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...

A study led by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley and the Swedish Museum of Natural History has uncovered that Pacific Coast <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/kelp-farms-could-help-clean-up-coastal-nitrogen-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">kelp</a> forests have much older origins than previously thought. 



The study reveals that these underwater forests existed more than 32 million years ago, predating the emergence of the modern marine ecosystem that currently inhabits them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-food-source">Ancient food source</h2>



Cindy Looy, a paleobotanist and professor of integrative biology at <a href="https://www.berkeley.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Berkeley</a>, and Steffen Kiel, a senior curator at the <a href="https://www.nrm.se/en/16.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Swedish Museum of Natural History</a>, spearheaded the research. 



The team found that the kelp forests provided a primary food source for an ancient mammal called a desmostylian, a relative of today's sea cows and elephants.



Initially, it was believed that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/kelp-forests-are-losing-their-capacity-to-trap-carbon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">kelp</a> forests emerged around 14 million years ago, aligning with the appearance of modern marine animals. 



However, as Looy explains, "Now, we show the kelps were there, it's just that all the organisms that you expect to be associated with them were not." 



This new understanding suggests a more complex evolutionary history of these ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fossilized-kelp-forest-holdfasts">Fossilized kelp forest holdfasts</h2>



The discovery was made possible through fossilized <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/restoration-of-underwater-seaweed-forests-offers-hope-for-the-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">kelp</a> holdfasts - the root-like structures anchoring kelp to the seafloor - dated back to 32.1 million years ago. 



These holdfasts, containing clams, barnacles, and snails, provide insight into the ancient kelp's ecosystem. 



Prior to this, the oldest known kelp fossil was an air bladder and blade similar to today's bull kelp, dating back to 14 million years ago, held by the University of California Museum of Paleontology (<a href="https://ucmp.berkeley.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCMP</a>).



"Our holdfasts provide good evidence for kelp being the food source for an enigmatic group of marine mammals, the desmostylia," Kiel said. 



These findings challenge previous assumptions and highlight the complex evolution of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/whales-play-with-seaweed-and-roll-in-its-antibacterial-properties/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">kelp</a> forests over millions of years.



The research team's innovative approach included the use of Synchrotron Radiation X-ray Tomographic Microscopy (SRXTM) to obtain detailed 3D X-ray scans of the fossilized holdfasts. 



The scans revealed a diverse range of marine life, including barnacles, snails, mussels, and foraminifera, within the holdfasts, indicating a vibrant but less complex ecosystem compared to today's kelp forests.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-for-kelp-forests">Study implications for kelp forests</h2>



The study also emphasizes the critical role of amateur fossil hunters in advancing scientific understanding. The fossils were initially discovered by James Goedert, an amateur collector, along the beach near Jansen Creek on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington.



Looy and Kiel plan to continue their research to further understand the evolution of the North Pacific kelp ecosystem and its relationship with ocean-climate changes. 



This research not only sheds light on the ancient history of these vital marine habitats but also underscores the importance of fossil records in unraveling the complexities of Earth's ecological past.



The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2317054121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>,&nbsp;



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Pacific kelp forests existed 32 million years ago

A study led by researchers at the University of California,...

Life on Earth remains a subject of immense curiosity and scientific investigation across all sections of humanity. But have you ever stopped to think about the total amount of <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/how-much-total-life-has-existed-on-Earth_Spiny-Flower-Mantis_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life that has existed</a> on Earth since the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-chemical-reaction-used-by-cooks-helped-spark-the-first-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">first cells</a> appeared 3.8 billion years ago? 



What about the total amount of life that will ever inhabit our planet, from now until Earth is consumed by the Sun?



A recent study led by <a href="https://earthsci.carleton.ca/people/faculty-members/dr-peter-crockford" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Peter Crockford</a>, Assistant Professor at <a href="https://carleton.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Carleton University</a>, in collaboration with researchers from the <a href="https://www.weizmann.ac.il/pages/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Weizmann Institute of Science</a> and <a href="https://www.smith.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Smith College</a>, dives head first into this mind-blowing topic.



Their work, published in <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(23)01286-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>, delves into the historical and future aspects of life on our planet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-primary-production">The role of "primary production"</h2>



At the heart of the study is the concept of primary production, a process where organisms convert inorganic carbon, like atmospheric carbon dioxide and oceanic bicarbonate, into the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-did-the-building-blocks-of-life-form/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">organic molecules</a> essential for life. 



This process, currently dominated by oxygenic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/key-to-life-on-earth-photosynthesis-begins-on-the-quantum-level-with-a-single-photon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photosynthesis</a> involving sunlight and water, is responsible for an estimated annual uptake of 200 billion tons of carbon. 



Understanding the historical rates of primary production is crucial, and scientists have turned to the isotopic composition of oxygen in ancient sulfate deposits for answers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-historical-insights-and-astonishing-figures">Historical insights and astonishing figures</h2>



The study compiled various estimates of ancient primary production, leading to the staggering conclusion that about 100 quintillion tons of carbon have been processed since life began. 



This figure is a hundredfold greater than the total carbon content contained inside the Earth, highlighting the profound impact of primary producers like plants, algae, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cyanobacteria-may-shed-new-light-on-the-history-of-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cyanobacteria</a>.



In Earth's early days, primary production was predominantly managed by organisms that didn't rely on oxygenic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-have-finally-decoded-the-process-of-photosynthesis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photosynthesis</a>. 



Techniques like identifying the oldest forests and analyzing molecular fossils have helped pinpoint when different primary producers were most active.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-estimating-the-total-amount-of-life-on-earth">Estimating the total amount of life on Earth</h2>



Crockford's team found that land plants, despite their late emergence, have likely been the biggest contributors to Earth's primary production. 



Cyanobacteria also stand out as significant contributors. This research is vital in understanding not just the amount of primary production but also the organisms responsible for it.



One fascinating aspect of the study is the <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/earth_amount-of-life-existed_stony-coral_3m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">estimation of life</a> on Earth, both historically and presently. By correlating primary production with cell existence, the researchers approximate that around 1030 (10 noninillion) cells exist today. 



Throughout Earth's history, between 1039&nbsp;(a duodecillion) and 1040 cells have likely existed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finite-nature-of-earth-s-biosphere">Finite nature of Earth’s biosphere</h2>



The study also touches on the finite lifespan of Earth's biosphere, a sobering reality dictated by the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sun-dies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life cycle of the sun</a>. 



Over time, the sun's increasing brightness will push Earth's biogeochemical systems beyond their limits, leading to the demise of land plants and eventually turning Earth back into a largely lifeless planet.



