<p>Italy’s Campi Flegrei has been restless again when it comes to earthquakes, and a new AI approach is helping scientists see what the ground is really doing. </p>



<p>In a peer-reviewed study, researchers from <a href="https://www.stanford.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford University</a>, along with colleagues at INGV Osservatorio Vesuviano and the <a href="https://www.international.unina.it/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Naples Federico II</a>, reanalyzed continuous seismic records. The team found more than four times as many small earthquakes between January 21, 2022, and March 20, 2025.</p>



<p>The researchers did not detect any direct sign of magma moving upward. Instead, they highlighted very shallow hybrid quakes tied to the hydrothermal system.</p>



<p>That fuller picture matters because small events reveal where the crust is stressed and how energy is moving through the volcanic field. With cleaner detections and sharper locations, scientists can track changes faster and judge when activity starts to cluster in risky ways.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clear-signals-urgent-stakes">Clear signals, urgent stakes</h2>



<p>“Seismicity could change at any time, and that may be the most important thing about this study: this capability of getting a clear view is now operational,” said study co-author Greg Beroza, a geophysics professor at Stanford University.</p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supervolcano-campi-flegrei-naples-italy-solfatara-crater-phlegraean-fields-signs-of-waking-up/">caldera</a> sits within the Neapolitan area, where more than half a million people live and work. That density means even modest shaking or ground movement can disrupt daily life, strain buildings, and complicate evacuations.</p>



<p>History shows why clarity is essential. During the 1982-1984 crisis, uplift and persistent earthquakes damaged structures across Pozzuoli. A major analysis documented that the events triggered the evacuation of about 40,000 people.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-turns-noise-into-earthquake-signals">AI turns noise into earthquake signals</h2>



<p>The team trained a machine learning workflow on continuous waveforms and used it to scan years of data consistently. That created one catalog rather than a patchwork of methods, so patterns stand out instead of becoming blurred.</p>



<p>AI did more than count earthquakes. The workflow sharpened event locations and magnitudes, turning noisy curves into clean signals that line up with mapped features and known hot zones. </p>



<p>That is the kind of precision emergency managers need when activity jumps in hours, not weeks. One payoff is a much clearer view of the caldera’s thin ring shaped structures and shallow faults. </p>



<p>Those features organize the small quakes and help separate background rumble from changes that could matter for public safety.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-volcano-under-quiet-strain">Volcano under quiet strain</h2>



<p>Campi Flegrei is a large caldera, the broad depression left by past eruptions, ringed by faults and dotted with old vents and fuming ground. It is not a single cone, it is a field where different parts can wake up at different times.</p>



<p>The region breathes over years through uplift and subsidence known as bradyseism. Those slow vertical motions have been recorded for centuries and often line up with swarms of small earthquakes.</p>



<p>In the new catalog, most activity sits at very shallow depths and traces a narrow ring fault system consistent with surface features and the zone now rising. </p>



<p>The authors reported no direct signature of magma rising toward the surface in this interval. This lowers near-term eruption concern but does not remove the need for close watching.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-faults-reveal-hidden-stress">Faults reveal hidden stress</h2>



<p>Faults are breaks in rock that slip when stress overcomes strength, and their length and orientation constrain how big an earthquake could be. When small <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earthquakes-and-flood-zones-hidden-risks-in-the-pacific-northwest/">quakes</a> line up along a longer fault, planners can bound the upper size of plausible events rather than guess in the dark.</p>



<p>Seeing faults crisply also helps compare present unrest with past episodes. Shaking that migrates onto a new segment or clusters at the edge of the ring may signal a change in how the system stores and releases pressure.</p>



<p>Those signals are not predictions by themselves. They are inputs to models that weigh where stress is building, how close rocks are to failure, and what level of shaking the built environment can handle.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-refines-risk-planning">AI refines risk planning</h2>



<p>Near real-time detections let observatories update maps of active zones as conditions evolve. That supports decisions like where to inspect bridges, how to stage ambulances, or when to test public alerts before a busy weekend.</p>



<p>Sharper locations and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-detect-major-earthquakes-months-in-advance/">magnitudes</a> also help engineers validate expected shaking levels against what instruments record in town. With that feedback loop, officials can refine microzonation, revisit building priorities, and tune maintenance schedules before the next swarm.</p>



<p>Past experience is a warning here. During 1982-1984, the harbor shallowed and commerce paused, schools closed, and the government approved new housing to relocate residents. </p>



<p>Planning for unrest is not only about eruptions, it is about everyday disruptions that stack up when the ground keeps moving.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-helps-not-predicts">AI helps, not predicts</h2>



<p>The present results point to pressure within a shallow system, not direct <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/magma-layer-keeps-the-yellowstone-supervolcano-dormant/">magma</a> rise, during 2022-2025. That aligns with other independent work that has argued for pressure buildup and evolving stress in the crust during long stretches without eruption.</p>



<p>Unrest can still change quickly. More small quakes could organize into tighter clusters, or uplift rates could shift, and those changes would be visible fast with the new tools.</p>



<p>AI does not replace dense earthquake monitoring or local expertise. It helps analysts keep up when data surge, flag subtle changes that a human might miss after a long night, and focus attention on the signals that matter most.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adw9038" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science</em></a>.</p>



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



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AI detects earthquake surge beneath Europe’s most dangerous volcano

Italy’s Campi Flegrei has been restless again when it comes to earthquakes, and a new AI approach is helping scientists see what the ground is really doing. In a peer-reviewed study, researchers from Stanford University, along with colleagues at INGV Osservatorio Vesuviano and the University of Naples Federico II, reanalyzed continuous seismic records. The team found more than four times as many small earthquakes between January 21, 2022, and March 20, 2025. The researchers did not detect any direct sign of magma moving upward. Instead, they highlighted...

Diseño sin título - 1

<p>An enormous iceberg the size of Chicago recently split away from the <a href="https://www.antarcticglaciers.org/glacial-geology/antarctic-ice-sheet/alexander-island/george-vi-ice-shelf/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">George VI Ice Shelf</a>. In the midst of that dramatic break, a research team in Antarctica witnessed a surprising encounter with an elusive creature.</p>



<p>Expedition co-chief scientist, <a href="https://schmidtocean.org/person/patricia-esquete/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Patricia Esquete</a> of the Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (<a href="https://www.cesam-la.pt/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CESAM</a>) and the Department of Biology (DBio) at the <a href="https://www.ua.pt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Aveiro</a>, Portugal, was part of the <a href="https://schmidtocean.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">group</a> that explored this newly opened section of ocean. </p>



<p>Researchers found an impressive web of corals, sponges, icefish, and enormous sea spiders thriving beneath the floating ice.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-iceberg-breaks-off">An iceberg breaks off</h2>



<p>When <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/153968/new-antarctic-iceberg-speeds-off" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">iceberg A-84</a> separated from the Antarctic Peninsula in January 2025, it revealed an untouched seafloor. This hidden environment had been concealed under ice hundreds of feet thick for many decades.</p>



<p>Most scientists expected sparse life in those cold depths. Instead, the remotely operated vehicle <a href="https://schmidtocean.org/rov-subastian-status/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(ROV) SuBastian</a> captured footage of vibrant communities at depths reaching down to 4,300 feet (1,300 meters).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-window-into-an-unknown-ecosystem">Window into an unknown ecosystem</h2>



<p>Deep-sea ecosystems often rely on nutrients drifting down from above, yet this region remained sealed beneath thick <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-hole-polynya-the-size-of-switzerland-appeared-in-the-antarctica-sea-ice/">ice</a> for centuries. </p>



<p>Ocean currents may transport crucial resources, allowing surprising biodiversity to flourish in complete darkness.</p>



<p>Scientists discovered corals, icefish, and unusual invertebrates. They also stumbled upon the giant phantom jelly, a massive predator that has seldom been observed by human eyes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meet-the-giant-phantom-jelly">Meet the giant phantom jelly</h2>



<p>The giant phantom jellyfish (<a href="https://www.mbari.org/animal/giant-phantom-jelly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Stygiomedusa gigantea</em></a>) can have a bell measuring more than three feet (1 meter) across, with four trailing arms that can reach over 33 feet (10 meters). </p>



<p>Researchers first collected a specimen of this ghostly jelly in 1899 but only recognized it as a distinct species around 60 years later.</p>



<p>Its mauve body appears translucent. Instead of normal tentacles, those ribbon-like arms help capture prey and draw it toward the jelly’s central mouth.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-phantom-jelly-intelligence">Phantom jelly intelligence</h2>



<p>Researchers noted behavior in the giant phantom jelly that suggested a level of control and coordination not typically seen in jellyfish. </p>



<p>Its arm movements appeared deliberate, almost cautious, as it maneuvered through narrow gullies on the seafloor.</p>



<p>Though <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-invasion-jellyfish-are-moving-north-in-a-warming-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">jellyfish</a> lack a brain, some species use a nerve net to process environmental cues. </p>



<p>The team believes that future analysis of this footage could provide rare insight into how deep-sea invertebrates without centralized nervous systems respond to complex terrain .</p>



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



<p>One large sponge, that probably grew less than an inch a year, indicated that the ecosystem was old. </p>



<p>Scientists believe many creatures here have been thriving for decades or more, forming stable communities in a dark, pressurized environment.</p>



