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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Million year-old mammoth microbes reveal new clues about disease

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

<p>The growing number of legal psychedelic therapy programs in places like Colorado and Oregon has sparked new questions about how these substances affect people beyond traditional clinical outcomes. One area gaining more attention is how psychedelics influence sexuality, gender identity, and romantic relationships.</p>



<p>A new study by researchers from the <a href="https://www.buffalo.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University at Buffalo</a>, University of Michigan Medical School, University of Exeter, and the University of South Carolina Salkehatchie offers the first real data on this topic. </p>



<p>Published in the <em>Journal of Sex Research</em>, the study surveyed nearly 600 people about their experiences with psychedelics like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psilocybin-could-help-millions-who-suffer-from-depression/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psilocybin mushrooms</a>, LSD, ecstasy (MDMA), and ketamine. </p>



<p>The results show that these substances may play a role in shaping how people view their intimate lives.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-psychedelics-and-sexuality">Psychedelics and sexuality </h2>



<p>Participants in the study reported that psychedelic experiences led to deeper feelings of connection with their partners. </p>



<p>Many described improved relationship quality, increased attraction to their current partners, and more satisfying sexual experiences.</p>



<p>Dr. Daniel Kruger is a research associate professor in the University at Buffalo School of Public Health and Health Professions and first author on the paper.</p>



<p>“People in clinical trials and people going on psychedelic retreats in other countries have talked about a broad range of positive effects, including greater self-insight and feeling more connected to other people," said Dr. Kruger. "Could there be benefits for intimate relationships in the long-term?” </p>



<p>This line of questioning is what motivated the team to go deeper, especially since no previous studies had explored how psychedelics may affect gender identity or sexual behavior. </p>



<p>To fill this gap, the researchers asked participants to reflect on how their psychedelic use shaped aspects of their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/men-exhibit-better-sexual-health-eating-a-plant-based-vegan-diet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sexual</a> and romantic lives.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changes-in-sexual-attraction">Changes in sexual attraction </h2>



<p>About 70% of respondents said their sexuality or sexual experiences were influenced by psychedelic use. Of those, 65% noticed changes in the short term, while nearly 53% said the effects lasted over time. </p>



<p>Around 10% said their gender identity or expression had shifted after using psychedelics. Some described a new awareness of gender fluidity, with feelings that fluctuated between masculine and feminine.</p>



<p>One of the most unexpected findings was how many participants experienced changes in sexual attraction. </p>



<p>“I think the biggest surprise for me was the increase in same-sex attraction, reported by a quarter of women and about one in eight men,” said Dr. Kruger.</p>



<p>“A third of those with other gender identities also reported changes. Most people did not experience this, but the fact that so many people did is striking.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-mental-health-treatments">Rethinking mental health treatments</h2>



<p>The idea that psychedelics could be the next wave in psychiatric treatment isn’t new, but this study adds another layer to the conversation. </p>



<p>Dr. Kruger noted that while psychedelics hold promise, they’re not a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/confirmed-magic-mushrooms-can-effectively-treat-depression/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magic cure</a>. “Many people think that psychedelics will be the next generation of psychiatric medications. And psychedelics seem like they could be much more effective.”</p>



<p>Still, Dr. Kruger emphasized caution: people shouldn’t “just think of psychedelics as a magic pill that just makes everything better.”</p>



<p>Legal access is expanding, and with it, usage is increasing - especially among young adults. Many older adults are now trying psychedelics for therapeutic purposes too.</p>



<p>“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psychedelic-use-linked-to-higher-risk-of-schizophrenia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Psychedelic use</a> may be at an all-time high among young adults, and many older adults are trying psychedelics for the therapeutic benefits,” said Dr. Kruger.</p>



<p>“There are huge implications for public health when so many people are using psychedelics. We need to reduce risks and protect people from harms and educate people so they know what they are getting into.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-psychedelics-and-sex-research">Psychedelics and sex research</h2>



<p>Since this was the first study to focus on the intersection of psychedelics and sexuality, it was designed to cast a wide net. The researchers now plan to dig deeper.</p>



<p>A new version of the survey is already underway, and it’s open to any adult who has used psychedelics. Participants can respond anonymously.</p>



<p>As <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-offers-new-explanation-for-how-psychedelic-drugs-work/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psychedelic therapy</a> moves further into the mainstream, understanding how it affects not just the brain but also the heart - and identity - will become more important. This study is just the beginning of that conversation.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00224499.2025.2479197" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Journal of Sex Research</a></em>.</p>



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Psychedelics, sexuality, and self-discovery: What a new study reveals

The growing number of legal psychedelic therapy programs in places...

<p>Staying awake when tired feels like walking through fog. For humans, missed sleep dulls our thinking, slows our reflexes, and clouds our focus. Yet we often push through. In the wild, though, the price of sleep deprivation can mean life or death. </p>



<p>Animals have evolved strange and clever sleep strategies to manage this. Birds, in particular, display some of the most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-evolution-timeline-pushed-back-20-million-years-by-baminornis-zhenghensis-discovery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fascinating adaptations</a> in the animal kingdom.</p>



<p>One of their most intriguing tricks is the ability to sleep with one eye open. This behavior lets birds keep half their brain alert while the other half rests deeply. It’s a survival skill. But what happens when even this isn’t enough?</p>



<p>A new study on European jackdaws reveals the limits of this behavior. It shows that, when pushed too far, even birds that sleep with one eye open may give in to full, vulnerable rest.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-art-of-asymmetric-sleep">The art of asymmetric sleep</h2>



<p>Sleep takes many forms across species. In humans, we move through stages like REM and non-REM sleep in 90-minute cycles. Our brains rest in waves, switching between deep rest and vivid dreams. </p>



<p>Birds follow a similar pattern but in shorter segments. They rest in bursts, adjusting their rhythm to match their surroundings.</p>



<p>Some <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/decoding-evolution-how-birds-can-help-us-prevent-pandemics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a> go even further by sleeping asymmetrically. This means one half of the brain stays awake while the other half slips into non-REM sleep. </p>



<p>Ducks often use this trick to remain watchful while still getting rest. The open eye faces out, keeping a lookout for danger. The closed eye faces inward, allowing that side of the brain to recharge.</p>



<p>This type of sleep helps birds navigate dangerous environments. It allows them to remain partially conscious without fully sacrificing rest. But this ability isn’t as powerful as full, deep sleep. It provides protection but not full restoration.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-deep-sleep-matters-for-birds">Why deep sleep matters for birds</h2>



<p>Asymmetric sleep helps with safety, but it’s not always enough. Deep non-REM sleep clears waste from the brain and helps consolidate memory. It recharges the system. </p>



<p>Doing this with only one hemisphere takes longer and isn’t as effective. That’s why <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saving-americas-birds-scientists-declare-a-full-on-emergency-in-the-us/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a> still need periods of symmetrical sleep, when both brain hemispheres rest at the same time.</p>



<p>Researchers have long wondered how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birds-adapt-their-survival-strategies-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a> decide when to use one sleep type over another. What triggers the shift? When does safety win, and when does the need to recover push past the risk?</p>



<p>The new study on jackdaws brings these questions closer to answers. By observing how these birds recover from sleep loss, scientists uncovered a tipping point. When deprived of sleep, the jackdaws gave up their asymmetric sleep patterns. </p>



<p>They chose full, deep sleep in both hemispheres, even though it made them more vulnerable to threats.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exhausted-birds-choose-deep-sleep">Exhausted birds choose deep sleep</h2>



<p>The research, led by scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence and the <a href="https://www.rug.nl/research/gelifes/?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences</a>, focused on how jackdaws balance safety and sleep. Other studies have shown that many animals use flexible sleep strategies in tough conditions. </p>



<p>Great frigatebirds sleep mid-flight using one side of the brain. Mallard ducks sleep with one eye open when they’re at the edge of their group. Northern fur seals also sleep asymmetrically when floating in the ocean.</p>



<p>Humans aren’t so different. On the first night in a new place, one half of our brain often stays more alert than the other. It’s a kind of natural night watch. But unlike birds, we don’t have the ability to fully control this process or keep one eye open at will.</p>



<p>In jackdaws, sleep deprivation shifted the balance. The birds spent more time in deep, symmetrical sleep, especially early in the night. They needed to recover fast, and asymmetric sleep wasn’t enough.</p>



<p>“Sleep is a dangerous part of life for many animals, as it leaves them exposed to all kinds of risks,” noted Niels Rattenborg, group leader at the <a href="https://www.bi.mpg.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence</a>.</p>



<p>“Some birds can function surprisingly well on far less sleep than we can, but even that strategy appears to have its limits. We have found that when they’re tired, jackdaws are more likely to sleep deeply – even if that means becoming more vulnerable." </p>



<p>"Observing how birds navigate the trade-off between vigilance and sleep may help us better understand sleep in general.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inside-the-jackdaw-brain">Inside the jackdaw brain</h2>



<p>To explore how the birds managed their sleep after deprivation, researchers tracked nine jackdaws using EEG recordings. These scans measured brain activity during different sleep phases. </p>



<p>The team wanted to know which parts of the brain rested more deeply, and how that might relate to the bird’s behavior when awake.</p>



<p>Their findings were revealing. Some areas of the brain slept more deeply than others, suggesting that parts that had been more active during the day needed more rest at night. For example, areas linked to vision and decision-making showed stronger sleep signals. The hippocampus, associated with memory, showed less change.</p>



