<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>In the waters of Southeast Asia, broadclub cuttlefish have a unique method for surprising unwary crabs. These color-shifting predators blur the line between stealth and spectacle by passing dark stripes down their head and arms during the last few seconds of a hunt.</p>



<p>This discovery comes from a recent study led by Dr. Matteo Santon, an expert in the University of <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/biology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bristol’s School of Biological Sciences</a>. The researchers examined a dynamic camouflage tactic that challenges previous ideas about how animals remain hidden while moving.</p>



<p>"Maintaining camouflage while moving is a challenge faced by many predators. Some exploit background motion to hide while hunting, and others may use coloration and behavior to generate motion noise that impairs detection or recognition," noted the researchers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cuttlefish-camouflage-distracts-prey">Cuttlefish camouflage distracts prey</h2>



<p>The experts recorded cuttlefish targeting crabs and noticed a striking display that seems to distract the prey’s motion-detection system. They introduced a high-contrast moving pattern that travels down the predator’s body, starting when the cuttlefish is about 3.2 ft from its target.</p>



<p>By harnessing strong downward motion cues, the cuttlefish weaken the usual signals that alert the crab to danger.</p>



<p>“Camouflage has predominantly been studied as an adaptation that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-ocean-buffet-big-fish-are-surprisingly-reliant-on-the-twilight-zone/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prey</a> use to hamper their detection or recognition from predators, and almost exclusively focused on still prey as motion tends to disrupt camouflage,” said Dr. Santon.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-crabs-miss-cuttlefish-attacks">Why crabs miss cuttlefish attacks</h2>



<p>Most crabs rely on clues like looming shapes to signal an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-fish-species-are-the-big-catch-of-the-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">attack</a> is coming. This approach makes sense when a predator’s silhouette expands as it nears. </p>



<p>The broadclub cuttlefish undermines that system by overlaying downward stripes, obscuring the expansion cue and sowing confusion in the crab’s visual network.</p>



<p>Stripes seem obvious to our eyes. But to a crab with limited visual resolution, the repetitive downward flow acts like static that clouds the predator’s actual speed and position.</p>



<p>The scientists tested this effect with lab experiments that displayed animated shapes on screens, confirming that the moving pattern often dulled the crabs’ defensive reactions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-using-camouflage-on-the-move">Using camouflage on the move</h2>



<p>“Most cuttlefish rely on stealth to sneak up on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/does-hunting-fishing-connect-humans-with-nature-or-reinforce-superiority-complex/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prey</a>. Due to their fast color-changing skin, these remarkable animals have a wider range of options than most when it comes to camouflage while moving,” said Dr. Martin How, senior author from the University of Bristol.</p>



<p>These <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rstb.2008.0270" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">color-changing</a> animals can shift at a moment’s notice to blend with seafloor textures or dazzle potential victims. This flexibility lets them adapt to different conditions, whether they need to hide against coral or outsmart prey with moving stripes.</p>



<p>Broadclub cuttlefish frequently hold their arms out when they mount these final attacks on crabs. This flattened pose reduces the expected radial cues of an oncoming shape. </p>



<p>The rhythmic stripes flow down the arms, overshadowing any <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unlikely-allies-octopuses-cooperate-with-fish-to-catch-prey/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">clues</a> that might give away the cuttlefish’s real approach path.</p>



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



<p>Some predators blend in by matching seaweed sway or drifting shadows. Others rely on sudden bursts of speed or chaotic patterns that throw off a target’s aim. </p>



<p>Broadclub cuttlefish have raised the bar by adding a directional motion pattern that contradicts what prey typically expect from an approaching threat.</p>



<p>This <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sneaky-fish-use-sharks-like-moving-shields-while-hunting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hunting</a> approach offers new insights into the way motion-based camouflage can evolve in complex habitats. The wide range of cuttlefish skin patterns suggests there may be more to learn about how they choose between different tactics for different targets.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-motion-based-camouflage-strategies">Motion-based camouflage strategies</h2>



<p>The researchers speculate that other cephalopods may use comparable tricks. The team has also considered that certain crab species become desensitized to repetitive passing stripes after repeated exposure.</p>



<p>Further research could clarify how widespread these motion-based strategies are among ocean predators that rely on color adaptation.</p>



<p>Field researchers are excited to see if conditions like light levels, water clarity, and the presence of competing predators push cuttlefish to alter their camouflage displays in real time. Such flexibility might shape how prey species respond and whether they can develop new defenses.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adr3686" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science Advances</em></a>.</p>



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Cuttlefish use camouflage to stalk unsuspecting crabs

In the waters of Southeast Asia, broadclub cuttlefish have a...

<p>With claws nearly the size of a human forearm and arms that looked like barbecue tongs, a recently discovered dinosaur is turning heads - and raising eyebrows. </p>



<p>Resembling a mashup of a sloth, a giraffe, and Edward Scissorhands, this unusual creature roamed the Earth millions of years ago. Thanks to an incredible fossil find in Mongolia, we are now getting a much clearer picture of its strange anatomy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovery-of-a-two-clawed-dinosaur">Discovery of a two-clawed dinosaur</h2>



<p>The dinosaur, discovered by paleontologists from the <a href="https://www.ucalgary.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Calgary</a> and Mongolia’s Institute of Paleontology, has been named <em>Duonychus tsogtbaatari</em> in honor of its impressive claws. “<em>Duonychus</em>” means “two claws” in Greek.</p>



<p>What sets this find apart is the remarkable preservation of a claw sheath that is made of keratin, the same material as our fingernails. The sheath reveals that the dinosaur’s claw was much longer than its bone structure alone would suggest.</p>



<p>“It’s close to a foot (30 cm) in size,” said paleontologist Darla Zelenitsky, an associate professor at the University of Calgary in Canada. "This is by far the biggest claw preserved for a dinosaur that has that keratinous sheath on it.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-big-claws-but-not-so-ferocious">Big claws, but not so ferocious</h2>



<p><em>Duonychus tsogtbaatari</em> belonged to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/therizinosaur-with-scissor-like-claws-discovered-in-the-uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">therizinosaur</a> group of dinosaurs, which is part of the broader theropod family. This family also includes <em><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/t-rex-was-about-70-percent-bigger-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tyrannosaurus rex</a></em>.</p>



<p>"Therizinosaurs were a group of herbivorous/omnivorous theropod dinosaurs that lived in Asia and North America during the Cretaceous Period. These theropods are notable for their three-fingered hands sporting large claw-like unguals," noted the researchers.</p>



<p>Unlike most theropods, which were primarily carnivorous, therizinosaurs evolved into plant eaters, with adaptations such as a small head, a beak-like mouth, and leaf-shaped teeth suited for processing vegetation.</p>



<p>Their most striking characteristic was their massive claws, which could reach up to a meter in length and were likely used for defense and foraging.</p>



<p>Fossils of therizinosaurs, such as Therizinosaurus from Mongolia, have revealed a fascinating evolutionary history that connects them to other theropods, despite their unusual anatomy.</p>



<p>The therizinosaur lineage is closely related to feathered dinosaurs and even modern birds, with evidence suggesting that they were covered in feathers, which may have played a role in insulation or display.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-surprising-discovery">A surprising discovery</h2>



<p>"Here, we describe a new and unusual species of the therizinosaurid <em>Duonychus tsogtbaatari</em>, recovered from the lower Upper Cretaceous Bayanshiree Formation of the Gobi Desert of Mongolia," wrote the researchers.</p>



