<p>A new study reports microbial DNA preserved inside woolly and steppe mammoth remains that are older than one million years. The team shows that some bacteria were living with these animals while they were alive, not just invading after death.</p>



<p>Researchers analyzed DNA from 483 specimens and sequenced 440 of them for the first time. From a steppe mammoth that lived about 1.1 million years ago, they even pieced together parts of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbes-buried-for-millions-of-years-may-guide-search-for-alien-life/">bacterial</a> genomes that once infected or inhabited the animal.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-microbes-in-mammoths">Ancient microbes in mammoths</h2>



<p>The work was led by Benjamin Guinet, a postdoctoral fellow at the Centre for Palaeogenetics in Stockholm (<a href="https://palaeogenetics.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CPG</a>). The Centre is a collaboration between Stockholm University and the Swedish Museum of Natural History (<a href="https://www.nrm.se/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NRM</a>).</p>



<p>"Our results push the study of microbial DNA back beyond a million years, opening up new possibilities to explore how host-associated microbes evolved in parallel with their hosts," said Guinet. </p>



<p>The project involved an international team of experts working across multiple collections and labs.</p>



<p>The researchers used strict lab protocols, computational filters, and DNA damage checks to separate life stage <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbes-found-alive-sealed-inside-rock-after-2-billion-years/">microbes</a> from postmortem contaminants. That approach helped them focus on organisms that were likely part of the mammoth’s own internal community.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inside-mammoth-dna">Inside mammoth DNA</h2>



<p>The scientists kept finding the same six types of bacteria in mammoth remains from different times and places, including close relatives of <em>Actinobacillus</em>, <em>Pasteurella</em>, <em>Streptococcus</em>, and <em>Erysipelothrix</em>. </p>



<p>This pattern suggests that these microbes had a long history with mammoths, sticking with them through environmental changes and population shifts.</p>



<p>The scientists distinguished host-associated microbes, meaning those living in or on a host while it was alive, from environmental bacteria that entered after burial. </p>



<p>They used metagenomics, a method that reads all DNA in a sample at once, then identified ancient damage patterns to authenticate the oldest material.</p>



<p>From the 1.1 million year steppe mammoth, the team reconstructed partial genomes of <em>Erysipelothrix</em> that likely came from an infection during life. This is the oldest authenticated host-associated microbial DNA ever reported, and it extends the range for studying ancient host <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbes-aquificales-discovered-in-hot-springs-breathe-oxygen-and-sulfur-at-same-time/">microbe</a> interactions.</p>



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



<p>This result builds on earlier work that recovered genome scale data from mammoth teeth more than one million years old, demonstrating that DNA can survive when conditions are right. </p>



<p>The previous <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-021-03224-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research</a> established methods and expectations for data quality at this extreme age.</p>



<p>Ancient DNA is fragile and breaks into tiny pieces, and chemical changes accumulate over time. By tracking these signatures, scientists can tell ancient sequences from modern contamination and avoid false signals.</p>



<p>"As microbes evolve fast, obtaining reliable DNA data across more than a million years was like following a trail that kept rewriting itself," said study senior author Tom van der Valk.</p>



<p>"Our findings show that ancient remains can preserve biological insights far beyond the host genome, offering us perspectives on how microbes influenced adaptation, disease, and extinction in Pleistocene ecosystems."</p>



<p>The Pleistocene was a period from about 2.6 million years ago to 11,700 years ago that included repeated ice ages.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microbes-linked-to-mammoth-health">Microbes linked to mammoth health</h2>



<p>One bacterium in the dataset is closely related to a <em>Pasteurella</em> species implicated in lethal outbreaks among African elephants. That connection is supported by a 2023 <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37880229/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">paper</a> that identified a Pasteurella relative as the likely cause of fatal septicemia in elephants in Zimbabwe.</p>



<p>The new study reports several putative <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2646308/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">virulence factors</a>, which are gene features tied to disease-causing ability, in some clades. The authors are careful about cause and effect because ancient DNA is incomplete and infections leave mixed traces.</p>



<p><em>Erysipelothrix</em> is also known to sicken Arctic wildlife today, including muskoxen during unusual mortality events. That pattern has been documented in a Canadian Veterinary <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4431149/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal</a> that found <em>Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae</em> associated with widespread deaths in the Canadian Arctic.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mammoth-survival-and-microbes">Mammoth survival and microbes</h2>



<p>Microbes that stayed with mammoths for hundreds of thousands of years hint at stable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/breathing-without-oxygen-how-ancient-microbes-powered-early-life/">relationships</a> shaped by diet, climate, and social behavior. The persistence of these lineages across far flung regions points to deep coevolution.</p>



<p>The last woolly mammoths survived on Wrangel Island until about 4,000 years ago, long after mainland populations vanished. Genetic work on that relict group links their late survival to small population size and accumulating harmful mutations.</p>



<p>"This work opens a new chapter in understanding the biology of extinct species. Not only can we study the genomes of mammoths themselves, but we can now begin to explore the microbial communities that lived inside them," said Love Dalén, professor of evolutionary genomics at the CPG. </p>



<p>Ultimately, the data help connect health, ecology, and extinction risks in a single picture.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-this-research-can-go-next">Where this research can go next</h2>



<p>Reconstructing ancient microbiomes can help set baselines for living elephant microbiomes. That matters because health, diet, and stress are all reflected in the microbiome, the community of microbes that live in and on an organism.</p>



<p>Ancient pathogen signals can also clarify whether outbreaks played a role in population declines. Learning which bacteria carried disease associated genes in the past could inform surveillance and treatment strategies for modern elephants.</p>



<p>Finally, the same tools can be applied to other Ice Age species to test whether long-lived microbial partners were the rule rather than the exception. Careful sampling, clean labs, and independent checks will keep new claims on firm ground.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/cell/abstract/S0092-8674(25)00917-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Cell</em></a>.</p>



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Million year-old mammoth microbes reveal new clues about disease

A new study reports microbial DNA preserved inside woolly and steppe mammoth remains that are older than one million years. The team shows that some bacteria were living with these animals while they were alive, not just invading after death. Researchers analyzed DNA from 483 specimens and sequenced 440 of them for the first time. From a steppe mammoth that lived about 1.1 million years ago, they even pieced together parts of bacterial genomes that once infected or inhabited the animal. Ancient microbes in mammoths The work...

<p>Dust devils are not only whipping up dust on Mars - they're revealing new secrets about the planet’s atmosphere.</p>



<p>In a recent video, NASA’s Perseverance rover recorded a rare and spectacular scene on the Red Planet: a big dust devil that engulfed a small one. </p>



<p>The video was recorded as Perseverance was navigating the western rim of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-mars-rocks-contain-signs-of-life-scientists-call-to-bring-them-back-to-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jezero Crater</a>, more precisely in a region known as Witch Hazel Hill.</p>



<p>The rover’s <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/mars-2020-perseverance/rover-components/#eyes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">navigation camera</a> took a series of shots from about 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) away, and created a short video by stitching together the images. The footage demonstrates an encounter of several dust devils.</p>



<p>One of them, approximately <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/mars_several-dust-devils_Perseverance-rover_NASA_1big.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">210 feet (65 meters) wide</a>, swept over another, smaller one that was just 16 feet (5 meters) wide. In the background, two other devils swirl across the Martian landscape.</p>



<p>These whirling mini-tornadoes are not only stunning, they’re also crucial to figuring out how Martian weather behaves.</p>



<p>Researchers from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (<a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JPL</a>) in Southern California and the <a href="https://www.spacescience.org/index.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Space Science Institute</a> in Colorado are behind this ongoing observation campaign.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fiendish-mini-twisters-on-mars">Fiendish mini-twisters on Mars</h2>



<p>“Convective vortices - aka dust devils - can be rather fiendish. These mini-twisters wander the surface of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dust-storms-can-engulf-the-entire-planet-of-mars-but-how/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars</a>, picking up dust as they go and lowering the visibility in their immediate area," said Mark Lemmon, a Perseverance scientist.</p>



<p>"If two dust devils happen upon each other, they can either obliterate one another or merge, with the stronger one consuming the weaker.”</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://d2pn8kiwq2w21t.cloudfront.net/images/1_-_PIA26528_-_Dust_Devil_Lunch_-_navcam_-_so.width-1280.gif" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/mars_several-dust-devils_Perseverance-rover_NASA_1s.webp" alt="While exploring the rim of Jezero Crater on Mars, NASA’s Perseverance rover captured new images of multiple dust devils in January 2025. These captivating phenomena have been documented for decades by the agency’s Red Planet robotic explorers. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/LANL/CNES/CNRS/INTA-CSIC/Space Science Institute/ISAE-Supaero/University of Arizona" class="wp-image-1964927"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>While exploring the rim of Jezero Crater on Mars, NASA’s Perseverance rover captured new images of multiple dust devils in January 2025. These captivating phenomena have been documented for decades by the agency’s Red Planet robotic explorers. Click image to enlarge. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/LANL/CNES/CNRS/INTA-CSIC/Space Science Institute/ISAE-Supaero/University of Arizona</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>This latest video was part of an imaging experiment designed to study atmospheric conditions. </p>



<p>While unpredictable, dust devils are a common sight on Mars, especially around <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lake-sediments-found-in-jezero-crater-hint-at-past-life-on-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jezero Crater</a>. They help shape the Martian weather and are a key factor in distributing dust across the planet.</p>



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



<p>Dust devils occur when warm air near the surface rises through cooler air above. As the warm air lifts, cooler air rushes in to replace it. </p>



<p>That horizontal movement of air begins to spin, and once the motion turns vertical, the column intensifies - much like a figure skater spinning faster when the arms are pulled inward. Dust is swept into the spinning air, and a dust devil comes to life.</p>



<p>“Dust devils play a significant role in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasas-curiosity-rover-records-a-martian-day-from-dawn-to-dusk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Martian weather patterns</a>,” said Katie Stack Morgan, project scientist for the Perseverance rover. </p>



<p>“Dust devil study is important because these phenomena indicate atmospheric conditions, such as prevailing wind directions and speed, and are responsible for about half the dust in the Martian atmosphere.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-history-of-martian-dust-devil-sightings">History of Martian dust devil sightings</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-perseverance-rover-now-uses-ai-search-minerals-life-on-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Perseverance</a> has been no stranger to these whirlwinds. Since its landing in 2021, the rover has caught several on camera, including a particularly impressive scene on September 27, 2021.</p>



<p>On that day, a cluster of dust devils danced across the crater floor, and Perseverance’s SuperCam microphone even captured the eerie sound of one.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-missions-prepare-intense-solar-storms-coming-red-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars missions</a> have long had a fascination with these weather events. </p>



<p>NASA’s Viking orbiters were the first to photograph dust devils from space in the 1970s. In the 1990s, the Pathfinder mission became the first to record one from the surface.</p>



<p>Later, the Spirit and Opportunity rovers captured several dusty spirals, and the Curiosity rover continues to see them as it explores <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sulfur-stones-and-spiderwebs-curiositys-latest-discoveries-on-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mount Sharp in Gale Crater</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-timing-is-everything">Timing is everything</h2>



<p>Recording one of these events on film requires waiting - and a little luck. Scientists can’t anticipate where or when dust devils will form. So Perseverance often patrols the horizon, hoping for a peek. </p>



<p>As the team has gathered more data over time, they have started to see patterns in the behavior of dust devils, like hour-of-day or direction-of-travel patterns, that help predict where and when it is best to capture images of one. </p>



<p>“If you feel bad for the little devil in our latest video, it may give you some solace to know the larger perpetrator most likely met its own end a few minutes later,” said Lemmon. “Dust devils on Mars only last about 10 minutes.”</p>



<p>Though short-lived, these dusty whirlwinds are proving to be long on scientific value. Each sighting helps researchers build a better picture of Mars's dynamic atmosphere and the role that dust plays in shaping the planet’s climate.</p>



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



<p>Click here to see a <a href="https://youtu.be/YHKIZGKPZm4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">video of one dust devil "eating" another one</a>.</p>



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Right place, right time: Mars rover captures dust devils 'eating' each other

Dust devils are not only whipping up dust on Mars...

