<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>



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;</p>



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



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

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>Babies and toddlers can spend up to 18 hours a day sleeping. During this time, they are likely to be in close contact with their specially produced mattress, which might silently expose them to harmful chemicals.</p>



<p>A new study from the University of Toronto reveals that many <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/infant-brains-are-more-organized-and-adaptable-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">children’s</a> mattresses release semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs), including phthalates, flame retardants, and UV-filters.</p>



<p>These chemicals can disrupt hormones, harm developing brains, and contribute to the development of asthma and cancer. What’s worse is that some of the tested mattresses exceeded legal limits for substances that are actually banned in Canada.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-children-s-mattresses-release-toxic-chemicals">Children’s mattresses release toxic chemicals</h2>



<p>"Sleep is vital for brain development, particularly for infants and toddlers. However, our research suggests that many mattresses contain chemicals that can harm kids’ brains,” said senior author Miriam Diamond, a professor at the <a href="https://www.utoronto.ca" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Toronto</a>.</p>



<p>“This is a wake-up call for manufacturers and policymakers to ensure our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/even-before-they-crawl-babies-can-feel-their-own-heartbeat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">children’s</a> beds are safe and support healthy brain development."</p>



<p>The researchers examined 16 new children’s mattresses from North American retailers. All contained foam rather than springs and were priced between 50 and 105 CAD. Researchers detected 21 SVOCs from categories including phthalates, organophosphate esters, benzophenones, and salicylates.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heat-and-weight-make-exposure-worse">Heat and weight make exposure worse</h2>



<p>Mattresses were tested under various conditions, including body temperature (37.5°C / 99.5°F) and pressure simulating a 7.5 kg (16.5 lb) infant. The results showed that emissions from the mattress spiked significantly under these conditions.</p>



<p>The emissions of chemicals like TBOEP (a flame retardant) and DEHP (a plasticizer), increased with heat and pressure. For instance, TBOEP was detected in all mattresses when both heat and weight were applied, compared to only three of the mattresses at room temperature.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/we-cant-remember-being-babies-but-our-brains-might/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Children’s</a> body warmth and weight likely accelerate the release of chemicals from the mattress foam and covers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-some-mattresses-exceed-legal-limits">Some mattresses exceed legal limits</h2>



<p>In one case, a mattress contained 9,000 mg/kg of TCEP, a chemical banned in Canada since 2014.</p>



<p>Others had high levels of phthalates like DiNP and DiBP - some above the 0.1% legal threshold used for toys. The study also found flame retardants like TCPP and TDCiPP, though these are not required to meet safety standards in Canada.</p>



<p>"Parents should be able to lay their children down for sleep knowing they are safe and snug,” said co-author Arlene Blum, executive director of the <a href="https://greensciencepolicy.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Green Science Policy Institute</a>.</p>



<p>“Flame retardants have a long history of harming our children’s cognitive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-infants-connect-with-the-world-it-all-starts-with-the-feet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">function</a> and ability to learn. It’s concerning that these chemicals are still being found in children’s mattresses even though we know they have no proven fire-safety benefit, and aren’t needed to comply with flammability standards.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sleeping-micro-environments-matter">Sleeping micro-environments matter</h2>



<p>Children's sleeping areas form what researchers call a “sleeping micro-environment.” </p>



<p>This includes the mattress, bedding, nearby toys, and air just above the bed. In this zone, children breathe more rapidly, have higher skin permeability, and often engage in hand-to-mouth behavior.</p>



<p>Movement and warmth from the child can increase chemical transfer by compressing foam and pushing air out. </p>



<p>Emissions from mattresses also lead to increased chemical levels in the surrounding air and dust, which <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/infants-show-creativity-skills-even-before-they-can-talk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">children</a> easily inhale or ingest.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-regulations-don-t-cover-everything">Regulations don’t cover everything</h2>



<p>Some substances found in the study are restricted in toys but not in mattresses. While Canada bans DnBP in mattresses and TCEP in foam for children under three, DiBP, DiNP, and DnOP are only regulated in toys meant to be mouthed.</p>



<p>This leaves mattresses in a gray zone where high levels of these chemicals can still appear legally. The study’s findings highlight the need to extend existing toy chemical limits to include sleep-related products.</p>



<p>Two certified mattresses were included in the study. One contained several phthalates and flame retardants, including DnOP and DEHP. The other complied with all regulations. This inconsistency suggests that certification alone cannot guarantee chemical safety.</p>



<p>Also, mattresses with the same brand and design - bought years apart - showed different chemical profiles. Manufacturers may quietly change materials without updating safety information.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-can-parents-do-now">What can parents do now?</h2>



<p>Until stronger regulations are in place, the researchers suggest a few practical ways in which parents can reduce their children's exposure to harmful chemicals from mattresses.</p>



<p>One important step is to choose undyed or light-colored bedding, as brightly colored fabrics often require chemical treatments like UV-filters or dyes that may contain additional additives.</p>



<p>Parents should also wash bed sheets, pajamas, and mattress covers regularly. Clean fabrics can act as a barrier, helping to lower direct contact with surface residues and airborne chemicals that accumulate over time.</p>



<p>Another helpful measure is to limit the number of soft items placed on or around the mattress. Reducing excess pillows, toys, and blankets not only declutters the sleep area but also lessens the number of surfaces that can trap or release chemicals.</p>



<p>Finally, airing out a new mattress before use allows some of the more volatile chemicals to dissipate. Keeping the mattress in a well-ventilated area for a few days before placing it in a child's crib or bed can lower initial exposure.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-children-need-safer-mattress-laws-nbsp">Children need safer mattress laws&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study shows that even low-cost and certified mattresses can emit dangerous chemicals. </p>



<p>Manufacturers must reduce or eliminate these chemicals, especially when they are not required for safety. Regulators must close legal loopholes that allow them.</p>



<p>For parents, the mattress should be a place of rest for a child - not a source of risk. It's time we ensure that the safest place in the home isn’t quietly polluting the youngest among us.</p>



<p>The study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.5c03560" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Science &amp; Technology</a>.</em></p>



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;</p>



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



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

Children's mattresses may emit toxic chemicals during sleep

Babies and toddlers can spend up to 18 hours a...

<p>Wild animals, shaped by evolution, are adapted to survive in harsh ecosystems. These adaptations may now hint at solutions to human reproductive health and pregnancy challenges. </p>



<p>Dr. Michelle Shero, assistant scientist at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (<a href="https://www.whoi.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WHOI</a>), has explored this link through the study of seals.</p>



<p>“When people think about biomedical research, they probably don’t immediately think about wildlife such as birds, cheetahs, bears, or seals – but they should,” said Shero.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fasting-seals-and-pregnancy-diabetes">Fasting seals and pregnancy diabetes</h2>



<p>Human pregnancy involves complex metabolic changes. One problematic condition that arises fairly commonly is gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), which affects up to 25% of pregnancies.</p>



<p>It usually resolves after childbirth but can have lasting effects on both <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cats-reveal-hidden-danger-of-microplastics-to-unborn-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mother and baby</a>. Conventional medicine treats GDM with diet, exercise, or medication, all aimed at lowering maternal blood glucose levels.</p>



<p>Marine mammals take a different path. Phocid seals, such as the Weddell or hooded seal, enter a fasting state during reproduction. They stop eating altogether while nursing, and lose up to 40% of their body mass.</p>



<p>Despite this, both mothers and pups thrive. This remarkable strategy hinges on reversible insulin resistance - a condition that looks like GDM but causes no harm.</p>



<p>Unlike humans, fasting seals maintain high blood sugar levels without accumulating ketones or damaging tissues. Their insulin levels stay low. Glucose continues circulating, and supports energy needs without tipping into metabolic dysfunction.</p>



<p>This balance results from finely tuned hormonal shifts and tissue-specific insulin responses.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sugar-transfer-in-seal-pregnancies">Sugar transfer in seal pregnancies</h2>



<p>In humans, high maternal glucose levels lead to excessive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/horse-miscarriages-offer-insights-into-human-pregnancy-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fetal</a> growth and complications. Seals flip this script.</p>



<p>In Weddell seals, the fetus has higher glucose levels than the mother. This shift happens due to unique blood cell glucose ratios and slow glucose turnover.</p>



<p>These features suggest a controlled nutrient transfer that supports the fetus without risking overgrowth. Learning from this could improve treatments for gestational diabetes in humans.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-seals-survive-with-low-oxygen">How seals survive with low oxygen</h2>



<p>Seals dive deep, holding their breath for hours. Their bodies can stockpile oxygen and use it with surgical precision. Blood flow prioritizes the brain, heart, and uterus while cutting supply to muscles.</p>



<p>“What marine mammals do to make it possible for them to dive for so long is really amazing,” said Shero. </p>



<p>“This is even more incredible when we consider the fact that every time the adult seal dives, her fetus is brought along and responds in much the same way on all those dives too.”</p>



<p>Marine mammals maintain this dive reflex even under extreme oxygen deprivation. Their bodies withstand arterial oxygen pressures that would knock humans unconscious. They also avoid tissue damage during reoxygenation through powerful anti-inflammatory responses.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-human-fetuses-from-hypoxia">Protecting human fetuses from hypoxia</h2>



<p>During birth, some babies can experience oxygen deprivation, which may lead to lifelong damage. Currently, humans rely on cesareans and heart rate monitoring to avoid this dangerous situation.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/elephant-seals-provide-a-window-into-the-oceans-twilight-zone/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Seals</a> offer a better model as their pregnancy includes repeated, deep fetal hypoxia. Learning their strategies could reshape approaches to neonatal care.</p>



<p>Adaptations like splenic contractions, vascular shunting, and blunted nitric oxide responses may hold keys. Seals also collapse their lungs underwater to prevent nitrogen toxicity, then re-expand them with surfactant-rich linings.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pressing-pause-on-pregnancy">Pressing pause on pregnancy</h2>



<p>Another adaptation that seals show is <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pregnancy-stress-may-have-lasting-effects-on-fetal-development/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">embryonic</a> diapause. After mating, many pinnipeds delay embryo implantation. This ensures pups are born during optimal conditions. In some species, diapause can last months.</p>



<p>Shero noted that this ability may exist in other mammal species, including humans. “Learning how to ‘hit pause’ on pregnancy until conditions are optimal, like seals do, would be a breakthrough,” she explained.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-embryo-pause-vs-freezing">Natural embryo pause vs. freezing</h2>



<p>Current IVF protocols freeze embryos. This can damage DNA and lower success rates. If doctors could trigger a safe metabolic pause like diapause, embryos could wait for the best moment to implant.</p>



<p>Reciprocal studies show that sheep embryos paused in a mouse uterus resume normal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mothers-start-bonding-with-their-baby-before-delivery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">development</a>. This points to a shared mechanism among mammals. One rare IVF case even documented a human embryo in diapause for five weeks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-seals-teach-us-about-pregnancies">What seals teach us about pregnancies</h2>



<p>Seals survive under pressure - literally and figuratively. Their biology can reshape our understanding of what’s “normal” in health.</p>



<p>“In seeking ways to improve human health, we should be looking to the extraordinary feats of wild animals – they have often found the most innovative solutions,” Shero concluded.</p>



<p>This research was supported by the <a href="https://everypagefound.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Every Page Foundation</a> and other science bodies, including <a href="https://www.nsf.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NSF</a> and WHOI.</p>



<p>The study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.fertstertreports.org/article/S2666-3341(25)00026-1/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">F&amp;S Reports</a>.</em></p>



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;</p>



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



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

Seal pregnancies reveal clues for treating birth complications

Wild animals, shaped by evolution, are adapted to survive in...

