Once upon a time, you went to a florist for a bouquet. Now you can grab one next to the spinach, at the pharmacy counter, even by the chips at a gas station. As fresh flowers have spilled out of specialty shops and into everyday retail, their place in our lives - and who’s buying them - has changed fast.



Researchers at the <a href="https://www.caes.uga.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Georgia</a> College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences wanted to know what, exactly, is going on. They teamed up across horticulture and agricultural economics to look not just at what people buy, but why they buy it, how often, and what those habits reveal about the modern consumer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flowers-move-beyond-florists">Flowers move beyond florists</h2>



Drawing on a nationally representative survey of more than 8,500 people, the team found remarkable variety rather than a single archetype. Using marketing-style cluster analysis, they identified 13 distinct kinds of flower buyers.



Some are the classic date-night crowd: heavy on roses, big on Valentine’s Day. Others show up once a year for anniversaries and otherwise keep their wallets shut. 



A growing slice is buying flowers solely for themselves - home-use-only shoppers who treat stems like candles or throw pillows, a mood boost for the living room. And then there’s the “everything” group: people who purchase for all kinds of occasions and tend to spend the most overall.



Ask people what flowers mean and the responses span the spectrum. Word clouds from open-ended answers lit up with “beauty” and “smell,” but also “expensive” and “waste.”



Even so, buyers describe tangible upsides. Those who’d purchased flowers in the past year were more likely to report feeling better at home and at work - <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/simple-and-self-guided-nature-program-quickly-improves-mood-and-reduces-stress/">improved mood</a>, less stress, higher morale. The effect was strongest among recent purchasers.



As agricultural economist Ben Campbell put it, “there’s a perceived benefit of buying flowers - whether it’s real or not. People feel they’re getting something valuable from the experience.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-covid-changed-how-we-buy-flowers">Covid changed how we buy flowers</h2>



Behind the scenes, the cut-flower supply chain is both global and intricate. Imports - especially roses from Colombia - still dominate U.S. shelves. But the domestic picture has shifted in surprising ways.



When <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-19-lockdowns-weakened-our-immune-systems/">COVID-19</a> hit, weddings and funerals vanished overnight. Growers plowed under fields. Florists closed their doors. And then, stuck at home, people started buying flowers anyway - to brighten kitchen tables and Zoom backgrounds, to mark time when weeks blurred together. Grocery stores and even convenience stores leaned into the demand.



“It became almost like therapy,” said Julie Campbell, the study’s lead author and a horticulture professor. “The habit stuck around.”



That collective turn inward sparked new growth outdoors. From 2017 to 2022, open-field flower acreage in the U.S. more than doubled. Much of that expansion came from small and mid-sized farms growing stems that don’t ship well - zinnias, dahlias, snapdragons - varieties that explode with color but wilt on long-haul flights. 



Rather than compete with mass-produced roses from the Andes, these growers staked out a complementary niche: seasonal, local, and often more diverse.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-local-farms-find-their-niche">Local farms find their niche</h2>



Today’s bouquets are often a collage of origins. One sleeve might hold Ecuadorian roses, California ranunculus, and Georgia-grown <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urban-wildflowers-may-be-harming-bees/">wildflowers</a>, all in the same mix.



Consumers seem comfortable with that blend, and many are learning to read seasonality the way they do with produce: peonies in late spring, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sunflower-family-tree-explains-evolution-of-flower-symmetry/">sunflowers</a> in midsummer, chrysanthemums in fall.



For domestic growers, that seasonality is an advantage. It allows them to sell what travels poorly and tell a fresher story - field to vase instead of farm to table. For retailers, it’s an opportunity to meet shoppers where they already are.



The UGA study suggests that people inclined to toss a bouquet in the cart also value other small home upgrades. In other words, flowers are converging with the broader “home as haven” mindset that accelerated during the pandemic and never really retreated.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flowers-are-no-longer-just-gifts">Flowers are no longer just gifts</h2>



If there’s one throughline in the data, it’s diversity of intent. Flowers are still gifts, of course, but self-purchase is no longer niche. 



The “everything” buyers - those who grab stems for birthdays, apologies, Tuesdays, and everything in between - anchor the market, yet the once-a-year romantics and the treat-yourself crowd matter too.



That mix is why bouquets now show up in so many retail formats. A pharmacy endcap might catch the anniversary buyer; a grocery display might tempt the self-care shopper who wants tulips with their tomatoes.



It also helps explain the emotional payoffs respondents described. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flower-quality-is-a-critical-driver-of-bee-abundance/">Fresh flowers</a> are a fast, visible change in a room and an affordable luxury compared to furniture or renovations. That hit of beauty, scent, and novelty can feel outsize relative to the spend, which reinforces repeat purchases.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-the-industry-goes-next"><a></a>Where the industry goes next</h2>



Policy and logistics will continue to shape the landscape - trade agreements, air freight costs, and climate impacts all ripple into what appears in the bucket by the checkout. But the UGA team’s work points to a few practical implications now.



Retailers can segment more intelligently, tailoring assortments and messaging to different buyer types rather than assuming a single use case. 



Growers can lean into their strengths - distinctive, local, and seasonal - without trying to displace imports that excel at year-round volume. And marketers can speak to well-being without overpromising: flowers won’t solve life’s problems, but they routinely make spaces feel better, and people notice.



Perhaps the biggest takeaway is the simplest: Americans are still buying flowers - and not just to hand to someone else.



Whether it’s a dozen <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-do-delicate-roses-have-such-harsh-prickles/">roses</a> flown in from Colombia or a handful of dahlias clipped from a nearby farm, fresh stems have become an everyday indulgence. They sit by the sink, brighten a desk, bookend the produce aisle, and remind us, in small ways, why bringing a bit of the outside in still resonates.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.ashs.org/view/journals/horttech/35/3/article-p286.xml" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HortTechnology</a>.



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Why more people are buying flowers for everyday therapy

Once upon a time, you went to a florist for a bouquet. Now you can grab one next to the spinach, at the pharmacy counter, even by the chips at a gas station. As fresh flowers have spilled out of specialty shops and into everyday retail, their place in our lives - and who’s buying them - has changed fast. Researchers at the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences wanted to know what, exactly, is going on. They teamed up across horticulture and agricultural...

Have you ever wondered why some plants, or planet genus, seem to be everywhere, while others are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rare-sapphire-tower-plant-puya-alpestris-blooms-first-time-ten-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rare</a> as a blue moon? Scientists have pondered this question for decades, seeking to understand the secrets behind the success of certain plant groups. 



These dominant groups, known as "big plant genera," comprise a significant portion of Earth's plant diversity and play a crucial role in our lives and ecosystems.



A recent study led by <a href="https://www.tcd.ie" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trinity College Dublin</a> has shed new light on these plant titans. The research reveals that big plant genera are not only thriving but also growing larger at an unprecedented rate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-big-plant-genera">Big plant genera </h2>



In the world of botany, a genus is a group of closely related plant species. Some genera contain only a single, unique species, while others boast thousands of members. 



Big plant genera are the heavyweights of the plant kingdom, housing an astonishing one in four of all flowering plant species. These giants include familiar names like sunflowers, peas, and orchids, as well as lesser-known but ecologically important groups like grasses and sedges.



The Trinity College Dublin study, which builds upon a previous assessment conducted twenty years ago, has found that big plant genera have expanded significantly since the turn of the millennium. More than 10,000 new species have been discovered within just 83 big genera since the year 2000. 



That's roughly 2.5 times the total number of plant species found in Ireland. This astounding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/autophagy-what-makes-plant-roots-grow-faster-stronger/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">growth</a> highlights the remarkable success of these plant groups and their ability to adapt and diversify.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-secrets-of-success">Secrets of success</h2>



But what makes these big plant genera so successful? That's the question that Dr. Peter Moonlight, Assistant Professor at Trinity's School of Natural Sciences and lead author of the study, and his team are eager to answer.



"Until recently, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/these-plants-have-maintained-genetic-stability-for-350-million-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">big plant</a> genera were seen as too large to study. But a recent revolution in methods in plant science and the development of global, collaborative networks has allowed us to update our understanding of plant evolution and global plant diversity," Dr. Moonlight explains.



The researchers are now on a quest to uncover the common traits that might explain the extraordinary success of big plant genera. 



