<p>A small, cool star 40 light-years away has a planet that just might hold on to an atmosphere. Astronomers used the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to watch that world, TRAPPIST-1e, pass in front of its star four times and extract the planet’s faint atmospheric fingerprint.</p>



<p>A new paper reports those observations and what they can - and cannot - show about the gases above this rocky surface. </p>



<p>The team can already reject a thick, hydrogen-dominated atmosphere, but the data are not yet strong enough to prove what is there on the planet instead.</p>



<p>Néstor Espinoza from the <a href="https://www.stsci.edu/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Space Telescope Science Institute</a> (STScI) led the analysis with the JWST Telescope Scientist Team.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-activity-masks-trappist-1e">Star activity masks TRAPPIST-1e</h2>



<p>TRAPPIST-1 is a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planets-orbiting-red-dwarf-stars-may-not-be-habitable-ultraviolet-uv-radiation/">red dwarf star</a>, a compact and relatively cool star type that often flares and develops spots in ways that upset precise measurements. </p>



<p>That activity complicates the search for air around its planets because changes from the star can masquerade as signs from a planet’s atmosphere.</p>



<p>TRAPPIST-1e sits in the star’s habitable zone - the region where a planet could support liquid water on its surface if pressure and temperature are suitable. </p>



<p>That alone does not make it hospitable, since the star’s outbursts could strip or scramble any atmosphere over time.</p>



<p>Earlier Webb data on the inner siblings, such as TRAPPIST-1b, found little evidence of a substantial atmosphere. </p>



<p>That result keeps expectations in check and places more weight on careful, repeated measurements for the middle worlds.</p>



<p>NASA shared a technical feature explaining that the first four TRAPPIST-1e observations are not enough to confirm an atmosphere. </p>



<p>The figure shows that models with and without an atmosphere still overlap in the range allowed by today’s data.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-telescope-actually-measured">What the telescope actually measured</h2>



<p>TRAPPIST-1e is an exoplanet, a planet beyond our solar system. When it crosses the star, a tiny bit of starlight filters through any air at the planet’s edge, and that light carries molecular fingerprints.</p>



<p>This method is called transmission spectroscopy, and it spreads the light into wavelengths to see where particular gases absorb. </p>



<p>Webb’s NIRSpec instrument recorded four such transits in 2023, covering wavelengths where gases like water vapor, methane, and carbon dioxide could show up clearly.</p>



<p>Because the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/interstellar-tunnel-cosmic-channel-discovered-connects-our-solar-system-to-other-stars/">star</a> itself has features that can change over minutes to hours, the team built models to separate stellar effects from any possible planetary signals. </p>



<p>They also combined the four events to reduce random noise while being careful not to blur out real, repeatable features.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-no-primary-atmosphere-detected">No primary atmosphere detected</h2>



<p>A hydrogen-rich atmosphere on the planet would have produced large, easily seen features in the spectrum. </p>



<p>The team reports that such primary atmospheres - dominated by hydrogen at levels above roughly 80 percent by volume - are inconsistent with the data.</p>



<p>Ana Glidden is a postdoctoral researcher in MIT's Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences and the MIT <a href="https://www.space.mit.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research.</a></p>



<p>“The idea is: If we assume that the planet is not airless, can we constrain different atmospheric scenarios? Do those scenarios still allow for liquid water at the surface?” she said. </p>



<p>Glidden noted that the results rule out a hydrogen-dominated atmosphere and tighten limits on several secondary-atmosphere scenarios.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A warm, nitrogen-rich mix remains possible, along with other secondary atmospheres that could arise from volcanic outgassing. </p>



<p>Those would appear much subtler in the data than hydrogen and require more than four transits to emerge from the noise.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stellar-flares-complicate-tests">Stellar flares complicate tests</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trappist-1-has-seven-earth-like-planets-that-may-support-life/">TRAPPIST-1</a>’s surface has star spots and frequent flares that change its spectrum over time. </p>



<p>That “stellar contamination” can either add or remove features in the planetary spectrum and, if not modeled correctly, can be misleading.</p>



<p>To tackle that, the authors used Gaussian processes, a flexible statistical tool that learns the typical shape and size of the star’s variations and then subtracts them. </p>



<p>That approach does not assume a perfect star model, which is wise when the star is as active as this one.</p>



<p>The goal is to treat any wiggles that change from one visit to the next as coming from the star, and any persistent pattern as likely belonging to the planet. Webb’s stability helps here, but the source star’s behavior still sets the pace.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trappist-1e-air-circulation">TRAPPIST-1e air circulation</h2>



<p>A nitrogen-rich atmosphere would resemble Earth in broad strokes, though details such as oxygen, water vapor, and methane would matter greatly. </p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nitrogen-was-plentiful-for-early-life-on-earth/">Nitrogen</a> alone does not prove anything about life on the planet, but it suggests a heavier, secondary atmosphere capable of maintaining surface pressure.</p>



<p>“We are seeing two possible explanations," said Ryan MacDonald, Lecturer in Extrasolar Planets in the School of Physics and Astronomy at the <a href="https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of St Andrews</a>.</p>



<p>"The most exciting possibility is that TRAPPIST-1e could have a so-called secondary atmosphere containing heavy gases like nitrogen. But our initial observations cannot yet rule out a bare rock with no atmosphere.” </p>



<p>Independent of biology, an atmosphere changes surface temperature and how heat moves from day to night. On a tidally locked world, that could be the difference between an ice cap and a stable ocean.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-webb-and-trappist-1e">Webb and TRAPPIST-1e</h2>



<p>The team plans many more transits to shrink error bars and test for specific gases. More visits let the statistics work, and they also average over the star’s mood swings.</p>



<p>“In the coming years we will go from four JWST observations of TRAPPIST-1e to nearly twenty," said MacDonald. </p>



<p>"We finally have the telescope and tools to search for habitable conditions in other star systems, which makes today one of the most exciting times for astronomy.”</p>



<p>As the dataset grows, scientists can check for methane and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/carbon-dioxide-hydrogen-peroxide-discovered-on-plutos-moon-charon/">carbon dioxide</a> together and run climate models that test whether liquid water could persist at the surface. </p>



<p>Caution remains the watchword until a clear atmospheric pattern repeats across many passes.</p>



<p>The study is published in <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/2041-8213/adf42e" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>The Astrophysical Journal Letters</em></a>.</p>



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Nearby rocky planet may hold an atmosphere fit for life

A small, cool star 40 light-years away has a planet that just might hold on to an atmosphere. Astronomers used the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to watch that world, TRAPPIST-1e, pass in front of its star four times and extract the planet’s faint atmospheric fingerprint. A new paper reports those observations and what they can - and cannot - show about the gases above this rocky surface. The team can already reject a thick, hydrogen-dominated atmosphere, but the data are not yet strong enough to prove...