Looking forward, Crockford and his team project that about 1040 cells will inhabit Earth over its entire habitable lifetime. This projection is based on current levels of primary productivity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-as-an-exoplanet-benchmark">Earth as an exoplanet benchmark</h2>



In an era where over <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alien-worlds-unraveling-the-mysteries-of-exoplanets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">5000 exoplanets</a> have been discovered, the study also positions Earth as a benchmark for comparing life on other planets. 



Crockford emphasizes the significance of historical events, like the advent of oxygenic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-photosynthesis-machines-invented-to-create-oxygen-in-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photosynthesis</a> and endosymbiosis, in shaping the trajectory and abundance of life on Earth. 



These insights not only enhance our understanding of our planet but also guide the exploration of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oxygen-levels-on-distant-planets-reveal-presence-of-alien-technology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extraterrestrial life</a>.



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



In summary, this incredible work by Peter Crockford and his team offers a profound perspective on the scope and scale of life on Earth. 



By quantifying the vast amounts of carbon processed since the <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/earth_amount-of-life-existed_nudibranch_4m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dawn of life</a> and estimating the staggering number of cells that have existed, and will exist, the research deepens our understanding of Earth's biological history, while placing our planet in a broader cosmic context. 



As we continue to discover and analyze exoplanets, Earth's unique evolutionary path, shaped by pivotal phenomena like oxygenic photosynthesis, serves as a vital reference point. 



This research illuminates our planet's past and predicts its future. It also underscores the delicate balance of conditions that sustain life. 



As we look towards the future, Crockford's work reminds us of the transient nature of life on Earth and the ongoing quest to unravel the mysteries of life in the universe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beginnings-of-life-on-earth">Beginnings of life on Earth</h2>



As mentioned above, the beginning of life on Earth is a story of extraordinary complexity and wonder, forged billions of years ago. 



This narrative starts around <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-chemical-reaction-used-by-cooks-helped-spark-the-first-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">4.5 billion years ago</a>, when Earth itself formed from the dust and cosmic debris left over from the sun's creation. 



Initially, the young Earth was a molten, hostile environment, unsuitable for any form of life as we know it today.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-s-oceans-and-the-emergence-of-life">Earth's oceans and the emergence of life</h3>



As Earth cooled, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stunning-discovery-earths-building-blocks-contained-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water vapor</a> began to condense and form oceans. It was in these primordial waters, around 3.8 to 4.1 billion years ago, that life first emerged. 



The exact process remains one of science's great mysteries, but the prevailing theory suggests that life began with simple <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/building-blocks-of-life-found-in-asteroids-were-formed-in-cold-regions-of-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">organic compounds</a>. 



These compounds, through a series of chemical reactions possibly driven by lightning or volcanic activity, formed the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-did-the-building-blocks-of-life-form/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">building blocks</a> of life: amino acids and nucleotides.



Then, a critical leap occurred. These organic molecules combined in just the right way to form the first simple, self-replicating entities. 



These were the earliest forms of life, likely <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/life-on-earth-may-have-been-kickstarted-by-a-stormy-and-active-sun/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RNA-like molecules</a> that could both store genetic information and catalyze chemical reactions, a precursor to modern DNA.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-and-the-rise-of-complex-life">Evolution and the rise of complex life</h3>



Over countless millennia, these simple forms evolved, becoming more complex and diverse. 



They developed the ability to harness energy from the sun through photosynthesis, which dramatically altered Earth's atmosphere and paved the way for more complex life forms. 



The rise of oxygen in the atmosphere was a turning point, leading to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/evolution-is-not-as-random-as-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution</a> of aerobic organisms that could use oxygen for energy.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-diverse-web-of-life">The diverse web of life</h3>



From these humble beginnings, life diversified into the myriad forms we see today, from bacteria to plants, insects, animals, and humans. 



Through the process of primary production, the amount of life that has existed on Earth, and will exist in the future, is nothing short of staggering.



This vast web of life all traces back to those first organic compounds that formed in Earth's ancient oceans, making our planet a unique and thriving ecosystem in the vastness of space.



In summary, the story of life's beginning on Earth, and the total amount of life that has existed on Earth since the very first cell evolved, is a tale of chemical and biological evolution.



Earth's story is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of life. It underscores the importance of understanding our planet's history and preserving its biodiversity for future generations.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(23)01286-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



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The total amount of life that has ever existed on Earth is mind-blowing

Life on Earth remains a subject of immense curiosity and...

A new study by Brazilian researchers has revealed startling details about the Atlantic Rainforest biome. The experts found that 82 percent of the rainforest's endemic trees, totaling over 2,000 distinct species, face varying degrees of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/one-quarter-of-earths-species-may-be-extinct-by-2010/">extinction</a> risk.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unprecedented-assessment-nbsp">Unprecedented assessment&nbsp;</h2>



The scope of the research is unprecedented. The team assessed all 4,950 tree species within the Atlantic Rainforest using the criteria of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The study revealed that 65 percent of the total species are vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered.



“The number (82% of endemic species threatened) came as a shock. We took forest availability into account for each species, whether or not it was healthy forest, for example. Not all species are able to survive in degraded fragments, so the actual situation may be even more alarming,” said study co-author Professor Renato Lima from the <a href="https://www5.usp.br/english/institutional/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of São Paulo</a> Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-innovative-approach-nbsp">Innovative approach&nbsp;</h2>



The research team conducted an automated conservation assessment of the tree species, incorporating over 800,000 herbarium records and 1.3 million tree counts from forest inventories.&nbsp;



The experts also analyzed data on the species' life histories, commercial uses, and habitat loss over time. The forest inventory data came from TreeCo, a repository managed by Lima.



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



A key finding of the study was that less than 30 percent of the endemic species have experienced a population decline in the last three generations.&nbsp;



This threshold is critical as species with a 30 to 50 percent decline are classified as vulnerable by the IUCN, the lowest level of threat. A decline above 50 percent places species in the endangered or critically endangered categories.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-threatened-species-nbsp">Threatened species&nbsp;</h2>



Among the threatened species, 75 percent were categorized as endangered. Notably, the brazilwood (Paubrasilia echinata) is now considered critically endangered after an estimated 84 percent reduction in its population size over recent generations. 



Other familiar species like the Paraná pine (Araucaria angustifolia), Jussara palm (Euterpe edulis), and Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) have lost over half of their populations, earning them the endangered status.



The study also highlights the plight of species unique to the Atlantic Rainforest, such as Brazilian sassafras (Ocotea odorifera) and Brazilian walnut (Ocotea porosa), which have experienced population declines between 53 and 89 percent.



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



The IUCN's categorization system, which includes criteria A (population decline), B (geographic range), C (small and declining population), and D (very small population), was fully utilized in this study.&nbsp;



The research demonstrated that incorporating more of these criteria results in a higher number of species identified as threatened. When fewer criteria were used, as was common in previous studies, the number of threatened species was six times less.



