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...

In recent years, cold plunges have become a fixture on wellness feeds and gym schedules. People swear by them - claiming everything from mental clarity to faster recovery. But what does science say when you strip away the hype?



A team of researchers at the <a href="https://www.uottawa.ca/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Ottawa</a> has taken a closer look. Their work didn’t just explore how our bodies handle cold on the outside. It examined what happens on a much deeper level: inside your cells. 



The results of the study could shape how we think about cold exposure and its place in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/organ-aging-can-predict-diseases-decades-in-advance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">everyday health</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cold-plunges-change-cells-in-one-week">Cold plunges change cells in one week</h2>



​The&nbsp;<a href="https://hepru.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Human and Environmental Physiology Research Unit</a>&nbsp;conducted a tightly controlled experiment with ten healthy young men.​



Over seven days, each participant immersed himself in 14°C (57.2°F) water for one hour per day. Blood samples were drawn before and after the cold-water sessions on days 1, 4, and 7.



The aim wasn’t to measure surface-level outcomes like muscle soreness. Instead, the team analyzed peripheral blood mononuclear cells to examine cellular stress, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-discover-a-protein-that-reverses-cellular-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recovery</a>, and resilience. 



They focused on autophagy (the body's way of cleaning out damaged components) and apoptosis (programmed cell death).



“Our findings indicate that repeated cold exposure significantly improves autophagic function, a critical cellular protective mechanism,” said Professor Kenny. 



“This enhancement allows cells to better manage stress and could have important implications for health and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/defying-time-three-ways-to-slow-biological-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">longevity</a>.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-cold-plunges-caused-stress">Early cold plunges caused stress</h2>



On the first day, the researchers found clear signs of stress. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/random-dna-mutations-shape-biological-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cells</a> showed an increase in proteins like p62, which typically accumulate when autophagy is disrupted. 



LC3-II, a marker of autophagic activity, did not increase. Apoptotic signaling also rose, with a marked spike in cleaved caspase-3, a protein that signals a cell is on its way to self-destruction.



This meant that initially, the cold exposure was overwhelming the cells. The natural repair systems weren't strong enough to counteract the damage. But that would begin to change by day four.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-signals-of-cellular-recovery">Signals of cellular recovery</h2>



By the fourth day of immersion, early signs of adaptation emerged. LC3-II levels began to climb slightly, and p62 dropped - although still above baseline.



However, caspase-3 remained high, indicating the cells were still battling stress. The balance had not yet tipped in favor of full recovery.



“By the end of the acclimation, we noted a marked improvement in the participants’ cellular cold tolerance. This suggests that cold acclimation may help the body effectively cope with extreme environmental conditions," explained King, the study's first author.



Day seven marked a significant change. LC3-II rose substantially, showing robust autophagic activity. p62 dropped below baseline. 



Caspase-3 levels returned to near normal. The cells had started to regulate themselves more efficiently, showing they had adapted.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cellular-learning-confirmed">Cellular learning confirmed</h2>



To take it further, the researchers tested the participants’ blood cells in cold conditions outside the body - before and after the week-long immersion routine.



Known as ex vivo testing, this allowed the team to simulate hypothermic states (temperatures as low as 4°C) without endangering the volunteers.



Before acclimation, these tests revealed poor autophagic responses and increased <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-reverse-aging-a-bold-new-approach-could-reprogram-cells/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">apoptosis</a> across all cold conditions. 



But after the seven-day program, LC3-II increased significantly at every temperature below 35°C. Apoptotic signals, particularly cleaved caspase-3, decreased, while p62 remained lower across the board.



These shifts showed that cells had become better at handling cold stress, even when removed from the body. It wasn’t just temporary resistance - it was programmed cellular behavior.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cold-plunges-triggered-stress-proteins">Cold plunges triggered stress proteins</h2>



While tracking autophagy and apoptosis, the researchers also looked at heat shock proteins - namely HSP70 and HSP90. 



These proteins help stabilize other proteins during stress. Both increased during cold immersion but did not change significantly across the seven days.



This suggests that the cold exposure was enough to activate them, but the level of stimulus did not escalate throughout the week. 



Instead, it’s possible the body tuned its internal systems to respond more efficiently without ramping up these proteins further.



“This work underscores the importance of acclimation protocols in enhancing human health, especially in contexts where individuals are exposed to extreme temperatures,” noted Professor Kenny.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cooling-curve-and-shivering-clues">Cooling curve and shivering clues</h2>



Besides cellular markers, physiological changes supported the idea of adaptation. 



By day seven, participants had smaller increases in blood lactate levels - indicating less shivering. The body was becoming more efficient at conserving heat without relying on rapid muscle contractions.



Cooling rates slowed too. Participants took longer to reach the cutoff esophageal temperature of 35.5°C. While core temperature didn’t differ much across days, these smaller indicators confirmed the shift in cold tolerance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-and-death-inside-a-cell">Life and death inside a cell</h2>



Interestingly, at colder temperatures (33°C and below), both autophagic and apoptotic signals rose post-acclimation. 



This dual response could mean cells were trying to survive using every tool available. When stress surpassed a certain threshold, even enhanced autophagy wasn’t enough to prevent some cells from progressing toward death.



This mirrors findings in animal models, where excessive autophagy can trigger cell death if damage is too severe. 



The takeaway? Cold adaptation boosts protection, but it’s not a magic shield against extreme stress.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cold-plunges-may-slow-cellular-aging">Cold plunges may slow cellular aging</h2>



"We were amazed to see how quickly the body adapted," said King. "Cold exposure might help prevent diseases and potentially even slow down aging at a cellular level. It's like a tune-up for your body's microscopic machinery."



While this research focused on healthy young males, it opens a door for broader inquiry. 



Could older adults benefit from structured cold exposure? What about people with chronic illnesses that impair autophagic function? 



These are next steps scientists are eager to explore.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cold-exposure-as-health-practice">Cold exposure as health practice</h2>



This study presents a strong case for integrating safe, structured cold exposure into wellness routines. 



Seven days of one-hour immersion changed how cells handled stress, repaired themselves, and avoided damage. It’s one of the first studies to show these changes at a molecular level in humans.



More research will help define guidelines: how cold, how long, and how often. But one thing is clear - the body learns. And when exposed with care, cold might not be something to avoid, but something to use.



Whether you're an athlete or just someone curious about longevity, this research suggests that the answer might be hiding in plain sight - or maybe, in a tub of ice water.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://advanced.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adbi.202400111" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Advanced Biology</a>.



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Cold plunges improve your health by literally changing your cells

In recent years, cold plunges have become a fixture on...

The mortar, pestle, and cutting board you use in your kitchen today are modern tools rooted in ancient tradition. Long before stainless steel and ceramic surfaces, people used manos and metates - stone tools designed to grind plants and seeds into edible forms.



A mano is a handheld stone, used in tandem with a metate, which is a flat slab or natural rock depression. Some of these bedrock grinding surfaces date back as far as 15,500 years and appear in clusters across archaeological sites around the world.



Recently, scientists from the <a href="https://www.utah.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Utah</a>, working through the Natural History Museum of Utah (NHMU), have begun using innovative techniques to extract microscopic plant residues from these ancient bedrock metates.



By doing so, they’re uncovering details about the diets and lives of the people who used them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-deeper-into-ancient-tools">Looking deeper into ancient tools</h2>



“People have lived here for time immemorial and have been processing native plants on ground <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stone-tool-discovery-challenges-entire-theory-of-human-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stone tools</a> for a long time too,” said archaeobotanist Stefania Wilks, a research assistant at NHMU and graduate student at the University of Utah.



Her work focuses on identifying food and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/narrowing-the-search-for-new-medicinal-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">medicinal plants</a> processed in the past to understand both traditional lifeways and how landscapes have shifted over time.



Wilks is part of a team working with NHMU’s Curator of Archaeology, Lisbeth Louderback, also a professor of anthropology at the University of Utah. Together, they’re focusing on something extraordinarily small: starch granules.



These are microscopic structures within plant cells used to store energy. Some are so tiny that even the largest are still smaller than a tenth of a millimeter.



