Far beneath our feet, beyond the Earth's rocky mantle and molten outer core, lies a dense, solid sphere of iron and other elements like carbon. 



This inner core is Earth’s deepest secret, shaping the magnetic field that shields our planet. Yet, scientists still puzzle over how it first formed and what ingredients allowed it to crystallize.



A new study by researchers from the University of Leeds, University of Oxford, and <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University College London</a> provides fresh insight. 



Their findings reveal that carbon may have been the key element that enabled the inner core to solidify billions of years ago.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-earth-s-core-composition-matters">Why Earth's core composition matters</h2>



The makeup of Earth’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-inner-core-proven-to-be-rapidly-changing-and-now-rotating-backwards/">core</a> determines not only its density but also its thermal and magnetic behavior. 



Seismology shows that the core is less dense than pure iron, meaning lighter elements must be present. Candidates like silicon, sulphur, oxygen, and carbon have all been considered.



The latest simulations show that carbon, in particular, may have been essential. Without it, the inner core’s crystallization would have required impossible conditions, making its very existence a mystery.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/earth-inner-core_hidden-chemistry_illustration_credit-Alfred-Wilson_1m.jpg"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/earth-inner-core_hidden-chemistry_illustration_credit-Alfred-Wilson_1s.webp" alt="Drawing of Earth with cutaway showing the mantle and inner and outer core. Magnetic field lines produced by the geodynamo extend into space and interact with the solar wind. The iron-rich core at Earth's center is slowly freezing from the inside out. Credit: Dr. Alfred Wilson" class="wp-image-1984775"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Drawing of Earth with cutaway showing the mantle and inner and outer core. Magnetic field lines produced by the geodynamo extend into space and interact with the solar wind. The iron-rich core at Earth's center is slowly freezing from the inside out. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Dr. Alfred Wilson</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-supercooling-paradox">The supercooling paradox</h2>



Liquids rarely freeze solid the instant they cool past their <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/melting-point" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">melting point</a>. Instead, they must be supercooled, chilled further before crystals can form. 



For molten iron alone, estimates suggested that a massive 800 to 1000 °C (1472 to 1832 °F) of supercooling would be needed.



If that had occurred, the consequences for our planet would have been dramatic. 



The inner core would have grown far too quickly, disrupting the delicate balance of heat flow inside <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-inner-core-is-not-solid-it-is-shape-shifting-time-for-textbooks-to-be-rewritten/">Earth</a> and destabilizing the magnetic field that protects life from harmful solar and cosmic radiation.



Scientists know this did not happen. Geophysical evidence points instead to a modest level of supercooling, limited to about 250 °C (482 °F). 



That small difference between theoretical predictions and observational reality has puzzled researchers for decades.



This contradiction, known as the inner core nucleation paradox, continues to inspire debate, experiments, and advanced simulations aimed at uncovering the true chemistry of Earth’s deepest layers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-simulating-the-impossible">Simulating the impossible</h2>



To resolve the paradox, the research team ran atomic-scale simulations of iron mixed with different light elements. 



They tested silicon, sulfur, oxygen, and carbon, and watched how each affected the first step of freezing: nucleation.



“Each of these elements exists in the overlying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-an-ocean-of-fire-shaped-early-earths-core-according-to-a-new-study/">mantle</a> and could therefore have been dissolved into the core during Earth’s history,” explained co-author Associate Professor Andrew Walker from the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a>.



“As a result, these could explain why we have a solid inner core with relatively little supercooling at this depth. The presence of one or more of these elements could also rationalize why the core is less dense than pure iron, a key observation from seismology.”



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/earth-inner-core_cross-section_convection_credit-Alfred-Wilson_1m.jpg"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/earth-inner-core_cross-section_convection_credit-Alfred-Wilson_1s.webp" alt="Cross section of the Earth showing the mantle, outer core and inner core. Convection in the outer core produces Earth's geomagnetic field. The properties of Earth's iron-rich core are key to understanding our planet's deep interior, from its temperature to the way it generates the global magnetic field. The core's exact chemistry remains unknown. Credit: Dr. Alfred Wilson" class="wp-image-1984773"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Cross section of the Earth showing the mantle, outer core and inner core. Convection in the outer core produces Earth's geomagnetic field. The properties of Earth's iron-rich core are key to understanding our planet's deep interior, from its temperature to the way it generates the global magnetic field. The core's exact chemistry remains unknown. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Dr. Alfred Wilson</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-drives-earth-s-core-freezing">Carbon drives Earth's core freezing</h2>



The simulations revealed that silicon and sulfur actually hindered freezing, which would have increased the supercooling requirement. Carbon, however, had the opposite effect.



With 2.4 % carbon, the required supercooling dropped to about 420 °C (788 °F). Still too high, but much closer to reality. 



Extrapolating further, a carbon content of 3.8 % reduced the figure to 266 °C (511 °F), which is consistent with geological evidence.



This makes carbon the only element so far shown to both enable nucleation and align with seismic observations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-no-seeds-needed">No seeds needed</h2>



Unlike hail forming around dust in clouds, Earth’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-discover-how-gold-reaches-earths-surface-from-the-mantle/">core</a> appears to have frozen without “nucleation seeds.” 



Tests of possible seed materials, like oxides or metals, show they would melt or dissolve before reaching the center. That leaves chemistry itself, specifically the presence of carbon, as the driver of solidification.



“It is exciting to see how atomic scale processes control the fundamental structure and dynamics of our planet," said lead author Dr. Alfred Wilson from the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Leeds</a>. 



"By studying how Earth’s inner core formed, we are not just learning about our planet’s past. We’re getting a rare glimpse into the chemistry of a region we can never hope to reach directly and learning about how it could change in the future.”



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/earth-inner-core_iron-carbon-atoms-nucleating_credit-Alfred-Wilson_1m.jpg"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/earth-inner-core_iron-carbon-atoms-nucleating_credit-Alfred-Wilson_1s.webp" alt="Drawing of iron and carbon atoms nucleating to form solids which could initiate growth of Earth's solid inner core. The study used atomic scale simulations to identify solids nucleating in supercooled liquids. Carbon atoms can accelerate this process, perhaps enough to trigger the freezing of Earth's solid inner core. Credit: Dr. Alfred Wilson" class="wp-image-1984777"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Drawing of iron and carbon atoms nucleating to form solids which could initiate growth of Earth's solid inner core. The study used atomic scale simulations to identify solids nucleating in supercooled liquids. Carbon atoms can accelerate this process, perhaps enough to trigger the freezing of Earth's solid inner core. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Dr. Alfred Wilson</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-s-role-in-earth-s-core">Carbon's role in Earth’s core</h2>



The research also helps refine estimates of when the inner core formed. Some argue it began crystallizing over two billion years ago, while others suggest it happened less than half a billion years ago. 



By identifying carbon as the critical player, scientists can narrow down these timelines. 



This enables a better understanding of how Earth’s deep engine has evolved to influence the magnetic field, surface conditions, and even the long-term habitability of our planet.



The message is clear: carbon is more than a surface element of life. It may also be the hidden architect of Earth’s inner heart, shaping its stability across geological time.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-62841-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Scientists have changed their minds again about the composition of Earth's core

Far beneath our feet, beyond the Earth's rocky mantle and molten outer core, lies a dense, solid sphere of iron and other elements like carbon. This inner core is Earth’s deepest secret, shaping the magnetic field that shields our planet. Yet, scientists still puzzle over how it first formed and what ingredients allowed it to crystallize. A new study by researchers from the University of Leeds, University of Oxford, and University College London provides fresh insight. Their findings reveal that carbon may have been the key element...

Space journeys that stretch far beyond home are on the horizon. Crews heading for Mars will face conditions quite different from those on Earth, and researchers have been working to figure out what might happen to the human body during these extended voyages. 



Kidneys have been a big question mark. Recent work reveals that these important organs could face more trouble than previously assumed, including a higher risk of stones and lasting damage.



Several studies have hinted at health concerns for astronauts ever since humans first ventured outside Earth’s protective zone, but the new findings shed light on why such problems arise in the kidneys. 



Dr. Keith Siew from the <a href="https://www.londontubularcentre.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">London Tubular Centre</a>, based at the UCL Department of Renal Medicine, and his colleagues have pieced together a detailed picture of what happens when living beings - human and otherwise - experience space-like conditions for weeks to years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-space-missions-and-human-kidneys">Space missions and human kidneys</h2>



The latest study was conducted under a UCL-led initiative involving over 40 institutions on five continents.



The team considered data from 20 different research cohorts and samples linked to over 40 Low Earth orbit missions to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-says-the-international-space-station-is-too-clean-add-microbes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Space Station</a>, plus 11 simulations with mice and rats. 



The work is described as the largest analysis of kidney health in spaceflight so far and includes the first health dataset for commercial astronauts. 



It also involved seven simulations in which mice were exposed to radiation that mimicked up to 2.5 years of cosmic travel beyond <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/earths-magnetic-field-origin-structure-and-impact-on-humanity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth’s magnetic field</a>. 



Findings revealed that the structure and function of the kidneys are altered by spaceflight, with galactic radiation causing permanent damage that would jeopardize any long-distance mission.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kidneys-and-deep-space-radiation">Kidneys and deep space radiation</h2>



Astronauts in Low Earth orbit still benefit from partial shielding by our planet’s magnetic field. 