Do they share similar geographic distributions, genetic makeup, or physical characteristics? These are the questions that will drive their future investigations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-importance-of-big-plant-genera-evolution">Importance of big plant genera evolution</h2>



Understanding the factors behind the success of big plant genera is not just an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-genetics-research-just-got-a-lot-easier-with-a-simple-trick/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">academic pursuit</a>; it has real-world implications. These plants play a vital role in our lives, providing us with food, medicine, and other essential resources. They also support ecosystems and contribute to the overall health of our planet.



"Big genera represent lineages of flowering plants that have been extremely successful in the game of evolution. Understanding why they became so successful may help us predict how they and other lineages on the tree of life will respond to the ongoing climate and biodiversity crises," Dr. Moonlight points out.



However, the very traits that have made big plant genera so successful may also make them vulnerable to environmental changes. 



Many of these species have specialized ecological niches, meaning they thrive in specific conditions and may struggle to adapt to changing climates. This raises concerns about their future survival and the potential impact on our ecosystems and livelihoods.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-plant-titans">Future of plant titans</h2>



The ongoing research on big plant genera promises to unlock valuable insights into the forces that shape plant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fibonacci-spirals-an-unexpected-twist-in-plant-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution</a> and diversity. By understanding the secrets behind the success of these titans, we can better predict how they will respond to future challenges and develop effective conservation strategies to protect them.



Dr. Moonlight and his colleagues are optimistic about the future of their research. They plan to lead a symposium at the <a href="https://www.iaptglobal.org/single-post/international-botanical-congress-madrid-2024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Botanical Congress</a> in Madrid this summer, where they will collaborate with experts from around the world to delve deeper into the mysteries of big plant genera.



As we face the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss, the knowledge gained from this research will be more critical than ever. The fate of these plant titans may hold the key to understanding the future of our planet's ecosystems and our own well-being.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2024.0702" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences</a>.



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Why some plants spread farther and grow faster than others

Have you ever wondered why some plants, or planet genus,...

The common spotted <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/despite-their-incredible-adaptability-orchids-are-disappearing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">orchid</a> (Dactylorhiza fuchsii) is prevalent across the UK, yet its clustering pattern, with seedlings often found near mature plants, has puzzled ecologists since Darwin's era. 



A new study led by the <a href="https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Sheffield</a>, in collaboration with the <a href="https://www.manchester.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Manchester</a>, has found that underground fungal networks facilitate this clustering by enabling a form of parental nurture.



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



“The Orchidaceae is a diverse, globally distributed plant family, representatives of which are found in nearly all terrestrial ecosystems. As such, it is important to better understand the mechanisms that regulate the structure of its populations,” wrote the study authors.&nbsp;



“Such knowledge is critical both from the perspective of understanding orchid ecology, but also to aid efforts to conserve these iconic plants.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mycorrhizal-networks">Mycorrhizal networks</h2>



The researchers investigated how fungal networks, known as mycorrhizal networks, serve as pathways for mature orchids to share sugars with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rainforests-replanted-seedlings-after-logging-do-not-recover-well/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seedlings</a>. 



Mycorrhizal networks refer to the symbiotic associations between fungi and plant roots, crucial for both parties involved. In this relationship, the fungi enhance plant nutrient uptake (especially phosphorus and nitrogen) in exchange for carbon derived from the plants.&nbsp;



These networks can connect multiple plants, even of different species, allowing them to exchange nutrients, water, and chemical signals, effectively facilitating communication and resource sharing within an ecosystem.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-parent-orchids-nurture-seedlings">Parent orchids nurture seedlings</h2>



“Our results support the idea that some orchids engage in a form of ‘parental nurture’ with their seedlings,” said senior author Katie Field, a biologist at Sheffield.



“By supplying early stage seedlings with essential nutrients via shared fungal connections, the parent orchids give the seedlings an advantage over neighboring plants that are competing for the same resources.”&nbsp;



“This finding is exciting because why these orchids are often found in clumps, despite their seeds being wind dispersed, has been a puzzle for hundreds of years.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-connecting-mature-orchids-and-seedlings">Connecting mature orchids and seedlings</h2>



The experts examined the interaction between the common spotted orchid and its fungal partner, Ceratobasidium cornigerum.&nbsp;



The researchers created a system connecting mature, photosynthesizing orchids with developing, chlorophyll-free seedlings through a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fungal-networks-that-help-trees-communicate-determine-the-nature-of-forests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fungal network</a> grown on agar. They exposed the mature plants to a traceable form of carbon dioxide, then monitored its movement.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mature-orchids-and-symbiotic-fungi">Mature orchids and symbiotic fungi</h2>



The results showed that the seedlings accumulated the labeled carbon, proving that parent orchids shared sugars with them via the fungal network.



“What is now revealed is that the belowground development of these essentially reserve-free seeds can be supported by photosynthetically produced sugars that are transported to them from mature plants growing above ground through a shared mycelium of symbiotic fungi,” explained lead author David Read, a biologist at the same university.



The experts also found that carbon transfer depends on environmental conditions. When the fungus had access to richer food sources, less carbon was transferred to seedlings, suggesting that the demand from seedlings influences <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fungi-rely-on-bacteria-to-release-nutrients-for-their-host-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nutrient</a> flow.



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



This study, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/nph.19810" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Phytologist</a>, has significant implications for orchid conservation and ecology, emphasizing the role of fungal connections in supporting orchid populations. 



Future research aims to explore these findings in natural habitats and investigate whether similar mechanisms apply to other orchid species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-common-spotted-orchid-nbsp">Common spotted orchid&nbsp;</h2>



The common spotted orchid is a widespread species of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/masters-of-deception-orchids-use-trickery-to-get-what-they-need/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">orchid</a> native to Europe and parts of Asia. It's named for the distinctive spotted patterns found on its leaves, which serve as an attractive feature beneath the flower spikes. 



This orchid blooms between June and August, showcasing flowers that range in color from pink to purple, often adorned with darker, symmetrical markings that enhance their appeal.



These orchids typically thrive in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, meadows, and marshes, showing a particular fondness for calcareous soils that are moist but well-drained.&nbsp;



As a hardy terrestrial plant, the common spotted orchid has a robust nature that allows it to adapt to different environments, although it faces threats from habitat loss and over-collection in some areas.



The common spotted orchid is not only admired for its beauty but also plays a role in its ecosystem, supporting various pollinators including bees, butterflies, and other insects. Its presence in a habitat can indicate a healthy ecosystem, making it an important species for biodiversity.&nbsp;



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Orchid parents nurture seedlings through fungal networks

The common spotted orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii) is prevalent across the...

Although <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-are-hornets-so-successful-as-invasive-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">invasive species</a> have been recognized as a major threat for some time, immediate action is now crucial to address this global issue. This conclusion comes from 88 experts, representing 101 organizations across 47 countries, in their article ‘Curbing the major and growing threats from invasive alien species is urgent and achievable,’ published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-024-02412-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature, Ecology &amp; Evolution</a>. 



The paper, led by Professor Helen Roy from the <a href="https://www.ceh.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UK Center for Ecology &amp; Hydrology</a> and the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a>, is based on findings from the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) <a href="https://www.ipbes.net/ias" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">thematic assessment report</a> on invasive alien species and their control.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-perspective-on-biological-invasions">Global perspective on biological invasions </h2>



“The paper brought together the entire expert team of the IAS assessment, with this diverse group spanning many disciplines with perspectives from around the world drawing the same conclusion about the need for urgent action on the major and growing threat of invasive alien species,” Roy explained.



“With the number of invasive alien species set to rise, the IPBES invasive alien species assessment provides the evidence-base and options to inform immediate and ongoing action. To achieve this there is a need for collaboration, communication, and cooperation, not only across borders but within countries.”



“Interdisciplinarity is key to the success of IPBES assessments,” added Peter Stoett from <a href="https://ontariotechu.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ontario Tech University</a>, the co-chair of the IPBES IAS assessment. “It was wonderful to see social science and humanities experts interacting with invasion biologists and other natural scientists, in a community-building process that will inform policy decisions moving forward.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increasing-threats-from-invasive-species-nbsp">Increasing threats from invasive species&nbsp;</h2>



The threats from invasive species are expected to increase. Every year, around 200 new alien species are introduced globally by human activities to regions where they were not previously found.&nbsp;



Even without human introduction, established alien species will continue to expand their geographic ranges naturally, impacting new areas. Simple projections based on current impacts likely underestimate the future consequences.