<p>Standing about 10 feet (3 meters) tall and weighing around 573 pounds (260 kilograms), <em>Duonychus</em> likely used its massive claws to forage by grasping tree branches and pulling down vegetation.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/dinosaur_two-clawed_Duonychus-tsogtbaatari_reconstructed-skeleton_credit-Science_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/dinosaur_two-clawed_Duonychus-tsogtbaatari_reconstructed-skeleton_credit-Science_1s.webp" alt="Reconstructed skeleton (Courtesy of Genya Masukawa) and selected elements of Duonychus tsogtbaatari gen. et sp. nov. Credit: iScience (2025)" class="wp-image-1963839"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Reconstructed skeleton (Courtesy of Genya Masukawa) and selected elements of Duonychus tsogtbaatari gen. et sp. nov. Click to enlarge. Credit: iScience (2025)</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>Its hands had only two large fingers, which is an oddity among dinosaurs. While scientists believe those claws were mainly used to grab plants, they may have also served other purposes - like showing off or defending against threats.</p>



<p>“They weren’t predators, but they could defend themselves with those claws. They were big and very sharp,” said Zelenitsky.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-like-sloths-but-with-attitude">Like sloths, but with attitude</h2>



<p>The best modern comparison for these claws might be found in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sloths-are-struggling-to-survive-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sloths</a>, whose curved nails help them cling to tree limbs, noted Zelenitsky. But <em>Duonychus</em> adds a prehistoric twist.</p>



<p>The preservation of the keratin sheath is a rare scientific win. Most dinosaur fossils don’t include this detail, which makes the discovery particularly valuable.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/dinosaur_two-clawed_Duonychus-tsogtbaatari_graphic-illustration_credit-Science_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/dinosaur_two-clawed_Duonychus-tsogtbaatari_graphic-illustration_credit-Science_1s.webp" alt="Duonychus tsogtbaatari graphical illustration. Credit: iScience (2025)" class="wp-image-1963837"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Duonychus tsogtbaatari graphical illustration. Click to enlarge. Credit: iScience (2025)</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>“I’ve seen fragments from other specimens from the Gobi, but never a whole sheath like this,” said David Hone, a paleontologist at Queen Mary University of London, who was not part of the study. </p>



<p>"The kind of preservation here, which is common to the vast majority of dinosaur bearing formations, doesn’t usually preserve keratin."</p>



<p>Hone emphasized that there's a murky relationship between the bone and keratin structures, so this specimen helps scientists understand better how the claw really looked and functioned.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-two-clawed-dinosaur-with-giant-arms">Two-clawed dinosaur with giant arms</h2>



<p>Therizinosaurs are often compared to the character Edward Scissorhands, thanks to their long, scythe-like claws. <em>Duonychus</em> takes the comparison even further, with its two-fingered limbs.</p>



<p>“But this one is unique in having only two fingers on each of its giant arms, so they really do look like oversized tongs you might use when barbequing,” said Steve Brusatte, a professor of paleontology at the University of Edinburgh who was not involved in the study.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/parrot-like-dinosaurs-adapted-new-arms-as-they-migrated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Two-fingered dinosaurs</a> were relatively rare. While <em>T. rex</em> also had just two fingers, its stubby arms weren’t all that useful. In contrast, <em>Duonychus</em> used its limbs actively in daily life, especially when it came to feeding.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/dinosaur_two-clawed_Duonychus-tsogtbaatari_dig-site_credit-Science_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/dinosaur_two-clawed_Duonychus-tsogtbaatari_recreation_credit-Science_1s.webp" alt="Localities of Late Cretaceous therizinosaurs and excavation of Duonychus tsogtbaatari gen. et sp. nov. Credit: iScience" class="wp-image-1963841"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Localities of Late Cretaceous therizinosaurs and excavation of Duonychus tsogtbaatari gen. et sp. nov. Click to enlarge. Credit: iScience</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>“But whereas <em>T. rex</em> probably wasn’t using its pathetic little arms for much, and definitely not for combat or subduing prey, these therizinosaurs were using them as an integral part of their feeding strategy,” said Brusatte.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-dinosaur-like-no-other">A dinosaur like no other</h2>



<p>The fossil was uncovered in Mongolia’s Gobi Desert and included not just the iconic claws but also parts of the spine, tail, hips, arms, and legs.</p>



<p>This gives paleontologists a much more complete view of the dinosaur’s overall structure. And like other therizinosaurs, it likely had feathers, adding yet another layer to its strange appearance.</p>



<p>“This is yet another example of a wonderful <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-dinosaur-comptonatus-chasei-most-complete-discovered-unique-traits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new dinosaur</a> that we couldn’t have dreamed ever existed if we didn’t find its fossils,” said Brusatte.</p>



<p>From its sloth-like claws to its feathered body and awkward gait, <em>Duonychus tsogtbaatari</em> is a reminder that the past was far weirder - and far more interesting - than we might expect.</p>



<p>Details of the study were published in the online journal <em><a href="https://www.cell.com/iscience/fulltext/S2589-0042(25)00401-8?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS2589004225004018%3Fshowall%3Dtrue">iScience</a></em>.</p>



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Dinosaur species discovered with just two claws, baffling scientists

With claws nearly the size of a human forearm and...

<p>Butterfly collections often attract museum visitors with their vivid colors and delicate beauty. But behind the glass, these specimens hold more than just aesthetic value. A new study from the University of Georgia (UGA) shows how they can reveal patterns of disease that have gone unnoticed for decades.</p>



<p>The researchers focused on <em>Ophryocystis elektroscirrha</em> (OE), a microscopic parasite. It infects butterflies during their caterpillar stage when they eat plant leaves contaminated with spores. The infection doesn't always kill but causes severe weakness. This can prevent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/butterfly-effect-in-reverse-climate-change-turns-havens-into-traps/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">butterflies</a> from completing long migrations.</p>



<p>“A lot of people don’t think about butterflies as getting sick, but butterflies and other insects can be host to microbes that cause problems for them,” said Sonia Altizer, a professor in UGA’s <a href="https://ecology.uga.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Odum School of Ecology</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-museum-butterflies-reveal-parasite-spread">Museum butterflies reveal parasite spread</h2>



<p>The team examined nearly 3,000 specimens from five major museums, including the <a href="https://naturalhistory.uga.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Georgia Museum of Natural History</a>. </p>



<p>These included <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/butterfly-mate-preferences-shift-with-slight-brain-changes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">butterflies</a> collected as early as 1832. The oldest known OE infection found dated back to 1909. That’s 60 years before scientists first described the parasite in literature.</p>



<p>Five out of 61 butterfly species tested positive for OE. Among them were monarchs, queens, and Jamaican monarchs. This is the first report of OE infection in the Jamaican monarch.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-testing-old-butterflies-for-disease">Testing old butterflies for disease</h2>



<p>Studying these delicate specimens required precision. The researchers used fiber swabs to collect scale samples from the butterfly’s body. The swabs were then examined under a microscope. When infected, the museum butterflies’ bodies carry visible spores of the parasite.</p>



<p>The experts focused on milkweed butterflies because of their worldwide presence. These butterflies eat toxic milkweed plants, which helps protect them from predators. Monarchs and queens belong to this group and are already known carriers of OE.</p>



<p>The study found infected butterflies from every continent except Antarctica. But the infections weren’t evenly spread. Some populations showed no infection, even within the same <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-country-without-butterflies-rapid-decline-in-u-s-populations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a>.</p>



<p>“There were a lot of places where these species were sampled with no infection, even though there were other places where they were,” noted Altizer. “There was a lot of geographic variation within each species as to where infections were detected.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-selective-parasite">A selective parasite</h2>



<p>Despite OE’s global reach, only a few <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/butterfly-migration-habits-are-not-determined-by-their-dna/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> seemed to suffer from it. The parasite showed up in just five butterfly species, all from the <em>Danaus</em> genus. This raises questions about why OE doesn’t infect other groups.</p>



<p>The answer may lie in parasite specialization. Spores from monarchs appeared darker and larger than spores from other butterflies. This suggests each OE strain may evolve to match its host species.</p>



