<p>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. </p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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. </p>



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



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



<p>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. </p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<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"><em>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</em></figcaption></figure>



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



<p>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. </p>



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



<p>If that had occurred, the consequences for our planet would have been dramatic. </p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>That small difference between theoretical predictions and observational reality has puzzled researchers for decades.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



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



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



<p>“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>.</p>



<p>“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.”</p>



<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"><em>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</em></figcaption></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>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.” </p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>“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>. </p>



<p>"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.”</p>



<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"><em>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</em></figcaption></figure>



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



<p>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. </p>



<p>By identifying carbon as the critical player, scientists can narrow down these timelines. </p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



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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...

<p>Beneath the forest floor lies a hidden web that sustains life as we know it. These lifelines are not roots, nor are they animals or minerals. They are fungi - ancient organisms that form dense underground networks. Most people never see them, yet they are as essential as sunlight and rain for ecosystems.</p>



<p>Fungi connect trees in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/underground-fungal-networks-are-natures-hyper-efficient-architects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">silent communication</a>. They help crops resist disease and survive drought. Without fungi, the soil weakens, the plants suffer, and biodiversity falters. </p>



<p>Despite their importance, fungi are rarely featured in conservation headlines. They’ve been largely ignored in environmental efforts, until now.</p>



<p>This month, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (<a href="https://iucn.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IUCN</a>) released a warning: fungi are under threat. And the threat is serious. Deforestation, farming expansion, and wildfires driven by climate change are pushing hundreds of fungi species toward extinction.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unsung-heroes-of-life">Unsung heroes of life</h2>



<p>The IUCN’s latest update of its Red List reveals a worrying trend. Out of 1,300 well-documented fungal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fungi-can-think-and-make-smart-decisions-without-a-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a>, 411 face extinction. </p>



<p>This number represents only a fraction of the fungal kingdom. Scientists have recorded around 150,000 fungal species so far, but estimates suggest the true count may exceed 2.5 million.</p>



<p>Each of these organisms plays a part in maintaining balance in ecosystems. Many fungi form symbiotic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-fungi-diversity-can-be-pulled-out-of-thin-air/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">relationships</a> with plants, providing them with nutrients in exchange for sugars. </p>



<p>These relationships are ancient, stretching back over 400 million years. Their loss would unravel natural systems that evolved over millennia.</p>



<p>"Fungi are the unsung heroes of life on Earth, forming the very foundation of healthy ecosystems - yet they have long been overlooked," said IUCN Director General Grethel Aguilar.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fungi-are-unseen-but-essential">Fungi are unseen but essential </h2>



<p>Fungi form their own <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brain-eating-fungus-beauveria-bassiana-causes-the-immune-system-to-attack-neurons/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biological kingdom</a>. They are distinct from plants and animals. Their structures, growth patterns, and reproduction methods differ entirely. Yet, their presence supports both flora and fauna.</p>



<p>"While fungi mainly live hidden underground and inside wood, their loss impacts the life above ground that depends on them," explained Professor Anders Dahlberg, a Swedish mycologist who led the IUCN’s fungal assessment.</p>



<p>Dahlberg compares their role to the microbiome in human guts. Unseen but essential, fungi allow ecosystems to digest, grow, and respond to change. When fungi vanish, ecosystems lose <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-and-fungi-communicate-using-a-silent-language/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">resilience</a>. </p>



<p>Crops become more vulnerable, trees become less stable, and soils lose their ability to store carbon.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-impact-on-fungal-networks">Human impact on fungal networks</h2>



<p>Nearly 300 fungal species are now threatened due to expanding agricultural lands and growing cities. As human settlements rise and farmlands sprawl, fungi lose habitat. </p>



<p>Urban development compresses the earth, alters drainage, and cuts through the underground threads fungi rely on.</p>



<p>Nitrogen-rich fertilizers and vehicle emissions also impact fungi. The IUCN notes that 91 species are directly threatened by nitrogen and ammonia pollution. </p>



<p>One example is the fibrous waxcap (<em>Hygrocybe intermedia</em>), an uncommon yellow-orange mushroom found across European meadows. Once spread from Scandinavia to southern Italy, it now faces serious pressure.</p>



<p>Deforestation creates even more severe <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-fungi-can-be-trained-to-degrade-plastic-faster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">consequences</a>. The cutting of ancient forests removes the only environment many fungi can survive in. Unlike fast-growing plants, many fungi cannot adapt or migrate quickly.</p>



<p>"Clear-cutting of old-growth forests is especially damaging, destroying fungi that do not have time to re-establish with rotation forestry," the IUCN noted.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-iconic-fungi-species-are-disappearing">Iconic fungi species are disappearing</h2>



<p>Some threatened fungi were once widespread, although none of the popular edible varieties face immediate danger. Dahlberg noted that the most vulnerable types are often very specific, occupying narrow ecological roles in local fungal communities.</p>



<p>One such species is the giant knight (<em>Tricholoma colossus</em>), which has suffered greatly due to the disappearance of old-growth pine forests in Finland, Sweden, and Russia. These forests have declined by 30 percent since the 1970s, shrinking the giant knight’s habitat along with them.</p>



<p>The public rarely hears of such species, yet their loss weakens ecosystems. Each vanished fungus takes with it a piece of the forest’s memory, function, and future stability.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-shifts-the-forest-s-rhythm">Climate change shifts the forest’s rhythm</h2>



<p>Global warming adds another layer of threat. In the United States, shifting fire patterns have altered forest dynamics. </p>



<p>Fires now burn hotter, more often, or in unexpected regions. Over 50 fungal species have been affected, with some pushed to the edge of extinction.</p>



<p>One notable case involves the endangered <em>Gastroboletus citrinobrunneus</em>. This rare fungus depends on specific conditions found in California’s Sierra Nevada. Due to warming, fir trees have overtaken the high-elevation woods, reducing the mushroom’s already limited habitat.</p>



<p>Fungi cannot run. They cannot grow elsewhere at will. When the forest changes, they either adapt slowly or die quickly. Climate pressure forces rapid shifts that fungal systems were never designed to handle.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-kingdom-that-holds-it-all-together">The kingdom that holds it all together</h2>



<p>The IUCN’s Red List now includes nearly 170,000 species, of which over 47,000 face extinction. Fungi, long excluded from mainstream conservation, are now being recognized for their irreplaceable roles.</p>



<p>"Now it's time to turn this knowledge into action and safeguard the extraordinary fungal kingdom, whose vast underground networks sustain nature and life as we know it," said Aguilar.</p>



<p>Preserving fungi means protecting forests, clean soil, healthy crops, and biodiversity. These silent organisms are nature’s caretakers. The time has come to listen to their silence - and act before it becomes permanent.</p>



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



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Hundreds of fungi species are threatened with extinction

Beneath the forest floor lies a hidden web that sustains...

<p>As you walk through a busy airport, crosswalk, or train station, take a look at the crowd around you. Are people moving smoothly in organized lanes, or chaotically zigzagging through one another?&nbsp;</p>



<p>A new study from the <a href="https://web.mit.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Massachusetts Institute of Technology</a> (MIT) has revealed a mathematical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-tipping-points-report-shows-humanity-on-a-disastrous-trajectory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tipping point</a> that explains when crowds transition from orderly flow to disorganized congestion -&nbsp; a discovery that could help design safer and more efficient public spaces.</p>



<p>MIT applied mathematics instructor Karol Bacik and an international team of researchers have pinpointed a precise factor that determines crowd behavior. The key lies in something called “angular spread” - a measure of how varied people’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-quick-daily-walk-reduces-the-risk-of-early-death/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">walking</a> directions are.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-organization-to-chaos">From organization to chaos</h2>



<p>The analysis shows that when pedestrians cross paths from roughly opposite directions - like in a typical crosswalk - they tend to self-organize into lanes, flowing like vehicles in traffic. </p>



<p>But when the range of directions people walk in expands beyond an average angle of 13 degrees from a straight path, that orderly structure collapses into a disordered, inefficient tangle.</p>



<p>“This all is very commonsense,” Bacik said. “The question is whether we can tackle it precisely and mathematically, and where the transition is. Now we have a way to quantify when to expect lanes - this spontaneous, organized, safe flow - versus disordered, less efficient, potentially more dangerous flow.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-social-distancing-to-crowd-dynamics"><strong>From social distancing to crowd dynamics</strong></h2>



<p>Bacik, originally trained in fluid dynamics and granular flow, first became interested in human crowd behavior during the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-19-lockdowns-weakened-our-immune-systems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COVID-19</a> pandemic, when he and collaborators began studying how people move while maintaining social distance. That research eventually evolved into a broader investigation of how people navigate crowds.</p>