<p>Earth’s biodiversity can be elusive, and most animal species lie beyond our immediate awareness. Researchers keep shining a light on hidden corners of the planet, eager to pinpoint the creatures we share our world with.</p>



<p>​A new project by scientists from <a href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Imperial College London</a>, UCL, Dalhousie University, and the United Nations Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre is tackling this challenge with a fresh simulation. </p>



<p>The experts want to understand how many terrestrial animals exist and how quickly new species come into being.​</p>



<p>The research was led by Professor James Rosindell, who studies how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saving-the-cultural-legacy-of-wild-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> originate and spread across land-based habitats. He is based in the Department of Life Sciences at Imperial. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-millions-of-animal-species-remain-undiscovered">Millions of animal species remain undiscovered</h2>



<p>The newly developed simulation uses modern ecosystem modeling to estimate the total number of land-dwelling animals, as well as the rate at which they form new species. It suggests there could be anywhere from 1 million to 3 million undiscovered animal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/venom-beyond-animals-the-toxic-arsenal-of-fungi-plants-and-microbes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a>.</p>



<p>Many of these creatures may be too small, too rare, or too remote to be discovered easily. This hidden diversity has significant implications for our broader understanding of life’s complexity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-on-established-theories">Building on established theories</h2>



<p>The team’s approach merges the <a href="https://madingley.github.io/about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Madingley model</a> - a framework that forecasts organism abundance worldwide - with <a href="https://press.princeton.edu/books/paperback/9780691021287/the-unified-neutral-theory-of-biodiversity-and-biogeography" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neutral theory</a>, which explores how species numbers connect to speciation rates and population sizes.</p>



<p>This unification offers a way to account for the presence of unclassified <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animals-secretly-reshape-landscapes-in-powerful-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> in different ecosystems.</p>



<p>“A key novelty of this study was that we plugged together the Madingley model and neutral theory for the first time,” said Professor Rosindell. </p>



<p>This combination allowed the researchers to spot patterns that might otherwise remain hidden, offering a window into the subtle dynamics of how species appear.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-small-animals-and-carnivores-evolve-faster">Small animals and carnivores evolve faster</h2>



<p>Smaller-bodied animals often show faster <a href="https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/speciation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">speciation</a>, the process by which populations split to form new species.</p>



<p>“The two main questions we wanted to answer were how many species of terrestrial animals there are on the planet and how quickly do new species of terrestrial animals evolve,” said Professor Rosindell.</p>



<p>The simulation also suggests that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-wildlife-day-2025-a-global-call-to-protect-nature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carnivores</a>, when matched by size to herbivores or omnivores, evolve at a higher rate. This pattern adds another layer of nuance to how diet shapes long-term survival and adaptation.</p>



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



<p>Policymakers often struggle to allocate resources for wildlife protection due to a lack of precise data on species numbers. Understanding which groups evolve fastest or exist in smaller populations can help shape conservation strategies that prioritize those most at risk.</p>



<p>High speciation rates in smaller animals or carnivores do not guarantee resilience, especially if habitats are shrinking due to human activity. </p>



<p>Protective measures that ignore these rapid-evolving groups might miss potential threats to the broader ecosystem.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-model-of-all-life-on-earth">A model of all life on Earth</h2>



<p>The team envisions a future where this model is refined to project biodiversity changes under different climate scenarios. </p>



<p>“The end result will be a model of all <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-animal-will-replace-humans-as-earths-dominant-species-this-scientist-has-an-idea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life</a> on Earth that has the ecological and environmental elements necessary to answer questions around what will happen under different climate change and habitat loss scenarios,” said Professor Rosindell.</p>



<p>Such forecasts may indicate which areas and species will suffer most if temperatures rise or landscapes become fragmented. Conservation plans may then focus on these hotspots before losses become irreversible.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-the-study">Significance of the study </h2>



<p>Scientific estimates <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.1001127" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">suggest</a> that a large percentage of Earth’s species remain unrecorded. Identifying these organisms is essential for a more balanced view of how ecosystems function and how we fit into the mix.</p>



<p>Accurate knowledge of undiscovered species counts and speciation rates also helps predict how ecosystems might shift if certain animals disappear. In complex food webs, the loss of a single group can trigger wide-ranging effects across entire habitats.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-refining-global-biodiversity-models">Refining global biodiversity models</h2>



<p>Researchers are expanding their data sources to include genomic studies, <a href="https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/citizen-science-projects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">citizen science programs</a>, and collaborations with local communities. These contributions can refine how the Madingley model and other tools forecast global trends in life’s variety.</p>



<p>Some scientists hope to extend these methods to marine environments, polar regions, and mountainous terrains. Even extreme locations could harbor unknown organisms that hold clues to how life endures under tough conditions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-classifying-new-animal-species">Classifying new animal species </h2>



<p>Determining which discoveries represent undiscovered animal species versus variations of known forms is no small task. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35912942/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Taxonomic disagreements</a>, limited funding, and a shortage of specialists often slow the cataloging process.</p>



<p>Better collaboration between geneticists, ecologists, and local experts might streamline how newly found organisms are documented. Standardizing these efforts will likely improve the accuracy of predictions for how species arise and vanish.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-chapter-for-biodiversity-research">A new chapter for biodiversity research</h2>



<p>Efforts to map the planet’s living diversity are reaching a turning point, propelled by these integrated models. Detailed forecasts of species formation and decline could empower societies to make more informed decisions about preserving life’s richness.</p>



<p>“The exercise enabled us to estimate the number of terrestrial species of life on Earth, including all the numbers unknown to science, but it has great potential beyond this in future work,” said Professor Rosindell. </p>



<p>Each refinement of the simulation can reveal new facets of how animal populations take shape.</p>



<p>By focusing on the interplay between ecology and evolution, scientists can spot vulnerabilities before they become crises. This perspective might help protect not just iconic animals, but also the humble creatures that quietly maintain critical processes in soils and forests.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-charting-tomorrow-s-path">Charting tomorrow’s path</h2>



<p>As climate change and human expansion accelerate, time is running short to prevent irreversible damage to fragile animal species. </p>



<p>Modeling efforts that highlight hidden diversity can motivate communities and governments to invest in safeguarding lesser-known parts of the natural world.</p>



<p>Although massive in scope, these simulations offer the precision needed to foresee where interventions can make the biggest impact. That knowledge could be the difference between a resilient planet and one where key ecosystems collapse.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-beyond-terrestrial-animals">Looking beyond terrestrial animals</h2>



<p>Many experts believe a similar approach could unlock answers about ocean life, which remains largely uncharted at great depths. Merging ecological theories with real-time observations from submarines and remote sensors could uncover countless marine species.</p>



<p>Such an undertaking would offer a broader perspective, connecting land-based knowledge with what lies beneath the waves. A complete vision of Earth’s inhabitants can only emerge by embracing every corner of the planet</p>



<p>This simulation is a step toward seeing the full scope of Earth’s biodiversity. Researchers are hopeful it can help people recognize our shared responsibility for safeguarding the hidden richness that sustains us all.</p>



<p>This endeavor symbolizes a growing momentum in ecological research, where data-driven models inform policy and public awareness. </p>



<p>The results hint at a deeper story about our planet’s adaptability and the remarkable creatures that keep evolving.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://academic.oup.com/sysbio/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/sysbio/syaf006/8098740?login=false" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Systematic Biology</em></a>.</p>



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Earth may have three million undiscovered animal species

Earth’s biodiversity can be elusive, and most animal species lie...

<p>Babies are curious little learners with a knack for noticing things in their world. In a new study, researchers have discovered that even the rhythms inside babies' bodies are on their radar from an early age.</p>



<p>The research suggests that infants as young as 3 months old can tune in to their own heartbeat.</p>



<p>"The babies must have recognized that the figures moved simultaneously with their heartbeat or breathing, and then they paid more attention," study lead author Markus Tünte from the <a href="https://www.univie.ac.at/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Vienna</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-babies-notice-heartbeats-and-body-signals-nbsp">Babies notice heartbeats and body signals&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Parents often focus on changes in crying or facial expressions when they want to figure out what a baby needs. Under the surface, there are inner clues that may help shape a baby’s sense of who they are and how they feel.</p>



<p><a href="https://thewomens.r.worldssl.net/images/uploads/fact-sheets/Reading_your_babys_body_language.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Body signals</a> can include a steady heartbeat and the rise and fall of the chest during breathing. These signals give the infant brain helpful information. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23439117/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Experts</a> believe they can support self-awareness and emotional development.</p>



<p>"Several recent theoretical accounts have posited that interoception, the perception of internal bodily signals, plays a vital role in early human development," wrote the researchers. "Yet, empirical evidence of cardiac interoceptive sensitivity in infants to date has been mixed.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-babies-respond-to-heartbeat-rhythm">Babies respond to heartbeat rhythm</h2>



<p>The researchers tested whether babies noticed when a fun animated figure moves in sync with their heartbeat. If the figure was out of sync, many babies seemed to lose some interest.</p>



<p>Scientists say this heartbeat sensitivity appears surprisingly stable during the first two years of life. Observing that kind of steadiness suggests that internal rhythms guide babies’ earliest social and emotional experiences.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breathing-awareness-in-infancy">Breathing awareness in infancy</h2>



<p>The team also looked at how infants track their own breathing. Results indicated that babies pick up on the rise and fall of their chest, although this appears to become clearer in the second year.</p>



<p>Interestingly, the ability to sense the heartbeat and breathing did not overlap much. That separation might be similar to what researchers find in adults, who sometimes excel in sensing one body rhythm but not the other.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-animations-and-eye-tracking">Animations and eye tracking</h2>



