Grains feed billions every day. Yet people still argue about which ones deserve a spot on the plate. Whole grains often get praise. Refined grains often get the blame. The truth, as a new study shows, is more complicated.



Researchers looked at more than 14,000 Americans and tracked what they ate. They used national survey data collected between 2017 and 2023, combining diet records with health markers such as weight, waist size, and insulin levels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-analyzing-different-grains">Analyzing different grains</h2>



The team came from the <a href="https://www.washington.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Washington</a> and a French nutrition group. They used national survey data collected between 2017 and 2023. They combined diet records with health markers such as weight, waist size, and insulin levels. 



The study also considered cost - an issue that often keeps families from choosing healthier foods. By linking <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mind-diet-may-protect-cognitive-health/">nutrition scores</a> with affordability, the researchers could see not only which foods improved health but also which ones people could realistically buy.



This practical lens matters, because guidance that ignores price often fails in everyday life, leaving healthier choices out of reach for many households.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoring-nutrients-in-grains">Scoring nutrients in grains</h2>



The researchers built scoring systems. One focused on whole grain content, fiber, and added sugar. Another measured nine nutrients we need - such as protein, folate, and magnesium - against three we should limit: sugar, sodium, and saturated fat.



Foods that performed well were tagged as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/common-food-nutrition-labels-may-be-based-on-50-year-old-data/">healthy</a> grains, while those lacking balance fell short. 



This dual approach gave a sharper view, showing not just which grains are wholesome, but also why certain fortified foods deserve recognition alongside traditional whole grain options.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-grains-with-strong-nutrients">Grains with strong nutrients</h2>



Cooked grains did well. So did cooked cereals and fortified grains in breads. Some ready-to-eat cereals also scored high, but only when sugar stayed low. 



Sweet bakery goods, snack bars, and quick breads landed at the bottom. They offered calories but almost no nutrients, highlighting how certain popular items fill stomachs without delivering meaningful health benefits.



The contrast between fortified choices and sugar-heavy products shows why nutrient density, not just grain type, makes the real difference in improving diets.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eating-patterns-matter">Eating patterns matter</h2>



The study showed who eats these grains. Women and older adults ate more of them. Mexican Americans included them often too. Non-Hispanic Black participants ate the least.



Income made a difference: higher income groups leaned toward healthier grain choices. Regional differences also appeared, with some communities relying more on fortified breads and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/childrens-cereals-now-contain-more-sugar-and-fat-than-ever/">cereals</a>. 



Still, even the best groups ate less than one-third of their grains from nutrient-dense foods, showing plenty of room for improvement.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-grains-better-nutrition">More grains, better nutrition</h2>



Those who ate more healthy grains had better overall diets. They consumed more fruits and vegetables. They cut down on added sugar, sodium, and saturated fat. 



They also got more protein, calcium, potassium, and iron. These benefits grew stronger the more healthy grains people ate.



The gains extended to health outcomes. Adults eating nutrient-rich grains were less likely to have higher body weight. Their insulin levels were lower, indicating stronger metabolic health. Their cholesterol levels also improved in some cases.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-healthy-grains-don-t-cost-more">Healthy grains don’t cost more</h2>



Nutritious foods often cost more, but that assumption did not hold here. Healthy grains were not more expensive than less nutritious ones. In some cases, fortified cereals and breads even cost less per gram or per calorie.



“Healthy grains are a critical component of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-break-down-the-best-heart-healthy-diets/">healthy diets</a>," said Dr. Adam Drewnowski, Professor of Epidemiology at the University of Washington.



“Our evaluation took whole grain content into account, along with fiber, vitamins and minerals. By delivering key nutrients such as fiber, iron, B vitamins and folate, grain foods can make a meaningful contribution to healthier eating patterns among all population groups.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nutrients-matter-more-than-labels">Nutrients matter more than labels</h2>



This study shows that grain choices are not black and white. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/that-whole-wheat-bread-youve-been-eating-is-often-a-trap-its-not-what-you-think-it-is/">Whole grains</a> matter, but fortified refined grains can also help. What counts is nutrient density. That shift in perspective makes it easier for people to build healthier diets without higher costs or strict rules.



Grains will remain central to our diets. Choosing nutrient-dense ones - whether whole or fortified - can improve health without draining wallets. Balance matters more than rigid categories, and the study makes that clear. 



Eating patterns shaped by variety and affordability work better long term. Rather than avoiding entire grain types, people can focus on smarter selections, building meals that deliver taste, nutrition, and practicality without unnecessary restrictions.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/17/16/2674" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nutrients</a>.



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Some refined grains are surprisingly nutritious

Grains feed billions every day. Yet people still argue about which ones deserve a spot on the plate. Whole grains often get praise. Refined grains often get the blame. The truth, as a new study shows, is more complicated. Researchers looked at more than 14,000 Americans and tracked what they ate. They used national survey data collected between 2017 and 2023, combining diet records with health markers such as weight, waist size, and insulin levels. Analyzing different grains The team came from the University of Washington and...

The deep blue sky, the glowing moon, the hypnotic swirls - Vincent van Gogh’s “The Starry Night” remains one of the most recognizable paintings in the world. 



It invites awe and interpretation, blending emotion with abstraction. For over a century, people have tried to explain its magic.



Some view it as a window into van Gogh’s troubled mind. Others see a poetic depiction of nature’s grandeur. More recently, however, some physicists saw something else - a possible connection to fluid turbulence.



This surprising scientific claim stirred both <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-reveals-new-details-about-centuries-old-painting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fascination and debate</a>. Could an artist from the 19th century have intuitively captured a concept that physicists only formalized in the 20th? 



A 2024 paper suggested exactly that. But not everyone agrees.



In fact, leading experts in fluid mechanics say the science behind that interpretation does not hold up. While the painting’s beauty remains unquestioned, its connection to turbulence theory might not be as real as it seems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-theory-meets-the-starry-night">Modern theory meets "The Starry Night"</h2>



In June 1889, van Gogh painted “The Starry Night” while residing at an asylum in southern France. He looked out at the pre-dawn sky and transformed what he saw into a <a href="https://portfolio.newschool.edu/rivej935/2024/11/07/in-depth-research-vicent-van-gogh-the-starry-night/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">masterpiece</a>.



Today, the painting lives at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Its swirls and curls have inspired poets, painters, and now - physicists.



A <a href="https://pubs.aip.org/aip/pof/article-abstract/36/9/095140/3312767/Hidden-turbulence-in-van-Gogh-s-The-Starry-Night?redirectedFrom=fulltext">study</a> published in Physics of Fluids claimed that the painting’s swirling sky resembled patterns found in real turbulent flows. Specifically, the paper argued that van Gogh’s eddies followed Kolmogorov’s theory of turbulence.



This theory, created by Soviet mathematician Andrey Kolmogorov, describes how energy moves through swirling fluids like air or water. 



According to the paper, “[van Gogh] was able to reproduce not only the size of whirls/eddies, but also their relative distance and intensity in his <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/painting-with-light-project-makes-air-pollution-visible/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">painting</a>.”



The idea fascinated many. Was van Gogh unknowingly visualizing chaos in a scientifically accurate way?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-starry-night-turbulence-claim-is-wrong">Starry Night turbulence claim is wrong</h2>



Not so fast, say Mohamed Gad-el-Hak of <a href="https://www.vcu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Virginia Commonwealth University</a> and James J. Riley of the <a href="https://www.washington.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Washington</a>.



These two experts in turbulence and fluid mechanics studied the painting too. Their conclusion? The original analysis is deeply flawed. Their own paper, published in the Journal of Turbulence, presents a detailed rebuttal.



“The Kolmogorov theory, which is named for the 20th-century Soviet mathematician Andrey Kolmogorov, is perhaps the most famous theory in turbulence research,” said Gad-el-Hak. 



This theory applies to how velocity behaves in fluids - how fast the particles move and interact. But that’s not all.



Later, researchers like Alexander Obukhov and Stanley Corrsin expanded the theory to cover scalar <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/children-played-a-spiritual-role-in-prehistoric-cave-art/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">properties</a> - things like pressure, temperature, and fluid density. These properties, however, must be measurable within the flow.



Both Gad-el-Hak and Riley studied under Corrsin at <a href="https://www.jhu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Johns Hopkins University</a>. Their background gave them a clear understanding of what the theory requires and how it works in real-world systems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-starry-night-has-no-real-data">Starry Night has no real data </h2>



The biggest issue lies in what the painting lacks. “Our foundational objection … is that there is no identifiable, measurable scalar fluid property in the painting that can be used to apply the theory of Obukhov and Corrsin,” Riley explained.



In other words, “The Starry Night” is a visual work. It contains no real data. There is no way to measure air pressure, temperature, or any other property that turbulence theory needs.



Even more, the paper assumes an atmospheric flow field behind the painting. But Gad-el-Hak and Riley argue that this imagined flow does not match the conditions required by Kolmogorov’s framework. 



“The atmospheric flow field assumed does not even closely satisfy the assumptions required of the theory,” Riley added. 



So while the swirls may appear turbulent, they lack the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/acoustic-echoes-may-have-inspired-prehistoric-rock-art/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scientific foundation</a> to truly represent turbulence.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-van-gogh-s-genius-is-artistic-not-scientific">Van Gogh’s genius is artistic, not scientific</h2>



Gad-el-Hak and Riley don’t dismiss the painting’s brilliance. In fact, they admire it deeply. But they urge people to separate science from symbolism. 



“The painting is fascinating and very abstract,” they wrote, “and in fact this is an element of what makes it such an iconic work of art.”



Van Gogh’s swirling skies stir emotion. They may even remind viewers of natural forces like wind or water. But the beauty lies in suggestion, not simulation. 



There is no hidden physics waiting to be decoded. Instead, there is an artist who poured his mind onto canvas in ways that defy simple explanation.