<p>This selective rest could help birds recover without completely losing awareness. But when exhaustion built up, even this wasn’t enough. Deep, full-brain sleep took over. The birds prioritized recovery over safety.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sleep-strategies-are-shaped-by-evolution">Sleep strategies are shaped by evolution</h2>



<p>“Our findings reveal that even the highly flexible sleep strategies used by jackdaws have limits,” said Peter Meerlo, a group leader at the Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences.</p>



<p>“That tells us something fundamental about sleep: it’s not just a passive state, but a behavior shaped by both evolution and environmental demands."</p>



<p>"The study offers a fresh perspective on how animals balance the need for sleep with the risk of predation or other threats – and could help us better understand how sleep loss affects brain function more broadly, including in humans.”</p>



<p>Sleep isn’t just a biological requirement. It’s a behavior shaped by millions of years of challenge and change. Animals like jackdaws show us the trade-offs involved in survival. They sleep lightly when they can, but give in when they must.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-humans-can-learn-from-jackdaws">What humans can learn from jackdaws</h2>



<p>This research on jackdaws goes beyond bird behavior. It speaks to something shared across <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-birds-use-biofluorescence-glowing-brightly-to-attract-mates-birds-of-paradise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a>. The need to rest. The limits of endurance. And the invisible costs of staying awake too long.</p>



<p>Even the most flexible sleepers hit a wall. The jackdaws remind us that sleep is not optional. Whether in the trees or in our beds, recovery matters. Our brains, like theirs, have limits – and sometimes, the only way to recover is to truly switch off.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(25)00293-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.</em></p>



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Tired birds sleep more deeply, trading safety for rest

Staying awake when tired feels like walking through fog. For...

<p>Scientists recently spotted a peculiar new magnetic spin phase that defies conventional thinking. It merges highly ordered and significantly disordered electron spins in the same lattice, which experts are calling the half-ice, half-fire state.</p>



<p>This unique combination surfaced in a one-dimensional model, where many had assumed such dramatic spin transformations could never emerge. It forces a rethink of our understanding of <a href="https://pwg.gsfc.nasa.gov/Education/Imagnet.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnetism</a>, hinting at fresh ways to manage and manipulate these <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-021-24465-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atomic-scale magnets</a>.</p>



<p>These <a href="https://journals.aps.org/prl/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevLett.133.266701">insights</a> come from physicists Weiguo Yin and Alexei Tsvelik, who both work at the U.S. Department of Energy's (<a href="https://www.energy.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DOE</a>) <a href="https://www.bnl.gov/world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brookhaven National Laboratory</a>.</p>



<p>The experts noticed that the system’s so-called hot <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/altermagnetism-third-form-of-magnetism-existence-confirmed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spins</a>, which tend to fluctuate, swapped roles with the so-called cold spins, which normally remain rigid and aligned.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-magnetic-spin-roles-switch-with-heat">Magnetic spin roles switch with heat</h2>



<p>The phenomenon shares roots with an earlier <a href="https://link.aps.org/doi/10.1103/PhysRevB.94.224413" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">discovery</a> called "half fire, half ice," which was first recorded in 2016. In that earlier scenario, the hot region resided on one sublattice, while the cold region took hold on another.</p>



<p>In the new half-ice, half-fire phase, these assignments flip, creating a starkly different <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-magnetic-field-is-shifting-and-putting-navigation-at-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnetic prof</a><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-magnetic-field-is-shifting-and-putting-navigation-at-risk/">ile</a>. The switch highlights how small temperature adjustments might ignite abrupt changes in spin order, even in low-dimensional systems once thought immune to such transformations.</p>



<p>Much of this hinges on the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/chemistry/ferrimagnetic-material" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ferrimagnet</a> involved, a material with sublattices that carry unequal magnetic moments. </p>



<p>Unlike a <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/ferromagnet" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ferromagnet</a>, where all spins align in one direction, or an <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/materials-science/antiferromagnetic-material" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antiferromagnet</a>, where spins alternate in sign, a ferrimagnet possesses a net magnetization, but not every spin is identical.</p>



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



<p>Electron spins act like tiny bar <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/magnetic-levitation-breakthrough-unlocks-gravity-free-technology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnets</a>, each pointing in an up or down orientation. Their collective behavior sets the stage for everything from magnetic tapes to advanced sensors.</p>



<p>Engineers leverage this property in <a href="https://journals.aps.org/rmp/abstract/10.1103/RevModPhys.76.323" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spintronics</a>, a branch of electronics that exploits spin rather than just electric charge. By controlling how spins align, devices can become faster and less power-hungry than traditional semiconductor-based electronics.</p>



<p>Some researchers even look to <a href="https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/quantum-computing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum computing</a>, where the superposition of spins can store vast amounts of data more efficiently than conventional bits. These systems often require delicate temperature conditions, so finding a stable phase transition at moderate heat levels could be a game-changer.</p>



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



<p>One striking aspect of half ice, half fire is its ultrasharp transition at a practical temperature. Many one-dimensional spin models never show phase transitions at finite temperature, which makes this discovery particularly surprising.</p>



<p>In simple terms, the spins reorganize in a near-instant flip when certain thermal energy levels are reached. This abrupt realignment points to hidden pathways in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-inner-core-proven-to-be-rapidly-changing-and-now-rotating-backwards/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnetic materials</a> that standard theories do not fully address.</p>



<p>This quick switch correlates with a sudden rearrangement of <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/entropy-physics" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">entropy</a>, the formal measure of disorder within a system. Minor thermal inputs can shift the balance between hot and cold spins, marking a borderline between two distinctly ordered magnetic states.</p>



<p>Such an entropy-driven flip could fuel innovations in refrigeration technology by exploiting a magnetocaloric effect. That effect involves adjusting magnetic fields or temperatures to produce cooling, which offers a greener alternative to conventional compressors that rely on chemical refrigerants.</p>



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



<p>Data storage often hinges on how easily a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/altermagnetism-third-form-of-magnetism-existence-confirmed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnetic</a> domain can be switched. If half ice, half fire permits quick toggling with minimal energy, it could serve as a candidate for next-generation memory elements.</p>



<p>During a normal write operation, devices expend energy flipping magnetic bits on and off. If a system can trigger a flip through a tiny thermal or field tweak, it might enable high-density memories that run cooler and last longer.</p>



<p>“Finding new states with exotic physical properties - and being able to understand and control the transitions between those states - are central problems in the fields of <a href="https://www.nature.com/subjects/condensed-matter-physics" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">condensed matter physics</a> and <a href="https://www.mtu.edu/materials/what/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">materials science</a>,” said Yin.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We suggest that our findings may open a new door to understanding and controlling phases and phase transitions in certain materials,” said Tsvelik.</p>



<p>Experts hope to dig deeper into the role of lattice distortions, electric charge, and orbital influences in shaping this phenomenon. Future studies may reveal new angles on how spins behave under competing forces, which would open doors to fresh perspectives in magnetic research.</p>



<p>Some anticipate that quantum effects might further complicate the picture in other, low-dimensional magnets. Whether these effects create additional half ice, half fire states or unlock as yet unknown phenomena remains to be seen.</p>



<p>The study is published in <a href="https://journals.aps.org/prl/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevLett.133.266701" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Physical Review Letters</em></a>.</p>



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



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

Half ice, half fire: The bizarre new magnetic spin state

Scientists recently spotted a peculiar new magnetic spin phase that...

<p>Each year, billions of animals migrate in search of better conditions. These journeys shape ecosystems, drive evolution, and challenge individual survival. </p>



<p>Migration, however, is not a simple instinctual response. It demands a blend of physical traits and behavioral choices. In <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-oldest-fish-coelacanth-presumed-extinct-for-60-million-years-before-rediscovery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish</a>, even a subtle anatomical difference - like eye size - can influence who migrates and who stays behind.</p>



<p>Recent research from <a href="https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lund University</a> reveals that the European roach (<em>Rutilus rutilus</em>), a common freshwater fish, shows a surprising link between eye structure and migration behavior.</p>



<p>Specifically, roach that migrate between lakes and streams tend to have larger pupils than those who remain year-round in a single habitat. This physical feature helps them see better in murky water and boosts their ability to find food, a vital edge in the energy-intensive act of migration.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-makes-a-fish-migrate">What makes a fish migrate</h2>



<p>Roach are partial <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/native-fish-species-are-facing-double-trouble/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migrants</a>. That means only some individuals in a population leave the lake each winter to enter connected streams. </p>



<p>The rest stay put, braving seasonal changes in place. This difference in behavior offers researchers a unique lens through which to understand how physical traits affect life strategies.</p>



<p>The research team, led by biologist Kaj Hulthén, tracked more than 2,000 roach across two Danish lakes - Loldrup Sø and Søgård Sø - over several years. </p>



<p>They photographed the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-pushing-freshwater-fish-toward-the-poles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish</a>, implanted each one with a tiny transponder, and monitored <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-fish-species-are-the-big-catch-of-the-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">movements</a> using underwater antennas placed at stream inlets and outlets.</p>



<p>“We started by taking photos of the fishes’ eyes and then followed the migration patterns of 2,000 individual roaches over several years and in two different lakes by using implanted electronic transponders,” said Hulthén, who is a biology researcher at Lund University.</p>



<p>“It was shown that roach that migrated had larger pupils relative to individuals that chose to stay in the lake throughout the year.” </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eye-size-matters-for-fish-that-migrate">Eye size matters for fish that migrate</h2>



<p>Larger pupils allow more light into the eye, improving vision in low-light conditions. For roach, this visual boost helps detect tiny prey like zooplankton. Using simulations, the researchers showed that roach with larger pupils could see farther - especially in dim twilight conditions, when many <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bleaching-effect-coral-loss-threatens-fisheries-and-livelihoods/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish</a> feed.</p>



