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...

Cell,Structure,Hydrilla,,View,Of,The,Leaf,Surface,Showing,Plant

In the ongoing battle against pathogens, plants have developed a sophisticated defense mechanism that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-activate-immune-defenses-against-pathogens-in-rain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">activates</a> almost instantaneously upon attack. 



Central to this defense system is a flurry of small molecules known as secondary messengers, which traverse the cell membrane to kickstart the plant's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chloroplasts-play-an-unexpected-role-in-plant-immunity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">immune response</a>. 



This fundamental process, shared across the plant and animal kingdoms, including humans, hinges on the rapid activation and subsequent decline of a small molecule named phosphatidic acid (PA).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-frontline-defense-how-plants-fight-back">Frontline defense: How plants fight back</h2>



For years, the scientific community grappled with understanding what triggers the sudden increase in PA levels following a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-discover-how-plants-protect-themselves-from-pathogens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pathogen's assault</a>. 



The mystery remained unsolved until recent research by a team from the <a href="https://umich.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Michigan</a> pinpointed a tiny enzyme, DGK5, as the key player. 



Their work, published in the journal Cell, identifies DGK5 as the catalyst for PA production and reveals the existence of two regulatory "switches" that control PA's production cycle.



Lead author Libo Shan, a professor of molecular, cellular, and developmental biology at the University of Michigan, expressed the significance of their findings.



"The excitement of this study is that it not only fills in the gap and identifies the enzyme that drives the production of PA, it's also that we uncovered two switches that control when the production of PA is turned on and when it is turned off," Shan explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pa-the-unsung-hero-of-plant-immunity">PA: The unsung hero of plant immunity</h2>



This discovery is pivotal for understanding how PA, a crucial secondary messenger in various human diseases, is regulated within cells, offering insights into maintaining cellular balance and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/beneficial-plant-bacteria-likely-to-decline-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">combating diseases</a>.



The study elucidates how two distinct enzymes, known as protein kinases, interact with DGK5 to modulate the immune response. One enzyme initiates the PA surge, while the other diminishes its production, thereby fine-tuning the plant's defense mechanisms.



Shan's journey to this discovery began nearly a decade ago, following her exploration of how immune receptors on cell surfaces detect pathogen infections and relay this information internally. 



A collaboration with Teun Munnik, a professor at the <a href="https://www.uva.nl/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Amsterdam</a>, who attended one of Shan's talks in 2012, proved instrumental. Munnik's interest in PA production and Shan's research on a specific protein kinase led to the identification of DGK5 as the enzyme responsible for the PA spike.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arabidopsis-tiny-plant-with-big-answers">Arabidopsis: Tiny plant with big answers</h2>



To delve deeper into the pathway, Shan's lab employed Arabidopsis, a small plant from the mustard family, whose self-pollinating nature ensures genetic consistency across generations. This allowed for the examination of mutants to understand different molecular pathways. 



By silencing the DGK5 enzyme in these plants, the team was able to dissect the enzyme's regulation by upstream protein kinases and its crucial role in PA production, ultimately aiding the plant in repelling <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-reprogram-their-cells-to-fight-pathogens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pathogens</a>.



Moreover, the research highlighted PA's interaction with reactive oxygen species (ROS), molecules critical to plant immunity. 



While ROS can be damaging in excess, they serve as a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-technology-can-detect-plant-diseases-from-above/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">primary defense</a> line against pathogens, through both signaling functions and direct pathogen destruction. 



The team discovered that PA also plays a role in regulating ROS by stabilizing the enzyme responsible for its production.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-secrets-of-plant-defense-and-immunity">Secrets of plant defense and immunity</h2>



Shan reflects on the significance of their findings, noting, "Our findings shed light on how this process modulates reactive oxygen species signaling, orchestrating two key branches of plant immunity. It's a remarkable journey into the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crop-disease-experts-discover-how-bacteria-hijack-plant-cells/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">molecular intricacies</a> of plant immune mechanisms."



This exploration into the molecular dynamics of plant immunity not only broadens our understanding of how plants fend off invaders but also opens new avenues for research into lipids' role in immune signaling and environmental stress responses.



In summary, the University of Michigan's recent discovery illuminates the pivotal role of the enzyme DGK5 in activating plant immune responses. 



This breakthrough identifies the long-sought-after trigger for the rapid production of phosphatidic acid following pathogen attack and reveals the regulatory mechanisms controlling this process. 



By demonstrating how PA production is finely tuned by interactions with protein kinases and its critical role in managing reactive oxygen species, this research advances our understanding of plant immunity. 



Furthermore, these findings hold promise for enhancing crop resilience and offer intriguing possibilities for new treatments in human diseases, marking a significant stride in the fields of plant biology and biomedicine.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/cell/abstract/S0092-8674(23)01404-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cell</a>.



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Plants have a sophisticated defense system when pathogens attack

In the ongoing battle against pathogens, plants have developed a...

<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-play-an-overlooked-role-in-the-climate-system/">Forests</a> play a pivotal role in the global carbon cycle, yet their capacity to sequester carbon might be significantly overestimated by some current models, warns Professor Runsheng Yin from <a href="https://msu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michigan State University</a>. 



In his new book - <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.4324/9781003436652" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Forest Carbon: Policy, Economics and Finance</a> - Yin delves into the complexities of utilizing forests as nature-based solutions to combat climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heavy-investment-in-reforestation-nbsp">Heavy investment in reforestation&nbsp;</h2>



Yin advocates for a recalibration of how carbon credits from forest-related activities are calculated, suggesting that the present models do not align well with the goals of the Paris Agreement.



"Companies worldwide are investing heavily in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/success-story-reforestation-has-helped-keep-the-eastern-us-relatively-cool/">reforestation</a> strategies, and while vital this is not going to be enough to remove the amount of carbon created in making timber, and the results won’t be quick enough to counteract the carbon output created by cutting down the trees in the first place,” Yin cautions, highlighting a gap in the current understanding and approach towards forest carbon sequestration.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-rigorous-assessments-are-needed">More rigorous assessments are needed</h2>



Yin calls for "more rigorous accounting and assessments for local forest carbon storage and sequestration schemes," emphasizing the importance of considering the lifecycle of timber products and the duration of their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-forests-are-unexpected-heroes-of-carbon-capture/">carbon</a> storage.&nbsp;



He suggests the establishment of intermediary agencies to better coordinate the contributions of local smallholders, aiming for a more impactful management of forest carbon at both national and international levels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-co2-emissions-nbsp">Rising CO2 emissions&nbsp;</h2>



The urgency of addressing rising <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-earth-was-heated-by-extreme-levels-of-atmospheric-co2/">atmospheric CO2</a> levels is underscored by the 2015 Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.&nbsp;



"Nations, corporations and individuals are turning to nature-based solutions to try to offset their greenhouse emissions. As the practice becomes increasingly monetized, it is crucial that the accounting is done accurately," Yin said, pointing out the critical need for precision in environmental accounting amid the worsening climate crisis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-forest-carbon-dynamics-nbsp">Complex forest carbon dynamics&nbsp;</h2>



Yin's research, which analyzed a pine plantation in the southern United States, revealed that the potential for carbon offset credits was exaggerated by a factor of at least 2.76. This discrepancy highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of forest carbon dynamics, especially considering the varied lifespans of wood products and their implications for long-term carbon storage.



"Properly accounted for, forest carbon offsetting is important and deserves to be seriously promoted and financially rewarded. But my research shows that its potential may not be as great as some analysts have claimed," Yin added, critiquing the overly optimistic projections of some studies. He emphasizes the necessity of integrating local carbon offset schemes within broader, government-led strategies that align with international climate commitments.



