<p>Far beneath our feet, beyond the Earth's rocky mantle and molten outer core, lies a dense, solid sphere of iron and other elements like carbon. </p>



<p>This inner core is Earth’s deepest secret, shaping the magnetic field that shields our planet. Yet, scientists still puzzle over how it first formed and what ingredients allowed it to crystallize.</p>



<p>A new study by researchers from the University of Leeds, University of Oxford, and <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University College London</a> provides fresh insight. </p>



<p>Their findings reveal that carbon may have been the key element that enabled the inner core to solidify billions of years ago.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-earth-s-core-composition-matters">Why Earth's core composition matters</h2>



<p>The makeup of Earth’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-inner-core-proven-to-be-rapidly-changing-and-now-rotating-backwards/">core</a> determines not only its density but also its thermal and magnetic behavior. </p>



<p>Seismology shows that the core is less dense than pure iron, meaning lighter elements must be present. Candidates like silicon, sulphur, oxygen, and carbon have all been considered.</p>



<p>The latest simulations show that carbon, in particular, may have been essential. Without it, the inner core’s crystallization would have required impossible conditions, making its very existence a mystery.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/earth-inner-core_hidden-chemistry_illustration_credit-Alfred-Wilson_1m.jpg"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/earth-inner-core_hidden-chemistry_illustration_credit-Alfred-Wilson_1s.webp" alt="Drawing of Earth with cutaway showing the mantle and inner and outer core. Magnetic field lines produced by the geodynamo extend into space and interact with the solar wind. The iron-rich core at Earth's center is slowly freezing from the inside out. Credit: Dr. Alfred Wilson" class="wp-image-1984775"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Drawing of Earth with cutaway showing the mantle and inner and outer core. Magnetic field lines produced by the geodynamo extend into space and interact with the solar wind. The iron-rich core at Earth's center is slowly freezing from the inside out. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Dr. Alfred Wilson</em></figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-supercooling-paradox">The supercooling paradox</h2>



<p>Liquids rarely freeze solid the instant they cool past their <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/melting-point" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">melting point</a>. Instead, they must be supercooled, chilled further before crystals can form. </p>



<p>For molten iron alone, estimates suggested that a massive 800 to 1000 °C (1472 to 1832 °F) of supercooling would be needed.</p>



<p>If that had occurred, the consequences for our planet would have been dramatic. </p>



<p>The inner core would have grown far too quickly, disrupting the delicate balance of heat flow inside <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-inner-core-is-not-solid-it-is-shape-shifting-time-for-textbooks-to-be-rewritten/">Earth</a> and destabilizing the magnetic field that protects life from harmful solar and cosmic radiation.</p>



<p>Scientists know this did not happen. Geophysical evidence points instead to a modest level of supercooling, limited to about 250 °C (482 °F). </p>



<p>That small difference between theoretical predictions and observational reality has puzzled researchers for decades.</p>



<p>This contradiction, known as the inner core nucleation paradox, continues to inspire debate, experiments, and advanced simulations aimed at uncovering the true chemistry of Earth’s deepest layers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-simulating-the-impossible">Simulating the impossible</h2>



<p>To resolve the paradox, the research team ran atomic-scale simulations of iron mixed with different light elements. </p>



<p>They tested silicon, sulfur, oxygen, and carbon, and watched how each affected the first step of freezing: nucleation.</p>



<p>“Each of these elements exists in the overlying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-an-ocean-of-fire-shaped-early-earths-core-according-to-a-new-study/">mantle</a> and could therefore have been dissolved into the core during Earth’s history,” explained co-author Associate Professor Andrew Walker from the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a>.</p>



<p>“As a result, these could explain why we have a solid inner core with relatively little supercooling at this depth. The presence of one or more of these elements could also rationalize why the core is less dense than pure iron, a key observation from seismology.”</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/earth-inner-core_cross-section_convection_credit-Alfred-Wilson_1m.jpg"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/earth-inner-core_cross-section_convection_credit-Alfred-Wilson_1s.webp" alt="Cross section of the Earth showing the mantle, outer core and inner core. Convection in the outer core produces Earth's geomagnetic field. The properties of Earth's iron-rich core are key to understanding our planet's deep interior, from its temperature to the way it generates the global magnetic field. The core's exact chemistry remains unknown. Credit: Dr. Alfred Wilson" class="wp-image-1984773"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Cross section of the Earth showing the mantle, outer core and inner core. Convection in the outer core produces Earth's geomagnetic field. The properties of Earth's iron-rich core are key to understanding our planet's deep interior, from its temperature to the way it generates the global magnetic field. The core's exact chemistry remains unknown. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Dr. Alfred Wilson</em></figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-drives-earth-s-core-freezing">Carbon drives Earth's core freezing</h2>



<p>The simulations revealed that silicon and sulfur actually hindered freezing, which would have increased the supercooling requirement. Carbon, however, had the opposite effect.</p>



<p>With 2.4 % carbon, the required supercooling dropped to about 420 °C (788 °F). Still too high, but much closer to reality. </p>



<p>Extrapolating further, a carbon content of 3.8 % reduced the figure to 266 °C (511 °F), which is consistent with geological evidence.</p>



<p>This makes carbon the only element so far shown to both enable nucleation and align with seismic observations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-no-seeds-needed">No seeds needed</h2>



<p>Unlike hail forming around dust in clouds, Earth’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-discover-how-gold-reaches-earths-surface-from-the-mantle/">core</a> appears to have frozen without “nucleation seeds.” </p>



<p>Tests of possible seed materials, like oxides or metals, show they would melt or dissolve before reaching the center. That leaves chemistry itself, specifically the presence of carbon, as the driver of solidification.</p>



<p>“It is exciting to see how atomic scale processes control the fundamental structure and dynamics of our planet," said lead author Dr. Alfred Wilson from the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Leeds</a>. </p>



<p>"By studying how Earth’s inner core formed, we are not just learning about our planet’s past. We’re getting a rare glimpse into the chemistry of a region we can never hope to reach directly and learning about how it could change in the future.”</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/earth-inner-core_iron-carbon-atoms-nucleating_credit-Alfred-Wilson_1m.jpg"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/earth-inner-core_iron-carbon-atoms-nucleating_credit-Alfred-Wilson_1s.webp" alt="Drawing of iron and carbon atoms nucleating to form solids which could initiate growth of Earth's solid inner core. The study used atomic scale simulations to identify solids nucleating in supercooled liquids. Carbon atoms can accelerate this process, perhaps enough to trigger the freezing of Earth's solid inner core. Credit: Dr. Alfred Wilson" class="wp-image-1984777"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Drawing of iron and carbon atoms nucleating to form solids which could initiate growth of Earth's solid inner core. The study used atomic scale simulations to identify solids nucleating in supercooled liquids. Carbon atoms can accelerate this process, perhaps enough to trigger the freezing of Earth's solid inner core. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Dr. Alfred Wilson</em></figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-s-role-in-earth-s-core">Carbon's role in Earth’s core</h2>



<p>The research also helps refine estimates of when the inner core formed. Some argue it began crystallizing over two billion years ago, while others suggest it happened less than half a billion years ago. </p>



<p>By identifying carbon as the critical player, scientists can narrow down these timelines. </p>



<p>This enables a better understanding of how Earth’s deep engine has evolved to influence the magnetic field, surface conditions, and even the long-term habitability of our planet.</p>



<p>The message is clear: carbon is more than a surface element of life. It may also be the hidden architect of Earth’s inner heart, shaping its stability across geological time.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-62841-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.</em></p>



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



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Scientists have changed their minds again about the composition of Earth's core

Far beneath our feet, beyond the Earth's rocky mantle and molten outer core, lies a dense, solid sphere of iron and other elements like carbon. This inner core is Earth’s deepest secret, shaping the magnetic field that shields our planet. Yet, scientists still puzzle over how it first formed and what ingredients allowed it to crystallize. A new study by researchers from the University of Leeds, University of Oxford, and University College London provides fresh insight. Their findings reveal that carbon may have been the key element...

<p>Dolphins in waters around the United Kingdom have faced mounting pressure from chemical pollution over the past few decades. Many short-beaked common <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/national-dolphin-day-2025-honoring-the-oceans-most-playful-minds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dolphins</a> have washed ashore, and reports show they carried worrying levels of toxins in their tissue.</p>



<p>Rosie Williams, a researcher at the <a href="https://www.zsl.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zoological Society of London</a>, noted that once-banned chemicals and changing sea temperatures could be adding to these animals’ health troubles.</p>



<p>In particular, researchers have pointed to shifts in the water’s characteristics and high burdens of polychlorinated biphenyls (<a href="https://www.epa.gov/pcbs/learn-about-polychlorinated-biphenyls" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PCBs</a>).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-chemicals-and-heat-harm-dolphins">How chemicals and heat harm dolphins</h2>



<p>PCBs were widely used in manufacturing for a long time. In the 1980s, officials in the U.K. decided these chemicals were too dangerous and outlawed them because of their toxic nature.</p>



<p>Despite that move, it seems that residues of these compounds are still entering the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/super-pod-of-1500-dolphins-captured-in-stunning-drone-footage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean</a>. Some experts believe that old industrial sites leak traces into waterways, and these flows eventually reach marine habitats.</p>



<p>In the meantime, sea surface temperatures appear to be edging higher in parts of the U.K. This warming of the water can put stress on many species, including dolphins that rely on stable conditions for feeding and other life processes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dolphins-suffer-from-toxins">Dolphins suffer from toxins</h2>



<p>Short-beaked common dolphins rank high up in food chains, which makes them prone to storing more toxins in their bodies. Many <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-dolphins-who-play-with-others-become-successful-adults/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish</a> at lower levels carry smaller amounts of these compounds, but dolphins can accumulate bigger doses by eating prey that has already absorbed contaminants.</p>