<p>Even a 1-4% increase in pupil diameter led to as much as a 5% increase in the volume of water a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fish-diversity-has-changed-dramatically-on-the-great-barrier-reef/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish</a> could visually scan.</p>



<p>That matters because in aquatic environments, visual range often dictates feeding success. These small gains are enough to help migratory roach gather the energy reserves they need before entering food-poor winter streams.</p>



<p>In twilight, detection range for 1 mm prey reached up to 20 cm - enough for practical foraging. The advantage fades under starlight but remains relevant during dusk and dawn, which are key feeding times.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-feeding-now-to-survive-later">Feeding now to survive later</h2>



<p>Migrating roach face a trade-off. Streams have fewer predators but offer less food. To survive the winter, migrants must build up fat stores beforehand. Larger pupils may be a tool to gather more food before departure and to stay active longer each day by foraging in low light.</p>



<p>This connection between eyesight and feeding has deep evolutionary roots. Eye size reflects both opportunity and cost. Bigger eyes offer better vision, but they require more energy to build and maintain. For a migrating roach, the benefits seem to outweigh the cost.</p>



<p>“The fact that migrating individuals have an improved ability to detect visual objects such as zooplankton indicates strong selection for effective food searches. This is crucial to cover the energy needs that migration requires," said Hulthén.</p>



<p>"These results correspond well with previous research, which showed that migrating roach with insufficient energy reserves run a higher risk of dying in the streams."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fish-with-big-eyes-are-likely-to-migrate">Fish with big eyes are likely to migrate</h2>



<p>In both study lakes, researchers found a clear pattern: roach with larger relative pupil sizes were more likely to migrate. </p>



<p>The correlation was strongest in Søgård Sø, where murkier water creates a dimmer visual environment. This suggests that visual demands may vary by location, shaping individual behaviour accordingly.</p>



<p>On average, migrant roach in Søgård Sø had pupils 4.2% larger than residents. In Loldrup Sø, the difference was smaller at 1.1%. While modest, these changes are functionally significant. Larger pupils helped fish see better, especially in the dim light that dominates northern winters.</p>



<p>Roach are planktivores. They feed on small, fast-moving prey that require sharp eyesight to detect. Under experimental conditions, fish given more food before winter were more likely to migrate, did so earlier, and stayed in streams longer. Those with less food died more often. </p>



<p>This supports the idea that strong visual skills, like those enabled by larger pupils, help fish meet their energy needs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-migratory-syndrome-takes-shape">A migratory syndrome takes shape</h2>



<p>The study’s findings contribute to a growing view that migration is not just a behavioral choice. It’s a full-body strategy involving vision, body shape, energy storage, and risk-taking.</p>



<p>Together, these traits form a “migratory syndrome” - a suite of characteristics that help fish survive the challenges of moving between habitats.</p>



<p>The eye, often taken for granted in ecological studies, now appears central to this survival kit. By enhancing foraging efficiency, it helps determine who has the resources to leave and who stays behind.</p>



<p>“Roach play an important role in the ecosystem. By understanding why some individuals migrate and other don’t, we can gain a deeper insight into how fish populations respond to environmental changes, which in turn could affect both fish stocks and the lake dynamics as a whole,” said Hulthén.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fish-eyes-can-change-shape">Fish eyes can change shape</h2>



<p>Whether these differences in eye morphology are genetic or a response to the environment remains unknown. </p>



<p>However, past studies show that fish eyes can change shape depending on food availability and predator pressure. That means both nature and nurture could play roles in shaping eye size and which fish migrate.</p>



<p>Interestingly, the benefits of bigger eyes seem to matter most in moderate turbidity. In very clear water, all fish see well. In extremely dark or muddy water, vision may become useless. This window of usefulness hints at why migration-related eye differences show up more clearly in some lakes than others.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eye-size-and-fish-migration">Eye size and fish migration</h2>



<p>Roach migration has ecological ripples beyond the fish themselves. Migrants affect predators, prey, and nutrient cycles. </p>



<p>Understanding how physical traits like pupil size influence migration choices can help scientists predict how fish populations may respond to environmental change.</p>



<p>In this study, a tiny difference in pupil size revealed a key factor in migratory success. It highlights the tight link between form, function, and behavior.</p>



<p>Eyes, often symbols of awareness and insight, prove once again to be more than just windows to the world—they are tools of survival, helping fish decide whether to stay or go.</p>



<p>The study is published in the <em><a href="https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1365-2656.70015" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Animal Ecology</a></em>.</p>



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



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

Bigger pupils help migrating fish survive

Each year, billions of animals migrate in search of better...

<p>Insects quietly run the world. They pollinate crops, recycle organic matter, and feed countless animals. Despite their importance, scientists know very little about how most insect species are doing. </p>



<p>There are about one million known insect species. Yet only 1% - roughly 12,100 species - have been assessed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (<a href="https://iucn.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IUCN</a>). Among these, around 20% face threats of extinction.</p>



<p>Monitoring efforts have mostly focused on butterflies, dragonflies, and bumblebees in North America and Europe. Other regions, especially Africa, Asia, and South America, remain largely unstudied. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insect-populations-dramatically-declining-around-the-world-rising-temperatures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global picture</a> of insect health is still blurry.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urgent-plan-to-track-insect-declines">Urgent plan to track insect declines</h2>



<p>To address this, scientists from the UK Centre for Ecology &amp; Hydrology (<a href="https://www.ceh.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UKCEH</a>) and the Zoological Society of London (<a href="https://www.zsl.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ZSL</a>) propose a broader method. Their goal is to act quickly before climate change, pollution, land use shifts, and invasive species cause irreversible harm.</p>



<p>The new method integrates several ways of studying insects. It includes long-term tracking of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insects-boost-plant-evolution-in-surprising-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diversity</a> and abundance, comparisons across different habitats, structured expert input, and controlled experiments. The researchers believe this mix offers a more complete view than any single approach.</p>



<p>Dr. Rob Cooke is an ecological modeler at UKCEH and joint lead author of the study.</p>



<p>“We need to find out whether insect declines are widespread and what’s causing them. The challenge is like a giant jigsaw puzzle where there are thousands of missing pieces, but we do not have decades to wait to fill these gaps and then act,“ noted Dr. Cook.</p>



<p>“There is a lot of interest in monitoring charismatic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/future-of-farming-insect-waste-reshapes-soil-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> such as bees and butterflies, but few people care about the supposedly unpleasant insects, even though they too provide benefits for us." </p>



<p>"For example, earwigs feed on aphids and other garden pests while cockroaches eat decaying material and keep soils healthy.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-insect-monitoring-system-that-works">An insect monitoring system that works</h2>



<p>The framework combines time series trends, such as counting how butterfly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/robotic-insects-may-be-the-future-of-farming-and-plant-pollination/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">populations</a> shift over a decade. It also uses spatial comparisons to see how insects vary between forests, grasslands, or farms. </p>



<p>Researchers conduct experiments that test insect responses to threats, like removing pesticides or invasive species from certain areas. When hard data is missing, they gather expert judgments to predict how insects may react to different pressures.</p>



<p>This layered approach lets scientists make more informed decisions while still being open about gaps and uncertainties. It balances speed and precision in a way that single-method studies cannot match.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-case-for-insect-inclusion">Case for insect inclusion</h2>



<p>“Insects are an incredibly important part of our ecosystems, pollinating around 80% of flowering plant species and vital for 35% of global food production, yet they are undervalued and understudied,“ noted Dr. Charlotte Outhwaite of ZSL’s <a href="https://www.zsl.org/what-we-do/institute-of-zoology" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute of Zoology</a>, joint lead author of the study.</p>



<p>“With a million described species it would take too long to figure what works best for each species. Instead we want to find large-scale actions that benefit the most insects. For this, we need to use all the available information we have.”</p>



<p>To meet this goal, the scientists propose using known responses from well-studied insects to estimate how lesser-known species might respond under similar conditions. This gives policymakers a usable way forward, even if some data is still missing.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-next-phase-of-the-glitrs-project">Next phase of the GLiTRS project</h2>



<p>The new framework will now guide the Global Insect Threat-Response Synthesis (GLiTRS) project. Researchers aim to model insect responses to major threats across many environments. </p>



<p>By combining all sources of data - field studies, expert insights, and experiments - they hope to build a reliable picture of insect health worldwide. This new framework doesn’t pretend to be perfect.</p>



<p>But it offers something we desperately need: a way to understand insect declines in real time, using every piece of information available. It also shows how science can adapt when faced with complex, global challenges.</p>



<p>Insects have been quietly supporting life on Earth for hundreds of millions of years. Now they need our attention. The question is not whether we care, but whether we will act before it's too late.</p>



<p>The project is backed by the&nbsp;Natural Environment Research Council (<a href="https://www.ukri.org/councils/nerc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NERC</a>). It involves teams from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nhm.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Natural History Museum</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University College London</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cambridge</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Imperial College London</a>.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adq2110" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science</em></a>.</p>



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



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Very little is known about 99% of all insects on Earth

Insects quietly run the world. They pollinate crops, recycle organic...