Because they’re so small, starch granules can’t be seen with the naked eye. The researchers have to extract them from surfaces where plants were once processed - like pottery, basketry, and now, bedrock metates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-matter-in-ancient-bedrock">Plant matter in ancient bedrock</h2>



Louderback suspected that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bedrock-may-be-secretly-supplying-trees-with-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bedrock</a> metates, despite being exposed to the elements, might still contain preserved plant matter.



Specifically, she believed that deep crevices in the stone might be hiding starch granules that people unknowingly pushed into the rock while grinding food.



“Through their actions of grinding and mashing, people would have forced these starches down deeper into the stone,” Wilks explained.



The bedrock metates themselves come in many forms. In Utah, they’re often long grooves in sandstone. In other areas, they may be bowl-shaped or resemble a modern-day mortar.



While they may not catch the eye like arrowheads or pottery, they are commonly found in groups and can be rich with information.



“They aren’t sexy like an arrowhead, but they still contain valuable information about what plants people processed in the past," said Wilks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-digging-into-the-dirt-microscopically">Digging into the dirt - microscopically</h2>



The research team focused on southern Oregon, where metates are found along basalt outcrops and surrounded by thousands of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/negev-petroglyphs-ancient-art-rock-carvings-face-erosion-fungi-lichens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">petroglyphs</a>.



These sites are also home to culturally significant plants - especially geophytes, which have underground storage organs like roots and tubers.



Archaeologists once believed that ancient people went to these uplands mainly for hunting. Wilks wanted to test whether the grinding surfaces were actually used for plant processing. The team collected samples from both the surface and the crevices of the metates.



First, they used an electric toothbrush and water to scrub the top layer of the stone. Then they added a deflocculant, a cleaning agent similar to detergent, to release particles trapped deeper in the rock. 



Another round with the electric toothbrush followed. For comparison, they performed the same process on nearby rocks that weren’t used for grinding.



When examined under a microscope, the results were clear. The surface samples showed almost no starch granules - nor did the control rocks.



But the material from inside the metate crevices? Hundreds of granules.



“It increased our confidence that what we were seeing was direct evidence that different plant species with starchy organs were processed on the metate,” Wilks recalled.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-diets-recorded-in-bedrock">Ancient diets recorded in bedrock</h2>



With evidence in hand, the researchers began the meticulous process of identifying the starches. 



Wilks compared each granule’s shape and structure to modern examples of plants still found in the region. It was a slow and careful job, but worth the effort. The researchers identified starch granules from several plant families.



One common group was the carrot family, including plants known as biscuit root. They also identified wild grasses, likely wild rye, and members of the lily family. 



All of these plants have been - and in many cases still are - important food sources for local Indigenous communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-bedrock-holds-valuable-archives">Ancient bedrock holds valuable archives</h2>



“Starch analysis is helpful in studying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-diets-early-humans-richer-berries-nuts-plants-than-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human diets of the past</a> because some plant parts don’t preserve in the archaeological record,” Wilks said.



Root vegetables, for example, decay far faster than seeds or grains. By recovering starch granules from stone, archaeologists have a new way to piece together the food stories of ancient peoples.



These bedrock metates, often overlooked in archaeological surveys, are proving to be valuable archives of cultural history.



This new technique shows that even the most weathered stones can hold on to traces of the past. Each granule recovered tells a story - not just about what people ate, but how they lived, traveled, and used the land around them.



These simple tools, still hiding in plain sight, connect us to generations long gone but not forgotten.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/american-antiquity/article/starch-granule-evidence-for-biscuitroot-lomatium-spp-processing-at-upland-rock-art-sites-in-warner-valley-oregon/F33A2E88C9999D2786DBC45D89E9BF97" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Antiquity</a>.



Image Credit: Stefania Wilks, University of Utah



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What bedrock can tell us about ancient cooking and culture

The mortar, pestle, and cutting board you use in your...

Walk through any busy street, and you’ll hear it - music, playing from car windows, cafés, or earbuds. People love and enjoy music. It helps us celebrate, grieve, concentrate, and connect. But while we know how music makes us feel, we rarely ask why it makes us feel that way.



Why do <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/live-music-connects-people-emotionally-and-physically/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">melodies</a> spark joy? Why do rhythms move our bodies before we even think? Is our love for music something we learn, or does it go deeper?



A recent study published in Nature Communications brings new depth to this question. The research suggests that our ability to enjoy music is not simply a cultural product or personal habit. 



Scientists have now found that genetics also play a role in shaping how much pleasure we draw from music. That joy, it turns out, may be written in our DNA.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-is-our-love-for-music-rooted-in-biology">Is our love for music rooted in biology?</h2>



For centuries, music has been <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-music-affects-a-babys-heartbeat-before-birth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">more than entertainment</a>. It reflects who we are. It binds people across generations and geographies. It serves as an emotional outlet and a social bridge. 



Even Charles Darwin, fascinated by music's power, once said it "must be ranked amongst the most mysterious with which he is endowed." Despite its deep cultural presence, we still struggle to explain the origins of music enjoyment.



This new research, led by scientists at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mpi.nl/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics</a>&nbsp;in the Netherlands, takes a scientific step forward. The international team set out to explore whether the pleasure people feel while listening to music is partly influenced by genetic differences.



“The answer to this big question has the potential to open a window into more general aspects of the human mind, such as how experiences become pleasurable,” said study first author and PhD candidate Giacomo Bignardi.



“We wanted to understand whether genetic differences between individuals can result in differences in the pleasure that people derive from music and what these differences can tell us about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-your-body-moves-to-music-even-if-you-dont-enjoy-it/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human musicality</a> in general.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strong-genetic-links-to-music-enjoyment">Strong genetic links to music enjoyment</h2>



To investigate, the researchers turned to twin studies - a powerful method in behavioral genetics. Identical twins share almost 100% of their DNA. Fraternal twins share about half.



By comparing similarities between these two groups, scientists can estimate how much genes contribute to a trait. If identical twins enjoy music in more similar ways than fraternal twins, then genetics likely play a part.



​The study was a collaboration between the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aesthetics.mpg.de/en.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics</a>&nbsp;in Germany and the&nbsp;<a href="https://ki.se/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Karolinska Institutet</a>&nbsp;in Sweden.&nbsp;It involved data from more than 9,000 twins.​



Participants provided self-reports on how much pleasure they get from music - what researchers call music reward sensitivity.



They also answered questions about their general sensitivity to rewards and completed tasks that measured their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/music-has-the-power-to-change-the-mood-of-our-memories/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">musical perception</a>, such as identifying pitch, melody, and rhythm.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-love-for-music-may-be-genetic">Love for music may be genetic</h2>



The findings were striking. The researchers estimated that about 54% of the variation in music reward sensitivity in the Swedish sample could be linked to genetic differences. 



That means more than half of the difference in how people respond to music may be inherited. This is a significant discovery. It implies that music enjoyment is not just a learned behavior or shaped by environment - it may be part of our biological design.



But the results went further. The researchers also found that the genes affecting music reward were not the same as those influencing general pleasure or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/live-music-evokes-stronger-emotions-than-streamed-music/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">musical skill</a>. 



That distinction is important. It means that enjoying music isn’t just about being musically talented or having a naturally cheerful personality. The capacity to feel joy from music stands apart.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-different-genes-for-different-experiences">Different genes for different experiences</h2>



As the research dug deeper, more complexity appeared. Music enjoyment is not one single experience. People find pleasure in different ways: some feel emotionally uplifted, others feel compelled to dance, while some enjoy making music with others. The genetic analysis reflected this richness.



The team found that different genetic pathways were associated with different aspects of music reward. This means that the genes influencing your emotional connection to music may differ from those that make you enjoy dancing to a beat or playing in a band.



“These findings suggest a complex picture in which partly distinct DNA differences contribute to different aspects of music enjoyment,” said Bignardi.



“Future research looking at which part of the genome contributes the most to the human ability to enjoy music has the potential to shed light on the human faculty that baffled Darwin the most, and which still baffles us today.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-music-enjoyment-is-inherited">Music enjoyment is inherited</h2>



This study reshapes how we think about the roots of musical pleasure. For years, scientists and philosophers treated music as a purely cultural artifact - something passed down through teaching and tradition. Now we see that biology plays a strong role.