<p>“We didn’t expect to find such a beautiful, thriving ecosystem. Based on the size of the animals, the communities we observed have been there for decades, maybe even hundreds of years,” said Dr. Esquete.</p>



<p>Persistent water flow below the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giant-icebergs-are-not-the-main-threat-to-antarcticas-stability/">ice</a> shelf may bring nutrients from open water. Some species showed adaptations that suggested minimal dependence on direct sunlight.</p>



<p>Small anemones, brittle stars, and hydroids were spotted clinging to rocks. The combination of seafloor features and ocean patterns likely fuels these bustling ecological pockets.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-changing-world">A changing world</h2>



<p>Antarctica’s ice sheets have been losing mass for decades due to climate change. Many glaciers and shelves are thinning, and large icebergs are calving more often.</p>



<p>“The ice loss from the Antarctic Ice Sheet is a major contributor to sea level rise worldwide,” said expedition co-chief scientist, <a href="https://schmidtocean.org/person/sasha-montelli/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sasha Montelli</a> of University College London (<a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCL</a>). Scientists on this mission aim to gather data that can improve projections for future changes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clues-hidden-in-rock-samples">Clues hidden in rock samples</h2>



<p>In addition to studying marine life, the team collected geological samples from the newly exposed seabed. </p>



<p>Using push cores - narrow tubes pressed into sediment - they extracted layers of material that could reveal a timeline of past environmental changes.</p>



<p>These samples help reconstruct ice movements and sedimentation rates. As <a href="https://schmidtocean.org/person/eugenio-veloso/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eugenio Andrés Veloso</a> of the Chilean Geological Survey sorted through the material, he noted that certain layers may even hold microfossils that offer a record of ancient ocean conditions long before the ice shelf existed.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-autonomous-underwater-helpers">Autonomous underwater helpers</h2>



<p>In addition to ROV SuBastian, researchers deployed gliders to measure temperature, salinity, and biological activity. </p>



<p>Preliminary analyses show that meltwater from George VI influences the ocean’s nutrient balance in this region.</p>



<p>Gathered measurements will help the international team piece together how currents move materials beneath the ice. </p>



<p>They hope to understand why these habitats remain so productive despite the dark conditions and great depths.</p>



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



<p>Exploring a section of newly-exposed seafloor offers a rare glimpse into what normally lies hidden. Observations of corals, sponges, and large predators challenge assumptions about what can endure under thick ice.</p>



<p>Researchers suspect they have spotted several undescribed organisms. Documenting these species may reshape ideas about Antarctic biodiversity and how life survives in such harsh conditions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-to-the-future">Looking to the future</h2>



<p>With each shift in Antarctica’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-build-a-time-machine-by-drilling-an-ice-core-2-miles-deep-in-antarctica/">ice</a> coverage, new areas open for investigation. Data gathered here could guide future expeditions and highlight the importance of safeguarding fragile habitats.</p>



<p>Scientists anticipate ongoing research as samples return to labs around the world. </p>



<p>By studying every layer - from ice shelf behavior to hidden ecosystems - experts aim to piece together Antarctica’s intricate environmental puzzle.</p>



<p>Credits: ROV SuBastian / Schmidt Oceanographic Institute.</p>



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



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

Giant phantom jellyfish spotted swimming under a newly broken-off iceberg

An enormous iceberg the size of Chicago recently split away...

<p>As the sky darkens tonight, the Flower Moon will rise, casting its luminous glow across the world. Despite being a micromoon, it will still command attention.</p>



<p>The Flower Moon is named for the abundance of blooming flowers that typically appear&nbsp;this month. It reminds us to pause and reflect as the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-the-sun-might-be-making-water-on-the-moon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">night</a> sky takes on a calm, serene appearance.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meaning-of-the-flower-moon">Meaning of the Flower Moon</h2>



<p>Long ago, Native American tribes named May’s full moon the Flower Moon as a tribute to nature’s seasonal spectacle.</p>



<p>Spring awakens, flowers bloom, and the moon -  like a silver lantern - watches over the Earth. The Comanche tribe saw the blooming fields and named it the Flower Moon, a time of growth and renewal.</p>



<p>The Creek and Choctaw people, however, called it the Mulberry Moon. Mulberries ripened, offering food and dye, and the moon marked the season of abundance. </p>



<p>The Cree tribe, listening to the chorus of frogs, named it the Frog Moon. Spring returned, and with it, the croaking songs echoed through the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/total-lunar-eclipse-will-paint-the-moon-blood-red-tomorrow/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">night</a>.</p>



<p>For the Anishnaabe tribe, the Blossom Moon symbolized nature’s floral display. Meanwhile, the Apache noticed the trees coming alive with green leaves. They called this moon the “season when the leaves are green,” a simple yet vivid reminder of nature’s cycle.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-micromoon-with-a-big-presence">Micromoon with a big presence</h2>



<p>Tonight's Flower Moon is known as a micromoon. Its orbit pulls it farther from Earth, stretching to a distance of 251,939 miles. </p>



<p><a href="https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/moon-distance/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA confirms</a> that this extra distance causes the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dry-side-of-the-moon-reveals-new-details-about-its-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moon</a> to appear smaller than usual. Its average distance sits at 238,855 miles, making the Flower Moon a subtle presence in the sky.</p>



<p>Still, the moonlight gently washes over the night, casting a soft, silvery glow that gives the landscape a dreamlike quality.</p>



<p>As the sun dips below the horizon, the moon will climb slowly in the southeastern sky. By midnight, it will hang high above. For the best view, find a dark, open space away from city lights. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flower-moon-connects-us-to-nature">Flower Moon connects us to nature</h2>



<p>Throughout history, people have looked to the moon as a guide for planting, harvesting, and marking time. Farmers once relied on the full moon’s light to work late into the night. </p>



<p>The Flower Moon, with its connection to the season’s peak bloom, became a symbol of abundance and renewal.</p>



<p>Today, the Flower Moon is still a beautiful sight to behold, but it's no longer tied to specific cultural events.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-full-moons-in-2025">Full Moons in 2025</h2>



<p>May’s Flower Moon closes the chapter on a series of micromoons in 2025. The first two appeared in January and February - each one pulling away from Earth, and each one smaller than the last. The Flower Moon, the final act, drifts farther than ever.</p>



<p>The Flower Moon may mark the end of the micromoons, but the lunar calendar is far from over. June will bring the Strawberry Moon, named for the ripening berries that herald summer’s arrival. </p>



<p>July’s Buck Moon will signal the growth of antlers on young deer, a symbol of nature’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saturns-rings-beautiful-iconic-will-disappear-this-weekend-ring-plane-crossing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cycle</a> of renewal.</p>



<p>August will usher in the Sturgeon Moon - a nod to the fish that once filled North American rivers. September’s Corn Moon will shine as the cornfields sway in the wind. </p>



<p>October will bring the first of three supermoons, the Harvest Moon, its light brighter and larger than usual. November’s Beaver Moon and December’s Cold Moon will complete the cycle.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eclipses-and-celestial-drama-in-2025">Eclipses and celestial drama in 2025</h2>



<p>This year, the night sky holds more than full moons. September will bring two dramatic eclipses, each one a spectacle in its own right.</p>



<p>On September 7 and 8, a total lunar eclipse will turn the moon a haunting shade of red. A blood moon, some call it. The eclipse will be visible across Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and parts of South America.</p>



<p>Later, on September 21, the moon will slide between the sun and Earth, creating a partial solar eclipse. </p>



<p>Those in Australia, Antarctica, and the Pacific Ocean will witness the sun’s light dim as the moon casts its shadow.</p>



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



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

Tonight's Flower Moon completes 2025's micromoon trilogy

As the sky darkens tonight, the Flower Moon will rise,...

<p>Have you ever noticed how your fingers become wrinkled when soaked in water? The longer you stay submerged, the more pronounced those wrinkles become. </p>



<p>But do those wrinkles form in the same pattern every time? That intriguing question recently caught the attention of scientists at Binghamton University, State University of New York (<a href="https://www.suny.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SUNY</a>).</p>



<p>A couple of years ago, Professor Guy German published a breakthrough study on why skin wrinkles in water. The common explanation was that water caused the skin to swell, which leads to wrinkling. However, German’s research revealed a more complex story beneath the surface.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-finger-wrinkles-form">How finger wrinkles form</h2>



<p>Before Professor German’s study, the prevailing belief was that water absorption alone caused skin to wrinkle.</p>



<p>However, the team at the Biological Soft Matter Mechanics Laboratory found that blood vessels beneath the skin actually contract after prolonged exposure to water. This contraction is what creates those familiar loops and ridges on your fingers.</p>



<p>Professor German initially discussed his findings in a 2023 article for <em>The Conversation’s</em> Curious Kids feature. It wasn’t a peer-reviewed journal, but a student’s question that pushed German to dig deeper.</p>



<p>"A student asked, 'Yeah, but do the wrinkles always form in the same way?' And I thought: I haven't the foggiest clue!" said Professor German.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consistency-in-water-induced-wrinkles">Consistency in water-induced wrinkles</h2>



<p>Motivated by the student’s question, the team set out to determine whether the same wrinkle patterns appear after each water immersion.</p>