<p>The image of a cold Coca-Cola bottle on a summer day is iconic. But behind that image lies an escalating crisis. By 2030, Coca-Cola’s plastic waste could reach 1.33 billion pounds annually in oceans and waterways. </p>



<p>That staggering figure comes from a new analysis by <a href="https://oceana.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oceana</a>, a nonprofit focused on marine protection. The weight is enough to fill the stomachs of 18 million whales. </p>



<p>It’s not just a problem of pollution anymore. It’s a symptom of unchecked growth and a warning sign of deeper environmental neglect.</p>



<p>The report lands at a time when microplastics have become nearly impossible to ignore. These tiny particles now <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-currents-may-soon-clean-up-waste-thanks-to-space-tech/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">infiltrate ecosystems</a>, drinking water, and even human organs. Their presence is no longer surprising. </p>



<p>What shocks scientists now is how quickly they’ve become a global threat.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-risks-hidden-in-every-sip">Health risks hidden in every sip</h2>



<p>The spread of microplastics brings real health concerns. Researchers increasingly link <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-scientists-are-using-air-to-recycle-plastic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic particles</a> to cancer, infertility, and cardiovascular problems. </p>



<p>As plastic breaks down in the ocean, it doesn’t disappear - it transforms into particles small enough to enter the human body. The food chain, starting from marine life, now carries traces of our packaging choices.</p>



<p>"<a href="https://www.coca-colacompany.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Coca-Cola</a> is by far the largest manufacturer and seller of beverages in the world. Because of that, they really matter when it comes to the impact of all this on the ocean," said Matt Littlejohn, who leads Oceana's campaigns targeting corporate polluters.</p>



<p>That impact, as recent data show, is no longer hypothetical. It’s measurable, predictable, and expanding.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coca-cola-leads-plastic-pollution-rankings">Coca-Cola leads plastic pollution rankings</h2>



<p>Coca-Cola ranks first among the world’s top plastic polluters. This ranking comes from a 2024 study published in <em>Science Advances</em>. </p>



<p>Following closely behind are other major players like&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pepsico.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PepsiCo</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nestle.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nestlé</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.danone.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Danone</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.altria.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Altria</a>.&nbsp;Oceana&nbsp;used Coca-Cola’s own public data, from 2018 to 2023, and combined it with future sales projections. The picture it paints is not optimistic.</p>



<p>If current trends continue, Coca-Cola will exceed 4.13 million metric tonnes of plastic use per year by 2030. That translates to over 9.1 billion pounds of plastic annually. </p>



<p>Using a peer-reviewed method published in the journal <em>Science</em>, researchers estimate that 1.33 billion of those pounds will end up in aquatic ecosystems. That equals nearly 220 billion half-liter plastic bottles.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insufficient-efforts-by-coca-cola">Insufficient efforts by Coca-Cola </h2>



<p>Reusable packaging once appeared to be Coca-Cola’s answer to this crisis. In 2022, the company declared that reusable packaging was "among the most effective ways to reduce waste." </p>



<p>They even announced a target: 25% of all packaging would be reusable by 2030. But in December 2024, that pledge vanished from their sustainability roadmap.</p>



<p>Instead of reuse, Coca-Cola’s current strategy focuses on recycling and collection. While those efforts sound helpful, environmental experts see them as insufficient. </p>



<p>Recycling, especially when dealing with thin single-use plastic, often costs more energy than it saves. And worse, it shifts the burden from corporations to consumers.</p>



<p>"Recycling is great, don't get me wrong," said Littlejohn. "But if you're going to use recycled <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-treaty-is-a-historic-opportunity-to-stop-a-human-health-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic</a> to produce more single-use plastic, that's a problem."</p>



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



<p>The value of reusable packaging lies in its durability. A single glass bottle can be reused up to 50 times. Thicker PET plastic containers allow up to 25 uses before needing replacement. </p>



<p>Each reuse reduces plastic waste, production emissions, and energy use. Despite this, major brands like Coca-Cola continue to push for recycling as the primary solution.</p>



<p>The company’s quiet withdrawal from its reuse goals weakens global efforts to reduce plastic output. Refillable systems demand infrastructure and planning, but they offer a long-term way out of the plastic loop. </p>



<p>Recycling, in contrast, often serves as a short-term patch on a broken system.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coca-cola-s-plastic-use-and-climate-change">Coca-Cola’s plastic use and climate change</h2>



<p>Plastic is not just a litter issue. It’s a carbon issue. Nearly all plastic is made from fossil fuels. That means every bottle contributes to climate change - from its production to its disposal.</p>



<p>The connection between plastic waste and rising global temperatures grows stronger with each report. Companies that produce single-use plastic on a massive scale add to both crises: environmental and climatic.</p>



<p>Yet Coca-Cola has shown that change is possible. In several countries, they already operate large-scale refillable systems. Brazil, Germany, Nigeria, and even regions in the United States, like southern Texas, have adopted these models.</p>



<p>"They have the largest reusable infrastructure of any beverage company, and they have the ability to grow that and show the way for the rest of the industry," said Littlejohn.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-will-coca-cola-follow-through">Will Coca-Cola follow through?</h2>



<p>Coca-Cola says it's still invested in refillable options. In a statement to AFP, a spokesperson shared: "We have been investing and remain committed to expand our refillable packaging options, and this work will continue as part of our consumer-centric strategy."</p>



<p>The words suggest hope, but critics remain skeptical. Without public targets or timelines, such promises risk becoming just another footnote in a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/surprise-study-some-scientists-call-for-halting-ocean-plastic-cleanup-efforts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">growing crisis</a>. </p>



<p>Real progress demands transparency and follow-through. The oceans are already paying the price of delay.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-convenience-vs-commitment">Convenience vs. commitment</h2>



<p>Coca-Cola, with its vast global reach, has the tools to drive real change. The company’s influence over supply chains, consumer habits, and industry trends makes it a key player in solving the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/is-it-still-possible-to-save-the-ocean-from-plastic-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic crisis</a>. </p>



<p>But leadership requires more than statements. It needs bold decisions that value long-term sustainability over short-term gain.</p>



<p>Recycling is not enough. The solution lies in reuse, reduction, and rethinking how beverage packaging works. As the world grapples with rising plastic levels and declining ocean health, Coca-Cola stands at a crossroads. </p>



<p>What it chooses next could define its legacy - for better or worse.</p>



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



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

Coca-Cola is on pace to dump 1.3 billion pounds of plastic into our oceans each year

The image of a cold Coca-Cola bottle on a summer...

<p>A newly discovered species of parasitic wasp that lived alongside dinosaurs nearly 100 million years ago may have evolved a bizarre and highly specialized mechanism to trap other insects and turn them into unsuspecting incubators for its offspring.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Preserved in amber, the wasp appears to have used a Venus flytrap-like structure on its body to grasp potential hosts, offering scientists a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric parasitic behavior.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-parasitic-wasp-like-no-other">Parasitic wasp like no other</h2>



<p>The species, <em>Sirenobethylus charybdis</em>, was identified from 16 remarkably preserved specimens found in Cretaceous-period amber from Myanmar’s Kachin region. The research describes a novel grasping appendage located on the abdomen of the female <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unexpected-find-inside-the-eye-of-a-tiny-wasp-megaphragma-viggianii/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wasps</a>.</p>



<p>“When I looked at the first specimen, I noticed this expansion at the tip of the abdomen, and I thought this must be an air bubble. It’s quite often you see air bubbles around specimens in amber,” said Lars Vilhelmsen, study co-author and a curator at the <a href="https://snm.dk/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Natural History Museum of Denmark</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“But then I looked at a few more specimens and then went back to the first one. This was actually part of the animal.”</p>



<p>The structure’s purpose quickly intrigued the research team, especially once they observed its mobility across different specimens. </p>



<p>"Sometimes the lower flap, as we call it, is open, and sometimes it’s closed,” Vilhelmsen said. “It was clearly a movable structure and something that was used to grasp something.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-wasp-like-a-venus-flytrap">Ancient wasp like a Venus flytrap</h2>



<p>While nothing quite like this structure exists among <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stick-and-leaf-insects-have-all-evolved-the-same-basic-body-parts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">modern insects</a>, the researchers found the best comparison in an entirely different kingdom: the Venus flytrap.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“There’s no way you can know how an insect that died 100 million years ago was living. So you look for analogs in modern insect fauna. Do we have anything among wasps or other groups that looks like this?” Vilhelmsen said.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“And there’s no real analog within insects. We had to go all the way out of the animal kingdom into the plant kingdom to find something that remotely resembled this.”</p>



<p>Although the structure resembles a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/well-built-fences-keep-predators-from-harming-livestock/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">predator</a>’s trap, the team believes it was not used to kill. Instead, they propose that the wasp used it to seize other insects just long enough to lay eggs into their bodies.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Once released, the unwitting hosts would carry the wasp larvae, which would eventually consume them from the inside out. According to Vilhelmsen, the likely hosts were flying insects of similar size.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-window-into-ancient-parasitism">A window into ancient parasitism</h2>



<p>Modern <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fruit-flies-have-a-new-weapon-to-defend-against-parasitic-wasps/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">parasitoid wasps</a> engage in comparable reproductive strategies. For instance, cuckoo wasps lay their eggs in the nests of other species, leaving their offspring to feed on the host’s young.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Yet the unique abdominal trapping mechanism seen in <em>Sirenobethylus charybdis</em> has no true parallel in living insects, adding to its mystery.</p>



<p>The amber in which the fossils were preserved provided an exceptionally detailed view of the wasp’s anatomy. In addition to <em>Sirenobethylus charybdis</em>, other remarkable finds from Myanmar amber have included everything from dinosaur tails and ancient spiders to crab and ant fossils.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The specimen of this wasp was purchased by a fossil collector and later donated to <a href="https://eng.cnu.edu.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Capital Normal University</a>’s Key Laboratory of Insect Evolution and Environmental Changes in 2016.</p>