<p>Studying babies isn’t easy - especially when they can’t talk.</p>



<p>To understand how infants respond to body rhythms, the team used <a href="https://www.insightplatforms.com/the-top-15-eye-tracking-platforms-for-market-user-research/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eye-tracking tools</a> while showing animated shapes that moved either in sync or out of sync with the babies’ heartbeat or breathing.</p>



<p>If the figure moved in time with the infant’s internal signals, the babies tended to watch longer. This response helped scientists conclude that the infants were noticing a connection between the animation and their own body rhythm.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heartbeat-awareness-and-baby-development">Heartbeat awareness and baby development</h2>



<p>The results open the door to exploring how early body awareness might support emotional understanding. Since <a href="https://www.kelly-mahler.com/what-is-interoception/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">interoception</a> is tied to mental health in older kids and adults, recognizing these patterns early might one day help prevent problems before they start.</p>



<p><a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8416769/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Researchers</a> are especially interested in whether differences in body awareness during infancy could explain why some children are more emotionally sensitive or socially attuned than others. That line of research could lead to new strategies for early support.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-supporting-early-body-perception">Supporting early body perception </h2>



<p>Babies likely show these abilities during everyday routines, even though parents may not notice. As caregivers respond to fussiness that might be linked to hunger or discomfort, infants gain more experience connecting signals from inside and outside.</p>



<p>Some <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3594730/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">experts</a> think that early awareness of internal rhythms might be linked to how babies develop emotional and social abilities later on. Supporting such early body perception could play a part in promoting healthy self-awareness.</p>



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



<p>New studies on babies might ask whether parents can encourage awareness of breathing or heartbeat. Experts also wonder how these early body signal patterns might relate to mental wellness in older children.</p>



<p>The researchers suggest that by exploring early sensitivity to internal rhythms, it may be possible one day to help kids who struggle with anxiety. For now, the team plans to expand on these findings through long-term observations.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://elifesciences.org/articles/91579" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>eLife</em></a>.</p>



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Even before they crawl, babies can feel their own heartbeat

Babies are curious little learners with a knack for noticing...

Wadi,Bani,Khalid,,Oman

<p>Arid stretches of sand can hide astonishing secrets. In southern Arabia, experts have uncovered evidence of lush landscapes that existed thousands of years ago.</p>



<p>The team was led by <a href="https://abdallahszaki.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Abdallah Zaki</a> from the University of Geneva, Switzerland, in collaboration with colleagues from the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (<a href="https://www.kaust.edu.sa/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">KAUST</a>) and <a href="https://www.griffith.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Griffith University</a>.</p>



<p>Their <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-025-02224-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research</a> revealed prehistoric water pathways, lakes, and a remarkable desert valley, all of which begged a deeper investigation into how storms once shaped this barren region.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-lush-green-arabia-the-basics">Understanding lush, green Arabia - the basics</h2>



<p>Thousands of years ago, Arabia looked nothing like the arid, sun-blasted deserts we picture today. Rain fell more often, carving rivers through what is now sand and dust. </p>



<p>Rolling grasslands <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saudi-arabia-is-turning-degraded-desert-sand-into-blooming-soil/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stretched across the peninsula</a>, dotted with lakes and wetlands where herds of elephants, gazelles, and even hippos roamed. Acacia trees and wildflowers lined the water’s edge, while birds and crocodiles thrived in the marshes. </p>



<p>Nomadic people moved through this green world, hunting game, gathering plants, and settling near freshwater sources. Arabia wasn’t just a pass-through - it was a place people lived, loved, and left their mark on.</p>



<p>You can still see the echoes of this lush past. Rock art in northern Saudi Arabia shows hunters stalking prey and herders leading cattle - <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tackling-urban-heat-experts-plan-to-cool-a-desert-city-by-4-5c/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scenes impossible in a desert</a>, but common in fertile lands. </p>



<p>Fossils lie buried beneath the dunes, and dry riverbeds, invisible to the naked eye, appear clearly in satellite images. </p>



<p>With this study, Dr. Zaki and his team have uncovered more concrete details about this very different period in time for the Arabian peninsula.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lakes-and-wetlands-in-lush-arabia">Lakes and wetlands in lush Arabia</h2>



<p><a href="https://saudipedia.com/en/article/983/geography/deserts/empty-quarter-desert" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arabia’s Empty Quarter</a> is recognized today for its dunes and scorching heat. Yet traces of freshwater shells, dried-up channels, and lakebeds suggest that parts of this area once sustained diverse aquatic life.</p>



<p>“Based on a series of ages, it appears the lake peaked about 9,000 years ago during a wet Green Arabia period that extended between 11,000 and 5,500 years ago,” stated Dr. Zaki. </p>



<p>Researchers say that rainfall patterns then were strong enough to allow lakes and rivers to form.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracing-the-monsoonal-footprints">Tracing the monsoonal footprints</h2>



<p>Scientists used a blend of <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17445647.2018.1526719" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">radiocarbon techniques</a> and analyses of sediment layers to figure out how water shaped the region. </p>



<p>They identified a connection to the <a href="https://cp.copernicus.org/articles/20/37/2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">African monsoon</a>, which once carried moisture across the Red Sea to Arabia.</p>



<p>This moisture created grassy areas, wetlands, and streams. Cores of lake and river sediments also revealed the fossils of mollusks and confirmed that stable aquatic habitats thrived.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-floods-carved-in-lush-arabia">Floods carved in lush Arabia</h2>



<p>One of the most striking findings was evidence of a large paleolake measuring about 1,100 square kilometers (425 square miles), and with a depth of roughly 42 yards (38 meters).</p>



<p>“Owing to increased rainfall, the lake eventually breached, causing a great flood and carving out a 93-mile-long valley in the desert floor,” remarked <a href="https://www.unige.ch/rectorat/en/sebastien-castelltort" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Professor Sébastien Castelltort</a>, who is also from the University of Geneva.</p>



<p>The immense force of the water apparently sliced through sand and bedrock. Satellite images revealed streamlined shapes and steep-sided channels, which indicate heavy flows rather than slow trickles.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-presence-in-a-changing-land">Human presence in a changing land</h2>



<p>“The formation of lake and riverine landscapes, together with grasslands and savanna conditions, would have led to the expansion of hunting and gathering groups and pastoral populations,” said <a href="https://experts.griffith.edu.au/28674-michael-petraglia" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Professor Michael Petraglia</a>, from Griffith University’s Australian Research Center for Human Evolution. </p>



<p>Archaeological remains in the Empty Quarter support the idea of more <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22718479/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitable surroundings</a> during these lush intervals.</p>



<p>Sites once on the banks of prehistoric lakes show that people took advantage of water-rich environments. Plant and animal resources likely boosted their survival, and encouraged settlements around riverbeds.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-monsoon-s-strong-effects">The monsoon’s strong effects</h2>



<p>The flood features identified in the study highlight periods of unexpected intensity. </p>



<p>Researchers relied on computer modeling to suggest that annual rainfall, at times, rose by as much as 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 centimeters) above modern levels.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/ancient-arabia_lush-landscape_streams-rivers-monsoons_map_credit-CEE_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/ancient-arabia_lush-landscape_streams-rivers-monsoons_map_credit-CEE_1s.webp" alt="Distribution of palaeohydrological and geomorphic records, archaeological sites, modeled streams, major monsoon systems, and the study site in Arabia. Credit: Communications Earth &amp; Environment (2025)." class="wp-image-1964897"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Distribution of palaeohydrological and geomorphic records, archaeological sites, modeled streams, major monsoon systems, and the study site in Arabia. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Communications Earth &amp; Environment (2025).</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>Such moisture allowed rivers to form, drain off the highlands, and feed desert basins. </p>



<p>Evidence shows that these lakes and streams built up enough pressure to erupt through barriers, leading to the carving of deep channels.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forced-migrations-out-of-lush-arabia">Forced migrations out of lush Arabia</h2>



<p>The stable, moist climate did not last forever.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“By 6,000 years ago, the Empty Quarter experienced a strong decline in rainfall, which would have created dry, arid conditions, forcing populations to move into more hospitable settings and changing the lifestyle of nomadic populations,” noted Professor Petraglia. </p>



<p>Dryness overtook the dunes, and water sources vanished. </p>



<p>Over time, shifting sands covered much of the evidence of these greener eras, leaving behind faint traces that challenge our assumptions about Arabia’s dry and sandy emptiness.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-does-all-of-this-mean">What does all of this mean?</h2>



<p>Although the <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-022-00368-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Holocene humid phase</a> ended millennia ago, today’s scientists hope these findings can spark conversations about desert landscapes around the world. </p>



<p>They show how climate swings can <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1083130" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">transform</a> lush corridors into barren regions, with vital impacts on human migration.</p>



<p>Researchers also see these remnants as reminders that weather patterns can shift in dramatic ways. </p>



<p>Shallow lakes can vanish, while floods can leave behind spectacular canyons that reshape entire terrains almost overnight.</p>



<p>These newly documented scenes of ancient rivers, lakebeds, and open grasslands in what is today a desert area, urge us to reflect on how drastically climates can vary through time.</p>



<p>The study is published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-025-02224-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Communications Earth &amp; Environment</em></a>.</p>



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Ancient Arabia was once green and lush with rivers, lakes, and grasslands

Arid stretches of sand can hide astonishing secrets. In southern...