The study’s methodology is set to drastically improve future assessments, with plans already underway to apply it to approximately 12,000 plant species endemic to Brazil. This research will be conducted by the National Center for Conservation of Flora at the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden.



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



In a simulation based on data for other tropical forests, the researchers found that 30 to 35 percent of the planet’s tree species may be threatened by deforestation alone.



“Information of this kind is critically important to the formulation of public policies for conservation and reforestation," said Professor Lima. "The most degraded areas and threatened species can be prioritized without overlooking areas where there are forests that may not be viable in the long run if nothing is done now."



On a positive note, the study led to the rediscovery of five species previously thought to be extinct in the wild. However, the team also concluded that 13 species endemic to the Atlantic Rainforest may already be extinct.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.abq50" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Alarming number of tree species threatened in the Atlantic Rainforest 

A new study by Brazilian researchers has revealed startling details...

Climate change is increasingly recognized as a critical threat to the world's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/californias-forests-are-losing-their-ability-to-recover/">forests</a>, and a recent study highlights the severity of this issue for forest carbon sequestration, particularly in the United States.&nbsp;



The research, conducted by <a href="https://www.ufl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Florida</a> researchers J. Aaron Hogan and Jeremy W. Lichstein, involved a comprehensive analysis of U.S. Forest Service data.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forest-productivity-nbsp">Forest productivity&nbsp;</h2>



The experts analyzed data from 1999 to 2020, including 113,806 measurements in non-plantation forests. The goal of the study was to assess how forests across the country are responding to the changing climate.



The analysis revealed a pronounced difference in forest health and productivity between the eastern and western United States.&nbsp;



In the West, severe climate impacts have led to a marked decline in tree growth and biomass accumulation. By contrast, the East has experienced a slight increase in growth, attributed to milder climate effects.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-sequestration">Carbon sequestration</h2>



Forests are crucial in regulating Earth's climate by absorbing a significant portion of CO2 emissions. However, the ability of forests to store carbon hinges on the delicate balance between the positive and negative effects of climate change, noted the researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changes-in-forest-functioning-nbsp">Changes in forest functioning&nbsp;</h2>



“We are witnessing changes in forest functioning as forest ecosystems respond to global change drivers, such as carbon-dioxide-fertilization and climate change,” said Hogan. “It is the future balance of these drivers which will determine the functioning of forests in the coming years to decades.”



While some drivers, such as droughts and pathogens, have negative effects on forest productivity, carbon-dioxide fertilization could potentially boost productivity.



“The U.S. Forest Service has been monitoring the growth and survival of over a million trees across the U.S. for multiple decades,” said Lichstein. “We were interested to see if their data provided evidence for increased rates of tree growth, as predicted by the carbon-dioxide fertilization hypothesis.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-accelerating-climate-change-nbsp">Accelerating climate change&nbsp;</h2>



The findings challenge the assumption that forests will continue to increase their carbon storage capabilities. In reality, ecosystem carbon storage might decrease, contributing to more atmospheric carbon and accelerated climate change.



“Our study suggests that future projections of climate and sea-level rise may be too optimistic because, in reality, ecosystems are likely to store less carbon in the future,” explained Lichstein. “Less ecosystem carbon storage means more carbon in the atmosphere and therefore more warming and accelerating climate change.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-regional-variation">Regional variation</h2>



The results of the study highlight the fact that the impacts of climate change vary by region. This variation can push forests beyond climate thresholds, potentially flipping them from carbon sinks to carbon sources.



“Ecosystem carbon sequestration is not guaranteed to be permanent, and it can be reversed by climate change,” said Lichstein. “This reversal is already happening in the Western U.S., and there are signs that it may also be happening in other drought-impacted regions of the world, such as the Amazon.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-declining-productivity-nbsp">Declining productivity&nbsp;</h2>



While wildfires are a significant concern, the experts found that the decline in western forests' productivity is not solely due to tree mortality from fires but also from declining growth rates caused by adverse climate conditions.



“We hear a lot about wildfires in the Western U.S., which kill a lot of trees and release carbon to the atmosphere,” said Lichstein. “But our study shows that additional ecosystem carbon loss in western forests is occurring due to declining tree growth rates.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-greenhouse-gas-emissions-nbsp">Greenhouse gas emissions&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers emphasize the need to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions to preserve forest carbon sinks and slow the pace of climate change.



“We must have healthy forests in connection with emissions reduction to restore the global carbon balance and limit climate change,” said Hogan.



“Our results highlight the need for reduced global greenhouse gas emissions,” said Lichstein. “Without the emissions reductions that scientists have been urging for decades, forest carbon sinks will likely weaken, which will accelerate the pace of climate change.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2311132121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Forests are becoming less productive due to climate change

Climate change is increasingly recognized as a critical threat to...

Rocky,Shore,Of,The,Atlantic,Ocean,At,High,Tide,At

Scientists from UC Santa Barbara and McGill University have brought to light a collection of well-preserved microfossils, unveiling a surprising diversity of the oldest eukaryotic organisms that existed 1.64 billion years ago.



This research details a critical period in the evolutionary history of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eukaryotic-cells-origin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eukaryotes</a>, a major domain of life that includes plants, animals, fungi, and various other organisms with complex cellular structures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-the-oldest-eukaryote-organisms">Studying the oldest eukaryote organisms</h2>



Lead author <a href="https://www.geol.ucsb.edu/people/leigh-anne-riedman-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leigh Anne Riedman</a>, an assistant researcher in UCSB’s <a href="https://www.geol.ucsb.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Earth Science</a>, emphasized the significance of these findings. 



"These are among the oldest eukaryotes that have ever been discovered," Riedman stated. "Yet, even in these first records, we're seeing a lot of diversity." 



This challenges the previously held belief that early eukaryotes were relatively uniform, with significant diversification occurring much later, around 800 million years ago.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-collecting-fossils-down-under">Collecting fossils down under</h2>



The team's exploration began in the Australian Outback in late 2019. Riedman collected approximately 430 samples from eight cores drilled by a prospecting company, now stored in the <a href="https://www.nwtgeoscience.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northern Territory Geological Survey</a>'s library. 



The selected cores spanned about 500 meters of stratigraphy, encapsulating around 133 million years of geological history, with a focus on a period of intense deposition lasting about 15 million years.



Riedman's return to the United States with shale and mudstone samples marked the start of an intensive analysis process. 



These remnants of an ancient coastal ecosystem, which alternated between shallow mudflats and coastal lagoons, held the key to understanding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microfossils-reveal-a-leap-in-lifes-complexity-2-4-billion-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">early eukaryotic life</a>. 



A careful application of hydrofluoric acid dissolved the surrounding rock, leaving behind the invaluable microfossils for microscopic examination.



"We were hoping to find species with interesting and different characteristics to their cell walls," Riedman explained. These characteristics could provide insights into the cellular activities of these early life forms. 