<p>However, the use of Myanmar amber in scientific research has become controversial in recent years due to ethical concerns surrounding the country’s political instability and military conflicts. </p>



<p>Some paleontologists have called for a halt on studying these specimens until issues around their provenance and trade are resolved.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-speculation-over-the-wasp-s-flytrap">Speculation over the wasp’s flytrap </h2>



<p>The peculiar form and function of <em>Sirenobethylus charybdis</em> has captured the attention of entomologists and paleontologists alike. Phil Barden, an associate professor at the <a href="https://www.njit.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Jersey Institute of Technology</a> who studies amber fossils, described the wasp as a “Cretaceous weirdo.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This is significant because there are around a million known insect species - even with all of that living diversity, there are still lots of unexpected surprises in the fossil record that are beyond imagination,” he said.</p>



<p>While Barden acknowledges the wasp flytrap hypothesis as “plausible,” he also expressed caution, noting it remains speculative.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“There appears to be clear evidence that the abdominal components would have had range of motion. There are also a number of setae, or hairs, that look to be in the right position to detect hosts and potentially immobilize them.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>Still, Barden suggested alternative possibilities, such as using the structure to sense prey in the soil or even to transport young wasps.</p>



<p>He also questioned why <em>Sirenobethylus charybdis</em> would need such a structure at all when many living parasitoid wasps rely solely on stingers or mouthparts to capture and manipulate hosts. This makes the discovery all the more intriguing.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unanswered-questions-and-new-possibilities">Unanswered questions and new possibilities</h2>



<p>Vilhelmsen and his team believe a key clue lies in the wasp’s reproductive anatomy. The egg-laying organ, or ovipositor, is located directly adjacent to the clasping structure, supporting the theory that the mechanism was used during reproduction.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Yet all the known specimens are female, so scientists can’t rule out other functions, such as roles in mating.</p>



<p>“This is something unique, something I never expected to see, and something I couldn’t even imagine would be found,” Vilhelmsen said. “It’s a 10 out of 10.”</p>



<p>With every amber discovery, paleontologists inch closer to understanding the rich complexity of ancient ecosystems. And sometimes, as in the case of <em>Sirenobethylus charybdis</em>, they uncover something so strange and unexpected it defies comparison even among the millions of species alive today.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://bmcbiol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12915-025-02190-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>BMC Biology</em></a>.</p>



<p>Image Credit: Qiong Wu</p>



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Parasitic wasp had a 'flytrap' for snatching its victims

A newly discovered species of parasitic wasp that lived alongside...

<p>Urbanization is reshaping more than just skylines. As cities expand and natural landscapes give way to concrete and park lawns, the soil beneath our feet is changing too.</p>



<p>The diversity of life underground - especially among bacteria and fungi - is responding to the pressures of urban development in surprising ways.</p>



<p>New research now shows that, while bacterial communities are becoming more alike across cities, fungal communities are holding onto their unique identities.</p>



<p>This new study comes from scientists at <a href="https://en.sjtu.edu.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shanghai Jiao Tong University</a>, the University of Helsinki, and other international institutions. </p>



<p>The researchers studied soil microbial communities in boreal, temperate, and tropical biomes. They looked at sites ranging from undisturbed forests to urban parks of various ages. </p>



<p>Their findings reveal a striking contrast in how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-soil-bacteria-contribute-to-atmospheric-co2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacteria</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fungi-engage-in-more-conversations-after-rainfall/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fungi</a> have responded to urbanization.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-soil-bacteria-reshaped-by-urbanization">Soil bacteria reshaped by urbanization </h2>



<p>The researchers found that bacteria in urban soils tend to behave like generalists. They adapt quickly and can thrive in a range of conditions. </p>



<p>In fact, the similarity between bacterial communities rose from 79% in forests to 85% in younger urban parks. About 90% of urban soil bacteria were generalists.</p>



<p>Fungi, on the other hand, proved to be more resistant to change. Roughly 83% of fungi remained specialists - organisms that stick to very specific environmental conditions.</p>



<p>Their evolutionary pace is slower than that of bacteria and they don't share genes as easily. This keeps them more rooted to particular niches.</p>



<p>“Urbanization is a powerful force reshaping soil <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbial-life-soil-planet-warming-global-carbon-cycle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbial communities</a>, yet bacteria and fungi respond in strikingly different ways. Bacteria swiftly adapt to urban conditions, whereas fungi retain their ecological specialization, highlighting the complex interplay between microbial adaptation and ecosystem resilience,” noted Dr. Nan Hui, the study’s corresponding author.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-makes-bacteria-and-fungi-different">What makes bacteria and fungi different?</h2>



<p>The contrasting responses of bacteria and fungi to urbanization stem from their fundamental biological differences. </p>



<p>Bacteria are single-celled organisms with relatively simple structures and rapid reproduction cycles. They readily exchange genetic material through processes like horizontal gene transfer, allowing them to adapt quickly to new or stressful environments.</p>



<p>Fungi, by contrast, are more complex. Many are multicellular, forming extensive underground networks known as mycelia. These structures connect them intimately to their surroundings, making them less mobile and less genetically flexible than bacteria. </p>



<p>Fungi also tend to evolve more slowly and rely heavily on specific environmental conditions and host relationships.</p>



<p>These inherent traits explain why bacteria can act as generalists in urban soils - adapting and thriving across varied settings - while fungi often remain tied to particular ecological niches.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-soil-bacteria-adapt-to-urbanization">Soil bacteria adapt to urbanization </h2>



<p>Despite their different strategies, both bacteria and fungi are essential for the same big job: <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healthy-soils-produce-a-symphony-of-sounds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">keeping the soil healthy</a>. They break down organic matter and recycle nutrients.</p>



<p>The study shows that even though the fungi and bacteria populations shift differently, their shared functional traits help maintain these vital services in urban soils.</p>



<p>This redundancy in ecological roles means cities aren’t necessarily doomed to poor soil health. The resilience is built in. And that’s good news for city planners and environmental managers looking to protect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urban-green-spaces-are-urgently-needed-across-the-global-south/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">urban green spaces</a>.</p>



<p>It also suggests that microbial soil communities can adapt to disturbance without losing their core functions. With the right support, urban soils can continue to thrive - even in heavily modified environments.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-city-soil-resilience">The future of city soil resilience</h2>



<p>Soil microbes are often overlooked in discussions about biodiversity, especially in cities. But this study makes it clear that they play a vital role in sustaining life above the surface. Understanding their behavior under the stress of urbanization is a step toward building more resilient cities.</p>



<p>Future research could explore how certain design choices - like the age of green spaces or the types of plants used - shape these microbial communities.</p>



<p>Microbial studies like this one are essential for designing urban environments that support biodiversity, climate resilience, and long-term sustainability.</p>



<p>The more we learn about what keeps urban soils alive, the better equipped we’ll be to nurture the ecosystems that support us - even in the heart of the city.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666498425000250?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Science and Ecotechnology</a></em>.</p>



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Soil bacteria and fungi respond differently to urbanization

Urbanization is reshaping more than just skylines. As cities expand...

Space,Debris,From,Defective,Satellite,Due,To,Orbital,Collisions,And

<p>Thousands of satellites circle our planet to watch weather patterns, connect remote communities, and power navigation apps. Their orbits are crammed with space debris - discarded boosters and scattered scraps from past missions - creating hazards that never seemed so urgent.</p>



<p>These observations come from Emma Stevenson of the European Space Agency’s <a href="https://www.esa.int/Space_Safety/Space_Debris" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Space Debris Office</a>, who has helped compile data on how unused satellites, leftover rocket hardware, and countless fragments endanger active missions.</p>



<p>She and her colleagues monitor the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/space-debris-may-create-a-future-with-no-internet-or-astronaut-missions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">constant traffic</a> in low-Earth orbit and beyond, noting patterns of debris that threaten our future in space.</p>



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



<p>Space debris is basically the junkyard we’ve created in orbit - old satellites, broken rocket parts, and tiny shards from past collisions just floating around the Earth at insane speeds. </p>



<p>Every piece, no matter how small, has the potential to do serious damage. Think about it: a paint chip moving at 17,000 miles per hour can punch a hole in a spacecraft. </p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-says-the-international-space-station-is-too-clean-add-microbes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Space Station</a> constantly tracks this stuff and occasionally has to dodge it. It’s like trying to drive through traffic while avoiding a swarm of invisible, hypersonic marbles.</p>



<p>If we don’t get a handle on the mess, things could get way worse. Scientists worry about something called the <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/what-is-the-kessler-syndrome/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kessler Syndrome</a> - a scenario where one collision creates more debris, which causes more collisions, and so on until space becomes a giant, deadly pinball machine. </p>



<p>If that happens, launching satellites (or even astronauts) could become too dangerous, and we’d lose access to GPS, weather data, and a ton of modern communication systems we rely on every day.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-space-debris-far-outnumbers-satellites">Space debris far outnumbers satellites</h2>



<p>These new <a href="https://www.esa.int/Space_Safety/Space_Debris" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">figures</a> show that more than 40,000 tracked <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/moon-mining-and-space-debris-will-we-repeat-earths-mistakes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">objects</a> surround Earth, yet fewer than a third are working spacecraft. Because of growing debris, cleanup is necessary.</p>



<p>Even without any additional launches, the number of space debris would keep growing, because fragmentation events add new debris objects faster than debris can naturally re-enter the atmosphere, said Stevenson.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Experts refer to this self-sustaining collision cycle as the Kessler syndrome, a phenomenon first described in the 1970s. It can render certain orbits too dangerous for new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/satellite-mission-will-closely-monitor-changes-on-earths-surface/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">satellites</a> and even jeopardize human spaceflight routes. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-major-fragmentation-events">Major fragmentation events</h2>