<p>In 2023, Bacik and his colleagues explored “lane formation,” a phenomenon where pedestrians moving in opposite directions naturally form structured lanes. This happens, the team discovered, when small imbalances in how people choose to pass others - left versus right - cause paths to align and solidify. </p>



<p>Those early findings raised a new question: how much variation in walking direction can that organized system tolerate before it breaks down?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-t-reating-a-crowd-like-a-fluid"><strong>T</strong>reating a crowd like a fluid</h2>



<p>To answer that, the researchers used mathematical equations typically used to describe the average behavior of fluid particles. By treating a crowd like a fluid, they could model global patterns without tracking each individual. </p>



<p>The team focused on a scenario common in urban life: people walking from one side of a space to the other, trying to avoid bumping into others headed in various directions. They adjusted parameters like the width of the space, the angle at which people walked, and how often individuals dodged one another. </p>



<p>The calculations showed that when people walk nearly straight across - within 13 degrees of a head-on path - lanes naturally form. But when the average path deviates beyond that, disorder takes over. The more chaotic the angles, the more inefficient the overall flow becomes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-testing-math-in-the-real-world">Testing math in the real world</h2>



<p>To see whether these predictions held up outside the equations, the team set up an experiment in a gymnasium. Volunteers wore paper hats marked with unique barcodes, which allowed an overhead camera to track their movements in detail. </p>



<p>Participants were instructed to walk from assigned starting points to specific destinations on the other side of the space, avoiding collisions.</p>



<p>The experiment was repeated many times, each time changing the configuration of start and end points to simulate different crowd flows. The results were clear: as the angular spread increased, the natural lanes broke down. Just like in the simulations, the tipping point was around 13 degrees.</p>



<p>The more disorganized the flow, the more time and effort it took for people to reach their destinations - suggesting real-world implications for managing foot traffic.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-designing-smarter-spaces"><strong>Designing smarter spaces</strong></h2>



<p>“We would like to analyze footage and compare that with our theory,” Bacik said. “And we can imagine that, for anyone designing a public space, if they want to have a safe and efficient pedestrian flow, our work could provide a simpler guideline, or some rules of thumb.”</p>



<p>These findings could help architects, urban planners, and event organizers design more navigable environments. </p>



<p>By keeping <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/distracted-walking-texting-puts-pedestrians-at-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pedestrian</a> angles within that 13-degree threshold - whether through signage, visual cues, or the layout of paths and barriers - spaces could be optimized to encourage natural, organized lanes of traffic.</p>



<p>What began as an effort to understand socially distanced movement has evolved into a deeper understanding of how people unconsciously self-organize - and when that organization fails. </p>



<p>With a blend of mathematics, experiments, and real-world insights, Bacik and his colleagues are helping to decode the flow of human motion, one crowd at a time.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2420697122" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</em></a>,</p>



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Simple math explains how big crowds keep moving

As you walk through a busy airport, crosswalk, or train...

<p>When reading words on a page or recognizing a familiar face in a crowd, your brain activates highly specialized regions for processing text or facial features. Strikingly, these visual processing areas are located in nearly identical positions in the brains of different individuals.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For years, neuroscientists have debated whether these specialized regions emerge entirely through experience or if they are innately structured from birth.</p>



<p>A recent study from <a href="https://neuroscience.stanford.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford University’s Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute</a> challenges this long-standing dichotomy, revealing that while some aspects of brain organization are present from birth, experience plays a crucial role in refining these neural networks.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research, published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-025-02116-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Human Behavior</em></a>, was led by graduate student Emily Kubota and professor Kalanit Grill-Spector, along with an international team of collaborators.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The findings suggest that the human brain is neither completely pre-wired nor a blank slate, but rather a dynamic system with both built-in architecture and adaptability.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-investigating-the-visual-recognition-hub">Investigating the visual recognition hub</h2>



<p>The study focused on the ventral temporal cortex (VTC), a region responsible for processing visual categories such as objects, faces, words, and places.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Previous research has shown that in adults, these specialized areas appear in consistent locations across different individuals. However, it has remained unclear whether this organization is innate or shaped entirely by visual experience.</p>



<p>To answer this question, the researchers needed to examine infant brains - an endeavor made challenging by the limitations of traditional MRI techniques. </p>



<p>Grill-Spector’s lab has been pioneering new imaging technologies through the <a href="https://neuroscience.stanford.edu/research/funded-research/neurodevelopment-accelerator" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wu Tsai NeuroDevelopment Initiative</a>, which enabled the researchers to develop baby-specific MRI coils.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-imaging-infant-brains">Imaging infant brains</h2>



<p>Grill-Spector credits the collaboration with Boris Keil, an expert in MRI coil design at the <a href="https://www.thm.de/site/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Applied Sciences Mittelhessen</a>, for making it possible to image the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wearable-imaging-device-reveals-infant-brain-activity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brains of infants</a> from birth to two years old.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Baby brains actually grow a lot in the first year, so having different-sized coils lets us study how their neural networks change over time,” she said.</p>



<p>Using these custom coils and advanced diffusion MRI (dMRI) techniques, the researchers mapped neural connections in the brains of sleeping infants, ranging from newborns to six months old. </p>



<p>For comparison, they also scanned adult brains to observe how these connections evolved over time.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-level-of-early-brain-organization">Surprising level of early brain organization</h2>



<p>One of the study’s most striking findings was that distinct neural connectivity patterns exist from birth. Even in newborns, the white matter pathways - the brain’s network of nerve fiber connections - were already organized in a way that foreshadowed the development of specialized visual processing regions.</p>



<p>The researchers discovered that different regions within the VTC exhibited unique cellular architectures and connectivity patterns. Notably, these pathways were arranged according to visual eccentricity, a principle that determines whether an area processes central or peripheral <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-the-human-brain-processes-visual-information/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">visual information</a>.</p>



<p>Regions that would later specialize in face and word recognition were already more connected to central visual processing pathways, while areas destined to process places were more linked to peripheral visual pathways.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This organization persisted into adulthood, suggesting that the brain is structured from birth in a way that guides - but does not fully dictate - its future functional development.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flexibility-in-brain-development">Flexibility in brain development</h2>



<p>Despite the presence of innate neural architecture, the researchers also found evidence of developmental plasticity - the ability of the brain to adapt based on experience.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Over time, the strength of connections to different regions changed, suggesting that white matter pathways remain malleable as infants interact with their environment.</p>



<p>Kubota sees this as an encouraging finding. “It’s an optimistic story because it suggests that you have this underlying neural architecture from birth that can be used to build the ability to recognize different categories, but it's not so tied to the category itself,” she said. “It means there can be some kind of flexibility as these representations emerge.”</p>



<p>Interestingly, the researchers also observed that functional regions within the VTC that shared similar cellular architecture developed in parallel, indicating that these areas follow a shared developmental trajectory rather than emerging independently.</p>



<p>“This insight is only possible because we’ve been able to measure the white matter of specific functional regions at birth for the first time,” said Grill-Spector. </p>



<p>“I’d like to think our research can shift the discussion away from the dichotomous ‘Is this innate or not innate’ kind of conversation to a more nuanced understanding of what is present at birth and what is malleable with visual experience to produce our adult brains and behavior.”</p>



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



<p>The findings have profound implications beyond understanding normal brain development.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By pinpointing which aspects of brain organization are present at birth and which are shaped by experience, this research could lead to earlier diagnoses and interventions for neurodevelopmental disorders such as dyslexia, developmental face blindness (prosopagnosia), and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/children-with-autism-benefit-from-learning-multiple-languages/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">autism</a>.</p>



<p>“It tells us about the limits of the flexibility of our visual system and also has health implications about how to diagnose developmental delays or deficiencies,” Grill-Spector said. “Maybe it can even help us determine what would be the critical time periods to intervene.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-infant-brain-research">The future of infant brain research</h2>



<p>Building on these findings, the team plans to expand their research by incorporating functional brain activity measurements and quantitative MRI to develop a more comprehensive picture of early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/poverty-impacts-brain-development-in-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain development</a>.</p>



<p>This study represents a major breakthrough in neuroscience, demonstrating that while certain organizational features of the brain are present from birth, experience still plays a crucial role in shaping how visual recognition abilities develop.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By moving beyond the rigid nature versus nurture debate, the research provides a nuanced understanding of how the brain integrates innate structure and experience-driven plasticity to form the complex visual processing system we rely on every day.</p>



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Infant brains are more organized and adaptable than we thought 

When reading words on a page or recognizing a familiar...