Only 24 people - the ones who went to the moon - have been exposed to the full brunt of Galactic Cosmic Radiation for short trips of about 6-12 days. 



Nobody has ventured on a years-long mission beyond the Earth’s magnetic boundary, so it was unclear how organs might hold up under <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/voyager-spacecraft-fighting-survival-cosmic-threats-outside-our-solar-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">more extreme conditions</a>.



As part of the new study, researchers found that certain kidney tubules, which control delicate balances of salts and calcium, shrink after just a month in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microgravity-causes-big-problems-with-human-gene-expression/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microgravity</a>. 



The kidneys also process salts in a way that increases the likelihood of kidney stone formation. 



This new insight shifts the focus away from an older assumption that stones in space result mainly from bone loss causing elevated calcium in urine.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-longer-distance-more-radiation">Longer distance, more radiation</h2>



The research highlighted that cosmic radiation cannot be fully blocked by typical shielding. When mice were given doses of simulated <a href="https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/phenomena/galactic-cosmic-rays" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Galactic Cosmic Radiation</a> equal to a mission length of up to 2.5 years, the animals showed irreversible kidney damage. 



Some of the key observations point to changes in how the kidneys manage vital minerals, which impacts long-term health during space travel.



“We know what has happened to astronauts on the relatively short space missions conducted so far, in terms of an increase in health issues such as kidney stones,” explained Dr. Siew. 



“What we don’t know is why these issues occur, nor what is going to happen to astronauts on longer flights such as the proposed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-curiosity-rover-finds-sulfur-crystals-martian-rock-hints-at-possible-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mission to Mars</a>.”



If scientists don’t develop new ways to protect the kidneys, any astronaut that makes it to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/largest-organic-molecules-ever-found-on-mars-confirm-life-forming-chemistry-is-possible/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars</a> will likely need dialysis on the way home or upon arrival.



"We know that the kidneys are late to show signs of radiation damage; by the time this becomes apparent it’s probably too late to prevent failure, which would be catastrophic for the mission’s chances of success," Dr. Siew concluded.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-kidneys-and-future-space-travel">Human kidneys and future space travel</h2>



Space agencies have been aware since the 1970s that journeys outside our planet’s natural defenses lead to health concerns involving bones, eyes, and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-century-of-progress-in-the-fight-against-cardiovascular-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiovascular system</a>. 



This new work puts fresh focus on the kidneys. It also highlights the importance of managing both microgravity and radiation, especially with more ambitious missions on the table.



“Our study highlights the fact that if you’re planning a space mission, kidneys really matter. You can’t protect them from galactic radiation using shielding," noted Professor Stephen B. Walsh from the London Tubular Centre, UCL Department of Renal Medicine.



"But as we learn more about renal biology it may be possible to develop technological or pharmaceutical measures to facilitate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/space-travel-has-unexpected-effects-on-gut-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extended space travel</a>."



Any drugs developed for astronauts may also be beneficial here on Earth. For instance, by enabling cancer patients’ kidneys to tolerate higher doses of radiotherapy, which is currently an impediment to that form of treatment.



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



Though this work only outlines organ changes up to two and a half years, it stands as the most comprehensive data currently available for that timescale. 



Researchers say that pinpointing these risks is a vital first step before reliable solutions can be introduced. 



The study’s international collaboration suggests momentum is building to safeguard astronauts’ kidneys, and future innovations could reach beyond space missions to help patients on Earth.



Experts note that learning how to handle the combined effects of microgravity and cosmic radiation will be key to making ambitious missions safer. 



With evidence pointing to serious kidney challenges, careful planning will be needed to keep crews healthy on journeys that last far longer than any undertaken before.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-49212-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Astronauts can survive a trip to Mars, but one critical internal organ will likely fail

Space journeys that stretch far beyond home are on the...

Wind and Earth’s spin keep the ocean’s surface currents constantly moving, and those currents are the main reason floating plastic and other debris travel so far. A prime example of this phenomenon is the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.



Two types of currents do most of the work: geostrophic currents, which form from the balance between gravity and Earth’s rotation, and Ekman currents, which wind drives directly. Together, they carry debris across vast stretches of the ocean.



As these currents swirl, they naturally pull trash toward the centers of the world’s five subtropical gyres - massive, slow-moving whirlpools in the ocean. Over time, these zones turn into plastic hotspots, where all kinds of floating junk gathers.



The North Pacific subtropical gyre is the most infamous of the bunch. That’s home to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, the biggest and most studied plastic pile-up in the ocean. 



It’s drawn the attention of scientists, environmentalists, and the public alike. And not surprisingly, many of the first large-scale ocean cleanup projects have started right there.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-great-pacific-garbage-patch">Understanding the Great Pacific Garbage Patch</h2>



The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a massive collection of plastic debris, abandoned fishing gear, and other trash that accumulates in the North Pacific Ocean. 



These plastics can take hundreds of years to break down, and even when they do, they become tiny microplastics that enter marine food chains. 



This swirling soup of litter poses a big threat to marine life, seabirds, and even human health when contaminated seafood ends up on our plates.



You might picture the patch as a giant floating island of trash, but in reality, it’s more like a massive zone of scattered debris. 



This makes it difficult to clean up, as much of the garbage is tiny bits of plastic dispersed throughout the water. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smarter-alternative-hiding-in-plain-sight">Smarter alternative hiding in plain sight</h2>



Instead of chasing the trash, scientists now suggest using the ocean’s own natural flow to do the work. A new study has mapped out zones where water tends to converge and pull debris into tight pockets.



“Instead of boats slowly trawling and burning fuel, they can hold their position and keep the nets steady at a location where currents funnel and aggregate drifting objects,” said <a href="https://www.psi.edu/staff/profile/rodrigo-duran/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rodrigo Duran</a>, a research scientist at the <a href="https://www.psi.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Planetary Science Institute</a>, and co-author of the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-patterns-pull-trash-into-zones">Ocean patterns pull trash into zones</h2>



The team, led by <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Luca_Kunz" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Luca Kunz</a> from the University of Hamburg, used over 20 years of satellite and drifter data to spot high-traffic areas for floating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-currents-may-soon-clean-up-waste-thanks-to-space-tech/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">debris</a>. 



These zones, called Transient Attracting Profiles (<a href="https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2024OcSci..20.1611K/abstract" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TRAPs</a>), are temporary regions where swirling currents push trash together.



TRAPs form when four eddies - circular currents - spin in just the right pattern. About 60% of the time, this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/critical-ocean-current-may-be-more-stable-than-previously-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pattern</a> pulls debris into a stable zone roughly 60 miles (96 kilometers) wide. Most of these zones stick around for about six days.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-this-changes-cleanup-strategy">Why this changes cleanup strategy</h2>



Instead of moving across hundreds of miles, crews could now wait at known TRAP locations. When positioned right, nets could skim off trash that is funneled in by the current.



That saves fuel, time, and effort - and reduces the environmental cost of sweeping up the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-oceans-are-rapidly-changing-colors-matching-climate-predictions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-than-just-ocean-trash">More than just ocean trash</h2>



While TRAPs are useful for plastic cleanup, Duran says they could also be used for search and rescue, cargo loss, oil spill containment, or tracking volcanic ash and wildfire smoke as it drifts across the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-draining-nutrients-from-the-oceans-surface/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean</a> and air.



“This can even be used for atmospheric data,” Duran said, pointing to how the technique can predict movement across multiple systems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-past-predictions-fell-short">Why past predictions fell short</h2>



Previous models tried to guess where trash was heading based on <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/030193229090034G" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lagrangian simulations</a>, which track particles drifting on oceans over time. But at the smaller scale - about 1 to 10 miles (1.6 to 16 kilometers) - those methods break down.



TRAPs flip the question. Instead of asking where an object will go, they ask: where will things gather? That shift makes all the difference.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-testing-the-patterns">Testing the patterns</h2>



To verify these zones, the team analyzed how drifters (floating sensors that move with surface currents) behaved around TRAPs. Most stayed near a TRAP for an average of six days. A few stuck around for over a month.



Researchers also noticed that drifters weren’t just spinning in circles. They were pulled straight into a TRAP, then funneled along its length - like getting sucked into a current and pushed out the other side.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-this-can-change-everything">How this can change everything</h2>



The most effective TRAPs form in clusters of four eddies with alternating spin directions. These structures appear often in areas of high turbulence, like near <a href="https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/west-coast/science-data/oceanography-northern-california-current-study-area" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">California’s upwelling zone</a> or around the <a href="https://hilo.hawaii.edu/~kenhon/GEOL205/Chain/default.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hawaiian Ridge</a>.



Tracking them in real time could help cleanup crews navigate better and use far fewer resources. Long-lasting TRAPs, in particular, offer a clear target: the longer they exist, the more plastic they tend to gather.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-coming-for-ocean-trash-cleanup">What’s coming for ocean trash cleanup</h2>



This technique isn’t just theory. It’s backed by decades of observations and tested with real ocean data. Cleanup crews could start using TRAP tracking to guide where and when they deploy nets.



As satellite monitoring improves and new missions deliver higher-resolution data, smaller TRAPs near coastlines may also be tracked more easily.