<p>Fragments mostly come from sudden breakups caused by leftover fuel, battery explosions, or even deliberate tests. </p>



<p>Several severe incidents happened in the last year involving SpaceX Starship test flights. Each incident unleashed hundreds of sharp-edged pieces traveling at thousands of miles per hour.</p>



<p>These collisions risk hitting active satellites and can multiply the junk field with each crash. Operators constantly check for close approaches. </p>



<p>However, this proves to be a more difficult process due to new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nisar-the-satellite-that-will-change-how-we-see-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">satellites</a> that sometimes outnumber the debris in certain orbits.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shorter-orbits-rising-re-entries">Shorter orbits, rising re-entries</h2>



<p>Improved compliance with debris guidelines has pushed many <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasas-new-ezie-mission-will-study-earths-auroras-from-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">satellites</a> into lower routes. Their orbits decay more quickly, which speeds up atmospheric re-entry and cuts the time they spend circling our planet.</p>



<p>This trend explains why intact objects now drop out of orbit. In fact, space debris drops out of orbit three times a day on average. </p>



<p>Although many re-enter safely, bigger spacecraft can leave hazardous <a href="https://www.esa.int/Space_Safety/Space_Debris/About_space_debris" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">remnants</a> that reach land or sea, creating pollution in the process.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cutting-space-debris-to-protect-satellites">Cutting space debris to protect satellites </h2>



<p>Organizations worldwide are updating debris <a href="https://technology.esa.int/upload/media/DGHKMZ_6542582e18e33.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rules</a> to clear satellites and rocket stages much sooner than the previous 25-year limit. </p>



<p>Some now target five years or less to lessen the debris load and curb catastrophic collisions.</p>



<p>The push includes direct retrieval of massive dead satellites and used rocket segments. Active removal missions are in development, and operators aim to design future spacecraft with better passivation systems.</p>



<p>This will decrease explosions in orbit and reduce the harmful amount of space debris. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-satellites-vs-junk-the-new-traffic-jam">Satellites vs. junk: The new traffic jam</h2>



<p>The most active region for satellites sits between 300 and 700 miles above Earth, where the density of functioning spacecraft is now rivaled by debris. </p>



<p>ESA’s <a href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2013/04/ESA_s_MASTER_software_tool" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MASTER</a> tool revealed that in these crowded bands, the number of satellite pieces larger than a centimeter - big enough to destroy a satellite - is nearly equal to the number of working payloads.</p>



<p>As satellite constellations grow, with thousands of small units launched together, some orbits resemble high-speed highways with no traffic lights. </p>



<p>Even minor objects, like a screw or paint chip, can hit with explosive force due to orbital speeds of over 17,000 mph.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-cost-of-ignoring-the-mess">The cost of ignoring the mess</h2>



<p>If current trends continue, simulations show the number of catastrophic collisions could grow dramatically in the coming decades - even without a single new launch. </p>



<p>This would cripple space-based services we rely on for climate monitoring, communications, and disaster response.</p>



<p>ESA’s report emphasizes that active debris removal and stricter global standards are a necessity. If these procedures are not enacted, space could become unusable for future missions.</p>



<p>Stevenson and her team are urging international space agencies and commercial companies alike to commit to coordinated cleanup strategies and enforce tighter post-mission rules to reduce the ever-growing clutter of debris in space.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sdo.esoc.esa.int/environment_report/Space_Environment_Report_latest.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>ESA’s Annual Space Environment Report 2025</em></a>.</p>



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Space debris problem is growing exponentially worse, now threatens working satellites

Thousands of satellites circle our planet to watch weather patterns,...

<p>Knots are not just twisted loops you might encounter on sailboats or during household chores. Some knots hide layers of mathematical and quantum complexity that turn up in cryptography, thermodynamics, and even attempts to understand how solar flares form on the sun’s surface.</p>



<p>Quantum <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-entanglement-speed-is-measured-first-time-too-fast-for-humans-minds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">computing</a> has stepped into this area by introducing specialized algorithms that promise faster ways to identify and classify these knotted structures. </p>



<p>These efforts have drawn attention from scientists worldwide, showcasing how advanced hardware can transform math-heavy fields in surprising ways.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-knots-and-quantum-advantage">Knots and quantum advantage</h2>



<p>This perspective is championed by <a href="https://scholar.google.co.uk/citations?user=IH9fJM0AAAAJ&amp;hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Konstantinos Meichanetzidis</a> from <a href="https://www.quantinuum.com/blog/quantinuum-and-google-deepmind-unveil-the-reality-of-the-symbiotic-relationship-between-quantum-and-ai" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Quantinuum</a>, who led a research project aimed at tackling a puzzling question about twisted loops using advanced quantum processors. </p>



<p>He and his team designed a new algorithm to estimate the <a href="https://math.berkeley.edu/~vfr/jonesakl.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jones polynomial</a>, a mathematical tool that helps experts tell knots apart.</p>



<p>The field of <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/knot-theory" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">knot theory</a> investigates whether one loop can be reshaped into another without cutting or passing any strand through itself. </p>



<p>Distinguishing knots usually hinges on invariants such as the Jones polynomial, which stay unchanged under smooth deformations and thus act like fingerprints for each unique <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/radical-theory-unites-gravity-spacetime-and-the-quantum-realm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">configuration</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quantum-devices-are-changing-knot-analysis">Quantum devices are changing knot analysis</h2>



<p>In their <a href="https://arxiv.org/abs/2503.05625" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research</a>, Quantinuum’s scientists indicated that a quantum system with more than 85 <a href="https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/resources/cloud-computing-dictionary/what-is-a-qubit" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">qubits</a> and 99.99% <a href="https://www.quantware.com/glossary" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">two-qubit gate fidelity</a> could outpace <a href="https://www.olcf.ornl.gov/frontier/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontier</a>, an exascale supercomputer that has showcased some of the highest performance numbers on record. </p>



<p>Their existing <a href="https://extremecomputingtraining.anl.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/96/2024/08/ATPESC-2024-Track-2-Talk-2-Holmen-Frontier-Exascale-Architecture-AMD-MI250x-and-HPE-Slingshot.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">H2 device</a>, which holds 56 qubits with 99.87% fidelity, forms the stepping stone toward a more powerful machine that meets these tighter targets.</p>



<p>They described their method as an “end-to-end reconfigurable algorithmic pipeline,” focusing on computing the Jones polynomial with minimal error on hardware prone to noise. </p>



<p>This pipeline covers every step, from input formatting to final output, without putting a major strain on classical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-gates-teleported-a-leap-toward-scalable-computing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supercomputers</a>.</p>



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



<p>The study of tangled loops may look abstract, but it influences fields as widely ranging as biology and cryptography. </p>



<p>One illustration is the twisting and supercoiling of DNA strands in living cells, which can determine how genetic information is copied and expressed.</p>



<p>Researchers like <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11251829/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cozzarelli and Sumners</a> showed that the shape of DNA loops can affect enzymatic actions related to replication, leading to insights on drug design. </p>



<p>These patterns also play a role in <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/materials-science/magnetohydrodynamics" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnetohydrodynamics</a>, where tangled magnetic fields on the sun connect to solar weather patterns that can disrupt satellites on Earth.</p>



<p>Experts have linked the mathematics of knot arrangements to <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s002200200645" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">topological quantum computing</a>, a direction in which certain quasiparticles are braided to perform logic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microsoft-announces-giant-leap-in-quantum-computing-majorana-1/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">operations</a>. </p>



<p>This connection suggests that quantum hardware might handle knot-centric tasks more naturally than traditional machines.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-energy-conscious-approach">An energy-conscious approach</h2>



<p>Some scientists note that quantum advantage goes beyond just saving time. Estimates hint that handling knot computations on classical supercomputers demands large amounts of electricity, while a quantum setup could drastically cut these energy needs.</p>



<p>Machines like Frontier excel at enormous calculations, but their power consumption is equally enormous. </p>



<p>By migrating specific tasks to qubits, researchers argue that a combination of shorter run times and refined error correction can reduce resource usage to a more manageable level.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-benchmarking-tool">New benchmarking tool</h2>



<p>The team introduced a performance test that leverages the invariant nature of the Jones polynomial. </p>



<p><a href="https://arxiv.org/abs/2109.12538" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Topologically equivalent knots</a> all share the same final value, so any deviations likely arise from hardware errors rather than genuine differences in the input.</p>



<p>Because this approach circumvents the need for huge classical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shape-of-electrons-revealed-first-time-through-big-advance-in-quantum-physics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">computations</a>, it becomes a quick yet reliable way to gauge quantum accuracy. </p>



<p>Consistent outcomes across multiple variations of the same knot serve as a solid indicator that the processor is staying on track.</p>



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



<p>Engineers at Quantinuum plan to raise qubit counts and boost gate fidelities, in their quest to move closer to that 99.99% milestone. </p>



<p>They expect that, once these technical goals are reached, the speed and energy advantages over classical computing methods will become more evident.</p>



<p>Scientists also see a chance to expand the algorithm into other branches of math and physics where complicated calculations hold back progress. </p>



<p>With hardware improvements on the horizon, they believe specialized algorithms could deliver solutions that were once out of reach.</p>



<p>This momentum highlights a shift toward targeted tasks that are easy for quantum devices yet difficult for classical ones. </p>



<p>By focusing on knot problems and similar challenges, the field nudges closer to a moment where quantum computing is more than just a lab experiment.</p>



<p>Advances in software design also play a part in this forward march. <a href="https://www.iaas.uni-stuttgart.de/publications/Beisel2022_QuantumErrorHandlingPatterns.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Refined error-handling techniques</a>, paired with better hardware design, can overcome today’s limitations and offer new avenues for research in mathematics, cryptography, and other fields.</p>



<p>Many observers remain eager to see whether the next generation of quantum devices will match the bold predictions made by their proponents. If these machines deliver on performance and efficiency, they could mark a turning point for knot theory and other demanding fields.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quantum-knots-could-reshape-science-nbsp">Quantum knots could reshape science&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Questions remain about how soon quantum hardware can align with the demands of advanced algorithms. </p>



<p>Some think these improvements will come in small but steady increments, while others predict a major leap in the near future.</p>



<p>Either way, exploring knot theory on quantum devices highlights the surprising ways that abstract math can link up with real-life phenomena. </p>



<p>It also reminds everyone that the frontiers of science can shift quickly when different disciplines come together.</p>



<p>The study is published in <em>ArXiv</em>.</p>



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



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

Quantum knots, DNA loops, and the future of genetic modification

Knots are not just twisted loops you might encounter on...