<p>The study was led by Professor German and Rachel Laytin, a graduate student who was pursuing her Master’s degree. They designed a simple but effective experiment to investigate the question.</p>



<p>Subjects placed their fingers in water for 30 minutes, then had their fingers photographed. The procedure was repeated under identical conditions at least 24 hours later. </p>



<p>By comparing the before-and-after images, the researchers could assess whether the wrinkle patterns remained consistent.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-do-wrinkles-always-form-the-same-way">Do wrinkles always form the same way?</h2>



<p>The results, published in the <em>Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials</em>, confirmed that the wrinkle patterns remained unchanged across multiple immersions.</p>



<p>"Blood vessels don't change their position much - they move around a bit, but in relation to other blood vessels, they're pretty static," explained Professor German. "That means the wrinkles should form in the same manner, and we proved that they do."</p>



<p>The experiment revealed that, despite the variability in other aspects of skin physiology, the underlying blood vessel network remains relatively static. This stability ensures that the topography of water-induced wrinkles is consistent from one immersion to the next.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nerve-damage-prevents-water-wrinkles">Nerve damage prevents water wrinkles</h2>



<p>While investigating wrinkle patterns, the researchers stumbled upon an unexpected finding. </p>



<p>"We've heard that wrinkles don't form in people who have median nerve damage in their fingers," said Professor German. "One of my students told us, 'I've got median nerve damage in my fingers.' So we tested him - no wrinkles!"</p>



<p>This observation could open doors to further research on how nerve damage affects skin behavior under water. It also suggests a potential diagnostic tool for identifying nerve damage based on the presence or absence of water-induced wrinkles.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-family-connection-to-forensics">A family connection to forensics</h2>



<p>While the study’s origins stem from a student's simple question, its implications could extend far beyond the lab.</p>



<p>German's father, a retired police officer in the U.K., dealt with the challenges of identifying bodies recovered from water. Understanding how wrinkle patterns form and remain consistent could aid in forensic investigations, including fingerprinting at crime scenes.</p>



<p>"Biometrics and fingerprints are built into my brain," said Professor German. "I always think about this sort of stuff, because it's fascinating."</p>



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



<p>The study has not only answered one intriguing question but also opened the door to many more. German is eager to explore further questions about how skin responds to prolonged water exposure. </p>



<p>He believes the Curious Kids feature and the thought-provoking question from a young student were instrumental in inspiring this research.</p>



<p>"I feel like a kid in a candy store, because there's so much science here that I don't know. We thank the people at <em>The Conversation</em> and the wonderful question they asked us, because it does create cool new science," he said.</p>



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



<p>The study has added a new layer of understanding on how human skin behaves under water. The findings could be applied not only in forensic science but also in medical research, particularly in studying skin conditions and nerve damage.</p>



<p>For now, the simple question that sparked the study has been answered: Yes, water wrinkles form in the same pattern every time. </p>



<p>Yet, the implications of this finding are far from simple. By exploring the relationship between blood vessels and skin topography, German and his team have laid the groundwork for further studies that could transform our understanding of skin physiology and its response to external stimuli.</p>



<p>In the end, what began as a child’s question became a compelling scientific inquiry that has lead to new discoveries and to more questions that are waiting to be answered. And for German, that’s the best part of being a scientist - the constant pursuit of the unknown.</p>



<p>The study is published in the <em><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1751616125000517?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials</a></em>. </p>



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



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

Finger wrinkles from water could help solve crimes

Have you ever noticed how your fingers become wrinkled when...

<p>A new study shows that an algorithm can look at an ordinary photograph and estimate how fast a body is aging - an insight that could change the nature of cancer care. The research was led by a team of scientists from <a href="https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mass General Brigham</a>, who constructed FaceAge, an AI tool. </p>



<p>The experts trained the tool on almost 60,000 images of healthy individuals and then tested it on more than 6,000 patients who were starting radiotherapy.</p>



<p>The team found that the typical cancer patient appeared about five years older than their birth certificate suggested, and that each additional year shortened their life expectancy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-selfie-to-biomarker"><strong>From selfie to biomarker</strong></h2>



<p>FaceAge is a deep-learning network. It studies fine details - skin texture, muscle tone, and eye shape - then translates those patterns into a single number: your <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-biological-age-may-predict-dementia-risk-better-than-birth-date/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biological age</a>.</p>



<p>The process is automatic. If FaceAge receives a head-and-shoulders photo, it can predict an age that reflects the body’s wear and tear better than the chronological age.</p>



<p>How old a person seems has long guided doctors informally. Frail features can steer therapy toward gentler options; youthful vigor can justify aggressive treatment.</p>



<p>Yet such judgments are subjective. FaceAge puts a more objective figure on that impression.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-face-age-and-cancer-prediction">AI, face age, and cancer prediction</h2>



<p>In the study, patients whose biological age topped 85 fared worst, even after the authors adjusted for sex, tumor site, and chronological age.</p>



<p>“We can use artificial intelligence (AI) to estimate a person’s biological age from face pictures, and our study shows that information can be clinically meaningful," said Hugo Aerts, the director of the Artificial Intelligence in Medicine (AIM) program at Mass General Brigham. </p>



<p>“This work demonstrates that a photo, like a simple selfie, contains important information that could help to inform clinical decision-making.”</p>



<p>“How old someone looks compared to their chronological age really matters - individuals with FaceAges that are younger than their chronological ages do significantly better after cancer therapy.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-faceage-captures-hidden-signals">FaceAge captures hidden signals</h2>



<p>Predicting how long a terminal patient has left is difficult. The researchers asked ten clinicians and scientists to view one hundred portraits of people who were receiving palliative radiotherapy, and to guess whether each person would be alive within months.</p>



<p>Even when the panel knew chronological age and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cancer-thrives-on-human-stress-as-it-spreads-throughout-the-body/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer</a> type, their accuracy barely beat chance.</p>



<p>Adding FaceAge shifted the odds. With the AI number in hand, the group’s predictions improved markedly, suggesting FaceAge captures hidden signals that physicians miss.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-teaching-ai-to-see-face-age">Teaching AI to see face age</h2>



<p>The investigators began with public image banks that held 58,851 faces, each tagged with an age. Those photos came from everyday contexts, so the network first learned to recognize normal aging.</p>



<p>Next the team applied FaceAge to clinical snapshots taken during routine treatment setup. Linking those pictures to medical records let the algorithm discover how appearance, disease, and outcome connect.</p>



<p>FaceAge still needs validation in larger and more diverse populations. The study cohort came from only two centers, and lighting or camera angles could skew results.</p>



<p>Cosmetic surgery, heavy makeup, or cultural differences in skin care might also confuse the model. The team plans to follow patients over time to see whether the FaceAge number changes as therapy progresses.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-early-detection-system">An early detection system</h2>



<p>“This opens the door to a whole new realm of biomarker discovery from photographs, and its potential goes far beyond cancer care or predicting age,” said co-senior author Ray Mak, a faculty member in the AIM program at Mass General Brigham.</p>



<p>“As we increasingly think of different chronic diseases as diseases of aging, it becomes even more important to be able to accurately predict an individual’s aging trajectory."</p>



<p>"I hope we can ultimately use this technology as an early detection system in a variety of applications, within a strong regulatory and ethical framework, to help save lives."</p>



<p>FaceAge illustrates how artificial intelligence can turn everyday data into medical guidance. A single selfie may soon complement blood tests and scans, giving oncologists a faster, less biased picture of a patient’s resilience. </p>



<p>If further trials confirm the findings, clinics could upload photos and receive instantaneous biological age estimates that fine-tune treatment plans.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-faceage-beyond-cancer-care">FaceAge: Beyond cancer care</h2>



<p>Aging underlies <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heart-disease-remains-the-leading-cause-of-death-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart disease</a>, diabetes, dementia, and more. An image-based biomarker could therefore aid many specialties by identifying people who need lifestyle changes or preventive therapy years before symptoms appear.</p>



<p>The key will be strict oversight. Algorithms trained on limited datasets risk embedding bias, and patient consent will be vital when personal images feed predictive models.</p>



<p>For now, FaceAge remains a research AI tool. Yet its promise is clear: the face you present to the camera may hold clues to how your body is coping with illness and time. Harnessed responsibly, that knowledge could guide decisions that extend life and improve its quality - one snapshot at a time.</p>



<p>The study is published in <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S2589750025000421" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>The Lancet Digital Health</em></a>.</p>



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



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AI tool analyzes "face age" from selfies to predict cancer risk

A new study shows that an algorithm can look at...

Double-slit,Experiment,In,Physics.,Quantum,Physics,And,Particle-wave,Duality,Concept.