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



Interactions among various <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/invasive-species-could-cause-dramatic-biodiversity-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity loss</a> drivers amplify biological invasions. No single driver acts independently. Climate change, for example, facilitates the establishment and spread of invasive alien species into previously inhospitable regions, including the Arctic and Antarctic. 



In mountainous regions, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-glaciers-unleash-invasive-species-into-unexpected-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>, combined with other biodiversity loss factors, has enabled invasive species to expand their ranges into higher elevations twice as quickly as native species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biological-invasions-can-be-mitigated-nbsp">Biological invasions can be mitigated&nbsp;</h2>



The IPBES assessment provided the first comprehensive global synthesis of evidence, concluding that biological invasions pose a significant threat but can be mitigated with urgent, cross-sectoral cooperative action.&nbsp;



Developing management actions with multiple stakeholders, including government and private sectors, Indigenous Peoples, and local communities, will be crucial for addressing biological <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biological-hazard-soil-on-sea-freight-loaded-with-invasive-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">invasions</a> successfully.



“This is not only the most comprehensive global assessment on invasive alien species to date, but also the selection of experts and the evidence gathering was done under the highest standards of inclusivity, resulting in a report which provides critical insights for all stakeholders,” said Aníbal Pauchard, co-chair of the IPBES IAS assessment and expert in biological invasions at the <a href="https://www.udec.cl/pexterno/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Concepción</a>, Chile.



Coordinating bodies like the <a href="https://nonnativespecies.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Non-Native Species Secretariat</a> can ensure effective collaboration among diverse stakeholder groups. For example, the response to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bumblebees-have-unique-defense-tactics-against-asian-hornets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Asian hornet</a> (Vespa velutina) incursions in the UK involved multiple stakeholders working together to ensure rapid information flow and effective nest control.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-public-awareness-and-community-engagement-nbsp">Public awareness and community engagement&nbsp;</h2>



According to the experts, public engagement through awareness campaigns, education, and community science platforms is essential for managing biological invasions. Community science initiatives, supported by digital identification tools, are critical for the rapid detection of invasive species.&nbsp;



For instance, records submitted by the public through the <a href="https://www.brc.ac.uk/app/asian-hornet-watch" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Asian Hornet Watch app</a> in the UK significantly contributed to early warning and rapid response efforts for Vespa velutina.



The study emphasizes the urgent need for immediate and concerted global efforts to address the rising threat of invasive alien species. This coordinated action is both necessary and achievable, with the right strategies in place.



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Growing threat of invasive species requires immediate action

Although invasive species have been recognized as a major threat...

When <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bamboo-plants-shows-great-potential-to-become-the-next-big-renewable-energy-source/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a> draw water from their roots to nourish their stems and leaves, they produce an electric potential that could be harnessed as a renewable energy source. 



However, like all living things, plants are subject to a circadian rhythm - the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-biological-clocks-grow/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biological clock</a> that runs through day and night cycles and influences biological processes. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bioelectricity-in-plants">Bioelectricity in plants</h2>



In plants, this daily cycle includes capturing light energy for photosynthesis and absorbing water and nutrients from the soil during the day and slowing its growth processes at night.&nbsp;



A recent study led by the <a href="https://www.iitkgp.ac.in/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Indian Institute of Technology</a> (IIT) Kharagpur has detailed how biological processes produce voltage in plants and the impact of the cyclic day and night changes on this voltage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sustainable-energy-from-plants">Sustainable energy from plants</h2>



“This streaming potential, essentially a consequence of the natural energy gathered in the plant, offers a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-could-be-powered-entirely-by-renewable-energy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">renewable energy</a> source that is continuous and can be sustainable over long periods,” said senior author Suman Chakraborty, a mechanical engineer at IIT. 



“The question we wanted to answer was how much potential it can produce, and how is electric potential influenced by the plant’s biological clock?”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-rhythm-nbsp-of-energy-flow-in-plants">The rhythm&nbsp;of energy flow in plants</h2>



To find out, the scientists inserted electrodes into the stems of water hyacinths and attached reservoirs with electrodes to pieces of lucky bamboo to closely examine how electrical potential changes depending on types of ions, ion concentration, and the pH of the fluid flowing through the plants.



“Our eureka moment was when our first experiments showed it is possible to produce electricity in a cyclic rhythm and the precise linkage between this and the plant’s inherent daily rhythm,” Chakraborty said. “We could exactly pinpoint how this is related to water transpiration and the ions the plant carries via the ascent of sap.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-electric-streaming-potential-nbsp">Electric streaming potential&nbsp;</h2>



The study quantified the voltage response originating from the movement of ions through the plant’s pathways that align uniquely with the plant’s daily rhythms.&nbsp;



The authors discovered plants can actively moderate the flow of fluid or sap in sync with the day and night cycles. They also found the electric streaming potential increases with decreased concentration of ions or increased pH in the fluid.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plants-can-help-address-the-energy-crisis-nbsp">Plants can help address the energy crisis&nbsp;</h2>



“We not only rediscovered the plant’s electrical rhythm, articulating it in terms of voltages and currents, but we also provided insight into potentially tapping electrical power output from plants in a sustainable manner with no environmental impact and no disruption to the ecosystem,” Chakraborty explained.&nbsp;



“The findings could help develop biomimetic, nature-inspired systems that can address the global energy crisis with an eco-friendly, sustainable solution in which planting a tree not only relieves the crises of climate change and declining environmental quality, but also provides a way to harness electricity from it,” he concluded.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-electric-voltage-in-plants">Electric voltage in plants</h2>



Electric voltage in plants refers to the bioelectric potentials that occur naturally within plant tissues. These electrical signals are part of the way plants manage internal processes and respond to their environment.&nbsp;



The existence of voltage differences in plants is due to ion gradients across cellular membranes, much like the bioelectric processes in animal and human cells.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stress-signals">Stress signals</h3>



For instance, when a plant is injured or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sensors-that-detect-plant-stress-could-revolutionize-farming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stressed</a> by environmental factors like cutting or burning, changes in electric potential can be detected. 



These changes often serve as signals that can propagate to other parts of the plant, initiating physiological responses such as the healing of wounds, changes in growth, or defensive mechanisms against pests and diseases.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-communication-nbsp">Plant communication&nbsp;</h3>



Moreover, some research suggests that these electrical signals may help <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-capture-plant-communication-on-video/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants communicate</a> distress or physiological states between different parts of themselves, or even with other plants, though this area of study is still quite exploratory.



These bioelectric phenomena are instrumental for understanding how plants interact with their environment and manage their internal functions without a nervous system, highlighting the complexity and adaptability of plant life.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/5.0195088" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Physics of Fluids</a>.



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Bioelectric future: Harnessing the natural energy of plants

When plants draw water from their roots to nourish their...

<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oranges-lower-risk-macular-degeneration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orange</a> peels might be key to better cardiovascular health, according to new research led by the <a href="https://www.ufl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Florida</a>. 



Heart disease, a leading cause of death, has been linked to gut bacteria that produce trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) when digesting certain nutrients.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-of-orange-peel-extracts">Potential of orange peel extracts</h2>



Funded by a $500,000 USDA grant, a team led by Yu Wang - an associate professor of food science and human nutrition - investigated orange peel extracts for their potential to reduce TMAO production. The researchers tested both polar and nonpolar fractions of the extracts.&nbsp;



“If you imagine your salad dressing, anything in the water or vinegar part are the polar fraction; anything in the oil away from water is the non-polar fraction,” explained Professor Wang. “The solvents we used were not exactly like water and oil, but they possess similar polarity.”&nbsp;



The analysis revealed that the non-polar fraction effectively inhibited harmful chemical production. The scientists also identified a compound called feruloylputrescine in the polar fraction significantly inhibited the enzyme responsible for TMA production.



