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



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



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



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



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



The project involved an international team of experts working across multiple collections and labs.



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Million year-old mammoth microbes reveal new clues about disease

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

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...

Sacred,Chinamapere,Rock-art,Near,Chimoio,,Mozambique,Rock-art,Near,Manica,,Mozambique

More than 12,000 years ago, Europe's prehistoric hunter-gatherers faced extreme shifts in climate. These changes, brought on by the final stages of the Ice Age, had a powerful effect on how the human population lived, where they moved, and how many of them could survive.



A new study traces how these ancient communities responded to both warming and cooling periods, revealing large swings in population size and movement across the continent.



The research was led by a team of 25 archaeologists, including scientists from the <a href="https://www.uni-koeln.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cologne</a>, and involved experts from twenty European universities and institutions. 



Their findings, recently published in PLOS One, focus on the Final Palaeolithic period, between 14,000 and 11,600 years ago. 



This study provides a clearer picture of population growth, decline, and migration in response to two major climate phases: a warm period known as Greenland Interstadial 1d-a (GI-1d-a), and a sharp cold snap called Greenland Stadial 1 (GS-1), also known as the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/prehistoric-comet-impact-triggered-the-invention-of-agriculture/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Younger Dryas</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-driven-boom-and-bust">Climate-driven boom and bust</h2>



During the warmer GI-1d-a period, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-humans-impacted-earth-than-previously-thought-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">early humans</a> began expanding into northern and northeastern central Europe. 



This marked a turning point, as these areas became major population centers for the first time in prehistory. 



At the same time, parts of southwestern Europe - especially Spain and France - saw a decline in population compared to earlier <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-and-neanderthals-may-have-co-existed-for-many-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Upper Palaeolithic</a> periods.



But when the climate took a dramatic turn during GS-1, the population across Europe dropped sharply. Researchers estimate that during this cold phase, the number of people was reduced by half. 



Despite this overall collapse, the pattern wasn’t uniform. Some regions bucked the trend. Parts of northern Italy, Poland, and northeastern Germany actually saw stable or slightly rising population numbers. 



These pockets of resilience suggest that some groups migrated eastward to seek more livable conditions.



“These observations probably reflect the eastward movement of people in response to the very abrupt and pronounced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-cooling-event-caused-extinction-of-first-early-humans-in-europe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climatic cooling</a> during the Younger Dryas,” explains Dr. Isabell Schmidt from the University of Cologne’s Department of Prehistoric Archaeology. 



“Humans during the Final Palaeolithic apparently responded by migrating to more favourable areas.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mapping-the-past-with-modern-tools">Mapping the past with modern tools</h2>



To track these demographic shifts, the researchers compiled a comprehensive database of archaeological sites from the Final Palaeolithic. 



They then applied a geostatistical method known as the Cologne Protocol to estimate how many people lived in each area and how densely populated those regions were. 



This standardized method helps archaeologists compare population data across time and space more reliably.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/europe_population-shift_last-ice-age_Map_PLOS-ONE_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/europe_population-shift_last-ice-age_Map_PLOS-ONE_1s.webp" alt="Green dots: GI-1d-a; blue dots: GS-1. Filled circles: dataset B (chronologically subdivided sites); filled and open circles: dataset A (all sites; see text and Fig 1). Base map made with Natural Earth. Credit: PLoS One" class="wp-image-1964446"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Green dots: GI-1d-a; blue dots: GS-1. Filled circles: dataset B (chronologically subdivided sites); filled and open circles: dataset A (all sites; see text and Fig 1). Base map made with Natural Earth. Click to enlarge. Credit: PLoS One</figcaption></figure>



The study highlights how early humans didn’t just endure climate change - they responded to it.



By moving into new territories or concentrating in more stable regions, they adapted their way of life to changing temperatures and environmental stress. 



This pattern of climate-driven migration adds a new layer of understanding to our species’ long history of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-disruption-threatens-humanitys-survival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">survival</a> and adaptation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-europe-has-seen-climate-linked-population-drops-before">Europe has seen climate-linked population drops before</h2>



This isn’t the first time Europe saw a large population decline during prehistory. 



The researchers point out that a similar drop happened during the late Gravettian period, roughly between 29,000 and 25,000 years ago, when colder temperatures wiped out regional groups and reduced populations in western and central Europe by up to two-thirds.



Still, there’s much left to learn. Early demographic changes remain difficult to trace with precision, but this study adds new evidence to a growing pool of research. 



By looking closely at how ancient humans handled the ups and downs of the Ice Age, this research brings us one step closer to understanding the deep history of human resilience - and how that resilience may still guide us in facing today’s environmental changes.



The work was part of the long-running&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sfb806.uni-koeln.de/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Collaborative Research Centre 806 - Our Way to Europe</a>, based at the&nbsp;University of Cologne&nbsp;and funded by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dfg.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">German Research Foundation</a>&nbsp;between 2009 and 2021.



It is now being continued under the <a href="https://hescor.uni-koeln.de/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HESCOR project</a> (Human and Earth System Coupling Research), supported by the Ministry of Culture and Science of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0310942" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS One</a>.



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Ice Age climate shifts changed early human migration  patterns

More than 12,000 years ago, Europe's prehistoric hunter-gatherers faced extreme...

Most people have heard that cannabis can boost mood, but not everyone realizes that it can also bring on nervous feelings and anxiety in certain situations. 



<a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/add.14842" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Interest in balancing</a> these effects is soaring, with many folks wondering if specific parts of the cannabis plant might soften the jangled moods tied to its psychoactive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tapping-into-the-pain-relief-potential-of-cannabis-without-the-high/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">component</a>.



This newly published work comes from <a href="https://profiles.hopkinsmedicine.org/provider/ryan-g-vandrey/2777317" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ryan Vandrey, PhD,</a> professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.



He and his team uncovered fascinating details about an essential oil that appears to dampen the jittery edge often sparked by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/medicinal-cannabis-helped-patients-feel-better-for-a-full-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">THC</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-thc-can-relax-or-cause-anxiety">THC can relax or cause anxiety</h2>



<a href="https://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2020-nsduh-annual-national-report" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Experts</a> say more people in the United States are giving <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-cannabis-users-face-higher-heart-attack-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cannabis</a> a try these days. Some do it for medical reasons, while others do it for casual relaxation.



<a href="https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/psychoactive-substance" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Psychoactive compounds</a> affect mood and perception. THC, the main psychoactive part of cannabis, can prompt both calm and stress. 



