the plant. The research findings leaned more towards backing the Surplus C theory rather than the market models.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-relationships-between-plants-and-fungi">Rethinking relationships between plants and fungi</h2>



The researchers' observations encourage us to set aside narrow economic models and explore the essential interactions between plants and mycorrhizal fungi. 



According to Professor Karst, the key is in understanding the carbon flow from plants to fungi, given its potential in benefiting the environment - especially with respect to carbon sequestration.



The review also highlights the need for more targeted research to get to the heart of what determines the carbon transfer from plants to mycorrhizal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/symbiotic-relationship-plant-roots-underground-mycorrhizal-fungi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fungi</a>.



Finally, while a direct link between carbon and nutrient transfer may still be waiting in the wings to be discovered, the researchers caution against over-reliance on economic models to make sense of it all.



"The idea of markets is familiar to us, but the inner workings of mycorrhizas are not, so we need to stay open to other ways of understanding how these systems work," said Professor Karst.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/nph.20145" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Phytologist</a>.



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Plants transfer massive amounts of carbon to fungi

It's commonly acknowledged that Mother Nature has her own rules,...

In a revolutionary breakthrough for the banana industry, scientists have successfully engineered Yelloway One, a banana plant resistant to two of the most destructive diseases: fusarium tropical race 4 (TR4) and black sigatoka.



This monumental development comes at a time when these diseases have caused global losses worth hundreds of millions of dollars.



The new hybrid banana is the result of a collaboration between Chiquita, KeyGene, MusaRadix, and a group of dedicated scientists from <a href="https://www.wur.nl/en.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wageningen University &amp; Research</a>.



The prototype plant is the product of meticulously combined conventional breeding techniques, aided by modern DNA analysis technology. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-major-breakthrough-in-banana-cultivation">Major breakthrough in banana cultivation </h2>



Gert Kema, a professor of phytopathology at Wageningen, views the development of Yelloway One as a major breakthrough in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fungal-disease-threatens-banana-production-in-africa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">banana</a> cultivation.



"We've known for some time that conventional breeding can help us develop <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-breakthrough-will-promote-disease-resistance-in-bananas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants resistant to these diseases</a>," said Professor Kema.



"Now we've proven it, and more importantly, we've demonstrated that by using the latest genetic tools, we can do it much faster than others. This is of great importance for the future of banana farming."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-banana-disease-crisis">Banana disease crisis</h2>



The recent advancements have come in the nick of time, as the global banana industry has been grappling with widespread damage caused by TR4 and black sigatoka.



Until the advent of Yelloway One, banana farmers had no resistant variety at their disposal, creating a crisis situation in the industry.



Yelloway One is a game-changer, exhibiting resistance to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/banana-apocalypse-can-science-save-our-favorite-fruit/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TR4</a>, a fungus capable of wiping out entire <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deadly-banana-disease-has-arrived-in-southeast-asia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">banana plantations</a>, and black sigatoka, a leaf disease that massively reduces yields. 



These diseases have long posed major challenges to the banana industry, especially when it comes to the widely exported Cavendish banana.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-providing-access-to-the-technology">Providing access to the technology </h2>



The development of this prototype doesn't solely benefit one corporation or a select group of growers. Professor Kema emphasized the broader implications of this achievement.



"The fact that banana producer Chiquita is one of the partners doesn’t mean that other banana growers won't have access to these new varieties," said Kema.



"We are collaborating with several organizations to ensure that this technology is available to other programs as well. Moreover, we are using the technology to develop or improve varieties for local markets."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disease-resistant-banana-varieties">Disease-resistant banana varieties </h2>



Yelloway One is the first of many hopeful steps towards achieving the larger goal of the Yelloway initiative. 



The ambition is to consistently develop exceptional and resistant banana varieties that exhibit genetic diversity, enhancing both the resilience of banana cultivation and the sustainability of the industry.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reducing-the-impact-of-banana-diseases">Reducing the impact of banana diseases </h2>



"This development means a great deal to millions of smallholder farmers in Africa, Asia, and Latin America," said Professor Kema.



"By introducing resistant and genetically diverse varieties, we can contribute to a more sustainable banana industry and reduce the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vietnams-banana-industry-is-threatened-by-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">impact of diseases</a>."



With Yelloway One currently undergoing growth in a greenhouse in the Netherlands, the future of banana cultivation seems promising. 



Trials are set to be conducted in severely affected regions in the Philippines and Indonesia. Only time will tell if this prototype can offer a viable solution to farmers, but the outlook is optimistic.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-era-in-banana-farming">A new era in banana farming </h2>



As promising as the greenhouse trials have been, the true test of Yelloway One’s potential lies in real-world field trials. 



Set to begin in heavily affected regions, these trials will determine how well the resistant variety performs under actual growing conditions, where TR4 and black sigatoka have devastated banana crops.



