<p>Mammals are not only good at hearing sounds, they are especially tuned to voices. A new cross-species study compared humans, dogs, and pigs and mapped how fast the brain flags a voice, then sorts out whether it belongs to one of our own.</p>



<p>The researchers recorded tiny pulses of brain activity while participants listened to people, dogs, and pigs, plus everyday noises. The animals were awake, relaxed, and unmedicated, and the sessions used gentle scalp sensors, not implants.</p>



<p>A team from <a href="https://www.elte.hu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eötvös Loránd University</a> (ELU) focused on two questions that cut to the heart of social hearing in mammals. </p>



<p>The first was whether the brain treats vocal sounds as a distinct category, separate from other noises. The second was whether it goes a step further, recognizing and highlighting voices that belong to members of the same species - a process known as conspecific recognition.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-brain-signals-to-sound">Tracking brain signals to sound</h2>



<p>The setup used non-invasive EEG sensors to track the brain’s fast electrical responses to sound. The signal components the team examined are called event-related potentials, and they are well suited for timing how processing unfolds.</p>



<p>Participants heard short clips such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/laughter-makes-the-stress-of-life-feel-less-overwhelming/">laughs</a>, barks, and grunts, alongside non vocal noises like traffic or a closing door. </p>



<p>The recordings let the researchers compare voice versus non-voice processing, then compare same species voices to all other sounds.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-two-step-brain-response">Two-step brain response</h2>



<p>In humans and pigs, the brain marked any voice very quickly, within about 0.2 seconds after the sound began. </p>



<p>Later, after roughly 0.3 seconds and beyond, all three species showed a second step that tagged same species voices as a special category.</p>



<p>“These patterns were very similar despite the large evolutionary distance between the three species, pointing to shared neural mechanisms that likely predate the divergence of their lineages some 90 million years ago,” said Boglárka Morvai, the study's lead author.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dogs-pigs-and-people">Dogs, pigs, and people</h2>



<p>Dogs did not show the early “any voice” signal as clearly as humans and pigs, even though they live closely with people. </p>



<p>They did show the later step that marked dog sounds as different from other sounds, which matches the idea that same species calls matter most for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gut-bacteria-influence-our-social-behavior-and-sense-of-fairness/">social behavior.</a></p>



<p>Pigs showed both steps and did so on a similar time course to people. That pattern strengthens the case that the early voice flag is a general feature of mammal hearing, not a quirk of primates.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-voice-areas-in-mammals">Voice areas in mammals</h2>



<p>For two decades, brain imaging in humans has found voice sensitive regions in the superior temporal cortex, often called temporal voice areas. </p>



<p>A comprehensive review outlines how these regions support recognition of who is speaking, what they feel, and how the voice changes over time.</p>



<p>Dogs have their own voice sensitive patches too, and they align in function with human areas when both species listen to vocal sounds.</p>



<p> A comparative paper showed that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lost-in-translation-how-we-misread-our-dogs-emotions/">dog</a> and human brains both devote cortex to processing voices, including sensitivity to emotional tone.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-speed-of-voice-detection">Speed of voice detection</h2>



<p>Past EEG work in people has reported early differences between voice and non-voice sounds on the order of a fifth of a second. </p>



<p>One open access article found effects emerging around 0.164 seconds and peaking near 0.2 seconds on frontotemporal sensors.</p>



<p>These timings line up with the early “any voice” response reported in the recent study. The later same species effect fits with known windows for categorical decisions in auditory cognition.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pig-brains-and-voices">Pig brains and voices</h2>



<p>Pigs are increasingly used in neuroscience because their brains share organizational features with ours. </p>



<p>Recent physiology work has mapped clear auditory event-related responses in healthy piglets using scalp EEG, strengthening their value as a model species.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Finding the early voice flag in pigs suggests that this quick detection step is not limited to primates or carnivores. It likely reflects a basic property of mammalian hearing tuned by social life.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-roots-of-voice">Evolutionary roots of voice</h2>



<p>The two-step pattern, first voice detection, then same species sorting, makes evolutionary sense. Fast detection buys time to orient toward a biologically relevant sound, then a later pass adds the social label needed to decide how to react.</p>



<p>If distantly related species share both steps, the underlying circuitry likely traces back to a common ancestor. That is consistent with decades of work showing conserved organization for voice and affect processing across mammals.</p>



<p>All recordings relied on cooperative, awake participation. Dogs and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/selective-breeding-has-dramatically-sped-up-the-evolution-of-pigs/">pigs</a> were measured in calm settings, often near their owners, and no training or sedation was required for them to rest while the sensors recorded.</p>



<p>The protocol emphasizes trust and low stress, which improves data quality and respects the welfare of companion animals. The approach also allows direct comparisons with human EEG.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sorting-same-species-voices">Sorting same-species voices</h2>



<p>Same-species voices carry information about identity, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/experts-identify-the-simple-emotion-that-gives-life-meaning-and-its-not-happiness/">emotion</a>, age, and intent. That richer meaning calls for more processing than a quick voice versus non-voice flag.</p>



<p>The later timing suggests a categorical decision process in which the brain checks acoustic features against learned templates for its own kind. </p>



<p>In humans, that machinery feeds into language, but it operates in social mammals that do not use speech.</p>



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



<p>Future studies can add more species and test a wider range of calls to see how acoustic structure shapes the early and late steps. Portable EEG could expand testing into natural settings where animals communicate most.</p>



<p>Combining EEG with imaging can also map the timing onto brain regions, tying the fast electrical signatures to specific circuits. That could clarify how the two steps interact during real world social listening.</p>



<p>Better models of voice processing can guide assistive tech for people with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drugs-may-be-available-to-prevent-hearing-loss/">hearing</a> or language challenges. They can also inform animal welfare by helping us detect stress or need from vocal cues in pets and livestock.</p>



<p>Cross species designs like this one keep us honest about what is uniquely human and what is widely shared. That distinction matters for both neuroscience and ethics.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1053811925003581?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>NeuroImage</em></a>.</p>



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Mammals share ancient brain mechanisms for voice recognition

Mammals are not only good at hearing sounds, they are especially tuned to voices. A new cross-species study compared humans, dogs, and pigs and mapped how fast the brain flags a voice, then sorts out whether it belongs to one of our own. The researchers recorded tiny pulses of brain activity while participants listened to people, dogs, and pigs, plus everyday noises. The animals were awake, relaxed, and unmedicated, and the sessions used gentle scalp sensors, not implants. A team from Eötvös Loránd University (ELU) focused on...

Ou0new

<p>Doritos have been a favorite snack around the world for decades. One of the dyes that gives the chips their bright pop just did something unexpected in a lab: it helped make mouse skin temporarily transparent, creating "see-through" mice. </p>



<p>That dye is tartrazine, a vivid yellow-orange additive you’ll also find in some foods, medicines, and cosmetics. </p>



<p>Mix a small amount with water, apply it to the skin, and for a short time, cameras tuned to certain wavelengths can see through <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/skins-secret-strength-shields-against-puncture-damage/">the top layers</a>.</p>



<p>For people who study living systems, being able to look inside the body without cutting it open is important. </p>



<p>Light usually scatters in tissue, so images blur before you reach anything useful. A simple, safe topical mixture that sharpens the view - even briefly - can open doors for research.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tartrazine-and-invisible-skin">Tartrazine and invisible skin</h2>



<p>Researchers at <a href="https://www.stanford.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford University</a> described the method in the journal <em>Science</em>. </p>



<p>The approach uses basic optics to reduce scatter and clarify what cameras pick up from living tissue. The idea hinges on changing how water bends light so that it better matches nearby fats in the skin.</p>



<p>“For those who understand the fundamental physics behind this, it makes sense; but if you aren’t familiar with it, it looks like a magic trick,” said <a href="https://profiles.utdallas.edu/zihao.ou" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zihao Ou</a>, the lead author of the study who is now an assistant professor of physics at <a href="https://www.utdallas.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The University of Texas at Dallas</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-living-tissue-normally-looks-cloudy">Living tissue normally looks cloudy</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vitamin-c-promotes-skin-renewal-and-anti-aging-at-the-genetic-level-dna-demethylation/">Skin, fat, and muscle</a> aren’t uniform. They’re built from many tiny parts that bend light by different amounts. When light hits those differences, it scatters in many directions. That’s why images fade fast with depth. </p>



<p>Scientists describe how much a material bends light using a value called the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/refractivity" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">refractive index</a>. Water in tissue has a refractive index around 1.33. Lipids sit higher, roughly in the 1.45 to 1.48 range. That gap creates a lot of scatter.</p>



<p>Close that gap, and the path straightens. Less scatter means sharper images and a deeper reach for the same camera and light source.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-tartrazine-changes-light-waves">How tartrazine changes light waves</h2>



<p>Tartrazine absorbs blue and <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9077139/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">near-ultraviolet light</a>. A principle of optics links absorption at one set of wavelengths to changes in refractive index at other wavelengths. </p>



<p>Add a dye that soaks up blue, and you can nudge water’s refractive index upward in the red and near-infrared - the wavelengths that already go deeper into tissue. </p>



<p>Water begins to act a little more like the fats around it, so the light scatters less and the image gets clearer.</p>



<p>The team first checked this in gels and thin tissue slices. The pattern held: there was less scatter where it mattered. Then they moved to live mice and applied a diluted solution to the skin. </p>



<p>To the naked eye, the area looked darker because the dye absorbs blue light. To a camera set for red or <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Near-infrared_spectroscopy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">near-infrared</a>, the patch turned more transparent for a short time.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-see-through-tartrazine-mice">"See-through" tartrazine mice</h2>



<p>That window was long enough to watch organs move beneath the abdomen. They could follow the gut’s rhythm as it pushed food along. </p>



<p>On the head, they mapped surface blood vessels without shaving to the skull or placing a surgical window. </p>



<p>In a hind limb, they resolved the banded patterns inside <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-fat-hidden-in-muscles-weakens-strength-and-healing/">muscle fibers</a> - details that usually hide behind layers of scatter. They didn’t cut the skin or implant anything.</p>



<p>Once researchers washed off the dye, the mice lost their translucency, and the dye was excreted in urine, according to the research team. </p>



<p>“It’s important that the dye is biocompatible - it’s safe for living organisms,” Ou said. “In addition, it’s very inexpensive and efficient; we don’t need very much of it to work.”</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/mice_see-through-skin_doritos-chemical_-Kramers-Kronig-relations_1m.jpg"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/mice_see-through-skin_doritos-chemical_-Kramers-Kronig-relations_1s.webp" alt="Strongly absorbing molecules dissolved in water can modify the RI of the aqueous medium through the Kramers-Kronig relations to match that of lipids. This approach can render various samples transparent, including scattering phantoms, chicken breast tissue, and live mouse body for visualizing a wide range of deep-seated structures and activities. Scale bars, 5 mm. Credit: The schematic was prepared using BioRender.com" class="wp-image-1984331"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Strongly absorbing molecules dissolved in water can modify the RI of the aqueous medium through the Kramers-Kronig relations to match that of lipids. This approach can render various samples transparent, including scattering phantoms, chicken breast tissue, and live mouse body for visualizing a wide range of deep-seated structures and activities. Scale bars, 5 mm. Click image to enlarge. Credit: The schematic was prepared using BioRender.com</em></figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-neat-trick-but-why-does-it-matter">Neat trick, but why does it matter?</h2>



<p>Most methods that clear tissue for imaging work on dead samples. They often dehydrate the tissue, replace fats, or fix it chemically. Those steps can create beautiful static pictures, but they destroy the live dynamics. </p>



<p>This dye-based method <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/molecules-found-in-young-human-blood-shown-to-reverse-signs-of-aging-on-skin/">leaves tissue alive</a> and flexible. It quiets the optical mismatch just long enough to capture the action. That makes a difference for everyday lab work. </p>



<p>Researchers can track surface blood flow, watch organ motion without surgery, study how nerves in the gut coordinate with muscle contractions, and test new imaging tools with fewer invasive procedures. </p>



<p>Students can learn from live systems while avoiding harsher interventions.</p>



<p>“Optical equipment, like the microscope, is not directly used to study live humans or animals because light can’t go through living tissue," Ou said. </p>



<p>"But now that we can make tissue transparent, it will allow us to look at more detailed dynamics. It will completely revolutionize existing optical research in biology.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tartrazine-and-future-human-health">Tartrazine and future human health</h2>



<p>Because the physics ties absorption to refractive index, this strategy isn’t limited to tartrazine. The principle points to a family of agents tuned to the exact wavelengths a microscope uses. </p>



<p>Researchers plan to explore other substances that could outperform tartrazine. The goal is the same: reduce scatter, sharpen images, and do it with materials that are safe, affordable, and easy to apply.</p>



<p>A small change in a fundamental property of water - how it bends light at certain wavelengths - turned cloudy tissue into a temporary window. The method showed live, moving structures in mice. </p>



<p>The immediate win for this study is to provide better, kinder live-animal imaging for biology. </p>



<p>The longer-term promise is a new class of simple add-ons that could help future optical devices “see” a bit deeper at the body’s surface - if safety and performance hold up.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adm6869" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a></em>.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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Ingredient used in Doritos helps scientists create mice with 'see-through' skin

Doritos have been a favorite snack around the world for...