Determining how it influences our minds is central to figuring out ways to reduce the negative side of the experience.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reduced-cannabis-linked-mood-anxiety">Reduced cannabis-linked mood anxiety</h2>



The research spotlight is on d-limonene, a terpene in citrus fruits. A terpene is a <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38932560/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">naturally occurring oil</a> that can influence taste and scent in plants.



Preclinical results have hinted that d-limonene might help with <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9774566/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">anxious</a> moods. Many have wondered if it could work in combination with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cbd-reduces-the-unwanted-side-effects-of-thc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">THC</a> to curb the uncomfortable restlessness some people feel.



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



D-limonene is a natural compound that gives <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/citrus-fruits-where-did-they-come-from-and-how-would-we-live-without-them/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">citrus fruits</a> their fresh, zesty smell. Basically, it's what makes oranges smell like oranges. 



It’s found in the peels of lemons, limes, oranges, and other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fruits-and-plants-are-powerful-allies-for-disease-prevention/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">citrus fruits</a>, and companies often extract it to use in cleaning products, air fresheners, and even food flavorings. 



It’s oily, smells amazing, and happens to be a pretty effective solvent, which makes it great for cutting through grease and grime.



Some research suggests it might have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and even anti-cancer properties, though scientists are still figuring out the full picture. 



It’s also used in some natural insect repellents and eco-friendly products because it's biodegradable and less harsh than many synthetic chemicals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cannabis-blends-vs-anxiety-changes">Cannabis blends vs. anxiety changes</h2>



Twenty healthy adults, averaging 26 years old, took part in as many as 10 test visits. 



Each participant inhaled various mixtures that included <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cannabis-use-impacts-working-memory-and-brain-function/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">THC</a> alone, d-limonene alone, a combination of both, or a placebo (4).



Researchers measured mood shifts, vital signs, and cognitive changes. They also examined blood and urine to see how THC and d-limonene moved through the body. 



The goal was to see if adding d-limonene could help people stay more at ease.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-d-limonene-eased-cannabis-anxiety">D-limonene eased cannabis anxiety</h2>



The new <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0376871624001881" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> found that d-limonene lowered reports of anxious or paranoid feelings with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/high-potency-cannabis-use-linked-to-epigenetic-changes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">THC</a>. That was true when used with higher levels of THC.



Ratings of other THC effects, such as changes in thought patterns and overall relaxation, were not altered when d-limonene was introduced. 



The essential oil by itself produced no changes in mood, heart rate, or mental clarity that stood out from the placebo.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-managing-cannabis-anxiety">Managing cannabis anxiety</h2>



“Our study demonstrates that d-limonene can modulate the effects of THC in a meaningful way and make THC more tolerable to people using it for both therapeutic and non-therapeutic purposes,” said Vandrey. 



His team believes adding d-limonene may widen the comfort range for folks who rely on THC, especially if they are prone to anxiety.



“This study is a first step in uncovering how we can mitigate risks of THC when used in medicine, and also is targeted at making cannabis safer for the general, non-therapeutic consumer,” said <a href="https://profiles.hopkinsmedicine.org/provider/tory-r-spindle/2777649" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tory Spindle, PhD</a>, associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the Johns Hopkins University <a href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/som" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">School of Medicine</a>.



He hopes to test other terpenes that may work in tandem with THC.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-impact-on-medical-treatments">Potential impact on medical treatments</h2>



THC-containing <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9223837/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">medicines</a> already help with certain conditions, such as chronic pain or chemotherapy-induced nausea. 



However, high doses can sometimes be challenging for people who are easily rattled by the psychoactive “high.”



More studies will show if d-limonene can consistently cushion those uneasy feelings. The prospect of an essential oil that smoothly partners with THC could change how some medical users approach dosing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-thc-d-limonene-and-future-health">THC, d-limonene, and future health</h2>



Scientists plan to explore ways to administer THC and d-limonene together in oral forms. They are also eyeing different dose ranges that may yield the strongest relief.



They believe these steps will add clarity to how cannabis components mesh under real-world conditions. Larger, more diverse participant groups may reveal whether d-limonene works similarly for everyone.



There is still much to learn about how cannabis chemicals interact, especially in relation to anxiety. Though d-limonene appears promising, experts say these findings need to be replicated more widely.



People interested in experimenting with a d-limonene combination should talk to a healthcare provider. Personal tolerance matters, and controlled dosing is best done under professional guidance.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0376871624001881?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Drug and Alcohol Dependence</a>.



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Common essential oil proven to reduce cannabis-related anxiety and paranoia

Most people have heard that cannabis can boost mood, but...

Amygdala,In,The,Brain,,And,Closeup,View,Of,Amygdala,Neurons,

The brain plays a central role in guiding us to eat or drink, even when we’re not consciously thinking about it. Most of us reach for a snack or a glass of water without much thought, but behind the scenes, the brain is working hard.



A complex system of signals, cells, and communication networks helps us stay fueled and hydrated. Still, scientists are only beginning to understand how the brain figures out what the body needs — and when.



New research from the <a href="https://www.bi.mpg.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence</a>, working with the <a href="https://www.uni-regensburg.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Regensburg</a> and <a href="https://www.stanford.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford University</a>, shines a light on a specific part of the brain that may be responsible for pushing us to eat or drink.



The team studied mice and found that certain groups of neurons in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-the-brain-identify-rewards-and-punishments/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">amygdala</a> - the part of the brain that helps process emotions and motivation - play a crucial role in managing hunger and thirst.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-links-emotion-with-thirst-and-hunger">Brain links emotion with thirst and hunger</h2>



The amygdala is often tied to emotions like fear, pleasure, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brain-cells-communicate-to-support-decision-making/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">decision-making</a>. But it turns out that it also affects how much and when we eat and drink. 



Earlier studies from this team showed that neurons in the amygdala link food to emotional experiences. 



Pleasant meals are linked with joy. Nausea reduces appetite. Even an unpleasant meal can build an aversion that sticks.



In those earlier experiments, researchers found they could influence mice behavior by adjusting neuron activity. 



The mice would start eating, even if they were already full or feeling sick, based on how these neurons were manipulated.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hunger-and-thirst-on-separate-tracks">Hunger and thirst on separate tracks</h2>



This latest study takes things further. It shows that different <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hunger-hormones-in-the-gut-can-change-our-eating-behavior/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sets of neurons</a> in the amygdala respond specifically to either thirst or hunger.



“One of these groups of neurons is solely dedicated to regulating the desire to drink, the first ‘thirst neuron’ that has been identified in the amygdala,” explains Federica Fermani, who led the study. 