<p>Trees in tropical forests, which thrive in some of the most biologically rich ecosystems on Earth, are known for their staggering diversity. But a new study shows that the chemical diversity hidden within those trees may be just as impressive - and just as important.</p>



<p>Trees don’t just differ in size, shape, or leaf color. Each one brings its own chemical strategy to the forest floor, using unique compounds to fend off pests and diseases. Researchers from <a href="https://washu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Washington University in St. Louis</a> and the Missouri Botanical Garden set out to learn more about this chemical variation. </p>



<p>The findings shed light on the ecological forces that make tropical forests so rich in diversity. Furthermore, the research offers a reminder that these forests aren’t just beautiful - they may also hold the key to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/increasing-plant-extinction-threatens-the-future-of-medicine-and-human-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">future medicines</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-trees-reveal-through-their-leaves">What trees reveal through their leaves</h2>



<p>The research team analyzed leaves from 470 tree species, gathered as part of the Madidi Project - a large-scale survey in Bolivia’s Andes Mountains.</p>



<p>By focusing on trees from both low and high elevations, the team was able to compare how chemical compounds shift across climates. Using mass spectrometry, the experts identified over 20,000 unique chemical compounds in the leaf samples.</p>



<p>“It’s an amazing level of chemical diversity,” said Jonathan Myers, a professor of biology at Washington University.</p>



<p>Many of these compounds help <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-change-their-roots-to-survive-harsh-conditions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants survive in harsh conditions</a> - especially in the warm, humid, and insect-rich tropics.</p>



<p>Over one-third of the compounds were terpenoids, chemicals that plants use to ward off threats like insects and pathogens. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fruits-and-plants-are-powerful-allies-for-disease-prevention/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Terpenoids</a> are already known for their medicinal uses. Some can fight cancer, reduce inflammation, and kill harmful bacteria and viruses.</p>



<p>Another quarter of the compounds were alkaloids, a class of chemicals found in many well-known medicines, including painkillers and antimalarial drugs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diversity-as-a-defense-strategy">Diversity as a defense strategy</h2>



<p>As the researchers moved up in elevation, the diversity of both tree species and their chemical compounds decreased. In plots at 4,000 feet, they found nearly 140 species of trees per hectare. At 11,000 feet, there were fewer than 20 species.</p>



<p>This shift also impacted chemical diversity. Trees at higher elevations, even from different species, tended to rely on similar types of chemical compound defenses. But in the highly competitive lowland forests, chemical originality was the norm.</p>



<p>“If a tree has the same chemistry as a neighbor, it could be vulnerable to the same herbivores and pathogens," said Myers.</p>



<p>In contrast, if each <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planting-forests-with-diverse-tree-species-increases-likelihood-of-success/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree species</a> uses different compounds for protection, it becomes harder for insects and diseases to adapt to all of them at once.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-a-global-tree-chemical-library">Building a global tree chemical library</h2>



<p>The findings support efforts to study and protect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tropical-forests-have-strategies-to-survive-in-nutrient-poor-soils/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tropical forests</a> - not only for their biological value but also for their chemical potential.</p>



<p>The team contributed their data to a growing global database of tree and plant compounds. “With such a database, researchers could look for unique chemicals that could have real value for society,” said Myers.</p>



<p>The study also raises larger questions about how plant chemistry varies across regions. Myers is involved in a separate National Science Foundation project comparing tree communities from the Amazon, Canada, and the forests near Tyson Research Center in Missouri.</p>



<p>While the local forests can’t match tropical diversity, they are still richer in species and chemicals than the conifer-heavy forests of the north.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-patterns-of-plant-diversity">Global patterns of plant diversity </h2>



<p>What drives this pattern of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-rich-tree-diversity-adapt-better-changing-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diversity</a>? Climate might be a major factor. Warmer, wetter, and more stable environments allow more plant species to thrive - each with its own set of defenses. </p>



<p>This chemical arms race may help explain why tropical regions are rich in both species and compounds. According to Professor Myers, it could be another clue to understanding global patterns of plant diversity.</p>



<p>The take-home message is clear: Every tree in the forest is not only a life form but also a tiny chemistry lab. And the more species we protect, the more likely we are to preserve the invisible tools they use to survive - tools that could someday help us too.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ecy.70069" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecology</a></em>.</p>



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;</p>



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



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

How a tree's chemical defense could spark future medical breakthroughs

Trees in tropical forests, which thrive in some of the...

<p>Hidden in the bushes of South Australia, a tiny bird is singing. But its voice carries more than a melody. In the superb fairy-wren, song is not just for romance or rivalry. It may also reveal something deeper - personality.</p>



<p>Birdsong has long fascinated biologists. It's central to mating and territory defense. It can also hint at an individual’s condition or cognitive skill. </p>



<p>But one question remained mostly untouched: can song reflect personality traits, especially in female <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-the-2024-eclipse-revealed-about-bird-behavior/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a>? A new study answers that with a confident yes.</p>



<p>Researchers from <a href="https://www.flinders.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Flinders University</a> set out to explore this in wild superb fairy-wrens, a species where both sexes sing. </p>



<p>The results, published in <em>Royal Society Open Science</em>, reveal how personality traits like exploration and aggressiveness influence the complexity of bird song. And it’s not just males that sing with meaning.</p>



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



<p>In animal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-evolution-timeline-pushed-back-20-million-years-by-baminornis-zhenghensis-discovery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">behavior</a> research, personality refers to consistent differences in behavior across time and situations. Some birds are bold, while some are shy. Some explore widely, yet others stay safe. These traits affect how animals survive, mate, and interact with the world.</p>



<p>Dr Diane Colombelli-Négrel and her team studied two key personality traits: exploration and aggressiveness. These have ecological relevance. </p>



<p>Exploratory birds are often more curious and likely to investigate unfamiliar environments. Aggressive birds may confront rivals and defend territory more strongly.</p>



<p>Previous studies hinted at links between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birds-adapt-their-survival-strategies-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">personality</a> and signaling, especially in males. But no one had tested how these links play out in both sexes - or how they affect learned traits such as song complexity. This made superb fairy-wrens, where both males and females sing, a perfect subject.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fairy-wrens-learn-songs-throughout-life">Fairy-wrens learn songs throughout life</h2>



<p>Superb fairy-wrens are insectivorous songbirds native to southeastern Australia. They live in social groups, often with a breeding pair and several helpers. </p>



<p>These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-birds-are-more-at-risk-from-climate-change-than-others/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a> sing complex "chatter songs" that serve both mating and defensive purposes. Juveniles start singing full songs about 50 days after fledging.</p>



<p>Song learning starts early, even in the egg. Birds learn from their parents and others nearby. Adults may continue learning, suggesting they are open-ended learners.</p>



<p>“Regardless of their sex or life stage, individuals that were more exploratory had more element types per song, which may be explained by the possibility that more exploratory birds approach and learn from a wider variety of tutors compared to less exploratory birds,” said Dr Colombelli-Négrel.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-song-style-linked-to-bird-personality">Song style linked to bird personality</h2>



<p>Between 2019 and 2023, researchers captured 102 color-banded birds - 62 males and 40 females - at Cleland Wildlife Park. Each bird went through two personality tests while in short-term captivity.</p>



<p>To measure exploration, they placed each bird in a novel environment - a flight cage divided into sectors. The more sectors a bird visited in five minutes, the more exploratory it was.</p>



<p>To measure aggressiveness, they used a mirror test. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birds-living-in-cities-are-usually-more-colorful-and-less-brown/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Birds</a> that spent more time near their reflection were considered more aggressive. </p>



<p>The researchers then released the birds back into their territory. Over several months, the team recorded 1,034 chatter songs.</p>



<p>They analyzed these for complexity - counting the number of unique element types, rare elements, and syllables. The experts also compared song traits between adults and fledglings.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploration-increases-song-complexity">Exploration increases song complexity</h2>



<p>Exploratory birds had more element types per song. This finding held true regardless of sex or life stage. </p>



<p>The research indicates that curious individuals are exposed to more vocal tutors. They hear a wider variety of song elements and may include these in their own songs.</p>



<p>More exploratory individuals also had more rare element types. This suggests a broader learning scope. They don’t just copy common tunes - they gather and use the unusual ones too.</p>



<p>Interestingly, the number of songs recorded also predicted element diversity. This supports the idea that superb fairy-wren songs are highly variable and change with context.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bold-birds-sing-fewer-syllables">Bold birds sing fewer syllables</h2>



<p>More aggressive individuals produced songs with fewer syllables. Aggressive fledglings, but not adults, had more element types per song. In birds, singing behaviors - shaped in part by personality - play a critical role in mating and territory defense.</p>



<p>This pattern reveals something about the trade-offs in song structure. More aggressive individuals, perhaps focused on signaling dominance or defending space, may prioritize efficiency over complexity. </p>



<p>Their songs are shorter but still effective. In fledglings, however, aggression coincided with more varied element types. </p>



<p>One possibility is that these young birds experiment more to assert dominance. Adults, already established in their roles, may have less need to vary their songs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-do-males-and-females-sing-differently">Do males and females sing differently?</h2>



<p>The study revealed that females sang songs with more syllables than males, regardless of their personalities. This contrasts with earlier findings in some fairy-wren populations.</p>



<p>Despite singing differently, males and females did not differ in exploration or aggression scores. Both sexes showed similar consistency in personality traits, and both advertised those traits through song.</p>



<p>“Our study supports the idea that both male and female birds can advertise their personality when singing, which may be important for mate choice,” said Dr Colombelli-Négrel.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bird-songs-personality-and-mating">Bird songs, personality, and mating</h2>