“It’s a very exciting time,” Duran remarked. The scale of the garbage patch is overwhelming, but knowing where and when debris gathers gives crews a fighting chance.&nbsp;



If cleanup systems can act more like filters than drag nets, sitting still while the ocean delivers the trash, then this could mark a shift in how we tackle plastic pollution at sea.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-22939-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ocean Science</a>.



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New ideas on how to cleanup the 'Great Pacific Garbage Patch'

Wind and Earth’s spin keep the ocean’s surface currents constantly...

After more than a decade of charting the stars with extraordinary precision, the European Space Agency’s Gaia spacecraft has completed its mission.&nbsp;



On March 27, mission controllers at <a href="https://www.esa.int/About_Us/ESOC" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA’s European Space Operations Center</a> (ESOC) powered down Gaia for the last time, sending the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gaia-reveals-moons-around-hundreds-of-asteroids/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spacecraft</a> into a carefully planned solar orbit that will keep it far from Earth for at least a century.



Though Gaia’s systems are now silent, its scientific impact is just beginning to unfold.



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



Launched in 2013, Gaia set out to map the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-ways-black-hole-unleashes-mysterious-flares/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a> with a level of detail never before achieved. Over the years, it recorded the positions, motions, distances, and physical properties of nearly two billion stars.&nbsp;



The resulting data has revolutionized our understanding of galactic structure and evolution, and provided insight into everything from black holes and exoplanets to asteroids, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bouncing-comets-could-deliver-lifes-building-blocks-to-exoplanets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">comets</a>, and distant galaxies.



“Gaia’s extensive data releases are a unique treasure trove for astrophysical research, and influence almost all disciplines in astronomy,” said Gaia Project scientist Johannes Sahlmann.



The mission’s legacy is already profound. It revealed the remnants of ancient galactic mergers, discovered new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secret-origins-of-young-star-clusters-traced-to-three-families/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star clusters</a>, and enabled the most accurate visualisation of the Milky Way’s appearance from the outside.&nbsp;



Even with the spacecraft now decommissioned, its data releases will continue. A fourth major data release is scheduled for 2026, with a final “legacy” catalogue expected after 2030.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenge-of-powering-down-spacecraft">Challenge of powering down spacecraft</h2>



Gaia was designed to survive the hazards of space - radiation storms, micrometeoroid impacts, and lost contact with Earth. Redundant systems ensured it could restart itself and resume operation after nearly any disruption. That resilience made powering it down especially delicate.



“Switching off a spacecraft at the end of its mission sounds like a simple enough job,” said Spacecraft Operator Tiago Nogueira. “But spacecraft really don’t want to be switched off.”



To prevent any chance of Gaia reactivating, the team at ESOC developed a precise decommissioning sequence. They carefully disabled its instruments and subsystems, one by one.&nbsp;



The team also deliberately corrupted its software, ensuring that even if Gaia’s solar panels catch sunlight again, it won’t resume transmission.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-keeping-gaia-at-a-safe-distance">Keeping Gaia at a safe distance</h2>



“I was in charge of corrupting Gaia’s processor modules to make sure that the onboard software will never restart again,” said Spacecraft Operations Engineer Julia Fortuno.&nbsp;



“I have mixed feelings between the excitement for these important end-of-life operations and the sadness of saying goodbye to a spacecraft I have worked on for more than five years.”



Before shutting it down completely, Gaia’s thrusters were fired one last time, nudging it away from the second Lagrange point (L2), its long-time observing post, and into a retirement orbit around the Sun.&nbsp;



That move ensures Gaia will stay at a safe distance from Earth - more than 10 million kilometers - for the next century or more.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-enduring-legacy-of-gaia">The enduring legacy of Gaia</h2>



Although Gaia’s instruments are now quiet, the spacecraft’s contributions to science will echo for decades. ESA missions already in orbit, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/euclid-captures-26-million-galaxies-in-vivid-deep-field-photos/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Euclid</a>, rely on Gaia’s star maps for accurate orientation.&nbsp;



The upcoming PLATO mission, designed to search for exoplanets, will build on Gaia’s detailed stellar data to target stars that are most likely to host planets.



Gaia also spent its final weeks in service conducting technology tests. Engineers examined how its micropropulsion system had aged after more than ten years in space - data that could prove invaluable for future missions such as ESA’s LISA observatory, which will detect gravitational waves using similar propulsion.



But the mission's farewell also carried a deeply human element. As a symbolic gesture, the names of around 1,500 people who worked on Gaia were written into its onboard memory, overwriting parts of the backup software.&nbsp;



Personal farewell messages were also added, allowing the spacecraft to carry a lasting tribute from its team as it drifts silently through the solar system.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saying-goodbye-but-not-letting-go">Saying goodbye, but not letting go</h2>



ESA has long emphasized responsible spacecraft disposal, and Gaia’s deactivation reflects that commitment. Still, for the scientists and engineers who worked on it, the moment was bittersweet.



“We will never forget Gaia, and Gaia will never forget us,” said Gaia Mission Manager Uwe Lammers.



The spacecraft may no longer be gathering data, but its legacy is secured. Gaia has charted a new path for galactic exploration - one that future astronomers will follow for generations.



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Farewell to Gaia, the spacecraft that mapped the Milky Way

After more than a decade of charting the stars with...

The invention of sharp stone tools - known as “knapping” - marked a turning point in early human evolution, allowing our ancestors to access new food resources, from tough plant fibers to animal carcasses.&nbsp;



This technological leap played a critical role in the expansion of brain size and the complex development of human society.&nbsp;



But what led to this moment? How did the very first humans begin making sharp-edged tools in the first place?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earliest-origins-of-stone-tools">Earliest origins of stone tools</h2>



A team of 24 scientists, led by researchers at the <a href="https://www.cmnh.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cleveland Museum of Natural History</a>, has proposed a new hypothesis to explain the earliest origins of stone tool <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stone-tool-flint-discovery-challenges-theory-of-human-cultural-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">production</a>.&nbsp;



Their theory suggests that before hominins intentionally chipped stone to make tools, they likely used sharp rocks already shaped by natural forces.&nbsp;



The study was co-authored by Dr. Emma Finestone, an associate curator at the museum, along with Dr. Michelle R. Bebber and Dr. Metin I. Eren, research associates at the museum and professors at <a href="https://www.kent.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kent State University</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nature-s-knives-came-first">Nature's knives came first</h2>



“I don’t think it was a ‘Eureka!’ moment whereby hominins first made a sharp stone flake by intention or by accident and then went to look for something to cut,” explained Dr. Eren. “There is no reason to produce sharp stone tools unless the need to cut is already in place.”



Instead, the team argues that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-humans-had-surprising-diets-3-5-million-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">early humans</a> began by using what they call “naturaliths” - naturally occurring sharp rocks that formed through geological processes like river erosion or animal trampling. While previous research had suggested these natural cutting tools were rare, the new study challenges that view.



Drawing from global fieldwork and a comprehensive review of scientific literature, the researchers show that these naturally formed sharp <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/living-microbes-discovered-in-2-billion-year-old-rocks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rocks</a> are surprisingly common. In fact, the production of naturaliths appears to happen continuously in many environments around the world, often in large quantities.



“In some cases, sharp rocks are produced by Mother Nature in the hundreds, thousands, or more,” said Dr. Bebber, who encountered one such site during her work in Oman. “It is quite astonishing…natural knives were likely readily available to our hominin ancestors.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploiting-nature-s-stone-tools">Exploiting nature's stone tools</h2>



Finestone’s own research in Kenya reveals that early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-activities-are-weakening-earths-air-circulation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human activity</a> sites often appear near places where stone is naturally abundant.&nbsp;



“A hominin could have picked up and used a naturally sharp rock to process a carcass or plant material that might have been difficult to access using just their hands and teeth,” she said.



This suggests that early hominins likely began by exploiting natural tools already present in their environment. Only after becoming accustomed to using sharp edges would there have been evolutionary pressure to begin making their own - especially in places where naturaliths were scarce or where finer control over tool shape and sharpness was needed.



In other words, once early humans recognized the usefulness of sharp edges, the challenge became one of supply and customization.&nbsp;



Knapping may have emerged not as a sudden invention, but as a gradual response to practical needs: how to create sharp rocks on demand, in any location, and with particular features suited to specific tasks.



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



“This is the most parsimonious hypothesis for the origin of hominin stone technology to date,” said Dr. Eren. “But parsimony is not necessarily correct - archaeologists now need to test our hypothesis and search for naturalith use by hominins between 3 and 6 million years ago.”&nbsp;



“It is an exciting prospect… if hominins are using naturally sharp rocks as knives, then the archaeological record is going to get a whole lot older.”



If confirmed, the idea could push back the timeline of human technological behavior by hundreds of thousands - or even millions - of years.&nbsp;



Tools made intentionally through knapping have been dated to at least 3.3 million years ago. But if hominins were using naturally sharp stones before they ever struck two rocks together, the behavioral roots of technology may lie deeper in prehistory than previously assumed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-evolution-of-stone-tools">The evolution of stone tools</h2>



The new hypothesis offers a refreshing shift in how we think about the dawn of toolmaking. Rather than a single “light bulb” moment, the origins of stone technology may reflect a gradual process shaped by the resources early humans found in their surroundings.&nbsp;



Recognizing the value of sharp edges likely preceded the skill of making them, and innovation may have begun not with invention, but with observation and adaptation.