“This is a novel finding that highlights the previously unrecognized health potential of feruloylputrescine in reducing the risk of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cardiovascular-disease-death/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiovascular disease</a>,” said Wang.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-orange-peel-extracts-are-safe-for-consumption-nbsp">Orange peel extracts are safe for consumption&nbsp;</h2>



This discovery is especially relevant given that five million tons of orange peels are produced annually in the U.S., primarily from juice production. Typically, half of these peels are used for cattle feed, while the rest is discarded.&nbsp;



However, the FDA considers natural orange peel extracts safe for human consumption, opening up possibilities for repurposing them.



“These findings suggest that orange peels, often discarded as waste in the citrus industry, can be repurposed into valuable health-promoting ingredients, such as diet supplements or food ingredients,” Wang explained.&nbsp;



“Our research paves the way for developing functional foods enriched with these bioactive compounds, providing new therapeutic strategies for heart health,” she concluded.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-orange-peels">More about orange peels</h2>



Orange peels, the brightly colored outer skin of oranges, are more than just a protective covering for the juicy citrus segments inside. They contain essential oils that are responsible for their vibrant aroma and are often used in culinary dishes, cleaning products, and aromatherapy.&nbsp;



Despite their bitter taste, orange peels are edible and are a rich source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, which can provide various health benefits such as boosting the immune system and reducing the risk of certain diseases.&nbsp;



They also have applications in traditional medicine and can be used in various forms such as zest, in marmalades, or as a flavor enhancer. Additionally, their natural oil extracts are commonly found in skin care products due to their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vitamin-c-and-heart-health-nbsp">Vitamin C and heart health&nbsp;</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strawberries-promote-cardiometabolic-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vitamin C</a> is a powerful antioxidant which plays a significant role in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vegan-diet-improves-heart-health-in-a-matter-of-weeks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart health</a>, primarily through its involvement in various biological functions. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-blood-vessels-and-arteries">Blood vessels and arteries</h3>



Vitamin C helps in the production of collagen, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of blood vessels. This is important for preventing and managing conditions like atherosclerosis where arteries stiffen due to plaque buildup.



Research suggests that vitamin C can help reduce blood pressure and the stiffness of arteries, lower the levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and improve endothelial function, which is the ability of blood vessels to dilate properly. These effects collectively help reduce the risk of heart disease.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oxidative-stress-nbsp">Oxidative stress&nbsp;</h3>



Moreover, vitamin C's antioxidant properties help combat oxidative stress, which is linked to many chronic diseases including heart disease. By neutralizing free radicals, vitamin C helps protect the heart and blood vessels from damage.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-are-supplements-effective">Are supplements effective?</h3>



However, while a diet rich in vitamin C is associated with numerous health benefits, the effectiveness of vitamin C supplements in preventing cardiovascular disease has been debated. Some studies suggest benefits, while others show no significant reduction in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/refined-grains-increase-the-risk-of-heart-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart disease risk</a> with supplementation. 



Therefore, obtaining vitamin C from natural sources like fruits and vegetables is generally recommended over supplements for overall heart health.



The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.3c09005" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry</a>.



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Orange peels: An unexpected weapon against heart disease

Orange peels might be key to better cardiovascular health, according...

As our planet warms, many species are relocating to new areas, but <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-struggling-to-breathe-store-co2-hotter-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trees</a> are lagging behind other plants and animals. A recent study published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2308811121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a> (PNAS) suggests that the reason for this delay in tree migration might be found underground - in soil fungi.&nbsp;



The researchers found that trees, especially those in northern regions, may be moving to soils that lack the mycorrhizal fungi necessary to support them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trees-and-soil-fungi-in-a-warming-world-nbsp">Trees and soil fungi in a warming world&nbsp;</h2>



Most plants, including large coniferous trees in northern latitudes, rely on symbiotic relationships with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-distribute-enormous-amounts-of-co2-to-mycorrhizal-fungi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mycorrhizal fungi</a>.&nbsp;These microscopic fungi form networks in the soil, connecting with plant roots to supply essential nutrients in exchange for carbon.&nbsp;



The study showed that 35% of tree-fungi partnerships could be negatively impacted by climate change, according to lead author Michael Van Nuland, a fungal ecologist at the <a href="https://www.spun.earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Society for the Protection of Underground Networks</a> (SPUN).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diverse-soil-fungi-help-trees-survive">Diverse soil fungi help trees survive</h2>



The trees most at risk in North America belong to the pine family. The study highlighted that trees on the edges of their ranges, where conditions are harshest, have higher survival rates when they have more diverse mycorrhizal fungi. This diversity is critical for helping trees withstand <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fungi-in-boreal-forests-are-sensitive-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>.



“Ectomycorrhizal fungi have a different relationship to climate than ectomycorrhizal trees do,” explained co-author Clara Qin, a data scientist at SPUN.&nbsp;



“While we expect climate-driven migrations to be limited by abiotic factors like the availability of space at higher latitudes and elevations, we don't usually account for biotic limitations like the availability of symbiotic partners.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-assisted-migration-strategies-nbsp">Assisted migration strategies&nbsp;</h2>



“It’s absolutely vital that we continue to work to understand how climate change is affecting mycorrhizal symbioses,” Van Nuland added. “These relationships underpin all life on Earth - it’s critical that we understand and protect them.”



“While more empirical work on this topic is certainly warranted, it may help explain previous observations of migration failure amongst a wide range of North American tree species. Consequently, our findings suggest that mycorrhizal fungi will need to be carefully considered as part of any assisted migration strategies for North American tree species,” the authors concluded.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pine-trees-of-north-america">Pine trees of North America</h2>



The pine family, scientifically known as Pinaceae, is a prominent group of coniferous trees that are widespread across North America. This family includes not only pines but also firs, spruces, cedars, and larches, among others.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pine-tree-characteristics">Pine tree characteristics</h3>



These trees are characterized by their needle-like leaves, which are typically evergreen, and their cone-bearing reproductive structures.&nbsp;



Pines, in particular, are known for their long, slender needles grouped in clusters called fascicles, which can contain anywhere from one to five needles depending on the species.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pine-species-diversity-nbsp">Pine species diversity&nbsp;</h3>



In North America, the diversity of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-of-californias-pine-forests-may-never-return/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pine species</a> is significant, adapting to a wide range of climates and soils. They are found from the cold boreal forests of Canada, where species like the white pine and red pine thrive, to the warm southern regions where species like the ponderosa and lodgepole pine are common.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-and-economic-significance-nbsp">Ecological and economic significance&nbsp;</h3>



The adaptability of these trees makes them ecologically important as they provide habitat and food for wildlife, help in soil stabilization, and contribute to the forest's fire dynamics due to their flammable resin.



Economically, the pine family is equally significant. Many species are harvested for timber and paper production, and pine trees are also popular as Christmas trees due to their appealing fragrance and shape.&nbsp;



The resilience and utility of the pine family make it a vital component of North American forests, both in natural settings and in managed landscapes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-soil-fungi-in-tree-health">Role of soil fungi in tree health</h2>



Soil fungi play a crucial role in the health and growth of trees primarily through their symbiotic relationships with tree roots. These fungi, particularly mycorrhizal fungi, extend their networks into the soil, greatly expanding the surface area of tree roots.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-and-essential-nutrients">Water and essential nutrients</h3>



This increased surface area allows trees to absorb water and essential nutrients, like phosphorus and nitrogen, more efficiently than roots could on their own.&nbsp;



In return, the fungi receive carbohydrates produced by the trees through photosynthesis, which are vital for their growth and reproduction.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fungi-and-soil-structure-nbsp">Fungi and soil structure&nbsp;</h3>



Moreover, soil fungi improve the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amazon-dark-earth-could-revolutionize-forest-restoration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soil structure</a>, which enhances water retention and aeration, providing a better growing environment for trees.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-soil-composition-nbsp">Soil composition&nbsp;</h3>



Fungi also play a key role in decomposing organic matter in the soil, which recycles nutrients that are essential for the ecosystem's sustainability. 



This interaction not only boosts tree health but also enhances their resistance to various stresses, including drought and diseases, helping maintain the overall resilience and stability of forest ecosystems.&nbsp;



By fostering a complex web of interactions within the soil, fungi contribute significantly to the ecological success and longevity of trees.



-----



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Trees are moving to soils that lack the fungi to support them

As our planet warms, many species are relocating to new...