The success of the trials could mark the start of a new era in banana farming, offering smallholder farmers across Africa, Asia, and Latin America a sustainable solution to combat these devastating diseases.



Additionally, the broader adoption of disease-resistant varieties could reduce the need for chemical fungicides, making banana production more eco-friendly.



With each step forward, the Yelloway initiative aims not only to protect banana cultivation but to ensure the future viability of a staple crop that feeds millions worldwide. 



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Disease-resistant banana may change the future of farming

In a revolutionary breakthrough for the banana industry, scientists have...

As global temperatures rise, scientists are increasingly studying how plants adapt to these changing conditions, paying particular attention to tiny structures known as stomata.



These micro-pores, located on leaf surfaces, play a vital role in regulating water loss, facilitating gas exchange, and managing carbon dioxide intake for photosynthesis and growth.



Stomata serve as the plant’s natural cooling system. During heatwaves, these pores respond by widening, allowing the plant to release water vapor and cool down, ensuring it survives the elevated temperatures and continues functioning effectively.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cracking-the-code-of-plant-heat-response">Cracking the code of plant heat response </h2>



However, for more than a century, researchers have been stumped by the intricate processes behind this stomatal "breathing" and have struggled to understand the genetic and molecular mechanisms behind transpiration processes in response to heat. 



In a new study from the <a href="https://biology.ucsd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California San Diego School of Biological Sciences</a>, led by PhD student Nattiwong Pankasem and Professor Julian Schroeder, scientists have uncovered new details about these plant mechanisms.



The findings, published in the journal New Phytologist, highlight two genetic pathways plants use to handle increasing temperatures.



“With <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-temperatures-increase-scientists-plan-slow-down-rising-heat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">increasing global temperatures</a>, there’s obviously a threat to agriculture with the impact of heat waves,” said Schroeder. 



“This research describes the discovery that rising temperatures cause stomatal opening by one genetic pathway, but if the heat steps up even further, then there’s another mechanism that kicks in to increase stomatal opening.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-two-pathways-to-stomatal-opening">Two pathways to stomatal opening</h2>



The researchers discovered that as temperatures rise, one genetic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-sheds-light-on-the-pathways-of-plant-regeneration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pathway</a> primarily controls stomatal opening to regulate water loss and gas exchange. 



But as the heat intensifies beyond a certain threshold, a second, more robust pathway steps in to further increase stomatal opening, enhancing the plant's ability to cool itself under extreme conditions.



This discovery provides insights into how plants manage their internal temperatures, enabling them to survive even in the face of escalating global warming.



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



Deciphering these mechanisms has long been a challenge due to the complexity of separating temperature and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humidity-increases-urban-heat-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">humidity</a> responses. 



Pankasem solved this problem by developing a novel method for clamping the vapor pressure difference (VPD) of leaves to fixed values as temperatures rise. 



This allowed the research team to tease out the genetic mechanisms of stomatal temperature responses, including the role of blue-light sensors, drought hormones, carbon dioxide sensors, and temperature-sensitive proteins.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stomatal-responses-in-action">Stomatal responses in action</h2>



Pankasem and his colleagues examined the genetic responses in two <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/thousands-of-plant-species-remain-unphotographed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant species</a>: Arabidopsis thaliana, a weed species, and Brachypodium distachyon, a flowering plant related to key grain crops such as wheat, maize, and rice. 



The team discovered that carbon dioxide sensors play a pivotal role in the stomatal response to heat. 



As leaves warm, these sensors trigger an increase in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/key-to-life-on-earth-photosynthesis-begins-on-the-quantum-level-with-a-single-photon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photosynthesis</a>, reducing carbon dioxide levels and causing stomatal pores to open. This allows the plant to take in more carbon dioxide and benefit from enhanced photosynthesis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-second-heat-response-in-plants">A second heat response in plants</h2>



Under extreme heat, however, photosynthesis slows and the stomatal heat response bypasses the carbon dioxide sensor system. This triggers the secondary heat response pathway to open the stomata and cool the plant.



“The impact of the second mechanism, in which plants open their stomata without gaining benefits from photosynthesis would result in a reduction in water use efficiency of crop plants,” said Pankasem. 



“Based on our study, plants are likely to demand more water per unit of CO2 taken in, which could directly affect irrigation planning and hydrological cycles in response to global warming.”



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



“This work shows the importance of curiosity-driven, fundamental research in helping to address societal challenges, build resiliency in key areas like agriculture, and, potentially, advance the bioeconomy,” noted Richard Cyr, a program director at the U.S. National Science Foundation.