<p>Science has never existed in a vacuum. Yet, the way it’s written and shared often makes it feel like it does. Technical language, emotionless tone, and a third-person perspective dominate scientific writings and make them feel cold and inaccessible.</p>



<p>These rules help maintain objectivity, but they also build a wall between science and society. In a time of climate crisis, biodiversity collapse, and widespread ecological grief, that wall needs to come down.</p>



<p>Scientists at the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a> believe that storytelling - not just data - is essential. Their new perspective, published in <em>People and Nature</em>, invites the scientific community to experiment with more personal, emotional, and narrative-driven ways of communication.</p>



<p>The goal is not to dilute the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/people-must-reconnect-with-nature-now-to-save-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">science</a>. It is to open it up and make it resonate. And in doing so, to inspire the public, policymakers, and even other scientists to act.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-facts-aren-t-enough">When facts aren’t enough</h2>



<p>The motivation behind this call is clear. Global temperatures are rising. Biodiversity is shrinking. We are dangerously close to irreversible tipping points. And yet, the political and public response often falls short.</p>



<p>The authors point to the case of climate scientists Dr. Rose Abramoff and Dr. Peter Kalmus, who were penalized for protesting at a major <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-weather-is-pushing-nature-toward-a-breaking-point/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scientific</a> conference.</p>



<p>Their protest - “Out of the lab and onto the streets” - was seen as a break from objectivity. But it also highlighted the emotional weight that many scientists carry.</p>



<p>“As environmental scientists ourselves, we feel frustration, a sense of loss, fear and sometimes helplessness at the lack of action to protect the planet,” noted Professor Karen Anderson, one of the lead authors.</p>



<p>Scientists are not robots. They feel the urgency, but their training often keeps them from expressing it.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-scientific-writing-became-emotionless">How scientific writing became emotionless</h2>



<p>Scientific writing hasn’t always been so detached. Its current form began in the 17th and 18th centuries when so-called “gentleman scientists” wrote for peers. This legacy shaped how we write <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natures-grip-on-co2-is-slipping-what-it-means-for-us-all/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">science</a> today: objective, methodical, and impersonal.</p>



<p>“That form of writing clearly has its place - but we’re not only debating technical aspects of science for academic interest,” said Dr. Katherine Crichton.</p>



<p>That traditional model, however, is poorly suited to communicate with wider audiences. The gap between scientific evidence and public understanding has only grown. Scientists publish their findings in research journals, but few outside academia ever read them.</p>



<p>Meanwhile, media coverage distorts, simplifies, or omits vital details.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-storytelling-makes-science-memorable">Storytelling makes science memorable</h2>



<p>Stories are not just entertainment. They’re a means by which humans understand the world. We evolved with stories. We remember them. We feel them. And crucially, we act on them.</p>



<p>“Humans are inspired by stories. By telling better stories, scientists can help inspire meaningful action to protect ourselves by protecting our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/we-must-live-in-harmony-with-nature-to-create-a-sustainable-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environment</a> and the planet,” said Dr. Crichton.</p>



<p>Narratives can drive change in ways data alone cannot. The authors cite philosopher Donna Haraway, who argues that life itself may not be at stake - but ways of living and dying are.</p>



<p>The issue is not that scientists don’t care. It’s that their writing style hides their humanity. It hides their hope, grief, wonder, and fear. This paper suggests it’s time to stop hiding.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-missing-half-behind-the-science">The missing half: Behind the science</h2>



<p>One of the most powerful ideas in the paper is the notion of a “dark twin” - the unspoken story behind the clean, published version of research. Inspired by scientist Merlin Sheldrake, this dark twin includes the chaos, serendipity, and emotional weight of doing science.</p>



<p>These are the parts that people connect with. How did the researcher feel when standing on a melting glacier? What was it like getting sick at high altitude while collecting soil samples in the Himalayas? These experiences reveal the full reality of science as a human endeavor.</p>



<p>The Exeter researchers even provide one such dark twin. It recounts fieldwork in Nepal, altitude sickness, meals cooked in remote lodges, and the scent of incense plants. The story reads like a travelogue, yet it builds up to a scientific insight. It shows how science actually happens - in the messiness of real life.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emotions-don-t-undermine-credibility">Emotions don't undermine credibility </h2>



<p>The worry, of course, is that emotional stories could be seen as unscientific. That they might undermine credibility. But the authors argue otherwise. Emotions and storytelling don’t distort the science - they contextualize it.</p>



<p>“We study these ecosystems because we love them – but we are expected to be removed from our subjects,” noted Professor Angela Gallego-Sala.</p>



<p>That artificial distance limits how effectively scientists can communicate. Scientific journals enforce this distance through style guides and traditions. But those conventions don’t reflect the reality of how science is done - or why it matters.</p>



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



<p>If scientists don’t share their own stories, someone else will. And the public might hear only the loudest, most extreme narratives. Often, those are doom-laden headlines or overly simplified takes.</p>



<p>This imbalance creates despair or apathy. When every headline screams catastrophe, people may shut down emotionally. The paper warns against letting only the bleakest versions of science reach the public.</p>



<p>Hope matters, and so does empathy. Both can be built through honest, heartfelt storytelling. That’s why the authors argue for more stories that show resilience, solutions, and human connections to nature.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emotional-storytelling-in-science-0">Emotional storytelling in science</h2>



<p>There are already some success stories. Suzanne Simard’s use of terms like “mother trees” helped people understand and care about complex ecological systems. She faced criticism for using emotional language, yet her work reached millions.</p>



<p>“We’ve separated ourselves from nature so much that it’s to our own demise … The result is that we have loss of old-growth forests. Our fisheries are collapsing. We're in a mass extinction,” she said.</p>



<p>Simard’s approach proves that emotional, metaphor-rich storytelling can bring science to life. It helps people see nature not as a concept, but as kin.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reimagining-the-role-of-the-scientist">Reimagining the role of the scientist</h2>



<p>The paper makes another important point: scientists have the privilege of witnessing environmental change firsthand. They see the beauty and the damage. That perspective should not stay hidden.</p>



<p>By writing from the frontlines, scientists can show the stakes more clearly. They can make their work more transparent and accessible. They can also build public trust, which is eroding in an age of misinformation.</p>



<p>“There is plenty of other academic work that advocates for scientific storytelling. The problem is that these other pieces don’t demonstrate how this can be done,” Professor Anderson noted.</p>



<p>That’s what this paper offers - concrete examples, models, and encouragement.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-storytelling-brings-science-to-life">Storytelling brings science to life</h2>



<p>The authors end with a clear invitation: experiment. Try new formats. Write personal biographies. Share the dark twin of your paper. Record videographic stories. Let readers see the journey, not just the results.</p>



<p>“It’s the start of a different type of experiment - an experiment with stories,” said Professor Anderson.</p>



<p>They argue that science communication should not be an afterthought. It should be treated with the same care and creativity as the research itself.</p>



<p>This is not about replacing data with feelings. It’s about recognizing that feelings are part of science too. That behind every study is a person who cared enough to ask a question and search for answers.</p>



<p>The perspective, published in <em><a href="https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/pan3.70027">People and Nature</a></em>, is titled "We are storytelling apes: experimenting with new scientific narratives in a time of climate and biodiversity collapse."</p>



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



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

Storytelling can bring science to life and inspire action

Science has never existed in a vacuum. Yet, the way...