<p>For centuries, most scientists have shared the belief that light behaves as both a wave and a particle. This idea, then, became the central component to quantum theory, sprouting the field of science known as quantum mechanics.</p>



<p>The double-slit experiment supported the idea, showing bright and dark bands that indicated wave-like interference. But now, a new study suggests that this experiment might not lock us into seeing light as a wave.</p>



<p>According to the experts, we can interpret those interference bands using quantum particles alone.</p>



<p>The research was led by Gerhard Rempe, the director of the <a href="https://www.mpq.mpg.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck Institute</a> for Quantum Optics. He teamed up with collaborators at <a href="https://www.srinter.ufscar.br/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Federal University of São Carlos</a> and <a href="https://ethz.ch/en.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ETH Zurich</a> for the study.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-physics-and-our-view-of-light">Modern physics and our view of light</h2>



<p>In 1801, <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rstl.1802.0004" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thomas Young</a> introduced an experiment by shining light through two narrow openings to produce intersecting fringes on a screen. His findings led many to conclude that light must be a wave. </p>



<p>A century later, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-gates-teleported-a-leap-toward-scalable-computing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum</a> mechanics began to take shape, revealing that quantum particles like electrons could mimic wave-like light interference too.</p>



<p>Albert Einstein’s work on the <a href="https://www.scirp.org/reference/referencespapers?referenceid=1617833" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photoelectric effect</a> showed that light travels in discrete packets called photons. <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/121580a0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Niels Bohr</a> then elaborated on wave-particle duality, ushering in one of the cornerstones of modern physics.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dark-and-visible-photons">Dark and visible photons</h2>



<p>The new <a href="https://journals.aps.org/prl/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevLett.134.133603" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">approach</a> from the research team explores the concept of bright and dark modes. </p>



<p>In their view, interference patterns can emerge from combining “detectable” and “undetectable” photon states. These bright states interact with an observer, while dark <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/google-claims-commercial-quantum-computing-is-just-five-years-away/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">states</a> remain hidden.</p>



<p>Such hidden photons might linger at places where we would normally think the light cancels out. Observers who try to track the path of these photons alter the state, flipping what was dark into bright or vice versa. </p>



<p>From this perspective, the light pathways can be viewed as quantum superpositions, rather than purely classical wave interference.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quantum-particles-and-light-interference">Quantum particles and light interference </h2>



<p>“In my humble opinion, our description is meaningful as it provides a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/baffling-quantum-entanglement-statistics-puzzle-finally-solved-advanced-technologies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum</a> picture (with particles) of classical interference (with waves): maxima and minima result from entangled bright (that couple) and dark (that do not couple) particle states,” said Rempe.<br><br>Physicists once believed that any point of total destructive interference prevented light from interacting with matter. </p>



<p>In the new framework, even a place with zero average electric field can host particles that standard measurement devices might miss.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The group emphasizes that these findings do not throw out past results but reveal a new layer of detail. </p>



<p>Rempe said their model helps clarify parts of a long-standing debate - like which-path detection - that once involved major figures in science, including Newton, Maxwell, Einstein, Millikan, and others.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wave-only-theories-vs-dark-photons">Wave-only theories vs. dark photons</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bridging-quantum-classical-physics-nanoparticle-entanglement/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Classical physics</a> can explain most everyday optical events. Yet certain experiments in quantum optics highlight outcomes that purely wave-based theories cannot handle.</p>



<p>Researchers have long known that Maxwell’s equations begin to fail in scenarios where single photons interact with atoms on tiny scales.</p>



<p>This new framework places particles at the heart of interference. The wave-like fringes may just be statistical maps of how bright or dark these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-form-of-quantum-entanglement-discovered-will-transform-next-gen-technology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum states</a> are.</p>



<p>Measuring certain properties that push photons into detectable or undetectable modes can influence outcomes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-measurement-changes-things">How measurement changes things</h2>



<p>Any attempt to pinpoint a photon’s route through two slits runs into the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/impossibility-paradox-calculating-incalculable-quantum-realm-particles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">famous uncertainty principle</a>. A quick look might destroy the fringe pattern.</p>



<p>In these studies, measuring the photon is less about giving it a momentum kick and more about switching the dark state to a bright one.</p>



<p>Decades of work in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-quantum-states-found-in-crystal-layers-could-boost-computing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum information</a> science hinted that delicate systems can be “observed” without collapsing them entirely.</p>



<p>The new interpretation builds on that notion. If the observer couples to a photon hidden in a dark region, the state might become bright enough to be registered.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-particle-based-light-interference">Particle-based light interference </h2>



<p>Wave-particle duality is central in physics curricula around the world, teaching that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/super-photons-fascinating-behavior-in-quantum-realm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">light and matter</a> can exhibit both wave-like and particle-like behavior.</p>



<p>Rather than uprooting that duality, this theory nudges us to see interference in a purely particle-based explanation. It keeps the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/schrodingers-cat-put-into-silicon-chip-may-be-holy-grail-for-error-proof-quantum-computing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum superposition</a> principle at the core.</p>



<p>On a philosophical level, some scientists suggest that we might shift our mental picture toward probabilities of bright and dark particles. </p>



<p>Still, most institutions will continue to teach the wave framework as a useful approximation that works in many practical settings.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-are-dark-photons-important">Why are dark photons important?</h2>



<p>The updated model might spark creative ways of detecting light in places once thought to be “voids.” </p>



<p>Novel detectors could be devised to probe areas of destructive interference with <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/389928886_Atomic_and_Ionic_Systems" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">advanced atomic or ionic systems</a>. These methods might eventually shape futuristic optical technologies.</p>



<p>Experimental physicists may also look for subtle traces of photons lurking in dark states. If those photons can be coaxed into bright states without disturbing other properties, entirely new measurement techniques might arise. </p>



<p>That prospect has captured attention because it challenges everyday views of how light interacts with sensors.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-searching-for-light-s-true-nature">Searching for light's true nature</h2>



<p>The research prompts the question of what other fundamental assumptions may give way under quantum scrutiny.</p>



<p>Some researchers are already attempting to extend these quantum ideas about light to larger-scale experiments, including matter waves. </p>



<p>Even aspects of gravitational wave detection might gain fresh insights from the concept of dark states.</p>



<p>Critics point out that wave-based models still work splendidly at larger distances. This new quantum picture of light appears indispensable only when single particles and atoms come into play. </p>



<p>Whether it replaces or merely complements classical interpretations remains the next big debate.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.aps.org/prl/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevLett.134.133603" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Physical Review Letters</em></a>.</p>



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"Dark photon" theory of light would completely upend 100 years of quantum physics

For centuries, most scientists have shared the belief that light...

<p>Krill may be small, but they are certainly not insignificant. They measure just six centimeters in length, have a mass of only two grams, and are nearly invisible due to their transparent skin. </p>



<p>Yet these modest crustaceans play a vital role in the Southern Ocean. Billions of them gather into massive swarms that stretch across square kilometers. They are a cornerstone of the marine food web, and are preyed upon by numerous other organisms, from fish to whales, in one of the harshest environments on Earth.</p>



<p>Scientists from <a href="https://www.uni-wuerzburg.de/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg</a> (JMU), in collaboration with the Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI), the Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity (HIFMB), and the UK's National Oceanography Institute, have now studied krill more closely. </p>



<p>Their focus has been to understand the crustaceans’ daily vertical migrations - how and why krill move up and down the water column in a pattern that tracks the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-insights-into-the-day-night-cycle-of-the-global-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">day-night cycle</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surfacing-for-food-diving-for-safety">Surfacing for food, diving for safety</h2>



<p>Antarctic krill feed at night and swim to the ocean’s surface under the cover of darkness to graze on microscopic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-algae-play-an-unexpected-role-in-cooling-the-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">algae</a> and other phytoplankton. Come daylight, they descend into the depths to avoid becoming lunch themselves.</p>



<p>“Antarctic krill use the cover of darkness at night to feed on microscopic algae on the sea surface. During the day, the animals then seek shelter from predators in deeper, darker layers,” said Lukas Hüppe, the study’s first author.</p>



<p>These migrations aren’t just important for the krill. As they travel up and down each day, they stir the ocean and move carbon from the surface into deeper waters. This helps regulate carbon levels and plays a part in Earth’s climate system. </p>



<p>But even after decades of observation, scientists didn’t fully understand what controls this behavior.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-way-to-monitor-krill">A new way to monitor krill</h2>



<p>That’s why the team developed a new technology in 2024: an activity monitor that tracks the swimming behavior of individual krill inside seawater-filled tubes. </p>



<p>Hüppe and colleagues collected krill from the Southern Ocean during a commercial fishing trip. Onboard the vessel, they used this new monitor to record their activity under varying light conditions and throughout different seasons.</p>



<p>What they discovered was striking. The krill were most active at night, matching their natural migration cycles. </p>



<p>Even more impressive was that the krill adjusted their nighttime activity depending on the season. In summer, when nights are shorter, their activity window shrank. In winter, when nights stretch for hours, it expanded. This rhythm didn’t disappear when the animals were kept in complete darkness for several days.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-clock-inside-krill">The clock inside krill</h2>



<p>“Antarctic krill show a daily rhythm with increased swimming activity at night, which fits very well with vertical migration in nature,” said Hüppe. The consistency of this activity pattern - even in total darkness - suggests the presence of an internal biological clock.</p>



<p>The krill didn’t just respond to light or food cues, but also time. They appeared to have their own built-in schedule.</p>



<p>“Krill do not only react to external environmental influences such as light or food with their behavior. It also uses its internal clock to adapt to the extreme conditions of its polar environment,” said Charlotte Förster.</p>



<p>Even in the unusual light cycles of the poles - where summer days can last 24 hours and winter nights stretch on endlessly - krill were able to adjust. Their internal clocks adapted to both very long and very short days.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tiny-swimmers-big-impact">Tiny swimmers, big impact</h2>