<p>Animals love to show off with color, especially when it comes to mating. Birds, in particular, often use bright feathers to catch the eye of a potential mate. But lately, scientists have noticed something even cooler - some birds glow using biofluorescence.</p>



<p>This incredible transformation happens when their feathers absorb UV light and shine it back as visible color - usually green or yellowish.</p>



<p>In a recent study, researchers took a close look at all 45 species of birds-of-paradise, those famously flashy birds known for their over-the-top feathers and wild dance moves. </p>



<p>Turns out, almost all of them glow in some way - 37 species to be exact. Only a few closely related ones didn’t.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biofluorescence-and-birds-of-paradise">Biofluorescence and birds-of-paradise</h2>



<p>Male birds-of-paradise show off their glow in all the right places: their beaks, the insides of their mouths, and feathers on their heads, necks, bellies, and those fancy plumes. </p>



<p>Female birds glow too, but mainly on the chest and belly.</p>



<p>Most of the glowing colors fall into that green to yellow-green range, shining brightest around 520–560 nanometers on the light spectrum. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/bird-of-paradise_plummage_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/bird-of-paradise_plummage_1s.webp" alt="Some Birds-of-paradise, like this one, use biofluorescence and glow in wavelengths that humans can't see." class="wp-image-1963524"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Some Birds-of-paradise, like this one, use biofluorescence and glow in wavelengths that humans can't see.</em> <em>Click to enlarge.</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>All signs point to one thing: male birds-of-paradise probably use this glowing trick to turn up the wow factor during mating displays and social interactions.</p>



<p>The research was conducted by scientists at the American Museum of Natural History (<a href="https://www.amnh.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AMNH</a>) and the <a href="https://www.unl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Nebraska-Lincoln</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adding-a-glow-to-mating-rituals">Adding a glow to mating rituals</h2>



<p>Birds-of-paradise inhabit regions in eastern Australia, Indonesia, and New Guinea. For generations, they have intrigued scientists with elaborate feather displays and acrobatic dances that males use to court females.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Bioluminescence is a phenomenon in which an organism absorbs light at one wavelength, then emits it at another</p>



<p>The new evidence of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cats-glow-in-the-dark-fluorescence-found-to-be-very-common-in-mammals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biofluorescence</a> suggests that these dazzling birds might have yet another visual trick: a layer of fluorescent signals invisible to humans without specialized instruments.</p>



<p>Rene Martin is the study’s lead author and an assistant professor at the <a href="https://www.unl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Nebraska-Lincoln</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The unique <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/whale-shark-mating-behaviors-observed-for-the-first-time-in-the-wild/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mating rituals</a> and displays of birds-of-paradise have fascinated scientists and spurred a myriad of studies focused on trait evolution and sexual selection,” said Martin. </p>



<p>“It seems fitting that these flashy birds are likely signaling to each other in additional, flashy ways.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-detecting-fluorescence-in-birds-of-paradise">Detecting fluorescence in birds-of-paradise </h2>



<p>The research draws on specimens collected since the 1800s, held in the <a href="https://www.amnh.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Museum of Natural History</a>’s extensive ornithology collection.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A decade ago, Museum Curator John Sparks - an ichthyologist by training - noticed that certain bird species, including some birds-of-paradise, glowed green-yellow when exposed to specific wavelengths of light. This led him and colleagues to begin a deeper exploration of avian biofluorescence.</p>



<p>“Despite there being over 10,000 described avian species, with numerous studies that have documented their bright plumage, elaborate mating displays, and excellent vision, surprisingly very few have investigated the presence of biofluorescence,” Sparks said.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/bird-of-paradise_Paradisaea-guilielmi_Biofluorescence_credit-Rene-Martin_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/bird-of-paradise_Paradisaea-guilielmi_Biofluorescence_credit-Rene-Martin_1s.webp" alt="Biofluorescence is seen on an emperor bird-of-paradise (Paradisaea guilielmi) in the American Museum of Natural History's collection. Credit: Rene Martin" class="wp-image-1963519"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Biofluorescence is seen on an emperor bird-of-paradise (Paradisaea guilielmi) in the American Museum of Natural History's collection. Click to enlarge. Credit: Rene Martin</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>Martin, who conducted this work while a postdoctoral researcher at the Museum, and Emily Carr, a PhD candidate in the Museum’s <a href="https://www.amnh.org/research/richard-gilder-graduate-school" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Richard Gilder Graduate School</a>, took Sparks’ initial findings and broadened the analysis. </p>



<p>Using ultraviolet (UV) light, the team discovered that the birds not only glow under blue wavelengths but also fluoresce strongly under UV exposure. </p>



<p>This effect was mainly observed on male plumage patches crucial to courtship, such as the head, belly, and neck, as well as mouth and bill linings.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biofluorescence-is-most-pronounced-in-males">Biofluorescence is most pronounced in males</h2>



<p>The researchers found that this fluorescence is especially vibrant in males, often concentrated in areas highlighted during mating rituals.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Meanwhile, females also exhibit it, though to a lesser degree - primarily on their chests and bellies. The study suggests that the equatorial environments in which these birds live offer abundant and varied light conditions, possibly enhancing the visibility and function of biofluorescence.</p>



<p>“These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-extinctions-shatter-the-harmonious-balance-of-nature/">birds</a> live near the equator, where there is an abundance of bright solar light year-round, and they live in forests where the complexity of light is significantly affected by differences in the canopy and where biofluorescent signals may be enhanced,” Carr said.</p>



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



<p>Recent studies in closely related species indicate that birds-of-paradise have eye pigments aligned with the fluorescence peaks measured in this study - meaning they can likely perceive these glowing patches.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In a species group already known for visually striking performances, these fluorescent signals may offer an even finer scale of detail for courtship and territorial displays.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/bird-of-paradise_Paradisaea-guilielmi_Biofluorescence_plummage_credit-Rene-Martin_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/bird-of-paradise_Paradisaea-guilielmi_Biofluorescence_plummage_credit-Rene-Martin_1s.webp" alt="Biofluorescence is seen on the plumage of an emperor bird-of-paradise (Paradisaea guilielmi) in the American Museum of Natural History's collection. Credit: Rene Martin" class="wp-image-1963522"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Biofluorescence is seen on the plumage of an emperor bird-of-paradise (Paradisaea guilielmi) in the American Museum of Natural History's collection. Click to enlarge. Credit: Rene Martin</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>When a male bird-of-paradise performs an intricate dance, the green-yellow glow from certain feathers might act like a hidden spotlight, contrasting sharply against the bird’s darker plumage. This could help catch a female’s attention or signal social status among competitors.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-does-all-of-this-mean">What does all of this mean?</h2>



<p>Although birds-of-paradise are among the best-studied avian groups for behavior and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-and-why-tropical-birds-are-so-strikingly-colorful-and-iridescent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coloration</a>, the discovery of broad-scale fluorescence suggests that birds may have more complex signaling systems than previously realized.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The presence of fluorescent patches in so many species raises the possibility that other bird lineages, especially those with striking plumage or elaborate displays, could also exhibit biofluorescence.</p>



<p>Moving forward, the researchers plan to investigate how environmental factors - like canopy cover, seasonal light availability, and even habitat degradation - might affect these glowing displays.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Understanding how birds-of-paradise perceive biofluorescence could also inform broader questions about the evolution of sexual selection and signaling in avian species.</p>



<p>Ultimately, this study reshapes scientists’ understanding of the “secret language of light” that these flamboyant birds use to communicate.&nbsp;</p>



<p>With improved imaging technologies and heightened awareness of avian fluorescence, researchers may soon discover that a hidden glow permeates many corners of the bird world, especially in those known for their spectacular visual allure.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsos.241905" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Royal Society Open Science</em></a>.</p>



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



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Some birds use biofluorescence to attract mates, glowing in colors that humans can't see

Animals love to show off with color, especially when it...