Science and art often intersect, but not every brushstroke needs a formula. “The Starry Night” remains a masterpiece - not because it mimics turbulence, but because it captures something deeper, something purely human.



The study is published in the <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14685248.2025.2477244" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Turbulence</a>. 



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Claim: Van Gogh’s 'The Starry Night' does not follow real science rules

The deep blue sky, the glowing moon, the hypnotic swirls...

Earth,Core,Structure.,Elements,Of,This,3d,Image,Furnished,By

A recent study has overturned a foundational assumption about Earth’s early geological evolution by showing that the planet’s very first crust, formed around 4.5 billion years ago, already exhibited chemical traits remarkably similar to those of our current continents.&nbsp;



This discovery challenges widely held beliefs that the unique “fingerprints” of modern continental&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mantle-heat-shaped-earths-crust-3-billion-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crust</a>&nbsp;could only have emerged once plate tectonics was fully underway. 



Instead, the research indicates that these signatures were in place from the outset, prompting scientists to rethink the timing and mechanisms behind Earth’s first stable landmasses.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chemical-traits-of-earth-s-early-crust">Chemical traits of Earth's early crust</h2>



The research team was led by Professor Simon Turner from Macquarie University’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mq.edu.au/faculty-of-science-and-engineering" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Faculty of Science and Engineering</a>, collaborating with experts from institutions in Australia, the UK, and France.&nbsp;



Geological theory has long held that subduction zones - where tectonic plates slide beneath one another - were essential to generating the low-niobium anomaly characteristic of continental rocks.



However, Turner and his colleagues discovered that these chemical trait markers can be explained by processes predating plate tectonics. 



“Scientists have long thought that tectonic plates needed to dive beneath each other to create the chemical fingerprint we see in continents,” Turner said. 



“Our research shows this fingerprint existed in Earth’s very first crust, the protocrust - meaning those theories need to be reconsidered.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-niobium-and-early-earth">Niobium and early Earth</h2>



Central to this study is the observation that niobium in early Earth conditions likely behaved as a siderophile, or metal-loving, element. 



Because the planet’s surface was covered by a molten ocean during the Hadean eon (roughly 4.5 to 4.0 billion years ago), conditions were highly reducing.



Under those circumstances, niobium would have been attracted to metal and sunk into the newly forming core. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/early-earth_continental-crust-rocks_chemical-composition_credit-Macquarie-University_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/early-earth_continental-crust-rocks_chemical-composition_credit-Macquarie-University_1s.webp" alt="Continental clues: Modern continental rocks carry chemical signatures from the very start of our planet's history, challenging current theories about plate tectonics. Credit: Morris McLennan, Macquarie University" class="wp-image-1964543"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Continental clues: Modern continental rocks carry chemical signatures from the very start of our planet's history, challenging current theories about plate tectonics. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Morris McLennan, Macquarie University</figcaption></figure>



This would naturally explain how the earliest crust developed the distinctive low-niobium signature that characterizes modern continents, without requiring subduction processes to drive it. 



“I realized there might be a connection between early core formation, high siderophile element patterns, and the infamous negative niobium anomaly observed in continental crust,” Turner explained, referring to the consistent chemical imprint found in nearly all continental rocks, regardless of their age.



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



The findings suggest that well before tectonic plates began shifting and colliding, Earth’s nascent crust was already imbued with chemical traits that traditionally were thought to arise from subduction-driven recycling.&nbsp;



By using mathematical models to simulate early Earth’s molten surface and core formation, the researchers demonstrated how the protocrust could have naturally become chemically akin to what we see in today’s continents.&nbsp;



“This early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mantle-heat-shaped-earths-crust-3-billion-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crust</a> was reshaped and made richer in silica thanks to a combination of meteor impacts, chunks of crust peeling off, and the beginning of plate movements,” Turner said.



The study posits that these combined forces carved out thicker zones in some parts of Earth’s surface, laying the groundwork for what would become the first proto-continents.



One of the striking aspects of this scenario is the role of meteor impacts. During the Hadean eon, Earth faced intense bombardment from comets and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-chaos-how-an-asteroid-strike-would-change-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">asteroids</a>, which not only disrupted the crust but may have intermittently triggered localized plate-like processes.&nbsp;



It is possible that around 3.8 billion years ago, as meteor bombardment subsided and the solar system became more orderly, plate tectonics entered a phase of more continuous operation. 



Before that, it likely occurred sporadically, forming and destroying patches of crust without establishing the global network of colliding and diverging plates known today.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifting-timelines-for-plate-tectonics">Shifting timelines for plate tectonics</h2>



The implication of this research is that Earth’s earliest stable crustal fragments were not mere oceanic slabs but had already acquired the distinctive chemical trait signatures found in continental rocks.



This insight alters how geologists trace the onset of plate tectonics by highlighting that the creation of low-niobium rocks might not directly pin down the age of subduction zones, since the relevant chemical anomalies apparently existed before subduction was a consistent global mechanism.



In a broader cosmic context, these findings may also reshape how scientists view the formation of continents on other&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rocky-planets-a-new-target-in-the-search-for-extraterrestrial-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rocky planets</a>. 



If Earth’s continents developed their core chemical traits and features so early, driven by partial melting, core formation, and repeated violent impacts, then other planets with similar conditions could also form continental structures sooner than previously assumed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-on-earth-s-crust">Future research on Earth's crust</h2>



Looking ahead, the researchers plan to refine their models and search for additional geological records that support or challenge the new narrative. 



Direct evidence from the Hadean eon is notoriously rare because rocks that old are often re-melted or transformed by later geological events.



Yet tiny minerals such as zircons have survived, and future studies might glean further clues about this formative period in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/the-history-of-earth-in-exactly-2000-words/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth’s history</a>.&nbsp;



By recalibrating the timeline of continental emergence, this research paves the way for a richer and more complex picture of how Earth became a planet capable of hosting life and how similar transformations might be possible elsewhere in the cosmos.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08719-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Discovery about Earth's first continental crust rewrites geological history

A recent study has overturned a foundational assumption about Earth’s...

The forest holds many wonders - towering trees, elusive animals and, sometimes, plants that seem plucked from myth. Deep in a hill dipterocarp forest in eastern Peninsular Malaysia, scientists have discovered one such marvel: a new species from the mysterious fairy lantern genus, Thismia.



Hidden beneath <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hundreds-of-fungi-species-are-threatened-with-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dense vegetation</a> and largely invisible to the casual hiker, this species represents both a scientific breakthrough and a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-wildlife-day-2025-a-global-call-to-protect-nature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation</a> warning.



The discovery was made in Terengganu’s Chemerong Forest Eco Park, a mountainous region known more for waterfalls and trails than rare plants. On the edge of a mountaineering path, something extraordinary emerged from the soil - a glowing flower with a strange structure and a name now etched into Malaysian botanical history: Thismia aliasii.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unveiling-the-world-of-thismia">Unveiling the world of Thismia</h2>



The genus Thismia is a botanical enigma. These plants are mycoheterotrophic, meaning they cannot perform photosynthesis but depend on fungi for nutrition.



In fact, this is a symbiotic relationship involving plants that parasitize fungi in the soil. This underground network links them to nearby trees, forming a delicate chain of dependency. Without sunlight, leaves, or green stems, these unusual plants remain hidden for most of the year, only revealing themselves when they flower.



These flowers are not ordinary. They often resemble small lanterns or otherworldly structures, and are adapted to attract specific pollinating insects. Small flies, especially fungus gnats, act as pollinators, being lured by the plant’s architecture and scent.



This system is highly specialized, making Thismia species incredibly vulnerable to change. Thismia aliasii joins this unique lineage with features that have astonished researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-moment-of-chance-and-recognition">A moment of chance and recognition</h2>



The journey to identify Thismia aliasii began in 2019. Mohamad Alias Shakri, a researcher from the Terengganu Forestry Department, spotted the strange plant during a field expedition.



"The discovery of Thismia aliasii is very interesting as it was found in a mountainous region known for its natural beauty. The discovery was made on the edge of a popular mountaineering trail but, remarkably, the species was first recognised by Alias," the author noted.



“It was not easy to obtain specimens for further study as its habitat is on the mountain and COVID time delayed search efforts. Fortunately, targeted field work to find this plant was successful with the support of NAGAO."



What began as an accidental sighting turned into a focused mission to locate and study the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/half-of-the-worlds-heliconia-species-are-at-risk-of-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant</a>. The pandemic made fieldwork difficult, but the team persisted. Eventually, enough data was gathered to confirm that the plant represented a species new to science.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-thismia-aliasii-is-endangered">Thismia aliasii is endangered</h2>



In the study, published in the open-access journal PhytoKeys, Thismia aliasii was provisionally classified as Critically Endangered (CR) under the <a href="https://www.iucnredlist.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IUCN Red List</a>. 



Only five individuals were documented across multiple surveys. Such low numbers raise immediate alarm about the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saving-earths-most-endangered-plants-from-extinction-proving-difficult-botanic-gardens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a>’ future.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/fairy-lantern-plant_new-species_Thismia-aliasii_credit-Siti-Munirah_1big.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/fairy-lantern-plant_new-species_Thismia-aliasii_credit-Siti-Munirah_1s.webp" alt="Newly discovered fairy lantern species, Thismia aliasii can't photosynthesize. Credit: Siti Munirah" class="wp-image-1964533"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Newly discovered fairy lantern species, Thismia aliasii can't photosynthesize. Click to enlarge. Credit: Siti Munirah</figcaption></figure>



The biggest threat to Thismia aliasii is its own location. Chemerong Forest is a popular destination for hikers, and foot traffic disturbs the leaf litter and soil layers on which the plant depends.