This call for a reevaluation of forest carbon sequestration's potential and methodology underscores the complexity of relying on forests as a solution to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/survey-mother-nature-is-more-likely-to-solve-climate-change-than-geoengineering/">climate change</a>, urging a balanced, well-informed approach to harnessing their benefits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forest-carbon-offsetting-schemes">Forest carbon offsetting schemes</h2>



Forest carbon offsetting is a mechanism that aims to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, thereby combating climate change. It involves the protection, restoration, or sustainable management of forests to increase their capacity to absorb carbon dioxide from the air.&nbsp;



Trees and other vegetation naturally capture carbon dioxide through photosynthesis, storing it in their biomass and in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/electronic-soil-boosts-crop-growth-by-over-50/">soil</a>. By increasing forested areas or enhancing the health of existing forests, carbon offset projects can sequester additional carbon dioxide, offsetting emissions made elsewhere.



Entities, such as businesses or individuals, can invest in forest carbon offset projects to compensate for their own carbon emissions. This is often part of a broader strategy to achieve carbon neutrality or reduce one's carbon footprint.&nbsp;



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Reforestation cannot offset carbon emissions from harvesting wood

Forests play a pivotal role in the global carbon cycle,...

Orchids are one of the oldest families of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natures-true-survivors-flowering-plants-lived-through-the-dinosaur-extinction/">flowering plants</a>, with fossil evidence suggesting that they have been around for at least 80 to 100 million years. This timeline places them in the Cretaceous period, meaning they coexisted with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-ancestors-coexisted-with-dinosaurs-yes-according-to-shocking-new-research/">dinosaurs</a>.&nbsp;



The longevity and evolutionary success of orchids are attributed to their remarkable adaptability and symbiotic relationships with pollinators and fungi, allowing them to colonize a wide range of habitats across the world.&nbsp;



Recent discoveries by researchers at the <a href="https://www.kew.org/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Botanic Gardens</a> have shed light on the orchids' ancient origins and the ingenious strategies they employ to flourish worldwide. The study authors hope their findings will help inform conservation planning to protect orchids, many of which are disappearing at an alarming rate. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-orchid-evolution">Orchid evolution</h2>



The study involved collecting different samples of the vast orchid family. Study co-author Dr. Natalia Przelomska is a lecturer at the <a href="https://www.port.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Portsmouth</a>.



"I had the privilege of extracting DNA from field samples ranging from those recently collected by multiple field botanists involved in this research, going back to botanists such as A.C. Maingay and E.L. Ekman, who were exploring the Old-World tropics and Neotropics in the 19th and 20th centuries," said Dr. Przelomska.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advanced-techniques-nbsp">Advanced techniques&nbsp;</h2>



The team used two advanced techniques to study the history of orchids: a newer method called high-throughput sequencing and a traditional method called Sanger sequencing.&nbsp;



Combining these techniques allowed the experts to create a detailed map of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/masters-of-deception-orchids-use-trickery-to-get-what-they-need/">orchid</a> family's genes. The goal was to build a family tree showing how these species evolved over time.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-very-long-legacy">A very long legacy</h2>



The study suggests that orchids are ancient survivors, rooted in the time of dinosaurs. Imagine Earth millions of years ago, ruled by giants like Tyrannosaurus Rex and Triceratops. In the shadows, under the leaves and branches, the first orchids sprouted and thrived.



This time was a big turning point for Earth. Everything changed, including the climate, which eventually led to the end of dinosaurs and the rise of mammals. But through it all, the orchids kept going, slowly changing into the many types we know today. The findings emphasize how tough and adaptable these flowers are.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-survival-tricks">Survival tricks</h2>



The orchid family, with over 25,000 members, is a stunning example of evolution and adaptation in the plant world.



When orchid populations get separated by mountains, rivers, or other barriers, they experience different pressures and mutations. This "moving apart" process, called allopatric speciation, can lead to the birth of entirely new orchid species. The wind helps by carrying orchid seeds far and wide, creating opportunities for isolation and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fibonacci-spirals-an-unexpected-twist-in-plant-evolution/">evolution</a>.



Even without moving apart, orchids can evolve new species within the same habitat. This "staying together" process, called sympatric speciation, often happens when orchids attract different pollinators with unique flower shapes or smells. This selective mating prevents them from mixing with relatives, paving the way for new species.



From steamy rainforests to dry deserts, orchids have conquered it all. This incredible adaptability is partly thanks to their partnership with fungi (mycorrhizae) that help them get nutrients from the soil.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fascinating-reproductive-strategies-nbsp">Fascinating reproductive strategies&nbsp;</h2>



Orchids have a unique relationship with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-moths-are-more-efficient-pollinators-than-bees/">pollinators</a>. A pollinator is an animal that carries pollen from one flower to another, helping plants reproduce and make new seeds. Their partnership with orchids is a dance of evolution, where both sides have adapted to create a mutually beneficial bond. This co-evolution has led to a stunning array of pollination strategies, each as fascinating as the orchids themselves.



Some orchids are masters of disguise. The Ophrys orchid, for example, looks and smells just like a female bee or wasp. Male insects, fooled by this trickery, try to mate with the flower, leaving pollen behind in the process. This shows the amazing lengths orchids go to to get pollinated.



However, not all orchids rely on trickery. Some offer a genuine reward: nectar. This sweet treat attracts bees, butterflies, and birds, who happily visit the orchid and carry pollen between flowers in their search for more.



The relationship between orchids and pollinators is like an ongoing competition. Each new adaptation by one side is met by a counter-adaptation by the other. This constant push and pull has led to the incredible diversity of orchids, each with unique strategies to attract its specific pollinator.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-orchids-on-the-brink-of-extinction-nbsp">Orchids on the brink of extinction&nbsp;</h2>



Orchids are disappearing faster than they ever evolved. It took them around 5 million years to become the diverse family we know today. Sadly, this means they might not be able to come back from extinction even if we stop the current threats right now.&nbsp;



Habitat loss due to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/major-brands-fail-to-fight-against-deforestation-and-human-rights-violations/">deforestation</a>, urban sprawl, and agriculture erodes their very foundation. Climate change adds another layer of danger, disrupting delicate ecosystems where orchids thrived for millennia. Additionally, their captivating beauty makes them targets for illegal collection, further jeopardizing their survival.



"Orchids are not only extraordinary jewels of nature, they also hold untold mysteries about life on Earth: how species evolve, adapt and move. Safeguarding their future is critical for protecting the complex interactions they play in ecosystems and making sure those stories can one day be unveiled by scientists," said study senior author Professor Alexandre Antonelli.



We must act now. Conservation efforts need to prioritize protecting natural habitats, the foundation of orchid diversity. This means legal protections for key areas, but also active management practices to ensure healthy ecosystems. Reforestation and habitat restoration offer lifelines to species suffering from habitat loss.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.19580" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Phytologist</a>. 



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Despite their incredible adaptability, orchids are disappearing

Orchids are one of the oldest families of flowering plants,...

Across Southeast Asia's lush rice fields, a hidden drama unfolds. Cultivated rice, our staple food, faces a persistent challenger: the "weedy rice," a wild relative that thrives where it shouldn't.&nbsp;



A study from <a href="https://wustl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Washington University in St. Louis</a> has cracked the code of this rebellious rice. By studying the DNA of various rice types, they've uncovered the secrets behind its resilience. The findings revealed how these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-capture-plant-communication-on-video/">plants</a> adapt and survive, even when we try to control them.



<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-importance-of-the-study">Importance of the study</h1>



Weedy rice, the wild cousin of cultivated rice, has been growing alongside its domesticated relative for so long that it's picked up some unwanted traits, making it a tough competitor in rice fields.