<p>The research adds weight to the idea that birdsong carries more than just mating or territorial messages. It may also serve as an honest signal of behavioral type.</p>



<p>More exploratory birds might signal adaptability. They may be preferred by mates for their diverse repertoires. Aggressive birds might use simpler, more direct songs to assert control or deter rivals.</p>



<p>Whether these song traits influence reproductive success in superb fairy-wrens remains to be tested. But in other species, females do prefer songs linked to cognitive or exploratory traits.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-singing-might-show-intelligence">Singing might show intelligence</h2>



<p>If personality shapes song learning, then vocal signals may help listeners judge a potential mate’s behavior - even before meeting them. A song could hint at curiosity, social habits, or risk-taking style.</p>



<p>In species like the zebra finch, females preferred the songs of males who solved problems faster. If similar dynamics exist in fairy-wrens, song may be an indicator of intelligence or flexibility.</p>



<p>The link between personality and song complexity may also affect social learning. More sociable fledglings might pick up more element types simply by being around more tutors.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-birds-sing-to-express-themselves">Birds sing to express themselves </h2>



<p>The superb fairy-wren’s chatter song is more than a call. It is a self-portrait painted with sound. This study shows that personality shapes that portrait, adding complexity or simplicity depending on the individual.</p>



<p>By examining both sexes and different life stages, the researchers have uncovered how traits like curiosity and boldness echo through the air. </p>



<p>The findings open new questions about how birds learn, express themselves, and choose mates. In these tiny birds, personality doesn't just fly - it sings.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.241497" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Society Open Science</a>.</em></p>



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;</p>



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



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

Birds express their personalities through song

Hidden in the bushes of South Australia, a tiny bird...

<p>A major new study may help solve a long-standing puzzle in planetary science: why the meteoroids that are most likely to carry the building blocks of life so rarely make it to Earth.</p>



<p>Although carbon-rich asteroids are widespread in our solar system, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-meteorites-tell-us-about-their-birthplace-in-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">meteorites</a> containing carbonaceous material represent only a tiny fraction of what we find on the ground. </p>



<p>After analyzing nearly 8,500 fireball events from 39 countries, researchers now believe the Sun and Earth’s atmosphere destroy or weaken meteoroids before scientists can collect and study them.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meteoroids-with-life-bearing-ingredients">Meteoroids with life-bearing ingredients</h2>



<p>For decades, scientists have puzzled over why fewer carbonaceous meteoroids reach Earth than predicted. Models estimate that over half of all meteoroids are carbon-rich, but only about 4% of meteorites ever recovered on Earth fit that category.</p>



<p>These carbonaceous meteorites are of great scientific interest because they may hold clues to life’s early ingredients. </p>



<p>“Carbon-rich meteorites are some of the most chemically primitive materials we can study - they contain water, organic molecules, and even amino acids,” explained lead author Patrick Shober, an astronomer at the <a href="https://observatoiredeparis.psl.eu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paris Observatory</a>.</p>



<p>“However, we have so few of them in our meteorite collections that we risk having an incomplete picture of what’s actually out there in space and how the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/building-blocks-of-life-found-on-the-dwarf-planet-ceres/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">building blocks of life</a> arrived on Earth.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-only-the-strongest-survive">Only the strongest survive</h2>



<p>A two-step filtering process likely causes the scarcity of carbonaceous meteorites on Earth, the new study reveals. </p>



<p>First, many of these meteoroids are exposed to extreme thermal stress as their orbits bring them close to the Sun. Repeated heating and cooling weakens the material, causing it to break apart long before it reaches Earth.</p>



<p>“We’ve long suspected weak, carbonaceous material doesn’t survive atmospheric entry,” said co-author Hadrien Devillepoix, an astronomer at <a href="https://www.curtin.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Curtin University</a>. "What this research shows is that many of these meteoroids don’t even make it that far. They break apart from being heated repeatedly as they pass close to the Sun.”</p>



<p>The second layer of filtering happens when meteoroids enter Earth’s atmosphere. Those already weakened by solar heating are far less likely to survive the intense forces of atmospheric entry. </p>



<p>Data show compact, high-strength meteoroids “baked” in orbit are more likely to survive and land intact on Earth. That means what we recover on Earth is not representative of what’s actually out there in space.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-some-meteoroids-are-especially-fragile">Some meteoroids are especially fragile</h2>



<p>In addition to the dangers posed by the Sun’s heat and Earth’s atmosphere, the study also found that certain kinds of meteoroids are especially fragile due to gravitational interactions. </p>



<p>When large asteroids pass close to planets, they can be torn apart by tidal forces. The fragments from these disruptions, while potentially abundant, rarely survive the trip to the ground.</p>



<p>The researchers used data from 19 fireball camera networks around the world, spanning continents and hemispheres, to track incoming meteoroids and assess their physical characteristics. In total, they examined 7,982 impacts and 540 likely meteorite falls, making this the most comprehensive study of its kind.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meteoroids-and-life-on-earth">Meteoroids and life on Earth</h2>



<p>The implications of these findings go beyond statistics. Carbonaceous meteoroids may have carried water, volatiles, and amino acids - key ingredients for life on early Earth. If most of these are being destroyed before reaching the ground, it means we may be missing a huge part of the story.</p>



<p>“Understanding what gets filtered out, and why, is key to reconstructing our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spiral-structure-discovered-at-the-edge-of-our-solar-system-oort-cloud/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar system</a>’s history and the conditions that made life possible,” noted Shober.</p>



<p>Their scarcity suggests we may have underestimated their impact simply because we haven’t been able to study them properly.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shaping-future-space-missions">Shaping future space missions</h2>



<p>The study’s conclusions could have far-reaching effects. Future space missions targeting asteroids - especially those involving sample return - may need to reconsider which types to explore.</p>



<p>The findings are also relevant to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-dart-mission-proves-humanity-can-be-saved-from-asteroid-collision/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planetary defense</a>, since understanding how fragile different types of meteoroids are helps to refine models for assessing potential threats from space.</p>



<p>“This finding could influence future asteroid missions, impact hazard assessments and even theories on how Earth got its water and organic compounds to allow life to begin,” said Shober.</p>



<p>This research urges scientists to rethink meteorite interpretations and be cautious about conclusions that are based only on existing collections. The rocks that reach Earth may tell only part of the story.</p>



<p>Now, thanks to fireball networks and large-scale observational data, researchers are beginning to fill in the gaps - revealing how cosmic forces shape not just our skies, but perhaps even the very <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rainwater-may-have-played-a-key-role-in-the-origin-of-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">origins of life</a> itself.</p>



<p>The study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41550-025-02526-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Astronomy</em></a>.</p>



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



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



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



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

Meteoroids that never reach Earth may hold clues to life's origins

A major new study may help solve a long-standing puzzle...

<p>As climate patterns shift and seasons grow less predictable, trees must adapt in ways science is only beginning to understand. Beneath their bark and branches lies a powerful, invisible system: a circadian clock. </p>



<p>Much like the one that governs human sleep cycles, the tree's biological clock regulates daily and seasonal activities. It tells the tree when to grow, when to bud, and when to conserve energy. </p>



<p>Now, researchers at <a href="https://www.umu.se/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Umeå University</a> have unlocked more of this inner world. Their recent study shows how genetic changes to this clock can help trees better align with the rhythm of their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-are-losing-the-battle-against-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environment</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trees-use-an-inner-clock-to-grow-nbsp">Trees use an inner clock to grow&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Most earlier studies explored plant circadian rhythms under greenhouse conditions. While useful, these environments don’t capture nature’s chaos - temperature swings, shifting daylight, rainfall variation, and insect threats. </p>



<p>In the wild, trees must handle all these factors while maintaining their growth and seasonal behaviors.</p>



<p>To tackle this, researchers at the Umeå Plant Science Centre studied 68 genetically modified <em>Populus</em> trees under both controlled and natural conditions. Over several years, they examined how alterations to specific clock-related genes influenced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/slow-and-steady-tree-growth-wins-the-race-for-carbon-capture/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">growth</a>, leaf senescence, and bud activity.</p>



<p>The team's approach combined advanced statistical modeling with experimental plant biology. Each modified tree had a distinct genetic profile targeting clock components like <em>TOC1</em>, <em>LHY</em>, <em>GI</em>, or <em>EBI1</em>.</p>



<p>The goal was to pinpoint how internal timing shapes external performance. The field experiments added crucial context, allowing the team to track the effects of gene modification under real-world seasonal cues.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-circadian-clock-controls-tree-growth">Circadian clock controls tree growth</h2>



<p>“Our study is the first to combine datasets from greenhouse and field studies to show that multiple aspects of the circadian clock system influence <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/city-trees-absorb-much-more-carbon-than-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree</a> growth and the timing of life-cycle events,” said Bertold Mariën, lead author of the study.</p>



<p>In both greenhouse chambers and open fields, some trees with altered clock genes grew significantly taller or faster. Others delayed leaf senescence or bud set, effectively prolonging the growth period. </p>



<p>These effects were most pronounced in northern Sweden, where short summers restrict tree development. The researchers observed that the clock doesn’t just set a tree’s internal rhythm - it fine-tunes how trees respond to day-length and environmental signals.</p>



<p>For instance, the <em>lhy-10</em> and <em>toc1-5</em> variants displayed faster growth in outdoor conditions, suggesting that their altered clocks helped trees maximize growth within shorter seasons. </p>



<p>These core clock genes are part of a feedback loop that coordinates when cells divide, when leaves expand, and when energy is stored.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changing-genes-helps-trees-grow-stronger">Changing genes helps trees grow stronger</h2>



<p>“This study is a proof-of-concept that trees conditioned to a particular length of day at a certain latitude can be adapted to a new latitude, effectively extending their growing season," explained study co-author Maria E. Eriksson. </p>



<p>"This is especially useful at higher latitudes like in Northern Sweden where short growing seasons limit timber production."</p>



<p>Among the most promising findings was the role of <em>EBI1</em>, a gene previously associated with stress resistance in <em>Arabidopsis</em>. Trees with modified <em>EBI1</em> generally showed faster growth and higher chlorophyll content index (CCI), a sign of delayed leaf aging. </p>



<p>These trees didn't just grow more - they remained greener for longer. That extended greening can boost photosynthesis and carbon storage.</p>



<p>The study also highlighted how different promoters affected growth. <em>AtGA20ox1</em> trees, which overproduce gibberellins, grew quickly and developed more biomass. </p>



<p>Interestingly, some trees increased growth even with a shorter growth period, showing that timing can be more important than duration. The type of genetic promoter used, and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/city-trees-might-be-misleading-us-about-climate-change-impact/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree’s</a> background genotype, both influenced the outcomes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clockwork-in-leaves-and-roots">Clockwork in leaves and roots</h2>