With these findings in hand, Pankasem and Schroeder are now turning their focus toward understanding the molecular and genetic mechanisms behind the secondary heat response system. This could lead to new strategies for reducing water consumption in agriculture amidst rising global temperatures.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/nph.20121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Phytologist</a>.



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Plants have a secret 'breathing' strategy in response to heat

As global temperatures rise, scientists are increasingly studying how plants...

An FDA-approved synthetic version of THC (the main ingredient in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/recreational-cannabis-use-protects-against-cognitive-decline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cannabis</a>) reduces agitation in patients with Alzheimer's disease by an average of 30 percent, according to the results of an eight-year clinical trial. 



Compared to current treatments like antipsychotics, the synthetic drug dronabinol produced similar calming effects without adverse results such as delirium or seizures.



The results of the research were presented at the <a href="https://www.ipa-online.org/events/2024-international-congress" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Psychogeriatric Association</a> conference in Buenos Aires, Argentina. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-agitation-in-alzheimer-s-patients-nbsp">Agitation in Alzheimer’s patients&nbsp;</h2>



Dr. Paul Rosenberg is a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the <a href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/som" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine</a> and co-principal investigator for this study. 



“These new findings represent eight years of work dedicated to people who have Alzheimer’s as well as their caregivers,” said Dr. Rosenberg.&nbsp;



“Agitation is one of the most distressing symptoms of Alzheimer’s dementia, and we are pleased to make positive strides forward in treatment of these patients.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-severe-agitation-with-alzheimer-s">Severe agitation with Alzheimer’s </h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-why-some-brains-resist-alzheimers-disease-symptoms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alzheimer’s disease</a> is the most common neurodegenerative disease in the United States, affecting an estimated 6.7 million Americans aged 65 and older. This number is predicted to grow to 13.8 million by 2060. 



Agitation, characterized by excessive motor activity (like pacing or repetitive movements), verbal aggression, and physical aggression, affects approximately 40% of people with Alzheimer’s and is difficult to manage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-providing-relief-to-caregivers-nbsp">Providing relief to caregivers&nbsp;</h2>



Although mild agitation can sometimes be moderated by behavioral interventions, moderate to severe cases typically require medication to manage symptoms and provide relief for caregivers.&nbsp;



Dr. Brent Forester is the chairman of the Department of Psychiatry at <a href="https://www.tuftsmedicine.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tufts Medical Center</a> and co-principal investigator on the study. 



“It is the agitation, not the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lack-of-sexual-satisfaction-linked-to-rapid-memory-decline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">memory loss</a>, that often drives individuals with dementia to the emergency department and long-term-care facilities,” said Dr. Forester.



“Dronabinol has the potential to both reduce health care costs and make an important, positive impact on caregivers’ mental and physical health.”



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



For the clinical trials, the researchers recruited 75 patients with severe Alzheimer’s agitation across five sites, including 35 patients admitted to the Johns Hopkins Hospital between March 2017 and May 2024.&nbsp;



To qualify, patients had to have a formal clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and exhibit at least one major symptom of agitation for at least two weeks. Prior to treatment, patients were tested for agitation using the Pittsburgh Agitation Scale (PAS) and the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Agitation/Aggression subscale (NPI-C).



Participants were randomly assigned to receive either five milligrams of dronabinol in pill form or a placebo twice daily for three weeks.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-synthetic-cannabis-and-alzheimer-s">Synthetic cannabis and Alzheimer's</h2>



After the treatment period, patients were retested using the PAS and NPI-C. The results from the dronabinol group showed an average PAS starting value of 9.68 and an end value of 7.26 after three weeks - a 30% decrease - compared to the placebo group, which did not change.&nbsp;



Additionally, the synthetic cannabis was well tolerated by Alzheimer's patients compared to current treatments for agitation.



“Results like this are encouraging. We are thrilled that FDA-approved dronabinol was robustly effective and appeared safe for treatment of agitation,” Rosenberg said. “This adds another tool in our efforts to improve the care of our loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease.”



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



The researchers plan to conduct longer-term studies of dronabinol for Alzheimer’s disease with larger sample sizes. They also hope to explore other ways medical cannabis can benefit both patients and caregivers.



Dronabinol is a synthetic form of THC, the psychoactive main ingredient in cannabis (marijuana). The drug was approved by the <a href="https://www.fda.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. Food and Drug Administration</a> in 1985 to treat loss of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/disadvantaged-stimulate-appetite/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">appetite</a> in patients with HIV/AIDS and is currently prescribed to treat nausea and vomiting in those undergoing cancer chemotherapy.



The investigators caution that the results of their current study are not intended to encourage or inform the use of other forms of medical marijuana, which are available in 38 states and the District of Columbia.



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Synthetic cannabis reduces agitation in Alzheimer’s patients

An FDA-approved synthetic version of THC (the main ingredient in...