“When we activated these neurons, the mice drank more, and when we suppressed their activity, the mice drank less. We also identified another group of neurons in the same region of the amygdala that drives thirst but also plays a role in regulating hunger."



These findings highlight how some neurons show remarkable specialization for specific behaviors, while others have more general roles in guiding food and drink choices.



To observe this, the researchers used tools like optogenetics - a method that uses light to control brain cells. This allowed them to precisely turn certain neurons on or off.



They watched how the mice behaved when thirsty, hungry, or already satisfied. With these tools, they mapped out where these neurons receive their cues and which other parts of the brain they talk to.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-neurons-influence-taste-perception">Neurons influence taste perception</h2>



Interestingly, the team also learned that these neurons could influence <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-surprising-amount-of-adults-like-intensely-sour-flavors/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">taste preferences</a>. 



By linking the activation of certain neurons with a drink the mice didn’t like, they managed to change the animals’ behavior. 



A flavor that had been avoided became one the mice started to choose.



This ability to alter choices with neuron signals gives scientists a new way to look at how emotions, desires, and past experiences shape what we choose to eat and drink. 



Since the structure of the amygdala is similar in humans and mice, the research may help explain human eating patterns too.



“Basic drives like thirst and hunger ensure we eat and drink at the right times, giving our bodies the hydration and nutrition needed to survive,” explains Rüdiger Klein, Director at the Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence. 



“But these same neural circuits can also contribute to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-what-triggers-our-brains-to-overeat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">overeating</a> or undereating, depending on the signals they encounter in the brain."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hunger-thirst-and-the-human-brain">Hunger, thirst, and the human brain</h2>



By uncovering these processes, we gain a better understanding of how the brain emotionally evaluates food and drink, learns to associate them with pleasure or aversion, and how neural development shapes both innate and learned behaviors.



This research raises important questions about how the brain balances multiple needs. 



How does it know when we’ve had enough? What happens when hunger and thirst compete? And how do these systems become disrupted in conditions like obesity, anorexia, or addiction?



As scientists continue to untangle the connections between emotion, memory, and behavior in the brain, studies like this offer a clearer picture of how we make some of our most basic - and most important - choices every day.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-58144-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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How our brains tell us when we need to eat or drink

The brain plays a central role in guiding us to...

There has been a growing focus on celestial explosions called kilonova events. These eruptions happen when two dense stars, known as <a href="https://esahubble.org/wordbank/neutron-star/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neutron</a> stars, crash into each other and release bursts of matter, light, and subatomic particles.



Some scientists believe these events might pose serious <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/slow-spinning-neutron-star-completely-defies-our-expectations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">risks</a> to all life anywhere in the Universe if they ever occur close to inhabited planets, Earth included.



Astronomers have long studied other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strange-object-discovered-in-space-should-never-have-been-there/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cosmic</a> hazards like supernova and <a href="https://esahubble.org/wordbank/active-galactic-nucleus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">active galactic cores</a>, but kilonova incidents are less common and less understood. 



This <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/1538-4357/ad12b7#apjad12b7s9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">perspective</a> is shared by <a href="https://astro.illinois.edu/directory/profile/haillep2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Haille M. L. Perkins</a> from the <a href="https://illinois.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Illinois</a>, who cautions that any source emitting powerful ionizing radiation could threaten Earth-like biospheres under the right conditions.



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



Neutron stars are the dense, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fastest-spinning-magnetar-reveals-secrets-of-neutron-stars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">burnt-out cores of massive stars</a> that exploded in supernovae. When a star much bigger than our Sun reaches the end of its life, it collapses under its own gravity. 



The outer layers blast off, and the core compresses so tightly that protons and electrons smoosh together to form neutrons. 



What’s left behind is a city-sized object with more mass than the Sun - so dense that a single teaspoon of it would weigh about a billion tons.



These stars may be small, but they pack a punch. Some spin hundreds of times per second, shooting out beams of radiation like cosmic lighthouses - we call those <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pulsars-are-helping-astronomers-pinpoint-dark-matter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pulsars</a>. 



Their magnetic fields are ridiculously strong, and in some extreme cases, they become <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/huge-outbursts-from-quiet-magnetars-have-a-surprising-source/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnetars</a>, which are basically the most intense magnets in the universe. 



Even though they’re incredibly far away, neutron stars give scientists clues about the fundamental laws of physics. They’re like nature’s ultimate stress test for matter.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-neutron-stars-and-kilonovas">Neutron stars and kilonovas</h2>



A kilonova is linked to the smashing together of two neutron <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neutron-star-collisions-push-the-limits-of-extreme-physics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star</a> remains. These stars are made of matter packed so tightly that a handful of it outweighs a skyscraper. 



When they merge, they emit streams of <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/ems/12_gammarays/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gamma-ray</a> and <a href="https://www.nibib.nih.gov/science-education/science-topics/x-rays" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X-ray radiation</a> that might strip away protective atmospheric layers on a planet.



Ionizing light is measured by how easily it can disrupt molecules. This kind of radiation is concerning because it can damage the ozone. 



Once the ozone thins, harmful <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK304366/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar ultraviolet</a> can reach the surface and damage living organisms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kilonova-energy-strips-planet-protection">Kilonova energy strips planet protection</h2>



Experts <a href="https://ozone.unep.org/sites/default/files/2019-05/eeap-report2006.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">discuss</a> the potential harm from these events by focusing on total energy delivered over a few years. The energy is tallied in kilojoules per square meter. 



When it surpasses a certain level, the atmosphere starts losing its ability to block <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/huge-outbursts-from-quiet-magnetars-have-a-surprising-source/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar</a> ultraviolet rays. This threshold can be reached if a nearby kilonova releases high-energy photons toward a planet.



“Ionizing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fast-radio-bursts-traced-to-chaotic-magnetospheres-of-neutron-stars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">radiation</a> from these sources can be dangerous for life on Earth-like planets when located too close,” wrote the <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/1538-4357/ad12b7#apjad12b7s9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">authors</a>. 



Multiple bands of the electromagnetic spectrum can hit an orbiting world, but the biggest threat is often linked to intense flashes of gamma or X-ray energy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-neutron-star-beams-can-still-harm">Neutron star beams can still harm</h2>



Short bursts of gamma rays, sometimes called <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214404815000415">short gamma-ray bursts</a>, often come from these collisions. Many earlier studies focused on planets directly aligned with the beam from such a burst. 