<p>The race to replace fossil fuels has inspired researchers to explore many unconventional potential sources. Among these, natural hydrogen, which is found deep underground, is gaining attention. </p>



<p>It is seen as a possible building block for a cleaner energy future. Yet, it remains difficult to predict where this hidden hydrogen lies.</p>



<p>A recent study from the <a href="https://www.univie.ac.at/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Vienna</a> suggests that mysterious features on Earth’s surface, called fairy circles, could reveal the presence of these underground reserves. </p>



<p>The round patches, where vegetation is damaged or absent, may point the way to a sustainable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/clean-hydrogen-source-could-power-earth-for-170000-years/">energy</a> source.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-are-fairy-circles">What are fairy circles?</h2>



<p>Across many parts of the world, unusual circular patterns appear on the landscape, drawing attention from scientists and local communities alike. </p>



<p>These formations, known as fairy circles, can be found in regions as distant and varied as Russia, Namibia, Brazil, and <a href="https://research.csiro.au/hydrogenfsp/australian-fairy-circles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Australia</a>.</p>



<p>They often stand out sharply from the surrounding environment due to the presence of vast rings or depressions with sparse or no vegetation. </p>



<p>Despite their size - sometimes hundreds of meters across - the depressions themselves are relatively shallow, sinking only a few meters into the ground.</p>



<p>For decades, these circles remained a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-catalyst-precatalyst-improves-clean-hydrogen-production-to-99-9-efficiency/">geological</a> and ecological mystery. Researchers speculated about many possible explanations, ranging from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-fairy-circles-are-likely-caused-by-termite-activity/">termite</a> activity to natural gas seepage. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-questions-still-remain">Questions still remain</h2>



<p>However, no single theory could fully account for their global presence. It wasn’t until roughly ten years ago that a significant breakthrough emerged.</p>



<p>Scientists discovered that these fairy circles were not just barren patches of land but active sites where natural hydrogen escapes from reservoirs deep underground. </p>



<p>This finding revealed a surprising connection to one of the cleanest potential energy sources known.</p>



<p>Still, even with this discovery, questions persisted. </p>



<p>The mechanisms that shaped these depressions, and the reasons their size might vary depending on the depth and pressure of hydrogen, remained largely unknown. This left both geologists and the energy sector eager for clearer answers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-linking-hydrogen-and-fairy-circles">Linking hydrogen and fairy circles</h2>



<p>This information is critical for the energy industry. Natural hydrogen carries a negligible carbon footprint, making it an attractive sustainable option.</p>



<p>"But before expensive drilling can be carried out, we need to understand how fairy circles form, how large the deposits might be and how deep we need to drill," explained Martin Schöpfer from the University of Vienna and NiMBUC Geoscience.</p>



<p>A study supported by OMV and led by Schöpfer used geomechanical computer simulations to show why <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-hydrogen-reserves-discovered-beneath-earths-mountains/">hydrogen</a>-emitting fairy circles sink. </p>



<p>The simulations revealed that interactions between gas, water flow, and soil create a two-step process that leads to surface collapse.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-souffle-effect-explained">Soufflé effect explained</h2>



<p>The team compared the phenomenon to a soufflé. Loose sediments, like sand or clay, sit above solid rock. </p>



<p>When hydrogen enters the sediment, it pushes water upward, uplifting the surface. Plants suffer from the altered gas mixture and die, leaving bare patches.</p>



<p>"You could say that the sediment rises like a soufflé, but here geomechanical processes are at work, whereas with a soufflé it is chemical processes," explained Schöpfer. When the hydrogen flow stops, pressure drops and the sediment compacts.</p>



<p>"The soil compresses and subsides, similar to a collapsing soufflé," he added.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-matching-nature-and-models">Matching nature and models</h2>



<p>Simulations aligned closely with real fairy circles found in Russia, Brazil, and Australia. The research showed a clear pattern: larger circles indicate deeper and higher-pressure hydrogen sources underground.</p>



<p>"These findings are a real breakthrough," emphasizes Bernhard Grasemann, deputy head of the Department of Geology. </p>



<p>"Fairy circles could thus serve as natural signposts in the future for finding underground hydrogen sources - a potentially inexhaustible and environmentally friendly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-largest-natural-hydrogen-deposit-discovery-is-worth-a-staggering-184-billion/">energy</a> source."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hydrogen-from-fairy-circles-matters">Hydrogen from fairy circles matters</h2>



<p>The energy sector is closely watching these developments. </p>



<p>"The energy sector's interest in natural hydrogen as a potential new energy source with a negligible carbon footprint is growing, especially in comparison to all other types of artificially produced hydrogen," noted Gabor Tari, chief geologist at OMV.</p>



<p>He pointed out that natural, or white and golden hydrogen, along with orange hydrogen, may become cheaper and more profitable than traditional forms, such as black, gray, blue, pink, or green hydrogen. </p>



<p>This is why OMV supports basic research that explores hydrogen’s future role in energy transitions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-next-steps-in-research">Next steps in research</h2>



<p>Although promising, many questions remain. Schöpfer stresses the need for additional studies. </p>



<p>These may include testing different soil types, simulating pulsing gas emissions, and conducting field research to examine chemical reactions that could further influence subsidence.</p>



<p>If fairy circles do serve as natural guides to underground hydrogen, they could reshape global energy strategies. Unlocking this hidden source may bring the world one step closer to a truly sustainable energy system. </p>



<p>This could drive innovation across industries, reduce global reliance on carbon-heavy fuels, and open opportunities for affordable, clean energy.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/gsa/geology/article-abstract/53/9/712/654903/The-mechanical-genesis-of-fairy-circle-depressions?redirectedFrom=fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geology</a></em>.</p>



<p><em>Featured image: A new study by the University of Vienna explains why "fairy circles" - circular areas where vegetation is damaged, as seen here in the São Francisco Basin in Brazil - subside and how their diameter is related to the depth of the hydrogen source. Credit: Alain Prinzhofer/University of Vienna</em></p>



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Fairy circles may point to underground sources of clean energy from natural hydrogen reserves

The race to replace fossil fuels has inspired researchers to...

<p>For something you can’t see with the naked eye, algae sure know how to shake things up. Around 14,000 years ago, microscopic Antarctic algae helped slow down global warming by pulling huge amounts of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.</p>



<p>Scientists just figured out how they did it - and why the same process that once helped cool the planet could play a critical role in shaping the future of our climate.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-antarctic-algae-changed-the-climate">Antarctic Algae changed the climate</h2>



<p>Back then, Earth was gradually warming after the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/disastrous-climate-changes-of-the-last-ice-age-could-happen-again/">last ice age</a>. However, something unusual occurred in the Southern Hemisphere: the warming paused. </p>



<p>This period, referred to as the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-co2-will-cause-rapid-climate-change-in-the-tropical-andes/">Antarctic Cold Reversal</a>, was a time when sea ice expanded quickly in winter and melted quickly in spring. That spring melt converted the Southern Ocean into a super buffet for a particular type of algae, <em>Phaeocystis</em>.</p>



<p>These tiny ocean plants went wild. They multiplied, and in doing so, they pulled vast quantities of carbon dioxide - one of the primary drivers of global warming - out of the atmosphere and stored it away in the sea.</p>



<p>Here’s the twist: until now, we had no idea <em><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-ice-loss-alters-the-color-of-ocean-light-and-life-struggles-to-adapt/">Phaeocystis</a></em> even played a role. Scientists couldn’t find any trace of them in the usual fossil records. </p>



<p>Now, thanks to a new method that recovers ancient DNA from the ocean floor, researchers from the Alfred Wegener Institute in Germany have filled in this crucial missing piece of the climate puzzle.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unlocking-antarctica-s-hidden-record">Unlocking Antarctica’s hidden record</h2>



<p>The team studied a sediment core taken from nearly 2,000 feet deep in the Bransfield Strait, just off the Antarctic Peninsula. Layer by layer, this core preserves snapshots of ocean history going back 14,000 years.</p>



<p>By analyzing the ancient DNA trapped in that sediment, the scientists found genetic fingerprints of <em>Phaeocystis</em> during the cold reversal period. No one had ever identified these algae in the past using standard geochemical methods.</p>



<p>“Our study shows that these algal blooms contributed to a significant reduction in global atmospheric CO2 levels during a climatically important transition phase characterized by high sea ice extent,” said Josefine Friederike Weiß from the <a href="https://www.awi.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alfred Wegener Institute</a>, lead author of the study.</p>



<p>They also measured something else: a high ratio of barium to iron in the sediment. That ratio is tied to how much organic material - like dead algae - sinks to the seafloor. In this case, the data pointed to intense algal growth during times of heavy spring melt.</p>



<p>“The further the sea ice expands in winter, the larger the area in spring where nutrient-rich meltwater enters the surface sea - and therefore the zone where <em>Phaeocystis</em> algae find ideal growth conditions. As a result, greater sea ice extent leads directly to a larger region with high algal productivity.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-today-s-melting-ice-is-a-warning">Why today’s melting ice is a warning</h2>



<p>The same <em>Phaeocystis</em> algae that once helped cool the world are now struggling to survive. With <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rapid-antarctic-sea-ice-loss-is-causing-severe-storms-around-the-world/">Antarctic sea ice</a> declining at a record rate, the conditions that previously drove these algae blooms are vanishing.</p>



<p>That’s not just bad news for the algae. These blooms power entire food webs. They feed tiny animals, which feed fish, which in turn feed everything from squid to seals. If <em>Phaeocystis</em> disappears, the whole system could unravel.</p>



<p>Even worse, these algae are really good at one specific job: getting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-the-ocean-holds-carbon-hidden-mechanisms-revealed/">carbon</a> to sink deep into the ocean. Losing them could mean more carbon sticks around in the atmosphere, heating the planet faster.</p>



<p>And there’s another concern. <em>Phaeocystis</em> releases a gas called dimethyl sulfide (DMS), which helps form clouds. More clouds mean more sunlight bounces back into space. Fewer algae mean fewer clouds. That’s one more way climate change could end up feeding on itself.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-antarctic-algae-holds-future-lessons">Antarctic algae holds future lessons</h2>



<p>The study shows why scientists must look beyond conventional methods. By combining geological tools with DNA analysis, researchers are creating a more accurate picture of how the ocean shapes our climate - and how it might respond in the future.</p>



<p>The research also highlights a larger trend in climate science. For years, scientists focused mainly on ice cores and chemical markers.</p>



<p>Now, by analyzing the genetic material of ancient microbes, we can see what species were doing during pivotal climate events - and what those behaviors could mean for us today.</p>



<p>This is important because forecasting future climate change isn’t only about tracking temperature or carbon levels. It’s about understanding the living systems that help regulate them - such as the algae and the seas they inhabit.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-025-01761-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Geoscience</a></em>.</p>



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Antarctic algae that once cooled Earth are now disappearing

For something you can’t see with the naked eye, algae...

Amazing,Beautiful,Blue,Planet,Earth,With,Satellite,View,From,Space.

<p>The water level of the Earth's oceans does not increase by chance. Every millimeter has a cause. When sea levels rise, the reasons are buried in melting ice, warming seas, and the transfer of water from land to ocean.</p>



<p>Scientists now treat global mean <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-levels-are-rising-as-predicted-with-bigger-risks-ahead/">sea</a> level as one of the clearest signals of climate change. And that signal has become louder in the past 30 years.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-30-year-record">Building 30-year record</h2>



<p>Researchers at Hong Kong Polytechnic University (<a href="https://www.polyu.edu.hk/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PolyU</a>) have built the first 30-year record of global ocean mass change. </p>



<p>The study, led by Professor Jianli Chen and Dr. Yufeng Nie, used satellite laser ranging, or <a href="https://www.earthdata.nasa.gov/data/space-geodesy-techniques/slr" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SLR</a>, to track water added to the seas between 1993 and 2022.</p>



<p>Before now, reliable mass records began only in 2002, with the <a href="https://gracefo.jpl.nasa.gov/science/sea-level/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GRACE</a> mission. </p>



<p>The results of the latest study, published in the <em>Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</em>, close that gap and strengthen confidence in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-levels-have-been-rising-longer-and-faster-than-we-realized/">how scientists monitor</a> rising sea levels.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ice-melt-and-sea-level-rise">Ice melt and sea-level rise</h2>



<p>Sea level rises for two main reasons. Warm water expands, and melting ice adds mass to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-model-reveals-dramatic-swings-in-ancient-sea-levels/">ocean</a>. The PolyU record shows how much mass matters. </p>



<p>Between 1993 and 2022, global sea level rose by about 90 millimeters (3.5 inches).</p>



<p>Around 60 percent of that came from added ocean mass, not expansion. In the past two decades, the contribution from ice loss has accelerated, pushing the rate of rise from 3.2 to 3.6 millimeters (0.13 to 0.14 inches) per year.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-satellites-track-sea-level-rise">Satellites track sea-level rise</h2>



<p>SLR is not a new technology. It has been used for decades to measure satellite distances. But its data were once too coarse to track ocean mass. </p>



<p>The PolyU team solved that by applying forward modeling, a method that corrects distortions along land-ocean boundaries and accounts for geocenter motion. </p>



<p>The result is a continuous and reliable record that lines up with the GRACE observations, despite the older method’s limitations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-weight-of-melting-ice">The weight of melting ice</h2>



<p>Breaking down the numbers shows where the rise comes from. Greenland added about 0.60 millimeters (0,24 inches) of sea-level rise each year between 1993 and 2022. Glaciers contributed a similar amount. Antarctica added 0.40 millimeters (0.16 inches).</p>



<p>Changes in land water storage, such as reservoirs and groundwater use, added about 0.32 millimeters (0.012 inches). </p>



<p>Since the 2000s, Greenland has become the single largest source, while melting ice sheets and glaciers combined now account for about 85 percent of all <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sinking-land-will-intensify-the-effects-of-rising-sea-levels/">ocean</a> mass increase.</p>



<p>The study also picked up short-term swings. Sea levels dipped during the 2010–2011 La Niña and rose sharply during the 2015–2016 El Niño event.</p>



<p>GRACE captured these shifts with high precision, while SLR detected them more roughly. Even with noise, the agreement between the two systems builds trust in the results. The long-term signal remains unmistakable: ice melt drives today’s rising seas.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-budget-closes">The budget closes</h2>



<p>For years, scientists struggled to match observed sea-level rise with the sum of its causes. That gap created doubts. </p>



<p>The PolyU study shows the budget now closes. The combined effects of warming water and ocean mass increase line up with altimetry observations almost perfectly.</p>



<p>From 1993 to 2022, the numbers differ by less than 0.1 millimeters per year (0.0004 of an inch). That closure means researchers can now account for nearly every drop.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-and-sea-level-rise">Climate and sea-level rise</h2>



<p>"In recent decades, climate warming has led to accelerated land ice loss, which has played an increasingly dominant role in driving global sea-level rise," said Professor Jianli Chen. </p>



<p>"Our research enables the direct quantification of global ocean mass increase and provides a comprehensive assessment of its long-term impact on sea-level budget. This offers crucial data for validating coupled climate models used to project future sea-level rise scenarios," added Prof. Chen.</p>



<p>This point highlights the urgency of connecting observational science with climate models. Accurate data on ocean mass strengthens the ability to project how coastlines may change in decades to come.</p>



<p>"The research showed that the ocean-mass changes derived from SLR analysis align well with the total sea-level changes observed by satellite altimeters, after accounting for the effect of ocean thermal expansion. This demonstrates that the traditional SLR technique can now serve as a novel and powerful tool for long-term climate change studies," noted Dr. Yufeng Nie.</p>



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



<p>The work proves SLR still has value. It cannot match the fine detail of GRACE, but it extends the record back another decade and cross-checks existing data. </p>



<p>Improvements are possible. Adding other satellite systems and refining models could sharpen results even further. What matters most is the message: the oceans are rising faster, and melting ice is the main reason.</p>



<p>Sea-level rise no longer hides behind uncertainty. The numbers tell the same story across methods. Thermal expansion is steady, but ice loss is climbing. </p>



<p>The seas are rising, and they are rising faster than before. The message is clear, and it is one that humanity cannot afford to ignore.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2425248122" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a></em>.</p>



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Ice melt is the main driver of Earth's sea-level surge that is happening now

The water level of the Earth's oceans does not increase...