<p>Scientists and marine experts across the globe are on alert after discovering an invasive pufferfish in the northern Adriatic.</p>



<p>A recreational angler recently caught a male <a href="https://www.fishbase.se/summary/4761" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">silver-cheeked toadfish</a> (<em>Lagocephalus sceleratus</em>) measuring 20.6 inches and weighing 2.9 pounds. The fish was captured on May 13, 2024 at a depth of about 64.6 feet.</p>



<p>This unexpected catch marks the fourth confirmed record of this invasive fish in the Adriatic, sparking discussions about its impact on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-some-places-are-prime-targets-for-invasive-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a>, coastal tourism, and public safety.</p>



<p>The discovery is detailed in a report by researchers from the Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries and <a href="https://www.unipu.hr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Juraj Dobrila University of Pula</a>, including lead author Dr. Neven Iveša.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-invasive-pufferfish-reaches-the-adriatic">Invasive pufferfish reaches the Adriatic</h2>



<p>The silver-cheeked toadfish fish is native to the Indo-Pacific and is known to be highly adaptable. Experts have identified it as a <a href="http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/lessep" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lessepsian migrant</a>, which means it traveled into the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal.</p>



<p>The strong bite of this invasive pufferfish can crack open hard-shelled prey, and in some cases, it has caused partial amputations of fingers. The fish’s flesh and organs carry <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ershdb/emergencyresponsecard_29750019.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tetrodotoxin</a>, a substance that can be lethal when consumed.</p>



<p>Some Mediterranean communities have seen this species making up a growing portion of small-scale <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/invasive-lionfish-global-domination-mediterranean-sea-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fishing</a> hauls. Its muscular jaws can damage nets and lines, creating headaches for fishers who rely on consistent catches.</p>



<p>The researchers suggest controlling it through targeted removal and updated fishing practices. They noted that gear modifications might help reduce harm to native wildlife and protect the livelihoods of coastal communities.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-invasive-pufferfish-disrupts-local-species">Invasive pufferfish disrupts local species</h2>



<p>The silver-cheeked toadfish has a reputation for munching on a wide range of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/growing-threat-of-invasive-species-requires-immediate-action/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">organisms</a>. Its diet can include bivalves, gastropods, and sea urchins.</p>



<p>The worry is that these feeding habits might change local food webs and interrupt natural balances. Warmer waters and certain <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0278434314001034" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">currents in the Adriatic</a> also appear to be improving the odds for these newcomers, raising concerns that they could spread even further.</p>



<p>“The presence of <em>Lagocephalus sceleratus</em> in the northern Adriatic is a clear warning sign of the species’ expanding range and potential <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-invasive-crustacean-species-discovered-in-the-mediterranean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecological</a> and economic consequences," said Dr. Iveša.</p>



<p>"Proactive monitoring and management strategies are important to mitigating its impact on local marine biodiversity, fisheries, and public safety."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-regulations-and-recommendations">Regulations and recommendations</h2>



<p>Because tourism thrives on pristine coastal attractions, communities worry that sightings or injuries related to this fish might tarnish local beach culture. Even a handful of unfortunate encounters could leave a bad impression on visitors.</p>



<p><a href="https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32014R1143" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Union policies</a> address invasive species but tend to focus on freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems. Croatia lacks specific marine rules that target wild species like the silver-cheeked toadfish.</p>



<p>The researchers highlight the need for stricter enforcement of sales bans to keep this toxic fish from entering food markets.</p>



<p>They also advocate for training medical personnel, fishers, and tourism operators so they can handle any interactions or injuries efficiently.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-importance-of-public-awareness">Importance of public awareness</h2>



<p>Locals in Croatian coastal towns have been asked to inform authorities if they catch or spot any silver-cheeked toadfish. The collaboration helps with early detection and better management of invasive species.</p>



<p>Fishing communities, diving schools, and coastal hotels play a role in gathering sightings. Citizen contributions have proven vital in tracking new arrivals and keeping tabs on any incidents.</p>



<p>Prompt action can head off more trouble. Strategies like reporting catches, improving public awareness, and enlisting citizen science groups all help slow the spread of this unwelcome visitor.</p>



<p>Authorities also recommend adjusting fishing seasons to match the invasive pufferfish’s breeding period. This step may minimize its spread and ensure the safety of recreational boaters and swimmers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-invasive-fish-threatens-ecosystem-balance">Invasive fish threatens ecosystem balance</h2>



<p>Research teams are currently exploring the fish’s feeding habits and movements in newly invaded waters. Their ongoing work may lead to tools that help communities stay several steps ahead of shifting populations.</p>



<p>Croatia’s coastline faces unique pressures, yet it also holds a strong sense of community engagement. By blending local knowledge with scientific expertise, there is hope that this invasive pufferfish’s spread can be limited.</p>



<p>Stakeholders suggest that simple measures, like wearing sturdy gloves to remove a line-hooked puffer, can prevent injuries. They also advise posting warning signs at busy marinas if more fish appear.</p>



<p>The northern Adriatic’s encounter with the silver-cheeked toadfish signals a broader challenge shared by many Mediterranean regions. </p>



<p>This fish’s arrival highlights the importance of cooperation among researchers, local authorities, and the public to keep beaches safe and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-deep-sea-fish-survive-the-crushing-depths-of-the-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystems</a> healthy.</p>



<p>The study is published in <a href="https://aiep.pensoft.net/article/146945/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Acta Ichthyologica et Piscatoria</em></a>.</p>



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



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Invasive pufferfish caught in the Adriatic raises safety concerns

Scientists and marine experts across the globe are on alert...

<p>Great white sharks are top predators in ocean ecosystems and are known for their raw power and hunting prowess. They often launch themselves out of the water in pursuit of prey.</p>



<p>But in South Africa’s False Bay, these apex predators have all but vanished - and scientists are sounding the alarm about what that means for the rest of the ecosystem.</p>



<p>A new study from the <a href="https://www.earth.miami.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Miami Rosenstiel School</a> of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science reveals what happens when a top predator is suddenly removed from the food chain. </p>



<p>After more than two decades of research in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/False_Bay" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">False Bay</a>, the team found significant shifts in the marine food web that are consistent with long-held ecological theories.</p>



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



<p>To state the obvious, great white sharks are the rock stars of the ocean - massive, powerful, and a little bit mysterious. They can grow over 20 feet long and weigh a couple tons, cruising through the water like it’s nothing. </p>



<p>These sharks hang out in coastal waters all over the world, but they especially love cooler regions like the coasts of California, South Africa, and Australia. </p>



<p>With those rows of razor-sharp teeth and an uncanny ability to sense the tiniest movements, they’re built to hunt. </p>



<p>Seals, sea lions, and fish are usually on the menu, and when they strike, it’s fast and fierce - like a torpedo with teeth.</p>



<p>Despite their scary rep, great whites aren’t the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/one-third-of-shark-species-face-extinction-despite-fishing-bans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mindless man-eaters</a> movies make them out to be. They’re actually pretty curious creatures. </p>



<p>Sometimes, they’ll take a “test bite” out of something unfamiliar just to figure out what it is - which, unfortunately, can include surfboards. </p>



<p>In order to save them from the brink of extinction, scientists have been tagging and tracking them to learn more about their behavior, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sharks-may-benefit-from-rising-temperatures-but-not-from-rising-co2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migration patterns</a>, and even social lives. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disappearance-of-great-white-sharks">Disappearance of great white sharks</h2>



<p>False Bay was once home to large numbers of great white sharks (<em>Carcharodon carcharias</em>), but sightings have plummeted in recent years, indicating that the population may have crashed.</p>



<p>The study points to two major reasons for this decline: the long-term impact of capture in protective nets near swimming areas, and more recent predation by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sign-of-the-times-solitary-orcas-are-hunting-great-whites/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">orcas</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ripple-effects-in-the-food-web">Ripple effects in the food web</h2>



<p>The absence of white sharks is reshaping the ecosystem. Without these predators, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cape-fur-seals-are-particularly-vulnerable-to-entanglement/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cape fur seal</a> (<em>Arctocephalus pusillus</em>) populations have increased. </p>



<p>So have the numbers of sevengill sharks (<em>Notorynchus cepedianus</em>), which are now more dominant in the area.</p>



<p>These changes, however, have consequences. The seals are depleting the local fish populations they feed on. Meanwhile, the sevengill sharks are preying on smaller shark species, and reducing their numbers.</p>



<p>These shifts demonstrate how the removal of a single species at the top of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-food-chains-threatened-by-ocean-acidification/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food chain</a> can have wide-reaching effects across multiple levels.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-documenting-the-ecosystem-changes">Documenting the ecosystem changes</h2>



<p>The researchers used a combination of methods to document these changes. They conducted long-term boat-based surveys, gathered citizen science reports of Cape fur seals, and analyzed data from Baited Remote Underwater Video Surveys (<a href="https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/inport/item/25248" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BRUVS</a>).</p>



<p>“The loss of this iconic apex predator has led to an increase in sightings of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-happens-to-antarctic-seals-when-sea-ice-vanishes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cape fur seals</a> and sevengill sharks, which in turn has coincided with a decline in the species that they rely on for food,” said Dr. Neil Hammerschlag, the study’s lead author.</p>



<p>“These changes align with long established ecological theories that predict the removal of a top predator leads to cascading effects on the marine food web."</p>



<p>Video footage was a key source of information. It helped researchers see not just which species were present, but how they behaved.</p>