<p>“Their position at the top of the food web means that toxins from their prey accumulate in their blubber, providing a concentrated snapshot of chemical pollutants in the ocean – though unfortunately at the expense of their health,” said Thea Taylor, managing director of <a href="https://sussexdolphinproject.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sussex Dolphin Project</a>.</p>



<p>When PCBs gather in the fatty tissues of these animals, trouble can follow. According to researchers, these toxins might hurt dolphins’ immune systems, leaving them more vulnerable to various infections.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chemical-damage-in-stranded-dolphins">Chemical damage in stranded dolphins </h2>



<p>In an effort to pinpoint the causes of their deaths, experts analyzed data from short-beaked common dolphins that were found stranded on U.K. shores. The <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-025-07858-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">findings</a> revealed a worrying connection between PCB levels and mortality from infectious diseases.</p>



<p>The researchers noted that every slight rise in PCB load carried a higher chance of fatal infections. They also found that spikes in sea temperatures often matched a jump in disease risk.</p>



<p>Some of these illnesses included gastritis, enteritis, bacterial complications, and pneumonia. In many cases, they turned fatal once the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dolphins-and-whales-got-new-backbones-for-life-in-the-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dolphins</a>’ immune defenses weakened.</p>



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



<p>Scientists suggest that warmer waters might also shift prey distributions. That could complicate the dolphins’ feeding patterns, leaving them in worse shape and more likely to get sick.</p>



<p>Some experts worry that higher temperatures might boost the activity of disease-causing organisms in the ocean. If pathogens grow faster, dolphins become more likely to encounter them.</p>



<p>Taken together, these factors seem to form a harmful cycle: weaker dolphins, more pathogens, and chemicals that make everything worse. A multi-layered plan is needed to address all these pressures at once.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-old-chemicals-still-pollute-waters">Old chemicals still pollute waters</h2>



<p>Even though PCBs were banned in the U.K. more than 40 years ago, they remain a concern. They have a tendency to cling to sediment and can linger in the environment for very long periods.</p>



<p>Certain manufacturing processes still lead to trace amounts of PCBs that find their way into water. Regulators face a tough challenge in tightening controls and removing older sources of these chemicals.</p>



<p>Rosie Williams has pointed out that these persistent compounds keep surfacing in new samples. Some are found in estuaries or coastal areas where industrial runoff takes a toll.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-call-for-protective-measures">A call for protective measures</h2>



<p>Marine biologists often describe <a href="https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/feature-story/early-bloom-toxic-algae-southern-california-sickens-hundreds-sea-lions-and-dolphins" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neurotoxins</a>, heavy metals, and chemical pollutants in ocean waters as forces that aggravate existing <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0304389423014863" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">threats</a>. A rise in sea temperature comes on top of everything else, stacking stress upon stress.</p>



<p>“The ocean is facing ‘a triple planetary crisis’ – climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss – but we often look at threats in isolation,” said Williams.</p>



<p>She and her fellow authors believe that better management of industrial waste and more effective water treatment will help break this cycle.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tackling-ocean-chemicals-to-save-dolphins">Tackling ocean chemicals to save dolphins</h2>



<p>Environmental groups have tried to remove contaminated sediments through dredging in certain places. Others hope to enhance filtration techniques so persistent chemicals get trapped before they spread any further.</p>



<p>Experts also note that PCBs are not the only cause for concern. Similar substances, like perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (<a href="https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/pfc" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS</a>), also carry toxic <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/es001834k" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">effects</a> that might harm both wildlife and people if not regulated.</p>



<p>“While we cannot reverse the contamination that has already occurred, it is critical to prevent further chemical inputs into the environment,” said Taylor.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dolphin-health-shows-marine-future">Dolphin health shows marine future</h2>



<p>Many researchers agree that dolphins serve as a valuable bellwether for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/elevated-mercury-levels-discovered-in-dolphins/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean</a> health. If top predators suffer, it can reflect risks to smaller organisms and ultimately to human communities too.</p>



<p>Environmental scientists have stressed that these findings should guide policies for marine protection. Even though we cannot simply erase toxins already in the waters, curbing any additional discharge might limit the damage over time.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reducing-chemicals-for-dolphin-survival">Reducing chemicals for dolphin survival</h2>



<p>Going forward, experts will determine which regions have the highest levels of PCB pollution. Some areas may need urgent interventions, especially if incidents of dolphin stranding keep increasing.</p>



<p>Ecosystems are complicated, and climate shifts could spark changes that no one has fully predicted. Observers hope that early and decisive action will give marine life a chance to adapt without getting overwhelmed by chemical burdens.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-025-07858-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Communications Biology</em></a>.</p>



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



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Dolphins face serious threats from chemical pollution and ocean warming

Dolphins in waters around the United Kingdom have faced mounting...

Earth,Water,Surface,Global,Warming,Concept,Illustration

<p>Satellite instruments that have been circling Earth since the early 1980s now paint a stark picture of our warm ocean temperatures: not only are they rising, they are doing so more quickly with each passing decade. </p>



<p>According to a new study, between 1985 and 1989, global averages increased by about 0.06 °C every ten years.</p>



<p>In the most recent five‑year collection of data from 2019 to 2023, that figure leapt to roughly 0.27 °C per decade. In practical terms, the thin skin of water covering our planet is heating more than four times faster today than it was a generation ago.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-term-record-of-ocean-temperatures">Long-term record of ocean temperatures</h2>



<p>The researchers analyzed sea‑surface temperature (SST) fields created through the European Space Agency’s <a href="https://climate.esa.int/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate Change Initiative</a> (ESA-CCI SST). They stitched together a single, carefully calibrated record extending from 1980 right up to 2023.</p>



<p>The experts took measurements from 20 satellite‑borne infrared radiometers, including sensors on missions such as ERS‑1, ERS‑2, Envisat and Copernicus Sentinel‑3, together with two microwave instruments that penetrate cloud cover at high latitudes.</p>



<p>Each satellite required meticulous cross‑calibration; otherwise, subtle drifts in sensor performance or orbital changes might be misread as genuine changes in ocean heat. </p>



<p>By comparing satellite values with data from ships and drifting buoys, the team produced what is currently one of the world’s most reliable long‑term SST series.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trapped-heat-and-energy-imbalance"><a></a>Trapped heat and energy imbalance</h2>



<p>With data in hand, investigators set out to identify the forces responsible for the accelerating climb. They examined <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/volcanic-eruptions-play-an-overlooked-role-in-earths-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcanic eruptions</a>, which sometimes cool the Earth’s surface for a year or two by shading incoming sunlight.</p>



<p>The team also mapped out the impacts of recurring <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/el-nino-event-may-push-earth-towards-its-hottest-year-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">El Niño</a> and La Niña events that alternately cool and warm oceans. Solar cycles, which raise or lower the Sun’s energy output on an eleven‑year rhythm, were also weighed.</p>



<p>Although each of these natural processes leaves a recognizable fingerprint, none could explain the long‑running upward trend, much less the recent acceleration. The prime driver, the authors conclude, is the long‑term energy imbalance caused by the build‑up of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-glaciers-are-hidden-sources-of-greenhouse-gases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gases</a>.</p>



<p>Greenhouse gases trapping heat in the atmosphere result in an imbalance in the energy received by our planet from the Sun, while the energy radiates back out to space, resulting in an excess energy imbalance, according to lead author Chris Merchant from the <a href="https://www.reading.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Reading</a>.</p>



<p>To keep pace with the changing climate, he added, “we need ongoing monitoring and data improvements to ensure our climate models can accurately reflect future temperature increases.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dominant-driver-of-ocean-warming">Dominant driver of ocean warming</h2>



<p>Owen Embury, scientific lead for the ESA‑CCI SST project, elaborated on the balance between short‑term fluctuations and the persistent warming signal. </p>



<p>“Our study clearly identifies the increasing accumulation of planetary energy as the dominant driver of long‑term sea surface warming, while short‑term variations from El Niño, volcanic activity and solar changes add variability but do not alter the overall accelerating trend,” he explained.</p>



<p>The research therefore disentangles the temporary bumps and dips from the steadily ticking metronome of human‑driven change. Mounting heat in the oceans does more than shift a thermometer reading. </p>



<p>Warmer surface water supplies extra fuel for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fast-moving-tropical-cyclones-are-becoming-more-powerful/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tropical cyclones</a>, allowing storms to intensify faster and reach higher peak winds. As temperature thresholds are crossed, coral reefs bleach, fisheries relocate, and weather patterns on land alter in response to changed heat exchange between sea and atmosphere. </p>



<p>Warmer water also expands, pushing sea level upward alongside meltwater from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ice-sheet-patterns-point-to-rapid-melting-risks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice sheets</a> and glaciers. These knock‑on effects affect everything from coastal infrastructure to global food security.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forecasting-future-ocean-temperatures">Forecasting future ocean temperatures </h2>



<p>Because consequences of accelerating ocean warming reach into many corners of society and the biosphere, the findings have already been integrated into <a href="https://climate.esa.int/en/Cross_ECV_Projects/motecusoma/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA’s MOTECUSOMA project</a>, which examines Earth’s energy imbalance and its downstream effects.</p>



<p>The same SST data set will also serve as a touchstone for refining climate models, which must reproduce the observed rate of heat uptake if they are to forecast future conditions credibly.</p>



<p>“Addressing these challenges requires accurate climate projections - increasing ocean heat uptake intensifies extreme weather events, disrupts ecosystems, and accelerates sea level rise, making continued observation and model refinement essential,” Embury said.</p>



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



<p>Looking ahead, several forthcoming satellite missions promise to sharpen the picture further. Additional Copernicus Sentinel‑3 satellites will lengthen the infrared record, while ESA’s proposed TRUTHS mission plans to carry an ultra‑stable reference spectrometer.</p>



<p>The spectrometer will improve calibration across the entire suite of Earth‑observing instruments. Such advances are vital, because even small errors in measuring the ocean’s surface can accumulate into large uncertainties about total planetary heat.</p>



<p>Although the new study focuses on sea‑surface temperature, the implications extend well beyond. Surface warming is often just the tip of the iceberg. </p>



<p>Heat propagates downward on timescales of decades to centuries, altering currents, destabilizing ice shelves from below and setting the stage for further climate shifts long after atmospheric greenhouse‑gas levels are stabilized. </p>



<p>By tracking the surface layer with high precision, scientists gain clues about how much thermal energy is entering the deeper ocean and how quickly.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-influence-on-ocean-temperatures">Human influence on ocean temperatures</h2>



<p>The quadrupling of the warming rate since the late 1980s serves as a sobering marker of humanity’s influence on the climate system. It illustrates not only that the oceans are acting as a buffer, absorbing enormous amounts of excess heat, but also that this buffer is filling up faster than before.</p>



<p>Continued satellite surveillance of warm oceans, combined with in‑situ measurements and refined climate models, provides the clearest picture yet of how and why the ocean is changing - and helps societies plan responses. </p>



<p>Whether the next forty years see another acceleration or a slowdown will depend largely on how soon and how vigorously global greenhouse‑gas emissions are curbed.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/adaa8a" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Environmental Research Letters</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Ocean temperatures are rising faster than expected, and likely to accelerate

Satellite instruments that have been circling Earth since the early...