<p>The Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) is on a mission to explore dark energy. It maps millions of celestial objects to understand the universe’s accelerating expansion. </p>



<p>The DESI <a href="https://www.desi.lbl.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">collaboration</a> has now released its first major dataset, making it available to researchers and the public. This dataset includes information on 18.7 million objects, covering 4 million stars, 13.1 million galaxies, and 1.6 million quasars.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-desi-s-potential-beyond-dark-energy">DESI's potential beyond dark energy</h2>



<p>While DESI’s main goal is to study dark energy, the new dataset has potential beyond this. It could help scientists understand <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-dark-matter-does-not-exist-and-the-universe-is-27-billion-years-old/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy</a> evolution, black holes, dark matter, and the Milky Way’s structure.</p>



<p>“DR1 already gave the DESI collaboration hints that we might need to rethink our standard model of cosmology,” said Stephen Bailey, a scientist at <a href="https://www.lbl.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Berkeley Lab</a>. </p>



<p>“But these world-class datasets are also valuable for the rest of the astronomy community to test a huge wealth of other ideas, and we’re excited to see the breadth of research that will come out.”</p>



<p>DESI is an international effort with over 900 researchers from more than 70 institutions. Berkeley Lab leads the project, and the instrument is installed on the Nicholas U. Mayall 4-meter Telescope at <a href="https://noirlab.edu/public/programs/kitt-peak-national-observatory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kitt Peak National Observatory</a> in Arizona.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-desi-s-massive-dataset">DESI’s massive dataset</h2>



<p>Anyone can access DESI’s data through the National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center (<a href="https://www.nersc.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NERSC</a>). Space enthusiasts can also explore DESI’s findings through the interactive Legacy Survey Sky Browser.</p>



<p>The latest release expands on DESI’s Early Data Release, offering ten times as much data and covering a much larger area of the sky. It includes data collected between May 2021 and June 2022, along with earlier validation surveys.</p>



<p>DESI’s observations range from nearby stars to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxies-in-the-deep-universe-all-rotate-in-the-same-direction-leaving-scientists-baffled/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> that are billions of light-years away. Since light takes time to travel, looking deep into space means looking into the past. </p>



<p>This allows DESI to create a timeline of the universe that reaches back 11 billion years.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breakthrough-in-3d-mapping">Breakthrough in 3D mapping</h2>



<p>Despite being just a fraction of DESI’s total expected output, <a href="https://youtu.be/jkWHrOPow-U" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">this 270-terabyte dataset is remarkable</a>. It provides precise distance measurements for millions of galaxies and contains twice as many extragalactic objects as all previous 3D surveys combined.</p>



<p>Within its first year, DESI became the largest spectroscopic redshift survey ever conducted. It sometimes recorded data on more than 1 million objects in a single month. </p>



<p>By 2024, DESI researchers had used the dataset to create the largest 3D map of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cosmic-order-or-chaos-universe-expansion-may-follow-a-hidden-pattern/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">universe</a>.</p>



<p>“The DESI project has maintained the pace of making 3D maps of the universe that are 10 times larger every decade,” said David Schlegel of Berkeley Lab. </p>



<p>“That's our version of Moore's Law for cosmology surveys. The rapid advance is powered by the clever combination of improved instrument designs, technologies, and analysis of ever-fainter galaxies.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-desi-captures-light-from-distant-galaxies">DESI captures light from distant galaxies</h2>



<p>DESI captures light from distant galaxies using 5,000 fiber-optic “eyes.” Under ideal conditions, the instrument can record data on more than 100,000 galaxies in a single night.</p>



<p>“DESI is unlike any other machine in terms of its ability to observe independent objects simultaneously,” said John Moustakas, a professor at Siena College and co-lead of DR1.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/DESI_data-map_3d-map-universe-largest-ever_credit-LBL_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/DESI_data-map_3d-map-universe-largest-ever_credit-LBL_1s.webp" alt="This slice of the DESI data maps celestial objects from Earth (center) to billions of light years away. Among the objects are nearby bright galaxies (yellow), luminous red galaxies (orange), emission-line galaxies (blue), and quasars (green). The large-scale structure of the universe is visible in the inset image, which shows the densest survey region and represents less than 0.1% of the DESI survey’s total volume. Credit: Claire Lamman/DESI collaboration" class="wp-image-1963025"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>This slice of the DESI data maps celestial objects from Earth (center) to billions of light years away. Among the objects are nearby bright galaxies (yellow), luminous red galaxies (orange), emission-line galaxies (blue), and quasars (green). The large-scale structure of the universe is visible in the inset image, which shows the densest survey region and represents less than 0.1% of the DESI survey’s total volume. Credit: Claire Lamman/DESI collaboration</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>By breaking light into its color spectrum, researchers can measure how much it has shifted toward the red end due to the universe’s expansion. </p>



<p>This information helps scientists determine an object’s distance, which allows DESI to map cosmic history in three dimensions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-speed-data-processing">High-speed data processing</h2>



<p>Each night, DESI transfers its images to supercomputers at NERSC. The facility analyzes the data and sends results back to researchers. </p>



<p>The entire process happens overnight. This system connects data collection and analysis in real time, speeding up discoveries.</p>



<p>“For this data release, we made it so DESI could run on our most advanced supercomputer, Perlmutter,” said Daniel Margala of NERSC. </p>



<p>Perlmutter’s powerful GPUs allow DESI to process data nearly 40 times faster than previous systems. What once took months now takes weeks.</p>



<p>Even though data is processed daily, researchers continually refine their code to extract better results. </p>



<p>When they complete a milestone, like a full year of data collection, they reprocess the entire dataset using the latest improvements. It took about a month to process DR1.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-endless-research-possibilities">Endless research possibilities </h2>



<p>DESI is now in its fourth year of a five-year mission. By the end of the project, it aims to catalog spectra for over 50 million <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/universe-is-expanding-faster-than-science-can-explain-hubble-tension-physics-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> and quasars. </p>



<p>Scientists hope the dataset will help researchers worldwide, including those without access to large telescopes.</p>



<p>A key part of this release is detailed documentation to help scientists who are unfamiliar with DESI to understand its contents.</p>



<p>“We’re still discovering all the things you can do with this dataset, and we want the community to be able to try out all their creative ideas,” said Anthony Kremin of Berkeley Lab.</p>



<p>“There are endless kinds of interesting science you can do when you combine our data with outside information.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-access-desi-s-data">How to access DESI’s data</h2>



<p>The DESI DR1 paper is available on the&nbsp;<a href="https://data.desi.lbl.gov/doc/releases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DESI Data website</a>&nbsp;and will be published on&nbsp;<a href="https://arxiv.org/abs/2503.14745" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">arXiv</a>.&nbsp;Videos discussing the release are on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/DESIsurvey" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DESI YouTube channel</a>.​</p>



<p>Researchers presented the dataset and the latest <a href="https://summit.aps.org/events/APR-R08/1">dark energy findings</a> at the&nbsp;<a href="https://summit.aps.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Physical Society’s Global Physics Summit</a>&nbsp;in Anaheim, California.​</p>



<p>Image Credit: Luke Tyas/Berkeley Lab and KPNO/NOIRLab/NSF/AURA</p>



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Largest-ever 3D map of the universe lets us travel back 11 billion years

The Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) is on a mission...