<p>A related study led by Maria Luisa Müller-Theissen looked at how these infections crossed between monarchs and queens. Monarchs could catch OE strains from both <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/national-learn-about-butterflies-day-an-enchanting-world-awaits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a>, while queens only reacted to their specific strains. Monarchs also showed worse symptoms than queens.</p>



<p>“If you put monarchs and queens side by side, the monarchs tend to outcompete the queens for food,” said Altizer. “The queens compensate for that by being more resistant to parasites and tougher in other ways.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-museum-samples-and-butterfly-health">Museum samples and butterfly health</h2>



<p>Museum collections offer an unmatched opportunity to study long-term ecological trends. In this study, the specimens allowed researchers to detect infection patterns over nearly 200 years.</p>



<p>“No one person could go all around the world and look at all these different species in a reasonable amount of time and money,” Altizer said. “But we can go to a museum and access samples from all over the world going back decades or longer and get information from these animals.”</p>



<p>By analyzing historical samples, scientists gain insight into butterfly health and disease evolution. This work helps explain how OE spreads and which species are most at risk.</p>



<p>The findings could support future butterfly conservation efforts, especially for monarchs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-museum-specimens-and-butterfly-conservation">Museum specimens and butterfly conservation</h2>



<p>The research offers a deeper view into butterfly health, showing how long OE has persisted in wild populations. With climate change and habitat fragmentation on the rise, butterflies face increasing stress.</p>



<p>Identifying where and how OE infections spread can support global efforts to protect vulnerable species. Museum specimens, long seen as passive records of biodiversity, now serve as active tools for scientific discovery.</p>



<p>Ultimately, the research shows how studying the past can lead to better understanding - and protection - of our natural world.</p>



<p>The study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://resjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/een.13426" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecological Entomology</a></em></p>



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



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Global spread of butterfly disease revealed in museum collections

Butterfly collections often attract museum visitors with their vivid colors...

<p>Plastic waste is everywhere - in oceans, in soil, in the food we eat, and now, possibly, inside unborn life. A new study has shown for the first time that microplastics, which have long been known to pollute ecosystems, can enter fetal tissue in cats, even during the earliest stages of pregnancy.</p>



<p>What was once thought of as an environmental threat has now emerged as a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/airborne-microplastics-where-they-come-from-and-where-they-go/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">potential risk</a> to reproduction itself.</p>



<p>Published in <em>PLOS ONE</em>, the study examined eight stray cats in the early stages of pregnancy. The researchers found plastic fragments in five out of the sixteen tissue samples - placentas and fetuses - raising questions that reach far beyond the feline world.</p>



<p>These findings add to the growing global evidence that microplastic contamination has crossed into some of the most sensitive biological spaces.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microplastics-found-in-cat-fetuses">Microplastics found in cat fetuses</h2>



<p>Researchers at the <a href="https://www.unipr.it/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Parma</a> conducted the study on pregnant stray cats admitted as part of a population control program. </p>



<p>All the animals were in early gestation - between 15 and 30 days - making the findings even more unsettling. Using a chemical technique known as Raman spectroscopy, the team discovered <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-in-the-brain-alarming-new-details-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastic</a> fragments in fetal tissues from two cats and in placental tissues from three others.</p>



<p>"The discovery of microplastics in early pregnancy raises new concerns for animal and human health," said Ilaria Ferraboschi, the lead researcher.</p>



<p>The team found 19 particles in total. These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-chewing-gum-may-be-full-of-microplastics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">particles</a> measured under 10 microns and displayed various colors. The identified pigments included Mars Red, Alcian Blue, and Burnt Umber, all of which are common in commercial plastic products.</p>



<p>Seven of these particles were confirmed as polyethylene, while the rest were considered suspect microplastics due to pigment presence alone.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stray-cats-show-real-world-microplastics-risks">Stray cats show real-world microplastics risks</h2>



<p>Cats served as a real-world model for unintentional <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sounding-the-alarm-microplastics-are-disrupting-photosynthesis-around-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental exposure</a>. Unlike lab animals, these stray cats lived freely, hunting prey and occasionally eating commercial pet food. </p>



<p>This provided a natural snapshot of how widespread microplastics have become. Despite living outdoors, they were still contaminated - proving that exposure does not require direct contact with plastic packaging or processed food.</p>



<p>To ensure accuracy, researchers used a completely plastic-free protocol for collecting and processing samples. They stored all materials in glass containers and filtered liquids through ultra-fine membranes. </p>



<p>Even their surgical instruments were metal to avoid introducing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/filter-feeders-transform-microplastics-into-a-bigger-threat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic particles</a> during examination.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-placenta-is-no-longer-a-barrier">Placenta is no longer a barrier</h2>



<p>One of the most vital roles of the placenta is to act as a gatekeeper. It protects the fetus from harmful substances, allowing only essential nutrients to pass through. </p>



<p>This study challenges that understanding. The particles detected in fetal tissues suggest that plastic fragments can cross the placental barrier within the first month of pregnancy.</p>



<p>This is not the first time microplastics have been found in reproductive tissues. Human studies have previously detected them in placentas and amniotic fluid. But until now, the presence of microplastics in fetal tissue had not been demonstrated in real-world, non-laboratory conditions so early in gestation.</p>



<p>"Microplastics should not be part of fetal development - this is a clear signal for global change," Ferraboschi stated.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-happens-inside-matters-everywhere">What happens inside matters everywhere</h2>



<p>The health risks of microplastic exposure remain poorly understood, but animal research has begun to reveal potential effects. </p>



<p>In rodents, microplastics have altered reproductive cycles, decreased sperm quality, and led to hormone imbalances. Fetal mice exposed in utero developed metabolic disorders and impaired muscle and organ development.</p>



<p>Polystyrene particles in particular have shown toxic effects on ovaries and uterine tissue, sometimes leading to fertility loss. Exposure also disrupts immune balance during pregnancy, which could lead to complications such as miscarriages or premature births. </p>



<p>These findings suggest the risk may not just be developmental but immunological as well.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-hidden-sources">The hidden sources</h2>



<p>Microplastics enter the body through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact. They have been detected in air, bottled water, tap water, seafood, and even vegetables.</p>



<p>In fact, processed foods tend to carry more microplastics than unprocessed ones. Chicken nuggets, for instance, contain more particles than plain chicken breasts.</p>



<p>Even the air is not safe. Indoor environments contain airborne microplastics, which can be inhaled and which settle on food and other surfaces. The presence of plastic in human lungs, hearts, and blood is now documented.</p>



<p>The contamination of fetal tissues suggests that microplastics are not just present - they are active and mobile inside the body.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microplastics-are-more-than-a-cat-problem">Microplastics are more than a cat problem</h2>



<p>Though the study focused on cats, the implications of microplastics exposure are wider. If plastics can enter the womb of a stray cat, they likely do so in other species as well - including humans.</p>



<p>The small size of the detected particles allows them to travel through blood vessels and enter organs. Once inside, they may trigger immune responses or interfere with tissue development.</p>



<p>Cats were a convenient starting point, but they offer a glimpse into a larger issue. Their environmental exposure mirrors that of other urban animals and, by extension, humans. This link makes them a useful biological indicator of the risks we all face.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-next-step-must-be-action">Next step must be action</h2>



<p>The study on stray cats doesn’t answer all questions, but it makes one thing clear: microplastics can reach where we least expect them. </p>



<p>The researchers urge governments and industries to reduce plastic use and find safer materials for food packaging, clothing, and other consumer goods.</p>



<p>The placenta’s permeability to plastics - combined with the recognized reproductive toxicity of some plastics - makes this more than an ecological issue. It is now a health concern that begins before birth.</p>



<p>Ferraboschi’s team calls for international cooperation, improved monitoring, and deeper research into the long-term effects of prenatal microplastic exposure. For now, their study offers one of the earliest warnings that plastic pollution has reached the beginning of life itself.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0320694" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS One</a>.</em></p>



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Cats reveal hidden danger of microplastics to unborn life

Plastic waste is everywhere - in oceans, in soil, in...