<p>Mars' Jezero Crater continues to reveal unexpected findings, with recent analyses uncovering a diverse array of volcanic rocks across its floor.</p>



<p>NASA’s <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/mars-2020-perseverance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Perseverance</a> rover has been instrumental in studying these rocks, with <a href="https://www.tamu.edu/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Texas A&amp;M</a>’s Dr. Michael Tice leading part of the research. </p>



<p>The findings may offer the strongest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-captured-in-true-color-like-youve-never-seen-the-red-planet-before/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">clues</a> yet about Mars’ ancient geology and its potential to have once supported life.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-volcanic-rocks-discovered">Complex volcanic rocks discovered</h2>



<p>The crater’s Máaz formation is more than just a layer of lava. It’s a complex suite of iron-rich volcanic rocks. These range from basic basaltic flows to evolved trachyandesites, with visible signs of internal layering, vesicles, and even amygdules.</p>



<p>Using PIXL (Planetary Instrument for X-ray Lithochemistry), the team mapped <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/split-personality-of-mars-revealed-in-its-striking-features/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chemical compositions</a> down to 120 microns. This level of detail allows scientists to see not only what elements exist, but how they arrange within the rock’s fabric.</p>



<p>“By analyzing these diverse volcanic rocks, we’ve gained valuable insights into the processes that shaped this region of Mars,” said Dr. Tice. “This enhances our understanding of the planet’s geological history and its potential to have supported life.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-magma-evolution-deep-in-mars-crust">Magma evolution deep in Mars’ crust</h2>



<p>The PIXL data show a high degree of fractional crystallization. Pyroxenes, feldspars, and olivine were once molten minerals that solidified deep within the Martian crust.</p>



<p>Some of the most iron-rich rocks, like those from the Bellegarde and Guillaumes sites, contain low magnesium numbers - as low as 11.2 - and high FeO contents exceeding 20%. These numbers suggest an unusually evolved magma.</p>



<p>Crystals within the rocks, particularly plagioclase feldspar in Alfalfa, show thermal disequilibrium. Some crystals formed slowly, then cooled rapidly in newer lava - preserving resorption textures and chemical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-collects-26th-rock-sample-on-mars-plans-to-bring-them-all-to-earth-for-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">zoning</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rocks-show-signs-of-crust-mixing">Rocks show signs of crust mixing </h2>



<p>Crystallization alone can’t explain all of the data. Thermodynamic models failed to reproduce the extreme iron enrichments found in the rocks. The experts believe these magmas also assimilated crustal materials rich in iron and silica.</p>



<p>“The processes we see here - fractional crystallization and crustal assimilation - happen in active volcanic systems on Earth,” said Dr. Tice.</p>



<p>“It suggests that this part of Mars may have had prolonged volcanic activity, which in turn could have provided a sustained source for different compounds used by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-mars-atmosphere-may-improve-weather-predictions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life</a>.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-ingredients-for-life">Key ingredients for life</h2>



<p>Altered minerals in the rocks tell another story. Olivine shows signs of serpentinization, indicating past interactions with water. Other secondary phases, like hydrated sulfates and chlorine-bearing apatite, hint at the presence of late-stage fluids.</p>



<p>The presence of water plus long-lasting heat from volcanism boosts the chances that Jezero once hosted habitable conditions. These clues help build a picture of Mars’ more dynamic and wetter past.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-volcanic-rocks-hold-clues-to-the-past"><strong>Volcanic rocks</strong> hold clues to the past</h2>



<p>Perseverance has collected core samples from these rocks. The Mars Sample Return (<a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/mars-sample-return/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MSR</a>) mission hopes to bring them back to Earth by the 2030s. Once here, scientists will be able to date the minerals and analyze trace isotopes with far greater precision.</p>



<p>“We’ve carefully selected these rocks because they contain clues to Mars’ past environments,” said Dr. Tice.</p>



<p>“When we get them back to Earth and can analyze them with laboratory instruments, we’ll be able to ask much more detailed questions about their history and potential biological signatures.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-exciting-discoveries-ahead">More exciting discoveries ahead</h2>



<p>NASA and the <a href="https://www.esa.int" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Space Agency</a> plan to return Perseverance’s collected samples to Earth by the early 2030s. Once here, scientists will study them using precise laboratory tools to confirm their origin, age, and biological potential.</p>



<p>Dr. Tice and his colleagues believe this is only the beginning of what Jezero’s rocks will reveal. The PIXL results have already provided unparalleled insight into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-once-had-a-strong-magnetic-field-but-now-only-traces-remain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Martian</a> magmatism, crustal recycling, and chemical evolution.</p>



<p>“Some of the most exciting work is still ahead of us. This study is just the beginning. We're seeing things that we never expected, and I think in the next few years, we’ll be able to refine our understanding of Mars’ geological history in ways we never imagined,” said Dr. Tice.</p>



<p>Whether or not these volcanic rocks ever supported life on Mars, they are clearly part of a much bigger story - one about a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-curiosity-rover-finds-sulfur-crystals-martian-rock-hints-at-possible-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">young planet</a> shaping itself through fire, water, and time.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adr2613" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.</em></p>



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New volcanic clues hint at ancient life on Mars

Mars' Jezero Crater continues to reveal unexpected findings, with recent...

<p>Space travel isn’t just about brave explorers rocketing to distant orbits. It also involves a constant watch over each astronaut's well-being, which becomes more complicated when Earth’s gravity no longer holds sway.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.nasa.gov/hrp/bodyinspace" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Experts</a> agree that prolonged missions can chip away at bone mass by as much as 1–2% per month, and they can also cause muscle <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dust-could-threaten-the-health-of-future-astronauts-on-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weakness</a>. These factors show why health tracking has become a top priority for those who launch beyond our planet.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wearable-devices-for-astronauts">Wearable devices for astronauts </h2>



<p>Yi Wang, an expert in the Department of Physical Education at <a href="http://Renmin University of China +86 10 6251 1084   https://g.co/kgs/mniGefw" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Renmin University of China</a>, is the lead author of a study that explored efforts to use comfortable and flexible devices for real-time insights into astronaut fitness.</p>



<p>"The burgeoning domain of flexible wearable devices is leading the way in aerospace medicine, providing groundbreaking solutions for the real-time health monitoring of astronauts," wrote the research team.</p>



<p>"As human space exploration evolves towards extended missions, the imperative to monitor the physiological and psychological well-being of astronauts is becoming increasingly paramount."</p>



<p>This approach tackles key concerns like blood pressure swings, joint strain, and emotional strain that might arise during months of weightlessness.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-astronaut-wearables-are-essential">Why astronaut wearables are essential</h2>



<p>Flexible sensors bring a gentle fit that matches the body’s contours. They track vital signs such as heart rate and oxygen levels through materials that can bend without losing accuracy.</p>



<p>The devices also collect data on how well each crew member adjusts to changes like <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/centers-and-facilities/glenn/what-is-microgravity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microgravity</a>. That information can help ground teams figure out if an astronaut’s bones or muscles need extra support during flights.</p>



<p>Some research suggests that flexible <a href="https://mhealth.jmir.org/2020/7/e15576/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">devices</a> can spot subtle shifts in cardiovascular function or posture before things become serious. This is important because the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astronauts-can-survive-mars-space-journey-but-their-kidneys-will-be-permanently-damaged/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">harsh environment</a> of space can turn a small health hiccup into a full-blown emergency.</p>



<p>Wearable devices also pave the way for continuous monitoring without burdening the astronaut. Less bulky hardware means more room inside cramped modules and improved mobility for daily tasks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tackling-space-specific-hurdles">Tackling space-specific hurdles</h2>



<p>Microgravity is a tricky term to define in plain language, but microgravity essentially means the near-weightless environment in orbit. It sets off changes throughout the human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astronauts-may-need-to-jump-for-better-knee-health-in-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">body</a> that can’t be fixed by typical gym routines.</p>



<p>Radiation is another threat since <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/missions/analog-field-testing/why-space-radiation-matters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space radiation</a> lacks the natural shielding we enjoy on Earth. Flexible wearables must withstand this hazard so that vital signals aren’t scrambled or lost.</p>



<p>In close quarters, data privacy and secure handling are absolute musts. Astronauts trust these devices to monitor intimate details, so breach-proof software is nonnegotiable.</p>



<p>The process of blending different streams of data into one reliable readout is still being refined. Scientists keep busy refining astronaut wearables to fuse data from heart monitors, motion trackers, and environmental detectors.</p>