The rhythm that makes your feet move or the melody that brings tears to your eyes may be part of your genetic inheritance.



That doesn’t mean culture or personal experience don’t matter. They still do. What we listen to and how we express our tastes remain deeply shaped by family, society, and personal history. But now, we can add another layer to the story: a biological one.



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



The study opens new possibilities. Future research may explore which regions of the genome are most involved. Scientists might one day discover genetic patterns linked to musical creativity or preference. Such findings could also have broader applications.



Understanding how our brains respond to music may offer clues to emotional regulation, mental health, or even cognitive development.



In the end, music continues to enchant, connect, and move us. This study reminds us that part of that magic might be found inside our genes - echoing across generations, written into the very code of our being.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-58123-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Some people are born to enjoy music more than others

Walk through any busy street, and you’ll hear it -...

For centuries, foie gras has graced the tables of royalty, chefs, and fine diners. Its creamy richness and deep flavor made it a culinary icon. But behind the luxury lies a harsh reality - one that has stirred protests, divided cultures, and triggered bans across nations.



Foie gras means “fatty liver” in French. Traditionally, it's made by force-feeding ducks or geese until their livers grow large and soft. Germany’s term, “Gänsestopfleber,” bluntly references its origins. 



Animal welfare groups have long opposed the practice. Cities like New York and countries like India have taken legal steps to limit or ban its production.



Still, demand has not vanished. Diners and chefs continue to admire foie gras for its taste and texture. The culinary world has struggled to find a satisfying, ethical replacement. Most plant-based or lab-grown <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiny-molecule-could-shape-the-future-of-food-security/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">versions</a> fall short in flavor or feel. 



But a group of scientists in Germany may have finally cracked the code.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recreating-foie-gras-without-cruelty">Recreating foie gras without cruelty</h2>



​At the&nbsp;Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research (<a href="https://www.mpip-mainz.mpg.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MPI-P</a>)&nbsp;in Mainz, a team of physicists, chemists, and culinary enthusiasts teamed up for a bold experiment. With help from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sdu.dk/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Southern Denmark</a>, they turned to data, microscopes, and texture analysis to reimagine foie gras without cruelty.​



The study's lead researcher, physicist Thomas Vilgis, also happens to be an avid home cook. He guided the group through months of food science and experimentation. The goal was simple but ambitious: to match the real thing in both flavor and mouthfeel - without harming animals.



“It has always been a goal to reproduce the taste and texture of real foie gras while not losing sight of animal welfare,” said Thomas Vilgis of MPI-P.



This wasn’t a culinary guessing game. They relied on precise tools to explore the microstructure of foie gras. Microscopes showed how fat settled in the liver and how collagen formed a soft, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/frozen-food-new-thawing-methods-will-improve-safety-and-quality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supportive network</a>. 



They also used rheological tests to simulate the chewing process and melting sensation on the tongue.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-makes-foie-gras-unique">What makes foie gras unique</h2>



The research showed that foie gras isn't just fatty liver - it’s a delicate balance of collagen, fat, and moisture. The collagen gives it structure and softness, while irregular fat clumps create its creamy, melt-away finish.



With these details in hand, the team began crafting their version. They started by simmering <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flowers-as-food-how-ultrasound-makes-it-possible/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">collagen</a>-rich tissues such as animal skin, which could provide that tender texture. Then, they added liver and fat in different ratios, trying to mimic the original’s complexity.



However, each batch left something missing. The texture didn’t quite match. The mouthfeel was either too firm or too smooth. Collagen tweaks helped only slightly. After many failed attempts, the experts realized they needed a new strategy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-turning-to-nature-for-a-clue">Turning to nature for a clue</h2>



The breakthrough came with a small but powerful idea. They introduced goose lipases - natural enzymes used by birds to break down fat in their digestive systems. These enzymes had never been used in this context before.



By treating the fat with these enzymes, the team saw immediate changes. The fat began forming larger, irregular clumps. These formations closely resembled what they observed in real foie gras under the microscope.



The mouthfeel changed dramatically. It now melted and coated the tongue just like the original. Collagen alone had not done the job, but the enzyme-altered fat transformed the entire product.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-ethical-copy-with-authentic-taste">An ethical copy with authentic taste</h2>



The texture wasn’t the only improvement. The flavor took a step forward, too. Though still a prototype, this enzyme-treated pâté tasted remarkably close to real foie gras. The team avoided using synthetic additives or artificial enhancers.



Vilgis pushed for a clean recipe. He focused on the basic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-pistachio-dna-is-shaping-the-future-of-farming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ingredients</a> and how to manipulate them using science. No extra chemicals. No flavor boosters. Just technique, temperature, and timing.



He has now filed a patent to protect this approach. Talks are underway to explore commercial production. Future phases may involve chefs and sensory scientists to fine-tune taste and aroma. For now, the product holds promise as the most authentic and ethical foie gras alternative yet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-gourmet-without-cruelty">Future of gourmet without cruelty</h2>



This research shows what happens when science, ethics, and passion collide. 



It opens a new chapter for culinary traditions that once depended on animal suffering. Rather than discard foie gras altogether, Vilgis and his team reimagined it from the ground up.



Their creation is not just a lab product - it’s a culinary experience built with care and precision. The research has been published in <a href="https://pubs.aip.org/aip/pof/article/37/3/037196/3340498/Foie-gras-pate-without-force-feeding" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Physics of Fluids</a>, a journal more known for fluid dynamics than fine dining. But here, science and food met in harmony.



It’s too early to know how chefs and food lovers will receive this version. Yet, it offers a path where taste and ethics can finally share the same plate.



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Cruelty-free foie gras made with enzymes, not force-feeding

For centuries, foie gras has graced the tables of royalty,...

Medical science has come a long way, but heart disease continues to take a heavy toll. It remains the leading cause of death in the United States, responsible for one in every five deaths. 



While medications and surgeries help manage symptoms, they don’t reverse the underlying damage - prompting scientists to explore bold new frontiers, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-space-agencies-can-help-address-healthcare-challenges/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">including space</a>.



The heart has a limited ability to regenerate, and once its muscle tissue is injured, there’s no going back. That makes the road to recovery steep, especially for patients in the final stages of heart failure.



For many, a heart transplant is the only hope — but donor hearts are few, and the waitlist grows. That reality has led scientists to explore regenerative medicine, and among the most promising areas is cardiac cell therapy. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-using-space-to-repair-the-human-heart">Using space to repair the human heart</h2>



At <a href="https://www.emory.edu/home/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Emory University</a>, researcher Chunhui Xu asked a question few had considered: What if space could help us heal the human heart?



Inspired by an eye-opening seminar on space-based research, Xu discovered that cancer cells exposed to microgravity tend to grow faster and live longer. This wasn’t just fascinating - it hinted at a game-changing possibility.



If heart cells could respond in the same way, it might offer a solution to two critical problems in cardiac cell therapy: low production rates and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astronauts-can-survive-mars-space-journey-but-their-kidneys-will-be-permanently-damaged/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">poor survival</a> after transplantation.



Xu’s lab turned this hypothesis into a series of experiments. After initial ground-based tests using simulated microgravity showed promise, they sent actual heart cells into orbit. Twice.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-special-stem-cells-offer-hope">Special stem cells offer hope</h2>



The research centered on a specific type of cell: cardiomyocytes derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC-CMs). These cells offer something extraordinary. 



They can be generated in large numbers and have the potential to restore heart function. In animal studies, they’ve already shown that they can improve heart performance and even act like a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astronauts-may-need-to-jump-for-better-knee-health-in-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biological pacemaker</a>.



Yet despite their promise, hiPSC-CMs face a significant challenge. When introduced into damaged heart tissue, most of them die. Stressful conditions such as low oxygen levels in the heart make survival difficult. Since each patient may require over a billion cells, this poor survival rate becomes a major barrier.