Unlike tall trees or shrubs, these small organisms can’t withstand repeated damage or shifting microhabitats. If nothing changes to improve their chances of survival, their extinction could happen unnoticed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-terengganu-is-a-sanctuary-for-rare-flora">Terengganu is a sanctuary for rare flora</h2>



The discovery of Thismia aliasii cements Terengganu’s position as a global hotspot for Thismia diversity. 



To date, 13 species of the genus have been recorded in the state, including six found nowhere else in the world. This concentration of diversity signals a unique evolutionary history that has unfolded beneath the forest canopy.



Such richness also carries <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-wildlife-conservation-day-2024-saving-species-from-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">responsibility</a>. Local conservation policies must now take into account these less-visible species. Their survival depends not only on preserving large tracts of land but also on managing how people move through the area.



Public awareness, trail regulations, and scientific monitoring all become essential parts of the solution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-window-into-life-hidden-from-sight">Window into life hidden from sight</h2>



Thismia aliasii is more than a new entry in a scientific journal. It is a reminder of the unseen lives that flourish in the shadows of the forest. These plants evolved without light, adapting in ways that few other organisms have. They challenge our understanding of survival and symbiosis.



Yet their fragility is just as instructive. A few careless footsteps could destroy a species that took millions of years to evolve.



Their presence urges us to rethink conservation - not as a matter of grand landscapes alone, but as a responsibility that includes even the smallest flowers that are buried in leaf litter, waiting to be seen.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-team-behind-the-discovery">Team behind the discovery</h2>



The study was led by Siti-Munirah Mat Yunoh of the <a href="https://www.frim.gov.my/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Forest Research Institute Malaysia</a> and Mohamad Alias Shakri of the <a href="https://trgforestry.terengganu.gov.my/index.php?lang=my" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Terengganu Forestry Department</a>. 



Their research received funding under the 12th Malaysian Plan from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability. Additional support came from the <a href="https://www.nagaofoundation.or.jp/e/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nagao Research Grant</a>, which has backed numerous biodiversity studies in Southeast Asia.



Without this backing, the expedition may not have resumed after initial delays. Financial and institutional support remains key to discovering and documenting species before they disappear.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/article/136085/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PhytoKeys</a>.



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Newly discovered fairy lantern species can't photosynthesize

The forest holds many wonders - towering trees, elusive animals...

JADES-GS-z13-1 (NIRCam close-up)

The early universe was no serene place. Born from cosmic fire, it cooled down as space expanded. Soon, matter clumped together as gravity began to pull. Galaxies emerged from vast clouds of gas, surrounded by dense fog. As they formed, they began carving out clear bubbles in this fog.



How early these galaxies and their bubbles appeared still puzzles scientists. Yet, recent discoveries push these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/space-tornadoes-discovered-at-the-center-of-our-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cosmic beginnings</a> closer to the time of the Big Bang than ever imagined.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-in-fog">Hidden in fog</h2>



The universe’s first few hundred million years remained cloaked in dense gas. New galaxies, glowing in ultraviolet (UV) light, struggled to be seen. 



The reason? Neutral hydrogen filled the space between them. This gas blocked the bright UV signals and acted like a cosmic fog.



As a result, most early galaxies became invisible at UV wavelengths. Observing them was nearly impossible. The light they emitted couldn't break through the fog.



Yet, understanding these earliest objects requires seeing through that haze. Something had to change in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/euclid-captures-26-million-galaxies-in-vivid-deep-field-photos/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cosmic</a> fabric.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-fog-begins-to-clear">The fog begins to clear</h2>



The first stars and galaxies didn’t just light up the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/largest-ever-3d-map-of-the-universe-lets-us-travel-back-11-billion-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cosmos</a>. Their UV light started breaking apart the neutral hydrogen around them. Slowly, space became more transparent.



This dramatic shift is called the Epoch of Reionization. It marked the moment when light began traveling freely. 



But until now, astronomers believed the process started half a billion years after the Big Bang and took another half billion to finish.



A new discovery challenges this timeline.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-galaxy-bubbles-started-clearing-fog">Galaxy bubbles started clearing fog</h2>



Astronomers at the Cosmic Dawn Center (<a href="https://cosmicdawn.dk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DAWN</a>) have made a breakthrough. They studied a galaxy named JADES-GS-z13-1 that lies among the oldest ever detected. It stood out because it shines so brightly.



“Young galaxies shine brightest at a very specific wavelength of light, originating from hydrogen,“ noted Joris Witstok, lead researcher from the <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cambridge</a>.



“To astronomers, this light goes under the name 'Lyman alpha.' Because of its short UV wavelength, it is easily absorbed by the surrounding medium, and therefore no <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxy-found-in-the-early-universe-that-shouldnt-exist/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy</a> from when the universe was less than half a billion years old has showed us this particular kind of light.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-galaxy-formed-a-bubble-that-cleared-space-around-it">Galaxy formed a bubble that cleared space around it</h2>



How did this light escape the fog that was so prevalent at that time?



Witstok’s team believes the galaxy created a local bubble of clear space. Its UV light “fried” the nearby neutral gas. 



What remained was a transparent pocket - an ionized bubble. These bubbles, once they were numerous enough, reionized the whole <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spiral-galaxy-j23453268-0449256-black-hole-fury-defies-current-knowledge-base/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">universe</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/galaxy_JADES-GS-z13-1_early-universe_fog-clearing_Webb_NASA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/galaxy_JADES-GS-z13-1_early-universe_fog-clearing_Webb_NASA_1s.webp" alt="This image shows the galaxy JADES GS-z13-1 (the red dot at center), imaged with NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope’s NIRCam (Near-Infrared Camera) as part of the JWST Advanced Deep Extragalactic Survey (JADES) program. These data from NIRCam allowed researchers to identify GS-z13-1 as an incredibly distant galaxy, and to put an estimate on its redshift value. Webb’s unique infrared sensitivity is necessary to observe galaxies at this extreme distance, whose light has been shifted into infrared wavelengths during its long journey across the cosmos. Credit: NASA/ESA" class="wp-image-1964527"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This image shows the galaxy JADES GS-z13-1 (the red dot at center), imaged with NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope’s NIRCam (Near-Infrared Camera) as part of the JWST Advanced Deep Extragalactic Survey (JADES) program. These data from NIRCam allowed researchers to identify GS-z13-1 as an incredibly distant galaxy, and to put an estimate on its redshift value. Webb’s unique infrared sensitivity is necessary to observe galaxies at this extreme distance, whose light has been shifted into infrared wavelengths during its long journey across the cosmos. Click image to enlarge. Credit: NASA/ESA</figcaption></figure>



“We believe that we have discovered one of the first such bubbles,” Witstok said.



That light escaping from JADES-GS-z13-1 could only do so from inside such a bubble. It’s direct evidence of reionization that was already underway, much earlier than anyone thought.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-james-webb-s-vital-role">James Webb’s vital role</h2>



These observations became possible thanks to the James Webb Space Telescope. Its sensitive instruments allow scientists to examine distant galaxies in precise detail.



“We knew that we would find some of the most distant galaxies when we built Webb. But we could only dream of one day being able to probe them in such detail that we can now see directly how they affect the whole universe,” noted Peter Jakobsen, a key figure behind <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/webb/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Webb’</a>s NIRSpec tool.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-caused-the-bubble">What caused the bubble?</h2>



The source of this ionized bubble remains uncertain. The first stars, likely very hot and UV-bright, could have created it. But another explanation also exists.



Supermassive black holes emit intense radiation as they consume gas. This process heats the gas to millions of degrees, and that energy could also have carved out the bubble.



“Most galaxies are known to host a central, supermassive black hole,” said Witstok. “This is another viable cause of the bubbles, which we will now investigate.”



As astronomers study more ancient galaxies, these light bubbles might offer the clearest view yet into the universe’s formative moments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-bubbles-shift-theories-on-galaxies">Early bubbles shift theories on galaxies</h2>



The discovery of Lyman alpha light from JADES-GS-z13-1, and the evidence of ionized bubbles, marks a major milestone in our understanding of the universe’s early years.



It challenges existing theories and opens new avenues for exploring how the first galaxies formed and began to influence the surrounding environment. 



As scientists continue to study these ancient objects with advanced tools, like the James Webb Space Telescope, we can expect to uncover even more secrets of the cosmos’s infancy.



The re-ionization process, once thought to have begun later in the universe's history, may actually have started much earlier, which reshapes our view of the cosmic timeline.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08779-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Early galaxy seen creating clear 'bubbles' in the foggy universe

The early universe was no serene place. Born from cosmic...

Passenger,Suffering,From,Nausea,Standing,In,A,Bus.,Stressed,Woman

Motion sickness affects people of all ages. Whether in cars, on boats, or in the air, the symptoms - nausea, dizziness, sweating - can turn travel into a miserable experience.



As transportation advances, especially with self-driving vehicles, more passengers may find themselves at the mercy of motion-induced discomfort. The need for a simple, safe solution has never been more urgent.



Scientists at Nagoya University <a href="https://www.med.nagoya-u.ac.jp/medical_E/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Graduate School of Medicine</a> may have found that solution - surprisingly, through the use of sound.



Their recent study, published in Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine, explores how a specific frequency of pure tone, delivered for just one minute, can reduce both the physical and emotional <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-heat-impacts-our-daily-routines-and-transportation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">symptoms</a> of motion sickness.



The research, led by Takumi Kagawa and Masashi Kato, combines insights from mouse models and human trials to build a compelling case for this unique acoustic intervention.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-motion-sickness-starts-in-the-inner-ear">Motion sickness starts in the inner ear</h2>



Motion <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/food-poisoning-triggers-lifelong-changes-in-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sickness</a> is rooted in a conflict between visual input and signals from the inner ear’s balance organs. 



When these systems send mismatched information to the brain, the result is confusion - and often, vomiting. 



The inner ear’s otolithic organs, particularly the utricle, detect linear movements. Researchers focused on these structures, and aimed to influence their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/did-the-pandemic-change-our-transportation-habits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">behavior</a> using sound.