In today's fast-paced urban lifestyle, we often find ourselves disconnected from nature and its countless benefits. However, a recent collaborative study has shed light on a simple yet powerful way to enhance our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gardening-significantly-improves-sleep-quality-in-adults/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health and well-being</a>: indoor gardening.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-benefits-of-urban-indoor-gardening">Benefits of urban indoor gardening</h2>



Doctoral Researcher Mika Saarenpää from the Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, <a href="https://www.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-biological-and-environmental-sciences" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Helsinki</a>, conducted a fascinating study that explored the impact of urban indoor gardening on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-microbiome-trillions-of-bacteria-unique-like-your-fingerprint/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human microbiota</a> and immune regulation.



The study involved two groups of participants: one engaged in indoor gardening using a microbially rich <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urban-gardens-promote-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">growing medium</a> that mimicked forest soil, while the control group used a microbially poor peat-based medium. The results were astounding.



"One month of urban indoor gardening boosted the diversity of bacteria on the skin of the subjects and was associated with higher levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines in the blood. The group studied used a growing medium with high microbial diversity emulating the forest soil," explains Saarenpää.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-our-clean-lives-might-be-making-us-sick">Our "clean" lives might be making us sick</h2>



Urbanization has brought about many conveniences, but it has also led to a significant reduction in our exposure to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbial-life-soil-planet-warming-global-carbon-cycle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diverse microbes</a>. This shift has been linked to a rise in immune-mediated diseases such as allergies, asthma, and autoimmune disorders.



"We live too 'cleanly' in cities," Saarenpää emphasizes. The sanitized urban environment, he explains, has led to a significant reduction in our exposure to diverse microbes, altering the delicate balance of our body's microbiota. This shift has been linked to a concerning rise in immune-mediated diseases. 



"Our study shows that engaging in meaningful and natural activities, such as indoor gardening, can help counteract these effects by increasing the diversity of our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/certain-gut-bacteria-lower-cholesterol-and-the-risk-of-heart-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbiota</a> and supporting the regulation of our immune system," Saarenpää asserts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bringing-nature-home-is-simple-and-accessible">Bringing nature home is simple and accessible</h2>



One of the most exciting aspects of this study is that increasing microbial exposure can be done easily and safely at home, all year round. 



The space and financial investment required is minimal. Participants in the study used regular flower boxes and readily available plants such as peas, beans, mustards, and salads.



"We don't yet know how long the changes observed in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-aging-have-been-found-in-the-skin-microbiome/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">skin microbiota</a> and anti-inflammatory cytokines persist, but if gardening turns into a hobby, it can be assumed that the regulation of the immune system becomes increasingly continuous," Saarenpää notes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exposing-children-to-nature-at-an-early-age">Exposing children to nature at an early age</h2>



Saarenpää stresses the importance of exposing children to nature and microbes early on, as their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/babies-immune-systems-have-hidden-and-surprising-strength/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">immune systems</a> develop rapidly during childhood. 



He suggests introducing planter boxes filled with microbially rich soil in kindergartens, schools, and even hospitals, especially in densely built urban areas.



However, Saarenpää also emphasizes the need for caution, saying, "For urban gardening to bring health benefits instead of risks, the skin of the hands in particular must be unbroken, and the inhalation of dusty growing media avoided."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reconnecting-with-nature-s-diversity">Reconnecting with nature's diversity</h2>



While indoor gardening offers a practical solution for increasing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbes-in-an-infant-gut-have-their-unique-circadian-rhythms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbial exposure</a>, Saarenpää envisions a broader goal: creating urban environments that are diverse enough to provide the necessary microbial exposure without relying on specially designed products.



"My research emphasizes the dependence of our health on the diversity of nature and that of soil in particular," Saarenpää states. He underscores the fundamental truth that human well-being is intimately connected to the rich tapestry of species around us. 



"In an ideal world, our urban landscapes would be designed to nurture this diversity, providing a natural source of beneficial <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/umbrella-toxin-discovery-may-help-human-antibiotic-resistance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbial exposure</a> without the need for specially engineered solutions," Saarenpää envisions. 



"By recognizing our place within the intricate web of life, we can create cities that promote health and resilience for all their inhabitants."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-and-happiness-from-indoor-gardening">Health and happiness from indoor gardening</h2>



In summary, by embracing indoor gardening, we can cultivate a healthier future for ourselves and our communities. 



This simple yet powerful activity brings the benefits of nature into our homes and serves as a reminder of our intricate connection with the diverse world around us. 



As we nurture our plants, we also nurture our own well-being, strengthening our immune systems and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. 



So let us plant the seeds of change, one planter box at a time, and watch as our cities transform into thriving, resilient ecosystems that support the health and happiness of all who call them home.



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Mika Saarenpää was joined by researchers from the <a href="https://www.luke.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Natural Resources Institute Finland</a> and <a href="https://www.tuni.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tampere University</a> for this study.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412024002915?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environment International</a>.



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Indoor gardening has many surprising health benefits

In today's fast-paced urban lifestyle, we often find ourselves disconnected...

Siberian,Chipmunk,(eutamias,Sibiricus),In,The,Forest,In,Noord,Brabant

Deep within the Penobscot Experimental Forest in Maine, a team of researchers has uncovered a fascinating phenomenon involving small mammals. 



These woods, located about 10 miles north of Bangor, are scattered with hidden treasures -- not gold or jewels, but eastern white pine seeds. 



These seed caches were strategically placed by researchers to study the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mammal-social-behavior-dates-back-to-the-age-of-dinosaurs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">behavior</a> of the forest's small mammal inhabitants.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-behavior-of-small-mammals-in-forests">Behavior of small mammals in forests</h2>



This intriguing study is led by Brigit Humphreys, a graduate student at the <a href="https://umaine.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Maine</a>, as part of her National Science Foundation-funded research. 



For the past two years, Humphreys has been investigating how the personalities of small mammals influence their behavior, particularly in the context of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/woodlice-prove-crucial-players-plant-seed-dispersal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seed dispersal</a>. 



Her work is part of a larger, eight-year project nearing its conclusion, aimed at understanding the role of individual animal personalities in ecological processes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-importance">Ecological importance</h2>



The point of the project was to figure out how small mammal personality and animal personality in general influence different ecological processes. 



"We’re focused on small mammals because they’re abundant, we get a really good sample size, and we can conduct experiments on them in the forest. Seed dispersal is crucial to Maine’s economy, recreation, and aesthetics," Humphreys explained.



This research sheds light on an often overlooked aspect of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/history-can-affect-the-outcome-of-ecological-restoration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecology</a> -- individual behavioral differences within species. 



By focusing on these differences, Humphreys aims to highlight their significance in ecosystems, tree growth, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiny-ants-make-a-huge-contribution-to-forest-regeneration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forest regeneration</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-catching-the-thieves-in-action">Catching the thieves in action</h2>



Under the guidance of Professor Alessio Mortelliti from the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Conservation Biology, Humphreys and her team conducted their fieldwork from June to October 2022.



They set traps for various small mammals, including squirrels, chipmunks, mice, voles, and shrews, across a six-grid system in the forest. Each captured animal was tagged and its personality traits recorded.



After clearing the traps from each grid, the team planted artificial seed caches equipped with circular antennas to detect the tagged animals. Game cameras were also installed to capture footage of the animals pilfering the seeds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovering-personality-traits">Discovering personality traits</h2>



Humphreys' findings reveal that the personality of small mammals significantly influences their seed-stealing success. 



"We found that more exploratory deer mice were more likely to find caches to pilfer," Humphreys notes. "They move around more and don't consider predation risk as much, so they find these caches and steal them."



The research also highlighted that skinnier animals were more desperate to pilfer due to hunger, and female voles were more likely to steal seeds, aligning with previous research on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-behavior-of-voles-linked-to-oxytocin-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vole behavior</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexpected-pilferers">Unexpected pilferers</h2>



Throughout the study, the team observed a variety of species pilfering the caches. 



"We had over 10 different species come and pilfer the caches," Humphreys says. "Some were unexpected, like raccoons. The other common pilferers were American red squirrels, eastern chipmunks, Sorex shrews, and jumping mice."