Researchers now address the less obvious danger lurking at wider viewing angles. Even if the planet is not in the direct path of the beam, scattered emissions might still be strong enough to matter.



Observations of one event called <a href="https://www.ligo.caltech.edu/page/press-release-gw170817" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GW170817</a> showed that off-axis viewers still detect measurable radiation. 



The brightness depends on how the explosion interacts with surrounding gas. Lower-density regions will produce weaker afterglows than denser zones.



This means damage estimates can vary a lot from one collision to another.



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



Months or years after the collision, faster jets stop dominating, but a slower blast wave can produce <a href="https://news.uchicago.edu/explainer/what-are-cosmic-rays" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cosmic rays</a>. 



These energetic particles can penetrate deeply into atmospheres, form reactive molecules, and further harm ozone layers. They can also create particles called <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/physics-and-astronomy/muon" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">muons</a> that reach the ground.



Some scientists suggest cosmic-ray exposure may cause widespread harm to cells, prompting genetic mutations. 



Calculations <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1086/346127" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">show</a> that if a kilonova is close enough, this late-stage wave might outdo the earlier gamma-ray flash in terms of long-term biological risk.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rarity-vs-impact">Rarity vs. impact</h2>



The distance at which these effects become lethal is small on galactic scales. Because kilonova events occur very infrequently, few worlds are ever inside the zone of concern. 



The odds of one striking near Earth seem slim. Scientists often compare their kill distance to that of a supernova, but supernova eruptions happen far more often.



While the energies involved could be comparable, the scarcity of kilonova collisions means they pose less threat on average. 



<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21545268/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Researchers</a> believe the chance of a planet like ours being hit by damaging radiation from one is significantly lower than the chance of being exposed to cosmic rays from a supernova.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-possible-dangers-to-technology">Possible dangers to technology</h2>



A short gamma-ray surge could trigger an <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1364682616301213" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmospheric ionization cascade</a>. This might set off strong electrical currents that overload power grids. 



Auroras bright enough to see in daytime skies might appear, and satellites could experience major outages. Astronauts beyond Earth’s shielding would be especially vulnerable to incoming high-energy particles.



On the ground, any meltdown of electronics might be overshadowed by the biological hazards. Elevated radiation at the surface can threaten livestock, crops, and water sources if the influx of ionizing particles persists.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-neutron-star-data-may-reveal-more">Future neutron star data may reveal more</h2>



Only a single event of this type, <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/image-article/unfolding-story-of-kilonova-told-x-rays/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GW170817</a>, has been observed in enough detail to model possible harm. More detections will add clarity.



Ongoing advances in space-based and ground-based observatories will help astronomers gather more data on these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neutron-stars-may-hold-the-key-to-understanding-dark-matter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rare</a> outbursts.



Scientists involved in modeling kilonova activity hope that future studies will settle lingering questions about how fast each type of emission fades. 



Refined calculations will clarify if cosmic rays pose the strongest hit or if X-rays and gamma rays dominate the danger.



The study is published in <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/1538-4357/ad12b7#apjad12b7s9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Astrophysical Journal</a>.



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When two neutron stars collide, very bad things happen

There has been a growing focus on celestial explosions called...

Questions about the vastness of our world can leave us speechless. How many stars twinkle in our galaxy? How many grains of sand stretch across the Sahara? How many ants roam the Earth?



For a long time, most questions like these seemed unanswerable. Yet, as research methods evolve, and with the emergence of AI and machine learning models, scientists have begun to solve these mysteries that not long ago seemed unsolvable.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-seems-to-love-ants">Earth seems to love ants</h2>



Because estimating insect numbers can unlock important ecosystem insights, many experts throughout history have tried to count particular insect species and map their habitats, aiming to understand why these creatures flourish in certain places but remain scarce in others.



Biologists Sabine Nooten and Patrick Schultheiss from <a href="https://www.uni-wuerzburg.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg</a> have devoted their work in this particular study to one of nature’s most resilient insects - ants.



There are about 22,000 known ant species worldwide. Their success hinges on their social structure, with certain members handling reproduction and others focusing on tasks like caring for offspring, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ants-perform-specialized-medical-surgeries-on-injured-friends/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">healing the sick</a>, or gathering food.



Ants have no commander at the helm. They rely on collective activity and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ants-employ-safeguards-social-distancing-to-prevent-spread-of-diseases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">swarm intelligence</a>. Individual neurons in a human brain cannot do much on their own, yet the combined power of those neurons is amazing. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ants-have-a-communications-system-that-closely-resembles-mental-telepathy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ant colonies</a> mirror that principle. They can create <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ants-use-chemical-trails-to-guide-their-friends-to-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">intricate trail networks</a>, use their bodies as bridges, and “farm” fungi or aphids. Some colonies even outperform humans in certain cooperative cognition tasks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ant-distribution-and-diversity-on-earth">Ant distribution and diversity on Earth</h2>



The study indicates that ants prefer tropical and subtropical climates. In forests, many nest among the leaves on the ground. In arid regions, they bustle across the exposed soil. 



These details help ecologists see how temperature, vegetation, and rainfall might affect ant populations. 



The team hopes to see more work done on factors shaping where ants thrive, especially as temperatures shift around the world.



With such immense numbers, ants bring both positive and negative outcomes. 



They can keep ecosystems healthy by recycling nutrients, and they sometimes form alliances with plants or insects in ways that boost local biodiversity. 



But not all interactions are benign. In certain places, invasive ants like fire ants harm native species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-far-reaching-influence">Far-reaching influence</h2>



Ants carry soil, move seeds, and alter many parts of their surroundings. Per hectare, ants move up to 13 tons of soil mass per year, and this movement can help <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fungus-farming-ants-work-hard-to-maintain-healthy-gardens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">keep nutrients cycling</a>. 



Their love of seeds means they spread some plants far beyond the mother plant’s reach. 



Scientists note that understanding the number of ants worldwide can help guide future conservation strategies, because it highlights areas that might need special attention to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/evolutionary-deja-vu-the-symbiotic-relationships-of-trees-and-ants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">protect the ecological balance</a>.



In addition to soil turnover, these insects also break down decaying materials, providing valuable services that enrich soil fertility. 



Forest regeneration often benefits from the constant churning of organic matter, and ants are key contributors. Such varied roles mean they hold ecological power disproportionate to their size.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-time-to-count-earth-s-ants">Time to count Earth's ants</h2>



The tireless team of scientists, led by Nooten and Schultheiss, analyzed data from 489 smaller studies on ground-dwelling and tree-dwelling ants to create a large database of their global population. 