<p>Modern life is busy. Between work, family, errands, and social commitments, daily exercise often takes a back seat. For many, squeezing in a gym session every day feels impossible. But what if you didn’t have to? New research shows that the weekend warrior routine may offer similar health benefits.</p>



<p>“You don’t need to exercise every day to stay healthy. As long as you get 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week - whether packed into one to two days or spread out - you can significantly reduce your <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sitting-too-much-can-cause-premature-aging-even-if-you-exercise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">risk of dying</a> from cardiovascular disease, cancer or other causes,” said study co-author Dr. Zhi-Hao Li, an epidemiologist at <a href="https://portal.smu.edu.cn/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southern Medical University</a>.</p>



<p>The findings come from analysis of a U.K. health database involving over 93,000 participants who were tracked using wrist accelerometers. The devices measured their movements precisely, thus avoiding the potential errors from self-reporting.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impacts-of-weekend-exercise">Impacts of weekend exercise</h2>



<p>Participants were divided into three groups: weekend <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/weekend-warrior-workouts-lower-the-risk-of-200-diseases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warriors</a>, regular actives, and inactive people. Both active groups showed clear health advantages over the inactive one.</p>



<p>Weekend warriors had a 32% lower risk of death from all causes, 31% lower from cardiovascular disease, and 21% lower from cancer. Regular actives showed similar, but slightly smaller reductions in risk.</p>



<p>“This message is encouraging news for busy people who struggle to fit in daily workouts but can manage a concentrated burst of activity on weekends or over a couple of days,” noted Dr. Li. “The research provides reassuring evidence that even sporadic physical activity can have lasting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strength-training-may-be-the-best-exercise-for-insomnia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health benefits</a>.”</p>



<p>No major differences were apparent between the two active groups in terms of health outcomes. This suggests that total time spent moving matters more than how it's spread out.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-even-short-bursts-of-activity-help">Even short bursts of activity help</h2>



<p>To improve health, the World Health Organization (<a href="https://www.who.int" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WHO</a>) and <a href="https://www.heart.org/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Heart Association</a> recommend that adults get between 150 and 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fitness-focused-medicine-physical-activity-reduces-chronic-disease-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">activity</a> in the same time period.</p>



<p>A combination of both also works. Activities can range from brisk walking, cycling, or jogging to household tasks like gardening and dancing, as long as the effort is moderate to vigorous.</p>



<p>The study gathered data using movement trackers worn on the wrist. The data came from the <a href="https://www.ukbiobank.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.K. Biobank</a> and included people aged 37 to 73, with slightly more women than men. </p>



<p>Among the individuals included in the analysis, about 42% were weekend warriors, 24% were regular actives, and 34% were inactive and did not follow any exercise routine.</p>



<p>Over eight years of follow-up, nearly 4,000 people died - with heart disease and cancer accounting for the majority of these deaths.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-practical-advice-for-weekend-exercise">Practical advice for weekend exercise </h2>



<p>American Heart Association expert Dr. Keith Diaz, who was not involved in the study, is a professor of behavioral medicine at <a href="https://www.columbia.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Columbia University</a>.</p>



<p>“Many people struggle to fit in daily <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-doses-of-exercise-can-greatly-reduce-dementia-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exercise</a> during the workweek; however, this research shows that even if you can only be active on the weekends, you can still gain meaningful health benefits,” said Dr. Diaz.</p>



<p>“One important caveat to remember is that trying to fit 150 minutes of exercise into just one or two days can be a lot on your body.”</p>



<p>People aiming to become weekend warriors should build up gradually. Warm-ups and proper progression can lower the chance of injury. While some risk of musculoskeletal injuries exists, the health benefits are still much greater.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-limitations-of-the-research">Limitations of the research </h2>



<p>Although the study offers valuable insights on exercise benefits for weekend warriors, the researchers acknowledged some limitations. The analysis was focused on physical activity during a single week and didn’t monitor long-term changes in behavior.</p>



<p>Most participants were white and lived in the U.K., so the findings may not reflect global patterns. Furthermore, the effects of physical activity are influenced by genetics, environment, and culture.</p>



<p>The researchers suggest that more studies are needed with broader ranging samples. These studies may include varied backgrounds, longer timelines, and other health markers to better understand how weekend <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/this-exercise-routine-can-cut-your-risk-of-early-death-in-half/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">workouts</a> affect diverse populations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focused-efforts-for-a-healthier-life">Focused efforts for a healthier life</h2>



<p>This study brings a hopeful message. You don’t have to overhaul your entire week to protect your health. A focused, vigorous effort on one or two days can still help you live longer. </p>



<p>Whether you prefer Saturday hikes or Sunday spin classes, you can count them toward your well-being - as long as they are intense enough and total a minimum of 150 minutes weekly.</p>



<p>For those with busy schedules, this research affirms that any movement that fits your lifestyle counts. Being a weekend warrior isn’t a fallback - it’s a legitimate strategy for a healthier, longer life.</p>



<p>The study is published in the&nbsp;<em><a href="https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/JAHA.124.039225">Journal of the American Heart Association</a></em>.</p>



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Weekend warriors reap the same health benefits as daily exercisers

Modern life is busy. Between work, family, errands, and social...

<p>For many people living with chronic conditions, daily life means constant pain, disrupted sleep, and emotional strain. Traditional treatments often bring limited relief, while side effects from long-term medication can worsen a patient's quality of life. </p>



<p>In recent years, medicinal cannabis has emerged as a potential alternative, offering a ray of hope where other therapies have failed.</p>



<p>A new long-term study offers compelling evidence that this treatment may be more than just a passing trend - it may be here to stay.</p>



<p>Conducted by researchers from the <a href="https://www.sydney.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Sydney</a>, the QUEST Initiative tracked patients over 12 months to assess whether improvements seen in the first three months of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tapping-into-the-pain-relief-potential-of-cannabis-without-the-high/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cannabis</a> oil use could last. The answer, according to data published in the journal <em>PLOS One</em>, is yes.</p>



<p>Those who continued the treatment saw sustained gains in physical and mental well-being across a range of conditions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-legalization-of-medicinal-cannabis">Legalization of medicinal cannabis </h2>



<p>Australia legalized medicinal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cannabis-use-impacts-working-memory-and-brain-function/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cannabis</a> in 2016 for patients not responding to standard treatment. Since then, more than one million people have been prescribed cannabis for over 200 health conditions. Most use it to manage pain, sleep disorders, anxiety, or depression.</p>



<p>Therapeutic effects stem from compounds like THC and CBD. These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cbd-reduces-the-unwanted-side-effects-of-thc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">compounds</a> offer alternatives to opioids, which carry risks such as addiction, bowel issues, and cognitive decline.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clinically-meaningful-improvements">Clinically meaningful improvements</h2>



<p>QUEST followed patients aged 18–97 across 114 clinics between November 2020 and December 2021. The participants completed regular assessments at baseline, 2 weeks, and eight timepoints up to 12 months.</p>



<p>They reported their own health-related quality of life (HRQL), including physical, emotional, and cognitive health. Other metrics included fatigue, pain, sleep, anxiety, and depression.</p>



<p>The study revealed clear trends. HRQL improved quickly and stayed high. EQ-5D-5L scores rose by 0.114 (Cohen’s d = 0.52). QLQ-C30 scores increased by 10.71 points (d = 0.91), a large clinical improvement.</p>