As researchers begin searching the archaeological record for evidence of early naturalith use, this theory opens new possibilities for understanding how hominins evolved to shape the world around them - starting with the simple, sharp gift of nature itself.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/arcm.13075" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Archaeometry</a>.



Image Credit: Archaeometry (2025)



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From nature to knapping: The surprising origins of stone tools

The invention of sharp stone tools - known as “knapping”...

For the first time, scientists have captured detailed measurements of water vapor high above Greenland’s vast ice sheet, using a custom-built drone to reach the upper atmosphere.&nbsp;



The breakthrough provides a new window into how water moves across and away from the island - and offers an important step toward more accurate models of ice loss in the Arctic’s rapidly changing climate.



The study was led by Kevin Rozmiarek, a doctoral researcher at the <a href="https://www.colorado.edu/instaar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research</a> (INSTAAR) at the University of Colorado Boulder. The research could reshape how scientists calculate Greenland’s future contributions to global sea level rise.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-melting-giant-with-global-impacts">A melting giant with global impacts</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenland-ice-sheet-is-approaching-a-critical-tipping-point/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Greenland’s ice sheet</a> is a freshwater giant, containing about 8% of Earth’s total supply. But it’s rapidly shrinking. 



According to the <a href="https://www.noaa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration</a> (NOAA), between fall 2023 and fall 2024 alone, Greenland shed around 55 gigatons of ice and snow - enough to fill over 20 million Olympic-sized swimming pools. 



The island has lost ice every year for nearly three decades, with more than 5 trillion tons melted away since 1992.



Most of that loss comes from visible processes: <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-glaciers-are-reshaping-landscapes-and-national-borders-around-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glaciers</a> calving into the sea and melting ice and snow at the surface. But there’s another, less obvious way ice can vanish - through sublimation, when ice transforms directly into vapor without becoming liquid first. 



Some studies suggest that in parts of Greenland, up to 30% of summer snow might sublimate into the atmosphere. Where that vapor ends up, however, has been a mystery.



According to the experts, it is unclear whether that vapor recondenses and returns to the surface, or if it escapes the system entirely. Understanding the fate of this water is key to calculating Greenland’s long-term water balance - and predicting how much melt will contribute to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-much-did-sea-levels-rise-after-the-last-ice-age-alarming-new-clues-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea level rise</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flying-into-the-unknown">Flying into the unknown</h2>



Traditionally, studying Arctic water vapor meant mounting costly plane flights into inhospitable environments and hauling air samples back to a lab. But Rozmiarek’s team found a better solution: a drone.&nbsp;



Outfitted with advanced sampling equipment and boasting a wingspan of 10 feet, the drone was launched 104 times during the summer of 2022 from a camp in Greenland’s interior run by the <a href="https://eastgrip.nbi.ku.dk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Copenhagen’s East Greenland Ice-Core Project</a>.



The drone ascended to nearly 5,000 feet on each flight, collecting air samples at different altitudes. The goal was to measure the isotopes - unique combinations of hydrogen and oxygen - within water vapor molecules. These isotopic signatures act like a molecular fingerprint, helping scientists trace the vapor’s origin.



“Isotopes are water’s fingerprints,” Rozmiarek said. “By following these fingerprints, we can trace back to the source where the water vapor came from.”



Until now, scientists had good data on where Greenland’s water starts and ends - coming in from tropical air currents and freezing on the surface. But little was known about what happens to that water while it’s moving through the atmosphere. This missing piece was crucial.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predicting-the-future-of-greenland-ice-nbsp">Predicting the future of Greenland ice&nbsp;</h2>



Once the team gathered their isotopic data, they compared it to an existing climate model of the Arctic water cycle.&nbsp;



The results were striking: the model significantly underestimated how much <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rainfall-is-increasingly-unpredictable-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">precipitation</a> Greenland receives. But when the researchers added their new isotopic data into the simulation, the model aligned closely with reality.



“It’s really important to be able to predict what’s going to happen to Greenland in the warming world as accurately as possible,” Rozmiarek said. “We demonstrated how useful water vapor isotope data is by successfully improving an existing model.”



This kind of refinement could lead to better predictions of melt rates, atmospheric circulation, and even how Greenland’s changes affect weather patterns far beyond the Arctic.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sensitivity-of-greenland-s-ice-nbsp">Sensitivity of Greenland’s ice&nbsp;</h2>



History shows that Greenland’s ice is sensitive to warming. About 125,000 years ago, during a naturally warmer period in Earth’s history, the ice sheet was much smaller, and global sea levels were up to 19 feet higher than today.&nbsp;



Now, with the planet once again heating up, scientists fear we could be heading toward a similar future.



The United Nations estimates that sea level rise already affects one billion people globally, threatening communities and ecosystems. Understanding exactly how - and how quickly - Greenland’s ice sheet might respond to further warming is critical.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-next-steps-in-the-arctic">Next steps in the Arctic</h2>



Rozmiarek hopes to return to Greenland for more drone flights and extend this new method to other parts of the Arctic. The research is just beginning, but its implications are vast.



“It’s like we just figured out how to discover fingerprints at a crime scene,” he said. “This is a concrete step forward in understanding where water is going and where it is coming from in this important system at a time when we need it most.”



By combining cutting-edge drone technology with isotope science, researchers are piecing together the invisible flows of water that shape the future of one of Earth’s most vulnerable regions.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1029/2024JD042719" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JGR Atmospheres</a>.



Image Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center Scientific Visualization Studio



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Drones reveal hidden details about Greenland’s melting ice

For the first time, scientists have captured detailed measurements of...

A lightsail might be the key to going farther and faster in space. So far, Voyager 1, which has been NASA’s deep space traveler since 1977, has yet to achieve this. Despite covering over 15 billion miles, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/voyager-1-resumes-messages-to-earth-from-15-billion-miles-away/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Voyager</a> hasn’t even reached 1% of the distance to Alpha Centauri, the nearest star beyond our Sun. 



It's clear that, in order for spacecraft to truly reach the stars, they will need a serious speed boost. One promising solution is the lightsail - a super-thin, reflective sheet that gets pushed by light, much like a sailboat moves with the wind.



Unlike traditional propulsion methods, lightsails don’t rely on fuel. With the right design, they could cut <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/curvature-propulsion-warp-drive-krasnikov-tube-future-intergalactic-space-travel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space travel</a> time from thousands of years to just a few decades.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-leap-forward-in-lightsail-design">A leap forward in lightsail design</h2>



Scientists from <a href="https://www.brown.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brown University</a> and Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) have worked together to develop a new type of lightsail that’s lighter, thinner, and more reflective than anything that’s come before. 



The new design, described in Nature Communications, uses a material that is just 200 nanometers thick - thousands of times thinner than a human hair - and measures 60 millimeters by 60 millimeters.



Despite its size, this membrane is covered with billions of tiny holes that are carefully patterned to cut weight and reflect more light.



Miguel Bessa is an associate professor in Brown’s School of Engineering. Bessa co-led the research with Richard Norte, an associate professor at TU Delft.



“This work was a joint effort between theorists at Brown University and experimentalists at TU Delft, making it possible to design, fabricate and test a highly reflective lightsail with the largest aspect ratio recorded to date,” explained Bessa.



“The experimental breakthrough of Richard’s team proves their fabrication process is scalable to the dimensions needed for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/faster-than-light-warp-speed-drive-interstellar-travel-now-believed-possible/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">interstellar travel</a> and can be done in a cost-effective manner."



"Simultaneously, my team is very enthusiastic to see the essential role of our latest optimization method, guided by machine learning, in solving such an interesting and difficult engineering problem.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-turning-a-lightsail-concept-into-reality">Turning a lightsail concept into reality</h2>



The research brings scientists closer to achieving goals like those of the Starshot Breakthrough Initiative, which is a project founded by Yuri Milner and physicist Stephen Hawking.



The initiative imagines using powerful ground-based lasers to push hundreds of meter-wide sails, each carrying a microchip-sized <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/voyager-spacecraft-fighting-survival-cosmic-threats-outside-our-solar-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spacecraft</a>. The new design, the researchers say, could be scaled up to those sizes without breaking the bank.



To make the sail, the team chose silicon nitride. It’s light, strong, and a good match for this type of engineering. They focused on two key goals: make it as reflective as possible and keep the weight down. 



A more reflective sail gets a bigger push from light, while a lighter sail needs less push to get moving. Together, these factors mean faster speeds.



The team used artificial intelligence to figure out how to place billions of holes in the material. The holes are smaller than the wavelength of light and play a key role in tuning how the sail reflects light. 



Bessa’s team, including Ph.D. student Shunyu Yin, used their own machine learning tools to find the best design.



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



Once the design was set, it was time to build it. That’s where the TU Delft team came in.



“We have developed a new, gas-based etch that allows us to delicately remove the material under the sails, leaving only the sail,” said Norte.



“If the sails break, it’s most likely during manufacturing. Once the sails are suspended, they are actually quite robust. These techniques have been uniquely developed at TU Delft.”