<p>“The use of underwater video surveys conducted more than a decade apart provided us with a snapshot of the food web both before and after the disappearance of white sharks from False Bay,” said Yakira Herskowitz, a co-author of the study. </p>



<p>“The number of individuals of a given species recorded on the videos not only informs us about their numerical abundance, but also their behavior, as species under increased predation risk often become more elusive and are thus less likely to be detected on our cameras.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sharks-matter-more-than-you-think">Sharks matter more than you think</h2>



<p>These findings offer clear evidence that losing a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/great-white-sharks-separated-into-three-distinct-groups-that-dont-intermingle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">top predator</a> affects far more than just one species. It sends a shockwave through the entire ecosystem.</p>



<p>“Without these apex predators to regulate populations, we are seeing measurable changes that could have long-term effects on ocean health,” said Hammerschlag.</p>



<p>As ocean systems continue to face threats from climate change, pollution, and overfishing, the study makes one thing clear: protecting sharks isn’t just about saving one species - it’s about preserving balance in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/overfishing-and-habitat-degradation-have-devastated-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine ecosystems</a>.</p>



<p>With so much of the world relying on healthy oceans for food, recreation, and natural services, the role of large sharks is too important to ignore.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-warning-for-other-ecosystems">A warning for other ecosystems</h2>



<p>False Bay may be the focus of this study, but it's far from the only place where shark populations are under pressure. </p>



<p>Similar patterns of disruption could be unfolding in other coastal ecosystems around the world where large predators are disappearing.</p>



<p>This study serves as a warning: the health of marine environments depends on keeping their food webs intact. </p>



<p>Efforts to protect sharks - through conservation policies, public awareness, and improved fishing practices - are vital not just for the species themselves, but for the oceans they help keep in balance.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fmars.2025.1530362/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Marine Science</a></em>.</p>



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



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What happens when great white sharks disappear? Hint - it's not good

Great white sharks are top predators in ocean ecosystems and...

<p>Lightning is both terrifying and fascinating. It splits trees, ignites wildfires, and streaks across the sky in brilliant flashes. Most of us see it as a force of destruction - random, violent, and final.</p>



<p>But in the depths of Panama’s tropical forests, trees of the species <em>Dipteryx oleifera</em> challenges that idea. For these trees, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lightning-sparks-the-discovery-of-a-new-electromagnetic-wave/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lightning</a> isn't deadly - it might actually help them survive.</p>



<p>This surprising twist comes from a study published in <em>New Phytologist</em>. </p>



<p>Led by forest ecologist Evan Gora from the <a href="https://www.caryinstitute.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies</a>, the research shows that these trees not only survive lightning strikes - they grow stronger because of them. With their tall crowns and wide branches, Dipteryx trees seem built to welcome the storm.</p>



<p>The finding reshapes how we understand forest ecology. Instead of being random, lightning may play a targeted role in helping certain trees dominate, survive, and thrive.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trees-that-survive-lightning-strikes">Trees that survive lightning strikes</h2>



<p>Back in 2015, Gora was deep in Panama’s forests when something unusual caught his eye. </p>



<p>A <em>Dipteryx oleifera</em> had been struck by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lightning-on-earth-can-influence-the-weather-in-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lightning</a>, yet stood tall and mostly unharmed. The strike had been powerful enough to destroy a parasitic vine clinging to its crown and kill more than a dozen trees nearby.</p>



<p>“Seeing that there are trees that get struck by lightning and they’re fine was just mind-blowing,” said Gora.</p>



<p>Intrigued, Gora and his team started paying closer attention to lightning-hit Dipteryx trees. They kept finding the same pattern. The trees lived and thrived. It wasn’t a fluke. Nature had something more deliberate in store.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-lightning-hits-these-trees-win">When lightning hits, these trees win</h2>



<p>By 2022, the team had already shown that trees vary in their ability to survive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lightning-may-have-delivered-the-building-blocks-of-life-to-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lightning</a>. The new research takes this idea even further. </p>



<p>Using advanced lightning detection tools, the scientists tracked the fate of 93 trees that had endured strikes in Panama’s Barro Colorado Nature Monument.</p>



<p>Among those were nine <em>Dipteryx oleifera</em>, which had all survived. The damage was minimal - some singed bark, a few lost leaves.</p>



<p>In stark contrast, other species hit by lightning lost 5.7 times more foliage and suffered high mortality rates. Within two years, 64% of them had died.</p>



<p>The Dipteryx trees, meanwhile, gained space and freedom. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-red-sprite-lightning-strikes-seen-above-the-himalayas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lightning</a> killed surrounding trees, often as electricity traveled through vines, branches, or short air gaps. On average, each strike wiped out 9.2 nearby trees. That’s not just survival - that’s a strategic clearing of rivals.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lightning-removes-parasitic-vines">Lightning removes parasitic vines </h2>



<p>Parasitic vines, or lianas, are a constant threat in tropical forests. They drain trees of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microlightning-from-water-droplets-may-have-sparked-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">light</a> and nutrients, making growth a struggle. But for Dipteryx, lightning works like a scythe. After a strike, liana infestations dropped by 78%, freeing the trees from their tangled burdens.</p>



<p>This effect wasn’t limited to a few cases. Across the forest, Dipteryx trees consistently hosted fewer lianas than other species. Even trees that hadn’t been struck appeared to benefit from the trend. Lightning, in this case, didn’t just act on individuals - it shaped the structure of the entire forest around them.</p>



<p>Over time, the survivors grew taller. Drone-based 3D canopy models showed that Dipteryx trees stood about four meters above their closest neighbors. That height advantage isn’t coincidence. It likely comes from losing nearby competition, letting them reach higher into the sunlit canopy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-some-trees-get-hit-more-often">Some trees get hit more often</h2>



<p>The researchers noted that their data provide the first evidence that some trees benefit from being struck by lightning. “It's better off for a Dipteryx oleifera tree to be struck than not," said Gora.</p>



<p>Why would lightning keep targeting the same kind of tree? The answer might lie in their shape. </p>



<p>Dipteryx trees often grow taller and spread wider than those around them. According to the study’s calculations, this makes them up to 68% more likely to get hit. Their crowns act like natural lightning rods.</p>



<p>And that’s not a problem. It’s part of their edge. In fact, it may be a key to their success in these chaotic, dense ecosystems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lightning-strikes-and-stronger-trees">Lightning strikes and stronger trees</h2>



<p>Lightning may seem rare, but for <em>Dipteryx oleifera</em>, it’s a regular part of life. Each tree is struck once every 56 years on average.</p>



<p>And they don’t just endure - they adapt. These trees live for centuries, possibly more than a thousand years. That means a single tree might be struck more than ten times over its lifetime.</p>



<p>One tree in the study was hit twice in five years. It didn’t weaken. And with each strike, it gained more room, more light, and more strength. The lightning wasn’t ending its life. It was clearing the way for it to flourish.</p>



<p>Even reproduction gets a boost. Gora’s team found that lightning tolerance increased the tree’s ability to produce offspring by 14 times compared to trees that lacked that resilience.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-role-for-lightning-in-ecology">A new role for lightning in ecology</h2>



<p>This research opens up a new way of seeing forest ecosystems. Lightning isn’t just a threat - it’s a selective force. </p>



<p>Gora’s team now plans to examine how Dipteryx trees survive these extreme strikes. Are certain internal structures, chemicals, or traits at play? And more importantly, do other species show similar strengths?</p>



<p>Understanding this could be vital. With climate change driving up the frequency of lightning in many tropical areas, trees like <em>Dipteryx oleifera</em> may gain an even bigger edge. That could shift the balance of forest biodiversity and influence carbon storage patterns for decades to come.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/nph.70062" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Phytologist</a>.</em></p>



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



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Some trees actually benefit from getting struck by lightning

Lightning is both terrifying and fascinating. It splits trees, ignites...