<p>Why do some plant species grow and flourish only in certain places, while their close relatives take root in faraway landscapes? Scientists have wrestled with this mystery for years, hoping to understand how nature sets its limits.</p>



<p>A global investigation of nearly 270,000 seed plant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-future-climate-conditions-will-transform-plant-growth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> sheds new light on the environmental and historical factors that decide where vegetation can prosper.</p>



<p>The research was led by an international team that examined climate data, soil conditions, and ancient geologic events spanning millions of years. The break apart of the supercontinent Pangea due to plate tectonics is one significant event which saw a drastic change in plant life. </p>



<p>The investigation's central findings trace back to work by Dr. Lirong Cai from the <a href="https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/1.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Göttingen</a> and the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv), who served as a key figure in this study.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plants-grow-in-some-places-only">Plants grow in some places only</h2>



<p>Many scientists argue that biodiversity is shaped by more than just random spread or occasional migration. </p>



<p>Climate, <a href="https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/soil-composition/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soil composition</a>, and geographical barriers are thought to play a strong part in keeping certain plant groups confined to specific locations. In turn, the locations become a place for unique plants to thrive.</p>



<p>Researchers have also turned to phylogenetic methods that track family trees over deep timescales. This <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.292.5517.673" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">approach</a> helps reveal when a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/native-plants-cant-outrun-climate-change-on-their-own/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant group</a> encountered new conditions or broke past a barrier into another region.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-and-soil-affect-plant-growth">Climate and soil affect plant growth</h2>



<p>Temperature and moisture have long been recognized as strong regulators of distribution, influencing growth and survival. </p>



<p>Some species can endure extreme cold, drought, or humidity better than others. This paves the way for plant growth to flourish or can restrict them to smaller pockets.</p>



<p>Shifts in habitat conditions can push certain lineages to adapt over time. Others may fail to survive these changes, leaving them behind as evidence of how vital the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-may-stop-absorbing-carbon-if-temperatures-continue-to-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environment</a> can be.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-stops-the-spread-of-plants">What stops the spread of plants?</h2>



<p>Physical structures such as mountains, deserts, and vast oceans block species from expanding at certain stages. Younger plant lineages often get stranded, while older ones might have had more time to grow and overcome these obstacles.</p>



<p>Older plants are more accustomed to harsh weather and soil conditions. Not only have older plants had more time to grow than younger plants, older plants are familiar with the structures around them.</p>



<p>This familiarity gives older plant species an advantage which allows the plant to continue to grow without becoming trapped due to terrain or physical structures.</p>



<p>“These findings reveal a fundamental process in nature. Given enough time, plants can overcome the barriers of vast distances and geography, but they often remain limited by the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saving-earths-most-endangered-plants-from-extinction-proving-difficult-botanic-gardens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environments</a> they encounter,” said Dr. Cai.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifting-continents-changed-plant-paths">Shifting continents changed plant paths</h2>



<p>Continents <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16701355/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drifted</a> into different positions between 20 and 50 million years ago, opening or closing routes that influenced plant travel.</p>



<p>This rearrangement had moderate impacts on long-term distribution, though it was more pronounced within that window of shifting plates.</p>



<p>Some groups of plants managed to traverse newly connected landmasses, while others remained clustered where they first took root. The lasting effect of those movements is still visible in the distribution <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-understanding-of-light-detection-in-plants-may-revolutionize-farming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">patterns</a> seen today.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-plants-spread-more">Ancient plants spread more</h2>



<p>Genetic evidence confirms that <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-024-02599-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dispersal barriers</a> remain tough to conquer in the short run, even though ancient lineages managed to spread widely over longer intervals. </p>



<p>Oceanic gaps and hostile climates slow down or halt these botanical journeys. Unfortunately, some plants cannot survive and spread in specific environments.</p>



<p>Because of this, environmental filtering stays a constant factor. Where the temperature or moisture swings too far from a species’ tolerance, the plants refuse to grow or venture there, no matter how long they have existed.</p>



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



<p>Ecologists see value in integrating more detailed geological reconstructions with modern species data. Climate fluctuations, like those in the past Ice Ages, also carry <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.292.5517.673" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">clues</a> about how quickly species can respond or shift their homes.</p>



<p>A broader understanding may inspire efforts to protect fragile habitats. Some zones remain high-risk for plant extinctions if conditions change faster than species can grow or adapt.</p>



<p>The study is published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-024-02599-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution</em></a>.</p>



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



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

Why don’t all plants grow everywhere across the world?

Why do some plant species grow and flourish only in...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>

Social modeling affects our food choices

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The protein that fuels 3 out of 4 cancers has been controlled

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JynHpMaNO8A Chaotic cancer protein finally controlled after decades of mystery...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y4eLFNYrKE
</div></figure>



<p>On the unforgiving landscape of North Greenland, temperatures drop and sunlight barely penetrates through the polar winter. It was here, however, that an international team of scientists found <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predatory-worms-were-terror-beasts-half-a-billion-years-ago/#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evidence of sea monsters</a> that would change our understanding of ocean life in the past.</p>



<p>This video captures the discovery of Timorebestia fossils that had been hidden for more than 500 million years in the Sirius Passet formation. The "terror beasts," as they are called, are a hidden chapter in the evolutionary history of <a href="https://www.earth.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth</a>, showing that sophisticated predator-prey interactions occurred much earlier than previously envisioned.</p>



<p>Dr. Jakob Vinther and his research team at the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a>, in collaboration with researchers at the <a href="https://eng.kopri.re.kr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Korean Polar Research Institute</a>, braved extreme weather conditions at 82.5 north latitude to locate these giant creatures. Using sophisticated electron microprobe analysis, they revealed the detailed anatomy of the animals, including their muscle and nerve tissues.</p>



<p>The find upsets the traditional timeline of sea predators.  Although we've long appreciated that Cambrian oceans were at one time ruled by <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWI3-UgA3_o&amp;list=PL1QLQMW9MWDwpkFOnvgAmu7wT6rZmYqdJ&amp;index=19" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">arthropods</a>, these discoveries indicate that relatives of arrow worms were first to dominate the seas.  These worms were building sophisticated food webs several million years before other predator groups arose.</p>



<p>Each fossil is a story of ancient hunger, with fossil stomach contents revealing these meter-long beasts dined on heavily armored arthropods regularly, cementing their place as the ocean's first apex predators.</p>



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



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

Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists discover we age in bursts

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists solve the mystery of tickling

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>



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



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

Retired professor claims he solved time travel

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> describes a new self-powered nanosensor that can instantly detect mercury contamination with the tap of a finger.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The oxidized form of mercury can be harmful when it is ingested through contaminated water or food. This makes it necessary for experts to develop sensors that can quickly and accurately detect the presence of mercury.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Zong-Hong Lin and colleagues have now created a triboelectric nanosensor (TENS) that can detect mercury by simply by touching a sample. According to the researchers, their TENS could serve as the basis for similar devices to safely and remotely monitor other pollutants.</p>



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



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



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



<p>In 1968, Kainji Lake was created by the construction of the Kainji Dam. The Niger River, the third longest in Africa, enters the lake in the north.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rivers-in-the-american-west-are-a-lifesaving-resource-for-birds/">ESA</a>, the creation of the lake submerged Foge Island and the town of Bussa and permanently flooded other riverine settlements, leaving around 50,000 people displaced.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Large parts of Foge Island are temporarily exposed during low water tides, and the land is often used by migrating fishermen. Kainji Dam is a dam across the Niger River in Niger State of Central Nigeria. </p>



<p>Wild mammals occur at relatively low densities due to illegal hunting. Lake Kainji has suffered a dramatic decline as a fishery due to the high numbers of artisanal and subsistence fisherfolk using the lake. It has been suggested that a period of closure, together with controlled fishing rights may help improve fish stocks.</p>



<p>Kainji Lake National Park is the oldest of its kind in Nigeria. The park contains three distinct areas: a part of the Kainji Lake, the Borgu Game Reserve to the west of the lake, and the Zugurma Game Reserve to the southeast. The park is home to around 65 mammal species, 350 bird species, and 30 species of reptiles and amphibians. </p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;</em></p>



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



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from <a href="https://www.igb.illinois.edu/">Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology</a> reveals how scientists can modify common crops like soybean, rice, and wheat to protect them from heat stress.</p>



<p>“We need to double crop production by 2050 to feed a growing global population, and not only are we not on track to do that, but climate change is further complicating things,” said Amanda Cavanagh, a lecturer at the University of Essex. </p>



<p>The study is part of Realizing Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency (RIPE), an international research project that aims to develop food crops that turn the sun’s energy into food more efficiently.</p>



<p>“Using an engineering approach we designed multiple alternative metabolic pathways to photorespiration. Testing them in the field showed increases in productivity which led Amanda to significantly move the project forward by showing our engineered plants can withstand pretty extreme temperature stress,” said study co-author and RIPE researcher Paul South.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“As the climate changes and temperature stresses increase the pressure on our global food supply, farmers will need every tool available including engineering approaches like the synthetic biology used here to maintain safe and productive harvests.”</p>



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



<p>The team found that the engineered plants produced 26 percent more biomass than the wild-type plants exposed to the same temperatures, and had 15 percent less yield loss under the higher temperatures.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois</em></p>



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



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

[sendtonews key="QGPzYnXEtN-1712599-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from Carl...

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> explores the ability of salt to transform the way that foods and beverages taste. Salt is known to cover up undesirable flavors, such as bitterness in coffee or beer, but how exactly does sodium chloride change the taste of other compounds?</p>



<p>One previous study showed that, not only does salt suppress bitterness, but also enhances sweetness and sourness. Another study revealed that bitterness reduction by salt seems to be happening at the tongue receptor level as well as in the brain.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While it is known that salt taste is mediated by the presence of sodium channels in the form of taste buds, experts believe that there is also an unknown receptor responsible for how we taste salt that has not yet been identified.&nbsp;</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: ACS Reactions</em></p>



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



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Santiago, the capital city of Chile. The city is located in the center of the Santiago Metropolitan Region, which has a population of about eight million people.&nbsp;</p>



<p>'The weather of Santiago resembles the Mediterranean climate with dry and warm summers with temperatures reaching up to 35°C (from October to March) and cool and humid winters that can drop to 0°C (from April to September)."</p>



<p>"The city lies in the centre of the country’s central valley around 80 km from the Pacific Ocean to the west and borders Argentina to the east. A tiny part of Argentina is visible in the top-right corner of the image where the mountain crest of the Andes Mountains acts as a divider between the two countries," says ESA.</p>



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



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



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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