No one enjoys a rude awakening, especially if it's a jarring climate change alarm clock. Plants, like humans, need time to adjust to new conditions. But what happens when climate change hits the snooze button on the slow pace of evolution?&nbsp;



We're about to unravel the story of the Arctic Siberian primrose, a hardy plant whose existence is threatened by rapid global warming and its struggle to adapt.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arctic-siberian-primrose">Arctic Siberian Primrose</h2>



Perched on the frosty edges of the Bothnian Bay and Arctic Ocean, the Siberian primrose has been battling the odds for centuries, ever resilient.&nbsp;



However, climate change is a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sloths-are-struggling-to-survive-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">formidable enemy</a>. How can plants adapt if they're nailed to the ground, unable to shift to more favorable environments, and evolution seems to be moving in slow motion?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-threatened-by-rapid-climate-change">Threatened by rapid climate change </h2>



Researchers from the Finnish Museum of Natural History and the <a href="https://www.helsinki.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Helsinki</a> set out to investigate. 



"The Siberian primrose is a good example of a species threatened by rapidly advancing climate change. It cannot migrate to more favorable conditions due to geographic constraints, leaving adaptation in its current habitat as its only survival option," said study co-author Professor Marko Hyvärinen.



The team found out that the survival of the Siberian primrose hinges on one crucial condition - we must slow down climate change fast enough to give the flowers the time they need to evolve.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-lifeline-for-wild-species">A lifeline for wild species</h2>



Now, you might be wondering, how do we put the brakes on climate change? Enter the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-experts-predict-global-warming-will-far-exceed-paris-goals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paris Agreement</a>. Our prime suspect, climate change, can only be contained if we can stick to the targets established in this global climate accord. But that's no easy feat.



"Our research suggests that the evolutionary potential of wild species is seriously limited in the face of rapidly advancing climate change. This means that the future of many species is at stake, unless climate change is effectively curbed," said study lead author Anniina Mattila.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-geographical-constraints-and-climate-change">Geographical constraints and climate change</h2>



Species limited to specific geographical regions, like the Siberian primrose, have particularly high stakes in this game of climate change roulette. They're boxed in by unsuitable habitats, often with no option but to adapt or perish.



Proactive conservation measures, such as targeted translocations and adaptive capacity studies, can offer a lifeline, but they can only go so far. Ultimately, the battlefront is climate change mitigation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adaptive-management-strategies">Adaptive management strategies </h2>



As the clock ticks on climate change, adaptive management offers hope for species confined by geographical limits. 



This proactive approach is a dynamic strategy that involves continuously revisiting and adjusting conservation practices based on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-climate-change-affect-deer-its-complicated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">latest data and developments</a>.&nbsp;



For the Siberian primrose, this could involve habitat restoration, managing genetic diversity, or even assisted migration to new locales where they can thrive. By doing so, conservationists aim to bolster the plant's resilience against the looming threat of environmental shifts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advocacy-and-climate-change-awareness">Advocacy and climate change awareness</h2>



In the global climate crisis, public engagement is key to driving change. Raising awareness about endangered species like the Siberian primrose isn't just for scientists and policymakers; everyone can help.&nbsp;



By sharing knowledge and fostering a sense of urgency, people worldwide can contribute to conservation.&nbsp;



This can include supporting eco-friendly policies, joining citizen science projects, or sharing information in their communities. Together, our collective actions can create significant momentum for a more sustainable planet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-a-global-call-to-action">Climate change: A global call to action</h2>



Here's the ultimate reality check. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports that the global temperature has already risen by 1.1 degrees Celsius (2.0 degrees Fahrenheit) since the pre-industrial era, with the Arctic warming up to four times faster. 



Turning down the heat on climate change isn't just about saving our human homes. It's also about giving the silent flora and fauna - the Arctic Siberian primroses of the world - a fighting chance to adapt and thrive as nature intended.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-from-the-research">Learning from the research</h2>



So, what active steps can we take today? It's not just about recycling and using less plastic. It's a much broader viewpoint. Eating less meat, conserving water, reducing air travel, and switching to renewable energy sources are all powerful ways to fight climate change.



Every little action counts. Every degree we can dial down on global warming could be the lifeline species like the Arctic Siberian primrose need to survive and continue their evolutionary journey. And that could be the most significant legacy we leave behind.



The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2024.1351" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences</a>.



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Climate change is happening too fast for some species to adapt

No one enjoys a rude awakening, especially if it's a...

Picture this: astronauts landing on Mars or the Moon, growing their own homes using mycelium bricks made from fungi. Straight out of a science fiction novel, right? Wrong. 



This concept is currently being investigated by NASA, and it might not be as far-fetched as it initially seems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nasa-s-fungi-frontier">NASA's fungi frontier</h2>



Steering this unique research is Lynn Rothschild, a senior scientist at NASA's <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/ames/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ames Research Center</a>, found in the heart of California's Silicon Valley. 