<p>Pain intensity and pain interference also dropped, especially in chronic pain patients. The PROMIS pain interference score improved by 4.87 points (d = 0.76). Fatigue fell by 4.70 points (d = 0.51), and sleep disturbances dropped by 5.96 points (d = 0.76).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-improvements-for-mental-health-conditions">Improvements for mental health conditions</h2>



<p>Patients with anxiety or depression saw meaningful change after using medicinal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-cannabis-users-face-higher-heart-attack-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cannabis</a>. For those with depressive disorders, depression scores dropped by 7.19 points (d = 0.65), moving many from severe to moderate symptoms.</p>



<p>Anxiety scores improved by 5.65 points (d = 0.69) for patients with anxiety conditions. These changes exceeded the clinically accepted threshold of 5 points.</p>



<p>The THC to CBD ratio in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/smoking-cannabis-significantly-increases-the-risk-of-heart-attack/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cannabis</a> oil mattered. THC-dominant oils showed greater improvements in anxiety, depression, fatigue, and sleep. CBD-dominant oils worked better for some pain types, including headache and cancer-related pain.</p>



<p>Musculoskeletal pain responded better to CBD-dominant oils than CBD-only ones. However, pain interference didn’t vary much across oil compositions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prescription-medication-and-motor-function">Prescription medication and motor function</h2>



<p>Nearly half of participants reported reducing other prescription medications. About 22% had been taking opioids when they joined. By the end of 12 months, 70% of these patients had reduced or stopped their opioid use.</p>



<p>People with movement disorders reported better HRQL. But they showed no significant change in upper limb function. Their average score increase (1.43 points) didn’t meet the clinical threshold for improvement.</p>



<p>PROM completion rates declined over time, falling to 38% at 12 months. Those who dropped out earlier showed less improvement. This suggests participants who continued saw more benefit from medicinal cannabis.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-benefits-of-medicinal-cannabis">Benefits of medicinal cannabis </h2>



<p>The results show that medicinal cannabis can quickly improve symptoms and maintain those benefits long-term. Clinicians now have more data to guide their decisions. The findings may also shape health policy.</p>



<p>“This is promising news for patients who are not responding to conventional medicines for these conditions," noted the study authors. </p>



<p>The research adds to growing international data supporting medicinal cannabis. It also highlights the need for more targeted research into dosage, specific conditions, and long-term effects.</p>



<p>With over a million Australians already using it, the evidence is clear: medicinal cannabis is not just a temporary fix - it’s a lasting option for many.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0320756" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS One</a>.</em></p>



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Medicinal cannabis helped patients feel better for a full year

For many people living with chronic conditions, daily life means...

<p>Latin America’s rainforest inhabitants have long surprised scientists with their varied calls. Now, research shows that when it comes to yodeling, some monkeys outperform even the famed Alpine singers of Austria and Switzerland. </p>



<p>This work provides fresh information about primate vocal abilities and offers new clues about how their unique anatomy shapes the way they produce sounds.</p>



<p>Experts from Anglia Ruskin University (<a href="https://www.aru.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ARU</a>) and the <a href="https://www.univie.ac.at/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Vienna</a> spearheaded the study, which examined monkeys’ intricate calls through a mix of CT scans, computer simulations, and field observations. </p>



<p>The findings indicate that special throat structures called vocal membranes - once present in human ancestors - give these animals an extra gear for producing surprising frequency shifts.</p>



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



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/simulation-reveals-the-evolution-of-alpine-ice-over-120000-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yodeling</a> is that wild, echoing singing style where the voice flips rapidly between a low chest voice and a high head voice. It started in the Swiss Alps as a way for herders to communicate across mountains. </p>



<p>Yodeling works by quickly switching between two vocal registers: the chest voice (your normal speaking or singing voice) and the head voice (a lighter, higher voice often used for falsetto). </p>



<p>That flip between the two is called a register break, and it creates the signature “yo-de-lay-ee-hoo” sound. </p>



<p>Instead of smoothing over the transition like most singers try to do, yodelers emphasize it -leaning into that sudden, jumpy switch to create the bouncing, echo-like effect.</p>



<p>Physically, it’s all about control and timing. The vocal cords stretch and tighten to hit those high head voice notes, then loosen again for the chest voice. </p>



<p>It takes breath support from your diaphragm, clear enunciation, and a bit of vocal agility to bounce back and forth fast enough.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-yodeling-monkeys-and-vocal-membranes">Yodeling monkeys and vocal membranes</h2>



<p>Primates such as monkeys and apes have thin <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pregnancy-affects-the-sensory-abilities-of-mammals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vocal membranes</a> above their vocal folds, which humans lost over time. Researchers have long wondered how these membranes benefit non-human primates. </p>



<p>The new study shows that these delicate tissue bands introduce “voice breaks” that pop up when sound production shifts from the vocal folds to the membranes. </p>



<p>This feature results in rapid changes in pitch, reminiscent of Alpine yodeling or Tarzan’s iconic yell.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.eurekalert.org/multimedia/1066689" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Click here to listen to the world's best yodelers...</strong></a></p>



<p>New World monkeys from Mexico to Argentina appear to have the largest vocal membranes of all primates, indicating a key role in their communication. </p>



<p>The study captured the calls of species like black and gold howler monkeys, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/capuchin-monkeys-use-clever-tools-to-access-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tufted capuchins</a>, black-capped squirrel monkeys, and Peruvian <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-monitoring-will-help-protect-endangered-spider-monkeys/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spider monkeys</a> at La Senda Verde Wildlife Sanctuary in Bolivia. </p>



<p>The data revealed that these vocal membranes add dramatic leaps in pitch that are rarely matched by humans.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wider-ranges-and-ultra-yodels">Wider ranges and “ultra-yodels”</h2>



<p>“These results show how monkeys take advantage of an evolved feature in their larynx - the vocal membrane - which allows for a wider range of calls to be produced, including these ultra-yodels,” explained Dr. Dunn from ARU.</p>



<p>Some of these calls cross frequency intervals up to five times larger than what the human voice can achieve. </p>



<p>While people who yodel typically stay within one octave, the study found that certain New World monkeys can exceed three octaves.</p>



<p>“This might be particularly important in primates, which have complex social lives and need to communicate in a variety of different ways," Dr. Dunn continued. </p>



<p>"It’s highly likely this has evolved to enrich the animals’ call repertoire, and is potentially used for attention-grabbing changes, call diversification, or identifying themselves.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vocal-variety-of-monkey-yodeling">Vocal variety of monkey yodeling</h2>



<p>“This is a fascinating example of how nature provides the means of enriching animal vocalization, despite their lack of language,” noted Dr Herbst from the University of Vienna.</p>



<p>“The production of these intricate vocal patterns is mostly enabled by the way the animals’ larynx is anatomically shaped, and does not require complex neural control generated by the brain.”</p>



<p>In basic terms, the vocal membranes introduce a kind of instability that makes way for abrupt changes in pitch. By switching between membranes and folds, monkeys add a unique flair to their vocal repertoire. </p>



<p>This could help them communicate across thick rainforest environments, where distant calls must pierce a chaotic soundscape.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-humans-do-it-differently">How humans do it differently</h2>



<p>“Our study shows that vocal membranes extend the monkey's pitch range, but also destabilize its voice. They may have been lost during <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-chapter-in-human-evolution-revealed-through-genetics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human evolution</a> to promote pitch stability in singing and speech,” explained Professor Tecumseh Fitch, also from the University of Vienna.</p>



<p>Humans prioritize a steady tone, which is crucial for clear speech. These membranes might have vanished from our lineage because, while they allow dramatic pitch shifts, they also create less consistent vocalization. </p>



<p>By losing them, our ancestors may have gained better control over speech patterns and articulation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-monkey-yodeling-matter">Why does monkey yodeling matter?</h2>