Understanding how weedy rice evolved is not just interesting science, it's crucial for farmers. By knowing its tricks, they can develop better ways to control it and protect their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tackling-malnutrition-new-satellite-can-monitor-nutrients-in-crops-from-space/">crops</a>, ensuring food security for millions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-types-of-rice">Types of rice</h2>



Rice has a fascinating family tree. There are three main types:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wild-rice">Wild rice</h3>



Think of wild rice as the original, untamed versions of the rice we eat. They thrive naturally in marshes and rivers, unlike their farm-grown cousins. These are the ancestors of cultivated rice, boasting diverse genetic traits and contributing to natural balance. While not directly harvested, they offer valuable genes for improving future crops.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-weedy-rice">Weedy rice</h3>



Weedy rice is the unwanted guest. This "rebel" cousin shares similar roots with cultivated rice but wreaks havoc in farm fields. They steal resources from the good rice, making it grow worse and giving less food. Its resilience, with easy-spreading seeds and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/common-herbicides-linked-to-diminished-brain-functioning-in-young-adults/">herbicide</a> resistance, adds to the frustration.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultivated-rice">Cultivated rice</h3>



Cultivated rice is the rice we all know and love, carefully grown for us to eat. Through thousands of years of careful selection, farmers nurtured desired traits like higher yields, specific grain types, and reduced seed shattering. From fluffy white rice to nutty basmati, it's a staple food for half the world.



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



The researchers investigated the genetic interactions between wild rice, cultivated rice, and weedy rice in Southeast Asia. They collected 217 samples from the region, combining new data with existing information.&nbsp;



“Farmers in mainland Southeast Asia - including Thailand, Myanmar and Vietnam - and most of the island regions of Indonesia, Philippines and parts of Malaysia grow a wide range of lowland and upland rice varieties,” said B.K. Song, a Malaysian weedy rice researcher and corresponding author of the study. “These include modern elite varieties and traditional landraces.”&nbsp;



DNA was extracted and sequenced from the rice types to create a detailed picture of their genetic makeup. The researchers then analyzed the data in several steps. They built a "family tree" to understand how the different rice types are related and also looked for signs of mixing between wild and cultivated rice, and how this might have contributed to the evolution of weedy rice.&nbsp;



This involved searching for specific regions in the rice genome that showed evidence of past adaptations and selection.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-similarities-and-variations-nbsp">Similarities and variations&nbsp;</h2>



The analysis showed that weedy rice shares a lot of its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-can-now-collect-human-dna-from-water-air-and-basically-everywhere/">DNA</a> with wild rice, suggesting recent "breeding" between the two. This explains why weedy rice is so good at competing with crops.



The researchers found specific wild rice genes in weedy rice that help it thrive in harsh environments and spread easily, like genes that make seeds fall off the plant easily.



The study also revealed that weedy rice in different regions has adapted in unique ways. Some have picked up genes from wild rice that make them resistant to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-technology-can-detect-plant-diseases-from-above/">diseases</a>, while others have genes that help them survive in stressful conditions.



The research paints a picture of a complex relationship between cultivated rice, wild rice, and weedy rice. Their genes get mixed up, creating new and sometimes troublesome forms of rice.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-weedy-rice-thrive">How the weedy rice thrive</h2>



The study reveals that these weeds haven't followed a single path, but rather evolved in unique ways depending on their environment and human farming practices.



The researchers found that weedy rice has undergone intense selection, leading to specific regions in their DNA linked to beneficial traits like faster growth and stress resistance. These adaptations have allowed them to thrive in different conditions than their domesticated cousins.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-new-insights-nbsp">Critical new insights&nbsp;</h2>



Even more interesting, the researchers found genes associated with weedy lifestyles, including resistance to diseases and harsh weather. This explains their ability to survive and spread, becoming major agricultural headaches.



But this knowledge can be used as a weapon. By understanding how these weeds tick, scientists can develop strategies to fight back. This could involve breeding rice varieties less susceptible to invasion or even creating targeted weed control methods that exploit the weaknesses of specific weedy rice populations.



“Our study highlights how adaptive introgression - in other words, gene flow - from wild species can contribute to agricultural weed evolution,” said Olsen. “We’ve known that this process occurs for some time. But this is the first study to provide a detailed genomic characterization of the phenomenon.



“It’s important to recognize that crop domestication is an incremental evolutionary process, and not a single-step event,” he said. “Likewise, I think we run the risk of oversimplifying the picture by categorizing every rice plant as wild or weed or crop. The true dynamics are much more complex.”



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



Weed management: Studying weedy rice's DNA and how it evolves can help farmers fight it better. This could involve creating crops resistant to specific weed killers or planting different crops in rotation to reduce its spread.



Conserving wild rice: By understanding how weedy rice adapts and spreads, scientists can better protect wild rice species. This could prevent the loss of valuable genetic diversity for both wild and cultivated rice.



Improving rice crops: Studying how weedy rice survives harsh conditions can help breeders develop new rice varieties that are more resistant to drought, disease, and poor soil.



Keeping ecosystems healthy: Understanding how weedy rice interacts with other plants and its environment can help farmers manage their land sustainably. This includes maintaining healthy soil and protecting other species that share the same habitat.



The research is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-45447-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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DNA study reveals secrets of weedy rice invasion

Across Southeast Asia's lush rice fields, a hidden drama unfolds....

As the world faces the growing threat of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/indisputable-evidence-of-human-caused-climate-change/">climate change</a>, finding ways to reduce greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) is more important than ever. Planting trees across large areas, known as forestation, has been suggested as a solution. 



While it seems simple, the impact of widespread forestation on our planet is more complicated than we might think.



A recent study from the <a href="https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Sheffield</a> has explored this complexity in detail. The researchers used advanced models to examine how adding large amounts of trees to Earth would affect the climate. While <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-forests-are-unexpected-heroes-of-carbon-capture/">forestation</a> is known to absorb CO2 and cool the planet, the study reveals other, less obvious consequences.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-impact-of-large-scale-forestation">Potential impact of large-scale forestation</h2>



The experts used two advanced climate models to simulate how the planet's climate and weather would change if there were a lot more trees in suitable areas around the world.



A key part of their study was creating a scenario where forests covered much more land than they do now. This scenario helped them understand the biggest possible impact that forests could have on climate.



The researchers looked at both the well-known benefits of forests, like storing carbon dioxide, and lesser-known effects, like how forests influence the chemicals in the air and how much <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exposure-to-sunlight-enhances-libido/">sunlight</a> Earth reflects back into space.



They found that these chemical and reflective effects are linked: <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/americas-forests-are-in-a-race-against-climate-change/">forests</a> release chemicals that affect clouds and the air, and the amount of sunlight Earth reflects depends on how much forest cover there is. This link is important because it can influence how much Earth warms or cools.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-effects-on-atmospheric-composition">Effects on atmospheric composition</h2>



Planting more trees can have both cooling and warming effects on the climate. The good news: When forests grow, they release more biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs). These compounds react with other chemicals in the air to form tiny particles called organic aerosols.&nbsp;



The aerosols act like tiny mirrors, reflecting sunlight back into space and cooling the Earth. This cooling effect can help counteract the warming caused by other factors, like reduced reflectivity of the Earth's surface.&nbsp;



Professor Dominick Spracklen of the University of Leeds, who was not involved in the study, said: "This study highlights the amazingly complex role of forests in our climate system. Through calculating how forests alter atmospheric composition, this study provides one of the most comprehensive assessments of the climate impacts of large-scale forestation."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-positive-radiative-forcing-nbsp">Positive radiative forcing&nbsp;</h2>



Planting trees can make the ground absorb more sunlight, and this is particularly the case in areas with a lot of snow. This is because forests are generally darker than snow and reflect less sunlight back into space.



The absorption of sunlight warms the planet. This effect is called positive radiative forcing. The effect is stronger in places farther north where there's more contrast between the dark forests and reflective snow.