Improving these cells’ ability to thrive in hostile environments has become a key focus for researchers. Xu believed that space might hold the key.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-journey-to-the-international-space-station">Journey to the International Space Station</h2>



​Xu’s team partnered with the&nbsp;<a href="https://issnationallab.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ISS National Laboratory</a>&nbsp;and launched cardiac spheroids to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/main/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Space Station</a> through the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/mission/nasas-spacex-crew-8/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SpaceX Crew-8 mission</a>.​



These 3D cell structures, derived from hiPSCs, were thawed on Earth, then cultured in microgravity aboard the ISS for eight days.



While on the ISS, astronauts successfully maintained the beating spheroids, then returned them to Earth for detailed analysis. Remarkably, the cells maintained normal beating activity and calcium signaling, critical indicators of healthy cardiac function.



But the real discovery came through molecular analysis. Spaceflight had profoundly changed these cells on the inside.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-space-changes-heart-cell-genes-nbsp">Space changes heart cell genes&nbsp;</h2>



Upon their return, scientists used 3D live imaging and omics analysis to examine the cells’ inner workings. 



They found that spaceflight caused significant shifts in both protein levels and gene expression. Proteins linked to metabolism, mitochondrial function, and cell survival were all elevated.



Among the top upregulated proteins were those involved in handling cellular stress and enhancing survival. 



At the genetic level, the space-exposed cells showed increased activity in pathways tied to cardiac development, mitochondrial health, and essential metabolic functions like glutathione and glycerolipid metabolism.



These changes are not just academic. They indicate that spaceflight makes these cells stronger, more adaptable, and better suited for survival in the harsh environment of a failing heart.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-space-alters-everything">Why space alters everything</h2>



The microgravity of the ISS alters how cells behave. Previous studies had shown that stem cells can grow faster, differentiate more easily, and even gain therapeutic traits when cultured in orbit. Xu’s findings fit this pattern and push the field forward.



“The space environment provides an amazing opportunity for us to study cells in new ways,” said Xu.



“Our research on the ISS could allow us to develop a new strategy to generate cardiac cells more efficiently with improved survival when transplanted into damaged heart tissue, which would greatly benefit patients on Earth.”



That’s the true power of this research - not just stronger cells, but a new approach to therapy. By leveraging spaceflight, scientists can create heart cells that are better equipped to survive transplantation, potentially transforming cardiac treatment altogether.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-future-within-reach">A future within reach</h2>



The implications of this work go far beyond the lab. If space-grown <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/low-gravity-conditions-in-space-cause-heart-damage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiac cells</a> can survive and thrive where ordinary ones fail, they may become the foundation of a new era in regenerative medicine. 



Patients once facing a lifetime of medications or the uncertainty of a transplant might one day receive engineered heart tissue - grown in orbit, prepared for life on Earth.



Xu’s research stands at the intersection of hope and innovation. With each experiment, she and her team bring us closer to a future where damaged hearts can heal - not through machines or donors, but with the body’s own cells, shaped by the weightlessness of space.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0142961224006161?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biomaterials</a>.



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Heart cells grown in space may help heal damaged hearts

Medical science has come a long way, but heart disease...

The Levant region of the Middle East has long been recognized as a mixing pot of early humans and Neanderthals, some local and some on their way to and from other geographical regions. 



The many skeletal remains that have been found are characterized by high morphological diversity, but there is a consistency in the indicators of social and cultural behaviors.



Sites in the Levant give evidence of intentional burial of the dead, the interment of grave goods and the use of ochre at burial sites. 



This evidence of social and cultural behavior predates all other such evidence in the global record by tens of thousands of years.



In a recent study, researchers have analyzed unprecedented finds from Tinshemet Cave in Israel, in order to understand the relationship between Neanderthals and Homo sapiens during the mid-Middle Paleolithic. 



Remains of both of these hominin species are present at the site, but they appear to share common habits, technology and burial rites.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-neanderthals-humans-and-tinshemet-cave">Neanderthals, humans, and Tinshemet Cave</h2>



The site has proved to be an&nbsp;archaeological&nbsp;and&nbsp;anthropological&nbsp;treasure&nbsp;trove, with its skeletons - some of which are almost complete - burial sites and artifacts associated with these burials. 



These are the first new Middle-Paleolithic (MP) human burials to be investigated in 50 years.



The new evidence from Tinshemet Cave indicates that these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/when-did-early-humans-first-start-wearing-clothes-and-why-parasites-lice/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">early humans</a> were not just neighbors but were actively sharing information, and influencing each other's survival techniques, toolmaking, and cultures. 



When the finds were compared with evidence from other Levant sites, they showed similar tools, the same placement of skeletons within burial sites, artifacts that were included for use in the afterlife, and the presence of ochre fragments throughout the deposits.



This indicates that, although different types of hominins were present, they all seemed to share common cultural and social practices. 



Clearly, the relationship between early humans and Neanderthals was more complex than originally thought.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-humans-and-neanderthals-shared-culture">Humans and Neanderthals shared culture</h2>



Excavation of the Tinshemet Cave deposits has been ongoing since 2017. It is directed by Prof. Yossi Zaidner of the <a href="https://en.huji.ac.il/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hebrew University of Jerusalem</a>, Prof. Israel Hershkovitz of <a href="https://english.tau.ac.il/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tel Aviv University</a>, and Dr. Marion Prévost of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.



The primary objective of the researchers has been to unravel the nature of the relationship between Homo sapiens and Neanderthals during the mid-<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-evolution-overlapping/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Middle Paleolithic</a> period in this region. 



Was there a rivalry over resources between the two groups, or were they peaceful neighbors or collaborators?



The researchers integrated data from four essential fields - stone tool production, hunting strategies, symbolic behavior, and social complexity - for their study.



This integrated approach led to the inference that different human groups, including Neanderthals, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neanderthal-evolution-was-more-complex-than-previously-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pre-Neanderthals</a>, and Homo sapiens, all of which inhabited the Levant at various times, engaged in significant interactions.



These encounters enabled the exchange of knowledge and skills, which in turn led to the mixing of cultures among these populations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-burial-rituals-shared">Burial rituals shared</h2>



The discovery of a cluster of human burials at the Tinshemet Cave also raises fascinating questions about the role this site played in MP society. 



Could this cave have been a dedicated burial ground or even a cemetery? 



The placement of artifacts such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/400000-year-old-stone-tools-show-technological-adaptations-of-prehistoric-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stone tools</a>, animal bones, and ochre chunks within the burial pits suggests early beliefs in the afterlife, implying the presence of shared societal rituals and strong communal bonds.



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



The discoveries at Tinshemet Cave offer a glimpse into a dynamic period of prehistoric human interaction, with evidence suggesting that Neanderthals and early humans not only coexisted but also influenced each other’s ways of life.



Professor Zaidner describes Israel as a "melting pot" where different human groups met, interacted, and evolved together. 



“Our data show that human connections and population interactions have been fundamental in driving cultural and technological innovations throughout history,” he explained.



Dr. Prévost highlighted the unique geographic position of the region at the crossroads of human dispersals.



“During the mid-MP, climatic improvements increased the region’s carrying capacity, leading to demographic expansion and intensified contact between different Homo taxa,” he said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-humans-and-neanderthals-socially-complex">Humans and Neanderthals - socially complex</h2>



This demographic shift likely facilitated social exchanges that contributed to the shared technological and cultural advancements observed in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/115000-year-old-human-footprints-found-alathar-lake-arabian-peninsula/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">archaeological record</a>.



Prof. Hershkovitz commented that the interconnectedness of lifestyles among various human groups in the Levant suggests deep relationships and shared adaptation strategies. 



“These findings paint a picture of dynamic interactions shaped by both cooperation and competition.” 



The discoveries at Tinshemet Cave reinforce the notion that prehistoric human groups were not isolated entities but rather engaged in continuous exchanges that shaped their learning, survival, culture, and technological progress.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-still-much-more-to-learn">Still much more to learn</h2>



The findings at Tinshemet Cave offer a fascinating glimpse into the social organization, symbolic practices, and everyday lives of early human populations. 



By excavating evidence of common burial practices, technological transfer, and potential cultural mixing between Neanderthals and Homo sapiens, scientists are rewriting the history of prehistoric coexistence.



As digs proceed, future discoveries might reveal further burial grounds, artifacts, or symbolic inscriptions that shed more light on the dynamics of interspecies interactions in this region.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-025-02110-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Human Behaviour</a>.