With traditional techniques, making a lightsail like this could take up to 15 years and be extremely costly. But with the new method, fabrication took about a day - and came in at a fraction of the price.



The result is a record-breaking lightsail with a centimeter-wide surface and nanoscale thickness.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breakthrough-in-nanoscale-engineering">Breakthrough in nanoscale engineering </h2>



The team believes this work could lead to more than just faster <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/exploring-new-ideas-for-space-missions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space missions</a>. Their approach opens new doors for nanoscale engineering, using machine learning to solve tricky design problems.



“The new machine learning and optimization techniques we used here are very general,” Bessa said. “We could use them to create lots of different things for different purposes. This is really just the beginning. We might be on the verge of solving engineering problems that have remained unsolvable up to now.”



While reaching the stars may still be a long way off, this lightsail design shows that we're getting closer - one thin sheet at a time.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-57749-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



Image Credit: Norte lab, TU Delft/Bessa lab, Brown University



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Ultra-thin lightsail created for faster space travel

A lightsail might be the key to going farther and...

Hearing is one of our most vital senses. It helps us stay alert, connect with others, and make sense of the world. But not everyone hears the same way. While most people know hearing tends to decline with age, new research shows that sex and environment play an even bigger role.



Scientists have now confirmed that women generally have more sensitive hearing than men. The study, published in Scientific Reports, also uncovers how local surroundings - forests, cities, mountains - shape the way we hear.



These findings reshape how we <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/useless-ear-muscles-may-actually-serve-a-purpose/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">understand hearing</a> across different human populations and could improve how we approach hearing loss.



This global investigation, led by Dr. Patricia Balaresque from the&nbsp;Center for Biodiversity and Environmental Research (<a href="https://www.cbiolab.fr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CRBE</a>)&nbsp;in France and Professor Turi King from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bath.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bath</a>, brought together researchers from multiple countries.



Their work is the first to explore how biology, geography, and culture intersect to shape human hearing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hearing-varies-by-global-environment">Hearing varies by global environment</h2>



The team tested hearing in 450 individuals across 13 populations. Participants came from diverse settings, including Ecuador, England, Gabon, South Africa, and Uzbekistan. 



These locations were selected for their rich variety in ecology and culture. The goal was to go beyond urban, Western groups often overrepresented in medical research.



By choosing people from rural villages, high-altitude settlements, forests, and cities, the study captured how different environments might <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drugs-may-be-available-to-prevent-hearing-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">impact</a> how we hear. 



For the tests, the researchers used a technique called Transient-Evoked Otoacoustic Emissions (TEOAE). This method measures the cochlea’s response to sound and tracks how the ear sends signals to the brain.



This approach allowed scientists to understand not just how loudly someone hears but how their hearing responds across different sound frequencies. Until now, very little work had examined how sex or geographic setting affects these biological reactions. The results were striking.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sex-has-the-strongest-impact">Sex has the strongest impact</h2>



It’s long been accepted that hearing sensitivity drops as people age. However, this study revealed that sex plays an even greater role than age. Across every population tested, women had an average of two decibels more sensitive hearing than men. This trend held true regardless of location, language, or lifestyle.



The differences also extended beyond basic sensitivity. Women performed better in other hearing tests, including those involving speech <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/silent-mind-when-the-inner-voice-fades/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">perception</a>. This suggests not only greater auditory sensitivity but also superior brain processing of sound.



"We were surprised to find that women had two decibels more sensitive hearing across all the populations we measured, and this accounted for most of the variations between individuals," said Professor King.



"This could be due to different exposure to hormones during development in the womb, due to men and women having slight structural differences in cochlear anatomy."



Professor King noted that, in addition to having higher hearing sensitivity, women also perform better in other hearing tests and speech perception, indicating that their brains are also better at processing the information.



"We don't really know why this might be, but given the detrimental effect of noise on overall health such as sleep quality and increased cardiovascular disease, having more sensitive hearing in noisy environments may not always be a good thing."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environment-changes-how-we-hear">Environment changes how we hear</h2>



Next to sex, the most important factor influencing hearing was the environment. 



Where a person lived not only affected their response to sound volume but also altered how they processed different sound frequencies. People living in forests had the best hearing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/video-gamers-may-be-at-risk-of-irreversible-hearing-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sensitivity</a> overall, while those in high-altitude regions showed the weakest.



The researchers believe this may be due to environmental adaptation. Forests are full of non-human sounds - bird calls, rustling leaves, distant movements - that demand attention.



In such settings, sharper hearing may have offered survival advantages. In contrast, high-altitude environments offer less auditory stimulation and involve other stressors like low oxygen and air pressure, which might dull hearing over time.



"Our findings challenge existing assumptions and highlight the need to consider both biological and environmental factors when studying hearing. Identifying drivers behind natural hearing variation will improve our understanding of hearing loss and individual differences in noise tolerance," said Dr. Balaresque.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-city-noise-alters-frequency-perception">City noise alters frequency perception</h2>



Urban life presented a different kind of challenge. People from city areas showed a distinct shift in sensitivity toward higher <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spatial-hearing-how-humans-know-where-sounds-come-from/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">frequencies</a>. 



The researchers suggest this may be the result of needing to filter out low-frequency noise from traffic and construction. Over time, the brain might adapt by tuning in more sharply to higher-pitched sounds.



This kind of adjustment could represent a modern form of sensory adaptation. Just as vision can change in response to light conditions, hearing might shift to suit the surrounding noise environment. While this ability may help urban residents focus on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spatial-hearing-how-humans-know-where-sounds-come-from/">speech</a> in noisy areas, it could also limit their range of auditory perception over time.



Professor King collected samples from the UK participants while at the <a href="https://le.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Leicester</a>. 



"We wanted to investigate in more detail what factors shape our hearing and the diversity of hearing sensitivities and see how our hearing has adapted to our local environment," she added.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sound-pollution-and-human-health">Sound, pollution, and human health</h2>



Another theory links hearing sensitivity to pollution. People living in quieter, less polluted regions - like forests - might retain better hearing due to lower exposure to environmental toxins.



In contrast, city dwellers may be constantly exposed to noise, smoke, and chemicals that harm ear structures over time.



Hearing loss is not just a matter of inconvenience. Studies have connected poor hearing to cognitive decline, disturbed sleep, and even heart disease. These findings suggest that understanding how hearing works in different settings could help protect public health in more targeted ways.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hearing-and-human-evolution">Hearing and human evolution</h2>



This research also adds to the ongoing conversation about human evolution. Our hearing is not static - it reflects both our biology and the world we live in. As soundscapes change, so too might our ability to perceive them.



"We know that humans are continuing to evolve, so the next question is whether our hearing is able to change in response to different environments generally or whether there are genetic adaptations involved," said Professor King.



This study opens the door to further research on how our senses respond to change. It invites us to rethink hearing not just as a fixed ability, but as something deeply shaped by sex, biology, and the places we call home.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-92763-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



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Women hear better than men across all environments

Hearing is one of our most vital senses. It helps...

Evolution drives all biological change. It shapes every lifeform we know, including birds. Charles Darwin laid its foundation with natural selection, explaining how organisms adapt and survive through generations.



Recent advances in genetics and bioinformatics have pushed our understanding far beyond Darwin’s notebooks. One question still haunts the scientific world: What really drives <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/evolution-itself-found-to-be-evolving-as-life-constantly-learns-to-adapt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">novelty</a> in evolution? 



A new study by researchers at the <a href="https://www.ku.dk/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Copenhagen</a> offers a fresh approach and some surprising answers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-makes-evolution-tick">What makes evolution tick</h2>



DNA changes lie at the center of evolution. These changes fuel the dazzling variety of life around us. Sometimes, they produce traits that surprise us. Other times, they lead to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-animal-will-replace-humans-as-earths-dominant-species-this-scientist-has-an-idea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mutations</a> behind deadly viruses.



That’s why understanding DNA’s shifting patterns isn’t just scientific curiosity. It matters for protecting ecosystems. It matters for predicting health threats.



"Basically, we showcase a method to extract information from genomes and reveal the forces driving biological novelty with unprecedented detail," said David Duchene, a professor in the Department of Public Health at the University of Copenhagen.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-birds-as-evolution-s-case-study">Birds as evolution’s case study</h2>



The team used birds as their main study group. Why birds? They’re the most diverse group of vertebrates - 10,000 species strong.



"We used birds as our study subject. With 10,000 known species, they are the most diverse class of vertebrates and uniquely suited for exploring <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-chapter-in-human-evolution-revealed-through-genetics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolutionary phenomena</a>. With our method, we were able to identify key factors that influence how these bird lineages and their thousands of genes evolve," explained Duchene.



Their method identified four key evolutionary factors: clutch size, gene biochemistry, chromosome size, and leg length. Duchene says these results break the idea that one trait, like flying or singing, steers a group’s evolution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bird-evolution-depends-on-many-traits">Bird evolution depends on many traits</h2>



"Our study tells us that you will find much nuance as to the drivers of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/evolutions-many-solutions-nature-finds-multiple-paths-to-success/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">novelty</a> once you look at multiple lineages and genes in detail. The biochemistry, chromosomes, and various aspects of lifestyle all play distinct roles in bringing about novelty," said Duchene.