<p>While the study focused on the inner workings of krill, its significance reaches much further. </p>



<p>“As a carbon sink, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-southern-ocean-is-a-critically-important-carbon-sink/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southern Ocean</a> plays a central role in regulating the global climate. This function is based on a functional, productive ecosystem, at the center of which is the Antarctic krill,” said Bettina Meyer.</p>



<p>Healthy krill populations are vital for maintaining this ecosystem. If krill decline, the ripple effects could be felt all the way up the food chain - from fish and penguins to whales.</p>



<p>Understanding how krill adapt to their environment is a key step in predicting how climate change might affect them - and the rest of the ocean.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cracking-the-code-of-krill-time">Cracking the code of krill time</h2>



<p>The team isn’t stopping here. Their next goal is to explore the internal clock in more detail. </p>



<p>“We want to understand where the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-krill-can-distinguish-night-from-day-even-in-polar-winter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">clock</a> ticks in the krill brain and how the mechanism works at a neuronal level,” said Förster. They’ll also investigate how this internal timing system affects other parts of krill life, like reproduction and hibernation.</p>



<p>Even in one of Earth’s harshest climates, krill have found a way to stay in sync. And as researchers learn more about their hidden rhythms, they’re uncovering a story that links these small <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiny-crustaceans-have-what-it-takes-to-survive-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crustaceans</a> to the health of the entire planet.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://elifesciences.org/articles/103096" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eLife</a></em>.</p>



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Antarctic krill keep time in a world of endless days, or nights

Krill may be small, but they are certainly not insignificant....

Beautiful,Spider,Web,Close-up,On,The,Background,Of,Nature.,Selective

<p>Scientists have bred spiders that weave bright red, fluorescent draglines, proving that the animals’ silk can be genetically re-engineered inside the living organism. This finding shows a new path toward designer fibers with tunable strength, elasticity, and surface chemistry.</p>



<p>The experiments were carried out by the Biomaterials research group at the <a href="https://www.uni-bayreuth.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bayreuth</a>. Using the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crispr-gene-editing-gets-a-revolutionary-upgrade-with-new-tool/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing system</a>, the team inserted a fluorescent marker gene into the spiders’ silk-protein DNA, then confirmed the edit when the offspring produced crimson red threads.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-spider-silk-excites-engineers"><a></a>Why spider silk excites engineers</h2>



<p>Dragline silk already outperforms many man-made fibers. It resists tearing, stretches without snapping, weighs very little and breaks down harmlessly in nature. </p>



<p>If its molecular recipe can be tweaked at will, future filaments could combine even greater toughness with added functions ranging from antimicrobial activity to electrical conductivity. Over the past decade CRISPR-Cas9 has become biology’s precision scalpel. </p>



<p>The enzyme-guide complex targets chosen DNA sites, cuts them, and lets the cell’s own repair crew delete unwanted sequences or patch in new ones. The method has been applied to plants, insects, mice and more, yet <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/do-spiders-have-personalities-what-new-research-reveals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spiders</a> had remained untouched.</p>



<p>“Considering the wide range of possible applications, it is surprising that there have been no studies to date using CRISPR-Cas9 in spiders,” said senior author Thomas Scheibel, a professor of biochemistry at Bayreuth.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-egg-injection-to-glowing-fiber"><a></a>From egg injection to glowing fiber</h2>



<p>Scheibel and doctoral researcher Edgardo Santiago-Rivera mixed the gene-editing components with a sequence coding for a red fluorescent protein. They injected this cocktail into unfertilized spider eggs and later mated the females.</p>



<p>Because the edit happened before <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flowers-are-picky-when-choosing-their-mate-for-fertilization/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fertilization</a>, every cell in the brood carried the new blueprint. When the juveniles spun safety lines, the filaments glowed scarlet under blue light, confirming a successful gene knock-in.</p>



<p>“We have demonstrated, for the first time worldwide, that CRISPR-Cas9 can be used to incorporate a desired sequence into spider silk proteins, thereby enabling the functionalization of these silk fibers,” Scheibel said.</p>



<p>“The ability to apply CRISPR gene-editing to spider silk is very promising for materials science research. For example, it could be used to further increase the already high tensile strength of spider silk.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lessons-learned-from-red-spider-silk">Lessons learned from red spider silk</h2>



<p>The fluorescent marker acts as a beacon, showing where and how the modified proteins fold into the fiber. That view should help unravel the still-mysterious link between amino-acid sequence, spinning process, and macroscopic performance.</p>



<p>With the roadmap clearer, scientists can test added modules that stiffen the thread, alter its stickiness or carry therapeutic payloads.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-artificial-vs-natural-spider-silk">Artificial vs. natural spider silk</h2>



<p>Earlier attempts to engineer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/holy-grail-artificial-spider-silk-indistinguishable-from-natural-silk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">silk</a> relied on copying genes of spiders into bacteria, yeast, plants or even goats. While those hosts churn out raw protein, the artificial threads seldom match the natural product because spinning in air differs from extrusion through a spider’s duct.</p>



<p>Editing the spider itself preserves the native assembly line, letting researchers fine-tune properties without losing the fiber’s intricate nanostructure.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balancing-innovation-and-ecology"><a></a>Balancing innovation and ecology</h2>



<p>The gene-edited arachnids remained confined to secure laboratories, and the team stresses that large-scale production will require strict containment.</p>



<p>Spiders play key roles in ecosystems, so any field release of modified lines would demand careful risk assessment. For now. the focus lies on fundamental insight and small-batch, high-value uses such as surgical sutures or micro-mechanical springs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-next-web-strands-to-come">The next web strands to come</h2>



<p>Having proved that complex proteins can be knitted into dragline <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/holy-grail-artificial-spider-silk-indistinguishable-from-natural-silk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">silk</a>, the Bayreuth group plans to insert sequences that enhance strength, adjust elasticity, or add sensing abilities.</p>



<p>Marker colors beyond red could enable multicolored performance mapping. Researchers also hope to explore the spider’s six other silk types - each specialized for tasks like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spiders-adapt-their-webs-to-filter-out-human-made-noise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">web</a> capture or egg protection - to see how far CRISPR can stretch nature’s design space.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-turning-point-for-sustainable-fibers">Turning point for sustainable fibers</h2>



<p>By merging a molecular editing toolkit with the planet’s premier fiber spinner, the study opens a fresh chapter in biomaterials science. It hints at a future where customized, biodegradable threads are spun at ambient temperature by miniature eight-legged factories - no smokestacks or petrochemicals required. </p>



<p>For now, a vivid red glow in a strand of spiders silk stands as proof that the possibilities are real, and only beginning to be woven.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/anie.202502068" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Angewandte Chemie</em></a>.</p>



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World's first gene-edited spiders spin red silk

Scientists have bred spiders that weave bright red, fluorescent draglines,...

<p>Babies are widely known to begin walking anywhere between 8 months and 24 months of age, and many parents keep a watchful eye out for this milestone. New findings indicate that the timing of those first wobbly steps is influenced by specific genes that are tied to motor <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/upright-walking-may-have-sparked-human-creativity-and-music/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">development</a>.</p>



<p>The discovery stems from a large investigation that examined data from over 70,000 infants, and uncovered multiple genetic markers that shape the age of walking. The research offers a fresh perspective on the interplay between a child’s biology and early movements.</p>



<p>Walking marks a major shift in toddler independence. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/children-have-the-brainpower-to-navigate-maps-at-a-very-young-age/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Motor</a> control of the legs, hips, and trunk progresses gradually as children experiment with cruising, standing, and balancing.</p>



<p>Researchers also note that this step can connect to overall health and social growth. Children who begin walking a bit on the late side occasionally raise red flags, yet differences often exist within normal limits.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-genes-influence-motor-skills">How genes influence motor skills</h2>



<p>“Most babies take their first step sometime between ages 8 months and 24 months, so it is a wide window in which this exciting milestone happens. It is a big moment for both parents and baby; it symbolises a new phase in a child’s life,” said Professor Angelica Ronald from the <a href="https://www.surrey.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Surrey</a>. </p>



<p>In the past, experts focused more on environmental and cultural factors that might nudge some infants to stand tall and march off earlier. This new line of research, however, reveals 11 areas of the genome that appear linked to variations in walking age.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Until now, we didn’t understand what causes the wide differences between children in when they take their first steps. Parents might often worry that walking early or late is a bad sign or that they have done something wrong,”  said study lead author Dr. Anna Gui from the <a href="https://www.essex.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Essex</a>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-development-and-motor-control">Brain development and motor control</h2>



<p>The genes tied to walking age also appear to influence how the cortex, the brain’s outer layer, develops its folds and ridges. </p>



<p>These patterns are tied to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-babies-learn-words-for-objects-theyve-never-seen/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain maturity</a> and motor control, which may explain why some children are naturally ready to walk sooner than others.</p>



<p>In fact, one <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/5934" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gene called RBL2</a>, which is already linked to rare neurodevelopmental disorders, showed a strong connection to walking age and brain structure. Variations in this gene were also associated with changes in early brain volume in areas responsible for balance and coordination.</p>