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Unexpected Neanderthal discovery permanently rewrites human history

The Levant region of the Middle East has long been...

Healthy eating has always been a hotly debated topic, but fresh findings now connect balanced meals in midlife to a stronger chance of enjoying life in one’s later years.



Experts have long studied how food choices can offset chronic issues, and they keep exploring ways to maximize overall well-being without adopting overly restrictive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-diet-shifts-the-hidden-costs-of-what-we-eat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diets</a>.



One recent <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-025-03570-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">investigation</a> followed more than 105,000 Americans in their journey from midlife through senior status, over three decades. The study closely examined the impact of daily eating habits on long-term health.



One of the lead investigators is Professor Anne-Julie Tessier from the <a href="https://www.umontreal.ca/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Montreal</a>. She wanted to see whether smart nutrition could boost the odds of turning 70 with steady mental, physical, and cognitive abilities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-midlife-eating-patterns">Midlife eating patterns</h2>



“Studies have previously investigated dietary patterns in the context of specific diseases or how long people live,” said Frank Hu, a professor of nutrition and epidemiology at Harvard Chan School.



“Ours takes a multifaceted view, asking, how does <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-you-eat-can-literally-change-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diet</a> impact people’s ability to live independently and enjoy a good quality of life as they age?"



Participants gravitating toward vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains tended to avoid critical illnesses like diabetes or heart disease more often. 



This concept of healthy aging, which includes freedom from serious chronic issues and solid mental and physical function, is recognized by the <a href="https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/186463" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Health Organization</a> for emphasizing longevity with vitality.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-healthy-diets-can-be-personalized">Healthy diets can be personalized </h2>



The researchers examined a range of eating strategies, each emphasizing nutritious foods and lower intake of sweets, refined grains, and processed meats.



These patterns often highlighted plant-based staples, modest amounts of lean animal protein, and reduced sodium - all designed to align with established guidelines for better health.



“Our findings also show that there is no one-size-fits-all diet. Healthy <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-changes-in-diet-can-greatly-reduce-your-carbon-footprint/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diets</a> can be adapted to fit individual needs and preferences,” said Professor Tessier.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-impact-of-processed-foods">Health impact of processed foods</h2>



“Since staying active and independent is a priority for both individuals and public health, research on healthy aging is essential,” said study co-author Marta Guasch-Ferré, who is an associate professor at the <a href="https://www.ku.dk/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Copenhagen</a>.



The experts also observed that certain participants consumed more packaged snacks, sugary beverages, and ready-to-eat <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ditch-the-diet-trends-for-a-healthier-relationship-with-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">meals</a>, which frequently contain excessive sodium, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives.&nbsp;



High intake of these convenience items was connected to lower rates of physical mobility, weaker mood regulation, and more prevalent health complications as people aged. 



Those who opted for fresher, less refined foods generally reported easier movement, stable cognitive function, and fewer day-to-day difficulties throughout their 70s.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-midlife-eating-affects-health-after-70">Midlife eating affects health after 70</h2>



Remaining energetic beyond 70 involves more than dodging conditions like heart attacks or cancer; it also means sustaining the ability to get around and maintain positive mental health. 



A diet rich in fiber, vitamins, and protective minerals seems to support clearer thinking, stronger muscles, and steadier emotions.



According to the research team, midlife is a window when many people can still modify their routines, making it a perfect stage to bolster long-term well-being. 



By prioritizing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other nutrient-dense choices, adults might improve their odds of staying vibrant well into their eighth decade.



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



Most of the volunteers were employed in healthcare, which may mean they already had above-average awareness about nutrition, self-care, and disease prevention. 



This could shape how representative the findings are for the general population, particularly for those in jobs where health education is less emphasized or resources are limited.



Moreover, the project did not thoroughly address additional influences like stress, sleep, or environmental exposures that can also impact how people age. 



The authors note that further investigation across different groups and regions is needed to confirm how these dietary habits translate to wider communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-better-health-in-later-life">Better health in later life</h2>



Despite the study’s limitations, scientists believe these observations could inform guidelines that focus on plant-heavy menus while including moderate portions of fish, poultry, and certain dairy products. 



Such balanced recommendations might help preserve independence by cutting back on diseases and supporting stable brain and muscle function in later life.



Eventually, specialists may consider genetic factors and personal preferences to tailor meal plans for individuals, aiming to optimize health at every life stage. 



Combined with better access to wholesome foods in workplaces, schools, and local markets, this approach might support millions in aging with fewer setbacks and more comfort.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-midlife-eating-for-healthy-aging">Midlife eating for healthy aging</h2>



Some experts suggest gradually replacing sugary drinks with water or tea, and picking whole grains over refined bread or pasta. 



Even small steps, such as cooking more meals at home and keeping an eye on salt content, can shift eating habits toward healthier patterns.



Others highlight the advantage of planning grocery lists around staples like leafy greens, nuts, and lean proteins to curb impulse buys that derail good intentions. A simple focus on minimally processed items appears to go a long way in creating a diet that supports healthy aging.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-025-03570-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Medicine</a>.



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Eating better in midlife helps you age with strength

Healthy eating has always been a hotly debated topic, but...

For centuries, sharks have stirred fear and fascination. They glide through water with quiet power. Unlike whales or dolphins, they never seem to speak. Scientists assumed that sharks lived in a world of silence - masters of stealth with no sound.



That idea was rooted in biology. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/one-third-of-shark-species-face-extinction-despite-fishing-bans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sharks</a> lack swim bladders, organs that help many fish produce sound. 



They also don’t have vocal cords or specialized structures like drumming muscles. So the conclusion felt safe: sharks don’t make noise.



But nature is full of surprises. A recent discovery made at the University of Auckland's <a href="https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/science/about-the-faculty/university-reserves/leigh-marine-laboratory.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leigh Marine Laboratory</a> has rewritten what we know about these ancient predators. 



Sharks might not be voiceless after all.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-first-recorded-shark-sounds">The first recorded shark sounds</h2>



In a study published in Royal Society Open Science, <a href="https://rs.figshare.com/articles/media/Data_1_from_Evidence_of_active_sound_production_by_a_shark/28596448?backTo=%2Fcollections%2FSupplementary_material_from_Evidence_of_active_sound_production_by_a_shark_%2F7720015&amp;file=52990585" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scientists shared the first known recordings</a> of active sound production by sharks. 



The species involved, the rig shark (Mustelus lenticulatus), is a small, bottom-dwelling shark native to New Zealand.



During routine hearing experiments, ten juvenile rig <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chemical-clues-from-old-shark-jaws-reveal-diets-and-habitats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sharks</a> produced distinct clicking sounds when handled underwater. These weren’t random splashes or incidental noise. They were consistent, sharp clicks — deliberate and audible.



"Sharks have sensory systems that are more refined than their hearing, like their electroreceptors, their smell, and the way they propel themselves through the water… But I think the original notion that we had that sound isn't important at all is also likely not true," said Carolin Nieder, lead author of the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clicks-as-stress-or-warning-signals">Clicks as stress or warning signals</h2>



The clicks didn’t happen while the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-some-great-hammerhead-sharks-rarely-leave-home/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sharks</a> swam freely. They didn’t appear during feeding or rest. They only occurred when the sharks were briefly handled. Most clicks happened in the first ten seconds of handling and dropped off after that.



This suggests the sounds may be a reaction to stress. The sharks could be trying to defend themselves or confuse potential predators. Some clicks coincided with physical movements, like swaying or sudden bends. Others came with no visible movement.



The researchers counted an average of nine clicks per shark in a 20-second window. About three-quarters of those clicks were short, single-pulse bursts. The remaining were double-pulse clicks, produced in rapid succession.



“Maybe they weren't afraid for their lives anymore,” Nieder said, noting the decline in clicks over time. This behavior may resemble a natural escape tactic in the wild, used as a quick distraction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-teeth-not-vocal-cords">Teeth, not vocal cords</h2>



So how do <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sharks-may-benefit-from-rising-temperatures-but-not-from-rising-co2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sharks</a> make these sounds without sound-producing organs? The team examined this closely. Using microCT scans and detailed dissections, the researchers studied the cranial structure of the rig shark. The teeth emerged as the most likely mechanism.