This approach offered a structured look at where ants flourish and in what numbers they appear. When they crunched the numbers, they found something remarkable.



“According to our estimates, the global ant population is 20 x 10 to the power of 15 - that is, 20 quadrillion animals. That is a 20 with 15 zeros, which is hard to grasp and appreciate," Nooten explains. 



The combined mass of these insects is also astonishing. 



According to Schultheiss, the total number of ants “exceeds the combined biomass of wild birds and mammals and corresponds to about 20 percent of humanity’s biomass,” a discovery that shows how vital ants can be in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ants-fill-a-150-year-gap-in-biodiversity-research/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystems everywhere</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ants-earth-and-climate-change">Ants, Earth, and climate change</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ants-are-shifting-to-new-habitats-to-cope-with-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">As climates change</a>, scientists want to see how these creatures will shift their ranges. The research by this group was the first large-scale attempt at a quantitative overview of ant populations, and it points to many open questions about potential challenges. 



While ants have <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ants-are-now-using-cars-to-travel-spread-to-new-locations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">thrived across continents</a>, altering habitat structures and climate could place pressure on species that are less adaptable.



In some areas, people view ants as pests. Yet these insects, when kept in balance, offer many unseen benefits. 



For instance, their tunnels can help water infiltration in soil. They also serve as prey for various animals, creating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/edible-ants-art-science-sustainable-food-source-ant-cuisine/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">links in the food chain</a>. 



Problems usually arise when invasive ants enter habitats and drive out local species that have no defenses against them. Fire ants, for example, can <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ants-hold-a-grudge-against-aggressive-rivals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">upend an entire environment</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-left-to-learn">What's left to learn?</h2>



Researchers are enthusiastic about finding methods to analyze trends, such as how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ants-are-not-properly-adapting-to-warming-temperatures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperature extremes</a> might affect ants’ movements. 



Data from global, long-term monitoring can reveal how different species cope with droughts, hurricanes, or shifting seasons. There is also interest in exploring how farmland changes ant presence over time.



Moving forward, the team underscores the importance of refining data on these insects. By revisiting ecosystems that have been studied before, experts can learn whether ants have <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/desert-ants-use-earths-magnetic-field-for-navigation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">settled in new zones</a> or left older ones. 



Such targeted work could inform farmers about pest control, point out regions at risk of invasion by harmful ant species, and guide decisions about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiny-ants-make-a-huge-contribution-to-forest-regeneration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitat restoration</a>.



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



Ants seldom top the list of creatures people think about. Yet they have an outsized role in shaping our surroundings. 



Their ability to transform habitats, redistribute resources, and affect local biodiversity suggests a need for more research. 



Different species often have specialized tasks, whether caring for aphids or forging trails that other creatures can follow. 



Learning about ant numbers brings these impacts into view, providing clues on how to preserve balance in fragile areas.



It also encourages reflection on how many hidden factors <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-destabilizing-ant-plant-relationships/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">keep our ecosystems intact</a>. Though small, ants tackle responsibilities that otherwise would need a range of other organisms to manage. 



By studying these insects, scientists glean insights about resilience, adaptability, and the intricate web of life holding everything together.



Ants, often overlooked, deserve a central place in our discussions about the natural world. They shape environments, help distribute seeds, and are more populous than most of us imagined. 



Whether admired for their social complexity or managed for their potential risks, these insects illustrate how even the tiniest creatures can shift large-scale processes.



The full study, “The abundance, biomass, and distribution of ants on Earth,” was published in the <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.2201550119" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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How many ants live on Earth? The number is staggering

Questions about the vastness of our world can leave us...

Fingerprint analysis has been a dependable tool in crime-solving for more than a century. Investigators lean on fingerprint evidence to identify suspects or connect them to specific crime scenes, believing that every print offers a distinctive code.



Yet, a team of researchers has found that prints from different fingers of the same person can sometimes appear more alike. 



This insight came from an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-will-outsmart-humans-when-we-crack-the-neural-code/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">artificial intelligence</a> model that revealed surprising connections between prints. 



Hod Lipson, from Columbia Engineering, stands out in this effort to question widely accepted forensic norms, in collaboration with Wenyao Xu from the <a href="https://www.buffalo.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University at Buffalo</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-takes-on-fingerprints">AI takes on fingerprints</h2>



For decades, it has been taken for granted that fingerprints from different fingers of one individual do not match. Much of this belief stems from the assumption that each finger displays completely separate ridges, loops, and swirls. 



One anonymous reviewer even stated, “It is well known that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-microbiome-trillions-of-bacteria-unique-like-fingerprints/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">every fingerprint is unique</a>,” when confronted with the researchers’ work. 



Despite such resistance, an undergraduate senior at <a href="https://www.engineering.columbia.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Columbia Engineering</a> named Gabe Guo spearheaded a study that contradicts this long-standing assumption.



By using a public U.S. government database with roughly 60,000 prints, Guo fed pairs of fingerprints into a deep contrastive network. Some pairs belonged to the same person, while others came from different people. 



The artificial intelligence system became adept at telling when prints that looked different were actually from one individual, reaching an accuracy of 77% for single pairs. 



In cases where multiple samples were grouped together, the accuracy soared, offering the possibility of boosting existing forensic methods by more than tenfold.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-researchers-rocking-the-boat">Researchers rocking the boat</h2>



Although these findings promised fresh possibilities for connecting crime scenes, the researchers faced an uphill battle during peer review. 



The project was rejected by a well-established forensics journal that did not accept the suggestion that different fingers might produce prints with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/molecular-fingerprints-could-be-key-to-early-cancer-detection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shared characteristics</a>. 



Undeterred, the group sought out a broader readership. The paper was turned away once again, prompting Lipson to challenge the decision.



“If this information tips the balance, then I imagine that cold cases could be revived, and even that innocent people could be acquitted," noted Lipson, who co-directs the <a href="https://make.columbia.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Makerspace Facility</a> at Columbia.



Determined not to back away from a challenge, even if it meant disrupting over 100 years of accepted practice, the team kept refining their work. 



Finally, their persistence paid off as their study was finally recognized and published in the peer-reviewed journal, Science Advances.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-gives-new-clues-in-fingerprint-analysis">AI gives new clues in fingerprint analysis</h2>



Traditional methods rely on minutiae, which refer to branching patterns and endpoints in the ridges. 



“The AI was not using ‘minutiae,’ which are the branchings and endpoints in fingerprint ridges - the patterns used in traditional fingerprint comparison," Guo explained. 