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



<p>The researchers found a link between the genes governing motor development and a lower chance of receiving an <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36702997/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ADHD diagnosis</a> in those who start walking relatively later within the typical range.</p>



<p>The overlap between the genes that drive movement in infancy and those connected to attention differences is intriguing.</p>



<p>They also uncovered a connection between later walking and certain genes involved in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/nature17671" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">higher educational attainment</a>. This subtle genetic relationship does not imply that late walkers always become star students, but it highlights the intricate biological factors behind early steps.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-patterns-of-baby-walking">Patterns of baby walking</h2>



<p>Patterns of early crawling, balancing, and walking can vary wildly, even within the same family. Some children are determined to chase older siblings, while others are content to scoot around on their bottoms.</p>



<p>Many doctors say parents should stay alert for significant delays, yet a slight lag might be part of a normal genetic pattern. </p>



<p>The findings help explain why one baby might toddle off at 9 months while another confidently strides across the living room only at 15 months.</p>



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



<p>“It is exciting to be able to discover the genes that influence when children learn to walk. Starting to walk independently is a major milestone for young children,” said Professor Ronald. </p>



<p>She hopes the new insights will support better interventions for children with motor and learning challenges.</p>



<p>Specialists are exploring whether genetic scores could eventually inform screening tests. With early detection, professionals might offer customized therapies or assistive programs for children who lag well beyond the time frame considered normal for walking.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-genetic-patterns">Exploring genetic patterns</h2>



<p>Despite the findings, the researchers caution that genetics explains only about 25% of the variation in when babies start walking. That leaves the majority of the timing still shaped by non-genetic factors like muscle tone, body size, sleep, and opportunities for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/are-babies-born-with-morals-scientists-think-they-found-out/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">movement</a>.</p>



<p>Another open question is how these genetic signals operate in children from different backgrounds. The study only included infants of European ancestry, which limits how widely the findings apply. </p>



<p>Broader studies will be needed to determine whether the same genetic patterns show up in other populations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-takeaways-about-baby-walking">Key takeaways about baby walking</h2>



<p><a href="https://srcd.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1467-8624.7402011" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientists</a> stress that environment, nutrition, and culture still play a crucial role in walking age. No gene acts in isolation, and babies need safe spaces to practice pulling up, balancing, and shuffling around.</p>



<p>Every child’s walking path can differ, yet these findings highlight the importance of understanding biological variations. </p>



<p>By combining genetic information with practical health advice, clinicians might develop strategies to address motor difficulties earlier on in a child's life.</p>



<p>The study is published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-025-02145-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Human Behaviour</em></a>.</p>



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Why some babies walk much earlier than others

Babies are widely known to begin walking anywhere between 8...

<p>In the web of life, survival demands strategy. For the brown widow spider, survival hinges on one essential task – protecting its offspring. </p>



<p>These invasive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/do-spiders-have-personalities-what-new-research-reveals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spiders</a> have spread across urban landscapes, thriving in hidden corners beneath garbage cans, fence posts, and building nooks. Their success may not just be about adaptability but also about fierce maternal instincts.</p>



<p>Valeria Arabesky and her team at <a href="https://www.bgu.ac.il/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ben-Gurion University of the Negev</a> decided to dig deeper. In a study published in the journal <em>Proceedings of the Royal Society B</em>, they examined how brown widow spiders defend their egg sacs against parasitic wasps.</p>



<p>The findings reveal that these spiders don’t just rely on luck - they actively fight back.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-maternal-instincts-of-brown-widow-spiders">Maternal instincts of brown widow spiders</h2>



<p>For many species, eggs represent a vulnerable stage of life. Defenseless and stationary, they become prime targets for parasites and predators. </p>



<p>"For creatures that start their life as eggs, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animals-develop-natural-immunity-to-ticks-after-being-bitten-once/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spiders</a>, parental protection can be crucial. The eggs themselves are defenseless and very attractive to parasites and predators, thus their parents are their only hope for survival," noted Arabesky, the study’s lead author.</p>



<p>Brown widow spiders take this to heart. While some spiders abandon their eggs, brown widows do the opposite. They guard them with vigilance, patrolling the web and encircling their egg sacs with protective legs. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-battle-begins-wasp-vs-spider">The battle begins: Wasp vs. spider</h2>



<p>Tiny parasitic wasps, known as <em>Philolema latrodecti</em>, target spider eggs. They approach spider webs, seeking a chance to lay their own eggs inside the silken sacs. What happens next? A clash of survival <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spider-man-web-slinging-technology-has-become-a-reality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">strategies</a>.</p>



<p>Brown widow spiders respond with aggression. They don’t wait. They tap their egg sacs, sending vibrations that warn the wasps to stay away. </p>



<p>If that doesn’t work, they escalate. The spiders capture the wasps, killing them and tossing them out of the web - without even feeding on them. It’s not about hunger. It’s about protection.</p>



<p>White widow spiders, on the other hand, adopt a less aggressive stance. They shake their webs violently, hoping to dislodge the intruders. But shaking only goes so far. While it can fend off some wasps, it lacks the direct impact of the brown widow’s lethal approach.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-silk-spikes-the-secret-weapon">Silk spikes: The secret weapon</h2>



<p>Beyond aggression, brown widow spiders wield another weapon - silk spikes. They cover their egg sacs in dense, sharp silk protrusions. The spikes form a physical barrier, complicating any wasp’s attempts to penetrate the sacs.</p>



<p>The researchers tested this strategy. They carefully removed spikes from some sacs and left others intact. Then, they introduced the parasitic wasps. The results? Wasps consistently preferred the smooth, spike-free sacs, laying their eggs there without hesitation.</p>



<p>Spikes, it turns out, aren’t just for show. They serve a vital purpose. Brown widow spiders use them to disrupt wasp attacks, giving their eggs a fighting chance.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-brown-widows-adapt-to-threats">How brown widows adapt to threats</h2>



<p>Brown widow spiders don’t just sit back and wait for wasps to attack - they adapt. When wasps linger nearby, these spiders go into defense mode, thickening the silk spikes around their sacs. It’s a calculated move, a way to reinforce barriers when threats increase.</p>



<p>This behavior suggests a level of environmental awareness. Brown widows aren’t passive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spiders-adapt-their-webs-to-filter-out-human-made-noise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">creatures</a>. They assess their surroundings, identify potential dangers, and adjust their defenses accordingly. That level of adaptability may explain why they’ve become such successful invaders.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urban-spaces-help-widow-spiders">Urban spaces help widow spiders</h2>



<p>Urban environments provide the perfect stage for this spider-wasp showdown. Buildings, fences, and garbage cans create hiding spots for spiders, while also attracting parasitic wasps. The stakes rise in these crowded, chaotic spaces.</p>



<p>Brown widow spiders thrive here. Their dense, spiked egg sacs blend into the urban clutter, camouflaged yet heavily fortified. White widow spiders, accustomed to open desert habitats, struggle to keep up. They lack the silk spikes. </p>



<p>They lack the aggressive tactics. In the end, they lose more eggs to wasps.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-war-without-end">A war without end</h2>



<p>The battle between brown widows and wasps isn’t just about survival. It’s about control - of space, resources, and control of life itself. Brown widow spiders fight this war with silk, with legs, with sheer tenacity.</p>



<p>Their relentless defense strategies may hold a deeper lesson. Invasive species like brown widows don’t just spread through numbers. They spread by mastering the art of survival - by finding new ways to shield their young, by adapting, by refusing to back down.</p>



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



<p>Arabesky’s study raises more questions than it answers. Are other invasive species using similar tactics to protect their offspring? Could these strategies help explain how certain species dominate new habitats? And what role does parental care play in the success of invaders?</p>



<p>These questions open the door for further research. Brown widow spiders may have set the stage, but they’re just one piece of a larger puzzle. </p>



<p>As invasive species continue to reshape ecosystems, scientists may find that the fight for survival is more complex - and more intense - than anyone ever imagined.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2024.2735" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences</a></em>.</p>



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Brown widow spiders protect their young from parasitic wasps

In the web of life, survival demands strategy. For the...