Young,Golden,Retriever,For,A,Walk,With,His,Owner.,Dog

<p>Stress can be exhausting, making even simple tasks feel like a chore. College life piles on exams and assignments, leaving many people feeling overwhelmed. A new study shows that playing with a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rewards-of-dog-ownership-outweigh-the-challenges/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">friendly dog</a> for just 15 minutes can lighten that emotional load.</p>



<p>The research was led by senior investigator Dr. Jaruwan Khonmee from <a href="https://www.cmu.ac.th/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chiang Mai University</a> in Thailand and included 122 students.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-dogs-bond-with-humans-the-basics">How dogs bond with humans - the basics</h2>



<p>There’s something incredibly special about the bond between dogs and humans - it goes way beyond companionship. </p>



<p>Dogs don’t just live alongside us; they tune into our moods, read our body language, and somehow just get us. </p>



<p>They know when we’re happy, when we’re stressed, when we need a nudge to go outside or a quiet moment to breathe. And we respond in kind. </p>



<p>We learn to understand their barks, their tail wags, their little quirks. It’s not just loyalty - it’s this deep, wordless connection built on trust, time, and a whole lot of shared experiences.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dogs-help-lower-stress">Dogs help lower stress</h2>



<p><a href="https://archive.org/details/psychologicalstr0000laza" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stress</a> is a feeling of mental tension triggered by tough situations, and it can drain your energy before you realize it. Over time, stress can harm your mood, focus, and physical health in multiple ways.</p>



<p>College students often juggle challenging courses, part-time work, and new social circles. When responsibilities pile up, anxiety can creep in and catch people off guard.</p>



<p><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2485862/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cortisol</a> is a hormone that climbs when you’re tense and goes down when you’re relaxed. Lowering it can support better heart function and clearer thinking under pressure.</p>



<p>That’s where a quick session of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dog-breed-does-not-define-performance-and-ability/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">canine interaction</a> steps in to break the cycle. A wagging tail or a nudge from a friendly snout can act like a natural mood lifter.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-dogs-helped-students">How dogs helped students</h2>



<p>In this project, students had their heart rates, saliva samples, and stress surveys measured before and after interacting with dogs. </p>



<p>The researchers observed significant drops in both physical and emotional stress markers once the session ended.</p>



<p>Compared to just moments earlier, students’ self-reported <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-suffer-from-the-january-blues-just-like-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stress levels</a> decreased by 33.5% after hanging out with the pup. This quick drop demonstrates how a little interaction can go a long way.</p>



<p>Some participants chose to cuddle or chat with the dog, while others offered treats or toys. Even short bursts of play were enough to see a noticeable shift.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dogs-reduce-stress-levels">Dogs reduce stress levels</h2>



<p>“Even brief interactions with dogs can significantly reduce stress levels among university undergraduate students,” concluded the researchers. </p>



<p>They noted that stress hormones in the dogs themselves appeared to drop over time, suggesting shared benefits.</p>



<p>Fecal tests indicated that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-and-dogs-share-genes-linked-to-obesity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pups</a> had lower cortisol a week after these sessions. This finding points to the possibility that dogs might also feel relaxed when spending time with attentive humans.</p>



<p>Crucially, none of the six dogs used were certified therapy animals. Their friendly nature alone seemed enough to help students.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stress-relief-through-genuine-connection">Stress relief through genuine connection </h2>



<p>Researchers have spent years examining the human-animal bond. One <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.2752/089279314X14072268687808" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">project</a> found that petting a calm dog cannot only slow heart rate but also quiet the mind.</p>



<p>A good-natured pup provides social interaction without the same judgment people fear in formal therapy settings. Students can feel understood without having to explain every feeling or worry.</p>



<p>These canine sessions may work in part because they tap into <a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/co-regulation-helping-children-and-teens-navigate-big-emotions-202404033030" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emotional co-regulation</a>, where two living beings calm each other. It’s less about a clinical approach and more about genuine connection.</p>



<p>That sense of warmth can reassure students who hesitate to seek human counseling. A dog’s presence often feels comforting, making it easier to let go of anxious thoughts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-encouraging-outcomes-for-students">Encouraging outcomes for students</h2>



<p>Not every campus has the resources to bring in certified therapy animals. This study shows that friendly, well-behaved pets might offer help even if they lack formal training.</p>



<p>Some universities have started hosting dog visits during final exams to give frazzled students a break. In many cases, just a few minutes can revive a tired mind.</p>



<p>Researchers stress the importance of ensuring dogs enjoy the interaction. Signs of anxiety or discomfort in pets could prevent the positive effects.</p>



<p>Preparing a calm environment, offering treats, and supervising the sessions can keep everyone happy. It’s a balancing act that respects both human and canine comfort.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-managing-stress-with-dog-visits">Managing stress with dog visits</h2>



<p>Experts want to know if repeated dog sessions can bring lasting improvements. Longer studies might track stress relief over entire semesters to see if the benefits accumulate.</p>



<p>Some researchers wonder if these visits spark additional gains, like boosted motivation or a steadier mindset. Others are curious whether multiple short sessions are better than one extended visit. </p>



<p>Further studies are needed to determine the ideal balance for ongoing stress management.</p>



<p>College life is not about to slow down, but dog visits seem promising for easing at least some of the mental load. Quick, simple sessions can offer a breather when books and deadlines pile high.</p>



<p>These findings encourage schools and organizations to consider how a wagging tail might bring calm to busy people. </p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0318777" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>PLOS ONE</em></a>.</p>



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Petting a dog is the easiest way to reduce stress without medication

Stress can be exhausting, making even simple tasks feel like...

<p>For decades, scientists believed modern humans descended from a single ancestral lineage. However, new research has not only challenged this view, it has simultaneously spawned a new mystery surrounding human evolution.</p>



<p>Using full genome sequencing, researchers discovered that modern humans originated from two distinct populations that diverged around 1.5 million years ago and later merged.</p>



<p>This genetic reunion, occurring roughly 300,000 years ago, resulted in one group contributing 80% of modern human DNA, while the other provided the remaining 20%. </p>



<p>These findings suggest human evolution was <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stone-tool-flint-discovery-challenges-theory-of-human-cultural-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">far more intricate</a> than previously assumed.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-mixing-and-complex-evolution">Genetic mixing and complex evolution</h2>



<p>“The question of where we come from is one that has fascinated humans for centuries,” said Dr. Trevor Cousins from the University of Cambridge <a href="https://www.gen.cam.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Genetics</a>.</p>



<p>He emphasized that while a single continuous lineage was the dominant theory, genetic evidence now reveals a more complicated history.</p>



<p>Professor Richard Durbin, co-author of the study, noted that these ancient groups remained separate for over a million years before recombining to form the genetic foundation of modern humans. </p>



<p>This suggests our species' origins were shaped by deep evolutionary interactions rather than a straightforward lineage.</p>



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



<p>Humans and Neanderthals didn’t just coexist - they mingled, competed, and even <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dna-analysis-reveals-most-recent-modern-human-to-interbreed-with-neanderthals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">had children together</a>. </p>



<p>Neanderthals lived in Europe and Asia for hundreds of thousands of years before modern humans migrated out of Africa around 60,000–70,000 years ago. </p>



<p>For at least 5,000–10,000 years, the two species overlapped, sharing landscapes, caves, and possibly even knowledge. </p>



<p>Archaeological evidence suggests Neanderthals created tools, used fire, and may have practiced symbolic behaviors like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tinshemet-cave-more-evidence-neanderthals-and-early-humans-interacted-socially/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">burying their dead</a>. </p>



<p>Some of their cultural traits look strikingly similar to those of early humans, which hints at possible interactions - maybe even trade or shared ideas.</p>



<p>However, this new research highlights an earlier, more significant genetic mixing event around 300,000 years ago. </p>



<p>Unlike Neanderthal DNA, which comprises roughly 2% of non-African modern human genomes, this earlier event contributed up to 20% of the genetic makeup found in all humans today.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoding-the-past-with-dna">Decoding the past with DNA</h2>



<p>The research team used modern human DNA rather than ancient fossils to reconstruct this evolutionary history. </p>



<p>They analyzed data from the <a href="https://www.internationalgenome.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">1000 Genomes Project</a>, which includes genetic samples from populations worldwide. </p>



<p>Their approach enabled them to infer the presence of ancestral populations that left no direct fossil evidence.</p>