<p>A new set of findings warns of severe consequences for the global economy if Earth's temperature were to rise by 4°C before 2100. The research indicates the potential for a 40% decrease in world gross domestic product, which is considerably greater than earlier estimates of roughly 11%.</p>



<p>Many climate forecasts have relied on models that only examined local conditions, and have ignored how nations are linked by trade and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-shock-lakes-are-losing-oxygen-faster-than-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">resources</a>. </p>



<p>Recent <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S092180092100015X" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">studies</a> say this oversight shifts the conversation around emission reductions and highlights the urgent need for updated risk calculations.</p>



<p>One expert leading this conversation is <a href="https://research.unsw.edu.au/people/dr-timothy-neal" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Timothy Neal</a> from the <a href="https://www.unsw.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of New South Wales</a>. His fresh analysis addresses a missing piece in older frameworks and shows how global weather patterns can magnify <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1056819024000289" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">regional economic shocks</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-temperature-could-crash-economy">Rising temperature could crash economy</h2>



<p>“Economists have traditionally looked at historical data comparing weather events to economic growth, to cost climate damages,” said Dr. Neal. Many economists once focused on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossil-fuel-pollution-is-causing-disease-disaster-and-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperature</a> changes in a single region or country.&nbsp;</p>



<p>That local-only view might hide deeper problems that arise when extreme conditions batter multiple nations at the same time.</p>



<p>By including global averages instead, his group uncovered greater losses than standard forecasts have predicted.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unseen-global-links">Unseen global links</h2>



<p>An interconnected world <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wealthier-nations-set-bold-climate-targets-but-citizens-give-less/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">economy</a> means a shock in one place often ripples across borders. This is especially true when extreme weather events hamper trade flows or shrink production in key sectors.</p>



<p>“In a hotter future, we can expect cascading supply chain disruptions triggered by extreme weather events worldwide,” explained Dr. Neal, who emphasized that these shocks can spread quickly.</p>



<p>This scenario suggests that local economies may struggle to import goods if distant suppliers are also grappling with climate stress.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-weather-and-global-supply-systems">Extreme weather and global supply systems</h2>



<p>A <a href="https://www.americanexpress.com/en-us/business/trends-and-insights/articles/what-is-a-global-supply-chain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global supply chain</a> refers to the network of producers and distributors that move goods around the planet. It lets countries source items from regions with better weather or more resources at any given moment.</p>



<p>This safety net weakens if extreme <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-weather-is-pushing-nature-toward-a-breaking-point/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heat</a> or storms strike multiple hubs at once. Reduced crop yields, property damage, or transport blockages in different locations can trigger worldwide shortages and price spikes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-charting-a-lower-temperature-goal">Charting a lower temperature goal</h2>



<p>New results suggest aiming for about 1.7°C (3.1°F) above pre-industrial levels rather than previous targets closer to 2.7°C (4.9°F). This tighter limit aligns with faster decarbonization pathways in agreements like the <a href="https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paris Accord</a>.</p>



<p>Some <a href="https://unfccc.int/topics/mitigation/workstreams/response-measures/modelling-tools-to-assess-the-impact-of-the-implementation-of-response-measures/integrated-assessment-models-iams-and-energy-environment-economy-e3-models" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">integrated assessment models</a> are frameworks that weigh economic and climate data, and they previously gave the green light to reduce emissions more slowly. </p>



<p>However, by revising the way in which we gauge the damage function, policymakers might see a strong financial incentive to push for deeper cuts in emissions sooner.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifting-policy-directions">Shifting policy directions</h2>



<p>Another shift appears in how we set a <a href="https://www.worldbank.org/en/programs/pricing-carbon" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon price</a>, or tax on emissions, which influences energy choices worldwide. If the true economic risk is bigger than assumed, the ideal carbon price could be substantially higher.</p>



<p>“Because these damages haven't been taken into account, prior economic models have inadvertently concluded that even severe climate change wasn't a big problem for the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-temperatures-threaten-the-future-of-banana-farming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">economy</a> - and it's had profound implications for climate policy,” said Dr. Neal.</p>



<p>This underscores the need for updated modeling that captures global effects instead of isolated ones.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-temperatures-affect-all-economies">Rising temperatures affect all economies </h2>



<p>Several countries once believed that cooler climates would shield them from heat-related damage. But global trade links mean that no nation gets a free pass when climate extremes hit many regions at once.</p>



<p>Adaptation, including policies for human migration or infrastructure upgrades, is still an evolving area of study. Dr. Neal notes that calculating its true scope is complex because political and logistical barriers can slow large-scale responses. </p>



<p>Research continues to dig into the exact ways in which global temperature swings can harm production, jobs, and investment. </p>



<p>Some believe that better trade rules and robust infrastructure can help countries cope when heat or storms hit harder than usual.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg1/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate science</a> also points to a rising frequency of events like hurricanes or droughts in a warming atmosphere. </p>



<p>This pattern, combined with the presence of global supply chains, raises the stakes for coordinated action among governments and businesses.</p>



<p><a href="https://news.mit.edu/2017/explained-neural-networks-deep-learning-0414" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neural networks</a> and advanced simulation tools are now part of some economic models. By simulating hypothetical shocks, experts might refine predictions and highlight early warning signs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-economic-benefits-of-swift-action">Economic benefits of swift action</h2>



<p>Researchers say earlier, decisive climate measures may reduce the economic toll in the long run. They also point to short-term gains like cleaner air and energy independence when nations invest in low-carbon solutions.</p>



<p>“We continue learning from how we see climate change impacting our economy right now, from rising food prices to insurance costs, and we need to be responsive to new information if we're going to act in our best interest,” said Dr. Neal. </p>



<p>Analysts warn that postponing emissions cuts could lock in deeper losses, leaving populations vulnerable to recurrent disasters. Early investment in renewable energy and efficient technologies might save money down the road.</p>



<p>Industry leaders, finance experts, and governments have a collective responsibility to measure these costs correctly. </p>



<p>Underestimating future damage might sideline critical reforms and push humanity toward an even hotter, more fragile planet.</p>



<p>The study is published in <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412025001540?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Environmental Research Letters</em></a>.</p>



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Rising temperatures will cut world GDP by a staggering 40 percent if nothing changes

A new set of findings warns of severe consequences for...

<p>In a remarkable medical breakthrough, engineers have developed a light-activated pacemaker so tiny that doctors can inject it into the body through a syringe. Remarkably, the device simply dissolves after it’s no longer needed.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Designed for newborns, the pacemaker could transform temporary heart care after congenital defect surgeries.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-controlling-the-heart-with-light">Controlling the heart with light</h2>



<p>The new pacemaker is smaller than a grain of rice. It's wirelessly activated through pulses of light which are delivered by a soft, wearable device mounted on the patient’s chest.</p>



<p>The external controller detects abnormal rhythms and sends light through the body to activate the pacemaker and restore heartbeat. The study demonstrates the device’s effectiveness across animal and human donor hearts.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The development of the pacemaker was led by John A. Rogers, a professor of material science, biomedical engineering, and neurological surgery at <a href="https://www.northwestern.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northwestern University</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We have developed what is, to our knowledge, the world’s smallest pacemaker,” said Professor Rogers.</p>



<p>“There’s a crucial need for temporary pacemakers in the context of pediatric heart surgeries, and that’s a use case where size miniaturization is incredibly important. In terms of the device load on the body - the smaller, the better.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solution-designed-for-newborns">Solution designed for newborns</h2>



<p>Though the light-activated pacemaker can function in patients of all sizes, its miniaturized design was motivated by the needs of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/infant-speech-is-driven-by-heart-rate-activity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">infants</a>. </p>



<p>Igor Efimov is a co-leader of the study and experimental cardiologist at Northwestern.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“About 1% of children are born with congenital heart defects. The good news is that these children only need temporary pacing after a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-smallest-robot-could-transform-minimally-invasive-surgery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">surgery</a>. In about seven days or so, most patients’ hearts will self-repair. But those seven days are absolutely critical," said Efimov.</p>



<p>Traditional pacemakers require surgery and have wires sticking out of the chest to connect to an external device. When they are no longer needed, the wires are removed - risking bleeding, tissue damage, or even death.</p>



<p>“Wires literally protrude from the body, attached to a pacemaker outside the body,” Efimov explained. “When the pacemaker is no longer needed, a physician pulls it out. The wires can become enveloped in scar tissue. That’s actually how Neil Armstrong died.”</p>



<p>The new injectable pacemaker addresses these risks. All of its components are biocompatible and bioresorbable, meaning they safely dissolve in the body’s fluids without needing surgical removal. Once the device has served its purpose, it simply disappears.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-refining-the-light-activated-pacemaker">Refining the light-activated pacemaker</h2>



<p>This innovation builds on <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41587-021-00948-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">earlier work</a> by Rogers and Efimov, who developed a quarter-sized dissolvable pacemaker in 2021. Surgeons asked for a smaller version to allow easier placement and suit the smallest patients.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The original device used near-field communication (NFC), but its antenna limited how small the device could be made. To overcome this, the team replaced the NFC system with a novel light-based mechanism.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/pacemaker_light-activated_worlds-smallest_heart-health_Northwestern_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/pacemaker_light-activated_worlds-smallest_heart-health_Northwestern_1s.webp" alt="The tiny pacemaker sits next to a single grain of rice on a fingertip. The device is so small that it can be non-invasively injected into the body via a syringe. Credit: John A. Rogers/Northwestern University" class="wp-image-1964846"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>The tiny pacemaker sits next to a single grain of rice on a fingertip. The device is so small that it can be non-invasively injected into the body via a syringe. Click image to enlarge. Credit: John A. Rogers/Northwestern University</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>“Instead of using the radio frequency scheme for wireless control, we developed a light-based scheme for turning the pacemaker on and delivering stimulation pulses to the surface of the heart. This is one feature that allowed us to dramatically reduce the size,” said Professor Rogers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-powered-by-the-body-s-own-fluids">Powered by the body’s own fluids</h2>



<p>The engineers also reimagined how to power the tiny pacemaker. Rather than requiring a battery or external power source, the device uses a simple galvanic cell - a chemical battery formed by two different metals as electrodes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>When the device is inside the body, surrounding biofluids act as the electrolyte, allowing electrical current to flow and stimulate the heart.</p>



<p>“A very tiny light-activated switch on the opposite side from the battery allows us to turn the device from its ‘off’ state to an ‘on’ state upon delivery of light that passes through the patient’s body from the skin-mounted patch,” explained Professor Rogers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reducing-trauma-and-risk">Reducing trauma and risk</h2>



<p>Using infrared light, which can safely penetrate deep into the body, the wearable controller detects when a patient’s heart rate falls too low. It then triggers a light-emitting diode (LED) to flash on and off at the desired pacing rhythm.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Infrared light penetrates very well through the body,” Efimov said. “If you put a flashlight against your palm, you will see the light glow through the other side of your hand. It turns out that our bodies are great conductors of light.”</p>



<p>Despite its microscopic size - just 1.8 mm wide, 3.5 mm long, and 1 mm thick - the pacemaker delivers stimulation on par with traditional devices. “The heart requires a tiny amount of electrical stimulation,” Rogers said.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“By minimizing the size, we dramatically simplify the implantation procedures, we reduce trauma and risk to the patient, and, with the dissolvable nature of the device, we eliminate any need for secondary surgical extraction procedures.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-era-of-heart-care">A new era of heart care</h2>



<p>Because these light-activated pacemakers are so small and wireless, doctors could one day deploy multiple units on different parts of the heart to create more advanced pacing systems. </p>



<p>Each device could be controlled independently using different light wavelengths, enabling personalized and precisely timed stimulation across the heart’s surface.</p>



<p>“We can deploy a number of such small pacemakers onto the outside of the heart and control each one,” Efimov said. “Then we can achieve improved synchronized functional care.”</p>



<p>Professor Rogers noted that because it’s so small, the pacemaker can be integrated with almost any kind of implantable device.</p>



<p>“We also demonstrated integration of collections of these devices across the frameworks that serve as transcatheter aortic valve replacements to address complications that can occur during a patient’s recovery process," said Rogers.</p>



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



<p>While this breakthrough has clear implications for pediatric heart care, the technology could pave the way for a new generation of bioelectronic medicine.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These tiny, dissolvable devices could one day be adapted to promote nerve and bone regeneration, manage <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mindfulness-meditation-is-a-powerful-weapon-against-chronic-pain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pain</a>, support wound healing, and more.</p>



<p>Northwestern engineers shrank the device and removed risks by making it dissolve after use.  In doing so, they’ve created a tool that could reshape how doctors care for the heart - from the tiniest patients to adults.</p>



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



<p>Click here to <a href="https://youtu.be/j_0hZ8cUwgo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">watch a video interview...</a></p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08726-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature</em></a>.</p>



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



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World's smallest pacemaker is set to revolutionize heart health

In a remarkable medical breakthrough, engineers have developed a light-activated...