The study suggests that this warming effect can reduce the benefit of forests storing carbon dioxide, which helps cool the planet. This is especially true if we plant a lot of trees in high-latitude regions. Therefore, where we plant trees to fight climate change matters.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-planting-trees-and-proper-planning">Planting trees and proper planning</h2>



Dr. Stephanie Roe, WWF Global Climate and Energy Lead Scientist, and co-author of the study said: “We know that forests are critically important for biodiversity, water, ecosystem services, and the climate. What this research shows is that the effectiveness of reforestation for climate mitigation declines significantly in higher latitudes and unless paired with deep emission reductions which reduces air pollution.&nbsp;



“It underscores the importance of properly planning reforestation efforts and adequately accounting for biophysical and future climate impacts in different latitudes and regions. Importantly, the study finds that preventing deforestation, when compared to reforestation efforts, is a far more efficient way to mitigate climate change.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-excessive-tree-planting-can-cause-problems">Excessive tree planting can cause problems</h2>



Planting more trees seems like a no-brainer for fighting climate change. But there's a twist: forests can also release other gases that contribute to warming, like methane and ozone.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-methane">Methane</h3>



This gas comes from rotting plants and wet areas, both common in forests. It's much more potent than carbon dioxide at trapping heat, so even small amounts matter. Planting trees in wetlands could increase methane emissions, potentially negating some of the carbon storage benefits.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ozone-nbsp">Ozone&nbsp;</h3>



This gas is a pollutant found in smog, not the good kind high up in the atmosphere. Trees emit chemicals that react with other pollutants to create ozone. While ozone protects us from harmful sun rays high up, it's bad for us and the climate at ground level. More trees could mean more ozone, adding another wrinkle to the climate puzzle.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-warming-effect-of-trees">The warming effect of trees</h2>



The study examines the effectiveness of planting trees as a way to fight climate change by removing CO2 from the air. However, it finds that this benefit may be partially offset by other factors, like changes in how sunlight and heat interact with the Earth.



In a scenario where global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lakes-are-struggling-to-maintain-oxygen-as-temperatures-rise/">temperatures</a> rise significantly (4°C), up to a third of the cooling effect from planting trees could be canceled out by changes in the atmosphere.



On the contrary, if we limit warming to 2°C (like the Paris Agreement aims for), the negative effects are smaller, and planting trees is more effective.



So, what does this mean? Planting trees definitely helps, but it's not a magic bullet. We need to consider all their effects, good and bad, when planning big planting projects. Balancing their carbon-storing power with other factors is key to effectively tackling climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comparing-tree-planting-strategies">Comparing tree planting strategies</h2>



The researchers also compared the different tree-planting strategies (planting new forests, restoring old ones, and thickening existing ones) to see how well they remove carbon dioxide from the air and fight climate change.



Planting new forests on land that was not previously forested (afforestation) seems to be the most effective strategy, followed by restoring old forests (reforestation) and making existing forests denser (enhancement).&nbsp;



But planting too many trees can have unintended consequences, like making the land darker and absorbing less sunlight (warming it up) or releasing gases that affect the atmosphere in complex ways.



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



The study emphasizes that planting trees isn't a simple solution and needs to be done carefully. Dr James Weber, from the University of Sheffield’s School of Biosciences, said: “The public are bombarded with messages about climate change, and the suggestion that you can plant trees to offset your carbon emissions is widespread. Many businesses now offer to plant a tree with a purchase, and some countries plan to expand, conserve, and restore forests.”&nbsp;



“Trees can help tackle climate change, but we need to be careful about relying on them. We need to evaluate forestation, and other climate change mitigation strategies, in detail. This will help identify limitations and unintended consequences so these can be minimized where possible.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adg6196" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Planting too many trees could spoil the planet

As the world faces the growing threat of climate change,...

In the fiery pursuit of heat, the chili world has crowned a new champion. According to the <a href="https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Guinness World Records</a>, 'Pepper X' has surged to the top with an eye-watering average of 2,693,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU). 



This blazing milestone marks a significant triumph in the realms of extreme gardening and culinary heat, especially for the mastermind behind this scorching creation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-journey-of-ed-currie-and-pepper-x">Journey of Ed Currie and Pepper X</h2>



Ed Currie, the founder of <a href="https://puckerbuttpeppercompany.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Puckerbutt Pepper Company</a>, based in the USA, is no stranger to the chili community. The revered grower has already made headlines in the past with the <a href="https://puckerbuttpeppercompany.com/collections/carolina-reaper-worlds-hottest-pepper" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Carolina Reaper</a>, a formidable cultivar that held the world record with a staggering average of 1.64 million SHU. 



Now, Currie has once again outdone himself. He unleashed his latest fiery marvel, Pepper X, to the world in dramatic fashion on the popular YouTube series <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAzrgbu8gEMIIK3r4Se1dOZWSZzUSadfZ" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hot Ones</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-science-of-breeding-heat">Science of breeding heat</h2>



The inception of Pepper X is the fruit of over ten years of meticulous cultivation, an endeavor marked by patience, scientific understanding, and a passion for heat. Throughout a decade, Currie engaged in the painstaking process of crossbreeding peppers. He focused on enhancing their capsaicin content -- the compound responsible for the burning sensation associated with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossil-sheds-new-light-on-the-history-and-evolution-of-chili-peppers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chili peppers</a>.



In a revealing discussion on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUYtDA7j19c" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First We Feast</a>, Currie shared insights into his initial breeding approach. He began the journey seeking both flavor and fire, combining two pepper varieties he admired. Yet, knowing his penchant for extreme heat, he recognized they wouldn't satisfy his quest for a groundbreaking level of spiciness without further refinement.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complexity-behind-capsaicin-concentration">Complexity behind capsaicin concentration</h2>



Developing a new chili breed isn't a simple task. It involves understanding the intricate science behind capsaicinoids, the class of compounds to which <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spicy-foods-health-perks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">capsaicin</a> belongs. Contrary to popular belief, the true heat of a chili doesn't reside in its seeds. Instead, it's concentrated in the placenta, the internal tissue where the seeds attach.



Pepper X's unique physical structure contributes to its exceptional hotness. The pepper's exterior, characterized by numerous curves and ridges, increases the internal surface area, allowing more room for the capsaicin-rich placenta to develop. This intricate morphology is likely a contributing factor to its record-setting SHU rating.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pepper-x-and-selective-breeding">Pepper X and selective breeding</h2>



Achieving the desired traits in a new pepper species requires immense dedication. Each plant generation initially retains many characteristics from its parental lineage. It takes several years -- and about ten plant generations -- for hybrid varieties to stabilize, exhibiting consistent, predictable traits and reliable fruit production.



Currie's approach to this challenge is both systematic and relentless. He embarks on over 100 crossbreeding ventures annually, optimistic that a single successful candidate will emerge every decade following the rigorous development cycle.



Speaking to <a href="https://www.wired.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WIRED</a>, he elaborated on the journey each potential cross undergoes. If a new hybrid exhibits promising qualities, particularly high levels of capsaicinoids, the cross continues. Otherwise, it's back to square one -- a testament to the process's demanding nature.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-pepper-x-the-ever-hotter-future">Beyond Pepper X: The ever-hotter future</h2>



With the crowning of Pepper X, achieved through collaboration with South Carolina's <a href="https://www.winthrop.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winthrop University</a>, which verified its Scoville score, Currie isn't dialing back his ambitions. He's already eyeing the future, working on subsequent chili cultivars that might one day dethrone Pepper X. 



The question remains: will the world have to wait another decade for a pepper that surpasses the fiery throne of Pepper X, or is the future of heat closer than we think?