Their experiments identified a single, highly specific tone at 100 Hz that activates the utricle when delivered at safe sound pressure levels of 80–85 dBZ. 



This tone, referred to in the study as "sound spice®," had a measurable effect on ion channels in mouse utricles - especially when otoconia, small calcium carbonate crystals essential for balance, were present. Without otoconia, the sound had little effect. This indicated a precise biological interaction.



“Vibrations at the unique sound stimulate the otolithic organs in the inner ear, which detect linear acceleration and gravity,” Kato explained. 



“This suggests that a unique sound stimulation can broadly activate the vestibular system, which is responsible for maintaining balance and spatial orientation.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-testing-sound-therapy-for-motion-sickness">Testing sound therapy for motion sickness</h2>



To verify the tone’s effect, researchers first conducted beam balance tests on mice. These tests assess balance by scoring how well mice walk along a narrow beam. 



Mice exposed to the 100 Hz tone for five minutes before being subjected to shaking performed better than those who received no sound. 



Notably, the benefit lasted up to two hours. In contrast, mice exposed to a 250 Hz tone showed no such improvement.



Human trials followed. Participants, all with a history of motion sickness, were placed in swing chairs, immersive driving simulators, or vehicles. 



To trigger discomfort, they were asked to read during the motion - an activity known to increase motion sickness. Before each session, they received either no sound or one minute of 100 Hz exposure via speakers near their ears.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-less-dizziness-lower-stress-response">Less dizziness, lower stress response</h2>



Balance was measured using posturography, a technique that tracks movement of the center of gravity. 



Those who heard the tone showed smaller increases in envelope area, a marker of imbalance. Heart rate variability, which indicates how well the autonomic nervous system responds to stress, also improved.



Exposure to the tone boosted parasympathetic activity and reduced sympathetic dominance - the hallmark of stress and nausea.



“Our study demonstrated that short-term stimulation using a unique sound called 'sound spice®' alleviates symptoms of motion sickness, such as nausea and dizziness,” Kagawa said. 



“The effective sound level falls within the range of everyday environmental noise exposure, suggesting that the sound technology is both effective and safe.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vehicle-trials-offer-real-world-proof">Vehicle trials offer real-world proof</h2>



Of all the tests, the vehicle trials perhaps carried the most relevance to daily life. In these, participants sat in the rear seat of a car, reading during a series of stop-and-go movements. 



Again, those exposed to the 100 Hz tone experienced less sway and reported fewer symptoms on the Motion Sickness Assessment Questionnaire (MSAQ).



This questionnaire covers several dimensions - gastrointestinal, central (like dizziness), peripheral (like cold sweating), and sopite-related symptoms (like drowsiness). All categories, except sopite-related, showed improvement after sound exposure.



“These results suggest that activation of sympathetic nerves, which are often dysregulated in motion sickness, was objectively improved by the unique sound exposure,” Kato explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-safe-fix-for-motion-sickness">Safe fix for motion sickness</h2>



Safety was a top concern. The sound levels used - 80 to 85 dBZ - are below workplace limits defined by the World Health Organization. 



The one-minute duration further reduces any risk. Researchers also confirmed that the tone did not affect hearing, even when delivered directly toward the inner ears.



In fact, everyday environments sometimes contain similar sound levels, such as during conversation. What sets this tone apart is its purity, stability, and targeted frequency. Random <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-hidden-carbon-footprint-of-long-distance-travel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental</a> noise rarely meets all three of these criteria.



“The health risk of short-term exposure to our unique sound is minimal,” Kagawa said. “Given that the stimulus level is well below workplace noise safety standards, this stimulation is expected to be safe when used properly.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-next-generation-of-travel-comfort">Next generation of travel comfort</h2>



To be effective, the sound must meet four conditions: equal exposure to both ears, frequency of 100 Hz, sound pressure of 80–85 dBZ, and a duration of one minute. 



Devices could be built into car headrests, airplane seats, or wearable audio gear. The simplicity of the system opens doors for wide use.



Researchers now plan to test the tone’s effects when used during motion rather than just before it. They also see potential in treating related conditions, like inner ear disorders. 



A past study by the same group found benefits for people with Meniere’s disease when exposed to 100 Hz tones.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-future-without-motion-sickness">A future without motion sickness?</h2>



If the technology proves reliable during motion, it could make travel more bearable for millions. The system’s non-invasiveness and ease of use make it especially appealing. 



It may even become a routine feature in self-driving cars, where passengers can’t always look outside to stabilize their sense of balance.



This small sound may soon create a big change - making sickness-free travel not just possible, but normal.



The study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/ehpm/30/0/30_24-00247/_article" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine</a>.



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Unique new treatment reduces motion sickness without medication

Motion sickness affects people of all ages. Whether in cars,...

Australia’s exposure to intense heat continues to rise while the nation finds itself a global hotspot for climate-related lawsuits, according to the latest MJA–Lancet Countdown report.



Published today, the document shows a 37 percent increase in excess heat factor across the country over the past two decades, intensifying concerns about health risks tied to higher temperatures.



Paul Beggs, a professor at Macquarie University, is the lead author and director of the&nbsp;<a href="https://lancetcountdown.org/oceania/what-we-do/#:~:text=The%20Lancet%20Countdown%20works%20to,which%20all%20populations%20can%20thrive." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lancet Countdown Center</a>&nbsp;in Oceania. He argued that “the frequency of health-damaging&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-heat-is-pushing-parts-of-earth-beyond-human-survival/">heat</a>&nbsp;has increased substantially since the 1970s.”



His statement reflects a broader conclusion from the report, which assesses links between health and climate change in Australia across five domains: health hazards and impacts, adaptation planning, mitigation actions, economics and finance, and public and political engagement.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-tide-of-climate-lawsuits">Rising tide of climate lawsuits</h2>



One of the new features of this year’s report is an indicator measuring the rate of climate-related litigation, revealing that Australia has the second-highest number of climate change lawsuits worldwide. 



“Health was raised as an issue in eleven Australian climate cases between 2014 and 2023,” said Beggs. “Courts have closely examined detailed evidence about how&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-worsens-cardiovascular-health-risks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>&nbsp;directly and indirectly affects people’s health, especially for vulnerable groups.”



This uptick in climate lawsuits forms part of an overall picture in which Australia’s readiness to tackle climate-related harm faces ongoing tests.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-and-health-systems-under-strain">Climate and health systems under strain</h2>



The report highlights some key weaknesses in Australia’s efforts to manage the intersection of climate and health. One concern is a 17 percent reduction in the number of volunteer firefighters over a span of seven years, putting the country’s bushfire response capacity at risk. 



Another issue is the dominance of fossil fuels in energy production. Even though renewables are making gains, carbon-intensive sources still contribute to the nation’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/2023-climate-change-report-record-high-temperatures-greenhouse-gases-sea-level-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gas emissions</a>.



Health care’s share in emitting greenhouse gases also remains troubling, with emissions from the sector reaching their highest point since 2010 in 2021 - an outcome partly linked to shifts in care patterns brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. 



Nonetheless, this rise underscores the need for better frameworks that reduce carbon footprints throughout health services.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-progress-in-climate-and-health-planning">Progress in climate and health planning</h2>



Despite the obstacles, there are encouraging developments noted in the report. The Australian Government recently completed its first&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dcceew.gov.au/climate-change/publications/ncra-first-pass-risk-assessment" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Climate Risk Assessment</a>, which singled out health and social support as one of eleven priority risks.&nbsp;



“This past year Australia has taken a crucial step forward in understanding how risks are connected across sectors,” said Professor Hilary Bambrick, a contributor to the report and director of the&nbsp;<a href="https://nceph.anu.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Center for Epidemiology and Population Health</a>&nbsp;at The Australian National University.



"This Assessment should facilitate more considered and coordinated planning and response to increasingly dangerous climate change to better protect human health and well-being.”



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tapping-into-the-natural-power-of-plants-for-renewable-energy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Renewable energy</a>&nbsp;use in Australia also continues to advance, now accounting for nearly 40 percent of electricity generation. Large-scale and small-scale clean energy infrastructure are on the rise. 



However, challenges remain, noted Professor Stefan Trueck, director of Macquarie University’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mq.edu.au/research/research-centres-groups-and-facilities/centres/transforming-energy-markets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Center for Transforming Energy Markets</a>.&nbsp;



“Electricity generation from renewables keeps accelerating, fossil fuel generation is shrinking, but ensuring reliability of electricity supply demands even greater investment in renewables and storage,” said Trueck.



Meanwhile, the popularity of electric vehicles is growing, with sales hitting a record high of 98,436 units in 2023 and representing 8.47 percent of all new car sales. Australia may have dodged catastrophic climate disasters this year, but neighboring New Zealand encountered cyclone Gabrielle and severe flooding.&nbsp;



“A strength of the Countdown report is that it includes views from both sides of the Tasman. Australia and New Zealand differ geographically, but both are being squeezed by climate change, and we can learn from each other’s policy and health system responses,” noted professor Alistair Woodward from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Auckland</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-years-ahead">Critical years ahead</h2>



The report stresses that the next five years will be crucial for cutting greenhouse gas emissions and shifting decisively to renewable energy, with scientific research on health and climate change in Australia surging in parallel. In 2023 alone, there were 525 publications in this area - a 29 percent jump from the previous year.



Since its inception in 2017, the MJA–Lancet Countdown has delivered annual evaluations of how well - or poorly - Australia is faring on health and climate matters. 



This year’s version, prepared by a group of 25 experts from 15 institutions across Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States, highlights the ongoing effort to combine climate science, public health, energy policy, economics, and environmental research into a unified picture.



Looking ahead, the authors plan to broaden the scope in future reports by adding metrics focused on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health in a changing climate, as well as the mental health challenges that can emerge as global temperatures continue to climb.