Rig sharks have blunt, interlocking teeth arranged like flat plates. These teeth snap together during rapid jaw movements. This snapping action likely creates the broadband clicks observed in the study.



The sounds recorded had an average duration of 48 milliseconds, with frequencies between 2.4 and 18.5 kHz. 



Most clicks peaked around 9.6 kHz, far above the rig’s hearing threshold, which tops at around 800 Hz. Yet, the first burst of each click contained low frequencies that might be audible to the sharks themselves.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-are-these-shark-sounds-meaningful">Are these shark sounds meaningful?</h2>



The purpose of the clicks remains uncertain. Are they a biological signal - a warning, alarm, or defensive cry? Or are they simply a byproduct of muscle contractions and jaw tension under stress?



The study notes that rigs did not produce sounds during other behaviors, like swimming or feeding. This supports the idea that the clicking is linked to disturbance, not daily communication.



Still, comparisons with other fish species are revealing. Teleost fish, like cod and piranhas, often emit clicks when threatened or approached by predators. These “predator-related” sounds serve no obvious communicative role but may momentarily confuse or startle attackers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-similar-sounds-in-other-species">Similar sounds in other species</h2>



This discovery also echoes recent findings in rays. Since 2022, several studies have reported click-like sounds in stingrays and skates when divers approached. 



Species like the mangrove whipray and the blonde ray produce sharp broadband clicks, seemingly in reaction to disturbance.



These clicks share many traits with the rig’s clicks: short duration, high frequency, and apparent links to stress. While the anatomical mechanisms may differ, the pattern is striking.



In rays, the movement of spiracles and fins has been observed during sound production. In rigs, however, no clear body movement could be linked directly to the clicks. This raises the need for better underwater observation - perhaps through close-up video - to pinpoint exactly how the sound is made.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-not-all-sharks-click">Not all sharks click</h2>



Interestingly, not all <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mediterranean-sharks-face-growing-threats-despite-conservation-efforts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sharks</a> show this behavior. The study tested three dusky smoothhounds (Mustelus canis), close relatives of the rig. These sharks, when handled under the same conditions, produced no clicks.



This may point to differences in species behavior, evolutionary paths, or simply varying sensitivity to human presence. The dusky smoothhounds had been in captivity longer, which might explain their lack of response.



The researchers noted that Mustelus as a genus includes many species with similar tooth shapes. It’s possible that other species may also produce clicks under the right circumstances.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-can-rig-sharks-hear-their-own-sounds">Can rig sharks hear their own sounds?</h2>



This question remains unresolved. Rigs are most sensitive to very low frequencies, far below the peak of their clicks. Yet, each click begins with a powerful burst that includes frequencies under 1 kHz. These lower frequencies may fall within the shark’s hearing range.



Whether the clicks carry a message for other sharks is unclear. But it’s possible the clicks aren’t meant for sharks at all. The energy-rich sounds could affect predators with better hearing, like toothed whales or large marine mammals. 



Some fish also produce similar sounds that deter or confuse predators, even if they aren’t always effective.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-voices-from-the-deep">New voices from the deep</h2>



For years, researchers assumed that sharks lacked the ability - or need - to make sound. This study shifts that narrative. It reveals not only a sound, but a potential signal - a cry, a warning, or perhaps an instinctive snap.



The rig shark now holds the title of the first confirmed sound-producing shark. And its clicks may not be alone for long. As scientists look closer, more species may reveal their hidden voices.



In the quietest corners of the ocean, even sharks might have something to say.



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<a href="https://rs.figshare.com/articles/media/Data_1_from_Evidence_of_active_sound_production_by_a_shark/28596448?backTo=%2Fcollections%2FSupplementary_material_from_Evidence_of_active_sound_production_by_a_shark_%2F7720015&amp;file=52990585" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Click this link to hear the noises made by these sharks during the hunt...</a>



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.242212" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Society Open Science</a>.&nbsp;



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Sharks recorded making terrifying sounds while hunting - despite not having vocal cords

For centuries, sharks have stirred fear and fascination. They glide...

Population genetics can reveal surprising insights about the ancestry of any group, often challenging assumptions that have persisted for centuries. Japan is a prime example, with many believing its people descend from only two main lines of ancestry. 



New evidence now indicates that there may be a third strand woven into the country’s genetic heritage. Researchers are examining DNA clues and clinical data to piece together a bigger story, and the results are shaking up conventional wisdom on what it really means to be Japanese.



A paper published in the journal Science Advances presented findings that suggest a far more intricate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/recreating-the-face-of-dragon-man-harbin-skull-denisovans-an-ancient-human-cousin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genetic tapestry</a> is involved in the ultimate ancestry of people in Japan than previously thought. 



The project behind this discovery is led by experts who investigated thousands of samples to paint a detailed picture of ancestry. 



After sifting through these clues, RIKEN’s Chikashi Terao and colleagues propose that a third group, the so-called Emishi people, is part of this fascinating blend.



Terao, who headed the study at RIKEN's <a href="https://www.riken.jp/en/research/labs/ims/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Center for Integrative Medical Sciences</a>, explains, “Our analysis revealed Japan's subpopulation structure on a fine scale, which is very beautifully classified according to geographical locations in the country.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fresh-perspective-on-japanese-ancestry">Fresh perspective on Japanese ancestry</h2>



Researchers used whole-genome sequencing to analyze genetic information from more than 3,200 people across seven regions of Japan. 



This approach zooms in on all three billion DNA base-pairs, offering a much more comprehensive view compared to previous methods. 



Terao says, “Whole-genome sequencing gives us the chance to look at more data, which helps us find more interesting things.”



By examining the data, the team pinpointed differences that track with older population groups. Traditional narratives described only two main ancestral lines: the Jomon and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dna-study-reveals-secrets-of-weedy-rice-invasion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rice-farming</a> migrants from east Asia. 



The latest results identify a third source in the mix - people with connections to northeast Asia known as the Emishi. 



One key aspect of this research is the focus on subtle markers that illuminate how these historical groups spread out across the islands.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-japan-s-ancestry-gets-clues-from-jewel">Japan's ancestry gets clues from JEWEL</h2>



The Japanese Encyclopedia of Whole-Genome/Exome Sequencing Library (JEWEL) combines genetic material with related medical and family information. 



The researchers gathered this data to explore health links and ancestry, creating a resource that also sheds light on how certain diseases appear in distinct areas. 



Terao remarks, “We reasoned that rare variants can sometimes be traced back to specific ancestral populations, and could be informative in revealing fine-scale <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/timeline-early-humans-great-migration-reached-america-challenged-again/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migration patterns</a> within Japan.”



According to the analysis, Jomon ancestry remains most prominent in Okinawa, appearing in 28.5% of the samples studied there, while it is lowest in western Japan at just 13.4%. 



Meanwhile, the study found that individuals in western regions have closer connections to Han Chinese people. 



The influx of migrants from east Asia between the year 250 and year 794 correlates with that finding. Emishi-related lineage appears strongest in the northeast, gradually dwindling as one moves westward.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rare-variants-and-their-role">Rare variants and their role</h2>



The study did more than trace broad patterns of ancestry. It also drilled down into uncommon gene variations to discover their potential involvement in various conditions. 



One particular variant of a gene called PTPRD has the potential to be highly damaging because it could be linked with hypertension, kidney failure, and myocardial infarction, according to Xiaoxi Liu, a senior scientist in Terao’s lab and the first author of the research. 



Additionally, significant incidences of variants in the GJB2 and ABCC2 genes were documented, tying them to hearing loss and chronic liver disease.



These clues demonstrate the practical potential of such extensive DNA surveys. By mapping rare changes, the researchers gain a sharper understanding of health outcomes, which may eventually guide new approaches to diagnosis or treatment. 



The JEWEL database thus provides a framework for aligning genetic signals with real-world health profiles.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clues-from-neanderthals-and-denisovans">Clues from Neanderthals and Denisovans</h2>



The project also examined segments inherited from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tinshemet-cave-more-evidence-neanderthals-and-early-humans-interacted-socially/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neanderthals</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-denisovan-species-humans-lived-undisturbed-tibetan-plateau-160000-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Denisovans</a>, two archaic human groups that intermixed with Homo sapiens millennia ago. 