The journey of Pepper X from a mere idea to the world's hottest chili pepper is not just a story of scientific achievement but also one of human perseverance and the never-ending pursuit of pushing boundaries. As enthusiasts and daredevils await the next big sensation in the world of chilies, Ed Currie's relentless passion and commitment continue to set the bar in the fiery chase of capsicum supremacy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-the-scoville-scale">More about the Scoville scale</h2>



As mentioned above, the Scoville scale, a renowned tool in the culinary and scientific world, quantifies the 'heat' or spiciness of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chili-peppers-may-have-existed-in-north-america-50-million-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chili peppers</a> and other spicy foods. This measurement system hinges on the concentration of capsaicin, the chemical responsible for the fiery sensation when eating a chili pepper.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-origins-of-the-scoville-scale">Origins of the Scoville Scale</h3>



Wilbur Scoville, a pharmacist, introduced the scale in 1912. His method, known as the Scoville Organoleptic Test, initially involved a panel of human tasters who would sample a chili pepper solution. They determined the pepper's heat level based on the point at which the solution, diluted with sugar water, no longer ignited a burning sensation on the tasters' palates.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-capsaicin-the-heat-behind-pepper-x">Capsaicin: The heat behind Pepper X</h3>



Capsaicinoids, with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spicy-chili-pepper-lung-cancer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">capsaicin</a> as the most common variant, constitute the "heat" components in chili peppers. When you consume capsaicin, it binds to receptors in your mouth and throat, triggering a sensation of heat or discomfort. 



The Scoville scale measures this component to rank chili peppers, ranging from the bell pepper's zero <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scoville_scale" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scoville Heat Units</a> (SHUs) to the incendiary heights of the Carolina Reaper and Pepper X discussed previously in this article.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-adaptations">Modern adaptations</h3>



Today, scientists rarely use the original Scoville test due to its subjectivity and potential for human error. Instead, they employ <a href="https://www.shimadzu.com/an/service-support/technical-support/analysis-basics/basic/what_is_hplc.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">High-Performance Liquid Chromatography</a> (HPLC) to identify the precise amount of capsaicin in a pepper. The process isolates capsaicinoids, calculates their concentration, and then converts this figure into SHUs for a more accurate, reliable Scoville rating.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoville-s-impact-on-culinary-culture">Scoville's impact on culinary culture</h3>



The Scoville scale's influence extends beyond laboratories; it significantly impacts culinary arts and agriculture. Chefs rely on Scoville ratings to balance their dishes' heat, while consumers use them to choose products matching their spice tolerance. 



In agriculture, the scale drives a competitive industry where growers, like Ed Currie who created Pepper X, continually push boundaries to cultivate ever-hotter chili varieties.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-benchmark-for-spice">Global benchmark for spice</h3>



The Scoville scale stands as a global benchmark for assessing heat, guiding not only consumer preferences and culinary expertise but also fostering advancements in agricultural science. 



As our understanding of capsaicinoids expands and as cultivators continue to chase new records, the Scoville scale will undoubtedly remain a vital tool in measuring the spicy flavors that so many people around the world cherish.



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Meet "Pepper X" -- the world’s new hottest pepper champion by a huge margin

In the fiery pursuit of heat, the chili world has...

Ginseng,And,Green,Leaf,On,A,White,Background.

Ginseng, a supplement derived from plants and herbs, is celebrated globally for its myriad health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and potential anti-cancer properties. Recent research spearheaded by the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (<a href="https://www.uoc.edu/en/news/media-services/experts-guide/laura-esquius" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UOC</a>) reveals an additional, compelling benefit: ginseng's significant role in enhancing exercise recovery.



This new study uncovers ginseng's direct impact on diminishing fatigue and aiding muscle recuperation post-exercise. 



"<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/korean-red-ginseng-may-alleviate-alcohol-addiction-study-reveals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ginseng</a> can play a significant role as a nutritional supplement for recovery after exercise," states Borja Muñoz, a fitness coach and lead author of the study. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-science-behind-ginseng-and-exercise">Science behind ginseng and exercise</h2>



Under the guidance of Patricia Martínez, a dietician, nutritionist, and course instructor at UOC, alongside researchers Rafael Bailón and <a href="https://www.uoc.edu/en/news/media-services/experts-guide/laura-esquius" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Laura Esquius</a>, the team meticulously reviewed over 700 scientific articles to confirm these benefits for healthy adults engaging in physical activity.



"When taken together with a balanced diet, ginseng can provide additional nutrition for athletes or anyone else who does physical exercise on a regular basis, Muñoz explained. 



"It's also worth noting that, unless it's medically contraindicated in any given case, taking ginseng on a regular basis is considered beneficial (or at least not harmful) for healthy people."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ginseng-s-impact-on-muscle-recovery-and-fatigue">Ginseng's impact on muscle recovery and fatigue</h2>



The research demonstrates that ginseng significantly reduces post-exercise muscle damage and enhances <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/almonds-accelerate-recovery-after-strenuous-exercise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">muscle regeneration</a>, helping the body to recover from muscle fatigue and damage. 



This is attributed to the active compounds in ginseng stimulating the central nervous system, possessing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and regulating cortisol, thus improving metabolic functions and bolstering the immune system.



Long-term, systematic ginseng consumption has been shown to mitigate biological markers responsible for exercise-induced muscle damage and inflammation, such as creatine kinase (CK) and interleukin 6 (IL-6). It also reduces lactate production, which is linked to muscle fatigue.



By decreasing fatigue, ginseng potentially lowers the risk of injury, thereby enhancing athletic performance. 



"Although recovery times vary based on the nature of the injury and between individuals, the damaged structures share the same physiological processes. That's why professionals in this field must obtain the most efficient physiological context, to ensure that each person can recover as well and as quickly as possible. This is where ginseng comes in, as it can play a significant role in recovering from injuries," said Muñoz about the possible benefits to athletes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tailoring-ginseng-intake-for-all-types-of-exercise">Tailoring ginseng intake for all types of exercise</h2>



The study originated from Muñoz's observations during his tenure as a fitness coach and injury specialist at a football club in China, where <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/top-uses-for-ginseng/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ginseng</a> was a popular supplement among players for its energy-boosting effects. 



"Our aim was to learn more about the effects of ginseng in a specific situation, in this case in connection with exercise, and to provide verifiable evidence of its ability to improve the body's response to the stimuli of chronic load in sport, helping athletes to recover between training sessions, as the footballers themselves reported that it worked just like an energy drink," said Muñoz.



This research opens avenues for further investigation into ginseng's role in enhancing sports performance and recovery. 



Patricia Martínez points out the potential for future studies to establish a ginseng consumption protocol, optimizing its benefits for athletes. 



"Of the possible future research we're considering, a study to establish a scheduled consumption protocol to find out exactly how and when athletes should take ginseng to optimize its benefits within a given timeframe is particularly appealing, as the studies carried out in relation to these cases suffer from a lack of diversity and scientific evidence," said Martínez.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-exercise-ginseng-as-a-dietary-staple">Future of exercise: Ginseng as a dietary staple</h2>



In summary, ginseng emerges as a natural ally for athletes and fitness enthusiasts, offering significant benefits for exercise recovery and performance enhancement. 



This research from the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya illuminates ginseng's role in reducing post-<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mental-fatigue-impairs-athletic-performance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exercise fatigue</a>, accelerating muscle recovery, and potentially lowering injury risks. 



"There's still a significant amount of work to do, as ginseng has potential to increase athletes' physical performance and help prevent certain injuries, particularly muscle injuries," concluded Muñoz.



By integrating ginseng into a balanced diet, individuals can tap into its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, paving the way for improved physical endurance and health. 



As the scientific community continues to explore ginseng's full potential, this study marks a promising step towards understanding how natural supplements can optimize athletic performance and recovery processes.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/16/1/90" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nutrients</a>.