<p>By developing an advanced computational tool called cobraa, the researchers modeled how human populations split and later merged. </p>



<p>They first tested the algorithm on simulated data before applying it to real human genetic sequences.</p>



<p>This method provided fresh insights into the genetic diversity of early humans.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-one-human-population-nearly-disappeared">One human population nearly disappeared</h2>



<p>“Immediately after the two ancestral populations split, we see a severe bottleneck in one of them - suggesting it shrank to a very small size before slowly growing over a period of one million years,” said Professor Aylwyn Scally from the Department of Genetics.</p>



<p>This smaller group later contributed most of the genetic material found in modern humans and was also the ancestral population from which Neanderthals and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-denisovan-species-humans-lived-undisturbed-tibetan-plateau-160000-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Denisovans</a> evolved.</p>



<p>Meanwhile, the second population, which contributed a minority of modern human DNA, carried genes related to brain function and neural processing. </p>



<p>“Some of the genes from the population which contributed a minority of our genetic material may have played a crucial role in human evolution,” said Cousins.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-selection-and-genetic-compatibility">Natural selection and genetic compatibility</h2>



<p>The experts found that genes inherited from the second <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-humans-had-surprising-diets-3-5-million-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">population</a> were often located in regions of the genome unrelated to primary gene functions. This suggests natural selection filtered out less compatible genetic traits over time.</p>



<p>The process, known as purifying selection, gradually removed harmful mutations, ensuring only beneficial genetic changes persisted.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expanding-the-study-beyond-humans">Expanding the study beyond humans</h2>



<p>Beyond human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-ancestors-homo-erectus-thrived-in-extreme-desert-landscapes-1-million-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution</a>, the researchers applied their computational model to genetic data from species such as bats, dolphins, chimpanzees, and gorillas.</p>



<p>They found evidence of similar ancestral population structures in some species, reinforcing the idea that evolutionary history is more intertwined than previously thought.</p>



<p>“What’s becoming clear is that the idea of species evolving in clean, distinct lineages is too simplistic,” Cousins explained. </p>



<p>He suggested that interbreeding and genetic exchange likely influenced species development across the animal kingdom.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-identifying-our-ancestral-candidates">Identifying our ancestral candidates</h2>



<p>The identities of these ancestral human populations remain uncertain. </p>



<p>Fossil evidence indicates that species such as Homo erectus and Homo heidelbergensis lived in Africa and other regions during this period. </p>



<p>These species could be potential candidates for the populations identified in the genetic study, but more research is needed.</p>



<p>Future studies aim to refine the genetic model to account for gradual genetic exchanges rather than abrupt splits and reunions. </p>



<p>Scientists also plan to integrate their findings with fossil records to build a clearer picture of early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-lived-in-rainforests-80000-years-earlier-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human diversity</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-our-understanding-of-human-evolution">Our understanding of human evolution</h2>



<p>“The fact that we can reconstruct events from hundreds of thousands or millions of years ago just by looking at DNA today is astonishing,” said Scally. </p>



<p>He emphasized that our evolutionary history is far richer and more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-animal-will-replace-humans-as-earths-dominant-species-this-scientist-has-an-idea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">complex</a> than previously imagined.</p>



<p>This remarkable research reshapes our understanding of human origins, proving that our past was shaped by intricate genetic interconnections rather than a single ancestral line. </p>



<p>The findings open new avenues for studying evolutionary history across multiple species, offering a deeper appreciation of the forces that shaped modern life.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal<em> <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41588-025-02117-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Genetics</a>.</em></p>



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"Mystery ancestors" gave humans 20% of our current DNA, but who were they?

For decades, scientists believed modern humans descended from a single...

<p>It started as another exoplanet in a group labeled "ordinary." No one expected that a world, once thought to be a mini-Neptune, would reveal traits of a super-Venus and change how we see certain planetary types.</p>



<p>Astronomers used <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/webb/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JWST data</a> to learn more about an unusual place called Enaiposha, that orbits a red dwarf star about 47 light-years away from the Sun.</p>



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



<p>Enaiposha, that also goes by the identifier <a href="https://exoplanetarchive.ipac.caltech.edu/overview/GJ%201214%20b#planet_GJ-1214-b_collapsible" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GJ 1214 b</a>, was first placed in a category that normally describes small, gas-rich worlds. New observations, however, suggest that it is more like Venus but on a bigger scale.</p>



<p>Researchers propose calling it a super-<a href="https://science.nasa.gov/resource/super-venus-artist-concept/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">venus</a> because it appears to have a thick atmosphere composed of hydrogen, helium, water, methane and carbon dioxide.</p>



<p>This finding came from recent measurements that showed faint traces of molecules at key parts of the spectrum.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-enaiposha-breaks-the-mold">Why Enaiposha breaks the mold</h2>



<p>Sub-Neptune planets that are smaller than Neptune in size are the most common type of planet known to exist in the Milky Way, but they are absent from the solar system. </p>



<p>They have atmospheres that consist of a variety of gases and atmospheric spectroscopy is used to analyze what gases are present.</p>



<p>Enaiposha differs from a typical <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/exoplanets/neptune-like/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sub-neptune</a> in that its upper layers are blanketed by haze and aerosols. </p>



<p>This makes it very difficult to analyze the atmosphere spectroscopically to establish which gases form the atmosphere on the exoplanet.</p>



<p>Venus also has clouds that block most views of its surface, but Enaiposha takes this phenomenon further. It is bigger, hotter, and enveloped by layers that make it especially hard to examine.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-air-that-dims-the-light">An air that dims the light</h2>



<p>When Enaiposha crossed between its star and Earth, tiny dips occurred at points on the spectrograph where certain gases absorb starlight. </p>



<p>The data hinted at a metal-rich atmosphere with less hydrogen floating around than scientists had expected.</p>



<p>One portion of the team’s work pointed that water vapor was present in the atmosphere, but that alone was not the big story. </p>



<p>Small signs of complex metals emerged, which is odd for a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-planets-may-be-the-place-to-look-for-extraterrestrial-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planet</a> once categorized in a simpler way.</p>



<p>Furthermore, as starlight passed through Enaiposha's outer layers (atmosphere), certain wavelengths of light were also absorbed that indicated the signatures of carbon dioxide and methane. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-co2-may-be-present-on-enaiposha">CO2 may be present on Enaiposha</h2>



<p>The <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/2041-8213/ada02c" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> was led by astronomers Everett Schlawin from the <a href="https://www.arizona.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Arizona</a> and <a href="https://sites.google.com/view/website-kohno/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kazumasa Ohno</a> from the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (<a href="https://www.nao.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NAOJ</a>).</p>



<p>The scientists got a faint clue that carbon dioxide may exist in concentrations akin to those found on Venus. They saw how light changed as it went through Enaiposha’s thick skies.</p>



<p>“The detected CO<sub>2</sub> signal from the first study is tiny, and so it required careful statistical analysis to ensure that it is real,” noted Ohno, the team member leading the theoretical investigations.</p>



<p>Experts sometimes place <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/six-planet-system-hd110067-discovered-that-moves-in-perfect-mathematical-harmony/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planets</a> slightly bigger than Earth in the <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/exoplanets/super-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">super-earth</a> bracket. Those even larger but still under Neptune’s mass sit in the mini-Neptune group.</p>



<p>This planet seems to occupy a weird middle zone. The findings have driven some scientists to propose that Enaiposha represents a new sub-type of exoplanet, or at least a neat twist on the usual groupings.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-haze-gets-in-the-way">Haze gets in the way</h2>