<p>The investigation offers a fresh perspective on the relationship between anatomy and communication. Researchers highlight how small structures in the larynx can produce unexpectedly large acoustic effects. </p>



<p>That knowledge could inform future studies on how primate species negotiate dense habitats with loud, competing noises. </p>



<p>It also highlights that monkeys rely on more than simple <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/toothed-whales-use-vocal-fry-to-catch-their-prey/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vocal folds</a> to make themselves heard. In the wild, these calls can travel large distances, allowing social groups to stay in contact or mark their territory.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-have-we-learned">What have we learned?</h2>



<p>Because of this discovery, scientists now better understand why monkeys in the Americas are capable of surprising pitch changes that exceed standard human vocal ranges. </p>



<p>The presence of expanded vocal membranes sets these species apart and explains how yodel-like calls evolved outside of the Alpine region. </p>



<p>At the same time, the research adds to ongoing work on how speech and language developed in our own evolutionary line.</p>



<p>There is still much to learn about these remarkable calls. Each insight brings us closer to appreciating the astonishing variety in primate communication and offers another reminder that humans, for all our talk, are not the only animals with vocal tricks up our sleeves.</p>



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



<p><a href="https://www.eurekalert.org/multimedia/1066689" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Click here to listen to the world's best yodelers...</a></p>



<p>Senior author Dr Jacob Dunn, Associate Professor in Evolutionary Biology at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) in Cambridge, England, was joined by colleagues at the University of Vienna, including lead author Dr Christian T. Herbst of the Department of Behavioural and Cognitive Biology and Professor Tecumseh Fitch, an expert in human vocal evolution.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/journal/rstb" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences</a></em>.</p>



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



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Monkeys are the world's best yodelers, and that includes humans

Latin America’s rainforest inhabitants have long surprised scientists with their...

<p>Many researchers fear the world is on track to surpass the 1.5°C average temperature rise target of the <a href="https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paris Agreement</a> within the next ten years. The escalating concern has sparked heated debates about climate justice, responsibility, carbon debt, and what must happen once we cross that line.</p>



<p>“As we near the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C limit, the question is not just about when we will exceed it, but also how we collectively deal with the consequences in the subsequent period,” said <a href="https://iiasa.ac.at/staff/setu-pelz" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Setu Pelz</a>, a researcher in the Transformative Institutional and Social Solutions Research Group (<a href="https://iiasa.ac.at/programs/ece/tiss" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TISS</a>).</p>



<p>Pelz is the lead author on a recent study that considers who will be held responsible once this threshold temperature is crossed, and how nations should act to restore temperatures to below the agreed-upon level. </p>



<p>”To guide efforts that minimize overshoot and establish who should pay for harms caused during this period, we measure who is responsible and to what extent, under a range of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astonishing-global-heat-in-january-2025-defied-climate-expectations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scenarios</a> and approaches,” explained Pelz.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-who-owes-carbon-debt-and-why">Who owes carbon debt and why</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2409316122" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Net-zero carbon debt</a> focuses on the idea of shared but uneven responsibilities for historical and future emissions. It tracks how much a region’s cumulative emissions overshoot its fair share of the remaining global carbon budget.</p>



<p>Fair share <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0166046220302817" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">calculations</a> consider aspects like population size and past pollution levels. This approach highlights how some high-income regions have used far more of the planet’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-warming-is-accelerating-beyond-control-as-co2-levels-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon budget</a> than others over the decades. </p>



<p>It suggests that when those regions finally reach <a href="https://netzeroclimate.org/what-is-net-zero-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">net-zero CO<sub>2</sub></a>, any excess emissions become their debt.</p>



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



<p><a href="https://www.overshootcommission.org/overshoot" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate overshoot</a> is what happens when global temperatures temporarily rise above a key threshold before returning below it. </p>



<p>Researchers point out that even a short period of overshoot can intensify severe heatwaves, droughts, and other extreme events.</p>



<p>Communities with fewer resources are particularly vulnerable, as they often lack adequate funding for adaptation and recovery. </p>



<p>That vulnerability compounds the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-constantly-reshuffling-earths-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">injustice</a> of overshoot, prompting discussions about financial support and technology transfers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-debt-responsibilities">Carbon debt responsibilities</h2>



<p>Wealthy regions are under pressure to reduce <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-climate-shift-sheds-light-on-future-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emissions</a> quickly to prevent further burden on younger generations. </p>



<p>Failure to achieve significant cuts raises the likelihood that future residents will pay for large-scale carbon removal <a href="https://climeworks.com/plant-orca" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">projects</a>.</p>



<p>Those technological solutions, such as direct air capture, may still be expensive and underdeveloped. </p>



<p>If wealthier regions do not act now, their own grandchildren could end up bearing both the physical risks of climate change and the enormous costs of repairing the damage.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emerging-economies-risk-carbon-debt">Emerging economies risk carbon debt</h2>



<p>Some emerging economies argue they should still be allowed to develop their industries and infrastructure using available energy sources. </p>



<p>Many stress that older industrialized nations built their prosperity through decades of unchecked fossil fuel use.</p>



<p>Still, these newer economies also face the possibility of carbon debt if their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-people-fear-climate-change-will-end-the-world-during-their-lifetime/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emissions</a> exceed a fair slice of the remaining budget. </p>



<p>That means efforts to maintain economic growth while minimizing emissions have become a critical challenge.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-youth-and-the-cost-of-inaction">Youth and the cost of inaction</h2>



<p>Young people in high-emitting countries often stand at the intersection of excess responsibility and increased climate hazards. </p>



<p>They inherit a world that is already struggling with warming, yet they also face the potential duty of massive carbon removal initiatives later in life.</p>



<p>Communities in lower-emitting countries also harbor many young people. They may not be saddled with the same carbon debt, but they confront heightened exposure to heatwaves, floods, and storms made worse by overshoot.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cooperation-and-climate-finance">Cooperation and climate finance</h2>



<p>International collaboration is often viewed as an essential piece of closing the emissions gap. Some regions might find quick, cost-efficient ways to scale renewable energy, but others may need financial help.</p>



<p>Such support could come in the form of grants, debt relief, or technology transfer. Without it, developing nations that are low emitters could find themselves raising emissions just to meet basic needs, which prolongs temperature overshoot and spreads harm worldwide.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-can-carbon-removal-fix-damage">Can carbon removal fix damage?</h2>



<p>A central question is whether future carbon removals can fully compensate for present emissions. </p>



<p><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-08020-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Evidence</a> suggests net-negative emissions can help draw temperatures back down over time, but the scientific details are still being studied.</p>



<p>Some climate <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S221209632100108X" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">models</a> assume large-scale carbon removal will happen toward the end of the century. That assumption creates moral and practical dilemmas, since it may place trust in expensive or unproven solutions. </p>



<p>Meanwhile, people living today continue to emit carbon in ways that add to future debt.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-domestic-feasibility-and-fairness">Domestic feasibility and fairness</h2>



<p>Experts emphasize the importance of separating cost-neutral strategies from those that need extra funding. </p>



<p><a href="https://www.weforum.org/stories/2022/03/solar-wind-power-renewable-energy-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Measures</a> like energy efficiency or low-cost solar and wind projects can often pay for themselves quickly.</p>



<p>Other strategies, such as developing advanced carbon capture technologies, typically require heavy investment and international support. </p>



<p>Regions expected to accumulate large carbon debts might need to ramp up these efforts much sooner.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-ahead">Looking ahead</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/cop29" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Discussions</a> about net-zero carbon debt highlight a new level of transparency in climate negotiations. </p>



<p>Instead of merely counting total emissions, stakeholders can monitor which countries and generations owe the most to keep global warming at a safe level.</p>