Rothschild and her team have been pushing the envelope on space habitat construction with their project, lovingly dubbed "<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/centers-and-facilities/ames/could-future-homes-on-the-moon-and-mars-be-made-of-fungi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mycotecture Off Planet</a>." 



The project has recently been given a financial fillip through the NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/stmd-the-nasa-innovative-advanced-concepts-niac/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NIAC</a>) program.



As Walt Engelund, associate administrator for Programs in the NASA's <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/space-technology-mission-directorate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Space Technology Mission Directorate</a>, puts it, "We are committed to advancing technologies to transport our astronauts, house our explorers, and facilitate valuable research." 



This commitment is reflected in the $2 million Phase III NIAC award that Rothschild's team has garnered, which will support their research for the next couple of years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growing-not-building-moon-homes">Growing, not building, Moon homes</h2>



Interested in how this concept works? It's quite simple really. Instead of lugging hefty building materials from Earth, astronauts would bring along lightweight structures imbued with dormant fungi. 



Upon reaching their final destination, a touch of water is all it takes to wake up the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fungi-engage-in-more-conversations-after-rainfall/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fungi</a> and stimulate it to grow, forming a robust habitat around the framework. 



This ingenious method could potentially save a ton of resources and lighten the load for space missions.



The mycelia, the thread-like structures that form the bulk of fungi, are the MVPs here. They can grow into robust, intricate shapes that are just <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mycocrete-new-material-made-of-fungi-hopes-to-replace-concrete-in-construction-projects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">perfect for constructing habitats</a>. 



They can also be safely contained to avoid any contamination of the alien environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fungi-will-keep-the-moon-green">Fungi will keep the Moon "green"</h2>



NASA Administrator Bill Nelson sums it up, "As NASA prepares to explore farther into the cosmos than ever before, it will require new science and technology that doesn't yet exist." 



The Mycotecture Off Planet project imbibes this forward-thinking approach. How do you live sustainably off-Earth? Grow your habitats!



But it's not just about building homes; it's about developing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mushroom-leather-mycelium-latest-eco-friendly-fashion-trend/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">multi-purpose materials</a> that can perform various functions in space. 



For example, mycelia could be utilized for water filtration and even for extracting minerals from waste water, vital for supporting astronauts' life.



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



So, where are we now? The team has already made massive leaps. 



Through previous NIAC funding, they've demonstrated the feasibility of the concept, creating <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/a-beginners-guide-to-mycology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fungal-based biocomposites</a>, testing prototypes, and even contemplating enhancements like radiation protection.



NASA's commitment to innovative thinking shines through in this project. 



"NASA's space technology team and the NIAC program unlock visionary ideas -- ideas that make the impossible, possible," Bill Nelson says.



With the recently secured funding, Rothschild and her team can focus on improving the material properties of their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-distribute-enormous-amounts-of-co2-to-mycorrhizal-fungi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fungal habitats</a> and move onto testing in low Earth orbit, a vital step before potential application in Moon or Mars missions.



John Nelson, NIAC Program Executive, highlights the value of these projects, "Mycotecture Off Planet exemplifies how advanced concepts can change how we envision future exploration missions." 



As NASA preps for Artemis, aiming for the moon and beyond to Mars, projects like these could have an instrumental role.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fungi-homes-aren-t-just-for-astronauts">Fungi homes aren't just for astronauts</h2>



Why should you care about growing fungi in space? Beyond<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mushroom-is-given-a-robot-body-and-runs-wild-in-fascinating-video/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> the "wow" factor</a>, this research can impact us right here on Earth. 



With our eyes set on sustainable building materials, the technology being developed for space could trigger eco-friendly practices at home.



Moreover, the success of such projects fuels inspiration and ignites scientific interest in the next generation. It's about pushing boundaries, reimagining possibilities, and finding solutions that profit all.



Could mycelia-based construction be our future, in space and on Earth? These are intriguing times for space exploration, and what once seemed outrageous is now within reach.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fungi-and-the-future-of-growing-homes-0">Fungi and the future of growing homes</h2>



To sum it all up, NASA's investment in this unprecedented research into the use of <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/understanding-fungi-characteristics-and-function/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fungi and mycelium</a> to build bricks for space homes underscores the agency's commitment to developing technologies that could make long-term space living a reality. 



By "growing the box," scientists like Lynn Rothschild are morphing visionary ideas into tangible solutions.



So the next time you spot a mushroom popping up in your backyard, think about its distant cousin possibly helping humans live on the Moon or Mars.



 The fusion of biology and technology is unlocking doors we never thought possible, and the journey is only just beginning.