<p>Research on Enaiposha, a super-Venus, is still tough because of the haze. Observations pick up only subtle signals from deeper parts of its atmosphere.</p>



<p>A single measurement can be overwhelmed by the star’s brightness. Multiple follow-up sessions and new instruments may be needed to confirm all of these ingredients.</p>



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



<p>Some wonder whether similar <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/white-dwarf-planets-are-more-habitable-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planets</a> hide in other star systems. It may be risky to assume that everything beyond our Sun fits neatly into known boxes.</p>



<p>Astronomers have found thousands of strange worlds. This one stands out for defying what was presumed normal in the mini-Neptune category of exoplanets.</p>



<p>One encouraging aspect is how these methods might apply to places that could harbor life. Enaiposha is scorching, so it is not a promising location for habitability.</p>



<p>Still, the process of analyzing its hazes and thick skies could help scientists interpret atmospheres around other exoplanets in less extreme locations. That matters for anyone seeking to detect breathable air anywhere beyond our own system.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enaiposha-and-future-exploration">Enaiposha and future exploration</h2>



<p>Some want to see whether metals in Enaiposha’s air, as a super-Venus, can form droplets or complex clouds. That might explain why so little light passes through its atmosphere. </p>



<p>Others suspect it could be a stepping stone for modeling how thick atmospheres evolve. It might also show that sub-Neptunes can morph into something else with time.</p>



<p>In future, further modeling of the planet's atmosphere, interior structure and origins will provide valuable insights about how sub-Neptunes like GJ 1214 b form and evolve.</p>



<p>The study is published in <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/2041-8213/ad7fef" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>The Astrophysical Journal Letter</em>s</a>.</p>



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New planet named Enaiposha is unlike anything in our solar system

It started as another exoplanet in a group labeled "ordinary."...

<p>Not all great hammerhead sharks are long-distance travelers. In fact, some prefer to stick close to home. </p>



<p>Recent research focusing on sharks near Andros Island in the Bahamas has revealed that while some great hammerheads are known to migrate vast distances, others appear to settle down, likely because the local environment already meets their needs. </p>



<p>This discovery could help improve conservation efforts for this critically <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/endangered-sharks-study-reveals-hidden-crisis-of-overfishing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">endangered</a> species.</p>



<p>The study was led by Tristan Lee Guttridge, director of <a href="https://www.savingtheblue.org/?srsltid=AfmBOopD-gfmsVvvpjjjgw_pZcwXw0DuEAkFdxsThf_tvfMhnr_N9qE-" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saving the Blue</a>, in collaboration with researchers supported by Discovery’s Shark Week.</p>



<p>The team focused their efforts on the Bahamas, especially around Andros Island, an area largely unexplored in terms of great hammerhead activity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shark-tracking-in-the-bahamas">Shark tracking in the Bahamas </h2>



<p>“When we started this study there was little to no information about great <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discovery-hammerhead-sharks-hold-their-breath-to-stay-warm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hammerheads</a> in the central Bahamas and no information about their habitat use at Andros, which has one of the largest fringing reefs in the world and arguably has the most pristine flats habitats in the wider Caribbean,” explained Guttridge. “We had no answers to simple questions like, what do these sharks eat?”</p>



<p>Until now, most shark tracking in the Bahamas focused on areas like Bimini, known for its seasonal shark visitors. However, the role of Andros Island in the sharks' life cycle remained a mystery. </p>



<p>Scientists wanted to find out if the island served as a year-round habitat, a feeding ground, or even a potential mating site.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tagging-tracking-and-shark-science">Tagging, tracking, and shark science</h2>



<p>Between March 2020 and June 2024, the team captured 22 great hammerhead sharks in locations that matched their known <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/top-marine-predators-may-suffer-massive-habitat-loss-by-2100/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitat</a> preferences.</p>



<p>Using baited block rigs, they carefully caught the sharks, assessed their health, and recorded key data like sex and size. </p>



<p>Muscle biopsies were taken for isotope analysis, and seven sharks were equipped with satellite trackers. Because great hammerheads are sensitive to stress, only the healthiest individuals were tagged.</p>



<p>The researchers didn’t rely on their captures alone. They also included opportunistic sightings, compiling a total of 78 shark encounters between 2018 and 2024. Most of these were large juveniles or adults.</p>



<p>Sightings spiked in January through March, with a second increase in June and July. Two of these sightings suggested recent mating, pointing to the island’s importance as a possible breeding ground.</p>



<p>Some sharks were even recaptured in the exact same areas years later, showing a surprising degree of site fidelity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-shark-s-preferred-neighborhood">A shark’s preferred neighborhood</h2>



<p>The sharks didn’t use the island randomly. They favored eastern waters just off the northern and central coast of Andros, consistently returning to a relatively small 400-square-kilometer area. </p>



<p>Other popular spots included edge habitats near steep reef drop-offs, where prey was abundant.</p>



<p>But if the sharks ventured too far south or past the northern tip of the island, they were more likely to keep moving. </p>



<p>Those that left the Bahamas often traveled to the eastern United States, indicating a possible connection to the broader western Atlantic hammerhead population.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eating-habits-of-hammerhead-sharks">Eating habits of hammerhead sharks </h2>



<p>Isotope analysis from the biopsies shed light on the sharks' eating habits. Barracudas and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-may-cause-stingrays-to-move-toward-danger/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stingrays</a> made up about two-thirds of the diet, with smaller sharks filling in the rest. </p>



<p>However, dietary preferences varied between individuals. One shark, for instance, had a diet consisting almost entirely of silky sharks.</p>



<p>“Resource availability is a key driver of space use, but why don’t all of them stay if food is so abundant? We found evidence of individual variation in their diets, so deciding whether to stay or go might depend on what they feed on," said Guttridge.</p>



<p>“For other species, why or if migration has been linked to environmental conditions, body size, food availability, competition, and predation."</p>



<p>“Perhaps, like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-salmon-outsmart-predators-on-their-journey-to-the-sea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">salmon</a>, there is a genetic component to it? We need to explore this phenomenon further.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-movement-patterns-of-hammerhead-sharks">Movement patterns of hammerhead sharks</h2>



<p>Guttridge noted that the global population of great hammerheads is thought to have reduced by more than 80% over the last three generations, and genomic analysis revealed low genetic variation and inbreeding.</p>



<p>“Understanding the movement patterns of great hammerheads is important for improving conservation efforts. We find that some great hammerheads show residency in the Bahamas, protecting them year-round from fishing pressures.”</p>



<p>The Bahamas shark sanctuary offers protection to sharks that stay within its borders, but not all sharks remain in these waters. That means local conservation efforts alone aren't enough to protect the species.</p>



<p>“Our research showcases the importance of Bahamian waters and their protective measures. It also shows that although some individuals reside year-round in protected waters, others do not, emphasizing the need for international collaboration on conservation efforts for these mobile species," said Guttridge.</p>



<p>"A key next step is seeing how these hammerheads fit in with the broader north-west Atlantic population.”</p>



<p>Understanding who stays and who goes - and why - may be the key to keeping the species alive.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fmars.2025.1544482/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Marine Science</a></em>.</p>



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<p></p>

Why some great hammerhead sharks rarely leave home

Not all great hammerhead sharks are long-distance travelers. In fact,...