<p>Scientists have been curious for years about what is hidden beneath the surface of Mars. With its freezing temperatures, red dust, and dry valleys, the surface of the planet has received most of the attention. But something big is buried deep inside Mars' mantle.</p>



<p>Thanks to <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/insight/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA's Insight lander</a>, we’re finally getting a clearer look below the surface. And what’s there is surprising: leftover chunks from ancient cosmic crashes are buried deep in the planet’s mantle.</p>



<p>These rocky fragments aren’t small. Some are as wide as 2.5 miles (4 kilometers). They’re scattered across Mars’ interior like forgotten debris from the solar system’s wild early days.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mars-got-slammed-hard">Mars got slammed - hard</h2>



<p>Giant space rocks - possibly even protoplanets - crashed into Mars some 4.5 billion years ago. They impacted hard enough to melt enormous chunks of the planet's crust and mantle, and form vast oceans of molten rock. </p>



<p>When those impacts occurred, they shattered the surface. They blasted rocky debris, including parts of the impactors, deep into the interior of the Red Planet.</p>



<p>Unlike <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-everyday-water-use-is-literally-tilting-the-earth/">Earth</a>, which constantly reshuffles its crust through <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plate-tectonics-active-beginning/">plate tectonics</a>, Mars' crust is made of a single plate that has stayed mostly stable. </p>



<p>That’s why those ancient impact scars haven’t been erased. The fragments are still down there, frozen in place like time capsules.</p>



<p>“We’ve never seen the inside of a planet in such fine detail and clarity before,” said Constantinos Charalambous of <a href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Imperial College London</a>, the paper’s lead author. </p>



<p>“What we’re seeing is a mantle studded with ancient fragments. Their survival to this day tells us Mars’ mantle has evolved sluggishly over billions of years. On Earth, features like these may well have been largely erased.”</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/mars_interior_giant-impacts_injected-debris-into-mantle_NASA_1m.jpg"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/mars_interior_giant-impacts_injected-debris-into-mantle_NASA_1s.webp" alt="Scientists believe giant impacts — like the one depicted in this artist’s concept — occurred on Mars 4.5 billion years ago, injecting debris from the impact deep into the planet’s mantle. NASA’s InSight lander detected this debris before the mission’s end in 2022. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech" class="wp-image-1984316"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Scientists believe giant impacts - like the one depicted in this artist’s concept - occurred on Mars 4.5 billion years ago, injecting debris from the impact deep into the planet’s mantle. NASA’s InSight lander detected this debris before the mission’s end in 2022. Click image to enlarge. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech</em></figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insight-sees-into-mars-mantle">InSight sees into Mars' mantle</h2>



<p>All of this comes from a mission called <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasas-insight-lander-is-still-teaching-us-about-mars-after-its-retirement/">InSight</a>, short for Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport. It was run by <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/missions/insight/nasa-marsquake-data-reveals-lumpy-nature-of-red-planets-interior/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California and the lander arrived on Mars in 2018.</p>



<p>InSight was the first lander to place a seismometer on Mars’ surface. That device was incredibly sensitive and recorded 1,319 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marsquakes-could-be-key-to-unlocking-mars-watery-secrets/">marsquakes</a> before the mission ended in 2022.</p>



<p>Quakes send out waves that travel through the planet. As those waves move through different materials, they change speed and direction. </p>



<p>Scientists can study how those waves behave to figure out what’s inside the planet, kind of like how doctors use ultrasound to see inside the human body.</p>



<p>“We knew Mars was a time capsule bearing records of its early formation, but we didn’t anticipate just how clearly we’d be able to see with InSight,” said Tom Pike of Imperial College London, coauthor of the paper.</p>



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



<p>Marsquakes still happen, usually for two reasons. Some are caused when rocks crack under pressure and heat. Others are caused by meteoroids slamming into the surface.</p>



<p>A <a href="https://hal.science/hal-05070598v1/file/Geophysical%20Research%20Letters%20-%202025%20-%20Charalambous%20-%20New%20Impacts%20on%20Mars%20Unraveling%20Seismic%20Propagation%20Paths%20Through%20a.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> published earlier this year in <em>Geophysical Research Letters</em> showed that meteoroid impacts can create high-frequency seismic waves. </p>



<p>These waves travel deep into the mantle, which is a thick layer of rock beneath the crust. The mantle can be nearly 960 miles (1,545 kilometers) thick, and reach temperatures as high as 2,732 <strong>°</strong>F (1,500 <strong>°</strong>C).</p>



<p>Eight of the marsquakes recorded by InSight had strong, high-frequency signals that got noticeably scrambled and delayed. </p>



<p>“When we first saw this in our quake data, we thought the slowdowns were happening in the Martian crust,” Pike said. </p>



<p>“But then we noticed that the farther seismic waves travel through the mantle, the more these high-frequency signals were being delayed.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-buried-lumps-in-mars-mantle">Buried lumps in Mars' mantle</h2>



<p>Computer simulations helped scientists figure it out. Those delays only happened when the quake waves passed through small regions of the mantle that had a different composition from everything around them. These were the buried impact fragments.</p>



<p>Some were massive. Others were smaller. All were mixed into the mantle, which Charalambous compared to “shattered glass - a few large shards with many smaller fragments.” </p>



<p>That fits with what we already know: In the early solar system, planets like Mars got hit often and hard.</p>



<p>Charalambous said the fact that these features are still visible “tells us Mars hasn’t undergone the vigorous churning that would have smoothed out these lumps.”</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/mars_interior_mantle_ancient-impacts_illustration_NASA_1m.jpg"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/mars_interior_mantle_ancient-impacts_illustration_NASA_1s.webp" alt="A cutaway view of Mars in this artist’s concept (not to scale) reveals debris from ancient impacts scattered through the planet’s mantle. On the surface at left, a meteoroid impact sends seismic signals through the interior; at right is NASA’s InSight lander. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech" class="wp-image-1984318"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>A cutaway view of Mars in this artist’s concept (not to scale) reveals debris from ancient impacts scattered through the planet’s mantle. On the surface at left, a meteoroid impact sends seismic signals through the interior; at right is NASA’s InSight lander. Click image to enlarge. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech</em></figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-other-planets-might-be-hiding">What other planets might be hiding</h2>



<p>This discovery doesn’t just help us understand Mars. It also gives clues about other rocky planets - especially ones that don’t have tectonic activity, like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/venus-secret-past-may-have-implications-for-earths-future/">Venus</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/is-there-life-on-mercury-possibly-in-the-planets-craters-study-reveals/">Mercury</a>. </p>



<p>If Mars is holding onto traces of ancient impacts deep in its mantle, maybe those planets are, too.</p>



<p>Mars has always been a quiet planet on the surface. But now we know that, deep inside, it’s holding the scars of an ancient and violent past - and it hasn’t let them go.</p>



<p>The study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adk4292" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science</em></a>.</p>



<p>Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech</p>



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Marsquakes reveal a highly-detailed history of how the Red Planet was formed

Scientists have been curious for years about what is hidden...

<p>Hot cars turn sealed bottles of water into tiny laboratories. A bottle that looks clear can quietly change  inside, and what you cannot see still matters.</p>



<p>Warmth and light do two things. They help microbes multiply after a single sip, and they also stress the plastic itself, allowing particles and additives to work their way into the water.</p>



<p>Beizhan Yan from Columbia University's <a href="https://lamont.columbia.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory</a><strong> </strong>has led key research on how plastic particles appear in bottled water.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heat-turns-bottles-into-incubators">Heat turns bottles into incubators</h2>



<p>Once a bottle is opened, microbes hitch a ride from your mouth, your hands, or the air. A 2005 analysis reported that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-bacteria-breathe-by-creating-electricity/">bacteria</a> in room temperature bottled water can surge within 48 hours after a single sip.</p>



<p>Heat speeds that up. In closed cars, interiors often rise well above the outside air, and at about 77°F (25°C), microbes can multiply quickly, including species associated with foodborne illness.</p>



<p>Many single-use bottles are made of <em>polyethylene terephthalate</em>. Sunlight and warmth cause this material to break down at the surface, allowing tiny fragments to move into the liquid..</p>



<p>A 2025 study that simulated in-vehicle heat and sunlight measured up to 10.03 parts per million of microplastics in bottled water after 28 days.</p>



<p>Those particles came from the bottle walls during photothermal stress, not from outside contamination.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nanoplastics-revealed-in-bottled-water">Nanoplastics revealed in bottled water</h2>



<p>Earlier surveys already showed how widespread the problem is. An international survey reported that 93 percent of bottled water contained plastic fragments.</p>



<p>New tools peered even smaller. In 2024, a peer reviewed paper used laser based imaging to count about 240,000 particles per liter in popular brands, and most were nanoplastics.</p>



<p>“This opens a window where we can look into a world that was not exposed to us before,” said Beizhan Yan.</p>



<p>What happens after you swallow them is now under the microscope. A 2025 report on autopsies found <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiny-plastic-particles-found-in-human-egg-and-sperm-fluids/">plastic particles</a> lodged in human brain tissue, with higher levels than in the liver or kidneys.</p>



<p>This work tracked particle types and sizes and suggested that nanoscale shards can cross biological barriers.</p>



<p>The results do not prove harm by themselves, but they demonstrate that particles can reach places where the body is most sensitive.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bacteria-rise-faster-in-water-bottles">Bacteria rise faster in water bottles</h2>



<p>The chemical story often grabs headlines, but the biological risk can be immediate. </p>



<p>The same 2005 analysis found that bacterial counts in opened bottles at room temperature rose steeply within two days, while refrigeration slowed growth.</p>



<p>That pattern matches everyday experience. Closed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/51-percent-of-the-world-relies-on-car-commutes-every-day/">cars</a> heat up quickly, and warm liquid is a friendly environment for bacteria to multiply, even when the water originally started clean.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-this-means-for-daily-habits">What this means for daily habits</h2>



<p>There is no single number that tells you when an opened bottle becomes risky, since growth depends on temperature, time, and what entered the bottle in the first place.</p>



<p>The safest habit is simple: throw out a bottle that sat warm for hours, and refill a clean, reusable bottle with fresh, cold water.</p>



<p>Heat and light also matter for unopened bottles. Long exposures in a hot car may not make water smell or taste different, yet the bottle can still shed particles under stress, as shown in the in-vehicle study.</p>



<p>No plastic is perfect. Harder plastics are less likely to scuff, but wear and heat still degrade them over time, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-ultraviolet-light-can-be-used-to-destroy-covid-19/">ultraviolet light</a> adds stress that accelerates the process.</p>



<p>If you want simple rules of thumb, keep water cold, avoid leaving bottles in cars, and replace scratched or old bottles. Stainless steel or glass containers remove the plastic variable, though they still need regular cleaning to keep microbes at bay.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-water-bottles-and-false-claims">Plastic water bottles and false claims</h2>



<p>Some people worry that heating or freezing plastic bottles releases dioxins, which are cancer-causing pollutants from combustion. That claim does not apply to water bottles, a point long clarified in a Johns Hopkins interview.</p>



<p>Researchers are building better tools to count and identify the smallest particles in common beverages. </p>



<p>The laser based method that flagged <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-normal-plastic-turns-into-dangerous-micro-and-nanoplastics/">nanoplastics</a> in bottled water is now being applied to tap water and even everyday activities like laundry, which release fibers into wastewater.</p>



<p>On the microbe side, applied food safety research continues to test how temperature and time shape growth in opened drinks. </p>



<p>That work supports a few steady habits, chill your water, clean your bottles, and skip any container that got warm in the sun.</p>



<p>The study is published in the <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40652854/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Journal of Hazardous Materials</em></a>.</p>



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Water that looks clean may be full of invisible and deadly bacteria

Hot cars turn sealed bottles of water into tiny laboratories....