<p>About 252 million years ago, Earth witnessed the worst biological <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-chaos-the-mass-extinction-that-reshaped-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">disaster</a> ever recorded. Known as the end-Permian mass extinction, it erased over 80% of marine life. </p>



<p>Scientists refer to it as the “Great Dying.” Yet what came next has its own strange legacy - a time when marine life everywhere looked the same.</p>



<p>This era, called the “Great Dulling,” spanned millions of years. From the tropics to polar regions, ocean life became oddly uniform. </p>



<p>Species that once stayed in tight local zones suddenly appeared everywhere. Scientists have puzzled over this mystery for decades.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-marine-life-changed-after-mass-extinction">Marine life changed after mass extinction</h2>



<p>Stanford researchers now offer a compelling explanation. The team used fossil records and environmental data to track how marine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/at-least-two-of-earths-mass-extinctions-caused-by-massive-supernova-explosions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">creatures</a> reacted after the Great Dying. </p>



<p>The research was focused on groups like clams, oysters, and snails - organisms that not only survived but spread globally.</p>



<p>Published in the journal <em>Science Advances</em>, the study introduces a climate model that tracks oxygen and temperature changes. It helps explain why some creatures expanded rapidly while others died out. </p>



<p>The findings suggest that global environmental shifts shaped who survived - and where they lived.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-mass-extinctions-in-a-new-way">Studying mass extinctions in a new way</h2>



<p>Study senior study author Jonathan Payne is the Dorrell William Kirby Professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences in the <a href="https://sustainability.stanford.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability</a>.</p>



<p>“For us in the paleobiology field, this model is the equivalent to climate scientists getting computerized climate models to make quantitative predictions of how the world should change based on some simple mathematical representations,” said Professor Payne.</p>



<p>“We are now able to study big biogeographic changes of mass extinctions in a new way and get a better sense of why some animal groups made it through while others perished.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shockingly-uniform-marine-communities">Shockingly uniform marine communities </h2>



<p>To reconstruct ancient oceans, scientists use fossils and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-forests-rose-again-after-the-planets-most-extreme-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chemical traces</a>. </p>



<p>These markers reveal environmental shifts like temperature, acidity, and oxygen levels. Around the end of the Permian period, massive volcanic activity in modern Siberia set off global warming and ocean acidification.</p>



<p>These changes alone can’t explain why surviving species suddenly spread across every ocean. That mystery belongs to the Triassic period, when marine life grew boringly similar everywhere.</p>



<p>“If someone asked you today where you’d find kangaroos, you’d say Australia,” said Jood Al Aswad, the study’s lead author and a PhD candidate. </p>



<p>“But now imagine some major <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/public-concern-over-species-extinctions-fades-quickly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">disaster</a> happened, like a giant volcano erupted, and afterward you’re finding kangaroos in great numbers all over the globe – they’re all the way out in Antarctica, they’re hopping by the pyramids in Egypt, and they’re even in Stanford, California.”</p>



<p>Before the extinction, marine communities were highly diverse. Afterward, they became shockingly uniform. The team found that species variety across different parts of the world dropped by over half.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-homogenization-on-a-global-scale">Homogenization on a global scale</h2>



<p>For nearly 200 years, scientists have debated what caused this sudden sameness. </p>



<p>One idea is "ecological release" - when surviving species thrive because predators and competitors vanish. Another idea suggests that climate change made Earth more habitable to certain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/life-oasis-provided-refuge-for-plants-during-earths-worst-extinction-event/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">organisms</a> everywhere. The Stanford team tested both ideas. </p>



<p>The researchers used geochemical data to model ancient ocean temperatures and oxygen levels. Then, they added physiological data from living marine animals - relatives of those ancient survivors - to simulate how creatures might have spread after the mass extinction.</p>



<p>The model showed that environmental conditions alone - higher temperatures and lower oxygen - were enough to predict where species could live. There was no need to consider missing predators or rivals.</p>



<p>“Our study has provided a simple environmental explanation, rather than an ecological one, for why certain survivors of the end-Permian extinction prospered and why homogenization happened on a global scale,” said Professor Payne.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-today-s-crisis-echoes-past-mass-extinction">Today’s crisis echoes past mass extinction</h2>



<p>The model doesn’t just shed light on ancient history. It also helps scientists understand modern threats. Human activity is now causing another mass extinction. The model could offer insights into what life on Earth might look like in the future.</p>



<p>“The current biodiversity crisis is anticipated to herald changes in ecosystem composition that surpass even those seen in the earliest Triassic, which has been the greatest homogenization event to date,” the study authors wrote.</p>



<p>The research team now plans to apply this model to other mass extinction events, including the one that wiped out non-avian dinosaurs.</p>



<p>“Our model offers a great way of studying how animals respond to extreme changes in the environment,” said Al Aswad.</p>



<p>“With anthropogenically spurred climate change, there has been some warning that if we continue, then in the future we’re going to see taxonomic homogenization of organisms in modern oceans as well.”</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adr4199" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a></em>.</p>



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



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Marine life became strangely uniform after Earth’s worst mass extinction

About 252 million years ago, Earth witnessed the worst biological...

<p>Animals have long navigated nature’s challenges, but mountain roads bring a fresh level of peril. These paved strips stretch deeper into wild corners, cutting across habitats once safely out of reach.</p>



<p>Mountains, once celebrated for their rugged isolation, now host busy highways and higher traffic volumes. Many endangered or vulnerable mammals listed by The International Union for Conservation of Nature (<a href="https://iucn.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IUCN</a>) are turning up as roadkill, a term for animals fatally hit by vehicles in these craggy <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cities-are-largely-unprepared-for-the-effects-of-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">regions</a>.</p>



<p>​Professor Aliza le Roux, a professor in the Department of Zoology and Entomology at the <a href="https://www.ufs.ac.za/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of the Free State</a>, examined patterns of collisions in elevated landscapes.​</p>



<p>She collaborated with other researchers to explore why species like African wild dogs, lions, and elephants are often lost on twisting roads high above sea level.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mountain-roads-invade-wild-habitats">Mountain roads invade wild habitats</h2>



<p>Mountains in regions around the globe were once free from major traffic. Now, expansions in road infrastructure have placed creatures in harm’s way. </p>



<p>The researchers note that high elevations, above roughly 6,560 feet, can harbor near threatened or vulnerable animals that become casualties on winding routes.</p>



<p>Steep slopes and sudden weather changes do not help anyone on these roads. It is tough for drivers and wildlife to see each other in time to avoid collisions. This leads to unexpected hazards for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-birds-get-road-rage-when-exposed-to-traffic-noise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> already struggling to survive.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-roads-cutting-through-habitats">Roads cutting through habitats</h2>



<p>Amphibians appear to be hit most often in mountainous terrain, while mammals are struck more in lower zones. </p>



<p>Yet those same mammals at high elevations face a greater extinction <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-warming-is-accelerating-beyond-control-as-co2-levels-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">risk</a> because many are already on watch lists for population declines. The concern is that collisions remove individuals from breeding populations that cannot easily replenish themselves.&nbsp;</p>



<p>One global <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/geb.13375" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">assessment</a> warned of serious outcomes for certain mammals when roads cut through their habitats. The study highlighted animal fatalities on mountain peaks.</p>



<p>“We identified four populations among the 70 species in the target group that could become extinct in 50 years if observed roadkill levels persist,” stated <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Clara-Grilo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Clara Grilo</a>.</p>



<p>Dr. Grilo is a principal researcher in conservation biology at BIOPOLIS who has published over 100 studies on the effects of road networks on birds and mammals, such as behavior, relative abundance, mortality, genetic structure and extinction risk.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mounting-collision-risks">Mounting collision risks </h2>



<p>Big birds, including some eagles and vultures, have also suffered. They can fail to gain enough flight height to clear vehicles along narrow turns. </p>



<p>A single collision might eliminate a breeding adult from a small, isolated population, further weakening a species’ chances for long-term survival.</p>



<p>Motorists also face real risks if large animals cross suddenly. Elephants, lions, and big antelope species can do serious damage to vehicles, placing people in danger and forcing emergency responses.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-missing-data-for-mountain-road-collisions">Missing data for mountain road collisions</h2>



<p>Some areas of Africa and other continents do not collect consistent data on wildlife collisions. Researchers often rely on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/traffic-noise-increases-the-risk-of-hypertension/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">roadside</a> surveys that capture only brief snapshots. </p>



<p>This patchy approach misses detailed seasonal trends, making it difficult to pinpoint best solutions for engineers and policymakers.</p>



<p>A lack of large-scale, systematic monitoring hampers efforts to identify hotspots. More investment in studies is needed, especially in central and western Africa, to understand which roads demand the most urgent intervention.</p>



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



<p>Better-planned routes could reduce these accidents. Roads placed away from crucial migration paths or built with safe crossing structures can lower wildlife deaths. </p>



<p>In many regions, alerting drivers through improved signage and enforcing slower speeds where threatened species roam also helps.</p>



<p>Some experts suggest new technology and fresh ideas for wildlife-friendly design. Yet these efforts require funding and cooperation between governments, road planners, and research institutions. Many animals thrive if given the space and safety to move freely.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-guarding-wildlife-from-traffic-hazards">Guarding wildlife from traffic hazards </h2>



<p>Mountain road impacts remind us that nature does not end where pavement begins. When expanding infrastructure, it is vital to account for local species’ needs. </p>



<p>This balanced approach preserves biodiversity and promotes healthier connections between people and wildlife.</p>



<p>Many countries are taking steps to guard wild populations against traffic hazards. Effective plans often emerge when ecologists, engineers, and community leaders join forces to create solutions that serve both sides.</p>



<p>The study is published in <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/geb.13375" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Global Ecology and Biogeography</em></a>.</p>



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



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Mountain roads are deadly for endangered animals

Animals have long navigated nature’s challenges, but mountain roads bring...