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



<p>Teams aim to create new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astronauts-microbiome-health-is-crucial-to-future-space-exploration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">materials</a> that can handle extreme cold on a spacewalk, then shift back indoors without cracking. These breakthroughs could help sensors remain stable across temperature swings of hundreds of degrees.</p>



<p>Better algorithms are also on the radar. With artificial intelligence, ground crews can receive real-time alerts if any parameter spikes or dips in ways that signal a looming problem.</p>



<p>Battery life is another concern. Researchers are looking into how to harvest energy from an astronaut’s body heat or movement so the devices can run longer without heavy power packs.</p>



<p>Some innovators imagine a full suite of wearables layered under an astronaut’s suit. The idea is to deliver a near-instant update on muscle fatigue, radiation exposure, and even mood.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-teamwork-to-improve-space-safety">Teamwork to improve space safety</h2>



<p>Experts in aerospace medicine, biomechanics, materials science, and data security have begun teaming up. This joint effort ensures that <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/264599699_Recent_advances_in_flexible_and_stretchable_electronic_devices_via_electrospinning" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flexible sensors</a> do more than just capture numbers.</p>



<p>Researchers also want to refine how insights reach mission control. A well-designed interface can let flight surgeons step in early, possibly keeping a small concern from escalating.</p>



<p>Such teamwork crosses national and cultural boundaries. Multiple agencies share findings so that any breakthroughs can improve missions for everyone who ventures out of Earth’s orbit.</p>



<p>Universities, private companies, and government labs all contribute key pieces to the puzzle. They design prototypes, test them, and streamline the data flow so that astronauts remain safe and well.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wearables-reshape-astronaut-health-tracking">Wearables reshape astronaut health tracking</h2>



<p>Flexible wearables represent a big shift in how we look after crew members who travel hundreds of miles above Earth’s surface. They blend advanced materials and smooth sensors to create a constant flow of health data.</p>



<p>By focusing on material research, robust electronics, stronger algorithms, and airtight privacy, experts are shaping the next wave of support for humans in space travel.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2950235725000083?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Wearable Electronics</em></a>.</p>



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Flexible, wearable devices could track astronaut health in space

Space travel isn’t just about brave explorers rocketing to distant...

<p>NASA is preparing to send a quantum sensor into orbit to measure subtle shifts in Earth’s gravity. The implications of this effort reach far beyond academic curiosity because these measurements could reveal hidden phenomena, from changes in global water availability to pockets of oil and gas beneath the surface.</p>



<p>After two decades of planning, a group of researchers is set to integrate this sensor with a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/desi-gravity-study-new-discovery-proves-einstein-right-again/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">satellite</a> and launch it by the end of the decade. </p>



<p>The team includes private companies, academic partners, and NASA’s <a href="https://www.jpl.jobs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a>, where Jason Hyon serves as chief technologist for Earth Science and also directs the <a href="https://www.dlr.de/en/rb/research-operation/research-projects/quantum-technology/qsoc" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Quantum Space Innovation Center</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-detecting-hidden-gravity-shifts">Detecting hidden gravity shifts</h2>



<p>A <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/gravity-gradiometers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gravity gradiometer</a> is a tool that picks up tiny variations in how hard gravity pulls on objects. These changes are often invisible to everyday perception, yet they help paint a detailed picture of what lies under land or ocean.</p>



<p>Experts who track <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/radical-theory-unites-gravity-spacetime-and-the-quantum-realm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth</a>’s shifting mass rely on high-precision satellites for data on water supplies, ice sheets, and other large systems. </p>



<p>This mission, called Quantum Gravity Gradiometer Pathfinder (<a href="https://esto.nasa.gov/files/quantum/Chiow.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">QGGPf</a>), could be a major step toward refining those measurements and making them more accurate. A more precise view of our planet’s gravity may benefit efforts to manage natural resources on a global scale.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measuring-earth-s-gravity-with-frozen-atoms">Measuring Earth’s gravity with frozen atoms</h2>



<p>The heart of the mission relies on <a href="https://www.princeton.edu/~maelabs/mae324/glos324/rubidium.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rubidium atoms</a> that are chilled to extremely low temperatures. They are placed in free fall within the instrument, creating test masses that respond to gravity’s pull in ways that the device can measure with fine precision.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By monitoring the difference in how two atomic clouds accelerate, the team gains insights into subtle <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1140/epjqt/s40507-025-00338-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gravity shifts</a>.</p>



<p>Chilling atoms to near absolute zero is tricky to do on Earth because they need sustained free fall conditions. In space, these atoms remain in microgravity, offering a longer window to track tiny shifts in their movements.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-using-atoms-to-track-earth-s-gravity">Using atoms to track Earth's gravity</h2>



<p>Today’s space-based <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unraveling-gravity-quantum-nature-entanglement-mechanics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gravity</a> missions rely on multiple satellites that track their positions relative to each other. The QGGPf mission proposes a compact, single-satellite approach.</p>



<p>The sensor takes up about 0.3 cubic yards (0.2 cubic meters) and weighs roughly 275 pounds (125 kilograms). That size is manageable for launch yet still big enough to house complex laser and vacuum systems.</p>



<p>The ability to see variations at smaller scales may assist with identifying underground aquifers or regions where geological shifts threaten infrastructure. This is especially significant for communities that need to track freshwater availability.</p>



<p>“We could determine the mass of the Himalayas using atoms,” noted Hyon.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-testing-the-instrument-s-sensitivity">Testing the instrument's sensitivity </h2>



<p>NASA’s Earth Science Technology Office supports QGGPf, which highlights how agencies sometimes partner with smaller businesses and laboratories to advance the development of cutting-edge instruments.</p>



<p>Key roles in this project come from companies that develop the compact laser systems for cooling and trapping atoms. The synergy between government and private enterprise speeds up <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-gravity-pulls-earth-closer-to-the-sun-warming-our-climate-scientists-say/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">innovation</a>.</p>



<p>“We need to fly it so that we can figure out how well it will operate,” said Ben Stray, a postdoctoral researcher at JPL. He and others anticipate that the data collected will confirm whether the instrument truly achieves the sensitivity required for future missions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-atoms-reveal-secrets-of-earth-s-gravity">Atoms reveal secrets of Earth's gravity </h2>



<p>Gravity is stronger where there is more mass. A system able to detect even minor mass differences could deliver maps of rock density or water distribution beneath the surface. By comparing local gravity over time, scientists can also spot changes linked to <a href="https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20210025840/downloads/2021JB023024_Loomis.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">melting glaciers</a> or draining groundwater basins.</p>



<p>Much of this detail is absent from current measurements, which are already beneficial for climate scientists and geologists. QGGPf aims to build on that success and produce data at a higher resolution.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-keeping-the-data-accurate">Keeping the data accurate</h2>



<p>The sensor depends on lasers that cool atoms until they behave like overlapping waves. If any vibration or misalignment disrupts this setup, the data may lose accuracy. </p>



<p>The team has focused on stabilizing <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-018-0605-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">optical components</a> and ensuring that the vacuum system holding the atoms remains in the best possible condition.</p>



<p>A robust spacecraft attitude control system will keep the device oriented so that random movements in orbit don’t blur the results. Plans also include methods to guard against minor temperature fluctuations that could shift laser alignment or disturb the sensor’s vacuum chamber.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gravitational-fields-of-other-planets">Gravitational fields of other planets</h2>



<p>Knowing exactly how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/invisible-electric-field-discovered-surrounding-earth-nasa-says-its-as-crucial-as-gravity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gravity</a> changes can help with more than resource management. These measurements could enhance the understanding of fault lines and the structure of Earth’s crust.</p>



<p>The approach could also be applied to studies of gravitational fields on other planets, where future missions might carry versions of the same sensor to help map the inner layers.</p>



<p>“The QGGPf instrument will lead to planetary science applications and fundamental physics applications,” said Hyon. Teams worldwide are <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF00325375" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">watching</a> to see if QGGPf’s technology can move quantum sensing from laboratory floors into reliable, orbit-based instruments.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-generation-of-quantum-sensors">New generation of quantum sensors </h2>



<p>If this project meets its goals, it will open the door to more sensitive tools that may someday detect subtle gravitational signals from even smaller hidden features. </p>



<p>There is growing hope that a new generation of quantum sensors will transform how we explore everything from mining and energy reserves to the biggest questions about planetary formation.</p>



<p>Scientists from many disciplines are eager to see how a single craft can gather detailed insight into Earth’s gravitational puzzle. That data could indicate both risks and resources that might otherwise be missed.</p>



<p>The study was published in <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1140/epjqt/s40507-025-00338-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>EPJ Quantum Technology</em></a>.</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA</p>



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Scientists can map subtle shifts in Earth's gravity using atoms

NASA is preparing to send a quantum sensor into orbit...