<p>The research also supported a shift in how we think about tree development. Traditional views focused heavily on carbon source limitation, assuming trees grow more when photosynthesis is high. </p>



<p>But this study adds weight to an alternative model: growth is also limited by when internal conditions - like water pressure and hormone levels - meet the right thresholds.</p>



<p>The circadian clock seems to act as a gatekeeper, opening and closing growth windows in sync with environmental conditions. For example, the team found that cell division and DNA replication were gated to nighttime, when the risk of DNA damage is lower, and air humidity supports turgor pressure in cells.</p>



<p>Even root clocks may follow different rhythms than leaf clocks, leading to asynchronous growth. Such tissue-specific timing mechanisms further complicate models of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tree-crops-a-path-to-feeding-the-world-and-saving-the-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree</a> behavior but also offer new opportunities to improve forestry by targeting these internal dynamics.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-using-tree-clocks-for-better-forests">Using tree clocks for better forests</h2>



<p>"In the future, forestry management could be improved by integrating trees’ circadian clocks and their natural growth cycles with traditional practices,” said Eriksson. "In this way, tree growth and resilience could be optimized in a changing world.”</p>



<p>Integrating the clock into forestry could enable smarter planting schedules, more efficient use of resources, and the development of trees suited to rapidly warming regions. But there’s more. These findings may reshape how global vegetation models are built.</p>



<p>“By properly incorporating our findings on the circadian clock into global vegetation models, we can improve predictions of how forests will respond to climate change,” said Mariën.</p>



<p>That’s because many existing models treat trees as passive responders to light and temperature. They don’t account for how internal clocks modulate those responses. Adding this layer of complexity could significantly improve how we predict carbon uptake and forest health.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tree-timing-and-forest-management">Tree timing and forest management</h2>



<p>This work is more than a scientific milestone - it’s a step toward a new kind of forestry. The researchers call it chronosilviculture: aligning forest management with biological timekeeping. </p>



<p>Instead of forcing trees into rigid planting cycles, foresters could one day select species or cultivars with clock traits tailored to specific climates or latitudes.</p>



<p>By revealing how the circadian clock acts as nature’s master of ceremony, the Umeå team has given foresters and ecologists a powerful new tool. With climate change pushing ecosystems to their limits, understanding how trees grow with their natural rhythm may be the smartest way forward.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s44323-025-00034-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">npj Biological Timing and Sleep</a>.</em></p>



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;</p>



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



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

Timing is everything: How trees use an inner clock for smarter growth

As climate patterns shift and seasons grow less predictable, trees...

<p>Kyoto, Japan, has experienced its share of pandemic challenges for centuries. One such outbreak struck in 869 and left an unforgettable legacy that shaped the city’s future approach to epidemics. </p>



<p>In response to the deadly plague, Emperor Seiwa established the Gion Festival in an effort to appease the vengeful spirits that were believed to be responsible.</p>



<p>That historical memory reemerged when the beloved Gion Festival was canceled in 2020 during the COVID-19 crisis.  </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-on-hard-earned-lessons"><strong>Building on hard-earned lessons</strong></h2>



<p>Infectious disease clinician and microbiologist Dr. Miki Nagao from <a href="https://www.kyoto-u.ac.jp/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kyoto University</a> is leading a program that aims to fortify the city against the next big threat.</p>



<p>“We might not be able to stop the next pandemic,” said Dr. Nagao. She and her colleagues have focused on improving detection, analysis, and response plans to minimize the damage a new pandemic might cause.</p>



<p>This effort includes improving local hospital networks and establishing rapid testing systems so emerging pathogens can be tracked and contained swiftly.</p>



<p>Her team emphasizes the importance of a citywide pathogen surveillance network that gathers insights from nursing homes, public health labs, and hospital facilities. These data points create an early-warning system for spotting outbreaks before they cascade into full-blown crises.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reinventing-kyoto-s-pandemic-monitoring"><strong>Reinventing Kyoto's pandemic monitoring</strong></h2>



<p>A citywide approach has already shown results. One <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/irv.12977" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> reported that a coordinated testing strategy in Kyoto’s aged-care facilities helped limit COVID-19 clusters during significant pandemic waves.</p>



<p>The network’s strength lies in integrating clinical data with large-scale sample analysis. Teams keep an eye on infection patterns, share findings with public health authorities, and adapt interventions quickly when new threats arise.</p>



<p>The initiative includes high-throughput genetic testing to pinpoint specific pathogens. This allows for an efficient response by healthcare workers, who can then target treatments and reduce exposure in vulnerable populations.</p>



<p>Experts also stress the need to understand communitywide behavior. Changes in social interactions, public gatherings, or medical practices all affect how diseases spread, so researchers examine these factors alongside lab data.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-silent-pathogen-hazard">A silent pathogen hazard</h2>



<p>The dangers of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-create-viruses-to-combat-antibiotic-resistant-bacteria/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria</a> add urgency to these efforts. An influential report warned that AMR could claim millions of lives worldwide by 2050.</p>



<p>One genetic analysis revealed that a single clade of <a href="https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/22/11/16-0519_article">Escherichia coli</a> has driven much of the global spread of this resistance. This insight underscores how a single microbial lineage can become a massive threat.</p>



<p>Dr. Nagao’s team looks at both global trends and local cases. They study bacteria circulating in Kyoto and cross-reference that information with international data to identify worrisome shifts in real time.</p>



<p>In another investigation, the researchers found that particular clones of <a href="https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/29/3/22-1060_article" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Streptococcus dysgalactiae</em> </a>carried sets of resistance genes that made these strains harder to treat. This evidence supports the push for more robust diagnostics and localized prevention measures.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scaling-up-diagnostics"><strong>Scaling up diagnostics</strong></h2>



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-death-toll-of-covid-19-pandemic-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COVID-19 pandemic</a> highlighted the risks of relying on limited testing capacity. Dr. Nagao’s group recognized the need for powerful diagnostic devices that can handle large workloads while still delivering quick, accurate results.</p>



<p>An automated system called PCRpack was introduced to speed up tests for high-priority pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2. Its design lowers the need for extra technicians, which helps laboratories keep pace during hectic surges.</p>



<p>Research hospitals in Kyoto have set up these automated devices to run tests around the clock. Managers say it has prevented diagnostic bottlenecks and led to faster turnaround times for patients.</p>



<p>Diagnostic improvements are also vital for what experts call the 100 Days Mission. This global initiative strives to have vaccines, treatments, and reliable tests ready within 100 days of recognizing a new pandemic threat.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-joining-forces-for-tomorrow"><strong>Joining forces for tomorrow</strong></h2>



<p>Dr. Nagao’s team collaborates with medical manufacturers, health economists, and academics from various fields. Each partner contributes specialized knowledge to paint a clearer picture of how infections move through communities.</p>



<p>“From our perspective, both epidemic viral infections and AMR are ‘pandemic pathogens,’” said Dr. Yasufumi Matsumura, an associate professor at Kyoto University. Specialists in immunology, vaccine creation, and bioinformatics share resources, boosting the collective impact of the city’s work.</p>



<p>The Kyoto network runs on real-life data from patient samples, not just abstract models. It offers a clinical angle that bridges basic science and public policy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-staying-ahead-of-outbreaks">Staying ahead of outbreaks</h2>



<p>Many research teams focus on either microbiological analysis or social patterns. This project aims to link the two. Such comprehensive data can guide health campaigns, resource allocation, and targeted interventions for potential outbreaks.</p>



<p>To stay prepared, Dr. Nagao and her colleagues keep refining lab methods, strengthening collaborations, and watching for new pathogens around the globe. Their approach offers a blueprint for other regions that want to stay a step ahead of infectious surprises.</p>



<p>“Pathogens are invisible to the naked eye,” said Dr. Nagao. Her team’s greatest satisfaction comes from turning those hidden threats into detailed information that helps protect communities.</p>



<p>The findings are published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/d42473-024-00344-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Portfolio</em></a>.</p>



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



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



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



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

Preparing for the next pandemic: Kyoto's early-warning network

Kyoto, Japan, has experienced its share of pandemic challenges for...

<p>Grief is considered a deeply human response to loss. Across cultures, people mourn with rituals, social withdrawal, and emotional upheaval. But are we alone in our experience of grief? A new study by UCL anthropologists suggests animal grief may differ entirely.</p>



<p>The study, published in the journal <em>Biology Letters</em>, examined how rhesus macaque mothers respond to the deaths of their infants. What the researchers found could shift our understanding of animal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animal-emotions-can-be-decoded-through-voice-recognition/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emotion</a>.</p>



<p>While many assume that animals grieve similarly to humans, this research provides a more nuanced view. The macaque mothers did not withdraw or show signs of emotional collapse. Instead, they exhibited an unexpected and short-lived burst of activity. </p>



<p>This pattern, absent of lethargy or appetite loss, may reflect a different process altogether - one that lacks the prolonged sorrow seen in human grief.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-restlessness-instead-of-withdrawal">Restlessness instead of withdrawal</h2>



<p>The researchers observed 22 female rhesus macaques living on Cayo Santiago, Puerto Rico. Half had recently lost their infants, and the others served as non-bereaved controls. </p>



<p>Using smartphone software to track <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lost-in-translation-how-we-misread-our-dogs-emotions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">behavior</a>, the team recorded how much time each mother spent resting, grooming, feeding, and engaging in displacement behaviors such as self-scratching or pacing.</p>



<p>In humans, grief often leads to decreased energy and motivation. Lethargy, sleep disturbance, and withdrawal from social <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chick-emotions-shed-new-light-on-animal-welfare/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">interaction</a> are common. </p>



<p>However, the macaque mothers in this study behaved differently. In the two weeks following their infants’ deaths, bereaved females spent significantly less time resting than controls.</p>



<p>“Following the loss of an infant, we had expected the macaque mothers to spend more time resting, as is common among bereaved humans,” said Dr. Alecia Carter, a co-author of the study.</p>



<p>“What we actually observed was the opposite. The bereaved macaque mothers spent less time resting in the first two weeks after an infant’s death and there was no difference of their time spent foraging, grooming, or doing displacement behaviors.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-animal-grief-may-involve-agitation">Animal grief may involve agitation </h2>



<p>This surprising pattern led the researchers to rethink their expectations. The idea of a two-phase grief response - protest followed by despair - is well-established in studies on mother-infant separation. </p>



<p>In primates, both infants and mothers show early signs of agitation when separated, a phase known as protest. Among infants, this is sometimes followed by despair, marked by low activity and reduced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-emotions-evoke-different-responses-in-dogs-and-pigs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">engagement</a>.</p>