"Instead, it was using something else, related to the angles and curvatures of the swirls and loops in the center of the fingerprint.” 



His findings suggest that experts may have overlooked important visual cues.



The collaboration included Columbia Engineering graduate Aniv Ray and PhD student Judah Goldfeder, both of whom indicated that the project’s early success could grow stronger with bigger datasets. 



“Just imagine how well this will perform once it’s trained on millions, instead of thousands of fingerprints,” Ray remarked, hinting that this approach could eventually refine how investigators hunt for clues across multiple crime scenes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-bias-and-next-steps">Potential bias and next steps</h2>



The researchers are alert to possible data gaps. They noted that their system showed similar performance across various demographics but emphasized the need for larger, more diverse fingerprint collections. 



They hope that thorough validation will address any concerns about bias before anyone adopts this technique in actual investigations. 



The long-term goal is to offer law enforcement a supplementary tool that improves efficiency when cases seem tangled.



While the AI cannot officially conclude a legal matter, it can help narrow the field of suspects or connect distinct crime scenes based on partial matches. 



“Many people think that AI cannot really make new discoveries - that it just regurgitates knowledge," Lipson elaborated, pointing to a broader shift in how AI might support investigative work.



"But this research is an example of how even a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-era-in-forecasting-ai-will-improve-extreme-weather-warnings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fairly simple AI</a>, given a fairly plain dataset that the research community has had lying around for years, can provide insights that have eluded experts for decades."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-fingerprints-and-law-enforcement">AI, fingerprints, and law enforcement</h2>



This study demonstrates that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/could-generative-ai-go-mad-and-wreck-internet-data/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">artificial intelligence</a> can spot patterns that traditional analysis methods might miss. It also highlights the value of open datasets that have been underutilized in many areas of research. 



The findings may prompt forensic experts to rethink certain procedures, especially when multiple prints from the same suspect turn up at different locations.



Lipson sees a future where unexpected breakthroughs can come from fresh perspectives. 



“Even more exciting is the fact that an undergraduate student, with no background in forensics whatsoever, can use AI to successfully challenge a widely held belief of an entire field," Lipson concluded. 



"We are about to experience an explosion of AI-led scientific discovery by non-experts, and the expert community, including academia, needs to get ready.”



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adi0329" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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AI proves that fingerprints are not unique, upending the legal system

Fingerprint analysis has been a dependable tool in crime-solving for...

The Moon’s dusty surface may soon do more than cling to astronaut boots - it could power lunar cities. Researchers demonstrated recently how solar cells, built from simulated Moon dust, can offer efficient, radiation-resistant power without hauling heavy tech from Earth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-space-needs-a-lighter-power-source">Why space needs a lighter power source</h2>



Most current <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-ridges-on-moons-surface-suggest-that-it-is-still-active/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space</a> solar panels are efficient but bulky. Launching them costs millions per kilogram. 



"The solar cells used in space now are amazing, reaching efficiencies of 30% to even 40%, but that efficiency comes with a price," explained lead researcher Felix Lang from the <a href="https://www.uni-potsdam.de/en/university-of-potsdam" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Potsdam</a>.



His team has a lighter solution. They propose crafting solar cell components directly on the Moon using regolith - a dusty material that covers the lunar surface.



This change slashes launch mass by 99.4%, cuts costs by 99%, and opens new options for Moon-based infrastructure.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-solar-cells-from-moon-soil">Building solar cells from Moon soil</h2>



The team melted simulated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/turning-moon-soil-lunar-regolith-space-debris-into-building-materials/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lunar</a> regolith into moon-glass. This glass replaced traditional Earth-made covers in solar panels. 



They then added perovskite, a crystal known for its low cost and high efficiency. The result is a solar panel that can produce 22 to 50 watts per gram, which is far above traditional setups.



“If you cut the weight by 99%, you don’t need ultra-efficient 30% solar cells, you just make more of them on the Moon,” Lang explained. “Plus, our cells are more stable against radiation, while the others would degrade over time.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moon-made-cells-resist-radiation-well">Moon-made cells resist radiation well</h2>



Moon-glass offers natural protection from radiation, thanks to iron impurities. Unlike standard glass, which darkens in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/graphene-new-wonder-material-earth-technology-found-moon-soil/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space</a>, moon-glass stays stable. In tests simulating space radiation, moon-glass solar cells retained 99.6% of their original performance - even after bombardment by 68 MeV protons.



The study found no major structural issues. The perovskite adhered well to moon-glass. Even optical performance was strong. Thinner versions of moon-glass reached up to 80% transparency. 



These features matter because higher light transmission improves energy output.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-simple-but-powerful-manufacturing-setup">A simple but powerful manufacturing setup</h2>



Making moonglass on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/moon-slopes-may-hide-water-ice-just-below-the-surface/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moon</a> won’t require complex machines. 



Concentrated sunlight can melt regolith into glass. A small solar furnace with lenses or mirrors should do the job. Just 1 kg of perovskite from Earth and a ton of Moon soil could make 400 square meters of solar panels.



This is enough to power early moon-bases like those planned in the ESA’s <a href="https://www.esa.int/Applications/Connectivity_and_Secure_Communications/Artemis" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Artemis program</a>. The study estimates energy payback within half a year - much faster than silicon cells, which can take up to 2.5 years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moon-panels-can-match-earth-s-efficiency">Moon panels can match Earth’s efficiency</h2>



The team built three kinds of solar cell configurations using moon-glass. One design used an opaque copper electrode. 



It reached 8.6% efficiency as light absorption was limited through thick moon-glass. Other designs used transparent metal or oxide contacts to let more light through. These improved efficiency up to 12.3%.



With thinner moonglass and better contact materials, simulations predict 21–23% efficiency. That rivals commercial panels made on Earth, while being far easier to produce on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/moon-dust-simulating-lunar-dirt-will-make-it-easier-to-collect/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moon</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moon-cells-survive-radiation-better-nbsp">Moon cells survive radiation better&nbsp;</h2>



Radiation on the Moon is harsher than on the International Space Station. But perovskites are known for their resilience. 



Combined with radiation-tolerant moonglass, these solar cells survived exposure without major performance loss. Unlike standard glass, which forms color centers under radiation, moonglass remained clear.



That’s partly because of iron impurities in the glass. These iron atoms trap electrons and holes, which prevents color changes. This mirrors how cerium-doped glass works, but without the need for rare additives.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-not-just-use-silicon">Why not just use silicon?</h2>



Making silicon solar cells from Moon dust has been a dream for decades. But turning regolith into high-purity silicon takes complex steps. It needs heavy equipment, chemical purification, and precise control. Plus, silicon cells degrade quickly in radiation.