<p>Many people think of Antarctica as an unchanging mass of ice. Scientists, however, know that its hidden underbelly is active and unpredictable. </p>



<p>A new investigation that was based on 34 million years of data suggests that we would be wise to take note of these dynamic phenomena as <a href="https://blogs.egu.eu/divisions/cr/2021/02/19/subglacial-hydrology-for-dummies-water-water-everywhere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">subglacial water</a> movements may reshape our understanding of future sea-level <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-much-did-sea-levels-rise-after-the-last-ice-age-alarming-new-clues-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">changes</a>.</p>



<p>“Many studies say the past is an analogue of what might happen in the future,” said Anna-Mireilla Hayden, a PhD candidate from the <a href="https://uwaterloo.ca" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Waterloo</a>, and first author of the study. She noted that ignoring the invisible waterways under the ice could lead to big surprises.</p>



<p>Hayden worked alongside Dr. Tyler Pelle from <a href="https://scripps.ucsd.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scripps Institute of Oceanography</a> in the U.S., and other experts, to understand how these secret river systems evolve over time.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-subglacial-rivers-shape-antarctica-s-ice">Subglacial rivers shape Antarctica's ice</h2>



<p>Antarctica is more than just a block of ice. Beneath its frozen surface, water travels through <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarcticas-hidden-ice-dynamics-will-redefine-sea-level-projections/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">channels</a> deep below the ice sheet. The subglacial water moves with a force that scientists have rarely factored into the usual models of sea-level change.</p>



<p>The researchers focused on the <a href="https://data.aad.gov.au/aadc/gaz/display_name.cfm?gaz_id=2505" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aurora Subglacial Basin</a> which, if fully melted, might push global sea levels up by about 13 feet (4 meters).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-flow-data-and-sea-level-predictions">Water flow data and sea-level predictions</h2>



<p>Scientists already knew that warm ocean waters can melt floating ice shelves from below. However, the recent findings indicate that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sinking-land-will-intensify-the-effects-of-rising-sea-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water flow</a> at the base of the ice adds another layer of complexity to the story.</p>



<p>“It’s important that scientists who model ice sheets account for hydrology because it could reduce uncertainty in estimates of sea-level rise,” said Hayden.</p>



<p>The group noticed that underground rivers have shifted repeatedly, and have influenced how and where the ice might thin or break.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-impact-and-ice-shelf-melting">Ocean impact and ice shelf melting</h2>



<p>The shape and path of these subglacial networks matter because they can channel <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/record-heat-of-2024-triggered-a-surge-in-sea-level-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fresh water</a> into the sea at sensitive spots. When cold, fresh water pours out at certain areas beneath ice shelves, it can disrupt the usual ocean patterns and speed up local <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1235798" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice thinning</a>.</p>



<p>Climate experts have often focused on air temperatures or large-scale currents in their models. Fresh water cycling under the ice is now emerging as a hidden factor that could make existing estimates of sea-level rise less certain.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-call-for-global-awareness">A call for global awareness</h2>



<p>“It’s critical that projections of sea-level rise include as much relevant information as possible so that the world can take appropriate measures to lessen the devastation to global coastal communities,” said Dr. Christine Dow, a professor at the University of Waterloo.</p>



<p>Dr. Dow pointed out that these findings underscore how fragile the balance really is under Antarctica’s frozen surface. Her team does not expect the ice sheet to give way overnight, but shifts under the glaciers can make them more prone to breaking off faster.</p>



<p>With coastal areas around the globe already facing erosion and higher flooding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/major-coastal-cities-around-the-world-could-disappear-under-rising-seas-by-2100/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">risks</a>, the science community sees this as a reminder that small tweaks in the environment can yield very large consequences.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forecasts-need-subglacial-water-insights">Forecasts need subglacial water insights</h2>



<p>Going forward, experts suggest that any attempts to forecast future sea levels take these long-buried waterways into account. Models that leave out the subglacial picture could be missing critical pieces of how glaciers might evolve as temperatures warm.</p>



<p>The researchers say further work is needed to track how the flow beneath the ice might accelerate or change direction in the next few decades. Understanding these rivers could help refine local and global strategies for coastal planning.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-past-reveals-about-the-future">What the past reveals about the future</h2>



<p>The study showed that subglacial drainage systems, which influence sea level, have never stayed in one configuration for long. As the climate shifted over millions of years, so did the routes and volumes of meltwater flowing beneath the ice.</p>



<p>During a period known as the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/eocene-oligocene-boundary" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eocene-Oligocene Boundary</a>, 34 million years ago, long underground rivers carried high volumes of water under thick ice. </p>



<p>Surprisingly, the predicted drainage patterns for 2100 under extreme warming closely resemble those ancient conditions, even though they are derived from opposite climate extremes</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-57700-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Communications</em></a>.</p>



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

Hidden rivers beneath Antarctic ice reshape sea-level predictions

Many people think of Antarctica as an unchanging mass of...

<p>In the world of robotics, the dominant image has always been a machine filled with wires, chips, and rigid joints. Today, that image is being replaced by something more flexible - literally. </p>



<p>Engineers at the Bioinspired Robotics Laboratory at the <a href="https://ucsd.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California San Diego</a> have developed a new kind of robot that can walk without electronics.</p>



<p>It doesn’t rely on electronics or rigid parts. It doesn’t even need to be assembled from multiple materials. You can print it in one go, using only one type of soft filament and a standard desktop 3D-printer. Add a simple cartridge of compressed gas, and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-smallest-robot-could-transform-minimally-invasive-surgery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">robot</a> walks.</p>



<p>This innovation represents a huge shift in how machines are built and imagined. For the first time, robots can be made quickly, cheaply, and almost anywhere. They can function where electronics fail and can be deployed in extreme environments, all without the need for metal skeletons or batteries.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3d-printed-robots-walk-on-air">3D-printed robots walk on air</h2>



<p>The researchers behind this project deliberately avoided complexity. Instead of using expensive tools or rare materials, they used a desktop printer and a common printing filament. Their goal was to make walking robots as accessible as possible. The result? A complete, functioning robot for just $20.</p>



<p>“This is a completely different way of looking at <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/robots-can-now-learn-like-humans-using-self-awareness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">building machines</a>,” said Michael Tolley, a professor in the UC San Diego Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and the paper’s senior author.</p>



<p>The robot they developed doesn’t need circuits to walk. A cartridge of compressed gas feeds pressure into soft structures within the robot’s body. </p>



<p>This air-driven motion replaces motors and wires. It’s a minimalistic approach that opens the door to robots in places where conventional electronics simply can’t go.</p>



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



<p>In many high-risk environments - like radioactive zones, disaster sites, or deep space - electronics often fail. They short out, overheat, or get damaged. That’s where these soft <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/squirrel-inspired-robot-masters-the-art-of-precision-landing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">robots</a> shine. Because they contain no metal parts or circuits, they resist extreme conditions naturally.</p>



<p>The UC San Diego team tested the robots both in the lab and outdoors. Indoors, the robots walked for three full days without stopping. The only requirement was a steady supply of compressed gas. </p>



<p>Outside, the robot ran on a small gas cartridge and proved it could traverse rough terrain. It walked over sand, grass, and even underwater. Its flexible limbs adapted to different surfaces with ease.</p>



<p>This adaptability, combined with low production cost, makes these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/robots-with-space-to-think-will-become-more-useful/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">robots</a> ideal for emergency response and exploration missions. They don’t break easily. They don’t rely on fragile parts. And they can be printed on demand.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-soft-robot-in-one-single-print">Soft robot in one single print</h2>



<p>The material used to make these robots is nothing special - just regular 3D-printing filament.</p>



<p>What makes it special is how it's used. The team created a system where every part of the robot, including the muscles and controller, is made from the same soft material in one print. That means no assembly.</p>



<p>“These robots are not manufactured with any of the traditional, rigid <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/goat-the-shape-shifting-robot-that-masters-any-terrain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">components</a> researchers typically use,” Tolley said.</p>



<p>Instead of motors, the robot has soft actuators. These are inflated and deflated using air pressure, giving the robot its walking motion. The engineers designed everything to work in harmony, using only softness and air.</p>