The report is published in the&nbsp;<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.5694/mja2.52616" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Medical Journal of Australia</a>.



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Australia has become a hotspot for climate lawsuits as the crisis escalates

Australia’s exposure to intense heat continues to rise while the...

In spring and summer, gardens explode with floral variety. Yet, watch a bumblebee closely, and you’ll notice something strange. Despite the buffet of colors and scents, the bee often sticks to one flower type per trip. 



It might move from one lavender bloom to another, ignoring daisies right beside them. This selective foraging, called flower constancy, has intrigued naturalists for centuries.



Charles Darwin proposed a simple explanation. He believed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/major-cause-of-honeybee-mortality-can-be-easily-reduced/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bees</a> chose the same flowers again and again because switching would require more memory effort. This idea held weight for a long time. After all, remembering different flower shapes, colors, and nectar rewards does demand mental work. 



But new research from the <a href="https://www.tsukuba.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Tsukuba</a> offers a more refined view. It shows that bees don’t just aim to avoid thinking too much. They make smart, strategic choices based on their surroundings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-bees-choose-flowers">How bees choose flowers</h2>



The study, led by Kentaro Takagi and Kazuharu Ohashi, shows that bees weigh two key costs: how much time it takes to remember a flower and how far they must travel to reach the next one. Their behavior results from balancing these two demands.



"We found that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honey-bees-face-a-multitude-of-complex-stressors-in-the-field/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollinators</a> do not simply avoid memory effort but rather choose a strategy that minimizes the total cost of memory use and travel," explained Professor Shoko Sugiura.



This shifts our understanding away from passive behavior. Flower constancy is not just about bees lacking the mental power to switch. It’s about making the best of what they have - adapting their strategy in real time as flower arrangements change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-bees-switch-flowers">Why bees switch flowers </h2>



The researchers tested this theory using artificial flowers in controlled indoor cages. Some flowers had high color contrast - blue and yellow. Others had subtle differences - yellow and golden yellow.



They also varied how flowers were arranged. In some cases, flower types were thoroughly mixed. In others, each type was grouped in clear clusters.



In mixed arrays, bees faced a choice. If they kept visiting only one species, they had to fly farther between flowers. This raised travel time. But if they switched flower types, they had to recall a different memory. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honey-bee-colonies-are-collapsing-as-climate-change-progresses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bees</a> often chose to switch, especially when flowers looked similar and the memory cost was low.



In this setting, bees behaved like economists. They balanced the time spent flying with the time spent thinking. 



When travel costs went up, they tolerated memory costs. When the mental load increased, they minimized flights. The shift in constancy wasn’t random. It was logical.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-similar-flowers-make-switching-easier">Similar flowers make switching easier</h2>



One striking observation came from the trials involving subtly different flowers. When bees foraged among yellow and golden yellow blooms, they treated them almost as one type. 



Even though bees can tell these colors apart, the difference wasn’t strong enough to require separate memories. This helped them switch more freely and saved time.



But memory plays a second, subtler role. As <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bees-do-not-learn-to-be-cooperative-it-is-in-their-genes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bees</a> visit one flower type repeatedly, they begin to forget the other. The information in short-term memory fades back into long-term storage. This "memory decay" increases the retrieval cost if the bee later wants to switch.



"Pollinators are more flexible than previously assumed. They assess costs and make efficient choices," said Professor Takuya Kameda.



In clustered arrays, this decay worked in favor of constancy. Bees stuck to one type, moved short distances, and avoided memory shifts. But in spaced-out arrays, decay had the opposite effect. By the time a bee reached the next flower, memory had already faded. Switching became easier.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bees-adapting-smartly">Bees adapting smartly</h2>



To test their ideas further, the researchers built a computer model. They simulated bees moving through different flower arrangements. In these simulations, the experts removed memory retrieval costs. The model only considered how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-honey-bee-day-protecting-our-vital-pollinators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bees</a> would behave if they cared only about distance.



The result matched real-world bee behavior in several cases. Especially in arrays with low visual contrast or large spacing, real bees acted like the simulated ones. 



This confirmed that travel distance alone can push bees to switch. Only when flowers were tightly packed and visibly different did memory costs dominate and lead to stronger constancy.



These results challenge the traditional view that flower constancy is just about bees being creatures of habit. It is not about a mental cap. It is a trade-off. The bee calculates, perhaps not consciously, but clearly effectively, the best path through a sea of choices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-this-matters-for-plants-and-evolution">Why this matters for plants and evolution</h2>



This new understanding has important consequences for plants, too. When bees switch flowers frequently, pollen may land on the wrong species. That’s bad news for reproduction. 



So, many ecologists thought that having flowers look different from neighbors was a strong evolutionary pressure. But the data haven’t always backed that up. Some flower communities are highly diverse. Others are not. Sometimes, co-flowering plants look nearly identical.



The findings from this study explain why. It’s not just about color differences. It’s about spatial layout. If different species grow in patches, bees will stay constant regardless of color. If they grow all mixed up, bees will switch more unless there’s a strong visual cue to stop them.



So, flower constancy isn’t fixed. It’s flexible. And that flexibility changes the selective pressures plants face. 



Mixed communities may need stronger visual traits to keep bee visits clean and efficient. Clustered species may rely more on positioning than petals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-bees-teach-us-about-smart-foraging">What bees teach us about smart foraging</h2>



Ultimately, this research gives us a new way to look at bee intelligence. These insects make highly effective decisions. They don’t act from instinct alone. 



The behavior of bees is shaped by their environment, their memory, and their spatial awareness. They save time and avoid waste. They change plans when the layout changes. That’s not limitation - it’s strategy.



Bees teach us that loyalty to a single flower isn't about habit. It’s a calculated choice in a world full of options.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1365-2435.70008" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Functional Ecology.</a>



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Why bees choose the same flowers again and again

In spring and summer, gardens explode with floral variety. Yet,...

Yellowstone National Park is often seen as a showcase of raw, wild nature. But beneath its stunning landscapes lies a subtler drama. Here, wolves, bears, and cougars - three of North America’s top predators - navigate not just the challenge of hunting prey but of sharing space.



They all rely on overlapping food sources, especially large ungulates like elk. What happens when those resources become scarce?



Conventional ecological theory suggests that fewer prey animals should spark more intense competition. Dominant predators like wolves and bears are expected to push out subordinate ones like cougars. 



However, a new study from the <a href="https://twin-cities.umn.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Minnesota</a> challenges that assumption. The researchers discovered that it’s not just the abundance of prey that matters - but how big that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-predator-found-in-one-of-the-deepest-parts-of-the-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prey</a> is.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cougars-downsize-their-dinner">Cougars downsize their dinner</h2>



Over 23 years of data reveal a strategic shift by Yellowstone’s cougars. As elk numbers declined, predators like cougars began hunting smaller <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/well-built-fences-keep-predators-from-harming-livestock/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prey</a> more frequently. 



Mule deer, along with other medium and small species, became more common in cougar diets. The smaller kills come with advantages. They take less time to consume and are less visible, reducing the chance of theft by larger carnivores.



"This work really showcases the complex ways large carnivores make a living," said lead author Jack Rabe, a graduate student in the <a href="https://cfans.umn.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences</a>.



From 2016 to 2022, 37.6% of cougar kills were deer, compared to just 13.8% during the 1998–2005 period. Elk kills dropped from 74.2% to under 50 percent. 



Cougars increasingly targeted elk calves rather than adults, further reducing handling time. This allowed them to eat more quickly and retreat before wolves or bears arrived.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-displacement-and-the-cost-of-being-caught">Displacement and the cost of being caught</h2>



When dominant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/snakes-use-invisible-colors-to-outsmart-predators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">predators</a> arrive at a cougar kill, they often force the cat to flee. That process, known as displacement, has serious consequences. 



Cougars lose over 60% of the carcass when chased off, forcing them to hunt again much sooner. Kill intervals - the time between one successful hunt and the next - shorten from 5.6 days to just over 4.



Despite increasing wolf and bear numbers, displacement rates have actually declined. This runs counter to classic theories. But carcass size provides the missing link. 



Smaller kills are less visible, quicker to consume, and often made in terrain where wolves and bears struggle to follow. That means fewer confrontations and more food retained by the cougar.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prey-choice-helps-predators-coexist">Prey choice helps predators coexist </h2>



"We found that shifting cougar <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/snow-leopards-tracing-the-evolution-of-an-apex-predator/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">behavior</a> is likely a key factor in the ecosystem's stability," said Rabe. 



"By opting for smaller prey, cougars reduce the amount of time they spend hunting to make up for kills lost to other carnivores. This allows them to maintain a relatively stable kill-rate, which in turn contributes to the overall balance of the predator-prey dynamics in the park."



This behavior not only protects cougars from losing meals, but also stabilizes their role in the ecosystem. Even though elk populations have fallen, cougars still manage to maintain their kill rates. 



That means they continue controlling deer and smaller ungulate numbers, while reducing risk of direct conflict with larger <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saber-toothed-predators-evolved-the-perfect-fangs-for-hunting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">predators</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prey-size-controls-predator-conflict">Prey size controls predator conflict</h2>



The study found that carcass size - not prey density - was the strongest predictor of interference. Larger carcasses attracted more wolf and bear <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-snails-evolved-defenses-against-invasive-predators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">activity</a>.



 Displacements were 1.67 times more likely with each standard increase in prey size. Yet smaller kills, often weighing under 40 kg (about 88 pounds), drew far less attention.



This means cougars that kill smaller prey lose fewer meals. In turn, they can avoid the energy costs of defending kills or relocating frequently. Even predator-rich areas become manageable if cougars target the right kind of prey. 



The result? Less kleptoparasitism, fewer fights, and more peaceful coexistence.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolving-diets-in-a-crowded-landscape">Evolving diets in a crowded landscape</h2>



Wolves and bears are adapting too. Wolves now hunt bison more often, especially in winter. 