<p>A narrow slice of starlight has raised suspense about the possibility of company in the cosmos. While the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) watched the exoplanet K2-18b glide across its parent star, sulfur‑bearing gases appeared in the planet’s airborne haze.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planet-k2-18-b-studied-again-confirm-presence-dms-gas-only-produced-by-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dimethyl sulfide</a> and dimethyl disulfide - molecules tied to biological activity on Earth - leave unmistakable fingerprints in the data.</p>



<p>No telescope had ever hinted at these compounds beyond our neighborhood, so the finding instantly climbed toward the top of every astrobiologist’s wish list.</p>



<p>The signal meets the three‑sigma bar, which means there is only a&nbsp;0.3&nbsp;percent chance it popped out of random noise. </p>



<p>Scientists need five&nbsp;sigma - less than&nbsp;0.00006&nbsp;percent probability - to declare a discovery. Yet getting this close with a planet&nbsp;124&nbsp;light‑years, or roughly&nbsp;730&nbsp;trillion&nbsp;miles, away stands out as today’s sharpest clue that life might thrive elsewhere. </p>



<p>Those numbers alone for K2-18b promise a lively debate in laboratories around the globe for months to come. They also focus attention on the interplay between ocean chemistry and atmospheric circulation on watery worlds that orbit small, dim suns.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-k2-18b-has-room-for-an-ocean">K2‑18b has room for an ocean</h2>



<p>Discovered in&nbsp;2015,&nbsp;K2‑18b weighs about&nbsp;8.6&nbsp;times as much as Earth and spans&nbsp;2.6&nbsp;times our planet’s diameter - big enough to keep a thick hydrogen atmosphere yet small enough to support a surface ocean. </p>



<p>The world sits inside the habitable zone of a cool red dwarf, where sunshine could keep water liquid and the hydrogen atmosphere could retain heat.</p>



<p>“We didn’t know for sure whether the signal we saw last time was due to DMS, but just the hint of it was exciting enough for us to have another look with JWST using a different instrument,” said Professor Nikku Madhusudhan of Cambridge’s <a href="https://www.ast.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute of Astronomy</a>, who led the research.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sulfur-signals-in-stardust">Sulfur signals in stardust</h2>



<p>Astronomers tease out atmospheric chemistry by watching a planet dim its star during transit. As K2‑18b moves across the stellar face, a sliver of light filters through the gas envelope, and <a href="https://webbtelescope.org/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JWST</a> shows which wavelengths are absorbed. </p>



<p>Earlier passes with its <a href="https://webbtelescope.org/contents/media/images/01FA0T0WM3X65FFXM0JBR4C5ZB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NIRISS</a> and <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/webb/nirspec/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NIRSpec</a> cameras suggested sulfur compounds; the fresh visit used the Mid‑Infrared Instrument, which covers longer wavelengths and overlaps with neither camera.</p>



<p>“This is an independent line of evidence, using a different instrument than we did before and a different wavelength range of light, where there is no overlap with the previous observations,” said Madhusudhan. “The signal came through strong and clear.”</p>



<p>“It was an incredible realization seeing the results emerge and remain consistent throughout the extensive independent analyses and robustness tests,” added co‑author Måns Holmberg of the <a href="https://www.stsci.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Space Telescope Science Institute</a> in Baltimore, USA.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-dimethyl-sulfide-matters">Why dimethyl sulfide matters</h2>



<p>On Earth, marine phytoplankton exhale <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/expanding-the-search-for-extraterrestrial-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dimethyl sulfide</a>, giving seaside air its faint whiff of cabbage. Levels rarely rise above one part per billion here, yet the telescope sees more than ten parts per million on K2‑18b - thousands of times stronger. </p>



<p>At that concentration, even a thin soup of microbes churning beneath global clouds could recharge the atmosphere in short order.</p>



<p>“Earlier theoretical work had predicted that high levels of sulfur‑based gases like DMS and DMDS are possible on Hycean worlds,” Madhusudhan said. </p>



<p>“And now we’ve observed it, exactly as predicted. Given everything we know about this planet, a Hycean world with an ocean that is teeming with life is the scenario that best fits the data we have.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-k2-18b-and-the-five-sigma-milestone">K2-18b and the five‑sigma milestone</h2>



<p>The team’s analysis already meets the community’s three‑sigma standard, but only five sigma counts as confirmation. </p>



<p>Simulations show that between 16 and 24 hours of additional JWST time should push the statistics over the line, provided the telescope secures enough clear transits in the months ahead.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/exoplanet_K2-18b_life-evidence_spectrum-graph_credit-UCambridge_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/exoplanet_K2-18b_life-evidence_spectrum-graph_credit-UCambridge_1s.webp" alt="The graph shows the observed transmission spectrum of the habitable zone exoplanet K2-18 b using the JWST MIRI spectrograph. The vertical shows the fraction of star light absorbed in the planet's atmosphere due to molecules in the planet's atmosphere. The data are shown in the yellow circles with the 1-sigma uncertainties. The curves show the model fits to the data, with the black curve showing the median fit and the cyan curves outlining the 1-sigma intervals of the model fits. The absorption features attributed to dimethyl sulphide and dimethyl disulphide are indicated by the horizontal lines and text. The image behind the graph is an illustration of a hycean planet orbiting a red dwarf star. Credit: A. Smith, N. Madhusudhan (University of Cambridge)" class="wp-image-1965978"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>The graph shows the observed transmission spectrum of the habitable zone exoplanet K2-18 b using the JWST MIRI spectrograph. The vertical shows the fraction of star light absorbed in the planet's atmosphere due to molecules in the planet's atmosphere. The data are shown in the yellow circles with the 1-sigma uncertainties. The curves show the model fits to the data, with the black  curve showing the median fit and the cyan curves outlining the 1-sigma intervals of the model fits. The absorption features attributed to dimethyl sulphide and dimethyl disulphide are indicated by the horizontal lines and text. The image behind the graph is an illustration of a hycean planet orbiting a red dwarf star. Click image to enlarge. Credit: A. Smith, N. Madhusudhan (University of Cambridge)</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>“The inference of these biosignature molecules poses profound questions concerning the processes that might be producing them,” said co‑author Subhajit Sarkar of <a href="https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cardiff University</a>. </p>



<p>“Our work is the starting point for all the investigations now needed to confirm and understand the implications of these exciting findings,” added co‑author Savvas Constantinou, also of Cambridge’s Institute of Astronomy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overcoming-skepticism">Overcoming skepticism</h2>



<p>Researchers remain cautious because exotic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-rely-on-quantum-mechanics-to-transfer-energy-from-sunlight/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photochemistry</a> or interior geologic vents could, in principle, forge the same molecules without biology. </p>



<p>Laboratory experiments, improved climate simulations, and careful comparisons with other exoplanets will probe those alternative pathways while new telescope time gathers stronger data.</p>



<p>“It’s important that we’re deeply skeptical of our own results, because it’s only by testing and testing again that we’ll reach the point where we’re confident in them,” Madhusudhan said. “That’s how science has to work.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-happens-next-for-k2-18b">What happens next for K2-18b?</h2>



<p>Webb’s sensitive eye was built for this kind of measurement, yet even sharper tools lie on the horizon. </p>



<p>Planned observatories such as the <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/astrophysics/programs/habitable-worlds-observatory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Habitable Worlds Telescope</a> and the European Extremely Large Telescope will study smaller, cooler planets with richer spectra, expanding the growing catalog of possible biospheres and giving scientists the ability to cross‑check signs of life across many worlds.</p>



<p>“Decades from now, we may look back at this point in time and recognize it was when the living universe came within reach,” Madhusudhan said. </p>



<p>“This could be the tipping point, where suddenly the fundamental question of whether we’re alone in the universe is one we’re capable of answering.”</p>



<p>These sulfur‑scented hints from K2‑18b remind us how quickly the search for life is moving from speculation to evidence.</p>



<p>If the signal holds, K2‑18b will stand as the first concrete clue that life can bloom under unfamiliar skies, turning a distant red dwarf’s faint light into a global ocean’s worth of metabolism.</p>



<p>The full study was published in <em><a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/0004-637X" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Astrophysical Journal Letters</a></em>.</p>



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"Signature of life" detected on another world by the Webb telescope, study suggests

A narrow slice of starlight has raised suspense about the...

Hotel,Relaxation,On,Lazy,Day,With,Asian,Woman,Waking,Up

<p>It can be hard to feel energized when alarm clocks jolt us awake from deep sleep each day. Many people struggle with morning grogginess, sometimes turning to naps or extra caffeine to push through the early hours. </p>



<p>New research has revealed that simply letting in a bit of natural light before <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/overall-people-feel-better-about-life-in-the-morning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">getting out of bed</a> can make a big difference. The research was led by Professor Matsushita from <a href="https://www.omu.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Osaka Metropolitan University</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preventing-groggy-mornings-with-light">Preventing groggy mornings with light</h2>



<p>Poor sleep has become a modern problem that affects workers, students, and practically anyone with a packed schedule. A 2023 poll by the <a href="https://aasm.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/sleep-prioritization-survey-2023-sleep-aids.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Academy of Sleep Medicine</a> found that a majority of adults are not hitting the recommended rest hours.</p>



<p>Several experts <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17936041/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">report</a> that bright light early in the day can help the body reset its internal clock. This reduces a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pets-increase-life-satisfaction-as-much-as-marriage-or-close-friendships/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phenomenon</a> called sleep inertia, which is a heavy feeling some people experience right after they open their eyes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-light-works-better-than-lamps">Natural light works better than lamps</h2>



<p>Some past <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/13/6/1482" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">studies</a> used artificial lamps, but this new approach focused on sunlight as a more realistic option. Researchers pointed out that busy homeowners and apartment dwellers need something simple, like window adjustments, to welcome early-morning rays.</p>



<p>A group of volunteers tried different ways of letting sunlight filter into their bedrooms. Some had the bedroom remain dark until they <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-increases-feelings-of-hope-happiness-and-gratitude/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">woke up</a>, while others allowed the curtains to open at varying times.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-power-of-sunlight">The power of sunlight</h2>



<p>One subset of the volunteers let in moderate light shortly before the alarm went off. They reported feeling more rested and alert right after rising.</p>



<p>Those exposed to brighter natural light for a longer duration sometimes reported feeling disrupted if it began too early. This suggests more light is not always better if it cuts into the final stretch of sleep.</p>



<p>Motorized curtains and smart home devices can automate morning light exposure. This minimizes the need to fumble with blinds or lamps upon waking.</p>



<p>Advanced gadgets can still help, but this study emphasizes the power of sunlight itself. It highlights how careful timing, rather than the strongest possible brightness, can support a smoother start to the day.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eliminating-groggy-mornings">Eliminating groggy mornings</h2>



<p>Researchers note that people’s sleep cycles shift through the year. Different seasons bring unique sunrise times, so future setups may use sensors that adjust exposure based on day length or weather changes.</p>