<p>This design breaks away from decades of engineering tradition. It's not just an experiment. It's a functioning machine that reimagines what robotics can be.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-robot-walks">How the robot walks </h2>



<p>Walking might seem simple, but coordinating movement in a robot is complex. Without electronics, the UC San Diego team turned to pneumatics. They built a soft oscillating circuit that mimics the old-school steam engine.</p>



<p>To move the robot’s six legs, the circuit alternates air pressure between two sets of three legs. This rhythmic action creates forward movement. The legs move in four directions - up, down, forward, and backward - giving the robot balanced control. It can walk in a straight line, even on uneven ground.</p>



<p>“We have taken a giant leap forward with a robot that walks entirely on its own,” said Yichen Zhai, the lead postdoctoral scholar behind the build.</p>



<p>What sets this apart is that the entire control system is also soft. There’s no need for chips or code. The robot responds only to changes in air pressure, like a living system without a nervous system.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pushing-toward-a-greener-future">Pushing toward a greener future</h2>



<p>The team isn’t stopping at walking. Their next goal is to make the robots self-contained. That means finding a way to store the compressed gas inside the robot’s body. Doing so would make these robots fully untethered.</p>



<p>The experts are also exploring sustainable materials. Using recyclable or biodegradable filaments would reduce the robots' environmental impact. This makes them even more attractive for short-term use in hazardous areas, where retrieval may be impossible.</p>



<p>Another major step involves adding manipulators. Arms, grippers, and other tools would give the robots the ability to interact with their surroundings - pick up debris, press buttons, or even rescue objects or organisms.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-lab-to-real-world-testing">From lab to real-world testing</h2>



<p>Building this robot required partnerships. The team worked closely with BASF through their California Research Alliance (<a href="https://cara.berkeley.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CARA</a>). <a href="https://www.basf.com/in/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BASF</a> helped test different soft materials that could be printed using standard 3D-printers. </p>



<p>Some of the more advanced materials aren’t yet available to the public, but the researchers successfully built working robots using common options as well.</p>



<p>Funding from the <a href="https://www.nsf.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Science Foundation</a> supported the project. That support helped push the team toward practical testing, real-world application, and wider dissemination.</p>



<p>Before publishing their findings, the team completed their first walking robot in 2022. They showcased it at the <a href="https://www.grc.org/robotics-conference/2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gordon Research Conference</a> on Robotics that same year. </p>



<p>That early demonstration proved the technology could move beyond the lab and into broader discussions on the future of machine design.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-chapter-in-robotics">A new chapter in robotics </h2>



<p>The quiet hum of a 3D-printer now builds machines that walk, explore, and survive without wires. </p>



<p>The team at UC San Diego has shown that the future of robotics might not be harder, faster, or more complex. Instead, it might be softer, simpler, and more adaptable.</p>



<p>By printing machines that rely only on air and softness, they’ve introduced a new chapter in robotics. One where simplicity leads, and where machines don’t just look alive - but move like it too.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://advanced.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/aisy.202400876" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Advanced Intelligent Systems</a>.</em></p>



<p>Image Credit: David Baillot/University of California San Diego</p>



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



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Walking robots can step right off the 3D-printer - powered by air

In the world of robotics, the dominant image has always...

<p>A new long-term study indicates that children who spend more time on screens during their early years - particularly on phones and tablets - experience higher levels of stress and depressive symptoms once they enter adolescence.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The eight-year study offers fresh insights for parents deciding when and how to give their kids digital access, especially given the rising <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mental-health-crisis-half-of-the-worlds-population-will-be-affected-by-age-75/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mental health</a> challenges among the youth.</p>



<p>According to the experts, between one-quarter and one-third of adolescents worldwide experience mental health issues, with first symptoms usually appearing during the teenage years.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers see their findings as additional evidence that parents might want to limit screen time and encourage active play, since cultivating certain habits early may serve as a buffer against future psychological distress.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-screens-and-teen-health">Screens and teen health</h2>



<p>Scientists drew data from the <em>Physical Activity and Nutrition in Children</em> (<a href="https://www.panicstudy.fi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PANIC</a>) study, a project that tracked 187 Finnish children aged between 6 and 9 years until they were 15 to16. </p>



<p>Over the course of eight years, the team monitored the participants’ <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fitness-focused-medicine-physical-activity-reduces-chronic-disease-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">physical activity</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/too-much-screen-time-is-making-teens-anxious/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">screen time</a>, sleep patterns, and eating behaviors. </p>



<p>Then, as teenagers, those same participants were assessed for mental health using standardized measures of stress and depressive symptoms.</p>



<p>The findings revealed that teens who accumulated more total screen time, specifically on mobile devices, ended up showing significantly higher levels of stress and depression.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-physical-activity">The role of physical activity</h2>



<p>Encouragingly, a high level of physical activity during childhood proved to have the opposite effect. </p>



<p>Teens who remained active - particularly in structured or supervised settings - demonstrated stronger mental health outcomes, even after accounting for factors like body composition, puberty stage, and parents’ educational background.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This trend was more pronounced among boys, who seemed to derive a greater protective effect against stress from exercise than girls.</p>



<p>Meanwhile, diet quality and sleep duration did not show notable links to teen mental health in this research. </p>



<p>While this does not rule out their importance for overall well-being, it suggests that daily movement and minimized screen time may have more pronounced effects when it comes to adolescent stress and depression levels.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-interventions-for-screen-habits">Early interventions for screen habits</h2>



<p>For those wary of introducing personal devices too early, the study’s conclusion is clear: childhood screen behavior can echo into the teenage years, shaping emotional health. </p>



<p>Researchers especially emphasize caution with mobile device use. </p>



<p>Balanced approaches appear to matter most. Kids who paired more screen time with lower physical activity ended up with the worst mental health outcomes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This highlights that focusing on just one of these factors - reducing screen time or encouraging regular exercise - may be less effective than addressing both simultaneously.</p>



<p>The authors also point out that supervised physical activities, such as team sports, can have particularly strong benefits. </p>



<p>This could fuel arguments for policies that increase children’s access to organized athletics, either through schools or community programs. </p>



<p>The study further indicates that mental health professionals should consider making routine inquiries about technology habits as part of early interventions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-shifting-technological-landscape">A shifting technological landscape</h2>



<p>While the study results are not strictly causal, they highlight the power of everyday choices in shaping long-term psychological outcomes. </p>



<p>Given how quickly technology evolves, the authors warn that this knowledge becomes more and more urgent. </p>



<p>Social media platforms and mobile games continue to expand, and children are exposed to smartphones at younger ages, making it crucial to recognize how these patterns might affect their mental well-being.</p>



<p>Notably, the study concluded before the recent explosion in newer social media apps, so the current generation may see even more negative consequences of their digital consumption.&nbsp;</p>



<p>That said, the fundamental takeaway - that more screens plus less physical activity predicts a rougher mental health path - likely remains valid.</p>



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



<p>While the study’s eight-year timeframe offers valuable longitudinal data, the final sample of 187 adolescents is small. Many participants dropped out midway, so the final group may not be entirely representative.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Also, while the researchers tracked overall screen time, they did not distinguish between different types of screen exposure or social media content. Future studies might look at which specific apps or games pose the highest risks.</p>



<p>The research also measured sleep duration but not <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-quality-is-determined-by-daily-activities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sleep quality</a>, leaving open questions about how nighttime device use might undermine rest and, in turn, mental health.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Most notably, the authors highlight that the data cannot prove that one factor directly causes the other. It’s possible, for instance, that children already prone to stress or depression might gravitate more toward screen usage.</p>



<p>Still, as mental health difficulties among younger demographics continue to rise, these findings can guide parents and care providers. </p>



<p>Ensuring kids stay active may mitigate some of those effects, but the broader message is that habits formed early can shape teens’ emotional landscapes in the years to come.</p>



<p>In essence, the authors advise parents to craft balanced digital environments, offering moderate device access and ample opportunities for physical activity and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-activity-may-delay-the-onset-of-dementia-by-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social engagement</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Full details of the study were published in the <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2830233" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>JAMA Network Open</em></a>.</p>



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Children’s screen time shapes their mental health as teens

A new long-term study indicates that children who spend more...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>

Social modeling affects our food choices

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists discover we age in bursts

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists solve the mystery of tickling

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>



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



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

Retired professor claims he solved time travel

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;</em></p>



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



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



<p><em>Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;</em></p>



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



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



<p><em>Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;</em></p>



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



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



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



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



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



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;</em></p>



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



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p><em>Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois</em></p>



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



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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



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



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



<p><em>Video Credit: ACS Reactions</em></p>



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



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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