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NASA will use mushrooms to ‘grow homes’ on Mars and the Moon

Picture this: astronauts landing on Mars or the Moon, growing...

Our world is becoming increasingly familiar with massive wildfires, aptly termed "megafires," which ravage landscapes and ecosystems with unprecedented force.



These destructive forces of nature are known for their immediate devastation, but recent studies reveal that their impacts stretch far beyond the scorched earth, ash-filled air, and charred forests they leave in their wake.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smoke-drains-the-energy-reserves-of-trees">Smoke drains the energy reserves of trees</h2>



One of the less-observable effects of megafires is the long-lasting damage they impose on orchard trees. According to researchers, these effects can significantly disrupt future yields and agricultural stability.



In a game-changing study conducted at the <a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Davis</a>, scientists discovered that the thick smoke produced by megafires can adversely affect the energy reserves of trees and result in a staggering 50% reduction of their nut harvest.



This startling fact places new importance on understanding the role of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/twenty-years-of-air-quality-improvement-erased-by-wildfires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfires</a> and their smoke in both agricultural and natural ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-megafire-smoke-and-orchard-trees">Megafire smoke and orchard trees </h2>



The team at UC Davis had initially embarked on an assessment of how trees, specifically almond, pistachio and walnut varieties, handle heat and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drought-kills-trees-faster-than-previously-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drought</a> by storing energy in the form of carbohydrates. 



While their research was ongoing between 2018 to 2022, megafires in 2020 swept over 4.2 million acres across California. The fires produced a dense cover of smoke, ash, and particulate matter that lingered for weeks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-effects-of-prolonged-smoke">Effects of prolonged smoke</h2>



This unexpected development presented a unique opportunity to observe how the prolonged and pervasive smoky conditions might influence <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oak-trees-use-carbohydrate-reserves-to-survive-insect-invasions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbohydrate levels in trees</a> and ultimately affect their growth and productivity.



Study lead author Jessica Orozco from the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences elaborated on the potential impacts of megafire smoke on orchard trees. 



"<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/key-to-life-on-earth-photosynthesis-begins-on-the-quantum-level-with-a-single-photon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Photosynthesis</a> produces carbohydrates, which are critical elements for tree survival," Orozco explained. "Trees need carbohydrates not just to grow but to store energy for when they’re under stress or when photosynthesis isn’t happening."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lingering-impacts-of-megafire-smoke">Lingering impacts of megafire smoke</h2>



The thick smoke altered light conditions, occluding some direct sunlight and casting a shadow over the orchards, while simultaneously creating a diffuse light effect that filtered through the smoke.



This diffusion could potentially aid trees in generating more carbohydrates. However, Orozco explained that the smoke was so dense that its increase probably didn't offset the loss of direct sunlight.



The researchers observed that megafire smoke didn't just diminish the carbohydrate reserves in trees but instigated lasting losses, which pressed on even after the fires had been extinguished. 



Notably, the most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-wildfires-have-doubled-in-the-last-20-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">severe wildfire</a> activity often aligns with the period when trees begin to store carbohydrates to get through winter dormancy and fuel spring growth. The impact of smoke was far greater than anticipated. 



"We were expecting to see some impact especially in the months when the smoke was really dense, but we weren’t expecting the smoke to have such a lingering effect and result in a significant drop in yield,” said Orozco.



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



The scientists are not yet sure which components of megafire smoke caused this drastic drop in tree carbohydrate levels, but the complexity of the smoke's composition presents several possibilities.



It's plausible that one or a combination of factors, such as reduced light availability, elevated ozone concentrations, and increased particulate matter levels - all known to interfere with photosynthesis - are to blame for the significant decline in energy storage within the trees.



The findings underline one thing very clearly; the risks posed by wildfires are not just immediate and visible - they have far-reaching and enduring consequences.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growing-threat-to-agriculture">Growing threat to agriculture</h2>



The impact of megafires extends beyond the immediate damage to crops and soil. As climate change accelerates, scientists warn that the frequency and intensity of megafires will continue to rise, posing a growing threat to agricultural production.



Hotter temperatures and prolonged drought conditions create the perfect environment for these large-scale fires to ignite and spread. 



The increasing prevalence of megafires highlights the urgent need for solutions that can mitigate the long-term impacts of smoke on crops. 



Early-warning systems, innovative farming techniques, and fire-resistant plant varieties could become essential tools in preserving agriculture in fire-prone regions. 



As megafires become more frequent, understanding their effects will be crucial for developing effective adaptation strategies.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41477-024-01819-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Plants</a>.



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Megafire smoke has long-lasting impacts on orchard trees

Our world is becoming increasingly familiar with massive wildfires, aptly...

Playing a monotonous sound can stimulate the activity of a fungus that promotes plant growth, according to a recent study led by Flinders University. This finding raises the possibility that playing sounds or music could benefit crops and gardens.