<p>Scientists and analysts propose that clearer guidelines on responsibility can spark solutions that bridge nations and generations. </p>



<p>While it will not be easy, such coordination could speed up the timeline for bringing global temperatures back below critical thresholds.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fair-recovery-must-address-carbon-debt">Fair recovery must address carbon debt</h2>



<p>The carbon debt framework may offer a path to greater clarity on funding and technology sharing. It could guide how to distribute the burdens of overshoot so that the regions that contributed the most take on a fair share of the cost.</p>



<p>No matter the chosen approach, the evidence underscores a need for immediate, collective steps to limit further warming. </p>



<p>Significant delays risk locking in more serious harm and piling up debts that future societies must confront.</p>



<p>A global drive toward higher ambition can still soften the worst impacts. Yet the longer we wait, the bigger the carbon debt becomes, and the tougher it will be to settle that bill.</p>



<p>Younger generations stand to lose the most in a warming world. If we want to prevent staggering climate costs down the road, deep cuts and bold collaboration must start now.</p>



<p>The study is published in <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2409316122" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</em></a>.</p>



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



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"Carbon debt" proposal assigns responsibility to countries that break climate pledges

Many researchers fear the world is on track to surpass...

<p>More Americans are starting to connect alcohol consumption with cancer risk. According to a new national survey, over half of U.S. adults now believe that drinking alcohol regularly increases the chance of developing cancer later in life.</p>



<p>This marks a notable increase from last year, when only 40% made that connection. The survey, conducted between January 30 and February 10, 2025, comes from the <a href="https://www.annenbergpublicpolicycenter.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania</a>.</p>



<p>Researchers asked more than 1,700 U.S. adults about their understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alcohol-related-deaths-have-doubled-over-the-past-two-decades/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">alcohol’s health effects</a>, and the results suggest that recent public health messaging may be making an impact. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-power-of-public-messaging">The power of public messaging</h2>



<p>One likely reason for the shift is the U.S. Surgeon General’s advisory released on January 3, 2025. </p>



<p>The statement warned that drinking alcohol increases the risk of developing at least seven types of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/even-small-amounts-of-alcohol-increase-cancer-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer</a> - including breast, colon, and liver cancer - and recommended that alcoholic beverages carry clearer warning labels. The advisory received widespread media attention. </p>



<p>“Our data suggest that the Surgeon General’s synthesis of the science showing that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alcohol-consumption-can-lead-to-chronic-pain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">alcohol consumption</a> increases one’s risk of cancer got traction,” noted Kathleen Hall Jamieson, director of the Annenberg Public Policy Center.</p>



<p>“The Surgeon General’s impact is a reminder that what health officials communicate about science can affect behavior.”</p>



<p>While several reports on alcohol and health were released around the same time, including one from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and another from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, most respondents were unaware of those. </p>



<p>The Surgeon General’s message was the only one that reached a large audience.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alcohol-reports-are-influencing-behavior">Alcohol reports are influencing behavior</h2>



<p>Nearly half of those surveyed said they had heard or read about recent reports on the health impact of alcohol. </p>



<p>When asked to name which report they remembered, 46% pointed to the Surgeon General’s advisory. However, 44% were unsure which one they had encountered.</p>



<p>The survey also asked whether exposure to these reports influenced people’s choices. </p>



<p>Almost 1 in 3 respondents (29%) said they would be less likely to accept a drink if offered in a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-social-drinking-feels-so-different-from-drinking-alone/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social setting</a>. But for most (61%), the reports made no difference.</p>



<p>A small group (9%) said they’d be more likely to accept a drink after learning about the reports.</p>



<p>Among those more inclined to take a drink, 73% said they’d also be more likely to accept a second one if offered. In contrast, 22% said they’d be less likely to accept a second drink.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-opinions-about-moderate-alcohol-use">Opinions about moderate alcohol use</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drinking-alcohol-in-moderation-does-not-prolong-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moderate drinking</a> is typically defined as one drink a day for women and up to two for men. </p>



<p>When asked about this level of alcohol use, 47% of those who recalled only one report said the report framed moderate drinking as harmful. </p>



<p>About 25% believed it described both harmful and beneficial effects. Another 20% were unsure what the report said.</p>



<p>While these numbers suggest that some confusion remains, public understanding seems to be heading in a new direction - especially in light of high-profile warnings and growing media coverage.</p>



<p>With over half of Americans now aware of the link between alcohol use and cancer, the conversation around moderate drinking may continue to evolve.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-this-means-moving-forward">What this means moving forward</h2>



<p>The rising awareness about alcohol’s link to cancer signals a shift in public perception. As more people connect everyday behaviors with long-term health risks, health officials may see new opportunities to improve labeling, education, and outreach. </p>



<p>Still, with a significant portion of the population unsure or unconvinced, there’s clearly work to be done.</p>



<p>Public health campaigns that clearly communicate the risks - like the Surgeon General’s advisory - can help people make more informed choices.</p>



<p>Whether or not these messages continue to change behavior will depend on how they are delivered, how frequently they are repeated, and how much trust they earn from the public.</p>



<p>As the conversation around alcohol continues, the next challenge may not be just raising awareness - but helping people turn that awareness into meaningful decisions.</p>



<p>Details of the survey were <a href="https://www.news-medical.net/news/20250401/Survey-shows-increased-awareness-of-alcohole28099s-cancer-risks.aspx">published</a> by the Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania.</p>



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



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Climate shock: Lakes are losing oxygen faster than expected

Climate change is reshaping our planet, and lakes are not...

<p>As climate change reshapes landscapes across the world, native species face growing challenges. </p>



<p>Rising temperatures, altered water flows, and shifting ecosystems already disrupt many habitats. At the same time, biological invasions involving non-native species that move into new areas introduce added stress.</p>



<p>Until now, these two threats have mostly been studied in isolation. However, recent work by researchers at <a href="https://oregonstate.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oregon State University</a> suggests that combining these forces reveals deeper risks.</p>



<p>Native <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/native-plants-cant-outrun-climate-change-on-their-own/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> may lose more than just space - they may face extinction under the pressure of both climate and invaders.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-threat-to-native-species">Threat to native species</h2>



<p>The study, published in the journal <em>Global Change Biology</em>, begins to close the gap between climate science and invasion biology.</p>



<p>“Climate change and biological invasions are increasingly affecting ecosystems globally,” said Ivan Arismendi, an associate professor in Oregon State’s Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences. </p>



<p>“It’s critical to understand their combined impacts so that we can anticipate and adapt management strategies that account for shifting interactions between native and non-native <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-some-places-are-prime-targets-for-invasive-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a>.”</p>



<p>The team focused on freshwater fish species in the Pacific Northwest, where warming waters and shifting rivers have changed aquatic habitats. Arismendi and his colleagues, Guillermo Giannico and Arif Jan, developed ecological niche models.</p>



<p>These models use environmental data to predict where species might live under current and future conditions. Their goal was to understand how overlapping habitats could intensify threats to native fish.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warming-forces-fish-to-higher-ground">Warming forces fish to higher ground</h2>



<p>The researchers studied two invasive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/non-native-species-are-spreading-at-an-exponential-rate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a>, namely smallmouth bass and northern pike, and two native species, the redband trout and bull trout.</p>



<p>These fish currently occupy different regions, but warming climates are pushing them all toward higher elevations, where colder water remains. Unfortunately, this movement may force them into closer contact, with serious consequences.</p>



<p>“Cold water refuges in upstream areas will serve as converging zones for native and non-native fishes,” said Jan, a doctoral student at Oregon State. </p>



<p>“Past research has documented predatory interactions toward salmonids by smallmouth bass and northern pike, where their habitat overlaps. This means potential year-round predation and competition pressures during the early life stages of salmonids.”</p>