<p>Fish often appear as simple creatures, mindlessly drifting through water. Yet, behind those unblinking eyes, complex cognitive processes unfold as they learn and adapt. </p>



<p>For years, researchers confined fish cognition studies to sterile labs, where controlled settings attempted to simulate natural environments. But these setups often miss the mark.</p>



<p>Now, a team from Wageningen University &amp; Research (<a href="https://www.wur.nl/en.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WUR</a>) has created a tool that brings the lab to the wild. Their innovative device, a simple yet effective feeding board, allows fish to solve tasks in their natural habitats. </p>



<p>Published in the journal <em>Methods in Ecology and Evolution</em>, the study reveals not only the cognitive abilities of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dna-fishing-helps-scientists-survey-marine-life-in-the-deep-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish</a> but also their intriguing social strategies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-learning-insights-in-fish">Key learning insights in fish</h2>



<p>Imagine being placed in a blank room, far from your familiar surroundings. Would you behave the same? Probably not.</p>



<p>In traditional lab studies, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-fish-use-tools-to-crack-open-prey/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish</a> are removed from their natural environments and placed in tanks devoid of the usual stimuli. Stress levels rise, motivation dips and learning suffers. Elevated cortisol levels can cloud cognitive performance, making fish seem less capable than they truly are.</p>



<p>Moreover, lab-raised fish miss out on real-world challenges. They don’t have to avoid predators, search for food, or navigate intricate habitats. As a result, findings from lab studies may not accurately represent how fish behave in the wild.</p>



<p>Recognizing these limitations, Catarina Vila-Pouca and Alexander Kotrschal decided to flip the script. Instead of bringing fish to the lab, they brought the lab to the fish.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tool-reveals-fish-learning-potential">Tool reveals fish learning potential</h2>



<p>At first glance, the apparatus appears unremarkable. It’s a 30x30 cm PVC board with 24 small holes, each covered by a pivoting disc. Underneath each disc lies a food reward. The challenge? The fish must push the disc aside to access the food.</p>



<p>"We sought a solution that could be deployed anywhere, from shallow ponds to fast-flowing rivers," said Vila-Pouca.</p>



<p>The device is light, portable, and adaptable, allowing fish to engage with it without the stress of capture or confinement.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-guppies-display-learning-skills">Guppies display learning skills</h2>



<p>For the initial trial, the researchers headed to Trinidad’s Aripo River to learn how fish interact with the apparatus. The test subjects: wild guppies. Known for their vibrant social <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unlikely-allies-octopuses-cooperate-with-fish-to-catch-prey/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">interactions</a>, guppies provided the perfect opportunity to assess how fish learn in group settings.</p>



<p>Researchers set up the feeding board in outdoor enclosures and watched as the guppies approached. Initially, the fish appeared puzzled. They nudged the discs, swam away, then returned. Some individuals began to grasp the concept, pushing the correct discs to uncover food.</p>



<p>By the end of the trial, nine guppies emerged as standout solvers. These individuals successfully dislodged more than 20% of the target discs, demonstrating not only persistence but also learning proficiency. </p>



<p>Meanwhile, other guppies watched and waited, benefiting from the efforts of their more industrious peers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-strategies-to-access-food">Social strategies to access food</h2>



<p>A fascinating pattern emerged. Some guppies became “producers,” actively solving the task and claiming rewards. </p>



<p>Others assumed the role of “scroungers,” hovering nearby and swooping in to snatch the prize once a producer had done the hard work.</p>



<p>Throughout the study, these strategies persisted. The same individuals continued to dominate as producers, while others remained content to scrounge. This division in behavior reflects broader social foraging dynamics seen in other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fish-leaving-home-how-cichlids-perfectly-time-independence/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a>, from birds to primates.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-testing-sticklebacks-in-a-new-habitat">Testing sticklebacks in a new habitat</h2>



<p>After the Trinidad experiment, the researchers headed to Wageningen University’s freshwater pond in the Netherlands. This time, the subjects were ninespine sticklebacks, a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-boat-shaped-robot-mimics-insects-and-is-made-of-fish-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> noted for its observational skills.</p>



<p>Unlike the guppies, the sticklebacks showed less variability in behavior. Almost all individuals engaged with the feeding board, with fewer scroungers in the mix. Most fish actively attempted to dislodge the discs, leading to a more egalitarian task-sharing dynamic.</p>



<p>Despite their collective approach, individual differences still surfaced. Some sticklebacks learned the task faster, while others required more time to grasp the concept. </p>



<p>The apparatus not only revealed cognitive abilities but also highlighted how different species adopt distinct strategies based on their ecological context.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-how-fish-learn">Tracking how fish learn </h2>



<p>The beauty of the feeding board lies in its ability to track learning across multiple sessions. Each interaction was recorded, allowing researchers to pinpoint which fish improved over time and which struggled.</p>



<p>In the Trinidad trial, nine guppies consistently excelled. They returned to the board repeatedly, experimenting with different discs and refining their approach. These fish not only solved the task more frequently but also adapted their strategies based on previous successes.</p>



<p>Scroungers, on the other hand, rarely attempted to solve the task independently. Instead, they hovered nearby, waiting for producers to uncover the reward. This behavior underscores how social learning influences cognitive performance. </p>



<p>While some fish clearly excelled as problem-solvers, others thrived as opportunists.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adjusting-the-tool-for-different-habitats">Adjusting the tool for different habitats</h2>



<p>What makes the feeding board truly groundbreaking is its versatility. The same apparatus used in shallow rivers worked seamlessly in the still waters of a pond. With minor adjustments, it can be adapted for various habitats, from rocky streams to open lakes.</p>



<p>In the Netherlands study, the team added a video camera to capture every interaction without disturbing the fish. This setup provided a deeper understanding of group dynamics and individual learning trajectories. </p>



<p>The data revealed that sticklebacks, unlike guppies, showed a more uniform learning pattern, with fewer dominant individuals taking control of the task.</p>



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



<p>"By studying animals within their natural habitats, we are better able to observe authentic behavior. This not only enhances our understanding of cognitive evolution but also has implications for conservation and animal welfare," said Kotrschal.</p>



<p>The feeding board offers a powerful tool for researchers worldwide. Beyond assessing learning and memory, the device can be adapted to study spatial navigation, social recognition, and decision-making. It also allows for repeated testing, enabling researchers to observe how cognitive abilities evolve over time.</p>



<p>Moreover, the low cost and portability of the device make it accessible for use in remote or ecologically sensitive areas. As researchers continue to refine the apparatus, the potential for expanding fish cognition studies becomes evident.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fish-learn-and-strategize">Fish learn and strategize</h2>



<p>For decades, fish cognition research remained trapped in laboratory tanks, far removed from the real world. With the advent of the feeding board apparatus, that era is ending.</p>



<p>The Trinidad and Netherlands studies reveal just how much fish can learn - and how much they rely on social cues to navigate challenging tasks. Producers emerge as leaders, setting examples for others. Scroungers capitalize on those efforts, showing that even fish can employ cunning strategies.</p>



<p>As the researchers refine the apparatus and test it across more species, one thing is certain - fish are not as simple as they seem. Beneath those calm, glassy eyes lies a mind capable of problem-solving, learning from peers, and even strategizing.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/2041-210X.70002" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Methods in Ecology and Evolution</a></em>.</p>



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



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Fish reveal surprising learning skills in natural habitats

Fish often appear as simple creatures, mindlessly drifting through water....

<p>Monsoons across the planet are known for their seasonal timing, delivering vital rainfall in some months and waning in others. Yet the exact reasons behind their shifts from dry to wet conditions have often puzzled researchers.</p>



<p>In a new study, scientists revealed that the atmosphere can hold moisture for longer than previously suspected, adding a twist to traditional thinking about these large-scale <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-land-conditions-affect-the-asian-monsoon-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weather</a> systems.</p>



<p>This phenomenon was identified by Anja Katzenberger, a climatologist at the <a href="https://www.pik-potsdam.de/en/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research</a>, who investigated the ways water vapor shapes the timing of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-rainfall-increases-as-a-direct-result-of-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rainfall</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seasonal-rains-support-billions">Seasonal rains support billions</h2>



<p>Monsoon rains emerge each year in regions such as South Asia, West Africa, parts of the Americas, and East Asia. More than <a href="https://community.wmo.int/en/news/wgtmra-new-international-monsoons-project-office-launched-support-global-monsoon-research-activities" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">two billion people</a> rely on these rains to to irrigate crops and replenish rivers.</p>



<p>Scientists have long connected monsoon onset with the warming of land masses under stronger sunlight in spring. Yet findings suggest there may be more to this process than just solar energy.</p>



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



<p>Research indicates a property known as <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/mathematics/bistability" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bistability</a>, where the atmosphere settles in either a rainy or a dry configuration for a given level of solar heating. This stable arrangement persists until a certain threshold of moisture tips the system into a new state.</p>



<p>“The atmosphere can ‘remember’ its previous state by storing physical information in the form of water vapor,” said Katzenberger. This storage creates conditions where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rain-and-snow-are-difficult-to-forecast-at-near-freezing-temperatures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rainfall</a> can switch on rapidly after enough moisture builds.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-testing-rainfall-without-oceans">Testing rainfall without oceans</h2>



<p>To isolate the atmosphere’s behavior, the researchers used a specialized climate model called a <a href="https://www.ipcc-data.org/guidelines/pages/gcm_guide.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">general circulation model</a>. They removed slower Earth systems like oceans to test how the air alone responds to changing conditions.</p>



<p>The results showed that even without ocean heat, the atmosphere could switch states once moisture passed a certain level. This finding confirms that memory-like behavior exists within the air itself -  contradicting long-held assumptions in <a href="https://www.gfdl.noaa.gov/earth-system-model/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate science</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moisture-for-monsoon-timing">Moisture for monsoon timing</h2>



<p>We usually think of water vapor escaping or condensing in short time frames. But researchers found evidence that it can accumulate over weeks to sustain wet <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-summer-rainfall-events-have-increased-in-the-u-s/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conditions</a> when the rains begin.</p>



<p>“We’ve long known that systems like the ocean or ice sheets have some sort of memory,” said Anders Levermann, who leads the Complexity Science department at the institute.</p>



<p>Those discoveries hinted that slower climate processes could store energy, yet the idea of the air having a similar capacity seemed far-fetched until now.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-delayed-rain-risks-crops">Delayed rain risks crops</h2>