<p>Twenty years ago, the European Space Agency (ESA) launched Mars Express to explore the Red Planet. Since then, scientists have gathered an immense collection of data, enabling them to learn more about everything from canyons and craters to dust storms and hidden ice.</p>



<p>Now, the High Resolution Stereo Camera (<a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Mars_Express/Mars_Express_orbiter_instruments" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HRSC</a>) team has presented a global color mosaic that captures “Mars as never seen before.” It shows the planet in spectacular detail and highlights both surface color and composition.</p>



<p>The vantage point rests about 1,550 miles above the Valles Marineris canyon system, revealing an enhanced view of Mars without its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-has-magnificent-landforms-created-when-ice-turns-into-gas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">polar caps</a>, thanks to the relatively low altitude.</p>



<p>Each pixel in this simulation covers about 1.24 miles on the surface, offering a closer look at darker grey-black volcanic sands and lighter patches where clay and sulfate minerals appear.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-valles-marineris-comes-to-life">Valles Marineris comes to life</h2>



<p>Dr. Ralf Jaumann from the German Aerospace Center (<a href="https://www.dlr.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DLR</a>) led efforts that connected fresh camera techniques with years of observations.</p>



<p>His team’s mosaic blends red, green, and blue filter views, adjusting each color band to highlight hidden surface variations.</p>



<p>The image is more than a standard snapshot. It uses individual color channel stretching, so details stand out in ways impossible with a simple “beige to brown” depiction.</p>



<p>Through this approach, a "large scar" appears across the planet’s face, also known as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/noctis-volcano-buried-glacier-discovered-on-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Valles Marineris</a>. Its length of thousands of miles has always drawn attention, but the mosaic’s clarity makes it stand out even more.</p>



<p>By examining the sharp color shifts, researchers can explore how ancient volcanic materials, dust deposits, and other compounds formed the terrain we see today.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shapes-light-and-mars-true-color">Shapes, light, and Mars' true color</h2>



<p>Researchers wanted to form a cohesive image of Mars by stitching smaller images together. A single frame is simple to enhance, but it becomes tricky when combining multiple pictures.</p>



<p>Different angles and shapes come into play. If experts misjudge the spacecraft’s location or the camera’s orientation, the resulting mosaic can end up with misaligned patches.</p>



<p>They also needed to address how sunlight falls across various <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-samples-from-mars-could-reveal-fascinating-secrets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">parts of the planet</a>.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Mars_global-surface-true-color_Mars-Express_HRSC_ESA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Mars_global-surface-true-color_Mars-Express_HRSC_ESA_1s.webp" alt="This image shows the globe of Mars set against a dark background. The disc of the planet features yellow, orange, blue and green patches, all with an overall muted grey hue, representing the varying composition of the surface. Credit: ESA" class="wp-image-1964406"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>This image shows the globe of Mars set against a dark background. The disc of the planet features yellow, orange, blue and green patches, all with an overall muted grey hue, representing the varying composition of the surface. Click image to enlarge. Credit: ESA</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>Looking at a single picture of Mars is pretty easy - you just adjust the brightness and contrast to see it better. But when combining several images into one, it becomes more difficult. </p>



<p>Two big problems come up: one is about shapes and angles, and the other is about light.</p>



<p>The strength of the sun, the planet’s reflectivity, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-mars-atmosphere-may-improve-weather-predictions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shifting atmospheric dust</a> all change how each region looks.</p>



<p>Small hills and slopes facing the sun can appear brighter, even when they share the same basic composition as adjacent areas.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-making-sense-of-dusty-atmospheres">Making sense of dusty atmospheres</h2>



<p>Mars is famous for its dust storms and ever-changing air quality. That’s because <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dust-could-threaten-the-health-of-future-astronauts-on-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars has a lot of dust</a> in the air, and the amount of dust changes with the seasons.</p>



<p>In some images, the atmosphere looked hazy, bright, or blurry. Scientists have tools to measure how dusty the air is by examining differences between sunny and shadowy spots. However, that method only works if shadows are clear and large enough.</p>



<p>Most of these can be fixed with computer tools. But sunlight is harder to adjust because slopes or hills that face the sun look brighter, even if they aren’t more reflective.</p>



<p>Because of that, researchers mostly preserved the original illumination in each picture. They adjusted overall brightness so the mosaic would seem uniform, yet they did not remove every bit of shadow.</p>



<p>They recognized that human eyes can interpret shapes using light and shadow alone, so an entirely shadow-free map might cause confusion.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fitting-the-pieces-like-a-jigsaw-puzzle">Fitting the pieces like a jigsaw puzzle</h2>



<p>In older attempts, matching brightness to a legacy map from another mission helped merge black-and-white images. </p>



<p>There was no reliable true color map of Mars to use, so the team performed a more modest adjustment for color data. This helped make sure the images looked good when combined.</p>



<p>Initially, they focused on displaying color differences within each frame, filling in broad swaths with an average red. That kept finer details visible, though the overall impression was mostly red on a wider scale.</p>



<p>Later developments expanded the mosaic’s range. Between 2015 and 2017, <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Mars_Express" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars Express</a> sometimes captured shots from high above, covering bigger regions than usual.</p>



<p>Although the spacecraft typically aimed for close-up imagery, these wide-angle pictures enabled researchers to cross-reference color changes over <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-has-spectacular-glowing-clouds-at-sunset/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">large sections of the planet</a>.</p>



<p>By blending these distance-based views with the near-surface ones, they edged closer to showing an entire globe with consistent color and contrast.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overlapping-frames">Overlapping frames</h2>



<p>The year 2019 saw a series of new high-altitude images that overlapped significantly with previous frames. That overlap raised the possibility of a complete mosaic where each picture connected to others.</p>



<p>Because the spacecraft flies in a big oval path around Mars, it sometimes takes pictures from far away and sometimes from close up.</p>



<p>When all these shots came together, scientists replaced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-martian-sky-often-has-an-eerie-green-glow-at-night-called-nightglow/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">partial color references</a> with a more global model that reflects large and small-scale differences. These showed color changes across much larger areas than usual.</p>



<p>The group integrated these extensive images to fill gaps and polish the big picture. As a result, the mosaic grew more comprehensive with every addition, reducing abrupt seams and strange brightness jumps.</p>



<p>Now, enthusiasts and experts alike can scan Mars with sharper context, comparing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-gravity-map-exposes-ancient-structures-and-volcanic-activity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcanic plains</a>, canyon floors, and everything in between in one continuous map.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mars-in-true-color-is-huge-for-science">Mars in true color is huge for science</h2>



<p>Darker grey areas reveal basaltic sands left behind by ancient volcanic events. Lighter sections highlight clays and sulfates. While <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dust-storms-can-engulf-the-entire-planet-of-mars-but-how/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dust storms</a> come and go, these rock formations persist.</p>



<p>Human eyes can usually tell what shape something is just by how light hits it, so it’s not always helpful to remove those shadows.</p>



<p>Subtle differences in Mars' true color and brightness offer clues about the past, from water activity to mineral creation.</p>



<p>Surface features like Valles Marineris dominate the image, but smaller craters and ridges speak volumes about Mars’s geologic evolution.</p>



<p>The entire mosaic provides a way to piece together distinct eras of the planet’s story without losing local details.</p>



<p>By layering decades of exploration, the HRSC team has taken a large step toward a clearer portrait of Martian geography, both from orbit and on the surface.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S001910352400410X?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Icarus</a></em>.</p>



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Mars photo shows the Red Planet from above in "true" color for the first time ever

Twenty years ago, the European Space Agency (ESA) launched Mars...

<p>When was the last time your mind wandered while you stared at a clock or folded laundry? People often slip into these mental journeys without even realizing it.</p>



<p>Recent findings shed light on the surprising ways these daydreams can help us pick up certain types of information. They focus on how the wandering <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fueling-the-mind-new-map-reveals-where-the-brain-gets-its-energy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mind</a> might boost outcomes when a task barely demands attention.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-the-wandering-mind">Exploring the wandering mind </h2>



<p>In a study led by Péter Simor from <a href="https://www.elte.hu/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eötvös Loránd University</a>, researchers used a simple task to test how unintentional mind wandering influences learning.</p>



<p>Nearly 40 volunteers participated while having their brain waves recorded to see if lapses in focus actually helped them pick up <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brain-health-may-literally-be-a-state-of-mind/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">patterns</a>.</p>



<p>Experts often blame <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23336-maladaptive-daydreaming" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">daydreaming</a> for hurting academic performance and everyday productivity. However, the team wanted to see if certain kinds of wandering thoughts have a hidden benefit.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-passive-learning-works-without-focus">Passive learning works without focus</h2>



<p>This task asked participants to detect patterns without overt awareness, which is sometimes called <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/implicit-learning" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">implicit learning</a>. Some scientists define this as the ability to pick up probabilities and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-reveals-the-secret-to-keeping-your-brain-young/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">patterns</a> in the environment without actively trying to do so.</p>



<p>Classic research into <a href="https://www.amu.apus.edu/area-of-study/arts-and-humanities/resources/what-is-cognitive-psychology-and-why-is-it-so-important/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive psychology</a> has shown that not all learning requires our undivided attention. Some forms happen behind the scenes, relying on <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21071660/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">repeated exposure</a> rather than deliberate focus.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sleep-like-brain-waves">Sleep-like brain waves</h2>



<p>During periods when participants said their minds were wandering, the experts detected <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10385593/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oscillatory neural activity</a> that looked a lot like slow-wave patterns seen in deep rest. These <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10385593/">electroencephalography signals</a> suggested the brain may shift into a partial offline mode.</p>



<p>Earlier <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4467852/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">work</a> from other labs has shown that short, quiet breaks can support <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-brain-is-constantly-making-predictions-about-the-world-and-your-place-in-reality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">memory</a> consolidation by letting the mind rest. </p>



<p>This new research aligns with those results, indicating that brief moments of reduced engagement could improve how we store and recall certain types of information.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spontaneous-versus-deliberate-drifting">Spontaneous versus deliberate drifting</h2>



<p>Spontaneous wandering emerges on its own, whereas deliberate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-in-the-brain-alarming-new-details-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wandering</a> is more like choosing to zone out. The researchers observed stronger performance gains linked to these spontaneous episodes.</p>