<p>In the macaque mothers, only the protest-like phase was observed. There was no evidence of a longer despair stage. “The mothers’ period of restlessness was surprisingly short,” noted Dr. Carter. </p>



<p>“But this short-term response can also be seen in primate mother-infant separation studies, which show a relatively short period of ‘maternal disturbance’ after separation from their infant.”</p>



<p>Rather than a full grieving process, the macaques may simply experience a short-lived behavioral disruption. This suggests that grief, as understood by humans, may not be a universal feature of mammalian life.</p>



<p>The absence of longer-term emotional change raises a critical question: do non-human primates truly grieve, or do they merely react to disruption?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-no-clear-signs-of-animal-grief">No clear signs of animal grief</h2>



<p>Emily Johnson, the study’s lead author and a master’s student at <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCL</a>, approached the research with a central question in mind. </p>



<p>“Death is an inevitable part of life and how we respond to death can vary greatly, even among humans,” she said. “We wanted to explore how the behavioural response to death, the experience of grief, differs between primates and humans. Is grief a uniquely human experience?”</p>



<p>The researchers carefully distinguished between bereavement and grief. Bereavement refers to the state of having lost someone. </p>



<p>Grief, by contrast, is the emotional and behavioral reaction to that loss. In this study, the mothers clearly experienced bereavement. But the evidence for grief, as defined by emotional withdrawal and behavioral changes, was lacking.</p>



<p>“Anthropologists have long questioned whether animals are capable of experiencing grief, and many pet owners will report their beloved cat or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-suffer-from-the-january-blues-just-like-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dog</a> grieves after the death of a fellow pet,” said Johnson.</p>



<p>“But these are reports from owners who are often themselves grieving. Grief-like behaviour, such as reduced activity, could simply be because they have lost a playmate.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bereaved-mothers-rested-less">Bereaved mothers rested less</h2>



<p>The team collected data over 93 days, capturing a total of 2,528 minutes of observation time. Each macaque mother was watched for a median of 158.7 minutes across several sessions.</p>



<p>The infants who died were, on average, just 9 days old. Most bereaved mothers did not carry the corpses of their infants for long. In fact, only two mothers did so, and for less than two days.</p>



<p>There was only one statistically significant difference between the bereaved and control groups: resting time. Bereaved mothers rested less in the first two weeks after their infants’ deaths. </p>



<p>This effect disappeared in the following weeks. There were no differences in feeding, grooming, or displacement behaviors. The findings suggest that any response to loss among the macaques was immediate and short-term, not prolonged.</p>



<p>This lack of extended change is important. It mirrors findings from studies on baboons and other primates, which often show physiological stress after a loss but no consistent behavioural markers of grief. </p>



<p>In some cases, primates may even expand their social networks post-bereavement, as seen in chacma baboons.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-grief-signs-may-be-missed">Grief signs may be missed</h2>



<p>While the study offers compelling results, the authors acknowledge alternative explanations. One is that the sample size - just 11 bereaved mothers - may have been too small to detect subtle patterns. Another is that the age of the infants at death mattered. </p>



<p>Since all of the infants were very young, mother-infant bonds may not have been fully established. In cattle, for example, stronger grief responses are observed when calves are removed after several days, not immediately after birth.</p>



<p>Individual variation may also play a role. Just as grief in humans can vary widely across individuals and cultures, the same could hold true for non-human primates. Some macaques might grieve in ways not captured by the study’s methods. </p>



<p>More detailed data, including hormonal and neurological measures, might uncover hidden aspects of grief.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-direction-for-animal-mourning">New direction for animal mourning</h2>



<p>The authors propose a shift in how researchers approach animal grief. Instead of expecting a mirror of human sorrow, scientists might look for evidence of protest-like responses and recognize that not all species - or even individuals - will enter a despair phase.</p>



<p>“Our findings show no behavioural markers of grief in the way humans understand it among the macaque mothers, so we recommend further study in this area and greater data collection on primates’ responses to bereavement,” said Johnson.</p>



<p>By recognizing protest and despair as separate stages with different expressions, future research can develop more accurate models. This framework could help distinguish true grief responses from other stress-related behaviors.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-animal-grief-may-be-brief">Animal grief may be brief</h2>



<p>The study does not prove that macaques cannot grieve. It shows that if they do, their grief may look nothing like ours. </p>



<p>The absence of lethargy or appetite loss challenges our assumptions about shared emotional landscapes between humans and other primates.</p>



<p>Rather than sadness, macaque mothers may respond with brief agitation and then return to normal. That may not mean they feel nothing. But it does mean we must question what grief really looks like across species - and whether our human model applies at all.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2024.0484" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biology Letters</a>.</em></p>



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;</p>



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



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

Animal grief may look nothing like human sorrow

Grief is considered a deeply human response to loss. Across...

A,Wall,Painted,Scene,With,A,Harpist,And,Other,Musician

<p>Resting for thousands of years beneath northern Oman’s arid soil, some copper cymbals have waited silently. Their metallic edges, once polished by countless hands, remained hidden until archaeologists revealed them in sunlight.</p>



<p>Music has long been a shared language for humanity. Even before modern instruments existed, societies found <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/upright-walking-may-have-sparked-human-creativity-and-music/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">creative ways</a> to celebrate, mourn, and mark important occasions through sound. </p>



<p>After studying historical patterns and artifacts, researchers grew curious about how melodies shaped Bronze Age cultures in the Arabian Gulf.</p>



<p><a href="https://squ.elsevierpure.com/en/persons/khaled-douglas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Professor Khaled Douglas</a> from <a href="https://www.squ.edu.om" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sultan Qaboos University</a> in Oman led a team of researchers that uncovered a special pair of copper cymbals in northern Oman. </p>



<p>They were carefully stacked one on top of the other, buried beneath layers of plaster and stone in what appears to have been a ritual building.<br><br>“These copper alloy cymbals are the first of their kind to have been found in good archaeological contexts in Oman and are from a particularly early context that questions some of the assumptions on their origin and development,” said Professor Douglas.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bronze-age-oman-s-musical-roots">Bronze Age Oman’s musical roots</h2>



<p>Oman’s <a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctvcm4ffm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Umm an-Nar</a> culture flourished around the third millennium BC. Trade networks connected this region to distant lands, especially the <a href="https://rowman.com/ISBN/9780759101722" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Indus Valley civilization</a>, which thrived in what is now Pakistan and northwestern India.</p>



<p>The presence of copper resources in Oman attracted merchants who carried goods across seas and deserts. Archaeologists suggest these interactions sparked <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/music-has-the-power-to-change-the-mood-of-our-memories/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cultural</a> exchanges that went well beyond the the trade of goods, silver or spices.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-music-moved-with-ancient-trade">Music moved with ancient trade</h2>



<p>Scholars often focus on the economic reasons behind trading routes, such as the exchange of pottery or beads. A deeper look reveals that intangible <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/similar-patterns-music-language-found-across-all-cultures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">elements</a> like music also traveled with traders, forging personal connections on top of commercial ties.</p>



<p>“The Early Bronze Age (Umm-an-Nar period) has already shown rich evidence of interregional contact. However, the exact nature of these contacts is still a matter of study and debate,” stated Professor <a href="https://squ.elsevierpure.com/en/persons/nasser-al-jahwari" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nasser Al-Jahwari</a> from <a href="https://www.squ.edu.om/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sultan Qaboos University</a>.</p>



<p>Contact between the Arabian Peninsula and other Bronze Age civilizations supported the spread of customs, beliefs, and creative forms.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cymbals-survived-thousands-of-years">Cymbals survived thousands of years</h2>



<p>Percussive instruments often vanish from the historical record because metal corrodes and wood decays. That is why finding an intact set of cymbals, precisely dated to the Bronze Age, has raised excitement.</p>



<p>In many archaeological sites, only a few stray pieces of metal remain. In this case, the cymbals lay in a context that hinted at ritual or cultural gatherings. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/music_cross-cultural_early-Arabia_cymbals_credit-Al-Rahbi_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/music_cross-cultural_early-Arabia_cymbals_credit-Al-Rahbi_1s.webp" alt="Copper cymbals in situ after removing part of the fill layer. They are on top of each other, perfectly aligned. Credit: Y. Al Rahbi" class="wp-image-1965841"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Copper cymbals in situ after removing part of the fill layer. They are on top of each other, perfectly aligned. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Y. Al Rahbi</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>Researchers suspect these instruments could have been struck in ceremonies that united people from different <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-humans-used-conch-shell-sounds-to-organize-communities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">backgrounds</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-significance-of-music">Social significance of music</h2>



<p>For ancient communities, music was more than art. It likely supported communal dancing and unified groups from diverse origins, especially in thriving trade hubs. </p>



<p>Omani sites show a lively mix of pottery styles and architectural features, suggesting that people mingled, intermarried, and shared festivities.</p>



<p>“Discovery of the Dahwa cymbals encourages the view that already during the late third millennium BC, music, chanting and communal dancing set the tone for mediating contact between various communities in this region for the millennia to follow,” concluded the study's authors at the end of their analysis.</p>



<p>The discovery of these cymbals indicates that musical activities might have played a powerful role in shaping local identities.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-music-across-the-desert-and-sea">Music across the desert and sea</h2>



<p>The cymbals found at Dahwa add to growing evidence that sound-based rituals played a vital role in community identity across south-east Arabia, Mesopotamia, and the Indus Valley. </p>



<p>Their design resembles examples unearthed at Mohenjo-daro and Harappa, suggesting that certain instrument shapes and functions were widely recognized and possibly shared between regions that were separated by hundreds of miles.</p>



<p>Rather than being isolated traditions, these instruments point to an early, shared musical culture that crossed boundaries. </p>



<p>The discovery supports the idea that songs, rhythms, and instruments helped ease interactions between groups that traded, worshipped, and likely celebrated together - making music a practical tool for diplomacy, not just expression.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cymbals-show-music-s-long-legacy">Cymbals show music’s long legacy</h2>



<p>Artifacts such as cymbals serve as silent witnesses to past customs. They reveal how people forged connections beyond mere commerce and remind us that art and ritual often transcend language.</p>



<p>Ancient travelers crossing seas might have carried beliefs, instruments, and songs. Those intangible elements likely established common ground among groups who spoke different tongues and wore different clothes.</p>



<p>The copper cymbals from Oman speak volumes about ancient societies. They show that music can bring people together across distances, reinforcing trade partnerships and enriching local celebrations.</p>



<p>The study was published in <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/antiquity/article/bronze-age-cymbals-from-dahwa-indus-musical-traditions-in-oman/E220CA775BD582724D0826C1E9FA4D6E" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Antiquity</em></a>.</p>



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;</p>



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



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

Discovery of ancient cymbals suggests that music connected Arabian cultures

Resting for thousands of years beneath northern Oman’s arid soil,...