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Ginseng improves exercise performance and helps body quickly recover

Ginseng, a supplement derived from plants and herbs, is celebrated...

Annual carbon emissions from degraded mangrove forests could escalate by nearly 50,000% by the end of the century. This startling projection comes from a recent study led by <a href="https://www.montclair.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Montclair State University</a>.



The surge in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mangrove-forest-reveals-ancient-climate-change-effects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emissions</a> will primarily take place across degraded mangrove forests in regions like southern India, southeastern China, Singapore, and eastern Australia. 



These mangrove forests are crucial for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-level-rise-influences-coastal-carbon-storage-capacity/">carbon storage</a>, particularly in their soil. Despite their importance, human development activities have led to a noticeable decline in these vital carbon stocks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-massive-loss-of-mangrove-carbon-stocks-nbsp">Massive loss of mangrove carbon stocks&nbsp;</h2>



Over the past two decades, the conversion of mangrove forests to agricultural, aquacultural, and urban areas has resulted in the loss of 158.4 million tons of global mangrove <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-forests-are-unexpected-heroes-of-carbon-capture/">carbon stocks</a>.&nbsp;



This loss equates to the carbon emissions generated by transporting the entire population of the United States from New York to London by air, illustrating the substantial environmental impact of such degradation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-degraded-mangrove-forests">Studying degraded mangrove forests</h2>



The investigation, led by Professor Jennifer Krumins of Montclair State University, together with PhD candidates Shih-Chieh Chien and Charles Knoble, aimed to examine the correlation between human population density and soil carbon stocks in urban mangrove forests.&nbsp;



The research contributes to understanding the global carbon budget's dynamics concerning these ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-new-insights-nbsp">Critical new insights&nbsp;</h2>



The findings highlight a concerning trend: in areas with a population density of 300 people/km2 - comparable to the population density of the UK or Japan - the carbon stored in mangrove soils near populated regions is about 37% less than in isolated mangrove forests.&nbsp;



Furthermore, the study estimates that the current annual rate of carbon emissions from mangrove loss is 7.0 Teragrams, a figure that is expected to increase to 3,392 Teragrams by the end of the century, in line with current predictions and increasing population densities.



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



Mangrove forests, which occupy roughly 0.1% of the Earth's land surface, are disproportionately significant in their carbon storage capability, especially within their soils. These ecosystems are known to contain three to four times the mass of carbon typically found in other forest types, making them a critical component of the global carbon cycling process.



“This work underscores the importance of protecting existing mangroves, especially in areas with high population density,” Krumins said.&nbsp;



“Mangrove forests are critical to the regulation of carbon sequestration, and it is important that we protect them. The first step is to understand the impact of human populations and activities on mangrove forest carbon stocks.” This call to action emphasizes the need for concerted efforts to safeguard these vital ecosystems for future generations and the planet's overall health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-degraded-mangrove-forests-nbsp">‌Degraded mangrove forests&nbsp;</h2>



Degraded mangrove forests are ecosystems that have suffered loss in their structure, function, and biodiversity due to various stressors such as pollution, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brazilian-amazon-crisis-deforestation-is-escalating-in-indigenous-territories/">deforestation</a>, climate change, and overexploitation. These stressors lead to significant changes in the mangrove ecosystem, including reduced tree height and density, lower species diversity, and compromised soil quality.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impacts-of-degradation-nbsp">Impacts of degradation&nbsp;</h3>



The degradation of mangroves impacts not only the flora and fauna that depend on these ecosystems for habitat but also the human communities that rely on them for wood, food, and protection against coastal erosion and storms.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-valuable-ecosystems">Valuable ecosystems</h3>



The roots of mangrove trees play a crucial role in sediment stabilization and act as a buffer against storm surges and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/environmental-disasters-like-tsunamis-cause-lasting-health-impacts/">tsunamis</a>. When mangrove forests are degraded, the effectiveness of this natural barrier diminishes, leaving coastal areas more vulnerable to natural disasters.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-sinks">Carbon sinks</h3>



Furthermore, mangroves are efficient carbon sinks, storing large amounts of carbon in their biomass and soil. Degradation leads to the release of this stored carbon, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-restoration-and-conservation">Restoration and conservation</h3>



Restoration and conservation efforts are essential to reverse the degradation of mangrove forests. These efforts may include reforestation projects, protection laws to prevent further cutting and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-will-increase-dramatically-in-a-hotter-climate/">pollution</a>, and sustainable management practices that support the livelihoods of local communities while preserving the mangrove ecosystems.&nbsp;



Successful restoration not only involves planting mangroves but also ensuring that the conditions necessary for their survival, such as appropriate hydrology and protection from further disturbances, are met.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/ad13b6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Research Letters</a>.&nbsp;



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CO2 emissions from degraded mangrove forests set to increase by 50,000% 

Annual carbon emissions from degraded mangrove forests could escalate by...

In the expansive and chilly territories of North America, northern Europe, and Russia, a vast expanse of boreal forests stretches as the world's largest terrestrial ecosystem and the most northerly forest belt. Boreal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/americas-forests-are-in-a-race-against-climate-change/">forests</a>, dominated by a canopy of spruce, pine, and fir, play a crucial role in the Earth's environmental systems.



Hidden within the green fabric of these trees, alongside the lush layers of ground-covering lichens and mosses, resides a diverse community of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-all-fungi-matter-not-just-mushrooms/">fungi</a>. Known as endophytes, these fungi reside within the plant tissues, often establishing symbiotic relationships that are beneficial for their plant hosts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-living-in-a-fungal-world-nbsp">Living in a fungal world&nbsp;</h2>



Senior author Elizabeth Arnold, a distinguished professor affiliated with multiple departments and institutes at the <a href="https://www.arizona.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Arizona</a>, emphasizes the integral role of these fungal partners in plant life.



"To be a plant is to live in a fungal world. Endophytic fungi are vital to the health of plants in ways that aren't yet totally understood, but what we do know from endophytes in general is that they're very good at protecting plants against disease and helping plants be more resilient to environmental stressors, like heat. They've been part of an important revolution in our thinking about plants."



"Boreal forests are central to our planet’s carbon and water cycles. And our work highlights that they are home to some of the most evolutionarily diverse fungal endophytes in the world – endophytes that are found nowhere else," she added.



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



Motivated by a desire to delve deeper into the adaptive strategies of these fungi within varying microhabitats and their potential responses to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/indisputable-evidence-of-human-caused-climate-change/">climate shifts</a>, Arnold and her team embarked on an adventurous field study in the remote wilderness of northeastern Canada over ten years ago.



The research unveiled a rich diversity within the boreal forest fungi, with species finely tuned to their local environments. This specialization suggests a vulnerability to the rapid climatic changes our planet is experiencing, posing implications for the future well-being of boreal forests and, by extension, global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-light-pollution-disrupts-entire-ecological-networks/">ecological health</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-boreal-biome-diversity-nbsp">Boreal biome diversity&nbsp;</h2>



"Our collaborative study shed light on the diversity in the boreal biome of newly discovered endophytic fungi and their sensitivity to climate," said co-lead author Shuzo Oita, who completed his PhD in Arnold's lab and is now a research scientist at <a href="https://www.sumitomo-chem.co.jp/english/">Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd</a>. "Endophytes are often overlooked because they occur in healthy plant tissues, but their importance in biodiversity and ecosystems has been revealed recently."