<p>The timing of monsoon onset isn’t just a scientific curiosity - it’s directly tied to crop planting, water storage, and disaster readiness. A shift of just a few weeks can mean the difference between a successful harvest and a failed one.</p>



<p>Regions that rely heavily on seasonal rains, like parts of India and Southeast Asia, have already seen increased variability. These new findings raise concerns about how climate change might amplify delays or intensify rainfall beyond manageable levels.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-billions-depend-on-monsoons">Billions depend on monsoons</h2>



<p>When the atmosphere transitions to its rainy phase, it can hold on to that state even after sunlight starts to dip. If conditions shift due to additional pollution or higher temperatures, the threshold for flipping back might change.</p>



<p>These sudden swings matter. A <a href="https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">delayed monsoon</a> could leave regions parched while an extended wet spell may bring floods that damage crops and disrupt local economies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-improving-monsoon-predictions">Improving monsoon predictions</h2>



<p>Future research may refine early warning systems for abrupt weather changes. Pinpointing the moisture level that triggers a switch could help local planners manage water resources more effectively.</p>



<p>Climate scientists worldwide are watching these findings closely. Some hope to extend the concept of atmospheric memory to other weather patterns, adding a fresh perspective to long-term climate modeling.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-questions-about-monsoon-timing">Questions about monsoon timing</h2>



<p>While the study explains how monsoon shifts occur, it doesn’t yet explain how different regions might respond as the climate warms unevenly. More research is needed to determine if the threshold changes across continents or ecosystems.</p>



<p>It’s also unclear how human activities - such as deforestation, aerosol emissions, or irrigation - might alter the atmosphere’s ability to store moisture. These variables could push some monsoon systems closer to instability without clear warning signs.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2418093122" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</em></a>.</p>



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



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

The atmosphere has a 'memory' that affects the timing of monsoons

Monsoons across the planet are known for their seasonal timing,...

<p>The world has been experiencing increasingly frequent hot weather and droughts, affecting both people and the environment, with severe consequences for crop yields. While most of us feel the heat in our daily lives, farmers face the greatest impact as their crop yields decline.</p>



<p>Crops that once thrived under predictable weather patterns now struggle against unpredictable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/genetically-enhanced-crops-could-help-fight-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climatic shifts</a>. The consequences are not limited to just a few regions but are evident across the globe. </p>



<p>A recent <a href="https://www.stanford.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford</a> study sheds light on the profound impact of rising temperatures and air dryness on essential crops such as wheat, barley, and maize. The study not only reveals the extent of the damage but also uncovers significant gaps in existing climate models.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crop-yields-drop-as-temperatures-rise">Crop yields drop as temperatures rise</h2>



<p>The study reveals a troubling pattern: warming and air dryness have intensified across nearly every major farming region. Some areas now endure hotter growing seasons than they’ve seen in half a century.</p>



<p>Grain yields are plummeting. Wheat, barley, and maize show declines of 4% to 13%, a stark contrast to what could have been without recent climate trends.</p>



<p>For a world dependent on these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-could-soon-talk-to-farmers-and-listen-too/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crops</a>, the implications are nothing short of alarming.</p>



<p>Study lead author David Lobell is the Gloria and Richard Kushel Director of Stanford's Center on Food Security and the Environment (FSE).</p>



<p>"There have been a lot of news stories about crop failures around the world, and often I get asked whether the impacts are happening faster than we expected," said Lobell. "That motivated a closer look at what's been happening in farms around the world."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predicting-agricultural-impacts">Predicting agricultural impacts</h2>



<p>Despite the growing evidence of crop stress, the study highlights two critical ways that existing climate models have failed to accurately predict the magnitude of the impact. </p>



<p>In many cases, the models did not fully account for the extent of warming and drying that agricultural regions would <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pests-are-moving-to-cooler-regions-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">experience</a>. This has led to discrepancies between predicted and observed outcomes, leaving farmers and policymakers underprepared.</p>



<p>"In many ways, the changes farmers are experiencing are completely in line with what climate models predicted, so the overall impact should not be a surprise," said study co-author Stefania Di Tommaso, a research data analyst at FSE. </p>



<p>Yet, there were unexpected twists in the data that revealed significant oversights in climate projections.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-severe-drying-in-europe-and-china-nbsp">Severe drying in Europe and China&nbsp;</h2>



<p>One of the most surprising findings of the study was the extent of drying in temperate zones like Europe and China. </p>



<p>These regions, typically characterized by moderate climates, are now experiencing far greater levels of air dryness than projected. In contrast, U.S. farms, particularly those in the Midwest, have faced less intense warming and drying than anticipated.</p>



<p>"These two big surprises are important to resolve," said Di Tommaso. "Of all the uncertainties in climate models, these are the two big ones that matter for global food production." </p>



<p>The implications of these unexpected findings are significant, not only for understanding current crop losses but also for planning future <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/critical-food-crops-are-threatened-by-rising-temperatures-globally/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">agricultural strategies</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-dioxide-s-role-in-crop-yields">Carbon dioxide’s role in crop yields</h2>



<p>Some scientists believed that rising carbon dioxide could mitigate crop yield losses caused by climate change.</p>



<p>Higher carbon dioxide levels can enhance photosynthesis, potentially promoting plant growth. Sounds promising, but the study finds that scorching temperatures and relentless dryness have overshadowed those potential benefits.</p>



<p>The takeaway? Any carbon dioxide gains are being drowned out by heat and drought, complicating efforts to project future yields and demanding strategies that extend beyond carbon-focused solutions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-past-strategies-miss-the-mark">Past strategies miss the mark</h2>



<p>For decades, researchers have recommended extending growing seasons by adopting longer-maturing crop varieties. </p>



<p>However, the study indicates that such strategies may now be less effective, given the extent of air dryness and heat stress in many regions. Longer growing seasons could increase vulnerability to drought and temperature spikes, potentially negating the intended benefits.</p>



<p>Lobell and his team argue that the surprising gaps in climate models must be addressed to refine agricultural strategies and mitigate future risks. </p>



<p>"If anything, I think the blind spots have been on specialized crops where we don't have as much modeling, but which are very salient to consumers," Lobell noted.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-need-for-improved-adaptation-strategies">Need for improved adaptation strategies</h2>



<p>The need for more accurate climate models extends beyond predicting crop losses. It also affects how farmers prepare for future growing seasons. Adaptation strategies based on outdated or incomplete models may inadvertently place farmers in greater peril.</p>



<p>For instance, extending growing seasons without accounting for increased air dryness could set farmers up for substantial losses. </p>



<p>Accurate modeling would provide a more comprehensive view of the risks and inform better agricultural planning. This is particularly urgent given the potential for even greater climate variability in the years ahead.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crop-yields-and-food-security">Crop yields and food security </h2>



<p>The stakes are particularly high when considering the potential impact on global food security. While the study focuses on major grains, the implications extend to a range of specialized crops that are vital to regional economies. </p>



<p>"That includes things like coffee, cocoa, oranges, and olives. All these have been seeing supply challenges and price increases. These matter less for food security but may be more eye-catching for consumers who might not otherwise care about climate change," Lobell said.</p>



<p>This focus on consumer goods underscores the complex ripple effects of agricultural losses. A decline in coffee or cocoa yields may not cause widespread hunger, but it can disrupt livelihoods and trigger price spikes that resonate through supply chains.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-market-disruptions-and-real-world-impact">Market disruptions and real-world impact</h2>



<p>Lobell emphasizes that even seemingly small percentage losses in crop yields can have profound consequences. </p>



<p>"I think when people hear 5%, they tend to think it's a small number. But then you live through it and see it's enough to shift markets. We're talking about enough food for hundreds of millions of people," he said.</p>



<p>This sentiment highlights the need for both greater public awareness and more nuanced communication about the scale and implications of crop losses. It also suggests that policymakers and farmers must work together to implement effective strategies that can withstand more frequent and severe climatic shocks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-call-for-more-accurate-models">A call for more accurate models</h2>



<p>The study concludes with a call for more comprehensive climate models that can account for unexpected drying patterns in temperate zones and other under-researched regions. </p>



<p>This would not only improve predictions but also inform better adaptation strategies, especially for specialized crops that remain underrepresented in current research.</p>



<p>"Overall, I think climate science has done a remarkable job of anticipating global impacts on the main grains, and we should continue to rely on this science to guide policy decisions," Lobell stated. </p>



<p>The study’s findings underscore a critical need: climate projections must be refined, not just to predict crop losses but to craft effective, targeted strategies for protecting the global food supply.</p>



<p>What happens next? That depends on how quickly researchers and policymakers address the flaws in existing climate models. The stakes couldn’t be higher - a manageable agricultural future or a catastrophic food crisis.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/abs/10.1073/pnas.2502789122" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a></em>.</p>



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



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Unexpected climate changes hit crop yields harder than predicted

The world has been experiencing increasingly frequent hot weather and...

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

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>



<p id="block-9bd989d6-2fd3-4580-957f-6cacce134f08">-----</p>



<p id="block-eff5dea3-a9bb-40b5-a923-e5a9978bc0e2">Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



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<p id="block-1f9a227a-ec37-4140-81b8-ffa4a7cc6689">-----</p>



<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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<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



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

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>



<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>

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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