<p>“In the future, we hope to control natural light in the sleep environment as it changes with the seasons and time of day, and to clarify how to introduce natural light that is suitable for a more comfortable awakening,” stated Professor Matsushita.</p>



<p>Simple bedroom changes may help folks who dread mornings. Drawing curtains back at just the right time can reduce that initial <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/happiness-influences-online-shopping-habits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fog</a>.</p>



<p><a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6751071/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Studies</a> also show that early light can gently nudge the body’s internal rhythm. This could be especially useful for shift workers or anyone who wants to improve their morning energy and general mood.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-practical-steps-to-fight-grogginess">Practical steps to fight grogginess</h2>



<p>Experts recommend noticing how different wakeup styles affect your mental clarity. That could involve trying a short trial of partial morning light, then gauging whether you still feel drained.</p>



<p>People who share a bedroom might have different preferences. One person may like a quick burst of brightness, while another prefers a gradual approach. A little experimentation can help reach a middle ground.</p>



<p>One option is a slow-opening curtain system that begins letting light in about 20 minutes before your set alarm. That interval appeared beneficial for easing away from deep rest in this recent <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S036013232500215X" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a>.</p>



<p>Some may prefer a slightly different schedule. If earlier rays interrupt you, setting the motorized curtains to remain shut for a bit longer could work better.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-making-the-morning-count">Making the morning count</h2>



<p>Small changes can be surprisingly helpful. Opening a window shade or adjusting a timer requires little money or effort, but could pay off for less groggy mornings.</p>



<p>Those interested in testing more advanced solutions might look into combined light and temperature regulation systems. There’s always room to refine how we greet the day, but the principle stays the same: the right balance of natural light is key.</p>



<p>Shifting away from pitch-dark bedrooms at dawn can feel strange at first. But once you wake with a hint of sunrise in the background, that mental cloud often lifts more smoothly.</p>



<p>This approach does not replace consistent bedtime habits. Maintaining a steady schedule and avoiding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/caffeine-has-a-protective-effect-on-heart-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">caffeine</a> or screens near bedtime can further support better sleep quality.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sunlight-can-improve-mornings-naturally">Sunlight can improve mornings naturally</h2>



<p>This study highlights the importance of placing sunlight front and center in the conversation about better rest and less daytime grogginess. Moderation turns out to be the sweet spot for a more peaceful start to the day.</p>



<p>Over time, such insights may prompt architects and homeowners to design spaces that let in just enough light in the early hours. The prospect of simple, natural solutions is a promising step toward feeling less groggy and more productive in the mornings.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S036013232500215X" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Building and Environment</em></a>.</p>



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Feeling groggy? A simple trick can transform your mornings

It can be hard to feel energized when alarm clocks...

<p>In a finding that reshapes what we thought we knew about how planets move, astronomers have discovered a planet that orbits at a perfect right angle - 90 degrees - around two stars.</p>



<p>This type of orbit, called a polar orbit, has been suggested in theory and hinted at through indirect observations. But until now, there was no solid evidence that such a planet existed.</p>



<p>The discovery comes from scientists at the <a href="https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Birmingham</a>, who made the observation using the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope (VLT) in Chile. </p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sulfur-dioxide-found-on-distant-exoplanet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exoplanet</a>, named 2M1510 (AB) b, circles a rare pair of brown dwarfs - objects larger than gas-giant planets like Jupiter but not massive enough to qualify as full-fledged stars.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strange-planet-in-a-unique-system">Strange planet in a unique system</h2>



<p>Planets that orbit two stars - like Tatooine from <em>Star Wars</em> - are not unheard of. Several of them have been identified in recent years. But they tend to orbit in the same flat plane that the two stars share as they revolve around each other. What sets this new planet apart is its highly tilted, perpendicular path.</p>



<p>“I am particularly excited to be involved in detecting credible evidence that this configuration exists,” said Thomas Baycroft, a PhD student at the University of Birmingham, who led the study.</p>



<p>The host system, known as 2M1510, is no ordinary binary. It’s only the second known pair of brown dwarfs that eclipse each other from Earth’s viewpoint. </p>



<p>Because of these eclipses, the system provided ideal conditions for astronomers to closely track shifts in motion. This made it possible to detect the tug of a hidden planet with a surprising <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exoplanet-discovered-with-bizarre-cucumber-shaped-orbit/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">orbit</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tilted-orbit-around-two-brown-dwarfs">Tilted orbit around two brown dwarfs</h2>



<p>The planet’s configuration is a triple rarity. It orbits not just any binary, but a binary brown dwarf, and does so in a polar orbit. </p>



<p>These orbits were previously thought to be possible based on computer models and evidence of tilted planet-forming discs. But this is the first time astronomers have found a planet that actually moves in such a way.</p>



<p>“A planet orbiting not just a binary, but a binary <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brown-dwarfs-detected-outside-the-milky-way-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brown dwarf</a>, as well as being on a polar orbit is rather incredible and exciting,” said Amaury Triaud, a professor at the University of Birmingham.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-accidental-discovery">An accidental discovery</h2>



<p>The researchers did not originally set out to find this type of planet. They were studying the brown dwarfs themselves, collecting data using the Ultraviolet and Visual Echelle Spectrograph (UVES) on the VLT.</p>



<p>The brown dwarf system had been discovered in 2018 by Triaud and colleagues using another instrument called SPECULOOS, also located at ESO’s Paranal Observatory.</p>



<p>While refining the physical and orbital characteristics of the binary, the experts noticed irregular movements - small wobbles and shifts that didn’t match predictions.</p>



<p>Those unexplained changes led the team to suspect a hidden third object was influencing the system.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-surprising-turn-of-events">A surprising turn of events</h2>



<p>“We reviewed all possible scenarios, and the only one consistent with the data is if a planet is on a polar orbit about this binary,” said Baycroft.</p>



<p>Triaud noted that the discovery was serendipitous, as the observations were not collected to seek such a planet, or its unusual orbital configuration. "As such, it is a big surprise."</p>



<p>“Overall, I think this shows to us astronomers, but also to the public at large, what is possible in the fascinating Universe we inhabit," said Triaud.</p>



<p>The rare planet opens up new possibilities in our understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-planets-form-its-much-more-complicated-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">how planets form</a> and behave, especially in unusual systems. It’s a reminder that space doesn’t always follow the rules we expect. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mystery-of-the-new-planet-s-orbit">Mystery of the new planet's orbit</h2>



<p>The discovery also raises new questions about how planets form and settle into their orbits. Most known planets - especially those in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/binary-systems-with-living-and-dead-stars-reveal-stellar-secrets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">binary systems</a> - tend to follow predictable, flat paths. So how did 2M1510 (AB) b end up in such an unusual position?</p>



<p>Scientists suspect that gravitational interactions during the system’s early years may have tilted the planet’s orbit, but the exact mechanism remains unclear.</p>



<p>Finding a planet on a polar orbit challenges long-held assumptions about how orderly and consistent planetary systems are supposed to be. It suggests that nature may allow for a much greater variety of planetary arrangements than we’ve seen so far. </p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adu0627" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a></em>.</p>



<p>Image Credit: ESO/L. Calçada</p>



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<p></p>

Unusual planet discovered in an orbit that has never been seen before

In a finding that reshapes what we thought we knew...

Coffee

<p>Coffee is more than just a drink. It’s a daily ritual, a cultural symbol, and for many, a necessity. We pour it in the morning to wake up, share it with friends to connect, and rely on it through long work hours. Globally, people consume tens of billions of kilograms of coffee each year.</p>



<p>Yet, this love for coffee faces serious challenges. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-civet-day-2025-reveals-the-dark-side-of-a-luxury-coffee/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Coffee</a> grows in narrow climate zones and depends on very specific conditions. As climate change disrupts weather and soil patterns, it threatens the future of this cherished crop. </p>



<p>To meet rising demand without increasing the pressure on production, scientists are turning to an unexpected solution: the physics of brewing. </p>



<p>A recent study from the University of Pennsylvania offers insights on how changing how we pour coffee could improve its quality and reduce waste.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pour-height-changes-coffee-strength">Pour height changes coffee strength</h2>



<p>The team explored one of the most beloved brewing methods - pour-over coffee. The researchers focused not on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healthy-aging-drinking-coffee-can-add-years-to-your-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coffee</a> chemistry, but on how water interacts with coffee grounds. They aimed to find a better way to extract more flavor from fewer beans.</p>



<p>“What we recommend is making the pour height as high as possible, while still maintaining a laminar flow, where the jet doesn’t break up when it impacts the coffee grinds,” said Ernest Park, the study's lead author.</p>



<p>This may seem like a small detail, but the study revealed it’s significance. By carefully adjusting the height and shape of the water stream, the researchers were able to improve the entire brewing process.</p>



<p>Water poured from a greater height with steady flow digs into the coffee bed more effectively, stirring up the grounds.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-jet-strength-matters">Why jet strength matters</h2>



<p>The researchers found that gooseneck kettles - a favorite among <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coffee-flavor-can-be-improved-with-a-simple-trick/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coffee</a> lovers - produce the ideal kind of stream.</p>



<p>These kettles create a thick, focused jet that avoids splashing or breaking into droplets. When this strong stream hits the coffee bed, it creates a controlled avalanche of motion. The grounds rise and fall in a wave-like pattern, allowing deeper mixing.</p>



<p>This movement improves the interaction between water and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-coffee-is-missing-these-five-brain-boosting-spices/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coffee</a>. The deeper the water penetrates and stirs, the more flavor it pulls out. As a result, stronger coffee can be made using fewer grounds, a win for both taste and sustainability.</p>



<p>“If you have a thin jet, then it tends to break up into droplets,” said co-author Margot Young from the <a href="https://www.upenn.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Pennsylvania</a>. </p>