<p>The deep sea is Earth’s largest habitat, yet remains one of its least explored. In this silent, dark realm, marine animals live in isolation, beyond the reach of most research tools.</p>



<p>Among the many elusive creatures in these waters, squids and octopuses - collectively known as cephalopods - stand out for their intelligence, agility, and ecological importance. </p>



<p>Studying them has always posed a major challenge since traditional tools fail in these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/national-dolphin-day-2025-honoring-the-oceans-most-playful-minds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lightless depths</a> where cephalopods roam, hunt, and can vanish without a trace.</p>



<p>Recent research led by marine ecologist WU Qianqian at <a href="https://www.kobe-u.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kobe University</a> may change that. Using cutting-edge molecular tools, her team has developed a new way to detect cephalopods from the faintest traces of their DNA left behind in seawater.</p>



<p>This approach promises to transform how scientists explore life in the deep sea, offering a clearer picture of its biodiversity and the role of these animals in marine ecosystems in general.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-players-in-the-ocean-s-web">Key players in the ocean’s web</h2>



<p>Cephalopods are more than just fascinating creatures - they are essential links in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biologging-animals-are-recording-human-impact-on-the-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine</a> food web. “Cephalopods play an important role in marine ecosystems, contributing to the distribution of energy and nutrients in the food web,” noted WU Qianqian.</p>



<p>Cephalopods serve both as hunters and as prey. While young, they are eaten by fish, seabirds, and marine mammals. As adults, they prey on crustaceans, fish, and sometimes even other cephalopods. </p>



<p>Their mobility allows cephalopods to connect distant ecosystems, swimming from shallow coastal waters to the ocean’s depths.</p>



<p>Despite their importance, most cephalopods remain poorly understood. Many live in the deep sea, where light barely penetrates and traditional survey methods such as net captures fail. </p>



<p>These animals can evade traps, change color, and squeeze into impossible spaces. Researchers needed a better way to find and study them without disturbing their world.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-marine-animals-using-dna">Tracking marine animals using DNA</h2>



<p>Environmental DNA, or eDNA, refers to genetic material that organisms release into their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-animals-swim-at-the-perfect-depth-to-save-energy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">surroundings</a> through skin, waste, mucus, or decaying tissue.</p>



<p>By collecting water samples and analyzing the DNA they contain, scientists can infer what species are present - even if the animals themselves remain unseen.</p>



<p>In their new study, Wu’s team designed universal primers targeting mitochondrial 16S rRNA genes - genetic regions that are useful for identifying species.</p>



<p>These primers, named Cep16S_D and Cep16S_O, were created specifically to detect squids (Decapodiformes) and octopuses (Octopodiformes). </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/dna-metabarcoding_ocean_fishing-for-cephalopods_illustration_credit-Wu-Qianqian_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/dna-metabarcoding_ocean_fishing-for-cephalopods_illustration_credit-Wu-Qianqian_1s.webp" alt="In the technique known as &quot;environmental DNA metabarcoding,&quot; probes are designed to target specific DNA fragments, similar to how anglers use specific bait to catch a particular species. The challenge is creating probes that are specific enough to just the group one tries to detect, but also general enough to catch anything within that group. Credit: Wu Qianqian" class="wp-image-1965833"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>In the technique known as "environmental DNA metabarcoding," probes are designed to target specific DNA fragments, similar to how anglers use specific bait to catch a particular species. The challenge is creating probes that are specific enough to just the group one tries to detect, but also general enough to catch anything within that group. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Wu Qianqian</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>They allow researchers to perform eDNA metabarcoding, a technique that amplifies and reads many species’ DNA from a single sample.</p>



<p>“For this, our lab, which is renowned for its environmental DNA research, worked together with researchers from the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (<a href="https://www.jamstec.go.jp/e/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JAMSTEC</a>) who have developed a system for collecting large amounts of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/23-new-marine-bacteria-species-discovered-that-influence-global-ocean-cycles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deep-sea</a> samples,” said Wu.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-detecting-cephalopods-of-all-sizes">Detecting cephalopods of all sizes </h2>



<p>Creating these primers was no simple task. Wu’s team had to balance specificity and breadth. </p>



<p>The primers needed to detect all cephalopods while avoiding unrelated organisms. They also needed to perform reliably in both lab settings and the complex chemical environment of deep-sea water.</p>



<p>In tests, the primers showed high sensitivity and could identify species from a wide range of sizes. From small species like <em>Heteroteuthis dagamensis</em> to giants like the elusive <em>Architeuthis dux</em>, the primers succeeded across various water depths. </p>



<p>This success marks a major step forward, especially because earlier primers often failed to detect certain taxa or produced results that lacked resolution.</p>



<p>A key factor in the team's success was the use of longer DNA segments. While longer fragments usually degrade faster, the cold conditions of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alien-like-marine-life-found-on-underwater-mountains-includes-100-new-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deep sea</a> slow this process. Longer DNA pieces provide better taxonomic resolution, which means scientists can identify species more precisely.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uncovering-hidden-biodiversity">Uncovering hidden biodiversity </h2>



<p>The research reveals the technique’s strength in field applications. Wu and her colleagues analyzed samples collected from near the ocean surface all the way down to 2,000 meters.</p>



<p>The new primers helped detect cephalopod species that had not previously been identified in Japanese waters. This shows that the method can uncover hidden biodiversity and correct gaps in our knowledge of regional marine life.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/dna-metabarcoding_ocean_machine_fishing-cephalopods_credit-Kobe-University_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/dna-metabarcoding_ocean_machine_fishing-cephalopods_credit-Kobe-University_1s.webp" alt="&quot;For this research, our lab, which is renowned for its environmental DNA research, worked together with researchers from the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) who have developed a system for collecting large amounts of deep-sea samples,&quot; says Kobe University marine ecologist Wu Qianqian. Credit: Wu Qianqian" class="wp-image-1965835"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>"For this research, our lab, which is renowned for its environmental DNA research, worked together with researchers from the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) who have developed a system for collecting large amounts of deep-sea samples," says Kobe University marine ecologist Wu Qianqian. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Wu Qianqian</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>One surprising pattern emerged: octopus DNA was found only in the deepest samples. From mock community tests, the researchers confirmed that the primers themselves worked correctly. </p>



<p>That suggested the result wasn’t an error, but a clue about octopus behavior. These animals are ground-dwelling and solitary, making them less likely to leave traces in midwater or shallow areas.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dna-reveals-marine-animal-behavior">DNA reveals marine animal behavior </h2>



<p>The ability to detect marine animals through DNA is only one benefit of this approach. Wu believes it can also reveal how cephalopods live.</p>



<p>“In future studies, we need to nevertheless revise our sampling strategy to account for life history and behavioral patterns of different cephalopods,” she said.</p>



<p>Environmental DNA can indirectly reflect how species move and interact with their habitat. Since octopuses tend to avoid open water, their limited DNA traces in shallow samples suggest a mostly benthic, hidden lifestyle. </p>



<p>Squids, in contrast, are more likely to roam and leave detectable trails.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-foundation-for-future-ocean-research">A foundation for future ocean research</h2>



<p>Even with strong primers and high-quality data, one challenge remains: the reference databases. Species misidentification can occur when available DNA sequences are incorrect or incomplete. </p>



<p>“We need to resolve issues with misidentification of species due to errors in the DNA databases, and for this we intend to strengthen the collaboration between molecular biologists and taxonomists,” Wu said.</p>



<p>She noted that this technique has far-reaching impact. “Nevertheless, our technique is expected to open new possibilities for deep-sea cephalopod research and to serve as a foundation for marine life conservation.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tools-for-marine-animal-detection">Tools for marine animal detection</h2>



<p>By combining eDNA metabarcoding with precise primer design, Wu and her colleagues have created a sensitive, non-invasive method for tracking cephalopods. </p>



<p>Their work lays the groundwork for future studies into marine biodiversity, population shifts, and ecosystem health.</p>



<p>In a world where human impact on the ocean grows every year, these DNA tools are vital for detection of marine animals. </p>



<p>They help scientists listen to the quiet signals of life below, and to map the rhythms of creatures we’ve barely begun to understand.</p>



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



<p>This project involved collaboration between scientists at Kobe University, <a href="https://www.kyoto-u.ac.jp/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kyoto University</a>, the <a href="https://omnh.jp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Osaka Museum of Natural History</a>, the <a href="https://www.chiba-muse.or.jp/NATURAL/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Natural History Museum and Institute</a> in Chiba, JAMSTEC, and the <a href="https://churashima.okinawa/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Okinawa Churashima Foundation</a>.</p>



<p>Funding came from Japan’s <a href="https://www.env.go.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ministry of Environment</a>, including support for deep-sea research cruises as part of a marine protected area monitoring project.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0141113625001515?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marine Environmental Research</a>.</em></p>



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;</p>



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



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

'DNA fishing' helps scientists survey marine life in the deep ocean

The deep sea is Earth’s largest habitat, yet remains one...