It’s not one factor but many. The research shows how each piece, from gene makeup to physical traits, helps shape the tree of life. This view gives experts a better toolkit for tracking changes across different organisms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clues-to-the-next-pandemic">Clues to the next pandemic</h2>



The findings stretch beyond birds, offering deeper insight into evolution across many forms of life.



The method could help scientists track how diseases evolve. It could help understand how plants respond to climate change. And it could point to what we risk losing in our current biodiversity crisis.



According to Duchene, the findings can be applied to a variety of contexts, such as understanding how diseases adapt to human demographics or climate conditions.



"The same principles that help us decode the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-model-esm3-creates-new-protein-that-simulates-500-million-years-of-biological-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diversity</a> of birds could also be used to investigate the genetic changes driving everything from pandemics to species adaptation in shifting ecosystems," said Duchene.



"This method could tell us: What is special about what we are losing in the current biodiversity crisis? What exactly made those animals so novel and unique, and what have they taught us about evolution such that we might want to preserve them?" 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bird-evolution-and-the-study-of-life">Bird evolution and the study of life</h2>



Every extinct species takes with it a chapter of evolution’s story. Understanding why those species were unique helps us grasp the full scale of what’s being lost. 



It also shows us what we must protect - not just for the sake of nature, but for future discoveries about life itself.



With this new approach, scientists can now map the drivers of evolution more clearly than ever before. The tools used to decode bird diversity may soon help us understand the rise of new diseases or the disappearance of key species. 



The study invites a shift in thinking - from seeing evolution as a slow and distant process to recognizing it as something dynamic and ongoing.



Nature still holds many secrets. But thanks to this work from the University of Copenhagen, we are one step closer to understanding how life continues to surprise, survive, and evolve.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08777-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Decoding evolution: How birds can help us prevent pandemics

Evolution drives all biological change. It shapes every lifeform we...

It’s not much of a stretch to say that Earth’s inner structure, especially the innermost spherical core, has stupefied scientists for generations. It sits over 3,000 miles below the surface, smaller than the Moon yet massive enough to play a big part in Earth’s magnetic field. 



A recent study in Nature Geoscience points to changes that started around 2010, suggesting Earth's inner core’s spin was slowing. 



In effect, it was found to be to be reversing and backtracking relative to the planet’s surface. This discovery has sparked fresh conversations about how the planet’s interior behaves over time.



Geophysicists have used <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-detect-major-earthquakes-months-in-advance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">earthquake signals</a> from nearly every continent to probe the inner core, which is surrounded by a swirling layer of liquid metal. Findings point to structural shifts in the iron sphere that raise new questions. 



After two decades of debate, investigators feel more confident linking these signals to an actual slowdown rather than an imagined event. 



<a href="https://dornsife.usc.edu/profile/john-vidale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">John Vidale</a>, Dean’s Professor of Earth Sciences at the <a href="https://dornsife.usc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USC Dornsife College</a> of Letters, Arts and Sciences, worked on the project with Wei Wang of the <a href="https://english.cas.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chinese Academy of Sciences</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-innermost-layers-of-earth-s-interior">Innermost layers of Earth's interior</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/continent-sized-islands-llsvp-found-inside-earth-are-100-times-taller-than-mount-everest/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth’s interior</a> can be divided into several layers: the crust, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sunken-worlds-discovered-under-the-pacific-ocean-in-earths-mantle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the mantle</a>, the liquid outer core, and the solid inner core at the center. Many scientists have studied how the inner core moves relative to the mantle and crust. 



Some found evidence that the core once rotated faster than the rest of Earth. Others noticed it might be easing up. 



The latest data points to “unambiguous evidence” of a slower pace starting around 2010, landing it at a speed slightly below that of Earth’s surface.



“When I first saw the seismograms that hinted at this change, I was stumped. But when we found two dozen more observations signaling the same pattern, the result was inescapable," Vidale explained. 



"The inner core had slowed down for the first time in many decades. Other scientists have recently argued for similar and different models, but our latest study provides the most convincing resolution.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-records-from-earthquakes-and-nukes">Records from earthquakes and nukes</h2>



Researchers rely on waves generated by earthquakes to examine the farthest corners of our planet. These waves pass through the inner core, reflecting minute details about its movement and shape. 



For their analysis, the team gathered readings from 121 repeating earthquakes originating near the South Sandwich Islands between 1991 and 2023. 



They also tapped into data from Soviet nuclear tests conducted between 1971 and 1974, as well as repeated French and American nuclear tests.



Vidale attributes the pace shift to the “churning of the liquid iron outer core that surrounds it, which generates <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/earths-magnetic-field-origin-structure-and-impact-on-humanity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth’s magnetic field</a>, as well as gravitational tugs from the dense regions of the overlying rocky mantle.” 



Investigators think these forces may slightly affect day length. “It’s very hard to notice, on the order of a thousandth of a second, almost lost in the noise of the churning oceans and atmosphere.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-s-inner-core-is-backtracking">Earth's inner core is "backtracking"</h2>



Some prior research indicated that the inner core might be reversing itself. The new results add weight to that possibility by suggesting the core’s rotation has slowed and even begun shifting direction compared to Earth’s outer layers. 



Vidale “didn’t set out to define the physical nature of the inner core.” Yet the project unexpectedly uncovered more than just a slowdown in rotation. 



“What we ended up discovering is evidence that the near surface of Earth’s inner core undergoes structural change,” Vidale said.



Shifting layers deep underground might explain certain fluctuations in day length, but these effects are so slight that most people never detect them. 



The team believes dynamic interactions between the liquid outer core and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ringwoodite-mineral-confirms-vast-ocean-exists-400-miles-under-earths-crust/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dense mantle zones</a> drive these shifts, making the inner core’s movement appear to switch course from time to time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-clues-from-seismograms">Surprising clues from seismograms</h2>



“But as I was analyzing multiple decades’ worth of seismograms, one dataset of seismic waves curiously stood out from the rest,” Vidale said. 



He and his colleagues analyzed waveforms picked up by monitoring stations in places like Fairbanks, Alaska, and Yellowknife, Canada. 



“At first the dataset confounded me,” Vidale said. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/earth-inner-core_less-solid_USC_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/earth-inner-core_less-solid_USC_1s.webp" alt="Diagram showing the Earth's inner core, once thought to be solid. Credit: USC" class="wp-image-1963609"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Diagram showing the Earth's inner core, once thought to be solid. Click to enlarge. Credit: USC</figcaption></figure>



Modern techniques have since sharpened the picture, indicating that the inner core’s boundary may go through slow changes in shape caused by viscous deformation.



“What we’re observing in this study for the first time is likely the outer core disturbing the inner core,” Vidale said. 



Rather than acting like a rigid ball locked in place, the inner core seems to adapt over intervals that current seismic devices are finally able to capture. 



Scientists suspect this iron center may shift in ways that influence the planet’s magnetic field, given how much of that field is generated by the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-earths-mantle-shapes-surface-topography/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">liquid outer region</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-earth-s-inner-core-matter">Why does Earth's inner core matter?</h2>



Experts at USC aim to track the core’s patterns more precisely in the years ahead. They plan to zero in on subtle signals that show how the inner core’s shape evolves. 



They hope this effort might offer a clearer picture of the underlying forces behind any reversing motion, including interactions that appear to adjust the core’s boundaries.



While Earth's inner core is often portrayed as static and solid, these fresh observations add nuance. Repeating earthquakes provide a valuable peek at what’s happening in an environment most people can only imagine. 



The research team believes that following waveforms from future quakes could unlock details about how Earth’s center changes over time. 



Vidale said the focus is on mapping these movements in ways that help scientists see what triggers the shifts in speed and form.



The new waveforms expand the broader conversation on Earth’s mechanics. Certain aspects, like magnetic fluctuations and temperature gradients, may link back to the inner core’s pace. 



Though the planet’s center remains out of reach, these findings reveal a place that is much more active than once believed.



The full study from 2024 was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07536-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



The full study from February 2025 was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-025-01642-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Geoscience</a>.



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Earth's inner core is rapidly changing and now "rotating backwards"

It’s not much of a stretch to say that Earth’s...

When it comes to spending time outdoors, parks are meant to offer a break from city life - a place for kids to play, dogs to run, and people to relax.



But new research suggests that the very entrances to these green spaces may hold an invisible health risk.



Researchers from <a href="https://www.tcd.ie/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trinity College Dublin</a> have found that entrances are the most contaminated areas within public parks when it comes to the presence of infective roundworm eggs.



The study focused on Toxocara, a genus of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-are-spreading-the-deadly-tropical-disease-leishmaniasis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">parasitic</a> roundworms commonly found in dogs and cats.



The eggs, which are passed into the environment through <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dog-feces-can-harm-the-environment-and-disrupt-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animal feces</a>, can be accidentally ingested by humans. While many people infected with Toxocara show no symptoms, others may develop serious health issues, including eye infections.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-park-hotspots-for-parasite-exposure">Park hotspots for parasite exposure</h2>



Previous studies have shown that park soils can be contaminated with Toxocara eggs, but few have looked at how contamination differs from one part of a park to another.



To investigate, the researchers collected soil samples from twelve parks across Dublin. They tested specific areas including entrances, playgrounds, the edges of sports fields, and grassy spots that are popular for sitting.