<p>Many people assume that cats are aloof and uncooperative. The results of a new study are challenging this assumption, suggesting that certain felines might be surprisingly effective in therapy and other animal-assisted services (<a href="https://aas-int.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AAS</a>).</p>



<p>Professor Patricia Pendry of <a href="https://wsu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Washington State University</a> collaborated with Belgian researchers to investigate whether some cats show consistent, friendly behavior in settings that help people cope with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stopping-alzheimers-before-it-starts-early-treatment-shows-potential/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stress</a> and anxiety.</p>



<p>The study was focused on how cat personality traits might fit into therapy programs, even though dogs have historically dominated this field.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-of-using-cats-in-therapy">Potential of using cats in therapy</h2>



<p>Cat-based support programs have lagged in popularity in the United States. In some parts of Europe, however, professional teams have quietly introduced cats into schools, hospitals, and community centers, with positive anecdotal feedback.</p>



<p><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22194067/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Researchers</a> have been digging into cat behavior for years to understand how these animals communicate with people. </p>



<p>Cats form strong emotional bonds and may <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-therapy-for-childhood-brain-cancer-halts-tumor-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sense</a> when someone is upset, giving them a unique way to offer comfort that differs from dogs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-traits-that-soothe">Unique traits that soothe</h2>



<p>Some therapy professionals report that cats can help clients feel less tense in stressful environments. These observations align with general <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24565951/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">findings</a> that time spent with animals can lower heart rate and calm the nervous system.</p>



<p>Cats involved in certain AAS scenarios often display a gentle demeanor, especially when people are seated or in lower-energy <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psilocybin-therapy-offers-hope-for-millions-with-depression/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moods</a>. </p>



<p>Unlike many dogs, which may leap around or bark loudly, a calm cat can bring a sense of stillness that some individuals prefer.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-screening-cats-for-therapy">Screening cats for therapy</h2>



<p>“There’s this perception that cats just aren’t suitable for this kind of work, but our study shows that some cats may thrive in these settings,” said Pendry. </p>



<p>Preliminary survey results from hundreds of Belgian cat owners revealed that specific felines show high sociability, enjoy contact with new people, and display patience when handled.</p>



<p>This openness may make a select group of cats better suited for therapy visits, especially when multiple clients move through a room each day. Not every cat wants this much <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gut-health-may-be-the-key-to-anxiety-relief/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social interaction</a>, so experts emphasize the importance of screening and ongoing monitoring.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-relieving-feelings-of-isolation">Relieving feelings of isolation </h2>



<p>Therapy animals have been popular at universities, where students grapple with academic pressure and homesickness. While dogs still appear most often in the U.S., a few schools in Europe have experimented with cats to provide quieter, more low-key sessions.</p>



<p>Institutions that tested cat therapy sessions reported enthusiastic responses from students who already favored felines at home. Practitioners say a purring cat in someone’s lap can help relieve feelings of isolation, particularly if that person is more introverted.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-welfare-of-therapy-cats">Welfare of therapy cats </h2>



<p><a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/15/1/33">Studies</a> show that cats suitable for therapy may be tolerant of being picked up and transported. Researchers also note that some outgoing cats seem to handle bustling therapy spaces without hiding under tables or hissing.</p>



<p>This calm acceptance of new situations goes hand in hand with the animal’s own comfort level. Professionals warn that if a cat consistently appears tense, it’s better to remove them from the program for the sake of their well-being.</p>



<p>Even the best-suited cats can feel overwhelmed by long therapy <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/music-therapy-reduces-distress-in-people-with-dementia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sessions</a> or large groups of people. More investigations are needed to explore the stress levels cats may experience during repeated interactions in different locations.</p>



<p>Caregivers and therapists often watch for signs of burnout in cats, such as excessive grooming or agitation. These signals can indicate that a break or a reduced workload is necessary, ensuring the cat remains comfortable.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-not-all-felines-are-a-match">Not all felines are a match</h2>



<p>Some cats are extremely social, while others are content to lounge alone at home. Advocates of cat therapy stress that the idea is not to force a reluctant cat into these roles but to let the more confident ones shine.</p>



<p>“It’s about recognizing that some cats may genuinely enjoy this kind of interaction,” said Pendry. She pointed out that certain outgoing felines have much in common with therapy dogs.</p>



<p>Professional trainers rarely work with cats in the same structured way they do with dogs. Many cats in AAS programs appear to bring their natural style of greeting, which may be enough when the cat is friendly and calm.</p>



<p>However, some experts think basic training could reduce fear and help cats become comfortable with unusual sounds or sudden movements. Simple exercises involving handling and social exposure might give prospective therapy cats a smoother transition into these roles.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-appeal-of-quiet-companions">The appeal of quiet companions</h2>



<p>Even in noisy environments like hospitals, a well-chosen cat can soothe patients who feel intimidated by hyperactive animals. This option might also support individuals who have had negative experiences with dogs and prefer a less boisterous companion.</p>



<p>Several cat breeds like <a href="https://cfa.org/breed/maine-coon-cat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Maine Coons</a> and <a href="https://www.purina.co.uk/find-a-pet/cat-breeds/ragdoll" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ragdolls</a> are sometimes described as more tolerant of human contact, though the <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/15/1/33" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> did not focus on specific breeds. Researchers emphasize that individual personality matters more than general breed traits.</p>



<p>Belgian groups appear more open to cat-based therapies, while U.S. programs remain cautious. With growing evidence, some American facilities may soon broaden their horizons and incorporate felines for special sessions.</p>



<p>Pet welfare organizations suggest that expansions should be slow and monitored. Collecting data on cat temperament and stress responses will help refine best practices for feline involvement in therapy settings.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-growth-of-cat-therapy">Potential growth of cat therapy</h2>



<p>Animal-assisted services can be beneficial for humans when done ethically. Cats offer a calmer approach for those who prefer their peaceful presence, which can be an ideal match in certain therapy contexts.</p>



<p>Nevertheless, it is vital to guard against pushing cats beyond their comfort zone. Programs that prioritize the cat’s autonomy and track their stress signals stand a better chance of a successful and humane experience.</p>



<p>As knowledge spreads, interested cat owners may look for ways to share their pets’ gentle nature with local organizations. Europe’s warmer reception could foreshadow gradual acceptance elsewhere, as more evidence supports feline therapy under the right conditions.</p>



<p>Focused research on cat well-being is a natural next step. Scientists are eager to pinpoint whether cats adapt to therapy work or whether personality traits drive success from the start.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/15/1/33" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Animals</em></a>.</p>



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



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Cats that like attention can soothe people during therapy

Many people assume that cats are aloof and uncooperative. The...