However, as Riedman noted, reaching any definitive conclusions about the cellular interiors would be challenging, given that the fossils preserved only the exteriors of the cells.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-remarkable-diversity-and-complexity">Remarkable diversity and complexity</h2>



The team, amazed by their findings, identified 26 taxa, including 10 previously unknown species. These fossils displayed intricate structures, such as evidence of cytoskeletons and internal vesicles, possibly precursors to modern Golgi bodies found in eukaryotic cells. 



Additionally, some microbes exhibited complex cell walls composed of bound fibers, further suggesting advanced cellular structures.



Among the intriguing discoveries were cells with tiny trapdoors, a sign of sophisticated biological processes. These trapdoors are thought to have been used by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/organisms-called-protosterol-biota-lived-1-6-billion-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbes</a> to form cysts during unfavorable conditions, requiring a specialized mechanism to reopen. 



“If you’re going to produce an enzyme that dissolves your cell wall, you need to be really careful about how you use that enzyme,” explained Leigh Anne Riedman, highlighting the unexpected complexity in these early life forms. 



This finding indicates that such sophisticated abilities were present much earlier than previously assumed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-of-oldest-eukaryote-organisms">Evolution of oldest eukaryote organisms</h2>



<a href="https://www.geol.ucsb.edu/people/susannah-porter" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Susannah Porter</a>, a co-author and Earth science professor at <a href="https://www.ucsb.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Santa Barbara</a>, noted, “The assumption has always been that this is around the time that eukaryotes appeared. And now we think that people just haven’t explored older rocks.” 



This revelation suggests that the history of eukaryotes on Earth could extend further back than previously believed. 



Their study is part of a broader project aimed at understanding the environmental conditions and adaptations of early eukaryotes. 



Riedman and Porter are particularly interested in determining whether these organisms thrived in oxygenated or anoxic environments. 



The presence of aerobic metabolism or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-plankton-hold-a-long-record-of-ocean-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mitochondria</a> would imply an early acquisition of these organelles, offering a significant evolutionary advantage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-back-to-move-forward">Looking back to move forward</h2>



As Riedman and Porter continue their research, including studies of even older samples from Western Australia and Minnesota, they aim to provide a more detailed account of eukaryote diversity over time. 



Collaborations with geochemists at <a href="https://www.mcgill.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">McGill University</a> are also underway, focusing on oxygen levels and preferred habitats of these ancient organisms.



“These results are a directive to go look for older material, older eukaryotes, because this is clearly not the beginning of eukaryotes on Earth,” Riedman stated, urging a deeper investigation into the origins of these complex life forms.



In summary, this important research challenges previous beliefs about the uniformity and later diversification of early eukaryotes, some of the oldest organisms on Earth. The team's exploration unearthed evidence of sophisticated cellular structures, such as cytoskeletons and internal vesicles, in ancient eukaryotic cells. 



These findings, derived from ancient coastal ecosystem remnants, offer new insights into the early evolution of life and prompt further investigation into even older geological samples.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/spp2.1538" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Papers in Palaeontology</a>.



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Earth’s oldest organisms ever discovered show dazzling diversity and complexity

Scientists from UC Santa Barbara and McGill University have brought...

Scientists at the <a href="https://www.southampton.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Southampton</a> have successfully engineered the microbiome of plants for the first time, marking a significant advancement in agricultural biotechnology. 



This development has the potential to revolutionize the way we protect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tackling-malnutrition-new-satellite-can-monitor-nutrients-in-crops-from-space/">crops</a> from diseases, substantially reducing the dependence on harmful pesticides.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-microbiomes">Plant microbiomes</h2>



The significance of the microbiome, which refers to a complex community of microorganisms, has been a subject of growing interest. In humans, gut microbiomes play a critical role in various aspects of health, from metabolism to immunity.&nbsp;



Similarly, plants host diverse microbiomes consisting of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microorganisms within their roots, stems, and leaves. These microbial communities are crucial in determining a plant's health and its susceptibility to diseases.



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



"In nature, plants and their associated microbes, collectively known as the microbiota, form functional entities that rely on each other. The microbiota contributes to aspects such as disease resistance, stress tolerance, and nutrient acquisition," wrote the study authors.



"Successful recruitment and maintenance of a sufficient abundance of specific microbial members determines the outcome of plant-microbiota interactions. Thus, understanding the principles driving microbiome assembly in crop plants has become one of the main pursuits of present studies in order to integrate microbiome functioning into sustainable crop production."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-research-nbsp">Focus of the research&nbsp;</h2>



The research was focused on a specific gene in the lignin biosynthesis cluster of the rice plant, a component crucial for plant cell walls and overall biomass.&nbsp;



Upon deactivating this gene, the scientists observed a decline in certain beneficial bacterial populations, underscoring the gene's role in shaping the plant's microbiome.&nbsp;



On the other hand, overexpressing the gene resulted in the increased production of a particular metabolite, subsequently enhancing the prevalence of beneficial bacteria.



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



The genetic modification proved its effectiveness when the engineered rice plants exhibited substantial resistance to Xanthomonas oryzae. This pathogen is responsible for bacterial blight, a prevalent and destructive disease in rice crops.&nbsp;



The traditional method of controlling bacterial blight involves the use of polluting pesticides. Therefore, the development of crops with a naturally protective microbiome could not only secure food production but also benefit the environment.



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



“For the first time, we’ve been able to change the makeup of a plant’s microbiome in a targeted way, boosting the numbers of beneficial bacteria that can protect the plant from other, harmful bacteria,” said study co-author Dr. Tomislav Cernava.



“This breakthrough could reduce reliance on pesticides, which are harmful to the environment. We’ve achieved this in rice crops, but the framework we’ve created could be applied to other plants and unlock other opportunities to improve their microbiome. For example, microbes that increase nutrient provision to crops could reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers.”



The implications of this research extend beyond disease resistance. The Southampton team is exploring ways to manipulate plant microbiomes to enhance other aspects of plant health, such as nutrient provision.&nbsp;



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-44335-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Engineered plant microbiomes: The future of crop protection 

Scientists at the University of Southampton have successfully engineered the...

Waterfall,Hidden,In,The,Tropical,Jungle

Researchers on Barro Colorado Island in the Panama Canal have unearthed a lost <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mangrove-forest-reveals-ancient-climate-change-effects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mangrove</a> forest, estimated to be over 22 million years old. 



This revelation was made possible through the identification of the fossilized Sonneratioxylon barrocoloradoensis, a mangrove species previously unknown to science.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-find-a-lost-mangrove-forest">How to find a lost mangrove forest</h2>



The study, conducted by experts at the <a href="https://stri.si.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute</a>, utilized radiometric analysis to date the forest and its 121 fossilized wood specimens back to the Aquitanian stage of the Early Miocene. 