Even with a small sample of jumping mice, their effectiveness was notable. "The ones that were present in our areas were very effective. They got like 10 caches in a night," Humphreys adds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-small-mammals-healthy-forests-happy-planet">Small mammals, healthy forests, happy planet</h2>



Humphreys’ research, recently published in the Journal of Animal Ecology, emphasizes the importance of individual behavioral diversity within species. 



"The take-home message of all the research we are doing is that individuals are important," she concludes. "There’s a big push in the science community to conserve biodiversity, but beyond biodiversity, we have to be conserving behavioral diversity within a species if we truly want to have fully functional ecosystems."



In summary, as we delve deeper into the secret lives of forest critters, Brigit Humphreys and her team at the University of Maine continue to unravel the complex relationships between small mammal personalities and the ecosystems they inhabit. 



Their research not only highlights the importance of individual quirks in shaping forest dynamics but also underscores the need to conserve behavioral diversity within species.



By understanding and preserving the unique personalities of these furry thieves, we can ensure the health, resilience, and beauty of our forests for years to come. 



So the next time you take a walk in the woods, remember that beneath the tranquil canopy, a lively cast of characters is busy pilfering, exploring, and shaping the world around them, one stolen seed at a time.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1365-2656.14059" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Animal Ecology</a>.



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Small mammals play a vital role in maintaining forest health

Deep within the Penobscot Experimental Forest in Maine, a team...

For many, chocolate is a beloved treat made from cocoa mass and cocoa butter extracted from the cocoa fruit. However, the fruit contains other valuable ingredients that have been underutilized until now. 



Researchers and the chocolate industry are collaborating to maximize the <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/cocoa-fruit_interior-diagram_illustration_credit-Kim-Mishra_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">use of the entire cocoa fruit</a>. This effort aims to boost the profitability of cocoa cultivation while making chocolate a healthier treat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-maximizing-the-potential-of-cocoa-fruit">Maximizing the potential of cocoa fruit</h2>



Researchers at <a href="https://ethz.ch/en.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ETH Zurich</a>, in collaboration with start-up Koa and Swiss chocolate manufacturer <a href="https://www.felchlin.com/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Felchlin</a>, have developed a recipe for cocoa-fruit chocolate. 



This project, part of an Innosuisse initiative, was led by emeritus ETH professor Erich Windhab. The team focused on harnessing the full potential of the cocoa fruit, including the flesh and parts of the fruit shell, known as the endocarp.



Kim Mishra, the main author of the study published in the journal Nature Food, explains that the cocoa fruit is similar to the honeydew melon. 



"These fruits have similar structures. Both have a hard outer shell that reveals the flesh of the fruit when cut open, as well as the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cocoa-beans-reduce-the-risk-of-fatal-cardiovascular-events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cocoa beans</a> or melon seeds and pulp in the interior," notes Mishra. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chocolate-with-less-sugar-still-tastes-great-with-a-secret-ingredient/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Traditional chocolate</a> uses only the beans, but the researchers utilized the entire fruit to create a cocoa gel. This gel is extremely sweet and can replace the added powdered sugar typically used in chocolate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-tree-to-chocolate-journey-of-cocoa-fruit">From tree to chocolate: Journey of cocoa fruit</h2>



The cocoa fruit, also known as the cacao pod, grows on the trunk and branches of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secret-cocoa-pollinators-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Theobroma cacao</a> tree. The pod typically measures between 6 to 12 inches long and has an oval or oblong shape. The pod's thick, leathery skin ranges in color from yellow to orange when ripe, depending on the variety.



Inside the pod, a sweet, white pulp encases 20 to 60 cocoa beans, which are arranged in rows. The pulp, also called the mucilage, has a soft, slippery texture and a tart, citrusy flavor. The beans themselves are covered by a thin, pale membrane and have a bitter taste.



When the pod ripens, harvesters carefully cut it from the tree using a machete or a sharp knife, ensuring not to damage the delicate stem that will produce future flowers and fruits. 



They then crack open the pod and scoop out the pulp-covered beans, which undergo fermentation, drying, and roasting to develop the rich, chocolate flavor we associate with cocoa.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-perfecting-the-recipe">Perfecting the recipe</h2>



Finding the perfect recipe for cocoa-fruit chocolate was a challenge. The researchers systematically tested various compositions in the lab. 



Too much fruit juice from the pulp made the chocolate clumpy, while too little resulted in insufficient sweetness. The goal was to achieve the right balance between sweetness and texture. 



The experiments showed that chocolate could contain up to 20% of the cocoa gel, providing sweetness equivalent to chocolate with 5-10% powdered sugar. In contrast, conventional <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-chocolate-triggers-mood-boosting-changes-in-the-gut/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dark chocolate</a> can contain 30-40% powdered sugar.



To test the sensory experience, trained panelists from the <a href="https://www.bfh.ch/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bern University of Applied Sciences</a> taste-tested 5-gram pieces of chocolate, some with powdered sugar and others sweetened with cocoa gel. 



"This allowed us to empirically determine the sweetness of our recipe as expressed in the equivalent amount of powdered sugar," says Mishra.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-healthier-sustainable-option">Healthier, sustainable option</h2>



Using cocoa gel as a sweetener results in cocoa-fruit chocolate with a higher fiber content (15 grams versus 12 grams per 100 grams) and lower saturated fat content (23 grams versus 33 grams) compared to typical European dark chocolate. 



"Fibre is valuable from a physiological perspective because it naturally regulates intestinal activity and prevents <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/people-become-hangry-when-their-blood-sugar-is-low/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blood sugar</a> levels from rising too rapidly when consuming chocolate," explains Mishra.



Saturated fat can also pose a health risk when too much is consumed. There’s a relationship between increased consumption of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/diet-plays-a-major-role-in-preventing-alzheimers-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">saturated fats</a> and increased risk of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cocoa-beans-reduce-the-risk-of-fatal-cardiovascular-events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiovascular diseases.</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-benefits-for-farmers">Benefits for farmers</h2>



Small-scale farmers can benefit from this innovation by diversifying their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cacao-trees-5000-year-odyssey-global-domestication/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">product</a> offerings and increasing their income. 



By using more components of the cocoa fruit, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deadly-virus-threatens-global-chocolate-supply/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">farmers</a> can sell not only the beans but also the dried juice from the pulp and the endocarp, ground into powder. 



"This would allow them to generate income from three value-creation streams. And more value creation for the cocoa fruit makes it more sustainable," says Mishra.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-cocoa-fruit">Future of cocoa fruit</h2>



While cocoa-fruit chocolate has shown promise, it won't be hitting grocery store shelves immediately. 



"Although we've shown that our chocolate is attractive and has a comparable sensory experience to normal chocolate, the entire value creation chain will need to be adapted, starting with the cocoa farmers, who will require drying facilities,” says Mishra. 



"Cocoa-fruit chocolate can only be produced and sold on a large scale by chocolate producers once enough powder is produced by food processing companies," she concluded.



The first step has been taken: ETH has filed a patent for its innovative cocoa-fruit chocolate recipe. This development is a promising example of how technology, nutrition, eco-compatibility, and income diversification for small farmers can work together to improve the value-creation chain of the cocoa plant.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43016-024-00967-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Food</a>.



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Healthier chocolate created by using the entire cocoa fruit

For many, chocolate is a beloved treat made from cocoa...

In the field of cancer research, unexpected heroes sometimes emerge from the most surprising sources. Who would have thought that a virus related to the humble black-eyed pea plant could hold the key to a potential breakthrough in cancer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chaotic-protein-that-fuels-75-of-cancers-can-be-controlled/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">treatment</a>? 



Yet, that's exactly what a remarkable study from the University of California San Diego (<a href="https://ucsd.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC San Diego</a>) suggests.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-treating-metastatic-cancer-with-a-plant-virus">Treating metastatic cancer with a plant virus</h2>



Metastatic cancer, also known as stage 4 cancer, is when cancer cells spread from the primary tumor to other parts of the body. This process is called metastasis. Metastatic cancer can affect various organs, including the liver, lungs, bones, and brain.



The spread happens when cancer cells break away from the original tumor, travel through the bloodstream or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aging-turns-lymph-nodes-into-fat-impairing-immunity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lymphatic system</a>, and form new tumors in other organs or tissues. These new tumors are made of the same type of cancer cells as the primary tumor. 