The expedition to collect these invaluable data was a formidable task, demanding intense fieldwork that ranks among Arnold's most challenging experiences. In the summer of 2011, the team, equipped with an expert pilot, ventured into areas unreachable by road, covering a vast stretch from southern boreal forests to the fringes of the Arctic tundra.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complexities-of-fungal-biodiversity-nbsp">Complexities of fungal biodiversity&nbsp;</h2>



During their month-long journey, the experts meticulously collected samples, conducted analyses, and traversed nearly 1,500 miles, all while marveling at the natural wonders above, such as the aurora borealis. Their efforts revealed not just the complexities of fungal biodiversity but also its intricate relationship with climate, plant hosts, and the broader ecosystem.



According to Arnold, previous studies have examined the link between biodiversity and latitude, which is frequently used as a proxy for climate. These studies found that life becomes more diverse closer to the equator. For instance, for many groups of organisms, those living in tropical rainforests are more biodiverse than those found in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/siberian-tundra-could-vanish-by-mid-millennium/">Arctic tundra</a>. However, when it comes to fungi living in boreal forests, the situation seems to be more complicated.



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



"We show that boreal fungal communities don't necessarily change with climate in the same predictable way as plant communities. Instead, the effect of climate on these fungi is highly dependent on both the fungal species and the host," said co-lead author Jana U'Ren, who completed her PhD and conducted the laboratory analysis for this study as a postdoctoral scientist with Arnold before moving to <a href="https://wsu.edu/">Washington State University</a>. "This means that we need to protect plants and their fungal endophytes across the boreal biome, and not just in one location, or we risk losing vital biodiversity and protective fungi in these important forests."



Therefore, this research highlights the need for a holistic approach to conservation, recognizing the intricate web of interactions that sustain boreal forests. Arnold envisions building on these insights to harness the potential of local endophytes in Arizona, aiming to enhance crop resilience in the face of escalating environmental challenges.&nbsp;



"Just like boreal forests harbor an unexpected diversity of endophytes, so too do plants here in Arizona. Our next steps are to tap these rich and ancient endophytes as tools for helping plants thrive. Ultimately, we hope that by understanding these fungi at a global scale, we can not only chart the past and future of a key element of our planet's biodiversity, but we also can harness those in our local areas to make crops thrive with limited water and rising temperatures. You might say that the future is fungal," she concluded.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2024.01.063" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



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Fungi in boreal forests are sensitive to climate change

In the expansive and chilly territories of North America, northern...

Potato,Chips,In,Wooden,Plate,,,On,A,Wooden,Table

In an exciting development for the snack food sector, two scientists discovered a way to make healthy potato chips and fries by reducing a carcinogen produced when cold-stored <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/potato-threatening-pathogens-discovered-in-pennsylvania/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">potatoes</a> are fried.



The work of Michigan State University (<a href="https://msu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MSU</a>) professors <a href="https://directory.natsci.msu.edu/Directory/Profiles/Person/102372" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jiming Jiang</a> and <a href="https://www.canr.msu.edu/people/douches_david" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">David Douches</a> is set to revolutionize the potato chip industry by paving the way for the creation of healthy potato varieties resistant to these drawbacks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-farm-to-bowl-making-a-healthy-potato-chip">From farm to bowl: Making a healthy potato chip</h2>



The significance of this research cannot be overstated, particularly when considering the snack industry's multi-billion dollar market in the U.S. alone. Michigan stands as a leading potato producer for chips, contributing $240 million annually to the industry. 



However, the inherent challenge of not being able to cultivate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-are-breeding-more-resilient-potatoes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">potatoes</a> year-round, coupled with the necessity for snack manufacturers to have a continuous supply, has made cold storage of potatoes an essential yet problematic solution.



This is primarily due to cold-induced sweetening (CIS), a process where starches in potatoes convert to sugars at low temperatures, leading to darker chips and fries with higher levels of acrylamide -- a carcinogenic compound formed during high-temperature cooking, linked to increased cancer risk. 



While there are existing methods to reduce sugar content in cold-stored potatoes, these solutions can be costly and potentially alter the flavor of the final product.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-road-to-healthier-snacks">Genetic road to healthier snacks</h2>



Addressing the issue at its core, Jiang and his team have identified the specific gene responsible for CIS and, crucially, the regulatory element that activates it under cold conditions. 



This discovery deepens the understanding of CIS and opens the door to developing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/potatoes-are-packed-with-health-benefits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">potato</a> varieties that naturally resist this process, thus preventing the formation of harmful substances. 



Jiang, a potato researcher for over two decades, has been at the forefront of this challenge, initially identifying a key gene linked to CIS during his tenure at the <a href="https://www.wisc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Wisconsin-Madison</a> in 2010.



Collaborating extensively with MSU colleagues and other research institutions, Jiang's team utilized gene expression analysis, protein identification, and enhancer mapping to pinpoint the CIS gene's regulatory element. 



“We’ve identified the specific gene responsible for CIS and, more importantly, we’ve uncovered the regulatory element that switches it on under cold temperatures,” explained Jiang. 



“By studying how this gene turns on and off, we open up the possibility of developing potatoes that are naturally resistant to CIS and, therefore, will not produce toxic compounds.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-dawn-of-cold-resistant-potatoes">The dawn of cold-resistant potatoes</h2>



The MSU environment, renowned for its collaborative research atmosphere and state-of-the-art facilities, including the top-tier potato breeding program led by Douches, has been instrumental in advancing this research.



“MSU’s collaborative research environment and facilities, including the world-class <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cancer-drugs-of-the-future-may-come-from-potatoes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">potato breeding</a> program led by Dave Douches, were instrumental for this research,” Jiang said. 



“Our next steps involve using this knowledge to create CIS-resistant potato lines through gene editing or other breeding techniques in Dr. Douches’ greenhouses.”



Douches highlighted the efficiency of conducting research on-campus, allowing for swift progress towards creating cold-resistant potato varieties through targeted <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crispr-gene-editing-gets-a-revolutionary-upgrade-with-new-tool/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genetic modification</a>.



“All our facilities are on campus so the research work can be done efficiently,” Douches said. “With our collaboration, we were able to produce a finding that paves the way for targeted genetic modification approaches to create cold-resistant potato varieties.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extending-this-technology-beyond-snack-foods">Extending this technology beyond snack foods</h2>



The implications of Jiang and Douches' research extend beyond making healthy potato chips and enhancing the quality of snack foods. It also holds the potential to mitigate acrylamide formation in various processed starchy foods. 



Furthermore, developing cold-resistant potatoes could lead to improved storage and transport flexibility, reducing food waste and associated costs.



Jiang is optimistic about the commercial availability of CIS-resistant potatoes in the near future, marking a significant stride in improving potato development for food quality and health. 



“This discovery represents a significant advancement in our understanding of potato development and its implications for food quality and health,” Jiang said. “It has the potential to affect every single bag of potato chips around the world.”



This advancement is poised to impact the global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/americans-propensity-to-snack-has-gotten-out-of-control/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">snack food industry</a>, potentially transforming every bag of potato chips on the market.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-healthy-potato-chips-and-the-cold-spud-revolution">Healthy potato chips and the cold spud revolution</h2>



In summary, this tantalizing discovery marks a significant milestone in the snack food industry and potato cultivation, promising a future where chips and fries not only taste better but are healthier too. 



By pinpointing the gene responsible for cold-induced sweetening and its regulatory element, scientists can now create potato varieties resistant to this process, potentially eliminating the formation of acrylamide, a known carcinogen. 



The collaboration between Michigan State University's esteemed scientists and its world-class potato breeding program, led by David Douches, showcases the power of targeted genetic modification in addressing critical food safety and quality issues. 



This breakthrough stands to transform the billion-dollar snack market in the U.S. while taking great strides in global food health standards. This collaboration is a pivotal moment for researchers, farmers, and consumers alike.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://academic.oup.com/plcell/advance-article/doi/10.1093/plcell/koae050/7609602" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Plant Cell</a>.



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Potato chips and fries will now be a ‘healthy’ snack with new cooking method

In an exciting development for the snack food sector, two...