<p>One part of the investigation examined how intentional versus unplanned mind wandering affected pattern recognition. </p>



<p>People who spontaneously floated away into daydreams tended to show greater improvements, which suggests that letting the mind meander might be productive under certain conditions.</p>



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



<p>Some jobs rely on repetitive tasks that can get tedious. If subtle learning is part of the role, occasional mental drifting might actually help employees catch hidden cues.</p>



<p>Parents sometimes worry that children who daydream miss valuable lessons. Yet these findings hint that relaxed moments could still encode crucial bits of information.</p>



<p>Multi-taskers who juggle demanding activities might be less likely to benefit. Tasks requiring high focus could suffer from any mental drifting.</p>



<p>Those who engage in regular mindfulness might find it helpful to understand how the mind works in idle mode. This study supports the idea that idle thoughts and daydreams can serve a purpose, though they are not beneficial in every circumstance.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wandering-mind-supports-memory">Wandering mind supports memory</h2>



<p>Researchers have long studied <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.932592/full">wakeful rest</a> as a period when the brain continues to process and store new memories. These findings show that a wandering mind may activate a similar process, almost like a mini-break from conscious effort.</p>



<p>"As our brain needs sleep, maybe we also need passive ways of learning, or ‘wakeful rest,’ to recover from tasks that require the brain to be online and engaged," said Simor. He and his collaborators believe that such quiet spells might serve as small pockets of recovery.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-can-mind-wandering-boost-performance">Can mind wandering boost performance?</h2>



<p>One question is how these sleep-like states differ from actual drowsiness. Another puzzle is whether mind wandering can be harnessed to speed up slow, repetitive processes.</p>



<p>Some psychologists suggest that harnessing the right type of mind wandering requires self-awareness. Determining when drifting thoughts happen may help individuals manage them to optimize learning or creativity.</p>



<p>Technology might open new doors by measuring <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/electroencephalogram/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EEG signals</a> in real time. This could show us exactly when the brain transitions into an offline state and how to use that transition for training or rehabilitation.</p>



<p>Neuroscience breakthroughs continue to build a clearer picture of how we learn in different mental states. Studies like this help us see the mind as flexible and adaptable, even in moments we consider unproductive.</p>



<p>The investigation reveals that there is more to daydreaming than meets the eye. Researchers note that not all daydreams are equally helpful, but those that arise on their own may support certain learning tasks.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.jneurosci.org/content/early/2025/03/31/JNEUROSCI.1421-24.2025" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>JNeurosci</em></a>.</p>



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Mind wandering might be more productive than you think

When was the last time your mind wandered while you...

<p>Due to Arctic warming, fossilized microbes buried in Arctic ice and soil may wake up. The fear is that these pathogens will spark outbreaks of diseases like brucellosis, tularemia, and E. coli. </p>



<p>This warning comes from a large international team of scientists who study human, animal, and environmental health in the North.</p>



<p>The research shows that climate change might spread infectious diseases globally. The experts point out that melting ice opens the region to more people and industries. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-warming-permafrost-melt-devastating-role-accelerating-global-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Warmer temperatures</a> also unlock dangerous microbes that have slept frozen for millennia.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arctic-warming-could-unlock-diseases">Arctic warming could unlock diseases</h2>



<p>The team focused on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/permafrost-thaw-is-a-rising-threat-to-arctic-communities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">permafrost</a>, the once-permanently frozen soil that covers vast parts of the Arctic. As the planet heats, permafrost thaws and releases ancient microorganisms from dead animals or other organic material long trapped in ice.&nbsp;</p>



<p>If reactivated, these pathogens could threaten Arctic wildlife and local communities. In some cases, diseases could emerge that have never seen by modern humans.</p>



<p>According to Khaled Megahed Abass of the <a href="https://www.sharjah.ac.ae/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Sharjah</a>, a co-author of the study, the consequences could be severe. “Permafrost thawing could even release ancient bacteria or viruses that have been frozen for thousands of years.”</p>



<p>The scientists compiled evidence from academic studies and government documents across Canada, Alaska, Greenland, and northern Europe. Their findings reveal that the Arctic is changing more rapidly than most other parts of the globe.</p>



<p>Warmer temperatures and melting sea ice draw industries like shipping, mining, and tourism ever northward. While this brings economic opportunities, it also puts more people in contact with long-dormant microbes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-infections-could-spread-globally">New infections could spread globally</h2>



<p>Climate change in the Arctic might seem like a distant concern. The authors, however, stress that its effects can travel far beyond extreme northern environments. </p>



<p>A new infection emerging in a remote corner can spread rapidly through human travel or wildlife migrations. As Abass warned, “What is happening in the Arctic doesn’t stay in the Arctic.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>The region’s transformation has ripple effects, from Arctic warming that touches every coastal city worldwide to shifting atmospheric patterns that can influence global weather. These conditions also disrupt local ecosystems, making animal-to-human pathogen transfer more likely.</p>



<p>The review shows that the health of the Arctic ecosystem is deeply connected to the health of global communities. </p>



<p>As new shipping lanes open, trade routes shorten. More tourists arrive and transport microbes to new host cities. </p>



<p>This is especially worrying because diseases that cross the animal-human boundary - known as zoonotic diseases - have been responsible for major outbreaks, including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/abzymes-new-discovery-cause-long-covid-symptoms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COVID-19</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arctic-warming-and-disease-risks">Arctic warming and disease risks</h2>



<p>This study emphasizes the <a href="https://www.who.int/health-topics/one-health#tab=tab_1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">One Health</a> approach, which views people, animals, plants, and the environment as part of one interconnected system. </p>



<p>The scientists argue that monitoring animal health in Arctic warming conditions is necessary to spot diseases before they spread to human populations. </p>



<p>They also call for greater cooperation among veterinarians, environmental agencies, and public health professionals. </p>



<p>By watching Arctic wildlife, testing water sources, and educating local communities on disease risk, it’s possible to get an early warning of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-infectious-disease-landscape-is-changing-and-we-must-prepare/">infectious threats</a>.</p>



<p>The study shows how Arctic residents - many Indigenous peoples - can offer vital insights. Their traditional knowledge and everyday observations detect shifts in animal behavior before any official monitoring program picks up signs. </p>



<p>Tapping into this localized expertise would boost prevention and response measures. Ultimately, it would help safeguard people, wildlife, and the broader environment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-thawing-permafrost-prompts-swift-action">Thawing permafrost prompts swift action</h2>



<p>Despite these looming risks, the authors note that crucial information is lacking. There are gaps in monitoring and current knowledge, particularly in how emerging pathogens might behave under Arctic conditions or spread through newly thawed soil and water.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Their review also underscores the need for stronger disease surveillance systems to ensure that any outbreak can be swiftly detected and contained. </p>



<p>Governments, public health agencies, and local industries must coordinate to identify high-risk areas and vulnerable populations.</p>



<p>According to Abass, many non-academic groups, such as northern industries and public health organizations, are starting to pay attention to these issues. </p>



<p>Policymakers and business leaders are concerned about mitigating risks and keeping Arctic operations safe, especially as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/we-can-prevent-future-pandemics-by-protecting-nature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pandemic prevention</a> becomes a global priority. </p>



<p>The researchers hope this momentum will encourage more robust safety measures and environmental stewardship in the far north. They also stress that Arctic warming could foreshadow similar problems in other regions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-pathogens-in-unexpected-places">Ancient pathogens in unexpected places</h2>



<p>The thawing in Siberia or high-altitude glaciers could reveal microbes that have not circulated for thousands of years. </p>



<p>If humans continue altering the climate, we may face repeated discoveries of ancient pathogens in unexpected places. Such an emergency would send health systems scrambling to catch up.</p>



<p>Scientists view Arctic warming as both a warning and an opportunity. Communities can adapt to this new reality through surveillance, interdisciplinary research, and Indigenous knowledge. </p>



<p>That includes rethinking development projects in places where permafrost once provided a natural disease barrier.</p>



<p>With solid planning and early interventions, the global community can reduce the risk of new outbreaks and protect one of the most fragile regions on Earth.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969724070268?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science of the Total Environment</em></a>.</p>



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Arctic warming may fuel the spread of diseases by unleashing long-frozen viruses

Due to Arctic warming, fossilized microbes buried in Arctic ice...

<p>One of the biggest contributors to the microplastics pollution scourge is the wear and tear from motor vehicle tires on roadways. But what about bikes?</p>



<p>And more specifically, what about mountain bikes that are often ridden directly through forests and along trails?</p>



<p>A team of scientists at the <a href="https://www.uni-bayreuth.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bayreuth</a> decided to look into this question. They carried out the first real-world study that measures how much tire material mountain bikes leave behind as they roll through nature.</p>



<p>Their goal? To understand how even environmentally friendly forms of transportation might be adding to the microplastic problem.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-tire-microplastics-the-basics">Understanding tire microplastics - the basics</h2>



<p>Every time a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brake-pad-copper-emissions-are-worse-than-diesel-exhaust-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">car hits the road</a>, its tires wear down bit by bit - and that wear releases microplastics into the environment. </p>



<p>Tires are made from a mix of synthetic rubber, plastic polymers, and chemical additives, and as they roll, tiny particles get scraped off and tossed into the air, soil, and water. </p>



<p>These microplastics from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tire-particles-must-be-recognized-as-a-distinct-environmental-threat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tire particles</a> can settle along roadsides, wash into storm drains, or get carried by the wind, eventually finding their way into rivers, oceans, and even the air we breathe.</p>



<p>The problem is bigger than most people realize. In fact, microplastic pollution from tires is one of the largest sources of microplastics in the environment - even more than what comes from plastic bags or bottles. </p>



<p>These particles don’t break down easily, and once they’re out there, they can harm aquatic life, contaminate food chains, and possibly impact human health.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mountain-bike-tires-also-shed-microplastics">Mountain bike tires also shed microplastics</h2>



<p>The research team designed a straightforward but revealing experiment. Nine mountain bikers received brand-new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tire-particles-must-be-recognized-as-a-distinct-environmental-threat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tires</a> and were asked to ride as they normally would. </p>



<p>Their routes were recorded using GPS, and the tires were weighed in the lab at regular intervals to measure how much rubber had been worn away.</p>



<p>The results showed that mountain bike tires shed about 3.5 grams of material per 100 kilometers. That adds up to as much as 88 grams per bike per year.</p>



<p>While that may sound like a lot, it’s only a small piece of the bigger picture. Tire wear from cars and trucks releases around 11 grams of microplastic per 100 kilometers. </p>



<p>In Germany, this accounts for more than half of all road-related microplastic emissions and over a third of total <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastic-pollution-is-everywhere-even-in-newborns-and-getting-worse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastic pollution</a> in the country. Compared to that, mountain biking contributes less than 1%.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-first-500-kilometers-matter-more">The first 500 kilometers matter more</h2>