For example, if breast cancer spreads to the lungs, the cancer cells in the lungs are still <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flaxseeds-influence-on-the-gut-could-reduce-breast-cancer-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">breast cancer</a> cells, not lung cancer cells.



Metastatic cancer is more challenging to treat than cancer that remains in one location. Treatment usually aims to slow the growth of the cancer, manage symptoms, and improve quality of life. 



Common treatments include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and sometimes surgery. Each case is unique, and treatment plans are tailored to the individual's specific situation.



Despite the advanced stage of metastatic cancer, ongoing research and new treatments are continually improving outcomes and offering hope for patients. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-cancer-rates-in-young-adults-linked-to-accelerated-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Early detection</a> and advancements in medical science play crucial roles in managing this complex condition.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-virus-in-cancer-treatment">Plant virus in cancer treatment</h2>



Researchers at UC San Diego have harnessed the power of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-plant-virus-could-help-cure-cancer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cowpea</a> mosaic virus, a virus that typically infects black-eyed pea plants, to develop an experimental cancer treatment. 



When transformed into nanoparticles, the virus has shown remarkable promise in protecting against a broad range of metastatic cancers in mice.



The ability of this plant virus-based treatment to combat metastasis across various cancer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unique-fingerprint-of-cancer-cells-revealed-in-hydrogen-atoms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">types</a>, including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/colon-cancer-colorectal-screening-accurate-new-blood-test/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">colon</a>, ovarian, melanoma, and breast cancer, is a significant step forward.



"We are providing a systemic treatment to wake up the body's immune system to eliminate the disease before metastases even form and settle," said Nicole Steinmetz, a professor of nanoengineering at UC San Diego and a leading researcher in this study.



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



The beauty of this treatment lies in its simplicity and natural origins. Scientists grow black-eyed pea plants in the lab and infect them with the cowpea mosaic virus. 



The plants then produce millions of copies of the virus, which are harvested as ball-shaped nanoparticles. These nanoparticles, with no further modification, are ready for use in experiments.



These nanoparticles don't directly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/holy-grail-molecule-can-kill-all-types-of-solid-cancer-tumors/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">attack cancer cells</a>. Instead, they act as an immune system alarm. Even though the virus is harmless to mammals, the body's immune cells recognize it as a foreign invader. 



This triggers a robust immune response, not only against any existing tumors but also against future ones, effectively preventing cancer from spreading and recurring.



The immune response is crucial because it harnesses the body's natural defense mechanisms to fight cancer. By stimulating the immune system, the treatment helps the body identify and destroy cancer cells more effectively. 



This approach targets both the primary tumor and any potential metastases, offering a comprehensive strategy to combat cancer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-virus-cancer-treatment-shows-promise-in-mice">Plant virus cancer treatment shows promise in mice</h2>



The effectiveness of this plant virus treatment has been demonstrated in mouse models. 



Mice injected with the cowpea mosaic virus nanoparticles and then exposed to metastatic tumors showed significantly improved survival rates and reduced tumor growth compared to untreated mice.



"Here, we do not treat established tumors or metastatic disease -- we prevent them from forming," said Steinmetz. This preventive approach is a game-changer. It means potentially stopping cancer in its tracks before it becomes a life-threatening problem. 



Even more exciting is the treatment's effectiveness after surgery. In mice that had tumors surgically removed, the nanoparticles helped boost the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reprogramming-the-immune-system-to-attack-cancer-cells/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">immune system</a>, preventing any remaining cancer cells from spreading and causing a recurrence.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-plant-based-virus-cancer-therapy">Future of plant-based virus cancer therapy</h2>



The researchers are enthusiastic about the potential of this plant virus treatment. They are now gearing up for clinical trials, with the goal of eventually testing this therapy in humans. While there's still a long road ahead, the initial results are highly promising.



"Even if you perform surgery to remove the tumors, no surgery is perfect and there is outgrowth of metastasis if no additional treatment is provided," explained Steinmetz. "Here, we use our plant virus nanoparticles after surgery to boost the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/turning-cancers-defense-against-itself-using-novel-car-t-therapy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">immune system</a> to reject any residual disease and prevent circulating tumor cells from metastatic seeding. We found that it works really, really well!"



This research also opens the door to exploring other plant-based therapies for cancer. It highlights the vast potential of nature to provide solutions for some of our most pressing medical challenges.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-hope-for-patients">New hope for patients</h2>



The possibility of a plant virus-based cancer treatment is an exciting development for cancer patients and their families. While more research is needed, the early results suggest that this innovative approach could offer a safer and more effective way to prevent and treat metastatic cancer.



The cowpea mosaic virus, once just a threat to black-eyed pea plants, may soon become a powerful ally in the fight against cancer.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/advs.202308237" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Advanced Science</a>.



-----



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Plant virus that attacks black-eyed peas also kills cancer tumors

In the field of cancer research, unexpected heroes sometimes emerge...

Flowers brighten our gardens, fill our vases, and inspire countless poets. But have you ever wondered about the drama unfolding within their petals? It turns out, plants have a fascinating (and surprisingly complex) way of choosing their fertilization partners. 



Scientists at <a href="https://en.nagoya-u.ac.jp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nagoya University</a> in Japan have just pulled back the curtain on this hidden world, and what they've found could change the way we think about agriculture.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flower-fertilization">Flower fertilization</h2>



Flowering plants, known as <a href="https://www.earth.com/plant-encyclopedia/angiosperms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">angiosperms</a>, have male and female parts. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sunflower-family-tree-explains-evolution-of-flower-symmetry/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reproduction</a> kicks off when a pollen grain (carrying male genetic material) lands on the stigma of a flower (the female part). 



This triggers the growth of a pollen tube, a microscopic tunnel that delivers sperm cells to the ovule for fertilization. It's like a tiny, botanical version of a sperm whale diving to the depths of the ocean.



But how does a flower choose which pollen grain gets to fertilize it? To answer this, the Nagoya University team developed a technique using a two-photon microscope, allowing them to <a href="https://www.embopress.org/doi/suppl/10.1038/s44319-024-00151-4/suppl_file/44319_2024_151_moesm13_esm.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">peer deep inside a living flower</a> for the first time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-attraction-and-repulsion-in-flower-fertilization">Attraction and repulsion in flower fertilization</h2>



What they saw was a captivating pattern of attraction and rejection in flower fertilization. The female tissue of the flower emits a signal that lures a single <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-twist-in-the-evolution-of-plant-pollinator-relationships/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollen</a> tube towards it. It's like a siren song, guiding the pollen tube along the precise path towards fertilization.



Once the lucky pollen tube has been chosen, the female tissue releases a second signal, this one designed to repel any other suitors. It's as if the flower says, "Thanks, but I'm taken!" This dual mechanism ensures that only one pollen tube gets to fertilize the ovule.



Lead researcher Yoko Mizuta described this repulsion system as "fascinating," noting the complex interplay of different cell types involved in this intricate process of attraction and repulsion. It's like a botanical soap opera, complete with love triangles and dramatic rejections.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-significance">Study significance</h2>



This discovery goes beyond mere scientific curiosity about flower fertilization. It has significant implications for agriculture. By understanding how plants regulate fertilization, we can potentially optimize seed production and improve crop yields. 



The precise mechanism of one-to-one pollen tube guidance ensures successful fertilization and efficient seed production. This knowledge can help develop methods to enhance these natural processes. 



By mimicking or enhancing the signals that attract and repel pollen tubes, agricultural scientists could increase seed production and improve germination rates. This could lead to more efficient crop production, especially under challenging environmental <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urbanization-alters-the-dynamics-of-plant-pollinator-networks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conditions</a>. 



Ultimately, this research provides valuable insights that could benefit agricultural breeding practices, leading to higher yields and more robust crops. This could play a crucial role in addressing food security issues by making agricultural practices more efficient and productive.



"By precisely orchestrating the behavior of pollen tubes, plants have evolved a mechanism to ensure successful fertilization and efficient seed production on dry land with a limited number of suitors," Mizuta explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-plant-breeding">Future of plant breeding</h2>



This research opens up a whole new world of possibilities for plant <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/how-does-a-lotus-flower-grow/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">breeding</a>. 



By manipulating the signals that attract and repel pollen tubes, scientists could potentially develop crops that are more resistant to environmental stressors, produce higher yields, and have better germination rates. 