In contrast, moonglass and perovskites can be prepared with simple tools. Their radiation tolerance is much higher. They also allow more design flexibility and cost less to produce and maintain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moon-dust-could-power-future-lunar-homes">Moon dust could power future lunar homes</h2>



"From extracting water for fuel to building houses with lunar bricks, scientists have been finding ways to use Moon dust," remarked Lang. "Now, we can turn it into solar cells too, possibly providing the energy a future Moon city will need."



The team’s work points toward a future where Moon bases are powered by local materials. No need to ship tons of glass or solar cells from Earth. Just harvest what’s underfoot, melt it, and start generating power.



A city on the Moon may still be years away - but its power grid might already be waiting in the dust.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/device/fulltext/S2666-9986(25)00060-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Device</a>.



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Solar cells made from Moon dust work incredibly well, providing hope for lunar colonies

The Moon’s dusty surface may soon do more than cling...

Mother,And,Cub,Of,Bonobo.,Green,Natural,Background.,The,Bonobo

Bonobos, our closest relatives, may not speak, but they use something strikingly similar to human language.



A new study from researchers at the <a href="https://www.uzh.ch/en.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Zurich</a> and <a href="https://www.harvard.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard University</a> reveals that wild bonobos use complex vocal combinations. These resemble how humans string words together.



Researchers observed bonobos in the Kokolopori Community Reserve in the Democratic Republic of Congo. They found that bonobo calls follow the rules of compositionality, a core feature of human language.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-bonobo-day-a-celebration-of-love-peace-and-conservation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bonobo</a> calls are more than random noises. They are structured, purposeful, and, in some cases, surprisingly complex. This research doesn’t just hint at intelligence. It shows the skeleton of a system that mirrors how we construct meaning from words and phrases.



If correct, this means that the boundary between human and non-human communication is far more blurred than scientists used to think.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-makes-human-language-special">What makes human language special</h2>



One feature of human language stands out - compositionality. This is our ability to string small parts together into meaningful wholes.



For example, a dancer can be blond; a dancer can be bad. In the first case, “blond” adds a trait, while in the second, “bad” modifies how we think about the dancing itself. The latter is more than a label - it’s judgment woven into structure.



Compositionality comes in two forms: trivial and nontrivial. Trivial compositionality occurs when each word keeps its independent meaning. Nontrivial compositionality occurs when the combination reshapes meaning, where one part changes the sense of the other. 



Until now, evidence for nontrivial compositionality in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bonobos-group-cohesion-common-enemy-effect-do-not-kill-inside-their-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animals</a> other than humans was missing. Some birds and primates showed signs of trivial compositionality. But no study had proven that any non-human species could modify meaning in such layered ways.



This is where the bonobos come in. Their vocal combinations suggest they may not only understand the value of combining sounds - but can manipulate meaning like we do, through structured, nontrivial arrangements.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bonobo-calls-are-like-human-language">Bonobo calls are like human language</h2>



The researchers collected 700 vocal recordings of the Kokolopori bonobos over time.



Each utterance was annotated with more than 300 contextual features - what the bonobo was doing, who was nearby, what activity the group was engaged in. These features, called FoCs (features of circumstances), offered a way to map meaning.



To analyze the patterns, the team used a framework borrowed from distributional semantics, a linguistic method that typically applies to human languages. It maps meanings by looking at how words appear across similar contexts. Words used in similar situations tend to have related meanings.



Using this method, researchers projected <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bonobos-are-thriving-in-salonga-national-park/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bonobo</a> calls into a semantic space. In this space, calls with similar meanings cluster close together. 



This allowed the scientists to examine not just individual calls, but also what combinations formed - and whether those combinations held meaning greater than the sum of their parts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bonobos-use-rules-similar-to-language">Bonobos use rules similar to language</h2>



The researchers applied a rigorous four-step process to evaluate each combination. First, they checked if individual call types had distinct meanings. 



Then, they assessed whether combinations had meanings that were different from the meanings of their parts. Next, they asked whether a combination’s meaning could be derived from its components.



Finally, they looked for cases where the meaning of the whole was different from simply adding up the parts - which would be evidence of nontrivial compositionality.



“All seven <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/orphaned-bonobos-can-regain-social-skills-and-empathy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bonobo</a> call types that were considered in our analysis combine into four compositional structures, of which three exhibit nontrivial compositionality,” the study's authors report.



This is a major shift. It means that not only are bonobos capable of combining calls meaningfully, but they also do so in ways that mirror the deeper, more abstract structures of human language.



The research found that combinations like High-hoot_Low-hoot, Peep_Whistle, and Peep-yelp_High-hoot all exhibited nontrivial compositionality. One combination, Yelp_Grunt, did not. It retained trivial structure, where the meaning was just the sum of the parts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-these-bonobo-calls-might-mean">What these bonobo calls might mean</h2>



Understanding bonobo <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/peaceful-bonobos-are-actually-more-aggressive-than-chimps/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">communication</a> means more than just identifying call types. It means deciphering the purpose behind each sound. Grunts, for example, seem to signal “look at me,” drawing attention in various social settings like grooming or feeding. 



High-hoots are louder and often used over distance or in tense moments, suggesting “pay attention to me.” Low-hoots emerge during excited moments, such as preparing a nest for the night.



The whistle plays another role entirely - it helps maintain group cohesion, perhaps saying “let’s stay together.” Peeps and yelps, though similar, differ in tone. Peeps are more suggestive - maybe “I’d like to…” - while yelps are firmer and more like commands: “let’s do that.”



Then come the combinations. Peep_Whistle, for example, may mean something like “I’d like us to stay together,” and often appears during sensitive moments such as displays or copulation. 



High-hoot_Low-hoot might signal distress, urging others to pay closer attention. Peep-yelp_High-hoot could be a way to organize group movement, coordinating actions with distant individuals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-combinations-reveal">What the combinations reveal</h2>



Determining whether a combination was trivial or nontrivial required more than guessing. 



Researchers compared each combination’s meaning against hypothetical “additive” meanings - where A and B’s meanings were just added together. If the real combination strayed significantly from this sum, it was labeled nontrivial.



“For all compositional combinations except Yelp_Grunt, the difference was greater than zero,” the study states. That made Yelp_Grunt the only trivial structure. The other three combinations carried a new kind of meaning. They didn’t just add. They transformed.