During this era, central Panama was a narrow peninsula, bridging North America and separated from South America, with high volcanic activity.



It's this volcanic activity that likely led to the forest's destruction. Analyses of sediment and rock indicate that these trees thrived in river or ocean environments until a volcanic event abruptly buried them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-mangroves">Understanding mangroves</h2>



Intriguingly, the wood anatomy of the newly discovered <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/machine-learning-could-help-save-mangrove-forests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mangroves</a> bears similarity to a type found in Southeast Asia. 



The researchers named this species after its discovery site, Barro Colorado Island, and estimate that these trees reached heights of up to 82 feet.



The tallest specimens measured beyond 131 feet, surpassing the height of contemporary <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/restoring-mangroves-could-help-countries-meet-their-climate-goals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mangrove</a> forests.



The authors note, "The fossil wood assemblage on Barro Colorado Island likely represents a mangrove forest along the coast of central Panama's volcanic chain."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-lost-mangrove-forest-in-a-tropical-forest">A lost mangrove forest in a tropical forest</h2>



This finding underscores the adaptability of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mangroves-and-coral-reefs-provide-critical-protection-from-storms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mangrove</a> forests, which thrive in tropical and subtropical regions, enduring saltwater environments and fluctuating tides due to their dense, entangled root systems.



Barro Colorado Island's significance extends beyond this discovery. Formed in 1913 during the Panama Canal's construction, this 9-square-mile island is a hub for tropical research, boasting one of the oldest stations globally. 



Known as a "rainforest-covered living laboratory," it offers unparalleled opportunities to study biology, ecology, and animal behavior.



The discovery of the Sonneratioxylon barrocoloradoensis adds a new chapter to Barro Colorado Island's rich history of over a century, and opens a window into the world of ancient forests, highlighting the island's continued importance in the realm of scientific discovery.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-barro-colorado-island-a-jewel-of-scientific-discovery">Barro Colorado Island: A jewel of scientific discovery</h2>



As discussed above, Barro Colorado Island, nestled in the heart of the Panama Canal, stands as a testament to the wonders of nature and the advancements of science. 



This 9-square-mile island, formed during the Panama Canal's construction in 1913, has transformed into one of the world's most significant hubs for tropical research.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-birth-of-a-research-oasis">Birth of a research oasis</h3>



The creation of Lake Gatun in 1913 gave rise to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/solving-the-mystery-of-how-zamias-live-in-the-forest-canopy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Barro Colorado Island</a>. This event inadvertently created a unique ecosystem, isolating a section of rainforest that has since become a living laboratory for scientists from around the globe. 



Home to one of the oldest tropical research stations in the world, the island offers an unparalleled environment for the study of biology, ecology, and animal behavior.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hotspot-for-biodiversity">Hotspot for biodiversity</h3>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/in-tropical-forests-lightning-strikes-the-most-resilient-trees/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Barro Colorado Island</a> boasts an incredible array of biodiversity. Researchers meticulously study its rich flora and fauna, providing insights into the complexities of tropical ecosystems. 



The island serves as a safe haven for numerous species, offering a unique opportunity to observe them in their natural habitat.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lost-mangrove-forests-and-other-discoveries">Lost mangrove forests and other discoveries</h3>



The island has been the site of numerous groundbreaking discoveries, including the recent unearthing of a 22-million-year-old mangrove forest, discussed earlier in this article. 



This discovery involved the fossilized remains of a previously unknown species, Sonneratioxylon barrocoloradoensis. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-education-and-conservation">Education and conservation</h3>



Barro Colorado Island has become a melting pot for scientists from various disciplines and countries, fostering international collaboration. 



The research conducted here transcends borders, contributing significantly to our global understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tropical-trees-use-social-distancing-to-promote-forest-diversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tropical environments</a> and their conservation.



The island also plays a vital role in education and conservation efforts. By hosting students and researchers, it promotes environmental awareness and encourages the development of conservation strategies. 



The research conducted here has profound implications for understanding and preserving tropical ecosystems worldwide.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glimpse-into-the-future">Glimpse into the future</h3>



As we face increasing environmental challenges, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/woody-vines-amplify-the-effects-of-lightning-in-tropical-forests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Barro Colorado Island</a> stands as a beacon of hope and a source of invaluable information. 



The research here not only helps us understand our planet's past but also guides us in making informed decisions for its future.



In summary, Barro Colorado Island is a cornerstone of scientific discovery, a haven for biodiversity, and a catalyst for future conservation efforts. Its continued study is essential for advancing our understanding of the natural world.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0031018223006247" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology</a>.



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Lasers and AI locate forest that was lost for 22 million years

Researchers on Barro Colorado Island in the Panama Canal have...

Scientists at <a href="https://www.kew.org/">Kew Gardens</a> have announced their top 10 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/1700-new-plant-species-discovered/">plant</a> and fungi discoveries of 2023, showcasing the astonishing diversity of the natural world. Despite naming 74 new plants and 15 fungi last year, these 10 discoveries stand out for their uniqueness and peculiarities.&nbsp;



The findings span from explosive orchids on dormant volcanoes to underground flowering plants, highlighting species from various corners of the globe, including Borneo's jungles and Antarctica's icy wilderness. However, concerns arise as some of these species are already facing the threat of extinction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-orchid-saved-by-a-rare-bird-nbsp">An orchid saved by a rare bird&nbsp;</h2>



The Aeranthes bigibbum, found in Madagascar, is particularly remarkable because it is found only in a small nature reserve. This reserve, managed by local villagers, is primarily focused on protecting the Helmet vanga, a rare bird with a distinctive blue beak. The income generated from birdwatchers visiting the reserve helps protect the forest, indirectly saving the orchid.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-explosive-discovery-on-a-dormant-volcano">An explosive discovery on a dormant volcano</h2>



The Dendrobium lancilabium subspecies wuryae, a striking red orchid, was an unexpected find on Mount Nok, a dormant volcano on Indonesia's Waigeo Island. The researchers were originally searching for a blue orchid not seen for decades.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nine-species-of-australian-tobacco">Nine species of Australian tobacco </h2>



Researchers discovered nine new species of Nicotiana in Australia, known for its arid climate. These species, part of the tobacco plant family, are adapted to survive in harsh environments. The new plants include N. olens, named for its pleasantly scented flowers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-potentially-carnivorous-flower">A potentially carnivorous flower</h2>



In Madagascar, a peculiar sticky flower covered with thin hairs, each topped with a drop of dew, was discovered. Named Crepidorhopalon droseroides for its resemblance to carnivorous sundew plants, it belongs to the mint family and may possess insect-eating capabilities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-baffling-pair-of-underground-trees-nbsp">A baffling pair of underground trees&nbsp;</h2>