<p>Linguists have long known that when cultures collide, languages rub off on one another. We borrow words, swap sounds, and even reshape grammar. But charting those exchanges across centuries and continents is hard when the written record is patchy or nonexistent.</p>



<p>A new study flips the problem on its head: instead of starting with history books, the researchers read our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cracking-the-code-of-life-the-secret-language-of-dna/">DNA</a> to reconstruct past human contact - then asked what happened to the languages.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dna-traces-human-language-history">DNA traces human language history</h2>



<p>A team led by Anna Graff at the <a href="https://www.uzh.ch/de.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Zurich</a> pulled together genetic data from more than 4,700 people in 558 populations. They paired this with two of the world’s largest linguistic databases, which catalogue everything from word order to consonant inventories across thousands of languages.</p>



<p>Genetic “admixture” - the telltale signature of populations mixing - stands in for a reliable, globally comparable record of contact. With that proxy in hand, the team could identify more than 125 instances where groups clearly met and mingled, even if historians never wrote the encounters down.</p>



<p>What they saw was unambiguous: when people mix, their languages tend to move closer together. Unrelated languages spoken by populations with genetic contact were four to nine percent more likely to share features than expected. </p>



<p>That might sound modest, but across entire grammars and sound systems, it’s a strong, consistent nudge toward similarity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-linguistic-change-follows-human-contact">Linguistic change follows human contact</h2>



<p>One surprise was how steady that effect proved to be. Whether the contact was vast and recent - say, colonial movements between continents - or ancient and regional, like Neolithic migrations within Eurasia, the degree of linguistic convergence was strikingly similar.</p>



<p>“No matter where in the world populations come into contact, their languages become more alike to remarkably consistent extents,” said senior author Chiara Barbieri, now at the <a href="https://en.unica.it/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cagliari</a>.</p>



<p>That consistency cuts against a common assumption that only intense, prolonged encounters reshape grammar and sound systems, or that small-scale neighborly contact leaves barely a trace.</p>



<p>The genetic lens suggests languages are sensitive instruments, registering social touchpoints across the full spectrum - from trade and intermarriage to conquest and diaspora.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-not-all-grammar-is-transferable">Not all grammar is transferable</h2>



<p>Of course, not every part of a language is equally malleable. Some features seem to travel more readily. Word order patterns and certain consonant sounds were more likely to converge than deeper layers of morphology or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-speech-is-full-of-melodies-that-create-language-like-patterns/">prosody</a>.</p>



<p>But here, too, the study counsels caution. The researchers didn’t find a one-size-fits-all rulebook that says, for example, “Nouns move; verb endings don’t.”</p>



<p>That challenges decades of “borrowability hierarchies” that rank which features can be shared across languages. Instead, the authors argue, social dynamics - prestige, power, identity, and the practicalities of multilingual life - can override structural inertia.</p>



<p>If a community prizes a dominant group’s speech, it may adopt conspicuous elements quickly; if it resists assimilation, the most “borrowable” features might barely budge.</p>



<p>You can see the everyday version of this push and pull in familiar loanwords. English picked up “sausage” from French after the Norman Conquest; centuries later, French borrowed “sandwich” from English. </p>



<p>Vocabulary swaps like these are the visible tip. Beneath the surface, the new study shows, subtler shifts in sound and syntax can ripple outward whenever people share space and stories.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-contact-drives-languages-apart"><a></a>When contact drives languages apart</h2>



<p>The team even found the mirror image of borrowing: divergence on purpose. In some places, features became less alike after contact, not more.</p>



<p>That happens when communities lean into linguistic differences to mark who they are - tightening vowel systems, restoring older word orders, or reinforcing local pronunciations as a badge of identity. In other words, contact doesn’t always melt boundaries; sometimes it sharpens them.</p>



<p>This duality - convergence alongside intentional distancing - is central to how languages evolve. It helps explain why some neighboring tongues grow steadily more alike, while others cling to distinctiveness despite centuries of cohabitation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dna-tells-story-of-language">DNA tells story of language</h2>



<p>Methodologically, the study’s move is elegant. Historical documents and oral traditions can be rich but patchy, and for many regions and eras they simply don’t exist.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-some-people-age-better-hundreds-of-genes-identified/">Genes</a> keep a different kind of ledger. When populations intermix, they leave a durable statistical imprint that persists for thousands of years. </p>



<p>By aligning those genetic signals with language structures, the authors could quantify contact and its linguistic consequences on a global canvas - from Amazonia and the Sahel to the Pacific and the Arctic.</p>



<p>The approach also helps disentangle coincidence from contact. Two unrelated languages might independently develop similar features for internal reasons. But when that similarity lines up with clear genetic admixture between the speakers, the balance of probability shifts toward historical interaction.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-languages-evolve-in-real-time">Languages evolve in real time</h2>



<p>Beyond satisfying our curiosity about how English, Hausa, Quechua, or Hmong came to be what they are, the findings carry a warning for the present. Contact has always been part of human life, but the pace and scale are accelerating.</p>



<p>Globalization, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urbanization-is-a-threat-to-78-of-the-worlds-bird-species/">urbanization</a>, climate-driven displacement, and land-use change are bringing communities together - and pushing others apart - in new ways. As that churn intensifies, we should expect languages to converge more in some respects and to splinter or vanish in others.</p>



<p>It also reframes the stakes of language loss. We often focus on shrinking vocabularies and disappearing oral literatures. </p>



<p>This study suggests that deeper, structural layers - sound patterns, grammatical architectures, the hidden wiring of a language - can erode under sustained contact, even when a language survives on the surface.</p>



<p>Protecting linguistic diversity, then, isn’t only about counting how many languages remain; it’s about preserving the full range of their internal variety.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dna-and-language-share-histories">DNA and language share histories</h2>



<p>The research tells a familiar human story with fresh evidence. When people meet - through trade or conquest, migration or marriage - we share more than DNA. We pass around technologies, beliefs, recipes, and ways of speaking.</p>



<p>Some of those exchanges are voluntary, others are imposed; some knit communities together, others spark efforts to stand apart. Our languages, like our DNA, carry the scars and gifts of those encounters.</p>



<p>By treating genes as a time machine, this study gives <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-iconic-southern-accent-is-fading-with-each-new-generation/">linguistics</a> a new global baseline. It doesn’t replace fieldwork, historical scholarship, or typological theory. </p>



<p>It makes them sharper, pointing to where contact likely mattered and how deeply. And it leaves us with a clear takeaway for the century ahead: as our lives intertwine ever more tightly, the sounds and structures we use to make meaning will change with them.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adv7521" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science Advances</em></a>.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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Our DNA holds the hidden history of human language

Linguists have long known that when cultures collide, languages rub...

<p>We stroll past wheat, clover, and grass and see only the green half of the story. The other half - the roots - do the heavy lifting: anchoring plants, pulling up water and nutrients, and locking away carbon in the soil.</p>



<p>Yet because roots are hidden, scientists have spent decades using muddy, labor-intensive methods to guess their size and spread, often missing the finest, most active threads. According to a team of researchers at <a href="https://international.au.dk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aarhus University</a>, that guesswork can finally stop.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-high-tech-root-census">A high-tech root census</h2>



<p>“It's a bit like studying marine ecosystems without ever being able to dive,” said senior author Henrik Brinch-Pedersen, a professor in the Department of Agroecology.</p>



<p>Until now, the standard approach was to carve out big blocks of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-soil-day-2024-protecting-our-planets-lifeline/">soil</a>, wash away the dirt, sort and dry what remained, and weigh the roots. It’s slow, destructive, and misses the fine roots that absorb nutrients and release carbon to the soil.</p>



<p>The new approach swaps spades for droplet digital PCR (ddPCR), a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-chapter-in-human-evolution-revealed-through-genetics/">DNA</a> technology that partitions a teaspoon of soil into tens of thousands of microscopic droplets. Each droplet then answers a yes/no question: Does it contain plant DNA with a specific genetic signature?</p>



<p>The team uses a marker called ITS2 - think of it as a barcode that differs among species - so a single run can reveal not just that roots are present, but whose roots they are. Crucially, it also shows how much underground biomass each species contributes.</p>



<p>“It’s a bit like giving the soil a DNA test,” Brinch-Pedersen said. “We can suddenly see the hidden distribution of species and biomass without digging up the whole field.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mapping-roots-with-precision">Mapping roots with precision</h2>



<p>Because ddPCR counts DNA molecules across thousands of droplets, it can quantify roots that would otherwise be pulverized or rinsed away. </p>



<p>That makes it possible to map root communities at high resolution in living fields, pastures, and mixed-species grasslands and to repeat measurements over time without disturbing the site.</p>



<p>The payoff spans several fronts. For climate research, it lets scientists measure how much <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planting-diverse-crops-traps-carbon-and-boosts-soil-health/">carbon</a> different crops actually push belowground - data that’s been frustratingly hard to pin down but is essential for credible climate accounting in agriculture.</p>



<p>For plant breeding, the digital DNA method creates a path to select varieties that invest more in roots without sacrificing grain or forage aboveground.</p>



<p>And for biodiversity science, the technology finally illuminates the underground dynamics in species mixes - who’s competing, who’s complementing - insights that were “almost impossible before,” Brinch-Pedersen noted.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-roots-matter-for-the-climate">Roots matter for the climate</h2>



<p>We tend to picture wind turbines and EVs when we think of climate solutions, but roots are a vast, quiet carbon pump. </p>



<p>As plants photosynthesize, some of the captured carbon flows belowground into roots and the surrounding soil. Depending on the crop, soil type, and management, a fraction of that carbon can persist for decades or even centuries.</p>



<p>Farmers and policymakers talk about “soil carbon sequestration,” but without precise measurement tools it’s been hard to document gains in ways that stand up to scrutiny. A rapid, species-resolved root assay changes that equation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dna-test-in-soil">DNA test in soil</h2>



<p>In practice, researchers collect small soil cores, extract DNA, and run ddPCR with species-specific probes keyed to the ITS2 barcode. The number of positive droplets scales with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-rooted-crops-can-significantly-improve-soil-carbon-storage/">root biomass</a> for that species in that sample. </p>



<p>Because the test targets DNA directly in soil, it captures fine roots and root fragments as well as thicker roots that are tough to wash and weigh.</p>



<p>There are, however, limits. Close relatives can be tricky to tell apart when their barcodes are nearly identical - ryegrass and Italian ryegrass hybrids, for instance, can blur the signal. </p>



<p>And the method recognizes only what it’s trained to find. Researchers must validate a probe for each species, so expanding the “DNA library” is both the hurdle and the goal.</p>



<p>“For us, the most important thing is that we have shown it can be done,” Brinch-Pedersen said. “Our vision is to expand the library so we can measure many more species directly in soil samples.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapid-answers-from-soil">Rapid answers from soil</h2>



<p>Speed is the other advantage. Traditional root studies hinge on days to weeks of field and lab work per site. The ddPCR method turns around results in hours, making it practical to scale from a few experimental plots to entire farms, seasons, and regions.</p>



<p>That opens the door to experiments that were previously unrealistic. Researchers can compare cover crops for their belowground carbon contributions across soil types. </p>



<p>They can track how drought shifts root allocation among species in a pasture. They can also screen hundreds of breeding lines for deeper, denser root systems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plants-that-work-smarter">Plants that work smarter</h2>



<p>Brinch-Pedersen sees a straight line from measurement to design. If breeders can quantify underground investment as easily as they count kernels or measure protein, they can begin to select for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tree-crops-a-path-to-feeding-the-world-and-saving-the-planet/">crops</a> that are not only high-yielding but also high-sequestering. These are plants that do more of the climate work for us.</p>



<p>The same logic applies to mixtures. With species-level root data, agronomists can compose plant communities that pack more carbon belowground while maintaining forage or grain output above.</p>



<p>The bigger picture is simple: half a plant lives out of sight, and that half shapes soil health, farm resilience, and the climate. With a “DNA test for dirt,” researchers can finally watch that hidden half at work - no shovels required.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://academic.oup.com/plphys/article/198/3/kiaf276/8173641?login=false" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Plant Physiology</em></a>.</p>



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Digging into plant roots with DNA - no shovels required

We stroll past wheat, clover, and grass and see only...

<p>For centuries, people have tried to keep wolves away from livestock with fences, dogs, and guns. Near the California-Oregon border, biologists are adding a very 21st-century tool to that list.</p>



<p>The experts are flying drones at night that spot wolves with thermal cameras and blast AC/DC, movie clips, and live human shouts through a loudspeaker until the predators back off.</p>



<p>The idea comes from scientists with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. The goal isn’t to harm wolves, but to interrupt hunts - scaring packs off cattle long enough to prevent a kill.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-noise-rattles-wolves-at-night">Noise rattles wolves at night</h2>



<p>A preliminary study in 2022 showed that pairing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drones-revolutionize-animal-counting-and-conservation-efforts/">drones</a> with human voices can rattle wolves in the dark, when they’re most active. On recent patrols, pilots have documented hunts that stopped mid-chase the moment the machines swooped in and the speakers lit up.</p>



<p>“If we could reduce those negative impacts of wolves, that is going to be more likely to lead to a situation where we have coexistence,” said project lead Dustin Ranglack.</p>



<p>The approach is deliberately noisy and unpredictable. Operators cycle through preloaded clips - gunshots, fireworks, guitar-screaming tracks like AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck,” and even the explosive argument between Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver in the film "Marriage Story."</p>



<p>If that doesn’t do it, they improvise: barking commands through a mic, or queuing up the heavy-metal cover of “Blue on Black” by Five Finger Death Punch. As one line from the song blares - “You turned and you ran” - wolves often do exactly that.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-night-flights-shadow-wolve-packs">Night flights shadow wolve packs</h2>



<p>At night, USDA pilots launch drones fitted with thermal imagers and a downward-pointing spotlight. From a few hundred feet up, a wolf’s heat signature stands out against the cooler ground - easy to track across open pasture.</p>



<p>When a pack approaches cows, the pilot dives the drone, blasts the audio, and watches for a retreat. If wolves break off, the aircraft shadows them until they leave the area.</p>



<p>This summer, the agency extended operations along the Oregon-California line and south into the Sierra Valley, focusing on ranches that have seen repeated conflicts.</p>



<p>The work rides alongside a broader comeback. Gray wolves were nearly exterminated across the American West by the mid-20th century. Since reintroduction to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/yellowstone-aspen-trees-are-growing-again-thanks-to-reintroduction-of-wolves/">Yellowstone</a> and Idaho in the 1990s, populations have rebounded: hundreds now roam Washington and Oregon, dozens have settled in northern California, and thousands live around the Great Lakes.</p>



<p>With recovery has come friction. In 2022, wolves killed roughly 800 domestic animals across ten states, and in some areas where non-lethal deterrents fail, officials still authorize lethal control.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wolves-spooked-by-new-sounds">Wolves spooked by new sounds</h2>