From 1998–2005 to 2016–2022, bison rose from 10% to nearly 50% of the wolf diet. Bison favor open plains, far from the rough terrain preferred by cougars. This shift has reduced overlap between these predators.



Bears, though still frequent visitors in spring and summer, also showed a drop in displacement incidents. The rougher the terrain and the smaller the carcass, the lower the chance of a bear showing up. 



These changes show how prey choice shapes not only predator behavior, but the structure of the entire ecosystem.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-than-food-risks-and-reproduction">More than food: Risks and reproduction</h2>



Displacement affects more than just dinner. For cougars, being forced off a kill also carries lethal risks. Though rare, wolf attacks can kill cougars. 



Two radio-collared cougars were killed by wolves between 2016 and 2022, both in terrain with poor escape options. By hunting smaller prey and staying mobile, cougars avoid such danger.



Interestingly, female cougars benefit even more. They kill smaller prey than males and are less likely to be displaced. Because females are crucial for reproduction, this strategy may support cougar population stability over time. 



Smaller prey means smaller meals, but more consistent access - an important tradeoff in a competitive environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diverse-prey-helps-predators-stay-stable">Diverse prey helps predators stay stable</h2>



​This study helps reshape how ecologists understand predator guilds - groups of predators that share space and food sources. The <a href="https://www.yellowstone.org/wolf-project/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yellowstone Wolf Project</a>, <a href="https://www.yellowstone.org/yellowstone-cougar-project/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yellowstone Cougar Project</a>, and the University of Minnesota team demonstrate that prey diversity supports predator diversity



When ecosystems support a variety of prey sizes and types, predators adapt rather than fight. That flexibility, not aggression, helps maintain balance. Yellowstone offers a real-world case where smart choices by subordinate predators help everyone thrive.



As wolves hunt bison and cougars switch to deer, Yellowstone’s food web becomes more resilient. This insight may prove valuable far beyond the park, especially as predator and prey populations shift around the world.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-025-07779-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Biology</a>.



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Cougars hunt smaller prey to avoid conflict with other predators

Yellowstone National Park is often seen as a showcase of...

Stars don't live forever - some end quietly and others explode. While not every explosion in the universe is noteworthy, those associated with type 1a supernovae make their presence known across galaxies.



These massive events can light up the sky, help measure the universe’s rate of expansion, and tell us about the life and death of stars. For years, scientists believed certain conditions led to these explosions, but they lacked information from a nearby system to prove this.



Now, astronomers at the University of Warwick have changed that. They have discovered a rare, compact binary <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/whats-up-in-the-night-sky-during-the-month-of-april-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star</a> system only 150 light years from Earth. This pair of white dwarfs, which are the dense remains of dead stars, is locked in a deadly embrace.



Eventually, their spiral will end in a spectacular explosion. Although that day lies billions of years ahead, the discovery itself has immediate and far-reaching impact.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-white-dwarfs-headed-toward-explosion">White dwarfs headed toward explosion</h2>



Type 1a supernovae have long been a tool for cosmic measurement. Astronomers use them as “standard candles” to calculate distances to faraway galaxies. 



That’s because these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/march-2025-stargazing-a-red-moon-and-a-vanishing-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">explosions</a> tend to release consistent amounts of light. If experts know how bright something should be, and they measure how bright it appears, they can determine out how far away it is.



These explosions happen when a white dwarf, which is already an ultra-dense star remnant, takes in too much mass. It might pull material from a nearby star, eventually reaching a tipping point. When gravity overwhelms its internal forces, the star explodes in a sudden release of energy.



The new discovery shows this process can also occur when two white dwarfs orbit each other. In such pairs, the heavier star slowly pulls mass from its partner. This continues until one, or both, explode.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evidence-of-a-double-white-dwarf-system">Evidence of a double white dwarf system</h2>



For years, this idea had strong support in theory but lacked direct proof. Astronomers suspected that most type 1a supernovae began with two orbiting white dwarfs. But they had never found a nearby <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/proxima-centauri-the-closest-star-to-earth-is-extremely-violent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">system</a> that confirmed it - until now.



The newly identified binary system is not just close. It’s also exactly the type of high-mass pair that scientists hoped to find. Published in Nature Astronomy, the discovery gives clear evidence of a double white dwarf system that meets all the conditions for a type 1a explosion.



“For years a local and massive double white dwarf binary has been anticipated, so when I first spotted this system with a very high total mass on our galactic doorstep, I was immediately excited,” stated James Munday, Ph.D. researcher at Warwick and lead investigator.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chasing-the-pair-across-the-sky">Chasing the pair across the sky</h2>



Once Munday and his colleagues detected the system, they acted fast. Working with international astronomers - four from Warwick - they turned powerful optical telescopes toward the pair. Their goal was to measure how close the two stars were and confirm the system’s nature.



“With an international team of astronomers, four based at The University of Warwick, we immediately chased this system on some of the biggest optical telescopes in the world to determine exactly how compact it is,” explained Munday.



The results were striking. The stars are separated by just 1/60th the distance between Earth and the Sun. That distance, tiny by cosmic standards, revealed the system’s destiny.



“Discovering that the two stars are separated by just 1/60th of the Earth-Sun distance, I quickly realized that we had discovered the first double white dwarf binary that will undoubtedly lead to a type 1a supernova on a timescale close to the age of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stunning-star-clusters-captured-in-the-extreme-outskirts-of-the-milky-way/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">universe</a>,” said Munday.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-heaviest-system-ever-confirmed">The heaviest system ever confirmed</h2>



This binary system stands out for its enormous combined mass: 1.56 times that of our Sun. That might not sound like much, but it’s the heaviest white dwarf pair of its kind ever observed. When it comes to type 1a supernovae, mass is everything.



“At last, we as a community can now account for a few per cent of the rate of type 1a supernovae across the Milky Way with certainty,” said Munday.



Even though the explosion won’t happen for another 23 billion years, its certainty is no longer in question. Because of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/runaway-star-may-be-dragging-a-planet-along-with-it/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stars</a>’ masses and distance, they are already on a path of no return.



Despite how near the stars are to Earth, the future explosion poses no danger. The force will be incredible, but space is vast. The blast, while bright, will spread its energy across an enormous volume.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-explosion-will-unfold">How the explosion will unfold</h2>



Right now, the white dwarfs circle each other in a slow spiral, completing an orbit over 14 hours. But gravitational wave radiation is at work. Over billions of years, this silent force will draw the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/monster-in-the-shadows-giant-black-hole-emerges-from-cosmic-dust/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stars</a> closer.



When the moment comes, they will orbit one another every 30 to 40 seconds - mere blurs of light racing around one another - before detonating.



“This is very significant discovery. Finding such a system on our galactic doorstep is an indication that they must be relatively common, otherwise we would have needed to look much further away, searching a larger volume of our galaxy, to encounter them,” noted Dr. Ingrid Pelisoli, assistant professor at The University of Warwick.



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



The discovery may be thrilling, but the work isn’t over. Pelisoli notes that this binary is just one piece of a larger puzzle.



“Finding this system is not the end of the story though, our survey searching for type 1a supernova progenitors is still ongoing and we expect more exciting discoveries in the future. Little by little, we are getting closer to solving the mystery of the origin of type 1a explosions.”



The system’s eventual fate involves an unusual and violent mechanism: a quadruple detonation. First, the surface of the heavier white dwarf explodes as it accumulates mass. Then its core follows. 



The blast sends debris outward, which then strikes the companion star. That impact causes a third, then a fourth explosion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-powerful-white-dwarf-explosion">A powerful white dwarf explosion</h2>



When this quadruple detonation occurs, the energy released will exceed anything humans can create. The explosion will destroy both stars entirely, with a force billions of times greater than that of the most powerful nuclear weapons.



From Earth, the supernova will shine as a brilliant, steady point of light. It will appear up to ten times brighter than the Moon and 200,000 times brighter than Jupiter. It will change the night sky for weeks, if not months, before fading back into darkness.



Though it will likely happen long after humanity’s time, the light from this explosion will travel across space and be a reminder of this rare discovery that was made in our corner of the galaxy.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41550-025-02528-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Astronomy</a>.



Image Credit: Credit University of Warwick/Mark Garlick



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White dwarf pair is spiraling toward a spectacular explosion

Stars don't live forever - some end quietly and others...

Life on our planet goes back at least 3.7 billion years, and much of it started small. Researchers have studied microbial life in ancient rocks, but it has remained hard to place microbes on an exact timeline. 



New work indicates that some <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-and-imprint-new-era-dna-transformation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacteria</a> harnessed oxygen almost one billion years earlier than scientists previously believed.



Led by <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Adrian-Davin" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Adrián Arellano Davín</a> of the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (<a href="https://www.oist.jp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OIST</a>), this study highlights an unexpected link between early oxygen tolerance and the later rise of photosynthesis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-great-oxidation-event-goe">Understanding the Great Oxidation Event (GOE)</h2>



A huge turning point in Earth's early history is known as the Great Oxidation Event, or <a href="https://asm.org/articles/2022/february/the-great-oxidation-event-how-cyanobacteria-change" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GOE</a> for short. It happened around 2.4 billion years ago, when <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rstb.2006.1838" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oxygen</a> started building up in the atmosphere for the first time. 



Before that, there was barely any oxygen in the air - life existed, but it was mostly tiny microbes that didn’t need it. Or, as we're learning from this study, a few species of bacteria that learned to use it before it became prevalent in the atmosphere.



At first, that oxygen got soaked up by things like iron in the oceans, but eventually, it started leaking into the air.



Once oxygen began to stick around in the atmosphere, it changed everything. Some life forms couldn’t handle it and died off, but others adapted and thrived. 