In the Kalahari's sandy soils of Angola, researchers found two extraordinary tree species that grow mostly underground. Baphia arenicola, a member of the bean family, barely exposes its leaves and flowers above ground. The second species, Adjanys Cochlospermum, named after environmental prize-winner Adjany Costa, features beautiful yellow flowers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-species-of-pathogenic-fungus">A new species of pathogenic fungus </h2>



The Lichtheimia koreana, part of a heat-loving fungal group, was discovered in soy waste in South Korea. While it belongs to a family with three known human pathogens, this particular species is less likely to pose a threat to human health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-three-new-antarctic-fungi">Three new Antarctic fungi </h2>



Despite the harsh conditions of Antarctica, scientists have found a rich diversity of lichens. The newly discovered fungi species live on these lichens and contribute to the surprising biodiversity of the continent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-unusual-underground-palm">An unusual underground palm </h2>



The Pinanga subterranea is a unique palm from Borneo that fruits and flowers entirely underground, a rare trait previously observed only in a single orchid species. Though new to science, this palm is well-known to some local Bornean communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-endangered-thai-violet">An endangered Thai violet</h2>



A new species from the Microchirita family, with small yellow flowers known locally as Yat neramit, is already considered endangered. Found only in two unprotected sites in Thailand, the Microchirita fuscifaucia is threatened due to its limited habitat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-indigo-bearing-shrub">An indigo-bearing shrub </h2>



The newly discovered Indigofera abbottii, named after conservationist Anthony Dixon Abbot, is part of a family known for blue dye-producing plants. Found in South Africa, this species adds to the diverse Indigofera genus, which has various uses and ecological roles.



Dr. Martin Cheek of Kew's Africa Team underscores the importance of documenting these new plants. “Without doing so, we risk losing these species without ever even knowing they existed,” he said. These findings highlight the incredible diversity of plant life and the need for conservation efforts to protect these unique species and their habitats.



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Kew Gardens' top 10 new plants and fungi discovered in 2023

Scientists at Kew Gardens have announced their top 10 plant...

In a groundbreaking approach to environmental sensing, researchers Suyi Li from <a href="https://www.vt.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Virginia Tech</a> and Ian Walker from <a href="https://www.clemson.edu/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Clemson University</a> are developing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-will-humans-react-to-coexisting-with-robots/">robots</a> inspired by plant behavior. Supported by a four-year, $840,000 grant from the <a href="https://www.nsf.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Science Foundation</a>, their work aims to deploy sensors in challenging, often inaccessible environments.



Li, an associate professor in mechanical engineering, and Walker, a professor of electrical and computer engineering, are exploring the idea of creating devices that mimic native plants.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-from-the-plant-kingdom-nbsp">Learning from the plant kingdom&nbsp;</h2>



Li expressed his initial surprise in robotics: “When I started to venture into robotics a few years ago, I was surprised to see that almost all robots are inspired by humans and animals to some degree. However, I believe the vast plant kingdom can offer us many unique lessons on approaching the design, actuation, and operation of robots. This is how Ian and I started working on this topic together.”



The researchers' goal is to create robotics capable of surviving in wild conditions for long periods. They plan to utilize principles from the plant kingdom, such as the ability of sunflowers to move with the sun or the opening and closing mechanisms of floral organs like those in a venus flytrap.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-novel-forms-of-soft-robotics-nbsp">Novel forms of soft robotics&nbsp;</h2>



Li's team specializes in using origami principles to create novel forms of soft robotics, while Walker brings extensive experience in biologically inspired robotics.



The challenge lies in merging sophisticated electronics with the unpredictability of nature. Traditional technology often fails in dynamic outdoor environments due to battery limitations and component breakdowns. Li and Walker's solution is to develop robots that can adapt and respond to their surroundings, similar to how plants do.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-highly-dynamic-environments">Highly dynamic environments</h2>



“As humans, we naturally tend to think of change on the time scale of our attention span, like seconds and minutes. However, long-term and continuous deployments outdoors pose alternative and unique challenges,” Walker explained.&nbsp;



“Over weeks and months, outdoor natural environments are highly dynamic places. Vegetation grows up and debris comes down in storms. Robotic operation in these conditions needs to become more like the ambient environment in novel ways to maintain monitoring.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-robots-that-mimic-plants">Robots that mimic plants</h2>



The new approach involves creating accordion-like robotic trunks that can unfold and self-lock, capable of adapting within congested spaces that may form as foliage grows. The robotics will also incorporate mechanisms that mimic tree leaves and needles, equipped with sensors that guide operation and adaptation.



Powering these robots is a critical aspect, and the researchers are looking into energy harvesting methods that mimic real plants. This approach would allow for long-term operation without the need for human intervention in changing batteries.&nbsp;



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



Li and Walker are also considering the specific requirements for different deployment durations, tailoring their approach based on whether the robot is tasked with monitoring pollution levels over years or rare animal sightings over weeks.



“When monitoring city environments, having static devices is not a problem because the environment is controlled. But in areas like coral reefs or forests with dynamic and volatile surroundings, having a robotic plant that can grow and adapt with its environment instead of needing to be replaced and moved by humans will revolutionize how we are able to study and monitor remote regions,” Li said.



This innovative research promises to open new frontiers in environmental monitoring, offering sustainable and adaptable solutions for studying and protecting diverse ecosystems.



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Origami-inspired robots mimic the behavior of plants

In a groundbreaking approach to environmental sensing, researchers Suyi Li...

For centuries, "magic mushrooms," or Psilocybe fungi, have captivated cultures, particularly in Mesoamerica, where their profound significance is well-documented. 



Fast forward to the psychedelic era of the 60s and 70s, these mystical organisms have now emerged as pivotal players in the mental health domain. 



The psychoactive components, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psilocybin-microdosing-may-improve-mental-health-by-boosting-stress-resilience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psilocybin</a>, and psilocin, harbored in these fungi, are being recognized for their potential in treating mental health conditions like PTSD, depression, and assisting in end-of-life care.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-magic-mushrooms-need-a-genetic-blueprint">Magic mushrooms need a genetic blueprint</h2>



However, to harness psilocybin for therapeutic purposes, a comprehensive understanding of its genetics and <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Psilocybe_evolutionary-tree_magic-mushrooms_1big.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolutionary background</a> is crucial - a feat yet to be accomplished. 



Our present knowledge is based on a mere fraction of the approximately 165 identified Psilocybe species. For most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-learn-why-psilocybin-mushrooms-make-you-hallucinate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psilocybin</a>-producing mushrooms, their stories remained untold since their discovery. That is, until now.



A groundbreaking study led by the <a href="https://www.utah.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Utah</a> and the Natural History Museum of Utah (<a href="https://nhmu.utah.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHMU</a>) marks a significant leap in this field. 