The results pointed to a clear pattern. Park entrances were the most contaminated, followed by playgrounds. 



Upon closer inspection, most of the detected eggs were found to be potentially infectious. The majority belonged to the species Toxocara canis, which is a roundworm species typically associated with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/parasites-make-dogs-smell-enticing-to-infectious-sand-flies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monitoring-contamination-across-parks">Monitoring contamination across parks</h2>



The findings have clear implications for public health. According to the researchers, more preventive measures are needed - especially near park entrances and playgrounds.



"Park entrances had the most Toxocara eggs, and most of these eggs likely came from dogs. By providing signage, bins and a means to clean up after your dog in these locations, we could reduce the level of contamination. That’s the next step in the research," noted the experts.



The team also emphasized the importance of monitoring. They designed their testing method to be both affordable and simple, so it can be easily repeated. This allows for ongoing tracking of roundworm contamination across different parks and over time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-it-matters-for-public-health">Why it matters for public health</h2>



Although most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-are-overlooked-sources-of-antibiotic-resistant-salmonella/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">infections in humans</a> remain undetected, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dog-parks-may-be-fueling-parasite-outbreaks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">parasites</a> have the potential to create serious illness in some cases. Children are particularly susceptible because they tend to play on the ground and have a tendency to put dirty hands in their mouths. 



Toxocara larvae may travel through the body in a small number of cases, giving rise to visceral larva migrans, or even eye injury that can cause loss of sight.



The presence of infective eggs in clusters at park entrances and playgrounds suggests that the risk of infection is greatest where families and pet owners congregate. These are also areas where children and pets are most likely to come into close contact with the soil.



Public information campaigns may serve to emphasize the need for good hygiene following a visit to the park, particularly among young children.



Also, urban planners and park officials can employ this study to redesign and maintain public parks.



By positioning additional trash cans closer to entrances, enhancing signs, or even changing landscaping in areas of high risk, cities can assist in curtailing parasite dissemination.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reducing-infection-risks-at-parks">Reducing infection risks at parks</h2>



Toxocara contamination isn’t just a city issue - it’s something that pet owners and visitors can help prevent. Picking up after dogs is a simple but powerful way to reduce the number of roundworm eggs entering the soil. 



Even if dog feces aren’t left near park entrances, rain and foot traffic can carry the contamination across the park.



If you're a regular park user, wash your hands after your visit, especially before eating or touching your face. If you have children, make sure they do the same. 



It's also a good idea to discourage digging or rolling in the grass in areas close to park entrances and playgrounds, where the risk of infection is higher.



Community involvement, from responsible pet ownership to smarter park design, plays a big role in keeping these shared spaces safe and healthy for everyone.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosntds/article?id=10.1371/journal.pntd.0012917" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases</a>.



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Public parks may be hotspots for parasitic infections

When it comes to spending time outdoors, parks are meant...

Young,Woman,Drinking,Water,Outdoors,,Promoting,Healthy,Hydration,And,An

Plastic containers and packaging are everywhere, as many people rely on them for food storage, convenience, and hydration. Plastics have improved modern life in countless ways, but the ultimate price of this convenience is only now coming clearly into focus.



We have reached the point as a society where researchers have begun looking beyond the environmental hazards of plastic pollution to uncover hidden connections between plastic exposure and human well-being. 



Questions are emerging about how microplastics might be <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-chewing-gum-may-be-full-of-microplastics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">affecting our bodies</a> and whether this is something we should address.



Some everyday items, such as water bottles, may contribute far more than trash. They could be releasing tiny plastic particles that slip into our bodies. 



Early studies suggest that plastic particles are influencing human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-over-2000-genetic-markers-that-affect-blood-pressure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blood pressure</a>, a condition linked to serious cardiovascular problems. 



According to Dr. Johanna Fischer from the Department of Medicine at <a href="https://www.dp-uni.ac.at/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Danube Private University</a> in Austria, a few recent findings have sparked new debates about what happens when microplastics flow through our bloodstream.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tiny-pieces-of-plastic-wreaking-havoc">Tiny pieces of plastic wreaking havoc</h2>



Microplastics measure less than 5 mm, arising from the breakdown of larger plastics or from everyday sources like car tires and synthetic clothing. 



They have been detected in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-pose-a-greater-threat-to-some-ocean-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food, water, and the air</a>. Scientists have identified them in the placenta, in certain organs, and even in the bloodstream. 



Their presence has raised concerns because they might trigger inflammation or hormonal imbalances. By entering daily routines unnoticed, these microscopic bits could pose health hazards that are still under investigation.



Recent work has pointed to an unexpected culprit for high blood pressure. Their investigations indicate that common water bottles can release particles into the liquid we drink. 



According to preliminary insights, microplastics can migrate into our system, with potential effects on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-smell-control-your-blood-pressure-new-research-says-yes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blood pressure measurements</a>. 



Investigators also discovered these minute fragments in glass containers, which complicates efforts to avoid them altogether. 



This points to a wider issue that stretches beyond visible waste and calls for innovative approaches to monitoring exposure.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastics-linked-to-blood-pressure">Plastics linked to blood pressure</h2>



Eight healthy adults took part in a project aimed at exploring any links between plastics and blood pressure. 



They were asked to rely on tap water instead of bottled drinks for about a month. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-gold-the-vitamin-packed-fruit-that-regulates-blood-sugar-and-blood-pressure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blood pressure</a> readings were collected at the outset, after two weeks, and at the end of four weeks. 



The findings indicated that women showed a noticeable dip in blood pressure levels, particularly in diastolic readings, while men did not exhibit the same changes.



One explanation might be that only three men participated. That small number makes it difficult to form broad conclusions. 



Still, the overall data hint that cutting back on plastics could influence cardiovascular health by reducing the number of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-are-widespread-in-the-seafood-we-eat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic particles</a> present in the bloodstream. 



The research group emphasizes that larger trials are needed. They aim to measure the actual concentration of microplastics in the blood, providing a clearer picture of how plastic exposure might relate to changes in blood pressure.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-blood-pressure-and-plastics-the-results">Blood pressure and plastics - the results</h2>



“We concluded, after extensive research, that beverages packaged in plastic bottles should be avoided,” the research team warned. 



The changes observed in blood pressure suggest that reducing the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-in-the-brain-alarming-new-details-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">intake of plastic particles</a> could lower cardiovascular risk, emphasizing how these findings may fit into the bigger picture. 



For these scientists, a lower exposure to plastics seems to correlate with improvements in some blood pressure markers.



By stating that “plastic particles <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-found-in-every-semen-sample-tested/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">present in the bloodstream</a> could contribute to increased blood pressure,” the team highlighted a potential link between microplastics and cardiovascular concerns. 



Although their study involved only a small group, they view the results as a motivation to investigate these interactions further. 



While the precise pathways remain unclear, the prospect that tiny plastic fragments might affect blood pressure and overall cardiovascular health should encourage us all to rethink these common habits.



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



Because hypertension is a leading cause of heart complications, any factor that might raise blood pressure deserves scrutiny. 



Humans already face multiple risks for cardiovascular disease, so identifying one that might be avoidable is compelling. 



Limiting bottled beverages or opting for tap water in reusable non-plastic containers will definitely help reduce exposure, though additional verification is needed to confirm the long-term impacts.



Reviewing many different studies, it's very clear that microplastics have infiltrated every nook and cranny of our bodies, natural environments, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sounding-the-alarm-microplastics-are-disrupting-photosynthesis-around-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global ecosystems at large</a>. 



On top of high blood pressure and other cardiovascular health issues that arise from the consumption of microplastics, scientists and physicians are concerned about inflammation, endocrine problems, and oxidative stress, all of which can harm overall health. 



Though the convenience of disposable products is tempting, making a personal choice of removing single-use plastics from our everyday lives will undoubtedly yield benefits - both for our health and the global environment. 



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2673-8929/3/3/26" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microplastics</a>.



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Drinking from plastic bottles directly linked to high blood pressure and heart problems

Plastic containers and packaging are everywhere, as many people rely...

Amphibians are in crisis. Climate change, pollution, and habitat loss are stripping their ecosystems. But something even more silent is killing them - disease. From frogs to tadpoles, the losses and disrupted growth are staggering.



Since the 1970s, about 200 amphibian species have vanished. Today, 34% of the 7,296 known species face extinction, according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (<a href="https://iucn.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IUCN</a>).



One fast-moving culprit is ranavirus. This genus of viruses spreads quickly among fish, reptiles, and amphibians. The virus can devastate species that lack any built-in defense. But a recent study in Frontiers in Amphibian and Reptile Science offers a glimpse of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-frog-day-2025-protecting-natures-tiny-guardians/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">amphibian resilience</a>.



“Here we show that in response to ranavirus, wood frog tadpoles change their growth, development, and resource allocation. This may help tadpoles tolerate the energetic demands of infection or escape risky environments to avoid infection entirely,” said Logan Billet, a PhD student at <a href="https://www.yale.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yale University</a> and the study’s first author.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-deadly-virus-is-wiping-out-frogs">A deadly virus is wiping out frogs</h2>



Ranavirus has caused 40 to 60% of amphibian die-offs in the US. 



Once infected, larvae become lethargic, stop eating, swim abnormally, and bleed internally. Outbreaks often end in total pond die-offs. And with warming temperatures, these outbreaks may increase.