<p>Will wolves just get used to the racket? It’s a fair worry. Across Europe, herders string flapping flags (“fladry”) along fence lines to spook packs, but over time wolves learn the flags aren’t dangerous. </p>



<p>The drone program tries to dodge that habituation by keeping the stimulus varied: different sounds, different approaches, different timing, different ranches.</p>



<p>“Wolves are frightened of novel things,” said Amaroq Weiss from the <a href="https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Center for Biological Diversity</a>. “I know that in the human imagination, people think of wolves as big, scary critters that are scared of nothing.” The hope is that, by constantly changing the cues, the fear stays fresh.</p>



<p>There’s also the simple fact of proximity. A speaker on a quadcopter can get much closer, much faster than a vehicle or a ranch hand on horseback - close enough that the “novel thing” is loud, immediate, and overhead.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-tech-deterrents-are-costly">High-tech deterrents are costly</h2>



<p>The system isn’t cheap. A drone with a good thermal camera and a rugged speaker runs around $20,000 before you pay for professional pilot training. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biomass-satellite-mission-sends-first-images-of-earths-most-extreme-environments/">Dense forest</a> can block both signals and sightlines, reducing effectiveness. For many producers, those hurdles put the tech out of reach.</p>



<p>That’s why USDA teams are flying on behalf of ranchers with the heaviest losses. Some on the ground say it’s working - at least so far.</p>



<p>“I’m very appreciative of what they did. But I don’t think it’s a long-term solution,” said Mary Rickert, who runs cattle north of Mount Shasta.</p>



<p>She worries wolves will eventually realize the drones are all noise and no bite. In the meantime, even near-misses have costs that don’t show up in compensation claims: stressed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-heat-makes-dairy-cows-produce-less-milk/">cows</a> can miscarry, drop weight, and produce tougher meat.</p>



<p>Rickert says if hazing loses its edge, she may be forced to shutter a business she’s run since the 1980s. She wants permission to shoot wolves actively attacking her animals - or to remove wolves that return after repeated incidents.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-noisy-path-to-coexistence">Noisy path to coexistence</h2>



<p>The drone teams are realistic about the tradeoffs. They’re not pitching a silver bullet, or a replacement for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-are-evolving-to-fit-the-modern-lives-of-humans/">guard dogs,</a> range riders, fladry, or electrified fencing. </p>



<p>The experts are adding a flexible tool that, in certain landscapes and seasons, can stop a kill in the moment and give both wolves and livelihoods a little breathing room.</p>



<p>Sometimes the fix is as simple as a voice in the night. Paul Wolf - fittingly, the USDA’s southwest district supervisor - described an early test when a wolf seemed more curious than concerned by the incoming drone.</p>



<p>The pilot tried the mic. “He said, ‘Hey wolf - get out of here.' The wolf immediately lets go of the cattle and runs away.”</p>



<p>If costs fall and training spreads, the tactic could migrate from government patrols to ranch-run deterrence. For now, it’s a promising proof of concept: a way to turn sound and surprise into space - for people, for predators, and for a West where both still have a place.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2351989424005377" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Global Ecology and Conservation</em></a>.</p>



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Drones blasting AC/DC scare wolves away from cattle

For centuries, people have tried to keep wolves away from...

Hand,On,Large,Pegmatite,Spodumene,Ore,Rock,Amongst,Waste,(barren

<p>China announced a major new source of lithium in Hunan Province, confirming 490 million tons of ore that contain about 1.31 million tons of lithium oxide in the Jijiaoshan mining area of Linwu County. </p>



<p>Officials <a href="https://www.hunan.gov.cn/hnszf/hnyw/sy/hnyw1/202507/t20250708_33733728.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a> that the ore body is continuous and that associated elements include rubidium, tungsten, tin, niobium, and tantalum. </p>



<p>Geologists classify the find as an altered granite-type deposit, which is a hard rock source rather than a salt brine. </p>



<p>A recent study of the Tongtianmiao granite pluton in southern Hunan explains how lithium-enriched granites form and why this belt hosts significant resources. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-makes-this-deposit-different">What makes this deposit different</h2>



<p>Field work around Tongtianmiao has been led in part by Xu Yiming, a professor at the Mineral Resources Survey Institute of Hunan Province. </p>



<p>The team used modern modeling and drilling to map lithium-rich zones with better precision than older surveys allowed. </p>



<p>Altered granite systems often carry lithium in mica <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/geologists-discover-three-new-mineral-specimens-in-southwestern-us/">minerals</a>, and they can sit beside long known tungsten and tin belts in southern China. </p>



<p>The Tongtianmiao pluton sits within the Nanling metallogenic belt, a region with a long history of rare metal mining supported by detailed petrogeochemical evidence. </p>



<p>Hard rock mines and brine fields both supply lithium, but they behave differently. </p>



<p>Global production today draws on both sources, and operating data show a mix of mineral and brine operations across several countries, including China.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-the-numbers-matter">Why the numbers matter</h2>



<p>The ore figure is useful, but battery makers think in lithium carbonate equivalent (<a href="https://batteryindustry.net/dictionary/lithium-carbonate-equivalent-or-lce/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LCE</a>). </p>



<p>Using a standard <a href="https://cdtfa.ca.gov/taxes-and-fees/lithium-extraction-excise-tax/getting-started.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conversion</a>, 1.31 million tons of lithium oxide equates to roughly 3.24 million tons of lithium carbonate equivalent, assuming 100 percent recovery. </p>



<p>Another lens is elemental <a href="https://periodic-table.rsc.org/element/3/lithium" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lithium</a>. Lithium oxide is about 46 percent lithium by mass, so the resource contains on the order of 0.61 million tons of lithium metal. </p>



<p>That number provides a clean comparison with production statistics that are conventionally tracked in elemental lithium units. </p>



<p>In 2024, world mine output was about 240,000 tons of lithium, not counting withheld U.S. figures. Prices cooled last year as new supply arrived, yet consumption still rose, reflecting steady battery demand.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-it-fits-into-global-supply">How it fits into global supply</h2>



<p>The <a href="https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2025/mcs2025-lithium.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USGS</a> reports that China holds about 3 million tons of lithium reserves, with much larger resources identified as exploration expands. </p>



<p>The Hunan discovery strengthens domestic supply, which policy makers value for security and planning. </p>



<p>Reserves and resources are not the same thing. Reserves reflect what can be mined economically with today’s technology, while resources can be larger and require more work to convert to reserves.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-it-means-for-hunan">What it means for Hunan</h2>



<p>“This newly discovered lithium reserve would provide resources for the city of Chenzhou, which administers Linwu, to further develop its new-energy industry,” said Yiming.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Local planners expect more jobs in geology, mining, processing, and materials engineering. </p>



<p>Suppliers that make cathode powders, anodes, electrolytes, and separators often cluster near raw materials, which can shorten supply chains and cut transport costs. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-and-technical-notes">Environmental and technical notes</h2>



<p>Granite-hosted systems differ from brines in both chemistry and processing routes. </p>



<p>Developers will choose flow sheets that match the mineralogy, balancing recovery, energy use, reagents, and byproduct streams. </p>



<p>The Tongtianmiao pluton has been dated and chemically profiled, and researchers tie its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/volcanic-white-gold-a-lithium-deposit-valued-at-1-5-trillion-has-been-discovered-in-the-u-s/">lithium</a> enrichment to specific magmatic histories in the Middle Jurassic. </p>



<p>Understanding those histories matters because it guides where to place the next drill holes. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-policy-and-strategic-context">Policy and strategic context</h2>



<p>China has been working to lower its reliance on imported lithium, which has often come from South America and Australia. </p>



<p>Expanding domestic sources reduces exposure to global price swings and geopolitical risks tied to critical minerals.</p>



<p>The Ministry of Natural Resources has made resource security a key policy priority. </p>



<p>Large finds like Jijiaoshan fit into that plan by supporting supply stability for industries that include <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/this-is-what-happens-to-the-air-in-cities-with-more-electric-vehicles-on-the-roads/">electric vehicles</a>, consumer electronics, and national defense.</p>



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



<p>Turning a large discovery into production takes detailed feasibility studies, environmental assessment, and investment in concentrators and refineries. </p>



<p>Timelines depend on ore quality, infrastructure, power, water, offtake deals, and the capacity of nearby chemical plants. </p>



<p>Global markets will watch how much of the identified resource converts to proven reserves and steady annual output. </p>



<p>Prices, technology shifts in battery chemistry, and recycling will also shape how this deposit shows up in future supply curves. </p>



<p>The study is published in <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2075-163X/14/7/637" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Minerals</em></a>.</p>



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China announces lithium deposit discovery containing more than 1.3 million tons

China announced a major new source of lithium in Hunan...

<p>Life needs proteins for almost everything, from cell repair to immune defense. Scientists have long asked how the first proteins were formed before cells had complex machinery.</p>



<p>A new study reports a simple, water-friendly reaction that links early ingredients into the first steps toward protein-making. </p>



<p>The project was led by Professor Matthew Powner at University College London (<a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCL</a>), a chemist whose lab explores prebiotic chemistry.</p>



<p>"At life’s functional core, there is a complex and inseparable interplay between nucleic acids and proteins, but the origin of this relationship remains a mystery," wrote the researchers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-molecules-that-build-proteins">Molecules that build proteins</h2>



<p>The team showed that RNA - a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-discovery-water-molecules-will-force-chemistry-textbooks-to-be-rewritten/">molecule</a> that stores and transfers genetic information and can catalyze reactions - can become chemically linked to amino acids. </p>



<p>These small molecules build proteins, and the linkage occurs under mild conditions in water.</p>



<p>The researchers changed amino acids into a more reactive form that holds extra energy, then linked those energized amino acids to RNA at a specific spot in the molecule, all without needing enzymes.</p>



<p>The reaction preferred the end of a double stranded RNA over interior positions, which avoids random chemistry that would scramble sequences. </p>



<p>The experts also reported strong yields for several amino acids, including arginine linked to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forgotten-chemical-reactions-offer-clues-to-lifes-origins/">adenosine</a> at up to 76 percent.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sulfur-chemistry-drives-origins">Sulfur chemistry drives origins</h2>



<p>A thiol is a sulfur-containing compound common in metabolism, and thioesters made from thiols power many reactions in modern cells. </p>



<p>Using thioesters makes chemical sense for early Earth because they react in water without falling apart quickly, helping drive protein-related chemistry.</p>



<p>Earlier work from the same community showed that pantetheine, the active fragment of Coenzyme A that forms many biological thioesters today, can form under prebiotic conditions in water. </p>



<p>That work supports the idea that the same types of sulfur chemistry existed before life began.</p>



<p>This new result connects that energy-rich chemistry to RNA handling of amino acids. It links metabolism- like reactions to information carriers, which is exactly the bridge origin of life research has needed.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-molecules-found-in-all-living-cells">Molecules found in all living cells</h2>



<p>The team uncovered a switch that controls two different steps. In step one, thioesters favor attaching the amino acid to RNA, creating aminoacyl RNA in water at neutral pH. </p>



<p>In step two, converting to thioacids and adding a mild oxidant pushed peptide bond formation, which produced peptidyl RNA in very high yields.</p>



<p>Peptides are short chains of amino acids, usually two to 50 units long, while larger folded chains are proteins. </p>



<p>Making peptidyl RNA shows that RNA-bound amino acids can be extended into short chains, a necessary move toward protein-like function.</p>



<p>“What is groundbreaking is that the activated amino acid used in this study is a thioester, a type of molecule made from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/key-compound-suggests-that-life-beyond-earth-could-be-common/">Coenzyme A</a>, a chemical found in all living cells," said Dr. Jyoti Singh of UCL Chemistry. "This discovery could potentially link metabolism, the genetic code, and protein building,”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-neutral-waters-spark-proteins">Neutral waters spark proteins</h2>



<p>The chemistry works in water at near neutral pH, which points to pools, lakes, or wet shorelines rather than the open ocean. </p>



<p>Concentrations would have been higher in small bodies of water, and minerals could have helped organize the molecules.</p>



<p>Freeze concentrate cycles also help. The researchers observed effective aminoacylation under eutectic ice conditions near 19°F. </p>



<p>In this environment, ice excludes salt and concentrates solutes into brines, which speed reactions without harsh reagents.</p>



<p>“It seems pretty probable that this reaction would have been occurring on early Earth,” said Professor Powner. That assessment reflects the mild requirements and the water compatibility of the chemistry.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bridging-chemistry-and-biology">Bridging chemistry and biology</h2>



<p>Modern cells make proteins with the ribosome, a ribonucleoprotein machine that reads messenger RNA and couples amino acids with the help of transfer RNAs. </p>



<p>The new chemistry provides a path for RNA to handle amino acids without proteins, easing the chicken or egg problem.</p>



<p>An earlier study proposed an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rna-breakthrough-sheds-light-on-the-beginning-of-life/">RNA</a> peptide world in which RNA and short peptides co-evolved, forming chimeric molecules that could grow and select function. </p>



<p>The present result shows a plausible way for RNA to acquire and extend amino acids in water.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-modern-genetic-code">The modern genetic code</h2>



<p>The genetic code is the set of rules that maps RNA triplets to amino acids. </p>



<p>By preferring attachment at RNA termini and operating under duplex control, this chemistry hints at how sequence specific pairing could later become coded instruction.</p>



<p>The researchers point to the need for sequence preferences that pair specific RNA sequences with specific <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lifes-building-blocks-may-have-formed-near-newborn-stars-and-planets/">amino acids</a>. That would move from chemistry that charges RNA to chemistry that begins to encode.</p>



<p>Success there would show how early RNA could use simple rules to shape peptide sequences, with later evolution building the fully fledged ribosome and the modern code.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-09388-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature</em></a>.</p>



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<p>-----</p>

Scientists think they finally discovered the origin of life on Earth

Life needs proteins for almost everything, from cell repair to...