This means that in at least three cases, bonobos created new meanings from existing calls. This aligns closely with how humans use language to express ideas. Words shift and adjust each other in context. 



Bonobos, it seems, do this with their own form of language too.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-window-into-our-evolutionary-past">A window into our evolutionary past</h2>



What do these findings tell us about ourselves? Quite a lot, it turns out.



“Since humans and bonobos had a common ancestor approximately 7 to 13 million years ago, they share many traits by descent, and it appears that compositionality is likely one of them,” said Harvard Professor Martin Surbeck.



“Our study therefore suggests that our ancestors already extensively used compositionality at least 7 million years ago, if not more,” added Simon Townsend.



This positions language not as a sudden leap in human evolution, but as a gradual development. It suggests that the foundations for structured communication were laid long before Homo sapiens arrived.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-method-with-wide-possibilities">A method with wide possibilities</h2>



The study also offers a method to understand communication across species. By mapping vocal signals using minimal human judgment and focusing on context, the researchers showed that meaning could be measured more objectively.



“We present a method for reliably inferring the meaning of all the signals of an animal’s repertoire with minimal human judgment,” the authors explain.



This method doesn’t rely on assigning meaning through guesswork. It uses context and data, opening the door to future studies across different groups of animals, from dolphins to elephants.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bonobo-language-remains-complex">Bonobo language remains complex</h2>



The researchers acknowledge that some utterances remain difficult to interpret. Calls might convey emotional states, not just intentions. Subtle acoustic variations may exist but go unnoticed. Some calls may serve structural roles, like those in birdsong, rather than conveying clear messages.



Also, vocalizations are not the only form of communication. Bonobos combine vocal calls with gestures and facial expressions. These multimodal signals likely shape meaning too. Future studies may show even richer layers of nonverbal language in bonobo society.



Even so, the evidence is strong. Bonobos do not just make noise. They communicate in structured, meaningful ways. They use building blocks. They rearrange, modify, and combine. And in doing so, they remind us that the roots of language run deep.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adv1170" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Bonobo communication shares many similarities with human language

Bonobos, our closest relatives, may not speak, but they use...

Loving,Mature,Couple,On,A,Background,Of,Clear,Sky

When it comes to health and longevity, wealth is often considered to provide a major safety net. But a new study suggests that in the United States, even the richest citizens aren't living as long as their peers in Europe. 



In fact, Americans of all wealth levels are more likely to die sooner than Europeans in the same financial brackets.



A research team from <a href="https://sph.brown.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brown University’s School of Public Health</a> compared data from over 73,000 adults between the ages of 50 and 85 in the U.S. and Europe. 



The study looked at mortality rates between 2010 and 2020, focusing on how wealth impacts survival across different regions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gaps-in-life-expectancy">Gaps in life expectancy </h2>



One of the clearest findings from the research is that while wealthier individuals tend to live longer than those with less money. This pattern is more extreme in the U.S. than in Europe.



In the United States, the gap between rich and poor is wide - and so is the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/women-in-the-us-now-live-6-years-longer-than-men-as-life-expectancy-gap-widens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gap in life expectancy</a>. However, the differences don’t stop there. 



At every level of wealth, Americans had higher death rates than their European counterparts. Rich Americans had similar survival rates to some of the poorest people in countries like France, Germany, and the Netherlands.



“Our previous work has shown that while <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wealth-inequality-exists-in-the-animal-kingdom-too/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wealth inequality</a> narrows after 65 across the U.S. and Europe, in the U.S. it narrows because the poorest Americans die sooner and in greater proportion,” said Irene Papanicolas, one of the study’s authors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-issues-in-the-united-states">Health issues in the United States </h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-australia-outpaces-america-in-life-expectancy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Life expectancy in the U.S.</a> has been decreasing in recent years. This study adds depth to that picture, showing that the issue cuts across income levels. It’s not just the most vulnerable who are at risk.



"The findings are a stark reminder that even the wealthiest Americans are not shielded from the systemic issues in the U.S. contributing to lower life expectancy, such as economic inequality or risk factors like stress, diet or environmental hazards,” said Papanicolas. 



“If we want to improve health in the U.S., we need to better understand the underlying factors that contribute to these differences - particularly amongst similar socioeconomic groups - and why they translate to different health outcomes across nations.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-europeans-have-a-lower-death-rate">Europeans have a lower death rate</h2>



The researchers found that the top wealth quartile had a 40% lower death rate than those in the bottom quartile. However, across the board, Europeans fared better.



People in Continental Europe died at rates about 40% lower than Americans during the study. Southern Europeans had a 30% lower death rate. Those in Eastern Europe, however, showed a 13% to 20% advantage over U.S. residents.



According to the researchers, Europe’s stronger social safety nets and public health systems likely play a role. 



In contrast, the U.S. faces structural gaps that weaken health outcomes for everyone, not just those who struggle with poverty.



“We found that where you stand in your country’s wealth distribution matters for your longevity, and where you stand in your country compared to where others stand in theirs matters, too,” said Sara Machado, a co-author of the study. 



“Fixing health outcomes is not just a challenge for the most vulnerable - even those in the top quartile of wealth are affected.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-and-regional-factors-matter">Cultural and regional factors matter</h2>



Beyond money and healthcare systems, the study also considered <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eight-healthy-lifestyle-habits-could-extend-your-life-by-decades/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lifestyle</a> and cultural differences. 



Smoking, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/over-a-million-americans-die-each-year-from-diet-related-diseases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">poor diet</a>, and living in rural areas - factors that can lead to worse health - are more common in the U.S. These behavioral patterns could explain part of the mortality gap.



The researchers pointed out what they call a “survivor effect.” In the U.S., poorer individuals often die earlier.



This results in older age groups skewed toward wealthier and healthier individuals, giving a false impression that wealth disparities fade with age.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-better-health-outcomes-are-possible">Better health outcomes are possible </h2>



The findings offer a difficult but important message. Better health outcomes are possible - but they require more than just medical solutions.



Policymakers will need to look at the bigger picture, including income inequality, access to preventative care, and environmental factors.



“If you look at other countries, there are better outcomes, and that means we can learn from them and improve," said Machado. 



“It’s not necessarily about spending more - it’s about addressing the factors we’re overlooking, which could deliver far greater benefits than we realize.”



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMsa2408259" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New England Journal of Medicine</a>.



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Even the richest Americans die younger than their European counterparts

When it comes to health and longevity, wealth is often...

<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...

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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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</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



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.

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

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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

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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

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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?

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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

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