<p>“That’s what you want to avoid in these pour-overs, because that means the jet cannot mix the coffee grounds effectively.”</p>



<p>Thin jets lose their shape before they reach the coffee bed. This weak flow lacks the power to stir the grounds properly. Without movement, much of the flavor stays trapped in the unused layers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shining-a-light-on-coffee-pour-and-flow">Shining a light on coffee pour and flow</h2>



<p>One challenge in studying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/morning-coffee-drinkers-have-a-lower-risk-of-heart-disease-and-death/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coffee</a> is that it’s naturally dark. You can’t see how water moves through the grounds during brewing. To solve this, the team turned to a creative method. </p>



<p>The experts used transparent particles instead of actual coffee and placed them in a clear glass funnel. Then, they illuminated the setup with lasers to track the motion of the water.</p>



<p>This allowed the researchers to directly observe how different streams affected the mixing. They saw how laminar jets dug into the grounds, circulated particles, and created whirlpool-like patterns.</p>



<p>The trial confirmed what the pour-over experiments suggested: stronger, steady jets produce better mixing and more complete extraction.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pouring-trick-to-make-stronger-coffee">Pouring trick to make stronger coffee</h2>



<p>The researchers don’t plan to continue with coffee-specific studies, but they believe this work opens the door for more everyday science.</p>



<p>There are still many brewing factors to explore - grind size, temperature, pouring technique - that shape the final cup. These are not just culinary questions but scientific ones too.</p>



<p>“We can really learn something from both the chemistry and physics point of view by looking at the kitchen,” said co-author Arnold Mathijssen. “It leads to new science where you didn’t expect it.”</p>



<p>The researchers' advice? Try it at home. </p>



<p>Pour your coffee from a higher point, using a thick, steady stream. Watch the results. You might get a stronger, smoother brew - without needing more beans.</p>



<p>Sometimes, even in something as ordinary as a morning cup of coffee, physics has the final word.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://pubs.aip.org/aip/pof/article-abstract/37/4/043332/3342795/Pour-over-coffee-Mixing-by-a-water-jet-impinging?redirectedFrom=fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Physics of Fluids</a>.</em></p>



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

How you pour coffee changes both its strength and flavor

Coffee is more than just a drink. It’s a daily...

Terrestrial Exoplanet

<p>Stellar corpses are supposed to cool, fade, and mind their own business. Yet a new climate‑modeling study hints that some of these faint objects - white dwarfs - could keep nearby planets toasty enough for liquid water to exist.</p>



<p>That possibility expands the hunting ground for habitable worlds by billions of targets and challenges the old idea that life can flourish only around stars that are very much alive.</p>



<p>Today’s tools make that hunt more than wishful thinking. The James&nbsp;Webb&nbsp;Space&nbsp;Telescope (<a href="https://webbtelescope.org/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JWST</a>) has already glimpsed gas‑giant candidates circling white dwarfs, proving that planets can survive their star’s violent endgame. </p>



<p>With Webb’s infrared eyes, astronomers can now probe <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rocky-planets-a-new-target-in-the-search-for-extraterrestrial-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rocky worlds</a> the size of Earth. That capability sets the stage for fresh computer experiments comparing two very different star systems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-white-dwarf-corpses-don-t-chill-out">White dwarf corpses don’t chill out</h2>



<p>After a Sun‑like star sheds its outer layers, its core contracts into a white dwarf that is roughly as big as Earth but packs about half the Sun’s mass.</p>



<p>Current models suggest the Milky Way hosts around 10&nbsp;billion of these embers, and more than 97&nbsp;percent of all stars will finish their lives the same way.</p>



<p>Aomawa Shields of the <a href="https://www.uci.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California,</a> Irvine, and colleagues wondered whether such dim stars could light the way for life.</p>



<p>“While white dwarf stars may still give off some heat from residual nuclear activity in their outer layers, they no longer exhibit nuclear fusion at their cores. For this reason, not much consideration has been given to these stars’ ability to host habitable exoplanets,” Shields explained.</p>



<p>“Our computer simulations suggest that if <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/four-small-planets-discovered-orbiting-the-nearest-single-star-to-earth-barnards-star/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rocky planets</a> exist in their orbits, these planets could have more habitable real estate on their surfaces than previously thought.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-two-sun-water-world">Two‑sun water world</h2>



<p>The team used a three‑dimensional climate model that is normally used for Earth’s environment to compare the climates of two a hypothetical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-finds-17-exoplanets-that-have-oceans-and-possibly-alien-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean‑covered planet</a>s with Earth‑like atmospheres. The two exoplanets were modeled to be in orbit around two different stars.</p>



<p>One exoplanet was placed in the so‑called habitable zone of a hypothetical 5,000 K white dwarf that has passed through most of its lifecycle and is on the slow path to stellar death. </p>



<p>For comparison, they placed the other exoplanet in the habitable zone around the main-sequence star known as <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/exoplanet-catalog/kepler-62-f/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kepler‑62</a>. This is a K-dwarf star that has an equivalent temperature to the white dwarf, but is still actively fusing hydrogen in its core. Kepler-62 is in a similar life stage as our Sun. </p>



<p>Both modeled planets were assumed to be tidally locked, with one hemisphere fixed in daylight and the other in eternal night. That configuration is common for worlds that hug close to small stars. </p>



<p>Despite receiving the same amount of starlight overall, the climates of the two test exoplanets diverged in a surprising way.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-speed-keeps-white-dwarfs-warm">Speed keeps white dwarfs warm</h2>



<p>The white‑dwarf planet zips around its star every 10 hours. That tight orbit forces a 10‑hour day - much faster than Earth’s orbit, and far quicker than the 155‑day slog of its Kepler‑62 counterpart.</p>



<p>Rapid rotation whips up powerful winds that whisk heat from the day side to the night side and back again. Those winds also shear away the thick, reflective clouds that tend to gather over a slow‑spinning planet’s hot hemisphere.</p>



<p>As a result, the white‑dwarf world ran about 25 °C warmer at its surface than the planet orbiting Kepler‑62.</p>



<p>“We expect synchronous rotation of an exoplanet in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exoplanet-found-in-the-habitable-zone-of-a-binary-star-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitable zone</a> of a normal star like Kepler‑62 to create more cloud cover on the planet’s dayside, reflecting incoming radiation away from the planet’s surface,” Shields noted.</p>



<p>That’s usually a good thing for planets orbiting close to the inner edge of their stars’ habitable zones, where they could stand to cool off a bit rather than lose their oceans to space in a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/runaway-greenhouse-effect-could-turn-earth-into-an-uninhabitable-hell/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">runaway greenhouse</a>. But for a planet orbiting squarely in the middle of the habitable zone, it’s not such a good idea.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clouds-winds-extra-shoreline">Clouds, winds, extra shoreline</h2>



<p>The model showed that fewer dayside liquid‑water clouds let more sunlight stream down, while stronger greenhouse gases on the nightside trapped outgoing heat. </p>



<p>“The planet orbiting Kepler‑62 has so much cloud cover that it cools off too much, sacrificing precious <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exoplanet-kmt-2020-blg-0414-reveals-fate-of-earth-eight-billion-years-from-now/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitable surface</a> area in the process," Shields continued.</p>



<p>"On the other hand, the planet orbiting the white dwarf is rotating so fast that it never has time to build up nearly as much cloud cover on its dayside, so it retains more heat, and that works in its favor.”</p>



<p>Taken together, the temperature bump and the efficient heat circulation spread balmy conditions over a larger fraction of the white‑dwarf planet’s globe. </p>



<p>That result matters because real estate near the terminator - the ring of perpetual sunset between day and night - often offers the best prospects for life on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/morning-evening-atmosphere-detected-exoplanet-wasp-39b-for-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tidally locked worlds</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wider-playground-for-planet-hunters">Wider playground for planet hunters</h2>



<p>Planets in orbit around dead stars are no longer hypothetical. In 2020, astronomers spotted <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/exoplanet-catalog/wd-1856534-b/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WD 1856+534 b</a>, a Jupiter‑sized object that circles its white dwarf host every 34 hours without being torn apart.</p>



<p>In&nbsp;2024, the Webb telescope directly detected two more gas‑giant candidates orbiting separate white dwarfs, demonstrating Webb’s knack for sniffing out faint planets against dim stellar backgrounds.</p>



<p>“These results suggest that the white dwarf stellar environment, once thought of as inhospitable to life, may present new avenues for exoplanet and astrobiology researchers to pursue,” Shields said. </p>



<p>As powerful observational capabilities to assess exoplanet atmospheres and astrobiology have come on line, such as those associated with the Webb telescope, we could be entering a new phase in which we’re studying an entirely new class of worlds around previously unconsidered stars.</p>



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



<p>Every white dwarf cools for billions of years, granting any close‑in planet a stable light source for far longer than the Sun’s remaining lifespan.</p>



<p>With ten billion of these stars scattered through our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astronomers-found-something-strange-at-core-of-milky-way-galaxy-webb-meerkat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way galaxy</a>, even a tiny fraction hosting temperate rocky worlds would translate into a staggering number of potential abodes.</p>



<p>The next step is clear: point Webb and its successors at the brightest white dwarfs, catch a transit, and read the atmospheric fingerprints. If the models are right, the ghostly glow of a dying star could someday soon reveal a living planet.</p>



<p>The full study was published in <em><a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/1538-4357/ad9827" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Astrophysical Journal</a></em>.</p>



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Over 10 billion stars in our Milky Way galaxy can support planets with life

Stellar corpses are supposed to cool, fade, and mind their...