This event set the stage for more complex life to evolve down the road.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bacteria-used-oxygen-before-air-changed">Bacteria used oxygen before air changed</h2>



Scientists have assumed that most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/23-new-marine-bacteria-species-discovered-that-influence-global-ocean-cycles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacteria</a> stayed anaerobic until the onset of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/it-took-200-million-years-for-earth-to-get-its-oxygen/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GOE</a>. The new investigation challenges that assumption.



Clues suggest certain bacterial lineages adapted to oxygen at least 900 million years before the GOE. This surprising result implies that small amounts of oxygen were present in pockets of Earth’s environment. 



Such an ability to work with trace oxygen may have paved the way for modern forms of respiration.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-oxygen-use-gave-bacteria-an-advantage">Early oxygen use gave bacteria an advantage</h2>



Energy production in cells is crucial, and oxygen-based metabolism is notably more efficient than methods that rely on other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-antibiotic-found-in-soil-has-potential-to-fight-superbugs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">substances</a>. 



Before atmospheric oxygen rose, most organisms relied on <a href="https://www.ucsfhealth.org/medical-tests/anaerobic-bacteria" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">anaerobic</a> paths. Gaining even a slight advantage by using oxygen could have given those early aerobic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-strain-identified-that-can-eat-forever-chemicals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbes</a> a head start.



“This combined approach of using genomic data, fossils, and Earth’s geochemical history brings new clarity to evolutionary timelines, especially for microbial groups that don’t have a fossil record,” said <a href="https://www.oist.jp/research/research-units/modevolgenom/gergely-janos-szollosi" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Professor Gergely Szöllősi</a>, leader of the <a href="https://www.oist.jp/research/research-units/modevolgenom/gergely-janos-szollosi" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Model-based Evolutionary Genomics Unit</a> at OIST.



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



Scientists used machine learning alongside <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9632901/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phylogenetic reconciliation</a> to reconstruct which ancestral bacteria may have used oxygen. 



By looking at patterns across 1,007 modern <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soil-bacteria-and-fungi-respond-differently-to-urbanization/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacterial genomes</a>, the method predicted points where lineages switched from anaerobic to aerobic lifestyles.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Bacterial-evolution_oxygen-adaptation_chart_credit-OIST_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Bacterial-evolution_oxygen-adaptation_chart_credit-OIST_1s.webp" alt="Bacterial evolution and oxygen adaptation: A timeline built from genomic, fossil, and chemical data. Colors show oxygen states: anaerobic (blue), aerobic (red), and proportion of aerobic lineages in modern bacterial phyla (purple shades). Analysis includes mitochondria and plastids to leverage eukaryotic fossil data. Land plants and animals are shown for time reference. Credit: OIST" class="wp-image-1964457"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bacterial evolution and oxygen adaptation: A timeline built from genomic, fossil, and chemical data. Colors show oxygen states: anaerobic (blue), aerobic (red), and proportion of aerobic lineages in modern bacterial phyla (purple shades). Analysis includes mitochondria and plastids to leverage eukaryotic fossil data. Land plants and animals are shown for time reference. Click image to enlarge. Credit: OIST</figcaption></figure>



Modern labs have begun using these computational techniques to shed light on evolutionary puzzles that lack physical fossil evidence. 



Researchers found that lineages with <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/oxygen-metabolism" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oxygen-based metabolism</a> spread further and diversified more quickly once the atmosphere changed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-into-cyanobacteria">Insights into cyanobacteria</h2>



The study points out that <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/cyanobacteria" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cyanobacteria</a> - the group known for introducing oxygenic photosynthesis - may have already been primed to handle oxygen. 



Evidence hints that an ancestor of this group had an aerobic phase, which might have helped it develop photosynthetic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-pseudomonas-build-tiny-nano-spearguns-to-fight-back-against-attack/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genes</a>.



“Our work also shows that modeling microbial traits from their genomes using machine learning works well for studying the spread of aerobic metabolisms,” said <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/people/person/Tom-Williams-09520f33-b160-4776-a3fc-e375215ae687/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Tom Williams</a>, a researcher from the University of Bristol’s <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/biology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">School of Biological Sciences</a>. 



The presence of genes for managing oxygen could have set the stage for the development of photosynthesis later on.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-existence-of-oxygen-using-bacteria">Existence of oxygen-using bacteria</h2>



Scientists mapped bacterial family histories back to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/the-history-of-earth-in-exactly-2000-words/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hadean or earliest Archaean era</a>, roughly 4.4 to 3.9 billion years ago.



Several major groups emerged and radiated well before the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microfossils-reveal-a-leap-in-lifes-complexity-2-4-billion-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GOE</a>. Families that adopted oxygen-based lifestyles were able to thrive and multiply once oxygen became plentiful.



By analyzing both geological and genomic data, researchers placed maximum age limits on groups that rely on oxygen. Anything that needed oxygen to survive could not have existed long before free oxygen was available.



Yet the data showed that a few select lineages managed to eke out an aerobic existence in localized habitats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-broader-perspective">A broader perspective</h2>



Ancient bacterial evolution remains a tough subject to nail down. 



Fossils are rare for microbes, which means researchers must rely on chemical signals in sediments and advanced computational methods. These techniques fill the gaps left by the limited record of ancient life.



“This combined use of different data types can help us figure out not only when bacteria evolved but also how they adapted,” said Dr. Davín. 



Cross-referencing oxygen-related genes with global events paints a clearer picture of the factors that steered bacterial diversity.



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



Questions remain about how oxygen pockets formed before the GOE and how widespread they might have been. Scientists are also curious whether other organisms besides bacteria adapted to these oxygen pockets. 



Future work may involve examining additional traits, such as antibiotic resistance or carbon fixation, to see how they appeared in tandem with environmental changes.



Understanding ancient <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41587-021-01130-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbial lineages</a> can shed light on the conditions that fostered eukaryotes and, eventually, complex life forms like animals and plants. 



Early oxygen tolerance in microbes might have played a big part in shaping the biosphere we see today.



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Featured image: An artistic conception of the early Earth, showing a surface pummeled by large impact, resulting in extrusion of deep-seated magma onto the surface. Credit: <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>/Simone Marchi



The study is published in <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adp1853" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Earth's first bacteria used oxygen about one billion years earlier than we thought

Life on our planet goes back at least 3.7 billion...

Aloe vera is a familiar name in everyday skincare and therapeutic products. Many people trust its soothing gel to help with various skin concerns or to add a gentle touch to cosmetics. 



While the gel is widely used, the leftover aloe peels become waste that might reach millions of tons each year.



This issue recently caught the attention of <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Debasish-Bandyopadhyay-2">Debasish Bandyopadhyay</a>, an assistant professor in chemistry at The <a href="https://www.utrgv.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Texas Rio Grande Valley</a>, who explored turning the discarded rinds into a natural <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insecticides-may-be-helping-weeds-thrive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insecticide</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aloe-waste-peels-found-new-purpose">Aloe waste peels found new purpose</h2>



Aloe vera fields, located in places such as Australia, China, India, South Africa, and the U.S., focus on harvesting gel from the thick leaves. The outer covering is rarely used on a large scale.



Some people blend gel with onions or other ingredients to repel bugs, but that approach often leaves the peels out of the equation. 



Hoping to address that gap, researchers decided to test the peels for possible <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9862941/#:~:text=Phytochemicals%20are%20plant%2Dbased%20bioactive,have%20been%20discovered%20to%20date." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phytochemicals</a> that might discourage insects.



They noticed that many bugs refuse to munch on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-plants-can-absorb-and-neutralize-plastic-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a>. That observation led them to check whether the same compounds protecting aloe in nature could help farms in regions plagued by pests.



They dried the rinds at room temperature without sunlight. This step preserved valuable properties that might otherwise degrade under harsh conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aloe-waste-extract-kills-bugs">Aloe waste extract kills bugs</h2>



Scientists analyzed peel extracts made with different solvents, including dichloromethane (<a href="https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Methylene-Chloride" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DCM</a>). They discovered potent activity against insects that destroy <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pesticides-affect-bumble-bee-health-in-complex-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crops</a>.



“We identified [certain substances] as potential insecticidal compounds,” said Bandyopadhyay. These molecules appeared safe for people while still packing a punch against pests.



Tests showed the insect-killing capabilities might relate to <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/bioactive-compound" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bioactive substances</a> that disrupt insects’ feeding behavior. That disruption may eventually cause the insects to die, offering a more natural defense for vulnerable fields.



Early findings suggest the compounds in aloe peels could also have antibacterial or antifungal properties. Researchers continue to catalog more elements hidden in the dried peel.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-farmers-and-the-environment">Farmers and the environment</h2>



Crop losses to insects can be huge, pushing many farmers toward strong chemical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fish-pesticide-exposure-impacts-their-behavior-in-both-current-and-future-generations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pesticides</a>. A 2021 review in the journal <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/26/16/4835" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Molecules</a> revealed that the heavy use of these chemicals harms the environment, creates resistant pests, and endangers people’s health.



Natural alternatives that rely on plant-derived elements often offer a kinder impact on local ecosystems. They break down faster, target pests without lingering in soil or water, and pose fewer risks for farmworkers.



Turning aloe waste into a new defense strategy brings financial and environmental upsides. It transforms what was formerly “trash” into a resource that can help feed populations reliant on staple crops.



A shift to plant-based pest controls may also align with sustainable farming approaches. Researchers see aloe-based insecticide as another tool in this more balanced strategy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-practical-plans-with-aloe-spray">Practical plans with aloe spray</h2>



Real-world testing is the next step to verify how peel extracts perform against pests in places where insects often threaten staple grains and vegetables. 



The researchers want to confirm how strongly the compounds repel or eliminate harmful bugs in open fields.



Studies into any anti-mosquito or anti-tick properties of these extracts are also under way. 