Terao states, “We are interested in why ancient genomes are integrated and kept in modern human DNA sequences.” 



The team identified 44 ancient DNA regions present in Japanese people, many unique to East Asians. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/japanese_ancestry_introgressed-chart_credit-RIKEN_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/japanese_ancestry_introgressed-chart_credit-RIKEN_1s.webp" alt="Introgressed sequences from archaic Neanderthals or Denisovans in the Japanese population. Click to enlarge. Credit: RIKEN" class="wp-image-1963362"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Introgressed sequences from archaic Neanderthals or Denisovans in the Japanese population. Click to enlarge. Credit: RIKEN</figcaption></figure>



Among these was a Denisovan-derived segment within the NKX6-1 gene, which may influence how individuals respond to semaglutide, a drug used to treat type 2 diabetes.



They also located 11 Neanderthal-derived segments possibly tied to several conditions, including coronary artery disease, prostate cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis. 



Researchers in other parts of the world have shown that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neanderthal-genes-make-you-more-of-a-morning-person/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">archaic DNA</a> occasionally grants advantages in extreme environments or impacts susceptibility to illness. 



This new study adds fresh details to the ongoing search for connections between ancient genes and modern-day health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-japan-ancestry-and-human-health">Japan, ancestry, and human health</h2>



Scientists point out that large-scale genetic investigations have mostly centered on European samples. Terao is keen to expand the reach of JEWEL by including more DNA profiles from Asia and beyond. 



This broader approach could highlight unique markers and conditions that are otherwise overlooked. “We’d like to connect population differences with differences in genetics,” he observes.



Population research of this magnitude promises to clarify how certain traits, disorders, and susceptibilities arise. 



It may also help fine-tune healthcare for specific communities by showing which variants are most influential. At the same time, it shows that no population is as uniform as once believed. 



The new evidence highlights how three ancestral groups contributed to the current mosaic in Japan, blending the histories of the Jomon, east Asian migrants, and the Emishi people into a more complete picture of Japan’s past.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adi8419" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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Who are the Japanese people? DNA study results upend previous beliefs

Population genetics can reveal surprising insights about the ancestry of...

When people think about human papillomavirus (HPV), cancer tends to be the initial medical risk that comes to mind. For years, HPV has been connected with various types of cancer, such as those located in the cervix, genitals, anus, and throat. 



However, research now suggests another potential link of concern: heart disease.



Researchers from the <a href="https://medicine.uconn.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Connecticut School of Medicine</a> have analyzed a large set of data from close to 250,000 patients in multiple countries.



The results indicate that people who have HPV are far more likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease than people without the virus.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hpv-and-heart-disease">HPV and heart disease</h2>



“Our study shows that clearly there is an association of some kind between HPV and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-century-of-progress-in-the-fight-against-cardiovascular-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiovascular disease</a>,” said Dr. Stephen Akinfenwa, who is an internal medicine resident at UConn School of Medicine and the study’s lead author.



“The biological mechanism has not been determined but is hypothesized to be related to chronic inflammation. We would ultimately like to see if reducing HPV via vaccination could reduce cardiovascular risk.”



This study stands out because it’s the first to bring together findings from multiple global studies - seven in total - that span the years 2011 to 2024.



These studies followed patients for anywhere between three and 17 years and came from the United States, South Korea, Brazil, and Australia. Most were long-term observational studies.



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



The researchers employed a number of statistical techniques to compare the relationship between HPV and three diseases: cardiovascular disease, coronary artery disease, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-link-between-insomnia-and-hypertension-in-women/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hypertension</a>.



The findings were dramatic. HPV-positive patients had a 40% greater likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease and were twice as likely to have coronary artery disease than participants who were HPV negative.



Even after the researchers controlled for risk factors that normally affect heart health, such as smoking, diabetes, lifestyle and family history, HPV carriers remained 33% more at risk of developing heart disease.



In an interesting aside, no robust association was identified between HPV and high blood pressure.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-this-means-for-patients-and-doctors">What this means for patients and doctors</h2>



The human papillomavirus is very prevalent and transmitted through close or intimate contact. Although most people equate HPV with genital warts and cancers, this new report indicates that it could also have implications for heart health.



The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention already advises that all children and adolescents should receive the HPV <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/universal-vaccine-may-be-effective-against-any-variant-of-any-virus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vaccine</a> in order to avoid the development of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/simple-lifestyle-changes-could-prevent-half-of-all-cancer-deaths/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer</a>s associated with this viral infection. But a lot of adults didn't get the vaccine when it was initially offered in 2006.



This new information may impact the way clinicians treat heart health in HPV-positive patients.



“We always talk about cardiovascular risk factors like smoking, high blood pressure and so on, but we know that about 20% of cardiovascular disease cannot be explained by these conventional risk factors,” said Akinfenwa. 



“This makes it important to identify non-conventional risk factors like HPV that could potentially be targeted.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-part-of-a-larger-picture">Part of a larger picture</h2>



More research is needed to understand exactly how HPV contributes to heart disease. 



Scientists are particularly interested in whether reducing HPV infections through vaccination could also help lower <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-diet-may-save-your-life-six-key-foods-lower-the-risk-of-heart-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart disease risk</a>.



For now, these findings highlight the importance of keeping an open mind when it comes to assessing cardiovascular risk - and suggest that viruses like HPV may be part of a much larger picture.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-can-hpv-vaccination-reduce-heart-risks">Can HPV vaccination reduce heart risks?</h2>



The HPV vaccine has long been promoted for its role in preventing cancers linked to the virus, but this new research gives it even more weight. If there’s a connection between HPV and heart disease, the vaccine could end up protecting more than just reproductive health - it might also support cardiovascular health down the line.



Raising awareness about the broader effects of HPV could encourage more people to get vaccinated or talk to their doctors about eligibility. 



It could also shift public perception, showing that this isn’t just a vaccine for teens - it's a preventive step that may affect health outcomes in multiple ways.



If future studies confirm that HPV vaccination can reduce heart disease risks, it would make the case even stronger for expanding access and education around this underused but powerful tool.



The results of this <a href="https://www.acc.org/About-ACC/Press-Releases/2025/03/25/10/19/Growing-Body-of-Evidence-Links-HPV-with-Heart-Disease">research</a> will be presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session.



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Hidden heart risk of HPV: What new research reveals

When people think about human papillomavirus (HPV), cancer tends to...

For decades, climate models have predicted that the Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica should be warming in response to global climate change. But surprisingly, real-world data show something different: much of that ocean has actually cooled over the past forty years.&nbsp;



Now, scientists at <a href="https://www.stanford.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford University</a> believe they’ve found a compelling explanation, and it’s changing how we understand one of the most important regions in Earth’s climate system.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-cooling-ocean-in-a-warming-climate">A cooling ocean in a warming climate</h2>



The new research, published in the journal <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1029/2024GL112639" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geophysical Research Letters</a>, points to two overlooked but critical factors - meltwater from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ice-sheet-past-present-and-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctica’s ice sheets</a> and increased precipitation.&nbsp;



“We found that the Southern Ocean cooling trend is actually a response to global warming, which accelerates ice sheet melting and local precipitation,” said Earle Wilson, assistant professor of Earth system science at Stanford’s Doerr School of Sustainability and senior author of the study.



As more ice melts and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-rainfall-increases-as-a-direct-result-of-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rain</a> falls around Antarctica, the ocean’s surface becomes fresher and less salty. That reduction in salinity makes the water less dense, preventing the usual vertical mixing that would bring warmer waters from the deep ocean up to the surface.&nbsp;



“The fresher you make that surface layer, the harder it is to mix warm water up,” Wilson explained. The result is a kind of lid that traps cooler water at the surface - causing the region to cool rather than warm, despite the rising global temperatures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changes-in-antarctic-waters">Changes in Antarctic waters</h2>



This cooling effect hasn’t been accurately represented in most state-of-the-art climate models. The researchers argue that this missing factor - freshwater input from melting glaciers - has long been a major blind spot in climate projections.&nbsp;



This omission could have broad implications. The Southern Ocean is a key player in regulating global climate. It absorbs a significant amount of the carbon dioxide and excess heat generated by human activity.&nbsp;



“The Southern Ocean is one of the primary places that happens,” said Zachary Kaufman, the study’s lead author and a postdoctoral scholar in Earth system science at Stanford.