Stone,Houses,In,The,Countryside,Of,Lebanon

<p>Today, we live in a world where the gap between rich and poor seems to grow wider every year. But while economic inequality feels like a defining feature of modern life, a sweeping new archaeological study suggests it hasn't always been this way - and more importantly, it doesn't have to be.</p>



<p>Researchers who analyzed more than 50,000 ancient homes across six continents found that wealth inequality, while widespread throughout history, is not a guaranteed outcome of human development.</p>



<p>The study used house size as a proxy for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/income-inequality-and-carbon-emissions-have-a-complicated-relationship/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wealth</a> and compared the distribution of house sizes at over 1,000 archaeological sites, stretching back 10,000 years. </p>



<p>What the researchers uncovered offers a fresh and much more nuanced perspective on how inequality has ebbed and flowed through human history.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-digging-into-the-past">Digging into the past</h2>



<p>Study lead author Gary Feinman is a curator of Mesoamerican, Central American, and East Asian Anthropology at the <a href="https://www.fieldmuseum.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Field Museum</a> in Chicago.</p>



<p>“This paper is part of a larger study in which over 50,000 houses have been analyzed to use differentials in house sizes as a metric for wealth inequality over time, on six continents,” said Feinman.</p>



<p>“This is an unprecedented data set in archaeology, and it allows us to empirically and systematically look at patterns of inequality over time.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tool-to-assess-wealth-inequality">Tool to assess wealth inequality </h2>



<p>The team used the size of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-buildings-used-passive-cooling-methods-to-reduce-heat-with-out-air-conditioning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ancient homes</a> as a consistent and measurable indicator of wealth. This allowed them to calculate Gini coefficients - a standard economic tool for assessing inequality, where 0 represents perfect equality and 1 represents maximum inequality - for over 1,000 ancient communities.</p>



<p>These coefficients were then compared across time, geography, population size, and types of political organization. The results defy the long-held assumption that inequality steadily grows as societies become more complex or as their populations increase. </p>



<p>“While there is not one unilinear sequence of change in wealth inequality over time, there are interpretable patterns and trends that cross-cut time and space. What we see is not just noise or chaos,” Feinman said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-myth-of-economic-inequality">The myth of economic inequality</h2>



<p>For centuries, historians and economists have assumed that the rise of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-and-agriculture-are-locked-in-a-destructive-feedback-loop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">agriculture</a>, the development of formal leadership, or the emergence of large population centers would naturally lead to greater inequality. </p>



<p>Ancient Greece and Rome, or medieval Europe, have often been treated as stand-ins for the human past as a whole. But this study throws that assumption into question.</p>



<p>“There are a lot of things that have been presumed for centuries - for example, that inequality rises inevitably,” Feinman explained. </p>



<p>"The traditional thinking expects that once you get larger societies with formal leaders, or once you have farming, inequality is going to go way up. These ideas have been held for hundreds of years, and what we find is that it’s more complicated than that.”</p>



<p>High levels of economic inequality, the researchers argue, are not a built-in feature of civilization. They are outcomes that depend on decisions people make, systems of governance they build, and social structures they maintain or resist.</p>



<p>“There are factors that may make it easier to happen or increase to high degrees but these factors can be leveled off or modified by different human decisions and institutions,” Feinman said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-house-size-clues-to-ancient-wealth">House size: Clues to ancient wealth</h2>



<p>You might wonder how the size of ancient homes can reveal so much about wealth. Archaeologists have long known that bigger homes are often linked to more elaborate construction, sturdier materials, and special architectural features - all signs of greater resources and social standing.</p>



<p>“Variability in the sizes of houses may not be the full extent of wealth differences, but it's a consistent indicator of the degree of economic inequality that can be applied across time and space,” Feinman said.</p>



<p>“I know from my own archaeological fieldwork in the Valley of Oaxaca, Mexico, that almost always, the larger the house, the more elaborate the house, with special features and thicker walls.”</p>



<p>By comparing house sizes across such a massive sample, the team could track inequality at different stages of societal development. Some communities showed steep differences in wealth. Others, even large or politically complex ones, had surprisingly low levels of inequality.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-it-s-about-structure-not-population-size">It’s about structure, not population size</h2>



<p>One of the most important takeaways from the study is that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-population-decline-predicted-what-earth-will-be-like-with-less-people/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">population size</a> or technological advancement alone doesn’t determine how unequal a society will be. Instead, the research highlights the role of governance, cooperation, and social norms.</p>



<p>“The measure of inequality we found in these sites is quite variable, which suggests that there’s not one homogenized pattern,” Feinman explained. “In other words, contrary to traditional scholarly thinking, there’s no one-size-fits-all explanation for why societies become economically unequal.”</p>



<p>At some points in history, communities developed systems that helped mute or manage inequality. In other places, those leveling mechanisms may have broken down or never developed. </p>



<p>What made the difference, according to the researchers, were decisions made by people - through cooperation, leadership, and collective choices about how to structure society. </p>



<p>“Human choice and governance and cooperation have played a role in damping down inequality at certain times and places. And that is what accounts for this variability in time and space,” Feinman noted.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-the-past-and-the-future">Rethinking the past and the future</h2>



<p>This study doesn't just reshape how we think about the past - it also has implications for how we view the present. </p>



<p>As debates about rising wealth gaps, housing crises, and the concentration of economic power continue around the world, this archaeological perspective offers a valuable counterpoint to fatalism.</p>



<p>“If inequality isn't inevitable when human aggregations get larger and governmental structures get more hierarchical, then there is a suite of implications for how we view the present and how we look at the past,” Feinman said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inequality-is-not-inevitable">Inequality is not inevitable </h2>



<p>Yes, there are moments in history when population booms or new technologies created the conditions for inequality to rise. But that rise wasn’t automatic. People had options. And they still do.</p>



<p>“The often-expressed views that certain economic, demographic, or technological conditions or factors make great wealth disparities inevitable simply are not borne out by our global past,” Feinman argued. </p>



<p>In other words, history shows us that inequality can be shaped, resisted, or redirected - depending on how we choose to govern, collaborate, and structure our societies.</p>



<p>As we grapple with inequality today, the homes of the past may serve as a quiet but powerful reminder: our present isn’t predetermined. The architecture of a more equitable future is, in part, ours to design.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2400698121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</em></a>.</p>



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;</p>



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



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

Wealth inequality began shaping human societies 10,000 years ago

Today, we live in a world where the gap between...

<p>Fire was a lifeline for humans during the Ice Age. It cooked their food, lit up their nights, kept them warm, and helped them shape tools. But oddly enough, archaeologists have long struggled to find clear evidence of fire use during the coldest phase of the Ice Age in Europe.</p>



<p>However, new research led by the <a href="https://www.ualg.pt/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Algarve</a> and the <a href="https://www.univie.ac.at/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Vienna</a> is helping to fill that gap. It reveals how Homo sapiens used fire during the Ice Age’s coldest period, between 26,500 and 19,000 years ago.</p>



<p>Using a combination of advanced techniques, the researchers were able to reconstruct what ancient fireplaces looked like, what they burned, and how fire helped <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-humans-had-surprising-diets-3-5-million-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">early humans</a> survive some of the harshest climates our species has ever faced.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-essential-tool-for-survival">Essential tool for survival</h2>



<p>For decades, researchers agreed fire was indispensable for Ice Age communities. It wasn’t just a way to stay warm - it was central to daily life. </p>



<p>“Fire was not just about keeping warm; it was also essential for cooking, making <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/from-nature-to-knapping-the-surprising-origins-of-stone-tools/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tools</a>, and for social gatherings,” said Philip R. Nigst, an archaeologist at the University of Vienna and a lead author of the study.</p>



<p>But if fire was so critical, why is there so little physical evidence of it from this period? According to the research team, that puzzle is exactly what makes their recent discovery so exciting.</p>



<p>“We know that fire was widespread before and after this period, but there is little evidence from the height of the Ice Age,” said William Murphree, co-lead author of the study and geoarchaeologist at the University of Algarve.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-digging-into-ice-age-hearths">Digging into Ice Age hearths</h2>



<p>The team focused their analysis on three hearths found at a prehistoric site in Ukraine. These weren’t massive fire pits but rather simple, flat constructions, easily overlooked without the right tools and techniques. </p>



<p>They used microstratigraphic analysis, micromorphology, and colorimetric analysis to study soil layers, structure, and burn-related color changes. These methods confirmed the hearths were human-made.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/fire_early-humans_ice-age_pyrotechnology_credit-Philip-Nigst_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/fire_early-humans_ice-age_pyrotechnology_credit-Philip-Nigst_1s.webp" alt="Section through the large fireplace 1. Credit: Philip R. Nigst" class="wp-image-1965812"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Section through the large fireplace 1. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Philip R. Nigst</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>Even more compelling, the fires built in these hearths reached temperatures over 600°C. That’s no accident. </p>



<p>It indicates a controlled, deliberate use of fire, even in a landscape where cold, snow, and limited resources might have made ignition and fuel supply extremely difficult.</p>



<p>“People perfectly controlled the fire and knew how to use it in different ways, depending on the purpose of the fire,” Nigst explained.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fueling-the-flames">Fueling the flames</h2>



<p>So what exactly were these fires made from? The researchers found that spruce wood was likely the primary fuel, based on their charcoal analysis. </p>



<p>However, the story doesn’t end there. Researchers found animal bones at the site that had been charred by fire at temperatures exceeding 650°C. </p>



<p>This raises the possibility that people also burned <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pterosaur-bones-biomimicry-could-inspire-better-aircraft-technology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bones</a> or animal fat - either deliberately or as a byproduct of cooking or waste disposal.</p>



<p>“Some of the animal bones found at the site were burnt in a fire with a temperature of over 650° Celsius. We are currently investigating whether they were used as fuel or just accidentally burned,” said Marjolein D. Bosch, a zooarchaeologist from the University of Vienna and co-author of the study.</p>



<p>If Ice Age humans really were using bones and fat as alternative fuels, it would suggest a high level of adaptability. </p>



<p>In environments where dry wood may have been scarce - especially in open tundra landscapes - people may have turned to whatever flammable materials were available.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seasonal-life-around-the-hearth">Seasonal life around the hearth</h2>



<p>All three hearths were open and flat, without the stone enclosures that might characterize later or more permanent fire pits. Still, not all were built the same. </p>



<p>One of the hearths was larger and had a thicker deposit, implying it burned hotter and probably longer. This variation offers clues about how people used the fires and when they built them.</p>



<p>The research suggests that Ice Age people returned to this site at different times of the year, possibly during their seasonal migrations. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/fire_early-humans_ice-age_pyrotechnology_large-fireplace_credit-Philip-Nigst_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/fire_early-humans_ice-age_pyrotechnology_large-fireplace_credit-Philip-Nigst_1s.webp" alt="The large fireplace 1 during the excavation. Credit: Philip R. Nigst" class="wp-image-1965814"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>The large fireplace 1 during the excavation. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Philip R. Nigst</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>Depending on the weather and the resources they had, they may have altered the size, intensity, or purpose of their fires.</p>



<p>That kind of flexibility shows a deep understanding of fire’s many uses - not just for warmth, but as a tool that could be adapted to different contexts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-so-few-fires-from-the-ice-age-remain">Why so few fires from the Ice Age remain</h2>



<p>Despite the careful work done at the Ukrainian site, the overall lack of hearths from this time period still leaves questions unanswered. </p>



<p>“Was most of the evidence destroyed by the ice-age-typical, alternating freezing and thawing of the soil?” Murphree asked.</p>



<p>That kind of freeze-thaw action can easily disturb or erase delicate archaeological layers, making it hard to identify hearths or other features in the ground.</p>



<p>Another possibility is that humans had to innovate new ways to stay warm when fire wasn’t possible. “Did people not find enough fuel during the Last Glacial Maximum? Did they not use fire, but instead relied on other technological solutions?” Nigst added. </p>



<p>While speculative, these questions invite further exploration into how Ice Age humans adapted to life in brutal environments.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-any-of-this-matter">Why does any of this matter?</h2>



<p>What this study makes clear is that even in the harshest conditions, Ice Age communities were far from rudimentary. </p>



<p>They were skilled pyrotechnicians who knew how to manage fire under difficult circumstances. They adapted their fire use to different seasons, likely understood the properties of various fuel types, and were capable of producing high, consistent temperatures.</p>



<p>The team continues their work, and future analysis may uncover more about how people managed fire during the Ice Age. </p>



<p>But for now, the research adds a crucial piece to the puzzle of human evolution - highlighting fire not just as a tool for survival, but as a symbol of human ingenuity and resilience.</p>



<p>By unearthing and studying these humble hearths, the researchers are doing more than filling in historical blanks. They’re showing us that our ancestors, thousands of years ago, were already shaping fire to meet the demands of life in one of Earth’s most challenging climates.</p>



<p>In doing so, they laid the groundwork for humanity’s ability to adapt, innovate, and thrive - an ability that continues to define us today.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/gea.70006" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Geoarchaeology</em></a>.</p>



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



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



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



<p>-----<strong><br></strong></p>

Early humans were much better at using fire than we thought

Fire was a lifeline for humans during the Ice Age....