Understanding the precise mechanisms of one-to-one pollen tube guidance allows for targeted interventions in plant reproduction processes. 



By enhancing the attraction signals, we can ensure that more pollen tubes reach the ovules, leading to successful fertilization and increased seed production. 



Conversely, by optimizing the repulsion signals in flowers, we can prevent multiple pollen tubes from fertilizing the same ovule, improving the efficiency of fertilization. 



This could lead to the development of crops that thrive in challenging environmental conditions, such as drought or poor soil quality. Overall, this research provides a foundation for innovative plant breeding techniques that could significantly enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability.



So, the next time you see a flower, remember, there's more going on than meets the eye. It's not just a pretty face, but a complex organism with a fascinating reproductive strategy – one that could help us feed a growing planet.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.embopress.org/doi/full/10.1038/s44319-024-00151-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EMBO Reports</a>.



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Flowers are picky when choosing their mate for fertilization

Flowers brighten our gardens, fill our vases, and inspire countless...

Corn,Close-up

Climate change is significantly impacting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pollution-prevents-nighttime-pollinators-from-finding-flowers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollinator activity</a>, leading to a decrease in plant pollen production and diversity. This could have serious implications for global food production. 



Researchers from several institutions have meticulously examined the long-term effects of global warming on plant-pollinator interactions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-pollinators-and-food-production">Climate change, pollinators, and food production</h2>



The study, conducted by researchers at <a href="https://www.uta.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The University of Texas at Arlington</a>, the <a href="https://www.unr.edu/">University of Nevada, Reno</a>, and <a href="https://www.vt.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Virginia Tech</a>, investigates how shifts in flowering times and extreme weather events affect the availability of essential food sources for insect pollinators. 



The lead author of the study, Behnaz Balmaki, is an assistant professor of research in biology at UTA. “This research is crucial as it examines the long-term impacts of climate change on plant-pollinator interactions,” Balmaki emphasized.



This study investigates how shifts in flowering times and extreme weather events affect the availability of critical food sources for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/environmental-dna-can-help-monitor-pollinators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insect pollinators</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-great-basin-living-laboratory-for-pollinators">Great Basin: Living laboratory for pollinators</h2>



The research team, which included UTA's Masoud A. Rostami, focused their efforts on the Great Basin and Sierra Nevada mountains. 



The Great Basin, spanning across 95% of Nevada and parts of California, Oregon, Idaho, and Wyoming, serves as an ideal location for this type of research due to its unique geographical features. The mountains act as a shield, protecting the region from Pacific storms, rain, and snow.



Home to over 200 butterfly species, many of which act as pollinators, the Great Basin region plays a vital role in agriculture. 



Pollinators are essential for the fertilization of flowers, enabling them to produce fruit. The research team established 19 sampling sites throughout the region, collecting a diverse sample of butterflies to study their role in pollen distribution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warmer-climate-no-pollination-no-food">Warmer climate, no pollination, no food</h2>



To gain a comprehensive understanding of the changes in pollination dynamics over time, the research team collected new samples and examined previously captured butterfly specimens stored at the University of Nevada, Reno <a href="https://www.unr.edu/natural-history" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Museum of Natural History</a>. These samples, dating back to 2000, provided a wealth of historical data spanning 21 years.



Balmaki emphasized the significance of the study's extensive historical data analysis, spanning an impressive 21 years. She noted that this long period provides a clear and comprehensive view of the changes in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insect-apocalypse-australasia-is-facing-a-hidden-pollination-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollination services</a> over time. 



"By analyzing 21 years of historical data, a very long period that provides clear views, the research offers detailed perspectives on the consequences of habitat loss, fragmented landscapes and changes in plant assemblages on pollination services," Balmaki stated. 



The study delves into the intricate relationships between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saving-pollinators-wild-bees-boosts-food-supply-income/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollinators and their environment</a>, shedding light on how factors such as habitat loss, landscape fragmentation, and shifts in plant communities can have profound effects on the ability of pollinators to carry out their crucial role in ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Museum specimens reveal alarming trends</h2>



Balmaki highlighted the innovative approach employed in the research, which involved utilizing museum specimens to track changes in pollen over time. 



This novel methodology provides a unique perspective on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hornets-are-the-most-important-pollinators-for-some-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dynamic nature</a> of pollination and offers valuable insights into the long-term trends and patterns that may have gone unnoticed in shorter-term studies. 



By leveraging the wealth of information stored in museum collections, the researchers were able to uncover a new dimension in understanding the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urban-expansion-linked-to-global-decline-of-wild-pollinators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">complex interplay</a> between pollinators, plants, and the environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-imperative-of-pollinator-conservation">The imperative of pollinator conservation</h2>



One of the key takeaways from this study is the critical importance of pollinators in maintaining food production essential for human survival. 



Without effective pollination, many crops crucial to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/record-breaking-heat-is-threatening-wheat-and-the-global-food-supply/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global food supply</a> could fail.



"Our research underscores the necessity of developing targeted conservation policies to protect pollinators and maintain essential pollination services during global warming, thereby addressing some of the most significant environmental challenges of our time," Balmaki concluded.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-pollinators-for-sustainable-food-production">Protecting pollinators for sustainable food production</h2>



The findings of this research serve as a powerful call to action, emphasizing the urgent need for targeted conservation policies to safeguard pollinators and preserve the delicate balance of ecosystems. 



By addressing the challenges posed by climate change and implementing effective measures to protect pollinators, we can ensure the sustainability of natural ecosystems and secure the future of human agriculture and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/food-production-is-one-of-the-biggest-drivers-of-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food production</a>.



As we face the mounting pressures of global warming, studies like this provide invaluable insights into the complex dynamics of plant-pollinator interactions and the far-reaching consequences of climate change. 



By understanding these intricate relationships and taking proactive steps to conserve pollinators, we can work towards mitigating the impact of climate change and preserving the vital services that pollinators provide for our planet.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00442-024-05533-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oecologia</a>.



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Food production is becoming much more difficult due to climate change

Climate change is significantly impacting pollinator activity, leading to a...

<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=2E0mn5mTvhQ
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">'Death Star' moon Mimas conceals a 15-million-year-old ocean that scientists never expected.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-waters-beneath-ancient-craters">Hidden waters beneath ancient craters</h2>



Scientists have made a startling discovery that challenges everything we thought we knew about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saturn-moon-mimas-has-remarkably-young-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saturn's moon Mimas</a>. Beneath the heavily cratered surface that earned it the nickname "Death Star" lies a global ocean that formed just 5 to 15 million years ago—a remarkably young age by cosmic standards.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cassini-data-reveals-orbital-secrets">Cassini data reveals orbital secrets</h2>



The discovery, led by Dr. Valéry Lainey of the <a href="https://observatoiredeparis.psl.eu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Observatoire de Paris</a>, emerged from careful analysis of <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>'s Cassini spacecraft data. By studying subtle irregularities in Mimas's orbit around Saturn, researchers detected the gravitational signature of liquid water hidden 20 to 30 kilometers beneath the moon's icy shell.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-unlikely-ocean-world">An unlikely ocean world</h2>



At only 400 kilometers in diameter, Mimas seemed like the least likely candidate to harbor a subsurface ocean. Unlike other ocean moons such as Europa and Enceladus, which show clear surface signs of internal activity, Mimas displays no obvious hints of the liquid water beneath its ancient, crater-scarred exterior.



"Mimas is a small moon, and its heavily cratered surface gave no hint of the hidden ocean beneath," explained Dr. Nick Cooper from <a href="https://www.qmul.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queen Mary University of London</a>, a study co-author.



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



The ocean's recent formation makes Mimas a prime target for studying how oceans develop and potentially support life. This discovery adds another member to the exclusive club of ocean worlds in our solar system, each offering unique insights into the conditions necessary for habitability.



The research, published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a> journal, demonstrates how advanced orbital analysis can reveal hidden features of celestial bodies, opening new possibilities for understanding ocean formation throughout the cosmos.



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Scientists discover unexpected young ocean on Saturn's cratered moon Mimas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2E0mn5mTvhQ 'Death Star' moon Mimas conceals a 15-million-year-old ocean that...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



The full study was published in the journal Current Biology.



-----



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Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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







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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What to plant in your garden in mid-July

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

[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"

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