<p>Petunias are popular flowering plants known for their vibrant, trumpet-shaped blooms. They come in a wide range of colors, from white and pink to deep purple and red, and they thrive in sunny locations with well-drained soil. </p>



<p>Petunias are commonly grown in gardens, hanging baskets, and containers due to their easy care and ability to attract pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds. But what gives these simple plants their powerful fragrance? New research offers a clear answer.</p>



<p>Researchers have identified a homeotic gene called PhDEF. This genetic driver appears to be the key that unlocks the natural <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flowers-get-their-shape-and-scent-from-a-single-gene/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">perfumes</a> that petunias are famous for.</p>



<p>The study was led by Professor Alexander Vainstein from The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment at <a href="https://en.huji.ac.il/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Hebrew University of Jerusalem</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-linking-flower-scent-to-genes">Linking flower scent to genes</h2>



<p>Flowers need to draw <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/pollinators/what-is-a-pollinator.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollinators</a>, so fragrance is a clever way to get noticed. This new work taps into how certain blossoms maintain both beauty and smell without sacrificing either quality.</p>



<p>Scientists have shown that one portion of the petunia’s genetic code can direct the creation of molecules behind the plant’s floral scent. </p>



<p>One of the approaches used was <a href="https://www.cell.com/trends/plant-science/abstract/S1360-1385(20)30062-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">viral-induced gene silencing</a>, a method that quiets specific genes in living petals to see what happens next.</p>



<p>The researchers explored a wide variety of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flowers-as-food-how-ultrasound-makes-it-possible/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">floral</a> structures. They found that stopping the target gene led to a major drop in scent compounds, though petal shapes remained normal.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flower-scent-at-the-genetic-level">Flower scent at the genetic level</h2>



<p>Scientists once believed that a gene responsible for shaping petals only influenced a flower’s form. However, it’s now evident that this same genetic code also affects its fragrance.</p>



<p>“Our findings show that PhDEF is not just responsible for defining petal identity but also for coordinating the production of scent compounds critical for pollination,” said Professor Vainstein. </p>



<p>By activating multiple scent-related pathways, the gene helps a flower announce its presence to passing insects in an efficient way.</p>



<p>“This discovery advances our knowledge of plant biology and offers potential applications for breeding more resilient and pollinator-friendly crops,” added Professor Vainstein.</p>



<p>Petunias have long been studied for their aromatic chemistry. The ability to tweak <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-bees-value-quality-over-quantity-in-flower-selection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fragrance</a> at a genetic level could reshape how growers fine-tune plant characteristics.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plants-with-stronger-scents">Plants with stronger scents</h2>



<p>Gardeners often focus on appearance, yet a bloom’s aroma can be just as appealing. By knowing which gene can crank up scent production, <a href="https://www.ycp.edu/news/what-is-a-horticulturist" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">horticulturists</a> may soon have a reliable tool for selecting plants with richer aromas.</p>



<p>Though not all flowers share the same exact genetic makeup, this new finding might serve as a clue for researchers examining other species. </p>



<p>The broader flower community may be on the verge of seeing more robust scents across store-bought varieties.</p>



<p>Building off this genetic insight could strengthen pollinator-friendly approaches. Plants that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bee-friendly-gardening-why-flower-diversity-is-so-important/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">smell</a> stronger might have a better chance of attracting essential insects for natural crop yields.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-producing-better-fragrances">Producing better fragrances</h2>



<p>Perfume makers always seek fresh ways to capture nature’s most pleasing scents. Understanding a single trigger for fragrance pathways may help refine how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tree-of-life-created-for-flowering-plants-using-400-million-specimens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">floral essences</a> are harvested or synthesized.</p>



<p>Innovators might combine genetic know-how with current extraction methods to produce more concentrated fragrances. Small changes at the molecular level could translate into a bigger impact on product quality.</p>



<p>This discovery also raises the possibility of creating scented plants that maintain their perfume for longer stretches of time. </p>



<p>Consumers might one day see home gardens brimming with blossoms that smell stronger late into the evening.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-approach-to-floral-biology">New approach to floral biology</h2>



<p>Plants use intricate chemical signals to communicate, and researchers suggest that more genes like PhDEF could await discovery in other species. </p>



<p>By staying attuned to these genetic cues, scientists can enrich gardens and support pollinator health.</p>



<p>This fresh approach to floral biology could open up new avenues in scientific research, breeding programs, and product development. It captures how a flower’s smallest parts can have a big effect on entire ecosystems.</p>



<p>Petunia lovers may soon have more choices in seed catalogs. Growers might highlight fragrance as much as color, creating blooms that please the nose as much as the eyes.</p>



<p>The study is published in <a href="https://academic.oup.com/plcell/article/37/2/koaf027/8003630" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>The Plant Cell</em></a>.</p>



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



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Scientists discover the gene that gives a flower its scent

Petunias are popular flowering plants known for their vibrant, trumpet-shaped...

<p>Researchers have established a new way to tackle false claims and fake news on social media. People worldwide face conflicting stories daily, and half-truths often spread faster than facts.</p>



<p>Dr. Rakoen Maertens from the University of Oxford’s <a href="https://www.psy.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Experimental Psychology</a> was part of a group that ran a series of experiments on how memory-focused reminders can help people hang on to skills that filter out phony information.</p>



<p>The researchers also investigated how long the reminders could keep people alert to fake news.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-helping-people-detect-misinformation">Helping people detect misinformation</h2>



<p>The team conducted experiments to test whether different types of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forgetting-things-is-a-natural-part-of-the-memory-process/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">learning materials</a> could help people detect misinformation.</p>



<p>They used text-based tips, videos, and interactive games to train participants to recognize manipulative content. These materials highlighted common misinformation tactics, such as using emotional language to influence opinions or presenting flawed logic to make false claims seem convincing.</p>



<p>Initially, participants who received this training improved their ability to identify misleading stories. However, the benefits of the training faded over time. If participants did not receive a reminder or refresher, their skills in spotting misinformation weakened.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-memory-boosters-for-the-brain">Memory boosters for the brain</h2>



<p>To counter this, the researchers introduced simple <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/memory-isnt-only-stored-in-our-brains-other-cells-can-remember-too/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">memory</a> refreshers - short summaries or reminders of what they had previously learned.</p>



<p>These refreshers acted like memory "boosters," reinforcing the knowledge and helping people retain their misinformation detection skills for a longer period. This approach ensured that the learning effects lasted beyond the initial training.</p>



<p>The more people remembered, the better they recognized suspicious content. A reminder as brief as a quick summary of the trickier elements helped folks recall the details for longer.</p>



<p>Threat-based alerts, the type that try to scare people by stressing that misinformation is everywhere, were not as effective. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-persistent-global-challenge">A persistent global challenge</h2>



<p>“Misinformation is a persistent global challenge, influencing everything from climate change debates to vaccine hesitancy. Our research shows that just as medical booster shots enhance immunity, psychological booster shots can strengthen people’s resistance to misinformation over time,” said Dr. Maertens.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Professor Stephan Lewandowsky of the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a> highlighted the broad power of these interventions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“It is important that the effects of the inoculation interventions were nearly the same for videos, games, and text-based material. This makes it much easier to roll out inoculation at scale and in a broad range of contexts to boost people’s skills in recognizing when they are being misled,” said Professor Lewandowsky.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-this-means-for-the-public">What this means for the public</h2>



<p>People are not always glued to a fact-checker or a news site. But short, clear lessons on tactics like <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13632752.2020.1861849" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emotional manipulation</a> help us build a better filter.</p>



<p>A quick refresher might be enough to keep those skills strong. A pop-up reminder or short replay of the material can make a difference.</p>



<p>Reinforcing knowledge at key moments helps solidify <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-helps-prevent-unwanted-memories-from-popping-up/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">learning</a>. The study found that when people received a reminder of the misinformation-filtering techniques they had previously learned, they were far better at applying them later.</p>



<p>This suggests that quick follow-ups - whether through notifications, short videos, or even casual conversations - could be a simple yet effective way to prevent false claims from gaining traction. </p>



<p>Keeping these techniques fresh in people’s minds may be the best way to ensure they remain useful.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-misinformation-is-not-going-away">Misinformation is not going away</h2>



<p>The speed at which misleading content spreads online means people need lasting strategies to push back against it. While fact-checking and debunking efforts remain important, they often come too late to prevent initial damage.</p>



<p>Building resistance through proactive learning and memory-based reinforcement gives individuals a better shot at recognizing deception in real time. </p>



<p>A well-timed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-our-brain-divide-the-day-into-different-chapters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mental boost</a> could be one of the most practical ways to counteract the flood of unreliable information. Community groups, schools, and platforms might add these reminders to their digital literacy efforts.</p>



<p>The approach is not magical, and it does not turn anyone into a perfect detector of every lie. Even so, staying mindful of how fake stories get packaged can reduce the odds of falling for them.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-57205-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Communications</em></a>.</p>



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



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Memory boosters help fight misinformation and fake news

Researchers have established a new way to tackle false claims...