“By creating an insecticide that avoids hazardous and poisonous synthetic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pesticide-exposure-increases-the-risk-of-parkinsons-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chemicals</a>, we can help the agricultural field,” said Bandyopadhyay. If the extracts repel disease-carrying pests, there might be a public health benefit too.



This approach could cut back on synthetic pesticides, which often have harsh side effects. Natural methods can still be powerful if used correctly and monitored for consistent quality.



Peel-based formulations could be simpler to handle than certain standard pesticides. This method might bring cost savings for farmers who pay high prices for chemical products.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-anti-aging-properties-of-aloe">Anti-aging properties of aloe</h2>



In addition to being a great insecticide, aloe vera packs a surprising punch when it comes to anti-aging. 



It’s loaded with antioxidants like vitamins C and E, which help fight off free radicals - the little troublemakers that speed up wrinkles and skin damage. 



Aloe also encourages <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-discover-a-protein-that-reverses-cellular-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">collagen production</a>, which is a big deal because collagen keeps your skin firm, bouncy, and smooth. 



As we get older, our natural collagen levels dip, so giving it a boost can help reduce fine lines and keep skin looking fresh.



On top of all that, aloe is a hydration hero. It soaks into the skin fast and locks in moisture, which helps plump things up and make your face look more youthful and dewy. 



It also <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scratching-that-itch-science-confirms-it-only-makes-rashes-worse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soothes inflammation</a>, evens out skin tone, and can help calm down any irritation or redness that tends to make aging skin look a little tired.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aloe-waste-and-sustainable-farming">Aloe waste and sustainable farming</h2>



Researchers are collaborating with growers and local producers to see if these extracts fit into their routine spraying practices. They want to ensure that the product meets safety guidelines without being burdensome to apply.



Experts continue to measure the shelf life of this plant-based solution. Proper drying and storage can help maintain stability, ensuring that farmers and communities benefit from a reliable product.



Many wonder if large-scale aloe peel recycling can become a fresh revenue stream. If it does, aloe growers will have an added reason to collect the rinds rather than sending them off as compost or letting them rot.



Sustainability is the underlying theme of this new venture. Adding aloe peel extracts to pest management could aid global efforts to grow healthy produce while protecting soil, water, and wildlife.



The press release is published <a href="https://www.acs.org/pressroom/newsreleases/2023/august/discarded-aloe-peels-could-be-sustainable-natural-insecticide-video.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.



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Wonder plant: This natural insect repellent also has anti-aging properties

Aloe vera is a familiar name in everyday skincare and...

Nitrous oxide, better known as laughing gas, is making headlines for all the wrong reasons. Despite warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (<a href="https://www.fda.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FDA</a>), more people across the U.S. are misusing the substance - often with tragic results.



Once a common feature in dental offices and whipped cream canisters, this gas is now tied to a sharp increase in poisonings, hospitalizations, and even deaths.



Researchers from the <a href="https://olemiss.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Mississippi</a> and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign are investigating this growing trend, sounding the alarm about its risks. 



“This is a chemical that is commonly used as a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natures-sleep-aid-cannabinol-shows-promise-as-a-safe-sedative/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sedative</a> or anesthetic, but what we’re seeing is a rise in recreational use,” said Andrew Yockey, University of Mississippi assistant professor of public health. 



“But what we’re also seeing is also a rise in hospitalizations, in poisonings and in deaths.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nitrous-oxide-deaths-are-doubling">Nitrous oxide deaths are doubling</h2>



According to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, over 13 million Americans have misused nitrous oxide at some point in their lives. 



And the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDC</a>) reports that deaths from nitrous oxide poisoning have more than doubled - rising over 110% between 2019 and 2023.



While the number of deaths remains relatively low compared to other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/illegal-drugs-can-now-be-detected-in-the-air/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drugs</a>, the speed of the increase is cause for concern. 



“The preliminary findings of our study are that deaths have remained fairly small compared to other dangerous substances,” said Rachel Hoopsick, assistant professor of health and kinesiology at the <a href="https://illinois.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign</a>.



“But what we’re seeing is that over the last couple of years, those rates have increased exponentially. At that continued rate, we could be looking at a much larger problem.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-nitrous-oxide-slips-under-the-radar">Why nitrous oxide slips under the radar</h2>



Whippets - another name for nitrous oxide canisters - have long been used for a quick, euphoric high.



But the side effects are no joke. The FDA warns that repeated inhalation can lead to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/even-mild-inflammation-can-majorly-damage-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain damage</a>, frostbite, numbness, blood clots, and even paralysis. 



Despite these warnings, the gas remains widely accessible and largely unregulated.



Unlike many controlled substances, nitrous oxide is easy to buy online or at local shops. A simple search brings up brightly packaged, flavored options - clearly designed to catch the attention of younger audiences.



“Think back to big <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tobacco-bans-could-help-prevent-1-2-million-lung-cancer-deaths/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tobacco</a>; they deliberately targeted young people with cartoons, fun flavors and flashy colors,” said Hoopsick. “That is a parallel we’re seeing now with nitrous oxide."



The product is often marketed as a whipped cream propellant. But some of the available options make the culinary angle hard to believe. 



“I really doubt anyone is buying flavored nitrous oxide to make blueberry mango whipped cream,” Yockey said. “Or ‘Bomb Pop.’ But I can have it delivered to my house in a couple of days.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-marketing-tactics-that-mimic-big-tobacco">Marketing tactics that mimic big tobacco</h2>



What’s even more alarming is how sellers downplay the risks. 



“We have evidence that nitrous oxide poisoning is a very real danger, but this is very often ignored or trivialized,” said Hoopsick. 



“Sellers of nitrous oxide rarely, if ever, provide health warnings. I think the public sees it as a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mdma-and-methamphetamine-spark-human-connections-that-prove-beneficial-in-therapy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">party drug</a>.”



And like many dangerous trends, social media is making things worse. Videos of teens and young adults inhaling the gas are easy to find online, often glamorized with hashtags and flashy effects. 



“We know that if you watch videos of someone else doing it, you’re more likely to try it,” said Yockey. 



“I worry about the high school and college-aged adolescents who see this online and decide to buy a fruit-punch flavored tank. Because right now, that’s perfectly legal.”



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



The researchers believe that more data is needed to understand the full impact of nitrous oxide misuse. But they also stress that legislation must catch up with reality. 



“Policy level interventions are what are lacking at the moment,” Hoopsick said. 



“If we have some guardrails on who can sell this, who can buy it and how it’s marketed, maybe we can get ahead of the problem.”



For now, the listings keep growing. And with speedy shipping options, the danger is just a few clicks away. 



“Some of these brands were not here even a week ago,” Yockey said, scrolling through listings on his screen. “What they’re doing here is very ingenious, but it’s also incredibly dangerous.”



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Laughing gas crisis: Nitrous oxide misuse and abuse is rising in the U.S.

Nitrous oxide, better known as laughing gas, is making headlines...

<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>



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.



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



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.



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



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.



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.



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



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.



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.



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



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Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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.



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



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.



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.



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.



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.



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



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.



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.



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



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.



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.



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



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.



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.



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



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.



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



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



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.



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%.



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



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.



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.



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.



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



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>.



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



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

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>



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.



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



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.



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.



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



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.



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



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.



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



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.



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">Nature Communications</a>.



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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>



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.



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



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.



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



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.



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



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.



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



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.



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



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.



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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>



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>.



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



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.



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



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.



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



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.



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.



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



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.



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.



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



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.



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



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>. This research offers renewed hope against cancer, and it can potentially open a door to more effective cancer therapies for most cancer patients worldwide.



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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>



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.



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.



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.



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.



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.



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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>



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.



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.



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



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.



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.



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.



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



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."



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



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.



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



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



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.



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.



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



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.



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.



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



The forest was remarkably diverse. Scientists identified Eospermatopteris, 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.



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.



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



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.



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."



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.



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



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.



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.



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



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.



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.



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.



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.



The full study was published in the journal Current Biology.



-----



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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>



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.



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



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.



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."



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.



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



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.



"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.



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.



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



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.



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.



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



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.



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>.



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



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.



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.



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



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.



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.



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



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.



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.



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.



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



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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>



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.



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



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 Neuron</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.



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.



"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.



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



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.



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.



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



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.



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.



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



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.



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.



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



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



Dr. Konstantina Kilteni's 2025 research, published in <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adt0350" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>, 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.



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



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



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.



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.



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



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.



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.



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



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.



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



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



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.



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.



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



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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>



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.



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



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.



That solace came through H.G. Wells' The Time Machine. 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.



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



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.



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.



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.



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



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."



"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.



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



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."



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.



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



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



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



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 This American Life</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 Today Show</a>. The widespread interest reflects both his compelling personal story and rigorous scientific approach.



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



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.



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.



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.



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.



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



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."



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.



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.







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Retired professor claims he solved time travel

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

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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>



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?



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.



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



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.



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



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.



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.



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



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.



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



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.



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.



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.



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



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.



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



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



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



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.



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



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.



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.



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



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.



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.



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



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



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



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.



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



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.



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



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.



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.



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



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.



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.



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



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.



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.



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.



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



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



Sources: 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.



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



1. Is acid rain completely gone? 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.



2. How long did solving take? 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.



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



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



5. Could acid rain return? 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.



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



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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...

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. 



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



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



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



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



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. 



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).



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



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.



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.



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>.

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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Today’s Video of the Day 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.



"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.



"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."



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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Today's Video of the Day 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.



"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.



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.



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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Today’s Video of the Day 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;



"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.



"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."



"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."



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

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Today's Video of the Day 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;



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;



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.



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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.

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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;



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;



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. 



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.



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. 



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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



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.

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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

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Today’s Video of the Day 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.



“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. 



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.



“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;



“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.”



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



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.



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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.

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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Today’s Video of the Day 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?



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;



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;



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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.

How does salt makes things taste better?

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

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



Today’s Video of the Day 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;



'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)."



"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.



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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.

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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