<p>A new study has revealed tantalizing evidence of Mars’ watery past, bringing scientists a step closer to answering one of the biggest questions in planetary science: did life ever exist on the Red Planet? </p>



<p>Led by researchers at the <a href="https://www.qut.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queensland University of Technology</a> (QUT), the study focused on data from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-perseverance-rover-finds-a-treasure-trove-of-rocks-at-jezero-craters-rim/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Perseverance rover</a>, which has been exploring Jezero Crater on Mars' surface since its landing in 2021.</p>



<p>The QUT team, working alongside scientists from North America and Europe, uncovered mineral fingerprints. The footprints indicate Mars once experienced multiple periods of mineral formation - each suggesting different environmental conditions beneath the surface. </p>



<p>According to lead author Michael Jones, an astrophysicist at QUT, these discoveries highlight just how complex the geological history of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lake-sediments-found-in-jezero-crater-hint-at-past-life-on-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jezero Crater</a> is and how many opportunities there may have been for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/did-mars-once-host-life-we-finally-know-where-to-look/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life</a> to take hold.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-minerals-on-mars-surface">Minerals on Mars’ surface </h2>



<p>The team’s focus was on calcium-sulfate minerals, which often form in the presence of water. These minerals were found at two sites within Jezero Crater - Hogwallow Flats and Yori Pass - in a region known as the Shenandoah formation.</p>



<p>“Sulphate minerals exist with different amounts of water in most regions on Mars and allow us to understand how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-water-reservoir-discovered-medusae-fossae-formation-two-miles-deep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water</a> moved around the planet, which is key to understanding its past habitability,” explained Jones.</p>



<p>Until now, scientists weren’t sure how or when these minerals formed. But Jones and his colleagues introduced a novel approach to tackle this problem. </p>



<p>The experts adapted a new method - X-ray Backscatter Diffraction Mapping (XBDM) - originally developed at the <a href="https://www.ansto.gov.au/facilities/australian-synchrotron" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Australian Synchrotron</a>, to Mars-based analysis using Perseverance’s PIXL instrument. PIXL, short for Planetary Instrument for X-ray Lithochemistry, was developed by NASA with contributions from QUT alumna Abigail Allwood.</p>



<p>By applying XBDM to PIXL data, the team was able to probe the internal crystal structures of these minerals directly in the Martian rock. That structural fingerprint revealed the orientation and growth of the crystals, shedding light on the environmental conditions when the minerals formed.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-was-life-possible-on-mars">When was life possible on Mars?</h2>



<p>The analysis revealed two generations of calcium-sulfate crystals. One set formed just beneath the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-surface-contains-more-organic-matter-than-previously-believed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Martian surface</a>, while the other originated from much deeper underground - at depths of at least 80 meters.</p>



<p>“This discovery highlights the diversity of environments that existed in the Shenandoah formation’s history - indicating multiple potential windows when life might have been possible on Mars,” Jones said.</p>



<p>The variation in mineral formation points to repeated cycles of subsurface water movement and geological activity, both of which are crucial in creating habitable conditions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-broader-mission-of-perseverance">The broader mission of Perseverance </h2>



<p>Since arriving in Jezero Crater, Perseverance has been exploring a variety of rock types, from ancient lava flows to the sedimentary remains of a vanished lake and river delta. The mission is driven by one of NASA’s central goals for Mars exploration: to study past environments that might have supported microbial life.</p>



<p>Perseverance’s samples are part of a broader campaign to collect Martian rocks and soil that may one day be returned to Earth for detailed laboratory analysis. </p>



<p>The rover's findings not only help build a clearer picture of Mars' geological evolution, but they also offer critical clues for the search for ancient biosignatures.</p>



<p>QUT researchers, including associate professors David  Flannery and Christoph  Schrank as well as team members Brendan Orenstein and Peter Nemere, are deeply involved in this mission through the university’s <a href="https://research.qut.edu.au/pse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Planetary Surface Exploration Research Group</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-milestone-in-planetary-science">A milestone in planetary science</h2>



<p>The study also highlights the growing role that Australia plays in international space research. QUT’s deepening involvement with NASA and the <a href="https://www.space.gov.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Australian Space Agency</a> showcases its growing influence in robotics, remote sensing, astrobiology and planetary exploration.</p>



<p>“Experience gained by QUT researchers exposed to the cutting edge of the robotics, automation, data science, and astrobiology fields has the potential to kick start Australia’s space industry,” said Flannery, who also serves as a long-term planner for the Perseverance mission.</p>



<p>The team’s innovative use of Earth-based analytical techniques on Martian data marks a milestone in planetary science. Not only does it pave the way for improved analysis of Mars’ mineral record, but it also helps sharpen the focus of future exploration efforts.</p>



<p>As Perseverance continues its journey across Jezero Crater on Mars' surface, each new discovery deepens our understanding of Mars’ past. The identification of multiple mineral-forming events beneath the surface offers a compelling narrative of changing conditions - ones that might once have been just right for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/detecting-life-on-mars-a-breakthrough-in-space-research/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life</a>.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adt3048" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science Advances</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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<p></p>

Clues beneath Mars’ surface reveal possible habitats for ancient life

A new study has revealed tantalizing evidence of Mars’ watery...

<p>Gold might not just be for jewelry anymore - it could also hold the key to restoring vision. Researchers are exploring a surprising new approach to treating blindness caused by retinal disorders. </p>



<p>Their focus? Gold nanoparticles - microscopic particles thousands of times thinner than a human hair.</p>



<p>In a recent study from <a href="https://www.brown.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brown University</a>, researchers discovered that gold nanoparticles, when injected into the retina and paired with infrared light, could restore visual function in mice.</p>



<p>The work, supported by the National Institutes of Health, points to a future where people with diseases like macular degeneration might regain some level of sight through a non-invasive treatment that doesn’t require surgery or gene editing.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-high-tech-vision-fix"><strong>A high-tech vision fix</strong></h2>



<p>Millions of people worldwide suffer from retinal diseases like macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa. These conditions damage photoreceptors - the rods and cones responsible for turning light into electrical signals in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/search-results/?search=eye%20health" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eye</a>.</p>



<p>When these cells stop working, the rest of the visual chain is disrupted. However, not all parts of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rare-retinal-cells-explain-complex-color-perception/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">retina</a> are affected. Cells called bipolar and ganglion cells, which sit further along the visual processing pathway, often remain intact.</p>



<p>That’s where the nanoparticles come in. This new approach bypasses the damaged photoreceptors. Instead, it uses a special solution of gold nanoparticles injected directly into the retina. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-using-gold-to-restore-vision">Using gold to restore vision</h2>



<p>When these particles are hit with infrared light, they heat up ever so slightly - just enough to activate the bipolar and ganglion cells. This stimulation mimics how the retina normally responds to light, offering a potential way to restore vision.</p>



<p>“This is a new type of retinal prosthesis that has the potential to restore vision lost to retinal degeneration without requiring any kind of complicated surgery or genetic modification,” said Jiarui Nie, who led the study during her Ph.D. work at Brown University.</p>



<p>“We believe this technique could potentially transform treatment paradigms for retinal degenerative conditions.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-testing-the-technique"><strong>Testing the technique</strong></h2>



<p>The researchers first tested their approach using mouse retinas in a lab dish. Later, they moved on to live mice with retinal damage. After injecting the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healing-chronic-wounds-with-gold-and-red-wine/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gold</a> nanoparticles, the team used a patterned infrared laser to project shapes onto the retina.</p>



<p>Using a calcium signal to track cell activity, the experts saw that the nanoparticles activated the correct cells - and in patterns that matched the projected laser shapes.</p>



<p>The researchers also checked for safety. They looked at metabolic markers to detect inflammation or toxicity and found no signs of major side effects.</p>



<p>Using special probes, they confirmed that the laser light triggered brain activity in the visual cortex of the mice. That’s an important clue - it shows that the visual information was making its way to the brain, suggesting that vision was being restored at least in part.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gold-nanoparticles-meet-lasers"><strong>Gold nanoparticles meet lasers</strong></h2>



<p>Looking ahead, the team imagines a wearable system combining the nanoparticles with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/laser-technology-could-improve-radiation-treatments-for-cancer-patients/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">laser technology</a>. </p>



<p>A pair of high-tech glasses or goggles would house a small infrared laser and a camera. The camera would gather real-world images, which would be turned into laser pulses aimed at the retina. Those pulses would activate the nanoparticles, helping the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-the-human-brain-processes-visual-information/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain perceive visual information</a>.</p>



<p>There’s already a somewhat similar system on the market - an FDA-approved device that uses a surgically implanted electrode array. But the nanoparticle technique has some clear advantages.</p>



<p>For one, it’s far easier to administer. “An intravitreal injection is one of the simplest procedures in ophthalmology,” explained Nie. That’s much less complicated than implanting an electronic device inside the eye.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-improving-vision-with-gold">Improving vision with gold</h2>



<p>Beyond the simpler delivery, the new method could offer better visual coverage. The earlier electrode-based systems only had around 60 pixels of resolution - hardly enough for detailed vision.</p>



<p>But the nanoparticle solution spreads across the entire retina. That means it could potentially help someone see across their full field of view. And because it uses near-infrared light rather than visible light, it might not interfere with whatever natural vision a person still has.</p>



<p>“We showed that the nanoparticles can stay in the retina for months with no major toxicity,” Nie said. “And we showed that they can successfully stimulate the visual system. That’s very encouraging for future applications.”</p>



<p>While more testing is needed before this can be used in human patients, the research shows real promise. If future studies continue to show positive results, this simple and non-invasive approach could become an important tool for restoring sight to people who’ve lost it.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsnano.4c14061" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACS Nano</a></em>.</p>



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How tiny gold particles may help restore vision

Gold might not just be for jewelry anymore - it...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXXGGiynIjs
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Greenland is not sinking. In fact, it is the opposite.</figcaption></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSM3EVeGHJU
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Companies like MindStudio help companies train their employees to implement the latest AI Agent building platform.</figcaption></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HDXqTGEmi4
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Scientists give plants superpowers against bacterial disease</figcaption></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<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>



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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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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>



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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>



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

<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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<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

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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

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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

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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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