The researchers decided to focus on one species: the wood frog (Rana sylvatica). This species breeds explosively in temporary snowmelt ponds. The team observed these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/frogs-lead-the-way-in-developing-new-antibiotics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">frogs</a> from 2021 to 2023 in Connecticut forests. They tracked their survival, growth, and the virus’s impact.



They monitored 47 ponds: 35 remained virus-free, 7 had infections but low death rates, and 5 experienced full-blown die-offs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tadpoles-grow-faster-around-ranavirus">Tadpoles grow faster around ranavirus</h2>



From mid-April to July, scientists collected tadpoles regularly. They euthanized up to 20 from each pond for lab analysis. They tested 1,583 livers for ranavirus and measured the length and developmental stage of 4,299 tadpoles.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/walking-on-water-cricket-frogs-redefine-aquatic-locomotion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amphibians</a> grow flexibly. Size and developmental stage do not always go hand in hand. A tadpole might be small yet advanced in development or vice versa. This plasticity makes their responses interesting to study.



The results showed that tadpoles in ponds later hit by die-offs grew faster during their first month. They also developed quicker - about 0.38 stages ahead of others. But once mortality began, growth collapsed. In the end, they were smaller and less developed than their healthy counterparts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quick-growth-may-help-tadpoles-survive">Quick growth may help tadpoles survive</h2>



Interestingly, tadpoles in infected ponds that avoided full die-offs showed similar trends. They grew faster and reached stages 1.7 Gosner points ahead of those in clean ponds.



The data points to a clear pattern. Tadpoles exposed to ranavirus grow and develop faster - at least in the early days. This may be their way of dodging death by jumping ahead in their life cycle.



Study senior author Dr. David Skelly is a professor at the <a href="https://peabody.yale.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Peabody Museum</a> and Billet’s doctoral supervisor.



“Accelerating growth and resource allocation early on may allow tadpoles to improve their physical condition, and thus the strength of their immunity, in anticipation of infection. They might also metamorphose and move onto land earlier, potentially reducing their exposure to ranavirus,” said Dr. Skelly.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-unique-survival-strategy">A unique survival strategy</h2>



These early responses may help explain why some outbreaks kill only a portion of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/missing-frog-species-alsodes-vittatus-resurfaces-after-130-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">population</a>.



“These responses are likely to give tadpoles a survival advantage. We hypothesize they are the reason why mortality wasn’t always 100%, but only partial in some outbreaks in our study," said Billet.



“What we don’t yet know is how tadpoles detect ranavirus in their environment, for example through chemical or visual cues, and how effective these responses improve survival or tolerance of infection. Controlled experiments will be important to address these questions."



The study opens a new window into amphibian survival in the face of disease. These creatures, from adult frogs to fragile tadpoles, are adjusting their growth in real time to a rapidly changing world. But their limits remain unknown.



As human-driven changes reshape the planet, the quiet struggles in our forest ponds may soon speak volumes about the future of biodiversity. The story of the wood <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-amphibians-survived-earths-deadliest-mass-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">frog</a> and its fight against ranavirus is just one chapter. 



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/amphibian-and-reptile-science/articles/10.3389/famrs.2025.1529060/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Amphibian and Reptile Science</a>.



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Tadpoles speed up their growth to outsmart a deadly virus

Amphibians are in crisis. Climate change, pollution, and habitat loss...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Social modeling affects our food choices

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



The full study was published in the journal Current Biology.



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Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Scientists discover we age in bursts

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



-----



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Scientists solve the mystery of tickling

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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







-----



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-----

Retired professor claims he solved time travel

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> (ACS) reveals that proteins on flu viruses are actually flexible, tilting and waving in a “breath-like” motion. According to the experts, these proteins could be used to better defend against the flu.



"The main antigenic targets of influenza virus are two surface glycoproteins, hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA). Whereas the structural and dynamical properties of both glycoproteins have been studied previously, the understanding of their plasticity in the whole-virion context is fragmented," wrote the researchers.



To investigate, the team conducted detailed simulations of the influenza A H1N1 virion, or the swine flu. The experts concluded that the visualizations show many new vulnerable states of flu viruses, which could improve future vaccines and antiviral drugs.



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Lake Trasimeno, which is located west of Perugia in central Italy. It is the fourth largest lake in the country. While Trasimeno’s water level varies, it has a maximum depth of approximately six meters.&nbsp;



"In this Copernicus Sentinel-2 image, captured on 6 August 2022, the lake’s emerald green colour is likely due to the presence of phytoplankton. Streaks in the water, particularly visible in the west, indicate the presence of soil and sediments which have been stirred up by winds. Dark colored waters in the southern part of the lake indicate a presence of submerged and floating macrophytes (aquatic plants) as well as algae," says ESA.



"Surrounded by hills on three sides, Trasimeno is subject to heavy storms created by winds, especially from the north and west. There are three islets in the lake: Maggiore, Minore and Polvese (the largest). The lake’s shores are sparsely inhabited with only two popular villages: Castiglione del Lago and Passignano sul Trasimeno."



"Italy is experiencing its worst drought in 70 years which has affected drinking water supplies, hydroelectric power and agricultural production. High temperatures, hot winds and lack of rainfall are the main causes of drought in the Umbrian region which saw Lake Trasimeno’s drop 1.3 m, reaching the limit of the hydrometric zero in July 2022."



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> describes a new self-powered nanosensor that can instantly detect mercury contamination with the tap of a finger.&nbsp;



The oxidized form of mercury can be harmful when it is ingested through contaminated water or food. This makes it necessary for experts to develop sensors that can quickly and accurately detect the presence of mercury.&nbsp;



Zong-Hong Lin and colleagues have now created a triboelectric nanosensor (TENS) that can detect mercury by simply by touching a sample. According to the researchers, their TENS could serve as the basis for similar devices to safely and remotely monitor other pollutants.



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



In 1968, Kainji Lake was created by the construction of the Kainji Dam. The Niger River, the third longest in Africa, enters the lake in the north.&nbsp;



According to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rivers-in-the-american-west-are-a-lifesaving-resource-for-birds/">ESA</a>, the creation of the lake submerged Foge Island and the town of Bussa and permanently flooded other riverine settlements, leaving around 50,000 people displaced.&nbsp;



Large parts of Foge Island are temporarily exposed during low water tides, and the land is often used by migrating fishermen. Kainji Dam is a dam across the Niger River in Niger State of Central Nigeria. 



Wild mammals occur at relatively low densities due to illegal hunting. Lake Kainji has suffered a dramatic decline as a fishery due to the high numbers of artisanal and subsistence fisherfolk using the lake. It has been suggested that a period of closure, together with controlled fishing rights may help improve fish stocks.



Kainji Lake National Park is the oldest of its kind in Nigeria. The park contains three distinct areas: a part of the Kainji Lake, the Borgu Game Reserve to the west of the lake, and the Zugurma Game Reserve to the southeast. The park is home to around 65 mammal species, 350 bird species, and 30 species of reptiles and amphibians. 



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.igb.illinois.edu/">Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology</a> reveals how scientists can modify common crops like soybean, rice, and wheat to protect them from heat stress.



“We need to double crop production by 2050 to feed a growing global population, and not only are we not on track to do that, but climate change is further complicating things,” said Amanda Cavanagh, a lecturer at the University of Essex. 



The study is part of Realizing Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency (RIPE), an international research project that aims to develop food crops that turn the sun’s energy into food more efficiently.



“Using an engineering approach we designed multiple alternative metabolic pathways to photorespiration. Testing them in the field showed increases in productivity which led Amanda to significantly move the project forward by showing our engineered plants can withstand pretty extreme temperature stress,” said study co-author and RIPE researcher Paul South.&nbsp;



“As the climate changes and temperature stresses increase the pressure on our global food supply, farmers will need every tool available including engineering approaches like the synthetic biology used here to maintain safe and productive harvests.”



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



The team found that the engineered plants produced 26 percent more biomass than the wild-type plants exposed to the same temperatures, and had 15 percent less yield loss under the higher temperatures.



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> explores the ability of salt to transform the way that foods and beverages taste. Salt is known to cover up undesirable flavors, such as bitterness in coffee or beer, but how exactly does sodium chloride change the taste of other compounds?



One previous study showed that, not only does salt suppress bitterness, but also enhances sweetness and sourness. Another study revealed that bitterness reduction by salt seems to be happening at the tongue receptor level as well as in the brain.&nbsp;



While it is known that salt taste is mediated by the presence of sodium channels in the form of taste buds, experts believe that there is also an unknown receptor responsible for how we taste salt that has not yet been identified.&nbsp;



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Santiago, the capital city of Chile. The city is located in the center of the Santiago Metropolitan Region, which has a population of about eight million people.&nbsp;



'The weather of Santiago resembles the Mediterranean climate with dry and warm summers with temperatures reaching up to 35°C (from October to March) and cool and humid winters that can drop to 0°C (from April to September)."



"The city lies in the centre of the country’s central valley around 80 km from the Pacific Ocean to the west and borders Argentina to the east. A tiny part of Argentina is visible in the top-right corner of the image where the mountain crest of the Andes Mountains acts as a divider between the two countries," says ESA.



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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