The team has executed the most extensive genomic diversity study for Psilocybe to date, analyzing 52 specimens, including 39 species previously unsequenced.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-journey-back-in-psilocybe-time">A journey back in Psilocybe time</h2>



The findings are astonishing. The Psilocybe genus is estimated to have emerged around 65 million years ago, coinciding with the catastrophic asteroid event that led to the dinosaurs' extinction. 



The study suggests that the synthesis of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psilocybin-can-treat-depression-by-restructuring-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psilocybin</a> in mushrooms began within the Psilocybe genus. It also indicates four to five horizontal gene transfers to other mushrooms between 40 and 9 million years ago.



A pivotal discovery in the study is the identification of two distinct gene orders in the gene cluster responsible for producing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psilocybin-may-protect-against-opioid-use-disorders/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psilocybin</a>. These patterns point to an ancient divergence within the genus, implying two independent origins of psilocybin. 



This is the first study to unveil such a distinct evolutionary pattern in the gene sequences linked to the synthesis of these psychoactive proteins.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-of-psilocybin-in-nature">Potential of psilocybin in nature</h2>



“If <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psychedelic-drug-therapy-could-help-treat-alcoholism/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psilocybin</a> does turn out to be this kind of wonder drug, there’s going to be a need to develop therapeutics to improve its efficacy. What if it already exists in nature?” said&nbsp;<a href="https://dentingerlab.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bryn Dentinger,</a>&nbsp;curator of mycology at&nbsp;NHMU&nbsp;and senior author of the study.



“There’s&nbsp;a wealth of diversity of these compounds out there. To understand where they are and how they’re made, we need to do this kind of molecular work to use biodiversity to our advantage.”



The DNA analyzed in this study was sourced from museum collections worldwide, with 23 out of the 52 specimens being “type specimens.” These are the gold standard in taxonomy, serving as the benchmark for identifying species. 



Alexander Bradshaw, postdoctoral researcher at the University of Utah and lead author of the study, reflects on the significance of this approach. 



“These type specimens represent hundreds of years of thousands of scientists’ collective effort to document diversity, way before people were thinking about DNA,” said Bradshaw. 



“That’s the beauty of it -- no one has really sequenced type specimens at this scale, and now we get to produce molecular and genomic data to the gold standard of&nbsp;Psilocybe&nbsp;types for people to compare against.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-magic-mushroom-evolution">Understanding magic mushroom evolution</h2>



Past research on Psilocybe, commonly known as magic mushrooms, identified four key genes responsible for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psychedelics-could-help-us-reinvent-ourselves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psilocybin</a> production, but only in a limited set of closely related species. 



A new comprehensive study of 52 Psilocybe specimens, however, has unearthed a second distinct gene pattern, revolutionizing our understanding of these fungi.



Virginia Ramírez-Cruz, a mycologist at the <a href="https://www.udg.mx/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Universidad de Guadalajara</a> and co-lead author of the study, highlights the significance of this research. 



“This work represents a big step in the understanding of the evolutionary relationships in&nbsp;Psilocybe&nbsp;because it is the first to include a broad species sampling and is based on&nbsp;type specimens,” she notes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biotech-implications-of-psilocybe">Biotech implications of Psilocybe</h2>



Of the specimens studied, 17 displayed the original gene order, while 35 revealed a new pattern. Bryn Dentinger, an associate professor of biology at the University of Utah, emphasizes the biotechnological potential of these findings.



“We’ve shown here that there’s been a lot of change in gene order over time, and that provides some new tools for biotechnology," Dentinger said.



"If you’re looking for a way to express the genes to produce the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hallucinogen-use-is-on-the-rise-among-young-adults/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psilocybin</a> and related compounds, you no longer have to rely on only one set of gene sequences to do that. Now there’s tremendous diversity that scientists can look at for lots of different properties or efficiencies.”



The research also dated a pivotal split in the gene cluster patterns to about 57 million years ago, linked to a major ecological transition. 



The earliest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/australia-is-the-first-country-to-legalize-psychedelics-for-mental-health-treatment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psilocybin</a>-producing mushrooms likely evolved as wood decomposers before shifting to soil, and in some cases, to herbivore dung. This ecological adaptation occurred independently at least twice in their evolutionary history.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-psilocybin-s-purpose-an-unresolved-mystery">Psilocybin's purpose: An unresolved mystery</h2>



The team contemplates the essential question: What role does psilocybin serve for mushrooms? 



While it's clear that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/genetic-diversity-of-magic-mushrooms-leaves-room-for-new-cultivars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psilocybin</a>-producing gene clusters offer some advantages, their exact nature remains a mystery. 



Psilocybin’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-did-mushrooms-evolve-psychedelic-properties/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">molecular structure</a> closely resembles serotonin and binds to certain receptors in mammals, insects, and arachnids, inducing altered behaviors. Theories about its purpose range from deterring predators to spreading spores, but empirical evidence is sparse.



The authors are exploring an intriguing theory they call the Gastropod Hypothesis. Coinciding with the KPg boundary marked by a massive asteroid impact, the emergence of Psilocybe around 65 million years ago aligns with a time when fungi and terrestrial gastropods thrived. 



Given the significant increase in gastropods post-impact and their known predation on mushrooms, the researchers speculate that psilocybin may have evolved as a deterrent against slugs. Upcoming feeding experiments aim to test this hypothesis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-collections-of-magic-mushrooms">Global collections of magic mushrooms</h2>



The team has set an ambitious goal: to sequence the genome of every Psilocybe type specimen. So far, they've achieved this for 71 specimens, thanks to global collaborations. 



Alexander Bradshaw, reflected on the importance of these collections. “It’s impossible to overstate the importance of collections for doing studies like this," Bradshaw reflected.



"We are standing on the shoulders of giants, who spent thousands of people-power hours to create these collections, so that I can write an email and request access to rare specimens, many of which have only ever been collected once, and may never be collected again,” said Bradshaw.



In summary, this study marks a monumental advancement in our understanding of Psilocybe fungi, or "magic" mushrooms. The team's research enriches our knowledge of their genetics and evolution, while also opening new avenues for biotechnological applications.



As research continues, the enigmatic nature of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insightful-psychedelic-experiences-may-improve-mental-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psilocybin</a> and its role in the natural world becomes a captivating chapter in the ever-evolving story of mycology.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2311245121">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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How psilocybin mushrooms got their "magic"

For centuries, "magic mushrooms," or Psilocybe fungi, have captivated cultures,...

Rain,Forest

In a monumental international effort led by University College London (<a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCL</a>) researchers, a team of 356 scientists has made a startling discovery about tree species in the world's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tropical-trees-use-social-distancing-to-promote-forest-diversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tropical forests</a>. 