The idea that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-that-listen-to-music-grow-faster-and-healthier/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">music</a> might help plants grow has been debated for years. The popular U.S. TV show MythBusters even conducted an experiment on the topic, playing both death metal and classical music for plants. 



While the plants exposed to music grew slightly better than those left in silence, the results were deemed inconclusive.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-music-and-plants-exploring-the-possibilities-nbsp">Music and plants: Exploring the possibilities&nbsp;</h2>



However, with mounting challenges to the plant world such as erosion, deforestation, pollution, and an extinction crisis, scientists are increasingly concerned about the future of global biodiversity and crop production.&nbsp;



According to a new study published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2024.0295" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biology Letters</a>, the potential role of acoustic stimulation in aiding ecosystem recovery and sustainable food systems is still largely unexplored.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exposing-a-fungus-to-sound">Exposing a fungus to sound</h2>



Building on earlier research that exposed E. coli bacteria to sound waves, a team of Australian researchers aimed to assess the effect of sound on the growth and spore production of the fungus Trichoderma harzianum.&nbsp;



This fungus is commonly used in organic farming due to its ability to protect plants from pathogens, improve nutrient content in soil, and promote overall <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-plants-grow-more-branches-and-become-bushy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant growth</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-white-noise-vs-silence-nbsp">White noise vs. silence&nbsp;</h2>



For the study, the researchers created small sound booths containing petri dishes full of the fungi. Instead of playing pop music, they chose a white noise sound known as “Tinnitus Flosser Masker at 8 kHz,” which is commonly used in YouTube videos intended to relieve tinnitus or help babies sleep.&nbsp;



The noise, described as resembling “the sound of an old-school radio in between channels,” was selected for experimental reasons, according to lead author Jake Robinson, a microbial ecologist at <a href="https://www.flinders.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Flinders University</a>.



“We chose this monotone for controlled, experimental reasons, but it might be that a more diverse or natural soundscape is better,” Robinson said, adding that more research would be needed to explore this.



In the experiment, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-all-fungi-matter-not-just-mushrooms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fungi</a> were exposed to the sound at a level of 80 decibels for 30 minutes a day. After five days, the researchers observed that the fungi exposed to the sound had higher growth and spore production compared to those left in silence.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-might-music-stimulate-plant-growth">How might music stimulate plant growth?</h2>



While the study’s results are not definitive, the researchers proposed several potential explanations.&nbsp;



One theory is that the acoustic waves might trigger the piezoelectric effect, which converts sound into an electrical charge that could stimulate fungal growth.&nbsp;



Another possibility involves tiny receptors on the fungi's membranes, known as mechanoreceptors. These receptors, similar to those in human skin that help with touch, might react to the sound waves, leading to a cascade of biochemical events that activate growth-related genes.



“It might be that sound waves stimulate these mechanoreceptors in the fungi, which then trigger a cascade of biochemical events that lead to genes being switched on or off - for instance, the kind of genes responsible for growth,” Robinson explained.



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



Robinson emphasized that while their preliminary research suggests fungi respond to sound, it is still unclear if this benefits plants.&nbsp;



The next step, he said, would be to explore whether playing sound could influence entire <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbial-life-soil-planet-warming-global-carbon-cycle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbial communities</a> in the soil or even accelerate soil restoration processes.



“Can we influence soil or plant microbial communities as a whole? Can we speed up the soil restoration process by stimulating the earth with natural soundscapes? What impact might this have on the soil fauna? There are many important questions to keep us busy,” Robinson said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-acoustic-stimulation-and-plant-growth">Acoustic stimulation and plant growth</h2>



According to the researchers, the results indicate that acoustic stimulation influences plant growth-promoting fungal growth and potentially facilitates their functioning.&nbsp;



“The mechanism responsible for this phenomenon may be fungal mechanoreceptor stimulation and/or potentially a piezoelectric effect; however, further research is required to confirm this hypothesis,” the experts noted.&nbsp;



“Our novel study highlights the potential of acoustic stimulation to alter important fungal attributes, which could, with further development, be harnessed to aid ecosystem restoration and sustainable agriculture.”



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Can music help plants grow? 

Playing a monotonous sound can stimulate the activity of a...

They've cropped up in food, infiltrated our drinking water, find their way into our bodies and now, they've staked a claim in the world's most extensive rainforest. We're talking about PFAS, known as "forever chemicals," infiltrating the previously pristine Amazon rainforest. 



PFAS stands for per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances, and they are notoriously known as "forever chemicals" because they last forever. 