<p>The researchers also discovered that the first few hundred kilometers on new tires caused more abrasion than subsequent journeys.</p>



<p>This is likely because the outer edges of the tires wear down quickly at first, and small manufacturing residues - like the tiny rubber “hairs” found on new tires - get rubbed off quickly.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/mountain-bikes_tires_microplastics-pollution-source_graphic_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/mountain-bikes_tires_microplastics-pollution-source_graphic_1s.webp" alt="Graphic illustration showing how mountain bikes contribute to microplastics pollution. Credit: Science of The Total Environment (2025)." class="wp-image-1964766"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Graphic illustration showing how mountain bikes contribute to microplastics pollution. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Science of The Total Environment (2025).</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>“Our study provides the first reliable data on the amount of tire abrasion from mountain bikes under real-world conditions," said doctoral researcher Fabian Sommer. </p>



<p>"The results show that while mountain bike tires release microplastics directly into nature, the amount is significantly lower compared to motorized <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-costs-electric-vehicle-tires-emit-20-more-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vehicles</a>. This highlights another advantage of cycling as a sustainable mode of transport.” </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-other-bikes-may-also-add-microplastics">Other bikes may also add microplastics</h2>



<p>The research team isn’t stopping with mountain bikes. They’ve already launched a follow-up study to compare tire abrasion rates across different types of bicycles, including road bikes, gravel bikes, and electric mountain bikes.</p>



<p>They’re also working with the laboratory of Professor Dr. Christian Laforsch, from the <a href="https://www.sfb-mikroplastik.uni-bayreuth.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Collaborative Research Center 1357 Microplastics</a>, to analyze environmental samples. </p>



<p>This collaboration will help paint a fuller picture of how microplastics from bike tires interact with the natural world.</p>



<p>While <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/benefits-of-mountain-biking-far-outweigh-the-risks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biking</a> remains a greener alternative to driving, this research shows that even our cleanest habits leave marks. </p>



<p>Understanding those marks is a step toward making better choices - and maybe building better tires in the future.</p>



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



<p>Even though mountain bikes contribute far less to microplastic pollution than motor vehicles, they still play a role in the broader environmental picture. </p>



<p>The real issue is that microplastics are showing up in places they shouldn’t be - soils, rivers, oceans, and even inside our bodies. And they don’t break down. Once released, they linger in the environment, often for decades.</p>



<p>That’s why every bit of data matters. Understanding how much microplastic comes from different sources - whether it’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/car-tires-shed-pollutants-that-are-especially-toxic-for-humans-and-wildlife/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cars</a>, clothes, shoes, or bike tires - helps build a clearer picture of where these particles come from and how we might reduce them.</p>



<p>It also helps inform smarter design choices, like new tire materials, better manufacturing practices, or improved trail planning, to protect the places we love to ride.</p>



<p>This study may be about bikes, but it’s also about something bigger: learning how our everyday habits connect to the growing web of microplastic pollution all around us.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969725006060?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science of The Total Environment</a></em>.</p>



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



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

Car tires are a big source of microplastics pollution, but what about mountain bikes?

One of the biggest contributors to the microplastics pollution scourge...

Multi-colored,Pastel,Manicure,Combined,Tone,On,Tone,With,A,Striped

<p>Picture this: you’re at home, relaxing, and giving yourself a fresh manicure with bright pink nails that shimmer with sparkles or are maybe even embedded with a computer chip.</p>



<p>When you're done showing them off for the week, you melt them down and start over - no waste, no guilt. That’s the idea behind Bio-e-Nails.</p>



<p>A team of researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder’s <a href="https://www.colorado.edu/atlas/academics/grad/ctd-ci?gad_source=1&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwhr6_BhD4ARIsAH1YdjCyr6N7P0vH1CNwX8lu2leCWD20cxeurZXvJczxf58DWB9fdDuon1MaAn2lEALw_wcB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ATLAS Institute</a> has created a biodegradable, customizable press-on nail that could redefine how we think about beauty and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-urgent-plea-sustainable-climate-solutions-save-earth-humanity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sustainability</a>.</p>



<p>The nails are made from simple, natural materials, like algae and shellfish shells, and are easy to create at home using basic craft tools and ingredients from your local store.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-kind-of-nail">A new kind of nail</h2>



<p>Bio-e-Nails are colorful, fun, and designed to be reused. </p>



<p>Whether you love long, glittery nails or short, vibrant ones, these can be made to match your exact style - and then remade again when you're ready for a change.</p>



<p>“With Bio-e-Nails, there can be a second life, a third life, a fourth life,” said Lázaro Vásquez, a doctoral student at ATLAS. </p>



<p>“The material can be remelted and reshaped into new objects. You can make a new nail, for sure, but also a coaster for your coffee cup.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-biodegradable-nails-are-a-big-deal">Why biodegradable nails are a big deal</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.eldylazaro.com/?portfolio=bio-e-nails" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bio-e-Nails</a> were first presented at the 2025 Tangible, Embedded and Embodied Interaction (TEI) conference in France.</p>



<p>The concept grew from a class project into a research collaboration that brought together students and faculty interested in sustainable design.</p>



<p>“Sustainability goes beyond merely <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-production-must-be-phased-out-to-stop-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">replacing plastic</a> with a substitute material,” said Mirela Alistar, assistant professor at ATLAS and the Department of Computer Science. </p>



<p>“Both the designer and the user also need to change their mindset. That type of change, which considers the entire lifecycle of the wearable, is what we are tackling through our research in the Living Matter Lab.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nails-with-a-purpose">Nails with a purpose</h2>



<p>For many, visiting a nail salon is more than just pampering - it’s self-expression.</p>



<p>“[Nails] can be a reflection of your personality,” Vásquez said. “They represent something that comes from you.”</p>



<p>But traditional <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/common-household-products-expose-people-to-dangerous-chemicals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nail products</a> often contain chemicals like methyl methacrylate, which can be harmful to both workers and clients. </p>



<p>The booming $700 million press-on nail industry also generates a surprising amount of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-waste-grows-relentlessly-as-recycling-falls-short/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic waste</a>.</p>



<p>Alistar pointed out the hidden cost of all this beauty: “We’re not used to thinking of nails as a waste material because they're so small, but they add up.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-make-biodegradable-nails-at-home">How to make biodegradable nails at home</h2>



<p>To make Bio-e-Nails, you start with one of two key ingredients: agar or chitosan. </p>



<p>Agar, derived from algae, is often used as a vegan substitute for gelatin. Chitosan, on the other hand, comes from seashells and is widely used in supplements.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/bio-e-nails_biodegradable-fingernails_reusable_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/bio-e-nails_biodegradable-fingernails_reusable_1s.webp" alt="Bio-e-Nails come in all shapes and colors. Credit: Living Matter Lab" class="wp-image-1964780"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Bio-e-Nails come in all shapes and colors. Credit: Living Matter Lab</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>If you're using chitosan, the process is simple. Mix it with vinegar and water, heat and cool it in a water bath, and pour it into a mold shaped like your favorite nail. </p>



<p>After a couple of days, peel the film off, trim the edges, and you’re ready. The agar version is equally easy.</p>



<p>Then, it’s time to get creative.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fully-custom-and-even-smart">Fully custom and even smart</h2>



<p>You can mix in food coloring for vibrant shades, or add glitter and tiny crystals to match your mood or outfit. </p>



<p>The nails can even go high-tech. The team experimented with embedding small computer chips into the nails. </p>



<p>These can be programmed to interact with your smartphone, like showing your emergency contact or pulling up directions when tapped.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-don-t-toss-them-reshape-and-reuse-them">Don't toss them, reshape and reuse them</h2>



<p>Bio-e-Nails are meant for short-term wear - perfect for a party or weekend event. And when you're done? Don’t toss them. </p>



<p>Reuse the material, reshape it into your next look, or even turn it into something completely different.</p>



<p>“Composting should be the last alternative. We want to keep the materials in use as long as we can,” explained Vásquez.</p>



<p>“In biodesign, it’s not just about replacing traditional materials with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-future-of-plastic-biodegradable-durable-and-even-edible/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodegradable</a> ones - it’s about rethinking the entire design process, considering the life cycle of the material and eventual products, and how they can stay in circulation and be transformed before they ever return to nature.”</p>



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



<p>With Bio-e-Nails, beauty isn’t just skin deep - it’s a way to rethink how we care for ourselves and the planet. From your fingertips to your compost bin - or your next set of nails - it’s all connected.</p>



<p>Details of the study were <a href="https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3689050.3704426">presented</a> at the 2025 Tangible, Embedded and Embodied Interaction Conference.</p>



<p><a href="https://youtu.be/SJGLC6OofmY" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Watch a video demonstration by clicking here...</a></p>



<p>The full study <a href="https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3689050.3704426" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">is published here...</a></p>



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



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

Biodegradable fingernails? Yes, and you can make them at home and reuse

Picture this: you’re at home, relaxing, and giving yourself a...

<p>In July 2022, powerful thunderstorms pummeled the central United States, bringing extreme flooding to the St. Louis metropolitan area and then dumping vast amounts of water on eastern Kentucky. </p>



<p>St. Louis set a new benchmark for daily rainfall, with a gauge at Lambert International Airport recording 8.64 inches of precipitation. </p>



<p>Though media reports labeled it a 1-in-1,000-year event, a new study from <a href="https://washu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Washington University in St. Louis</a> suggests otherwise. </p>



<p>Researchers led by assistant professor Bronwen Konecky analyzed the storm’s intensity using a fresh approach that blends real-world measurements with climate model data. </p>



<p>The team found that this extreme rainfall was more likely a 1-in-500-year storm - still significant, but not as rare as early estimates suggested.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-record-breaking-deluge">A record-breaking deluge</h2>



<p>The downpour in St. Louis, which occurred on July 26, caused extreme <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shorter-storms-bigger-impact-rising-flood-risks-in-a-warmer-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">floods</a> that claimed two lives and led to more than $1 billion in damages. It was the most expensive flood disaster in the nation that year.</p>



<p>Eastern Kentucky saw a similarly devastating impact only two days later. Preliminary coverage described the rainfall as having a 0.1% chance of happening in any given year, hence the “1,000-year” label.</p>



<p>But the Washington University researchers discovered that official frequency estimates carry huge error bars - potentially up to 7 inches of rainfall in some cases - which complicates claims that the storm was a once-in-a-millennium event. </p>



<p>Instead, they say a storm of that magnitude is more likely on the order of a 1-in-500-year scenario for St. Louis and closer to a 1-in-300-year event for eastern Kentucky.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-estimates-are-so-uncertain">Why estimates are so uncertain</h2>



<p>Alexander Thompson, first author on the study and a recent PhD graduate, explains that short observation records are partly to blame. </p>



<p>Rain gauges have only been recording data in some U.S. locations for about a century, and the coverage of these stations varies widely. Some areas have robust data, while others are spotty or have large historical gaps.</p>