Because of this, changes in Southern Ocean temperatures affect much more than just the immediate region. Surface temperature shifts can influence global sea level rise, ocean heat uptake, and even climate phenomena like El Niño and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/australian-bushfires-triggered-rare-multi-year-la-nina/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">La Niña</a> that affect rainfall patterns as far away as California.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reconciling-global-climate-mismatches">Reconciling global climate mismatches</h2>



The discrepancy between what models predict and what observations show in the Southern Ocean is just one piece of a broader puzzle. Current global climate models also fail to simulate cooling trends in the eastern equatorial Pacific and tend to underestimate the frequency of La Niña events.&nbsp;



At the same time, they often overstate warming in other regions like the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific.



Although warming events have occurred in Antarctic waters over the last eight years, they haven’t erased the long-term cooling trend. 



According to Wilson, if real-world temperature patterns continue to deviate from model predictions, this could reshape scientific expectations for near-term climate impacts.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-freshwater-near-the-antarctic-margin">Freshwater near the Antarctic margin </h2>



The researchers set out to understand just how much the observed cooling could be attributed to freshening - the dilution of salt water by rain and melting ice. Initially, they assumed it wouldn't matter much where the freshwater was added.



But they were surprised by what they found. Their analysis showed that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-are-substantially-changing-the-seasons-of-the-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea surface temperatures</a> are much more sensitive to freshwater inputs concentrated near Antarctica’s coastline, as opposed to rainfall distributed across the broader ocean.&nbsp;



“Applying freshwater near the Antarctic margin has a bigger influence on sea ice formation and the seasonal cycle of sea ice extent, which then has downstream impacts on sea surface temperature,” Wilson explained.&nbsp;



The result was not only unexpected but also highlighted the importance of location in shaping ocean dynamics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-impact-of-missing-meltwater">The impact of missing meltwater</h2>



In the past, researchers have tried to measure the effects of Antarctic meltwater through so-called “hosing experiments,” where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/satellites-reveal-a-sudden-drop-in-global-freshwater-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">freshwater</a> is added to simulations in various ways. But differences in modeling setups made it difficult to compare results.



To overcome this, the Stanford team used a comprehensive approach. They drew on a new ensemble of simulations from the <a href="https://gmd.copernicus.org/articles/16/7289/2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southern Ocean Freshwater Input from Antarctica</a> (SOFIA) Initiative and combined this with older models to study ocean density and circulation changes.&nbsp;



By comparing the modeled sea surface temperatures with actual freshwater inputs between 1990 and 2021, they were able to determine just how much of the temperature mismatch was due to missing meltwater.



“There’s been some debate over whether that meltwater is enough over the historical period to really matter,” Kaufman said. “We show that it does.” Their findings indicate that up to 60% of the mismatch between observed and simulated surface temperatures in the Southern Ocean can be explained by these missing freshwater inputs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-lens-on-climate-futures">A new lens on climate futures</h2>



The implications are far-reaching. “We’ve known for some time that ice sheet melting will impact ocean circulation over the next century and beyond,” Wilson said.&nbsp;



“Our results provide new evidence that these meltwater trends are already altering ocean dynamics and possibly the global climate.”



As scientists refine their models to include these missing freshwater effects, policymakers and planners will gain a more accurate picture of how the climate is changing - and how to prepare for the challenges ahead.



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Why Antarctic waters are cooling in a warming world

For decades, climate models have predicted that the Southern Ocean...

New moms often face a whirlwind of emotions, sleepless nights, and the physical demands of recovery. In the midst of caring for a newborn, taking care of their own well-being can feel overwhelming.



But health experts say one of the most effective ways to support that recovery is surprisingly simple: move more.



Researchers from the <a href="https://csep.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology</a>, in collaboration with scientists from the <a href="https://www.ubc.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of British Columbia</a>, have released a new guideline for new moms.



According to the experts, women should aim for at least two hours of moderate to vigorous physical activity each week in the first three months after giving birth, as long as they’re physically able.



Activities like brisk walking, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/active-commuting-cycling-to-work-linked-to-enormous-health-benefits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cycling</a>, and resistance exercises should be spread over four or more days per week.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-new-moms-need-to-know">What new moms need to know</h2>



The weeks and months after <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/maternal-mortality-the-overlooked-needs-of-mothers-after-childbirth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">childbirth</a> are a time of rapid change. The risk of depression, sleep disorders, weight gain, diabetes, and even heart issues tends to rise, especially for those who experienced complications during <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-pregnancy-changes-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pregnancy</a>.



Despite this, clear advice on physical activity during the postpartum period has been hard to come by. This new guidance is based on a comprehensive review of 574 studies.



The researchers made sure the recommendations apply to all people who have recently given birth - regardless of breastfeeding, cultural background, disability, or socio-economic status.



To shape the recommendations, the team spoke directly with new moms. They identified 21 key areas to focus on, including injury prevention, fatigue, depression and anxiety, breast milk production, urinary incontinence, and infant development.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-holistic-approach-to-recovery">A holistic approach to recovery</h2>



Physical activity is just one piece of the puzzle. The guideline also strongly recommends daily pelvic floor muscle training to help reduce the risk of urinary incontinence and support pelvic rehabilitation. 



Getting better sleep is also a priority. Suggestions include building a nighttime routine that limits screen time and keeps the bedroom dark and quiet.



Importantly, even light activities like gentle <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/walking-is-a-powerful-tool-to-boost-brain-health-and-overall-well-being/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">walking</a> can help. The panel emphasized that all new moms - whether fully recovered or still healing - should avoid long periods of inactivity whenever possible.



For those with medical conditions or troubling symptoms, they recommend consulting a healthcare provider before jumping into moderate exercise.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-benefits-are-worth-it">The benefits are worth it</h2>



“Even small steps towards achieving them will still promote physical and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exercise-may-improve-mental-health-more-than-medication/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mental health</a> benefits,” the experts said. 



Following these recommendations has been linked to reduced depression, better cholesterol levels, less fatigue, and even improvements in weight management.



Importantly, the guidelines were not found to be associated with any additional risk of injury or negative effects on breast milk.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-realistic-goals-for-new-moms">Realistic goals for new moms</h2>



The experts noted that these activities and habits are cost-effective and likely to lead to long-term savings in healthcare.



Most importantly, the goals are realistic. Feedback from parents indicated that the advice is feasible, affordable, and easy to integrate into everyday life. While more research is still needed to fill gaps in the science, the evidence so far is clear.



“These clinically meaningful benefits strongly support incorporating consultation and guidance on movement behaviours into clinical practice for the postpartum period,” the team said.



Caring for a new baby is demanding. But taking time to care for your own body and mind - through movement, sleep, and simple routines - can make all the difference in this new chapter of life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-supporting-the-postpartum-journey">Supporting the postpartum journey</h2>



The postpartum period is often misunderstood, and most new moms feel they need to “bounce back” fast.



Recovery is not a race, though. It's a slow process that's more than just physical recovery - it’s also emotional adjustment, hormonal changes, and redefining daily habits.



These new guidelines remind us that small, consistent steps - such as moving more, building up the pelvic floor, and sleeping better - can have a lasting effect.



By acknowledging the individual obstacles of this period, the recommendations provide a kinder, more realistic vision for postpartum well-being. 



It’s not about getting moms to do more - it’s about getting them to feel a bit better, week by week.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2025/03/22/bjsports-2025-109785" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">British Journal of Sports Medicine</a>.



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Why movement matters for new moms

New moms often face a whirlwind of emotions, sleepless nights,...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Social modeling affects our food choices

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



The full study was published in the journal Current Biology.



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Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Scientists discover we age in bursts

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Scientists solve the mystery of tickling

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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







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Retired professor claims he solved time travel

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

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</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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

[sendtonews key="QGPzYnXEtN-1712599-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from Carl...

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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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

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

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