But why should we be worried? And what exactly are these PFAS forever chemicals, anyway?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-are-pfas-forever-chemicals">What are PFAS forever chemicals?</h2>



PFAS are a class of human-made <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-can-now-trace-forever-chemicals-back-to-their-sources/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chemicals</a> used in a vast array of consumer products -- from non-stick pans to firefighting foam -- thanks to their potent oil and water repelling abilities. But this convenience comes at a hefty price.



PFAS have been linked to a host of health problems including infertility, behavioral disorders, and an assortment of cancers.



They're dubbed 'forever chemicals' -- and it's not because they're a symbol of eternal love -- they're designed to resist decomposition, sticking around indefinitely in our bodies and the environment at large.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pfas-forever-chemicals-in-the-amazon">PFAS forever chemicals in the Amazon</h2>



The study spearheaded by Dr. Ivan Kourtchev from <a href="https://www.coventry.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Coventry University</a>'s research center for agroecology, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-filtration-system-removes-forever-chemicals-from-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water and resilience</a>, unearthed the presence of PFAS in the atmosphere surrounding the Amazonian trees.



The find was not only surprising but also deeply alarming. According to Dr. Kourtchev, the appearance of these 'forever chemicals' in the air above the seemingly untouched <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nearly-40-of-climate-critical-amazon-rainforest-is-unprotected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amazon rainforest</a> was nothing short of 'shocking'.



"Precisely what you don’t want to hear when talking about one of Earth's most precious and diverse ecosystems, right? But here we are," he commented.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-amazon-under-threat">Amazon under threat</h2>



Dr. Kourtchev and his team are now on a mission to understand the potential risk these chemicals pose to Amazon's flora. 



"The Amazon is a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-amazon-rainforest-is-approaching-widespread-collapse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unique ecosystem</a> teeming with rare, exotic species. Any imbalance caused by these PFAS can spell disaster for biodiversity and species survival," he warned.



With over 30 million people calling the Amazon home, the risk is not limited to the ecosystem alone. These residents could be inhaling PFAS, exposing their bodies to the toxic effects of these chemicals. 



"Our bodies can mistake these chemicals for hormones, leading to infertility. This hormonal mimicry could disrupt the reproduction of unique animals and vegetation in the region as well," Dr. Kourtchev explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-following-the-forever-chemicals-trail">Following the forever chemicals trail</h2>



In an extensive study, the research team collected air samples from the top of the Amazon Tall Tower Observatory, standing tall at a whopping 1,066-foot (approximately 325 meters), mirroring the stature of the renowned Eiffel Tower.



The sample analysis, conducted back at Coventry University, was steered by Dr. Kourtchev employing a sensitive technique he previously pioneered.



What the team found was stirring -- PFAS were not locally sourced. They were transported long-range, making their way from afar. 



This puzzle prompted Dr. Kourtchev and his team to examine how these forever chemicals were being trafficked.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-call-for-awareness-and-action">Call for awareness and action</h2>



According to the team's paper, published in Science of The Total Environment, this research marked the first measurement of forever chemicals in the atmosphere of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tree-mortality-is-pushing-the-amazon-to-a-tipping-point/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amazon rainforest</a>.



The prevalence of PFAS in various day-to-day products and their ability to contaminate drinking water turn them into a serious health menace.



Remember, PFAS don't just vanish. They linger inside our bodies, leading to severe health issues including fertility problems and developmental complications, especially in pregnant women and their newborns. 



It's high time we raised awareness about their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-microbes-discovered-destroys-pfas-forever-chemicals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">possible environmental implications</a>, pushing for informed choices and safer practices.



The Amazon is the green lung of our planet, a dynamic and vibrant ecosystem that deserves our protection. 



As we continue to study and understand the impact of forever chemicals in this region, it's crucial for all of us to realize that the wellbeing of the Amazon is interlinked with our own.



So, what's our role in this story? Well, it begins with awareness, carries on with responsible product choices and ends with spreading the word. After all, these 'forever chemicals' should not dictate our future or that of the Amazon.



The study is published in the journal <a class="" href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S004896972404066X" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science of The Total Environment</a>.&nbsp;



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Dangerous PFAS 'forever chemicals' found in the Amazon rainforest

They've cropped up in food, infiltrated our drinking water, find...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Plant diversity 'darkspots' need urgent attention

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Extreme botany: How paramotoring assists in plant conservation

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Intense forest fires leave scorched earth, heating the planet faster

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



The full study was published in the journal Current Biology.



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Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prrq8Ql81zk
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Acid rain and a crisis solved.</figcaption></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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</div></figure>







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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What to plant in your garden in mid-July

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

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

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https://youtu.be/XYgiPzmNBTU?si=eFYY7gPHU1JznLvU
</div></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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https://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
</div></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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

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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

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

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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

[sendtonews key="qjvhBOBnY8-2426650-12187" 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 the province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain. The image was captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission.



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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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

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

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"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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