<p>Heart disease, not suicide or overdose, is the leading killer of people living with serious mental health conditions. This is the conclusion of a sweeping review led by Viola Vaccarino of Emory University.</p>



<p>The experts report that adults with depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and anxiety die, on average, 10 to 20 years earlier than their peers - largely because of cardiovascular disease.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mental-health-and-life-expectancy">Mental health and life expectancy </h2>



<p>The cardiovascular penalty attached to common psychiatric diagnoses is substantial. Depression raises the risk of heart disease by roughly 72 percent.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psychedelic-use-linked-to-higher-risk-of-schizophrenia/">schizophrenia</a>, the risk nearly doubles - up to about 95 percent. Bipolar disorder increases cardiovascular risk by 57 percent, PTSD boosts coronary heart disease risk by 61 percent, and anxiety disorders are associated with a 41 percent higher risk of dying from cardiovascular causes. </p>



<p>These numbers help explain why <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-life-expectancy-faces-a-triple-threat/">life expectancy</a> shrinks so dramatically for this population.</p>



<p>Despite the elevated risks, people with mental health conditions routinely receive worse heart care than the general public. Screenings are missed and risk factors go unmanaged. Evidence-based treatments are offered less often and followed up less reliably.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The result is a widening survival gap affecting a vast swath of society: roughly one in four people will experience a mental health disorder during their lifetime.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mental-illness-and-heart-disease">Mental illness and heart disease</h2>



<p>Mood and thought disorders don’t just coincide with heart disease; they help cause it - and cardiovascular events can in turn trigger new psychiatric illness. That feedback loop runs through behavior and biology.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Higher rates of smoking, physical inactivity, and poor diet are part of the story. So are the physiological effects of chronic stress: systemic inflammation, elevated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/blood-pressure-treatment-efficacy-calculator-revolutionize-measurement-and-treatment/">blood pressure</a>, arrhythmias, and insulin resistance all nudge the cardiovascular system toward failure.</p>



<p>The relationship is equally visible in reverse. About 18 percent of people with cardiovascular disease live with depression; after an acute event such as a heart attack, that figure climbs to roughly 28 percent. </p>



<p>Nearly one in four stroke survivors develops depression in the aftermath, and around 12 percent of heart attack survivors go on to meet criteria for PTSD. Treating either condition in isolation misses the way each amplifies the other.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-existing-systems-miss-what-matters">Existing systems miss what matters</h2>



<p>The review highlights a pattern of structural neglect. Mental health and cardiology are typically staffed, funded and measured as separate domains, with little coordination between them.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Many cardiology clinics don’t routinely screen for depression, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/witnessing-trauma-may-cause-ptsd-in-a-different-way/">PTSD</a>, or anxiety. Many psychiatric services don’t monitor blood pressure, lipids, or glucose as systematically as cardiovascular teams would.</p>



<p>Access gaps compound the problem. In a 2023 U.S. survey cited by the authors, 54 percent of people who met criteria for a mental health disorder received no treatment at all.</p>



<p>Even in countries with universal coverage, patients with serious mental illness are less likely to receive recommended medications, procedures and follow-up for heart disease. </p>



<p>Poverty, unstable housing, and social isolation make adherence and clinic attendance harder, turning health inequities into entrenched mortality.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mental-and-physical-health-gains">Mental and physical health gains</h2>



<p>The good news is that several familiar tools carry cardiovascular benefits alongside mental health gains.&nbsp;</p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exercise-in-a-pill-is-now-closer-to-reality/">Exercise</a> is one of the most effective treatments for depression and also directly improves blood pressure, insulin sensitivity, and endothelial function. The review argues it should sit alongside psychotherapy and antidepressants as core treatment - not an optional add-on.</p>



<p>Mind-body practices such as yoga, tai chi, and meditation can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and improve some risk factors (for example, heart rate variability and stress biomarkers). Evidence that they prevent heart attacks or strokes remains limited, but early signals are encouraging and warrant larger trials.</p>



<p>Integrated care models - where mental health and cardiovascular teams coordinate around the same patient - consistently improve psychiatric outcomes in clinical studies. The next step is proving that these collaborative approaches also cut hard cardiac endpoints like myocardial infarction and cardiovascular mortality.&nbsp;</p>



<p>To do that, researchers will need to stop excluding people with mental health disorders from cardiovascular trials, a longstanding practice that has left clinicians without robust, disorder-specific guidelines for high-risk patients.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-improving-life-expectancy-outcomes">Improving life expectancy outcomes</h2>



<p>The authors call for changes that are as practical as they are profound. Medical schools and residency programs should train clinicians to recognize and manage the bidirectional links between mental and physical illness.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Health systems and payers need to expand mental health coverage while embedding routine cardiovascular screening and risk management into psychiatric care - and, conversely, embedding mental health screening into cardiology.</p>



<p>Community-level solutions matter, too. Making exercise accessible and safe, addressing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/smoking-related-deaths-will-surge-by-2030/">tobacco</a> use with tailored support, improving food access and tackling social isolation are public-health interventions that serve both the heart and the mind.&nbsp;</p>



<p>And because the burden is unequally distributed, equity must be a design principle: culturally competent care, outreach in underserved neighborhoods and policies that reduce financial and logistical barriers will save the most lives.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-treat-the-whole-person">Treat the whole person</h2>



<p>Taken together, the evidence reframes a familiar crisis. Mental health disorders are common. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-century-of-progress-in-the-fight-against-cardiovascular-disease/">Cardiovascular disease</a> is common. When they collide, lives are cut short - not by inevitability, but by gaps we can close.&nbsp;</p>



<p>If roughly a quarter of us will face a mental health condition in our lifetime, preventing the downstream heart damage is not a niche priority; it’s a population-wide imperative.</p>



<p>The path forward is clear enough: measure risk where it’s highest, treat depression and anxiety as cardiac risk factors, deploy exercise and integrated care as first-line tools, and build research and reimbursement structures that reflect how tightly the mind and heart are tied. </p>



<p>Stop treating mental and cardiovascular health separately, and that 10- to 20-year life-expectancy penalty starts to look less like fate - and more like a fixable failure.</p>



<p>The research is published in the journal <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanepe/article/PIIS2666-7762(25)00165-6/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>The Lancet Regional Health - Europe</em></a>.</p>



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Mental health disorders reduce life expectancy by up to 20 years

Heart disease, not suicide or overdose, is the leading killer...

<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=WXXGGiynIjs
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Greenland is not sinking. In fact, it is the opposite.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-contrasting-climate-response">A contrasting climate response</h2>



<p>Most coastal towns are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sinking-land-will-intensify-the-effects-of-rising-sea-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">preparing for higher sea levels</a>, but <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenland-no-longer-has-to-worry-about-rising-sea-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Greenland presents</a> a different scenario during climate change. The ground there is rising at a remarkable rate. Over the past decade, some areas have lifted about 20 centimeters, which translates to roughly 2 meters per century. This rate significantly exceeds current projections for sea level rise.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-geological-rebound-process-through-climate-change">Geological rebound process through climate change</h2>



<p>The mechanism behind this phenomenon is straightforward. As the ice sheet melts, the immense weight is removed from the bedrock, causing the land to rebound upward. This process resembles the way compressed material springs back when pressure is released.</p>



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



<p>Researchers at the <a href="https://www.dtu.dk/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Technical University of Denmark</a> are documenting this uplift using the GNET network, consisting of 61 GPS stations positioned around Greenland's coast. These sensors can detect movement with millimeter precision, providing detailed measurements of the ongoing changes.</p>



<p>The data reveal that current uplift rates exceed the gradual rebound occurring since the last ice age ended approximately 12,000 years ago. This acceleration corresponds directly with increased ice sheet melting rates.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coastal-transformation">Coastal Transformation</h2>



<p>This uplift is actively reshaping Greenland's coastline. New islands and rocky formations, called "skerries," are emerging as previously submerged land surfaces rise above the water level. This represents a notable contrast to global concerns about rising seas.</p>



<p>The study, published in Geophysical Research Letters, demonstrates the varied regional impacts of climate change. While many locations face rising water levels, Greenland's bedrock is literally rising above the surrounding seas.</p>



<p>The full study was recently published in <em><a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1029/2023GL104851" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geophysical Research Letters</a></em>.</p>



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Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXXGGiynIjs Greenland is not sinking. In fact, it is the...

<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=DSM3EVeGHJU
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Companies like MindStudio help companies train their employees to implement the latest AI Agent building platform.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-agent-training-transforms-the-workplace-fear-factor-into-a-competitive-advantage">AI agent training transforms the workplace 'fear factor' into a competitive advantage</h2>



<p>Organizations that offer comprehensive artificial intelligence training to their workers find remarkable value that extends well beyond basic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mind-wandering-might-be-more-productive-than-you-think/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">productivity improvements</a>. Emerging research demonstrates that carefully crafted AI training programs <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-does-not-replace-human-creativity-but-enhances-it/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">enhance</a> corporate performance, lower operational costs, and dramatically improve employee psychological well-being by turning workplace uncertainty into professional empowerment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-the-widespread-ai-anxiety-crisis-among-us">Addressing the widespread 'AI anxiety' crisis among us</h2>



<p>A staggering 53% of employees expressed concern that the use of AI tools to automate work tasks could make them appear disposable to their employers, according to <a href="https://www.microsoft.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microsoft</a>'s 2024 workplace survey. Such pervasive worry about being substituted by machines has caused what researchers have termed "AI technostress" – a psychological state that can result in occupational burnout and poorer mental well-being.</p>



<p>Data published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/palcomms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Humanities and Social Sciences Communications</a> showed that belief in AI learning ability was a moderator in the link between technology adoption and work pressure, and higher confidence significantly lowered negative psychological responses. Workers provided ample training to become competent with AI software have significantly lower stress.</p>



<p>Companies like <a href="https://www.mindstudio.ai/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MindStudio</a> have platforms for building what are known as "AI Agents".  In essence, AI Agents are simply tools that employees can build for themselves or their teams quickly and inexpensively.   MindStudio will even train entire companies, from the CEO on down, at no cost. By letting MindStudio empower employees, companies avoid hiring more IT staff, buying more software, and implementing solutions to problems that do not exist.</p>



<p>MindStudio even has partners locally for companies, like <a href="http://www.dominnus.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dominnus</a> with offices in the Carolinas, California, and Denver, to help build AI Agents and support employees as they become resident AI experts for their organization.  The training provided by MindStudio is applicable across other AI Agent building platforms as well.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-revolutionary-productivity-through-focused-learning">Revolutionary productivity through focused learning</h2>



<p>Organizations that implement large-scale AI training programs achieve dramatic outcomes. Employees performed tasks significantly better when they utilized AI support compared to when they didn't, according to <a href="https://www.nngroup.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nielsen Norman Group</a> research findings. Their study documented productivity increases of 66% for a variety of professional tasks.</p>



<p>Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis research finds workers record 33% higher productivity in time working with generative AI tools. The benefit is equivalent to 5.4% of work time savings for AI users – around 2.2 hours per week for full-time workers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-psychological-well-being-benefits-through-ai-competence">Psychological well-being benefits through AI competence</h2>



<p>The emotional transformation when employees are provided with proper technology training is a fundamental transformation from fear to professional confidence. A survey of 600 employees across industries, carried out by ScienceDirect, proved that AI capabilities strengthen work environment commitment and improve job satisfaction.</p>



<p>A <a href="https://www.lut.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LUT University</a> study discovered that AI adoption has no direct effect on workers' well-being but does so indirectly through working conditions like task optimization and safety protocols. Strategically deployed AI that involves correct training can actually increase workplace mental well-being.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-replacement-anxiety-to-partnership-confidence">From 'replacement anxiety' to 'partnership confidence'</h2>



<p>Although 35% of those interviewed in recent McKinsey studies were concerned about workforce displacement, firms with large-scale training initiatives witness such fears dissipate quickly. The World Economic Forum found that two out of three respondents believe AI competencies will enhance their career prospects and job marketability.</p>



<p>This shift from fear to trust has measurable implications for job satisfaction. Applied Sciences research indicates AI can create tailored wellness programs based on individual employee requirements.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-financial-benefits-of-increased-retention">Financial benefits of increased retention</h2>



<p>The mental health advantages of AI learning have a direct impact on organizational bottom lines in the form of a positive feedback cycle with high retention of employees. Recent ROI research validates that artificial intelligence learning has a beneficial impact on employee turnover and satisfaction levels.</p>



<p>PriceWaterhouseCoopers' research documents 20% to 30% improvements in productivity, market speed, and revenue in organizations that attempt systematic AI adoption through comprehensive training.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-advantages-of-ai-enabled-teams">Environmental advantages of AI-enabled teams</h2>



<p>AI training has unforeseen environmental benefits as it makes the work environment more efficient. According to a study in Scientific Reports, the carbon footprint in writing and illustrating work is significantly lower when AI performs it compared to humans. AI software produces 130 to 1,500 times less CO2 equivalent per page of text created than human authors.</p>



<p>In addition, AI-driven remote work functionality significantly reduces environmental impact. Research by Cornell University and Microsoft indicates that remote workers reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 54% by not commuting daily to offices. Hybrid workers working remotely two to four days a week can reduce their carbon footprint by 11% to 29%.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cumulative-organizational-advantages">Cumulative organizational advantages</h2>



<p>The compounding gains of better mental well-being, reduced turnover, increased productivity, and environmental benefits flow to enterprises from the pairing. McKinsey analysis estimates the long-term AI potential at $4.4 trillion in incremental productivity growth opportunity from business use cases.</p>



<p>As of now, 75% of knowledge workers globally utilize generative AI, mirroring widespread adoption patterns. Organizations that provide organized training and assistance see the most favorable results in productivity, worker satisfaction, and ecological sustainability.</p>



<p>The research overwhelmingly indicates that companies that invest in proper AI education, like that offered through <a href="https://www.mindstudio.ai" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MindStudio</a>, establish win-win scenarios where employees are both more empowered and less stressed, and companies enjoy the gains of increased productivity, reduced turnover, and improved mental health outcomes throughout their workforce.</p>



<p>For more on MindStudio's free AI training for companies, visit the website's of MindStudio and Dominnus from the links below.</p>



<p>The research was published across a variety of peer-reviewed journals, including <a href="https://www.nature.com/palcomms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Humanities and Social Sciences Communications</a>, <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/artificial-intelligence" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence</a>, and <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/journal/applsci">Applied Sciences</a>.</p>



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<p>MindStudio.AI: <a href="https://www.mindstudio.ai" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.mindstudio.ai</a></p>



<p>Dominnus: <a href="https://www.dominnus.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.dominnus.com</a></p>

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSM3EVeGHJU Companies like MindStudio help companies train their employees to...