<p>The team found that future climate conditions will reduce suitable habitats for all four species. But more alarming was the increase in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-non-native-species-are-saving-themselves-from-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitat</a> overlap. In these shared zones, invasive species may outcompete or prey upon native ones, pushing already vulnerable populations closer toward collapse.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-native-species-disappear-invasives-take-over">Native species disappear, invasives take over</h2>



<p>This situation is not hypothetical. Similar patterns have already emerged in places like southeastern Alaska, where native salmonids have disappeared from areas invaded by northern pike. </p>



<p>The combination of climate-driven <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/freshwater-crisis-one-in-four-species-faces-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitat</a> loss and biological pressure creates a dangerous feedback loop. As conditions worsen, natives lose the space and time they need to adapt or recover.</p>



<p>The implications of this research reach beyond the Pacific Northwest. As temperatures rise and weather patterns shift globally, many regions will experience similar overlaps between native and non-native species. </p>



<p>The model developed by Oregon State researchers can help other scientists and managers assess risks elsewhere.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-planning-with-smarter-conservation-tools">Planning with smarter conservation tools</h2>



<p>“This study highlights the need for integrated management strategies that address both direct and indirect effects of interactions among species,” said Giannico, a professor of fisheries at Oregon State. </p>



<p>He emphasized that the framework used in this study is simple and cost-effective. It can help conservation teams prioritize areas for early detection of invasive species and focus resources where they are most needed.</p>



<p>Rather than reacting to individual threats, this new approach allows planners to anticipate problems before they escalate. It opens the door to broader ecological forecasting, where climate models and biological data work together. With better tools, conservation can become more proactive and efficient.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growing-challenges-and-an-uncertain-future">Growing challenges and an uncertain future</h2>



<p>While the study deals with fish, its lessons apply across ecosystems. Forests, grasslands, and wetlands all face pressure from changing climates and invasive species. </p>



<p>As these challenges grow, species will shift, compete, and in some cases, vanish. Understanding how these forces interact gives us a chance to intervene.</p>



<p>The Oregon State researchers offer a glimpse of a future that is both uncertain and urgent. Their work reminds us that climate change does not act alone. It invites disruption. When non-native species follow, the result can be devastating. </p>



<p>But with clear science and thoughtful planning, we may still help native species survive the changes ahead.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/gcb.70040" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Change Biology</a>.</em></p>



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



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Native fish species are facing 'double trouble'

As climate change reshapes landscapes across the world, native species...

<p>If humanity ever settles on Mars, one of the biggest dangers might not come from deep space, radiation, or even food shortages. It could come from something as seemingly harmless as dust.</p>



<p>A new study from researchers at the <a href="https://www.colorado.edu/atlas/academics/grad/ctd-ci?gad_source=1&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwna6_BhCbARIsALId2Z25ASxygbh0v3FdCjbSYeLOVXbclGajBe4T-HtYvY4NSVNFYT7X4v0aAkPPEALw_wcB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Colorado Boulder</a> reveals that long-term exposure to Martian dust could pose serious health risks for astronauts. These risks range from chronic lung damage to thyroid dysfunction. </p>



<p>The research, which brings together experts in medicine, geology, and aerospace engineering, offers the first detailed analysis of the chemical composition of Martian dust and how it might affect the human body.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-lurking-in-martian-dust">What’s lurking in Martian dust?</h2>



<p>“This isn't the most dangerous part about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/could-a-nuclear-powered-spacecraft-shorten-the-trip-to-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">going to Mars</a>,” said Justin Wang, lead author of the study. "But dust is a solvable problem, and it’s worth putting in the effort to develop Mars-focused technologies for preventing these health problems in the first place.”</p>



<p>Wang, who is a CU Boulder alumnus and now a student in the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, pointed out that this issue isn't entirely new. </p>



<p>Apollo astronauts reported symptoms like runny eyes and irritated throats after being exposed to lunar dust. Some likened it to suffering from hay fever.</p>



<p>But the Martian environment presents its own unique challenges. Unlike <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/moon-dust-simulating-lunar-dirt-will-make-it-easier-to-collect/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lunar dust</a>, the chemical makeup of Mars dust is less understood. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unveiling-the-hazards-of-martian-dust">Unveiling the hazards of Martian dust </h2>



<p>To learn more, the researchers examined data from Martian meteorites and rover missions.</p>



<p>What they found was a long list of concerning ingredients: silicates, iron oxides, beryllium, arsenic, and perchlorates - a highly reactive compound that is not commonly found on Earth.</p>



<p>Even in small doses, some of these substances can be toxic. And since early Mars missions are expected to last up to 18 months, exposure levels could become significant.</p>



<p>“You’re going to get dust on your <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-is-testing-spacesuit-materials-for-future-missions-to-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spacesuits</a>, and you’re going to have to deal with regular dust storms,” said study co-author Brian Hynek. “We really need to characterize this dust so that we know what the hazards are.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-dusty-world">A dusty world</h2>



<p>Mars is covered in fine, red dust made mostly of iron-rich particles. These particles are easily lifted by wind, creating dust storms that sometimes blanket the entire planet.</p>



<p>“We think there could be 10 meters of dust sitting on top of the bigger volcanoes,” said Hynek. “If you tried to land a spacecraft there, you’re going to just sink into the dust.”</p>



<p>The problem, scientists say, isn’t just that there’s a lot of dust. It’s also about how small the particles are.</p>



<p>Some dust grains on Mars may be as tiny as 3 micrometers across - far smaller than what human lungs are capable of filtering out.</p>



<p>“That’s smaller than what the mucus in our lungs can expel,” said Wang. “So after we inhale Martian dust, a lot of it could remain in our lungs and be absorbed into our blood stream.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-risks-of-martian-dust">The risks of Martian dust</h2>



<p>Wang and a team of medical students analyzed existing research to assess the health impacts of Mars's dust. Some risks are well known.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/glass-bottles-have-an-unexpectedly-large-environmental-impact/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Silica</a>, for instance, is abundant in Martian minerals and is known to cause silicosis on Earth - a disease common among glass workers and miners. It leads to scarring of lung tissue and severe breathing difficulties. There is currently no cure.</p>



<p>Other threats are less familiar. Perchlorates, another common component of Martian dust, are compounds made of chlorine and oxygen. Though rare on Earth, they can severely affect thyroid function in humans, potentially leading to anemia. Even small amounts could be harmful over time.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prevention-is-key">Prevention is key </h2>



<p>The good news is that many of these problems can be addressed before <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astronauts-can-survive-mars-space-journey-but-their-kidneys-will-be-permanently-damaged/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">astronauts</a> ever set foot on Mars. </p>



<p>Wang suggested several preventative measures. Iodine supplements might help offset the effects of perchlorates, though too much iodine could also cause thyroid issues. Filters and seals that keep Martian dust out of living spaces are another solution.</p>



<p>“Prevention is key. We tell everyone to go see their primary care provider to check your cholesterol before it gives you a heart attack,” Wang said. </p>



<p>“The best thing we can do on Mars is make sure the astronauts aren’t exposed to dust in the first place.”</p>



<p>As the dream of exploring Mars inches closer to reality, it’s becoming clear that survival won’t just depend on rockets and rovers. It may also depend on how well we understand - and protect ourselves from - the dust beneath our feet.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2024GH001213" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GeoHealth</a></em>.</p>



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



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Dust could threaten the health of future astronauts on Mars

If humanity ever settles on Mars, one of the biggest...

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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<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...

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</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Acid rain and a crisis solved.</figcaption></figure>



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



<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>



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https://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
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<p>Probiotics - beneficial microbes that balance gut bacteria and aid digestion - are typically fragile and can be destroyed by stomach acid or processing. </p>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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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

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

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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

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

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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

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

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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>



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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

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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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