Their study, encompassing over a million trees across 1,568 distinct tropical locations, reveals a strikingly uniform pattern of tree diversity spanning tropical forests in Africa, the Amazon, and Southeast Asia.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-tree-diversity-in-tropical-forests">Significance of tree diversity in tropical forests</h2>



This extensive study marks the first of its kind to scrutinize the most prevalent tree species in these biodiverse-rich regions. 



What emerges from their analysis is a revelation that a mere 2.2% of tree species constitute half of the total tree population in these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tree-plantations-have-hidden-impacts-on-tropical-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tropical forests</a>. This uniformity is remarkable, considering the vast geographical and environmental differences across the continents. 



Dr. Declan Cooper, the lead author from UCL's Geography Department and the Centre for Biodiversity and Environment Research, underscores the significance of these findings. 



He explains, "Our findings have profound implications for understanding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tropical-trees-higher-elevations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tropical forests</a>. Focusing on the commonest tree species can help predict the entire forest's response to rapid environmental changes." 



This is crucial given the role of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tropical-forests-are-losing-their-carbon-storage-capacity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tropical forests</a> as significant carbon stores and their global significance as carbon sinks.



Dr. Cooper further elucidates, "Identifying the prevalence of the most common species offers a new lens through which to view tropical forests. Tracking these species could revolutionize how we assess forest health and predict future ecological changes."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-tree-diversity-across-continents">Understanding tree diversity across continents</h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-amazon-rainforest-and-the-looming-threat-of-drought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amazon</a> encompasses a vast, interconnected forest region, in contrast to Southeast Asia's predominantly fragmented island landscape. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/indigenous-amazon-rainforest-dwellers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Human settlements</a> appeared in the Amazon approximately 20,000 years ago, much later than in the African and Southeast Asian forests, where people have resided for over 40,000 years. 



Currently, African forests undergo a climate that is drier and cooler compared to their counterparts in the Amazon and Southeast Asia.



Whether it's the expansive, interconnected forests of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amazons-rainforests-are-at-risk-of-transforming-into-dry-grassy-savannas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amazon</a>, the fragmented island ecosystems of Southeast Asia, or the relatively drier and cooler African forests, this pattern holds true.



Despite their diverse histories and current environmental conditions, the similarity in tree diversity patterns across these regions suggests a possible underlying mechanism governing tree community assembly. This intriguing possibility forms the basis for future research endeavors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-identifying-common-tropical-tree-species">Identifying common tropical tree species</h2>



Another striking aspect of this research is the identification of common tree species. Through statistical analyses and a technique called resampling, the team compiled a list of 1,119 tree species. 



This list, a first of its kind, is expected to significantly streamline future ecological studies by focusing on these common species.



Professor Simon Lewis, the senior author of the study, highlights the novelty of their approach.



"By concentrating on a few hundred common tree species rather than the thousands we know little about, we can unlock new ways to understand these vital ecosystems," Lewis said.



He adds, "This doesn't diminish the importance of rare species, which require special conservation efforts, but emphasizes that significant advancements in knowledge can stem from studying the most common trees."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-methodology-and-data-collection">Methodology and data collection</h2>



The research involved assembling data from untouched tropical forests, unaffected by logging or fire. In each location, teams meticulously recorded every tree with a trunk diameter exceeding 10 centimeters within a hectare. 



This colossal effort, led by Professor Lewis over 20 years, resulted in the documentation of 1,003,805 trees, encompassing 8,493 species across almost eight square miles of forest.



In summary, this landmark study shines a light on the uniformity of tree diversity in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/in-tropical-forests-lightning-strikes-the-most-resilient-trees/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tropical forests</a>, while forging new paths for future ecological research and conservation efforts.



By focusing on the most common species, scientists can gain insights into the overall health and functioning of these crucial ecosystems, ultimately aiding in their preservation for future generations.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06820-z">Nature</a>.



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Scientists name the most common tropical tree species for the first time

In a monumental international effort led by University College London...

A recent study has revealed a significant connection between dietary habits and the risk of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-associated-with-lower-covid-19-vaccine-responses/">COVID-19</a> infection. The researchers found that individuals following a predominantly plant-based or vegetarian diet have a reduced risk of contracting COVID-19 by nearly 40 percent.



The study suggests that a diet rich in vegetables, legumes, nuts - and low in dairy and meat products - may offer protective benefits against the virus.



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



The research, conducted between March and July 2022, involved 702 adult participants. The individuals were categorized into two groups: omnivores and those with a predominantly plant-based diet.&nbsp;



The plant-based diet group was further divided into flexitarians/semi-vegetarians and vegetarians and vegans. In their analysis, the experts accounted for various factors such as lifestyle, medical history, and COVID-19 vaccination status.



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



The plant-based diet group did not show significant differences in sex, age, or vaccination rates compared to omnivores. However, this group had a higher education level and lower prevalence of medical conditions and other factors known to affect the odds of COVID-19 infection.



Out of all participants, 47% had been infected with COVID-19. The incidence was notably higher in omnivores compared to those who had plant-based diets. Furthermore, the omnivores were more likely to experience severe symptoms.



Overall, the likelihood of infection was 39% lower in those following a predominantly plant-based or vegetarian diet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-based-diets">Plant-based diets</h2>



The researchers hypothesize that the protective effects of plant-based diets can be attributed to nutrients that are involved in immune responses and directly combat viral infections.



“Plant-based dietary patterns are rich in antioxidants, phytosterols and polyphenols, which positively affect several cell types implicated in the immune function and exhibit direct antiviral properties,” wrote the study authors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-research-is-needed-nbsp">Further research is needed&nbsp;</h2>



Despite these compelling findings, the researchers acknowledge limitations, such as reliance on participant recall and subjective assessments, which can introduce errors. 



"This research adds to the existing evidence, suggesting that diet may have a role in susceptibility to COVID-19 infection," said Shane McAuliffe, an associate at the NNEdPro Global Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health.



"But this remains an area of research that warrants more rigorous and high quality investigation before any firm conclusions can be drawn about whether particular dietary patterns increase the risk of COVID-19 infection."



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



“In light of these findings and the findings of other studies, and because of the importance of identifying factors that can influence the incidence of COVID-19, we recommend the practice of following plant-based diets or vegetarian dietary patterns," wrote the study authors.



"Our study provides evidence that individuals with a plant-based diet and mainly a vegetarian diet had a lower incidence of COVID-19 even after accounting for important variables like physical activity, BMI and pre-existing conditions."



"Our results suggest that a plant-based diet and mainly vegetarian diet may be considered for protection against infection with COVID-19."



The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjnph-2023-000629" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BMJ Nutrition Prevention &amp; Health</a>.



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Plant-based diet linked to lower COVID-19 risk

A recent study has revealed a significant connection between dietary...

<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">
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</div></figure>







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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What to plant in your garden in mid-July

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



<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

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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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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