The threat of potassium depletion in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/agricultural-soils-contribute-to-climate-crisis-by-releasing-nitrous-oxide/">agricultural soils</a>, a crucial nutrient for plant growth, is emerging as a significant concern for global food security. This is the conclusion of new research led by <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University College London</a> (UCL).



The study reveals a critical imbalance that is happening on a global scale. More potassium is being removed from soils than replenished, posing a risk to crop yields and, consequently, food supplies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lack-of-potassium-in-soil-is-significant-threat">Lack of potassium in soil is significant threat</h2>



Potassium aids in essential plant functions such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/key-to-life-on-earth-photosynthesis-begins-on-the-quantum-level-with-a-single-photon/">photosynthesis</a> and respiration. Its absence can severely limit growth, affecting food production.&nbsp;



Traditionally, farmers combat potassium depletion with potassium-rich fertilizers. However, challenges like supply constraints and environmental concerns underscore the complexity of this solution.



The researchers identified an alarming global trend of potassium deficiency. They found that about 20% of agricultural soils worldwide are severely lacking this nutrient. 



The situation is particularly dire in regions with intensive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seaweed-farming-could-boost-food-security-slow-climate-change/">farming</a> practices, including 44% of soils in South-East Asia, 39% in Latin America, 30% in Sub-Saharan Africa, and 20% in East Asia.



Professor Mark Maslin (UCL Geography), a co-author of the study, emphasized the critical nature of this issue.&nbsp;



“Potassium is critical to sustaining the crop yields that keep the world fed, and its depletion poses a significant threat to the food security of millions of people around the world," said Maslin. "This is an overlooked issue that needs to be addressed with a range of actions as the world population continues to grow.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-source-of-potassium-soil-fertilizer">Key source of potassium soil fertilizer</h2>



The study highlights the market's volatility for potash, a key source of potassium fertilizer. Potash is dominated by a few countries, leading to price surges and supply disruptions.&nbsp;



Notably, the situation was exacerbated by geopolitical tensions, such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This led to sanctions affecting potash exports from Russia and Belarus, significant global suppliers.



“The volatility of potash prices has major implications across the global food system. Access to potassium is vital for farmers to maintain their crop yields, but the recent high cost of potash makes it more difficult for the most vulnerable to obtain,” said co-author Peter Alexander, a geoscientist at the University of Edinburgh.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mitigating-risks-to-food-security-nbsp">Mitigating risks to food security&nbsp;</h2>



To combat these challenges and mitigate the risk to food security, the researchers propose several recommendations. They are calling for national capabilities to manage price fluctuations, research on soil potassium levels, and the evaluation of potash mining's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-hidden-and-destructive-environmental-impact-of-bitcoin-mining/">environmental impact</a>. 



In addition, the team recommends the development of a global circular potassium economy. Furthermore, the experts call for increased intergovernmental cooperation to coordinate policies on potassium management.



“The environmental impact of potash mining and use in agriculture is something that needs greater scrutiny. There’s much that we still don’t understand about the effects that artificial potassium enrichment has on nearby ecosystems," said study lead author Will Brownlie of the UK Center for Ecology &amp; Hydrology.



"By wisely handling nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium together, we can reap multiple benefits, prevent pollution, boost crop yields, and minimize nutrient loss. It's about coordinating our approach for better farming outcomes."



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s43016-024-00929-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Food</a>.



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Potassium depletion in agricultural soils threatens food security

The threat of potassium depletion in agricultural soils, a crucial...

Ever thought of eating a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fungal-disease-threatens-banana-production-in-africa/">banana</a> and helping the planet at the same time? Well, it might not be as unbelievable as it sounds.



Scientists at <a href="https://www.sdstate.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">South Dakota State University</a> have figured out a way to turn those banana peels you toss in the bin into something amazing – a solution to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/game-changing-invention-converts-both-co2-and-plastic-waste-into-renewable-energy/">plastic waste</a> problem.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-bananas">Why bananas?</h2>



Bananas are a common fixture on dinner tables around the world. However, there are millions of tons of peels that get discarded annually and go unnoticed.&nbsp;



Dr. Srinivas Janaswamy, the lead author of the study, posed a thought-provoking question: "Many of us consume at least one banana a day. After enjoying the delicious fruit, we discard the peel. What if we could find a use for the peel that helps eliminate plastic waste?"



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sustainable-packaging">Sustainable packaging</h2>



The banana peel usually ends up in the trash. This readily available "leftover" is ideal for creating sustainable packaging thanks to its unique composition.



"Every year, almost 36 million tons of banana peels are produced, most of which are disposed of as waste. The food processing industry discards a huge amount of banana peel in landfills while manufacturing chips, flour, juice, jam, baby food and other products made from bananas," said Dr. Janaswamy.&nbsp;



“Finding a more practical use for banana peels is important for providing financial benefits to the agricultural industry and preventing environmental pollution."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-peels-were-used">How the peels were used</h2>



Banana peels were given a new life in this study. First, dried peels were treated with chemicals to extract tiny cellulose fibers. These were then further broken down into even smaller "nanofibers" using a special blending technique.



To make the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-mulch-used-in-strawberry-production-leads-to-long-term-pollution/">plastic</a> like films, these nanofibers were mixed with a natural polymer and a stretchy additive. The mixture was spread into thin sheets and dried carefully to create films with consistent thickness and quality.



The researchers tested these films to measure their strength, flexibility, clarity, and ability to break down naturally.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-peel-to-plastic">Peel to plastic</h2>



The experts dug into the properties of these innovative films, including thick they were and how well they blocked moisture. Thickness ranged from 0.057 to 0.090 millimeters. This indicated their potential as effective moisture barriers that could keep food fresh.



Strength and flexibility were also tested, important for films that need to handle bumps and bends. "The films of the banana peel fibers display tensile strength of more than 30 MPa, which certainly would be attractive for sack bags and related packaging applications," explained Dr. Janaswamy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-successful-results">Successful results</h2>



The big question: are these films eco-friendly? <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biodegradable-plastic-materials-do-not-biodegrade-in-the-ocean/">Biodegradability</a> tests showed they could break down by over 50% in just three weeks in soil, a major improvement over traditional plastics.



Other factors like moisture content, transparency, and how much water the film could absorb were also examined. These are all important for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-pollution-from-cigarettes-costs-over-26-billion-every-year/">packaging</a>, especially for food where keeping things fresh and visible is key.



"The films are strong and transparent, and more importantly, biodegrade within 30 days at 21% soil moisture content. The finding opens up new possibilities for banana peel and other fruit processing byproducts in designing and developing plastic-replacing biodegradable packaging," said Dr. Janaswamy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-and-future-directions">Study implications and future directions</h2>



The technique in this research not only gets rid of waste but also avoids using traditional plastic, which takes forever to decompose and harms the environment.



Dr. Janaswamy's team is still working on making their banana peel sheets even more flexible and figuring out how to produce them in large quantities for stores and companies to use.&nbsp;



"Our research involving green and recyclable chemicals is a promising economical and sustainable route to produce biodegradable films to replace petrochemical plastics and is thus an attractive contribution to the circular bioeconomy," he said.



The goal is to see these eco-friendly wraps on shelves everywhere, replacing plastic and helping us live greener lives.



This research shows how science and caring for the planet can work together. By using everyday things in smart ways, we can find solutions to big problems like plastic waste.&nbsp;



And who knows, maybe one day, thanks to science and some humble banana peels, our packaging won't just be useful, it will be good for the Earth too.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scp.2023.101400" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sustainable Chemistry and Pharmacy</a>.



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Scientists turn banana peels into eco-friendly packaging

Ever thought of eating a banana and helping the planet...

<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?

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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

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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

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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