<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=0HDXqTGEmi4
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Scientists give plants superpowers against bacterial disease</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-natural-solution-to-disease-through-crop-modification">A natural solution to disease through crop modification.</h2>



<p>The agricultural industry stands at a crossroads between productivity and environmental responsibility, and crop modification often carries a negative connotation. While chemical pesticides have long been the go-to solution for crop protection, their harmful effects on ecosystems and human health have prompted scientists to seek alternatives. The recent breakthrough by <a href="https://www.southampton.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Southampton</a> researchers offers a promising path forward through the precise manipulation of plant-associated microbial communities.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-science-behind-microbial-partnerships">The science behind microbial partnerships</h2>



<p>Plants naturally harbor diverse ecosystems of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that function as biological allies. These microscopic partners contribute to disease resistance, nutrient absorption, and stress tolerance. However, until now, scientists lacked the tools to deliberately reshape these communities to enhance crop protection.</p>



<p>The Southampton team's approach centered on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/engineered-plant-microbiomes-the-future-of-crop-protection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">modifying lignin biosynthesis genes in rice plants</a>. This strategic intervention altered the plant's metabolic output, creating conditions that favored beneficial bacterial populations while suppressing harmful ones. The result was a living defense system embedded within the plant itself.</p>



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



<p>The successful demonstration against Xanthomonas oryzae, the pathogen responsible for bacterial blight in rice, represents more than a laboratory achievement. Rice feeds nearly half the world's population, and bacterial blight causes devastating crop losses annually. Traditional control methods rely heavily on pesticides that contaminate soil and water systems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-beyond-disease-resistance">Looking Beyond Disease Resistance</h2>



<p>While disease protection represents the immediate application, the research framework opens doors to broader agricultural improvements. Future developments could engineer microbiomes to enhance nutrient uptake, reducing dependence on synthetic fertilizers. This dual benefit addresses both crop productivity and environmental sustainability.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-path-forward">The path forward</h2>



<p>As this technology advances from laboratory to field applications, it promises to reshape sustainable agriculture. The ability to program plants with their own biological defense systems could herald a new era where crops protect themselves naturally, reducing chemical inputs while maintaining yields necessary for global food security.</p>



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



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Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HDXqTGEmi4 Scientists give plants superpowers against bacterial disease A natural...

<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=kVywlgRJXsc
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Some children read facial expressions when making food choices.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-other-people-s-reactions-influence-children-s-eating-habits">Other people's reactions influence children's eating habits</h2>



<p>Many children are finicky eaters, but research explains how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-have-learned-why-so-many-kids-dislike-vegetables/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">watching others eat and social modeling</a> influence the eating habits of children.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Study Methodology Demonstrates Social Learning Impact</h2>



<p>Researchers at <a href="https://www.aston.ac.uk/hls/school-of-psychology" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aston University School of Psychology</a> have published findings in Frontiers in Psychology that illuminate the neurobiological foundations of food preference development through observational learning. The investigation employed controlled video stimuli featuring adults consuming raw broccoli while displaying systematically varied facial expressions to measure participant responses.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Asymmetrical Response Patterns Identified</h2>



<p>The research, conducted with 204 female participants, revealed a pronounced asymmetry in social modeling effects. Negative facial expressions during vegetable consumption significantly diminished observer food preference ratings, while positive expressions failed to produce corresponding increases in vegetable appeal. This finding challenges conventional assumptions about the bidirectional nature of social influence in dietary behavior formation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Evolutionary Psychology Framework Applied</h2>



<p>Dr. Katie Edwards and her research team propose that these results reflect adaptive mechanisms developed through evolutionary processes. The heightened sensitivity to disgust expressions likely functions as a protective system, enabling individuals to identify potentially harmful foods through social cues without direct risk exposure.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Clinical and Educational Implications</h2>



<p>These findings carry substantial implications for pediatric nutrition interventions and family meal dynamics. The research suggests that parental expressions of distaste during vegetable consumption may inadvertently reinforce children's existing food aversions through unconscious social transmission pathways.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Future Research Directions</h2>



<p>The study establishes a foundation for expanded investigation into real-time social modeling effects and cross-demographic applicability. Researchers emphasize the necessity for longitudinal studies examining actual consumption behaviors rather than preference ratings alone, particularly within family contexts where social learning occurs most frequently.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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<p>-----</p>



<p></p>

Social modeling affects our food choices

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVywlgRJXsc Some children read facial expressions when making food choices....

<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=JynHpMaNO8A
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chaotic cancer protein finally controlled after decades of mystery</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cancer-causing-protein-bound-and-blocked">Cancer-causing protein bound and blocked</h2>



<p>In a discovery that can one day revolutionize cancer treatment, researchers at the <a href="https://www.ucr.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Riverside</a> have successfully developed a means of controlling MYC, a notoriously slippery protein that causes approximately <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chaotic-protein-that-fuels-75-of-cancers-can-be-controlled/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">75% of all cancers in humans</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-makes-myc-different">What makes MYC different</h2>



<p>MYC presents a unique challenge when studying cancer. Normally, this protein plays a vital role in healthy cells. It carefully controls transcription - the process that converts genetic information from DNA and RNA into proteins.</p>



<p>However, cancer changes everything. In cancer cells, MYC becomes a destructive force. It operates in overdrive mode with no regulation whatsoever.</p>



<p>Professor Min Xue, who led the research team, explains it simply: "MYC is less like food for cancer cells and more like a steroid. It drives cancer's aggressive growth." This superactive behavior makes MYC involved in three out of every four cancer cases.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-myc-is-hard-to-target">Why MYC is hard to target</h2>



<p>Despite its clear role in cancer, targeting MYC has been one of medicine's biggest challenges. The main problem lies in MYC's unusual structure - or rather, its complete lack of structure.</p>



<p>Professor Xue describes the protein as "basically a glob of randomness." This means conventional drug discovery methods don't work. These traditional approaches rely on sharply defined protein structures. MYC simply doesn't have one.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A New Approach to Fighting MYC</h2>



<p>The UCR research team developed a clever solution. They designed a special peptide molecule that could selectively bind to MYC. More importantly, this peptide could block MYC's destructive activity.</p>



<p>The key was fine-tuning two specific features: the peptide's stiffness and its shape. Through careful adjustments, researchers achieved something remarkable. They reached "sub-micro-molar affinity" - meaning their peptide binds as strongly as antibodies do.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breakthrough-results">Breakthrough results</h2>



<p>This accomplishment represents a major leap beyond previous attempts. The researchers enhanced their peptide's binding strength by two orders of magnitude. This dramatic improvement brings the work significantly closer to practical drug development goals.</p>



<p>The research opens new possibilities for treating the vast majority of cancers where MYC plays a destructive role.</p>



<p>The researchers are presently optimizing peptide-delivery systems based on lipid nanoparticles that deliver the peptide effectively into cancer cells. The<a href="https://www.nih.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> National Institutes of Health</a> and the <a href="https://www.defense.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. Department of Defense</a> funded the study, which appeared in the Journal of the <a href="https://www.acs.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Chemical Society</a>.<br>This research offers renewed hope against cancer, and it can potentially open a door to more effective cancer therapies for most cancer patients worldwide.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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<p>-----</p>

The protein that fuels 3 out of 4 cancers has been controlled

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JynHpMaNO8A Chaotic cancer protein finally controlled after decades of mystery...

<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>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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<p>-----</p>

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>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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."</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>The forest was remarkably diverse. Scientists identified <em>Eospermatopteris</em>, 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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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."</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em>Current Biology</em>.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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<p>-----</p>

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=Veg4HmmRVZY
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Our bodies hits two 'aging cliffs' at these ages.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scientists-map-exact-ages-when-your-body-rapidly-ages">Scientists Map Exact Ages When Your Body Rapidly Ages</h2>



<p>Scientists have <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-bodies-begin-breaking-down-two-very-precise-ages/#google_vignette">discovered that aging</a> isn't the gradual, steady process many assume it to be. Instead, researchers from Stanford Medicine have found that our bodies undergo dramatic molecular changes at two specific ages: 44 and 60. This research, published in Nature Aging, reveals that aging happens in sudden bursts rather than smooth transitions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-two-waves-of-rapid-aging">Two waves of rapid aging</h2>



<p>The Stanford study tracked over 135,000 different molecules and microbes in 108 participants aged 25 to 75 over several years. Results showed that 81% of all molecules studied exhibited non-linear changes, meaning they shifted dramatically at certain ages rather than changing gradually over time.</p>



<p>Michael Snyder, chair of genetics at Stanford School of Medicine and the study's senior author, noted significant findings. "We're not just changing gradually over time; there are some really dramatic changes. It turns out the mid-40s is a time of dramatic change, as is the early 60s. And that's true no matter what class of molecules you look at."</p>



<p>The first wave of changes occurs around age 44, affecting molecules related to alcohol metabolism, caffeine processing, lipid <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/age-related-changes-in-metabolism-dont-match-our-expectations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">metabolism</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heart-disease-remains-the-leading-cause-of-death-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiovascular disease</a>, and skin and muscle function. The second wave hits around age 60, involving changes in carbohydrate metabolism, immune regulation, kidney function, and again cardiovascular and muscle health.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-happens-during-these-aging-bursts">What happens during these aging bursts</h2>



<p>During the mid-40s transformation, researchers observed significant changes in how the body processes alcohol and fats. This period often coincides with increased stress levels in many people's lives, potentially contributing to lifestyle factors that accelerate these molecular shifts.</p>



<p>"It's possible some of these changes could be tied to lifestyle or behavioral factors that cluster at these age groups, rather than being driven by biological factors," Snyder explained. For instance, alcohol metabolism dysfunction might result from increased consumption during the typically stressful mid-40s period.</p>



<p>The changes at age 60 are perhaps less surprising, as this is when many age-related diseases begin to manifest more prominently. The molecular shifts affect immune function and kidney health, both critical for maintaining overall wellness as we enter our senior years.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-latest-research-confirms-aging-patterns">Latest research confirms aging patterns</h2>



<p>Recent 2025 studies have validated these findings. Research examining tissue samples from 76 people found similar aging patterns, noting an "inflection point" between ages 45 and 55.</p>



<p>Scientists discovered that blood vessels, particularly the aorta, age fastest among all body tissues. This vascular aging may drive aging in other body parts, highlighting cardiovascular health's central role in the aging process.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cellular-changes-and-microbiome-shifts">Cellular changes and microbiome shifts</h2>



<p>The Stanford research revealed that these aging bursts affect our microbiome – the trillions of bacteria, viruses, and fungi living in and on our bodies. These microbial communities undergo substantial shifts during both aging periods, potentially affecting everything from digestion to immune function.</p>



<p>Additionally, researchers found that protein production and gene expression begin to fall out of sync as we age. This breakdown in cellular communication becomes especially pronounced during the two aging waves, contributing to the accumulation of damaged proteins associated with diseases such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alzheimers-may-not-be-brain-disorder-important-data-was-fabricated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alzheimer's</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-implications-and-longevity-considerations">Health implications and longevity considerations</h2>



<p>Understanding these aging patterns has important implications for healthcare strategies. Research suggests that people should pay particular attention to their health during their 40s and 60s, when these dramatic molecular changes occur.</p>



<p>Snyder emphasized the importance of proactive health measures. "I'm a big believer that we should try to adjust our lifestyles while we're still healthy," he noted. This might include increasing exercise to protect heart health and maintain muscle mass, or reducing alcohol consumption in the 40s as the body's ability to metabolize it declines.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-approaches-to-anti-aging-treatment">New approaches to anti-aging treatment</h2>



<p>Aging research has seen notable advances in 2025. Harvard Medical School scientists developed chemical cocktails that reverse cellular aging without genetic modification. These six combinations restored aged cells to youthfulness in under a week, offering safer alternatives to gene therapy.</p>



<p>Researchers identified new biomarkers like "InflammAge," a saliva-based test measuring chronic inflammation associated with aging. This non-invasive approach could change how we monitor aging and intervention.</p>



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



<p>Emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, cellular reprogramming, and senolytic therapies, are opening new possibilities for extending healthspan. Companies develop treatments targeting aging's fundamental mechanisms rather than just managing age-related diseases.</p>



<p>The Stanford findings provide a roadmap for implementing preventive measures. Rather than waiting for symptoms, people can prepare for and potentially mitigate these predictable aging waves.</p>



<p>As aging understanding evolves, one thing becomes clear: aging isn't inevitable decline, but specific biological events we may learn to prevent or reverse. The key is recognizing when these transitions occur and taking proactive health steps during vulnerable periods.</p>



<p>The study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/nataging" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Aging</a></em>.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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<p>-----</p>

Scientists discover we age in bursts

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Veg4HmmRVZY Our bodies hits two 'aging cliffs' at these ages....