<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>



<p>—–</p>



<p>Like what you saw and read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>—–</p>



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



<p>—–</p>

Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p id="block-43e218f4-0391-477c-8396-eb777c8c80a3">Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVywlgRJXsc
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Some children read facial expressions when making food choices.</figcaption></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>

Social modeling affects our food choices

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

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JynHpMaNO8A
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chaotic cancer protein finally controlled after decades of mystery</figcaption></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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>



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



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



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

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>



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



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



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

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>



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



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



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

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>



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



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



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

Scientists solve the mystery of tickling

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

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elr4948_uOU
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dr. Ronald Mallett from the University of Connecticut reveals secret mission to create working time travel device.</figcaption></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>



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



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



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



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

Retired professor claims he solved time travel

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

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prrq8Ql81zk
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Acid rain and a crisis solved.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-don-t-we-ever-hear-about-acid-rain-anymore-the-environmental-crisis-that-was-solved">Why don't we ever hear about "acid rain" anymore? The environmental crisis that was solved</h2>



<p>Remember the 1980s when acid rain dominated headlines? Dire warnings about rain eating buildings, killing fish, and destroying forests filled every news cycle. Then, almost like magic, acid rain vanished from public discourse. What happened? Did we actually solve one of the late 20th century's most pressing environmental challenges?</p>



<p>The answer might surprise you. Unlike many environmental issues that drag on indefinitely, acid rain represents one of modern history's most successful ecological recovery stories. It's a tale of science, politics, and technology working together to tackle what seemed impossible.</p>



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



<p>Acid rain isn't regular rain having a bad day – it's precipitation that became significantly more acidic due to air pollution. When power plants, factories, and vehicles burn fossil fuels, they release sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) into the atmosphere.</p>



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



<p>Think of acid rain as nature's chemistry experiment gone wrong. These compounds react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to form sulfuric and nitric acids. When mixed with water vapor in clouds, they create precipitation with dangerously low pH levels.</p>



<p>While clean rain has a pH of about 5.6, acid rain could drop as low as 4.2 to 4.4 – roughly as acidic as tomato juice or coffee. According to US Geological Survey documentation, Scottish chemist Angus Smith first coined "acid rain" in 1872, but it didn't become a household phrase until the 1960s and 1970s when Swedish scientist Svante Odén documented its devastating effects on Scandinavian lakes and European forests.</p>



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



<p>During the height of public concern, environmental damage was both widespread and visible. This wasn't some abstract future threat – people could see destruction happening in real-time.</p>



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



<p>The most dramatic impacts were impossible to ignore. Research documented by the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation shows that in the Adirondack Mountains, more than 200 lakes became so acidic they couldn't support fish life. The Adirondack Council reports that 409 lakes once supported brook trout, but many lost their fish populations due to acid rain.</p>



<p>By 1976, when scientists cataloged all acidified lakes in the Adirondack Park, researchers found that half of the lakes over 2,000 feet above sea level had no fish, according to studies published in environmental journals. The acidification process worked like a slow-motion disaster. As acid rain fell into watersheds, it gradually lowered pH levels. Fish couldn't survive in acidic water, and their food sources died off too.</p>



<p>Trees at high elevations showed stress directly linked to acid rain. It weakened them by leaching nutrients and making them susceptible to disease. Historical records show Germany's Black Forest saw nearly half its trees damaged by the mid-1980s.</p>



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



<p>Acid rain wasn't just environmental – it was expensive. Acidic precipitation corroded infrastructure, buildings, and monuments. Historic stone structures deteriorated at accelerated rates. Tourism suffered as lakes became fishless and forests declined. EPA economic analyses from the period documented repair costs mounting into billions annually.</p>



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



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



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



<p>The turning point came with the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, signed by President George H.W. Bush. This represented a fundamentally new approach to environmental regulation, as documented in EPA historical records.</p>



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



<p>Instead of mandating specific technologies, the 1990 amendments introduced something revolutionary: a cap-and-trade system for sulfur dioxide emissions. EPA program documentation shows this market-based approach set overall limits but allowed companies to trade emission allowances.</p>



<p>The genius was harnessing market forces to find cost-effective pollution reduction. Companies reducing emissions cheaply could sell excess allowances to those facing higher costs. Research published in environmental economics journals and EPA progress reports shows this resulted in dramatic SO2 reduction at a fraction of projected costs.</p>



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



<p>Policy provided the framework, but technology made reductions possible. Studies in atmospheric science journals document the widespread adoption of flue gas desulfurization systems ("scrubbers") that removed sulfur dioxide before it reached the atmosphere. By the 2000s, new installations could remove over 95% of SO2 emissions, according to EPA technical reports.</p>



<p>The push coincided with cleaner energy development. Natural gas produces fewer sulfur compounds than coal. Wind and solar, emerging in the 1990s, captured growing market share, reducing reliance on high-sulfur coal.</p>



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



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



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



<p>There's an old journalism saying: "If it bleeds, it leads." Environmental success stories don't generate urgency like crisis reporting. Media attention shifted to other challenges: climate change, plastic pollution, and biodiversity loss. There's only so much environmental anxiety the public can absorb, and newer concerns replaced acid rain.</p>



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



<p>The primary reason is beautifully simple: interventions worked. EPA monitoring data shows sulfur dioxide emissions dropped over 90% since 1990. Academic research published in environmental science journals confirms pH levels in formerly affected areas returned closer to normal. This represents one of history's most dramatic environmental recoveries. Studies by the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation show fishless lakes now support healthy populations. Forests recovered, and building damage slowed dramatically.</p>



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



<p>The crisis is largely resolved, but monitoring data shows the problem isn't completely eliminated – it's managed to acceptable levels. Some areas still experience occasional events during high pollution periods. International environmental research indicates that rapidly industrializing Asian countries face similar problems to what we experienced decades ago, though they're implementing successful strategies.</p>



<p>EPA research shows nitrogen oxide emissions proved more challenging than sulfur dioxide, coming from vehicles and mobile sources. Climate science studies suggest changing weather patterns add complexity to how acid rain forms and falls.</p>



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



<p>The acid rain experience proves that seemingly intractable environmental problems can be solved with scientific understanding, political will, and technological innovation. Environmental monitoring data shows recovery speed was remarkable – within a decade, measurable improvements appeared in air quality and ecosystem health.</p>



<p>Success came from bipartisan support across party lines. Policy analysis studies show the market-based approach appealed to those preferring economic incentives while achieving environmental goals. This support created lasting policy surviving political changes.</p>



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



<p>Acid rain's disappearance from public consciousness represents environmental science's greatest success stories. Through effective regulation, technological innovation, and international cooperation, we transformed an overwhelming crisis into a manageable challenge.</p>



<p>Today's silence isn't because we forgot – it's because we solved it. The 1990 Clean Air Act, combined with technology and energy market changes, reduced acid rain emissions over 90%, according to comprehensive EPA data analysis.</p>



<p>This success offers hope for current challenges. It proves complex problems can be solved when science, policy, and technology work together. As we face climate change and plastic pollution, acid rain reminds us that dramatic positive change is possible.</p>



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



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



<p><strong>Sources:</strong> <em>This article draws from EPA official documentation and progress reports, peer-reviewed research published in environmental and atmospheric science journals, historical data from the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation records, US Geological Survey publications, policy analysis studies, and environmental monitoring data collected over three decades.</em></p>



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



<p><strong>1. Is acid rain completely gone?</strong> No, but EPA monitoring shows it's reduced to manageable levels. US sulfur dioxide emissions dropped over 90% since 1990, making acid rain much less severe than the 1980s crisis.</p>



<p><strong>2. How long did solving take?</strong> Environmental monitoring data shows significant improvements began within 5-10 years of 1990s emission controls. Full ecosystem recovery took longer – some areas need 20-30 years for complete recovery.</p>



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



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



<p><strong>5. Could acid rain return?</strong> Potentially, if regulations weaken or we return to high-sulfur coal without controls, though effects would take years to become severe according to environmental projections.</p>



<p><strong>6. Can you recommend any teaching tools on the subject of "acid rain"?</strong> The United States Environmental Protection Agency produced a wonderful teacher's guide for ages 14 and under that you can find on the EPA website here: <a href="https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-03/documents/teachersguide.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-03/documents/teachersguide.pdf</a></p>



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



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



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



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

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>



<figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
</div></figure>



<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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"]</div>



<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Nushagak Bay, a large estuary in southwest Alaska. Nushagak runs mainly north to south and exits in Bristol Bay, a large body of water in the Bering Sea.</p>



<p>"The bay is primarily fed by the Nushagak River, which begins in the Alaska Range and flows southwest approximately 450 km. The bay is also fed by several additional rivers including the Wood, Igushik, Snake and Weary rivers," says ESA.</p>



<p>"The dark colors of the Nushagak River are most likely due to tannins or lignins (chemical substances found in plants). Tannins and lignins from roots, leaves, seeds, bark and soil can leach into the water and give it a brown or even black colour. The sediments then flow southwards where it is mixed with the bluer waters of the bay."</p>



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



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



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="G9bUoxcjr4-2511624-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" type="single"]</div>



<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

[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="iuA5mpp3jv-1641775-12187" type="single"]</div>



<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

[sendtonews key="iuA5mpp3jv-1641775-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="QGPzYnXEtN-1712599-12187" type="single"]</div>



<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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="X0f6OHYoI4-2310561-12187" type="single"]</div>



<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?

[sendtonews key="X0f6OHYoI4-2310561-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="JRaP49ISmm-2357509-12187" type="single"]</div>



<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

[sendtonews key="JRaP49ISmm-2357509-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

News coming your way