<p>With such limited sets of observations, scientists must rely heavily on statistical methods to guess the likelihood of big <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-rainfall-increases-as-a-direct-result-of-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rainfall</a> events. But if the data only covers a few decades, it will show a broad range of possible return periods for any major storm.</p>



<p>The term “return period” is how scientists express the probable timing of an event. A 1-in-500-year storm has a 0.2% chance of occurring in any given year, whereas a 1-in-1,000-year storm has a 0.1% chance. </p>



<p>As global warming intensifies, storms with these high return periods could become more frequent in many regions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-fresh-blend-of-data-and-models">A fresh blend of data and models</h2>



<p>Because standard measurements produce such wide error ranges, Thompson and Konecky - both paleoclimatologists by training - turned to an unusual strategy. </p>



<p>The experts combined traditional rain gauge data from the late 20th and early 21st centuries with outputs from a large set of climate model simulations known as the Last Millennium Ensemble.</p>



<p>These simulations span back to the year 850 and run forward to 2100, covering both past and projected future climates.</p>



<p>“The late 20th and early 21st century is a unique period of time when we have weather station data that overlap with climate model simulations,” Konecky said. </p>



<p>“We used that period of overlap to figure out how to come up with a blended data set that reflects the reality of the station data, but with the long-term statistics of the climate model simulations.” </p>



<p>This blended dataset allowed the researchers to recast the July 2022 storm in historical context.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-risk-of-extreme-storms">Future risk of extreme storms</h2>



<p>The results show the 24-hour rainfall that drenched St. Louis has a likely return period of around 530 years, while the eastern Kentucky event clocks in at about 280 years.</p>



<p> In real terms, that means these extreme storms, though unusual, are more probable than the initial 1-in-1,000-year assessments indicated.</p>



<p>Moreover, the data suggest that such events will become even more common in decades ahead as global warming accelerates.</p>



<p>For communities like St. Louis, where basement flooding turned into a major crisis last year, this conclusion carries an urgent message. “Extreme storms and flooding aren’t going away,” Konecky said. “St. Louis needs to be ready.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>The same holds for other cities facing similar precipitation extremes. Planning decisions on stormwater systems, road design, and new construction all hinge on understanding how often severe rainstorms could happen.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-era-of-extreme-storms">A new era of extreme storms</h2>



<p>With more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-soil-moisture-can-predict-severe-storms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">intense storms</a> looming, adaptation becomes critical. The researchers noted that economic losses from extreme floods continue to soar, and preparing now can save both money and lives.</p>



<p>"There’s an explosion of research into new and better ways to analyze these kinds of events,” Thompson said, adding that emerging methods - like the one used in this study - will help refine how we talk about storm frequency.</p>



<p>In the meantime, the takeaway is that an extreme storm like the one that slammed St. Louis is already too frequent for comfort - and only likely to get more so. </p>



<p>As <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rainfall-is-increasingly-unpredictable-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> reshapes historical weather patterns, societies must lean on better data, climate models, and proactive infrastructure planning to help keep damage in check.</p>



<p>The study is published in the <a href="https://journals.ametsoc.org/configurable/content/journals$002fclim$002f38$002f4$002fJCLI-D-24-0098.1.xml?t:ac=journals%24002fclim%24002f38%24002f4%24002fJCLI-D-24-0098.1.xml" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Journal of Climate</em></a>.</p>



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Once in a thousand years? Extreme storms are becoming much more frequent

In July 2022, powerful thunderstorms pummeled the central United States,...

<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>



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<p>—–</p>

Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<p></p>

Social modeling affects our food choices

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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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>



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y4eLFNYrKE On the unforgiving landscape of North Greenland, temperatures drop...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow3JH03PqEQ
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">New York is the site of the world's oldest forest.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-385-million-year-old-trees-discovered">385-million-year-old trees discovered</h2>



<p>Scientists have uncovered something extraordinary just two hours north of New York City. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-oldest-forest-discovered-close-to-new-york-city/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">world's oldest forest</a>, dating back 385 million years, offers a window into how Earth's first complex forests shaped our planet's atmosphere.</p>



<p>Located near <a href="https://townofcairo.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cairo, New York</a>, in Greene County, these weren't merely primitive plants struggling to survive. These were sophisticated trees with root systems remarkably similar to modern forests. This ancient woodland predates dinosaurs by 140 million years.</p>



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



<p>385 million years ago, upstate New York was a tropical paradise near the equator. Thanks to continental drift, this ancient forest has traveled thousands of miles to its current location.</p>



<p>The fossil forest sits in an abandoned quarry, roughly half the size of a football field. This represents just a slice of what was likely a massive forest system stretching from New York into Pennsylvania.</p>



<p>Charles Ver Straeten, curator of sedimentary rocks at the <a href="https://www.nysm.nysed.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York State Museum</a>, made the discovery in 2009. While scouting the former highway department property, his trained eye spotted wandering patterns in the stone that looked like marine features.</p>



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



<p>The site contains 385-million-year-old rocks with fossilized woody roots forming horizontal patterns up to 18 feet (5.5 meters) wide. As Christopher Berry, a paleobotanist at Cardiff University, explains: "You are walking through the roots of ancient trees."</p>



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



<p>Researchers believe a massive flood buried the forest floor, creating perfect fossilization conditions. Over millions of years, sediment hardened into rock, preserving these root patterns like nature's time capsule.</p>



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



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



<p>William Stein from <a href="https://www.binghamton.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Binghamton University</a> describes the roots as "strikingly modern, essentially what you'd see outside in my yard right now." These weren't simple root systems you'd expect from ancient plants.</p>



<p>Some fossilized roots are six inches (15 centimeters) in diameter, forming 36-foot-wide (11-meter) patterns. These giants grew up to 65 feet (20 meters) tall with five-foot-diameter (1.5-meter) trunks.</p>



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



<p>These trees fundamentally changed Earth's environment. Kevin Boyce, a Stanford University geoscientist, explains how their deep roots triggered "weathering," chemical reactions that pulled carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.</p>



<p>This process dropped atmospheric CO2 levels from 10-15 times higher than today to roughly modern concentrations. These ancient trees helped create atmospheric conditions that made complex life possible.</p>



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



<p>The forest was remarkably diverse. Scientists identified <em>Eospermatopteris</em>, palm tree-like plants with short roots that reached 30 feet (9 meters) tall but lacked woody structure. The forest also housed cladoxylopsids and a mysterious third species still being studied.</p>



<p>All reproduced through spores rather than seeds – millions of years before seeds evolved. This tropical environment had no grass, flowers, or flying insects, just towering trees creating Earth's first complex forest canopy.</p>



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



<p>Before this finding, the Gilboa forest, located 25 miles (40 kilometers) away, held the "oldest forest" title. Cairo's trees are 2-3 million years older, showing that complex forest ecosystems developed much faster than scientists believed possible.</p>



<p>Patricia Gensel, a <a href="https://www.unc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of North Carolina</a> paleobotanist, notes: "The size of those root systems is really changing the picture. Even 20 years ago, researchers assumed trees with such complex root systems didn't evolve so early."</p>



<p>The Cairo site presents three unique root systems, suggesting Devonian period forests were diverse ecosystems with different trees occupying different environmental niches, much like today's forests.</p>



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



<p>In 2022, New York State Senator Michelle Hinchey secured a $170,000 grant for the town of Cairo to construct specialized fencing around the fossil forest site. The town plans to conduct a feasibility study exploring the possibility of creating an educational center and working lab on-site.</p>



<p>Joe Hasenkopf, chair of the Cairo Planning Board, hopes to partner with educational institutions to create a research facility serving scientists, students, and the public.</p>



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



<p>Why does a 385-million-year-old forest matter today? It shows how dramatically forests can change Earth's climate. These ancient woodlands created the atmospheric conditions supporting complex life.</p>



<p>Understanding how prehistoric forests transformed the planet helps us appreciate modern forests' critical role in addressing climate change. Forests remain Earth's most effective carbon capture systems.</p>



<p>These prehistoric trees changed Earth's atmosphere by pulling massive amounts of carbon dioxide from the air. As we face modern climate challenges, this ancient forest reminds us of trees' incredible power to transform our planet's environment.</p>



<p>The next time you walk through a forest, remember you're experiencing an ecosystem whose blueprint was established 385 million years ago in upstate New York. These ancient pioneers didn't just survive – they thrived and changed the world forever.</p>



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



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



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Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow3JH03PqEQ New York is the site of the world's oldest...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Veg4HmmRVZY
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Our bodies hits two 'aging cliffs' at these ages.</figcaption></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists discover we age in bursts

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

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqlF0XKzHY4
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The hidden science behind tickling.</figcaption></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists solve the mystery of tickling

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>



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

Retired professor claims he solved time travel

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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



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



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



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



<p>Researchers Smriti Gaur and Shubhi Singh from India's Jaypee Institute of Information Technology took an innovative approach, using natural prebiotics like corn and honey instead of complex processing methods. </p>



<p>They created five chocolate varieties: a control and four synbiotic versions containing different combinations of prebiotics, probiotics (Lactobacillus strains), and flavor enhancers (cinnamon or orange).</p>



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



<p>Taste tests were positive, with researchers particularly enjoying the orange-flavored variety, describing it as having "vibrant citrus notes" complementing the "rich cocoa" with a "luxurious" texture.</p>



<p>This research represents just the beginning. With further refinement of strains, textures, and flavors, chocolate could evolve beyond mere indulgence to become a functional food that nourishes while it delights.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsfoodscitech.4c00741" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACS Food Science &amp; Technology</a>.</p>

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> explores the ability of salt to transform the way that foods and beverages taste. Salt is known to cover up undesirable flavors, such as bitterness in coffee or beer, but how exactly does sodium chloride change the taste of other compounds?</p>



<p>One previous study showed that, not only does salt suppress bitterness, but also enhances sweetness and sourness. Another study revealed that bitterness reduction by salt seems to be happening at the tongue receptor level as well as in the brain.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While it is known that salt taste is mediated by the presence of sodium channels in the form of taste buds, experts believe that there is also an unknown receptor responsible for how we taste salt that has not yet been identified.&nbsp;</p>



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



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



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Santiago, the capital city of Chile. The city is located in the center of the Santiago Metropolitan Region, which has a population of about eight million people.&nbsp;</p>



<p>'The weather of Santiago resembles the Mediterranean climate with dry and warm summers with temperatures reaching up to 35°C (from October to March) and cool and humid winters that can drop to 0°C (from April to September)."</p>



<p>"The city lies in the centre of the country’s central valley around 80 km from the Pacific Ocean to the west and borders Argentina to the east. A tiny part of Argentina is visible in the top-right corner of the image where the mountain crest of the Andes Mountains acts as a divider between the two countries," says ESA.</p>



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



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



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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