<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=PqlF0XKzHY4
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The hidden science behind tickling.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scientists-discover-the-brain-s-tickling-command-center">Scientists discover the brain's 'tickling command center'</h2>



<p>Researchers have finally solved one of humanity's most enduring mysteries: why we can't <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/after-centuries-of-debate-we-still-dont-know-how-tickling-works/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tickle</a> ourselves and what makes some people incredibly ticklish while others barely react? Recent scientific discoveries are revolutionizing our understanding of this peculiar human behavior.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breakthrough-discovery-in-the-brain">Breakthrough discovery in the brain</h2>



<p>In 2023, Dr. Michael Brecht's team at <a href="https://www.hu-berlin.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Humboldt University</a>-<a href="https://www.hu-berlin.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Berlin</a> made a major discovery published in the <a href="https://www.cell.com/iscience/fulltext/S2589-0042(22)01991-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">journal <em>Neuron</em></a>. They identified the brain's actual "tickling command center" – specific neurons in a region called the periaqueductal gray that control both tickling responses and play behavior.</p>



<p>When researchers used cutting-edge optogenetic technology to shut down these neurons in laboratory rats, something remarkable happened. The animals completely lost their ability to be tickled or engage in playful behavior.</p>



<p>"We found that global blockade of the rat periaqueductal gray with either muscimol or lidocaine interfered with ticklishness and play," the research team reported in their study.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-two-types-of-tickling-revealed">Two types of tickling revealed</h2>



<p>What we call "tickling" is two completely different phenomena, according to the latest research. Light tickling – that feathery sensation that makes you want to scratch – is essentially your body's sophisticated bug detection system. This alerts you to potential insects or parasites on your skin.</p>



<p>Deep tickling – the kind that makes you laugh uncontrollably – involves complex brain circuits and is fundamentally social. You literally cannot tickle yourself with this type of stimulation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-self-tickling-is-impossible">Why self-tickling is impossible</h2>



<p>Your cerebellum acts like a prediction machine, recent findings show. When you move your own hand to touch yourself, your brain generates precise predictions about what you will feel and then cancels out the tickling sensation through neural inhibition.</p>



<p>When someone else tickles you, your brain can't predict their movements, so the full tickling response activates. It's like your brain's way of distinguishing between self and others.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-individual-differences-explained">Individual differences explained</h2>



<p>Individual differences in ticklishness depend on genetics, psychology, and even trust. Dr. Xinzhong Dong at <a href="https://www.jhu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Johns Hopkins University</a> notes that people with denser nerve endings tend to be more sensitive.</p>



<p>Psychological factors matter just as much. You respond more strongly when tickled by people you trust, and anxiety completely shuts down tickling responses. This explains why the same physical stimulus can produce completely different reactions depending on who's doing the tickling.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-controlling-your-ticklishness">Controlling your ticklishness</h2>



<p>Science offers answers for controlling your ticklishness. You can reduce tickling sensitivity through systematic desensitization – gradual exposure in controlled settings.</p>



<p>Dr. Konstantina Kilteni's 2025 research, published in <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adt0350" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a></em>, reveals another technique: place your hand on the tickler's hand. This allows your brain to partially predict the sensations, reducing the tickling response by up to 90 percent.</p>



<p>"Your brain is essentially learning to override its own reflexes," Kilteni explained in her review of tickling research.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-purpose-discovered">Evolutionary purpose discovered</h2>



<p>From an evolutionary perspective, tickling serves vital functions according to <a href="https://www.umd.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Maryland</a> researcher Dr. Robert Provine's extensive studies. It trains our defense reflexes for vulnerable body areas and facilitates social bonding between family members.</p>



<p>Tickling-induced laughter is actually one of the first forms of communication between infants and caregivers. "Tickle involves a neurological self/nonself discrimination, providing the most primitive social scenario," Provine noted in his research.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clinical-applications-emerge">Clinical applications emerge</h2>



<p>Research shows people with autism spectrum disorder perceive touches as more ticklish than people without the condition. Investigating this difference could provide insight into brain differences and help advance autism research.</p>



<p>People with schizophrenia tend to experience self-touches similarly to external tickles, allowing them to essentially tickle themselves. This suggests altered sensory prediction mechanisms in the condition.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-animal-research-reveals-universal-nature">Animal research reveals universal nature</h2>



<p>Scientists have discovered that many species beyond humans are ticklish. Rats emit ultrasonic "laughs" when tickled, while chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans all respond to tickling stimulation.</p>



<p>This widespread occurrence across species suggests that tickling serves fundamental biological and social functions that evolved long before humans developed complex language and culture.</p>



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



<p>Dr. Kilteni argues that tickling research deserves more scientific attention. "It is a complex interplay of motor, social, neurological, developmental, and evolutionary aspects," she stated in her recent review.</p>



<p>New haptic technologies and advanced research methodologies now permit scientists to investigate tickle sensation with unprecedented precision. Standardized experimental methods using mechanical tickling devices ensure consistent results across studies.</p>



<p>Recent findings published in <em>Science Advances</em> show that tickling research is opening new doors in neuroscience, potentially leading to a better understanding of social behavior, sensory processing, and neurological conditions.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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<p>-----</p>

Scientists solve the mystery of tickling

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqlF0XKzHY4 The hidden science behind tickling. Scientists discover the brain's...

<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=elr4948_uOU
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dr. Ronald Mallett from the University of Connecticut reveals secret mission to create working time travel device.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-could-an-equation-truly-bend-time-a-physicist-s-decades-long-quest-to-rewrite-reality">Could an equation truly bend time? A physicist's decades-long quest to rewrite reality</h2>



<p>Imagine the impossible: stepping back through time in a time machine, not in fantasy, but through a scientific endeavor driven by profound personal loss. For <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astrophysicist-says-hes-cracked-the-equation-for-time-travel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Ronald Mallett</a>, a distinguished astrophysicist and professor emeritus at the <a href="https://uconn.edu/">University of Connecticut</a>, this deeply human longing has fueled a lifelong mission. He claims to have discovered the equation that could unlock temporal displacement, pushing boundaries once deemed purely science fiction.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-profound-grief-that-forged-a-vision">A profound grief that forged a vision</h2>



<p>Mallett's extraordinary pursuit began with devastating tragedy in 1955. At merely 10 years old, he endured his father Boyd's sudden death—a television repairman whose passion for science had ignited a similar spark in his young son. Boyd Mallett, only 33, succumbed to a heart attack, leaving behind a grief-stricken child searching for solace.</p>



<p>That solace came through H.G. Wells' <em>The Time Machine</em>. Within its pages, Mallett found a captivating concept: "Time is only a kind of Space." These words transformed from a literary phrase into a guiding principle, becoming the driving force behind his unwavering commitment to unraveling time's fundamental mysteries.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-humble-beginnings-to-academic-heights">From humble beginnings to academic heights</h2>



<p>Mallett's journey was far from straightforward. After serving in the Air Force during the Vietnam War era, he utilized the GI Bill for higher education, earning his Ph.D. in physics from Pennsylvania State University in 1973 at the age of 28.</p>



<p>In 1975, he made history as the first African American professor in the University of Connecticut's physics department, achieving full professorship in 1987 before retiring in 2024 as professor emeritus.</p>



<p>Throughout these successful academic years, Mallett harbored his radical ambition as a closely guarded secret. "I kept my time travel goal a secret," he confessed. "I worried people would think I was nuts." His public research centered on black holes, serving as a "cover story" while he quietly developed his revolutionary time travel theory.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-breakthrough-moment">The breakthrough moment</h2>



<p>His pivotal insight arrived while hospitalized for a heart condition—a profound irony given his father's heart attack started this journey. The breakthrough was elegantly simple yet revolutionary: "If gravity can bend time, and light can create gravity, then light can bend time."</p>



<p>"It turns out that black holes can create a gravitational field that could lead to the creation of time loops that could allow us to go back in time," he explained.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-blueprint-for-a-temporal-vortex">The blueprint for a temporal vortex</h2>



<p>Mallett's vision for a functioning time machine replicates spacetime-warping phenomena around black holes. He offers a compelling analogy: "Picture a cup of coffee. Stir it with a spoon, and the coffee swirls. A spinning black hole does the same to spacetime."</p>



<p>In Einstein's general relativity, the universe is a dynamic fabric woven from space and time. Massive objects like black holes warp this fabric—an effect we perceive as gravity. Mallett theorizes that an intense, continuous, circulating beam of light from a ring of powerful lasers could replicate this gravitational torsion, effectively twisting time into a loop.</p>



<p>This "time loop" would theoretically allow information—or perhaps matter—to travel backward in time. He detailed this mathematical concept in his 2006 autobiography, <em>Time Traveler: A Scientist's Personal Mission to Make Time Travel a Reality</em>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-published-research-and-recognition">Published research and recognition</h2>



<p>His work, published in respected journals including <em><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/physics-letters-a" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Physics Letters A</a></em> and <em><a href="https://link.springer.com/journal/10701" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Foundations of Physics</a></em>, suggests circulating laser light could generate gravitational fields potent enough to create closed timelike curves, enabling time travel for data.</p>



<p>Mallett's research has gained worldwide media attention, featured on <a href="https://www.thisamericanlife.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Public Radio's <em>This American Life</em></a>, the <a href="https://www.history.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">History Channel</a>, and <a href="https://www.today.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBC's <em>Today Show</em></a>. The widespread interest reflects both his compelling personal story and rigorous scientific approach.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-galactic-hurdles-and-persistent-skepticism">The galactic hurdles and persistent skepticism</h2>



<p>While Mallett's equations captivate imagination, the path to reality faces immense obstacles. The energy requirement is staggering—Mallett acknowledges needing "galactic amounts of energy," far beyond current technological capabilities.</p>



<p>There's also a poignant limitation: even if realized, his machine could only send information back to when it was first activated, meaning it couldn't transport him to 1955 to prevent his father's death.</p>



<p>The scientific community remains skeptical. Physicists Ken Olum and Allen Everett argue that Mallett's proposed laser ring would need to be larger than the observable universe to achieve the necessary spacetime distortion. They invoke Stephen Hawking's chronology protection conjecture, suggesting physics may prevent macroscopic time travel.</p>



<p>Astrophysicist Paul Sutter has voiced doubts about Mallett's underlying mathematics, while science writer Brian Clegg finds the concept intriguing enough to warrant experimental investigation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-legacy-that-transcends-time">A legacy that transcends time</h2>



<p>Now approaching 80, Dr. Mallett remains steadfast. "I believe my work will show time travel is possible," he asserts. "Future generations will build on it in ways we can't yet imagine."</p>



<p>His equations, though yet to physically bend time, have bent our collective imagination. Ongoing public interest, evidenced by his continued media appearances and Spike Lee's film adaptation of his memoir, underscores his ideas' profound impact.</p>



<p>More than a scientific pursuit, Mallett's story testifies to human resilience, intellectual courage, and hope's enduring power. Whether his theoretical time machine ever materializes, his legacy is immeasurable—inspiring countless individuals to challenge conventional limits and perceive time not as an unyielding barrier, but as a boundless frontier awaiting exploration.</p>



<p></p>



<p>-----</p>



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<p>-----</p>

Retired professor claims he solved time travel

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elr4948_uOU Dr. Ronald Mallett from the University of Connecticut reveals...

<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>



<p>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?</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



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



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



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



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



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



<p><strong>Sources:</strong> <em>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.</em></p>



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



<p><strong>1. Is acid rain completely gone?</strong> 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.</p>



<p><strong>2. How long did solving take?</strong> 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.</p>



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



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



<p><strong>5. Could acid rain return?</strong> 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.</p>



<p><strong>6. Can you recommend any teaching tools on the subject of "acid rain"?</strong> 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></p>



<p>-----</p>



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<p>-----</p>

The environmental problem we actually solved

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

<p>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. </p>



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



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



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



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



<p>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. </p>



<p>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).</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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>.</p>

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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.</p>



<p>"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.</p>



<p>"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."</p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: ESA</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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.</p>



<p>"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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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;</p>



<p>"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.</p>



<p>"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."</p>



<p>"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."</p>



<p><em>Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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;</p>



<p>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;</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Kainji Lake, a reservoir on the Niger River.</p>



<p>In 1968, Kainji Lake was created by the construction of the Kainji Dam. The Niger River, the third longest in Africa, enters the lake in the north.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rivers-in-the-american-west-are-a-lifesaving-resource-for-birds/">ESA</a>, the creation of the lake submerged Foge Island and the town of Bussa and permanently flooded other riverine settlements, leaving around 50,000 people displaced.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Large parts of Foge Island are temporarily exposed during low water tides, and the land is often used by migrating fishermen. Kainji Dam is a dam across the Niger River in Niger State of Central Nigeria. </p>



<p>Wild mammals occur at relatively low densities due to illegal hunting. Lake Kainji has suffered a dramatic decline as a fishery due to the high numbers of artisanal and subsistence fisherfolk using the lake. It has been suggested that a period of closure, together with controlled fishing rights may help improve fish stocks.</p>



<p>Kainji Lake National Park is the oldest of its kind in Nigeria. The park contains three distinct areas: a part of the Kainji Lake, the Borgu Game Reserve to the west of the lake, and the Zugurma Game Reserve to the southeast. The park is home to around 65 mammal species, 350 bird species, and 30 species of reptiles and amphibians. </p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from <a href="https://www.igb.illinois.edu/">Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology</a> reveals how scientists can modify common crops like soybean, rice, and wheat to protect them from heat stress.</p>



<p>“We need to double crop production by 2050 to feed a growing global population, and not only are we not on track to do that, but climate change is further complicating things,” said Amanda Cavanagh, a lecturer at the University of Essex. </p>



<p>The study is part of Realizing Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency (RIPE), an international research project that aims to develop food crops that turn the sun’s energy into food more efficiently.</p>



<p>“Using an engineering approach we designed multiple alternative metabolic pathways to photorespiration. Testing them in the field showed increases in productivity which led Amanda to significantly move the project forward by showing our engineered plants can withstand pretty extreme temperature stress,” said study co-author and RIPE researcher Paul South.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“As the climate changes and temperature stresses increase the pressure on our global food supply, farmers will need every tool available including engineering approaches like the synthetic biology used here to maintain safe and productive harvests.”</p>



<p>The experts tested plants modified to have more efficient photorespiration to see if they were better adapted to warmer temperatures.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The team found that the engineered plants produced 26 percent more biomass than the wild-type plants exposed to the same temperatures, and had 15 percent less yield loss under the higher temperatures.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Designing crops that can beat the heat

[sendtonews key="QGPzYnXEtN-1712599-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from Carl...

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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?</p>



<p>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;</p>



<p>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;</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: ACS Reactions</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

How does salt makes things taste better?

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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;</p>



<p>'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)."</p>



<p>"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.</p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: ESA</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Santiago, Chile in South America

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