<p>The Earth is exposed to restless forces that are never still or settled. Over thousands of years, it has shifted, cracked, and reformed itself in ways both violent and gradual. </p>



<p>Ice has come and gone, swallowing landscapes and then revealing them again. And through it all, the sea has kept its own record - rising, falling, shaping coastlines, and erasing entire worlds.</p>



<p>Today, as melting ice sheets push <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/record-heat-of-2024-triggered-a-surge-in-sea-level-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean levels</a> higher, scientists are looking back to a time when the planet last emerged from an ice age and experienced changes in sea level.</p>



<p>A recent study published in the journal <em>Nature</em> provides a rare and detailed look at how sea levels rose during the early Holocene epoch, about 11,700 years ago.</p>



<p>​Led by researchers from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.deltares.nl/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Deltares</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.uu.nl/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Utrecht University</a>, and the&nbsp;Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (<a href="https://www.nioz.nl/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NIOZ</a>), the study reveals the staggering speed at which ice sheets once melted, and offers unsettling parallels to our modern climate crisis.​</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-land-was-swallowed-by-sea-level-rise">Land was swallowed by sea-level rise</h2>



<p>There was a time when the North Sea was not a sea at all. It was a vast, habitable land, home to rivers, forests, and early human settlements. </p>



<p>That land, Doggerland, now rests beneath the ocean, a drowned world preserved in layers of sediment. Scientists have long known that rising waters consumed it, but exactly how fast and how much the sea rose remained uncertain - until now.</p>



<p>By analyzing layers of ancient peat and borehole samples from the seabed, researchers reconstructed sea-level changes with remarkable precision. </p>



<p>Their findings show that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sinking-land-will-intensify-the-effects-of-rising-sea-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea levels</a> did not rise steadily. Instead, there were sudden surges - two in particular - that transformed the landscape in dramatic ways.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-planet-in-flux">A planet in flux</h2>



<p>The end of the last ice age triggered a global transformation. As temperatures increased, glaciers that had once towered over North America and Europe began to shrink. </p>



<p>Some of this meltwater trickled into the oceans slowly, but at times, vast quantities were released all at once.</p>



<p>This study identified two major pulses of rapid sea-level rise, one around 10,300 years ago and another at 8,300 years ago. </p>



<p>During these peak periods, waters rose at rates exceeding one meter per century, which is comparable to the worst-case projections for the future.</p>



<p>One of the reasons for the rapid rise was a catastrophic drainage event from Lake Agassiz–Ojibway, an immense glacial lake in North America. </p>



<p>When its ice dams collapsed, an enormous surge of freshwater spilled into the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarcticas-hidden-ice-dynamics-will-redefine-sea-level-projections/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean</a>, contributing to one of the most rapid rises in recorded history.</p>



<p>These events reshaped coastlines, submerged settlements, and forced human populations to adapt or move.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mapping-ancient-sea-level-rise">Mapping ancient sea-level rise </h2>



<p>Reconstructing ancient sea levels is no small feat. The research team compiled 88 sea-level data points from the North Sea and removed the effects of glacial isostatic adjustment - the slow rebounding of land after the weight of ice sheets disappears. </p>



<p>The result, a much clearer picture was obtained of how much water was added to the oceans and how quickly this happened.</p>



<p>Earlier estimates of sea-level rise between 11,000 and 3,000 years ago have ranged from 32 to 55 meters (105 and 180 feet). </p>



<p>The current study refined these previous estimates, narrowing down the total rise to approximately 38 meters (125 feet). This updated figure provides crucial insight into how Earth's climate system responds to rapid warming.</p>



<p>Another key finding involved the role of thermosteric effects - the expansion of seawater as it warms. While not the dominant factor, this process still contributed to the overall rise, adding yet another layer to the complex relationship between temperature and sea level.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-happens-if-sea-levels-rise-125-feet">What happens if sea levels rise 125 feet?</h2>



<p>If sea levels rose by 38 meters (125 feet), the world would look completely different. Entire coastal cities like New York, Miami, London, and Shanghai would vanish beneath the waves. </p>



<p>Major ports and power plants would be lost, along with roads, subways, and historical landmarks. </p>



<p>People living in low-lying regions - places like Florida, Bangladesh, the Netherlands, and parts of Southeast Asia - would have no choice but to move inland or across borders. </p>



<p>We're not talking about thousands or even millions of climate refugees here - we're talking about hundreds of millions, maybe over a billion. </p>



<p>That kind of mass migration would put enormous pressure on food supplies, housing, governments, and economies, reshaping politics and societies around the world.</p>



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



<p>In just a few thousand years, Doggerland went from a thriving environment to an underwater relic. The forests disappeared. The rivers merged with the sea. Entire communities were destroyed or displaced.</p>



<p>The lesson from this is that the Earth doesn’t wait. It doesn’t pause for human civilization to catch up. When the conditions are right, changes happen fast.</p>



<p>The peak rates of early Holocene sea-level rise reached nearly 9 mm (0.35 inches) per year - a number that is concerning to anyone following modern <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">climate projections</a>. </p>



<p>The ice sheets of Greenland and Antarctica are already melting rapidly. The oceans are rising. And the conditions that led to rapid change in the past are aligning once again.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-warning-from-the-past">A warning from the past</h2>



<p>Marc Hijma, a geologist at Deltares and the lead author of the study, spoke to the broader significance of these findings. </p>



<p>"With this groundbreaking research, we have taken an important step towards a better understanding of sea level rise after the last ice age," said Hijma.</p>



<p>"By drawing on detailed data for the North Sea region, we can now better unravel the complex interaction between ice sheets, climate, and sea level. This provides insights for both scientists and policymakers, so that we can prepare better for the impacts of current climate change, for example by focusing on climate adaptation."</p>



<p>The implications are massive. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (<a href="https://www.ipcc.ch" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IPCC</a>) warns that, if current trends persist, sea levels could rise by several meters by 2300. </p>



<p>Some projections suggest an increase of more than a meter per century - on par with what the ancient world experienced after the last ice age.</p>



<p>The big difference now is that today’s coastlines are home to cities, industries, and billions of people. The stakes are infinitely higher.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-from-the-water-s-edge">Learning from the water’s edge</h2>



<p>Modern satellites can track sea-level rise with incredible accuracy. Yet, even with all our technology, there is no substitute for the deep records stored in the Earth itself.</p>



<p>The seabed holds a memory that no human archive can match - a history of climate, ice, and water that stretches back through time.</p>



<p>The data from Doggerland is more than just numbers and graphs. It’s a message from a world that no longer exists. </p>



<p>It tells us what happens when ice melts too fast, when seas rise unchecked, and when the planet reshapes itself with little regard for what stands in the way.</p>



<p>This research is not just about the past - it’s a glimpse into our future. What happened once can happen again. The only difference is whether we choose to listen.</p>



<p>The study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08769-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature</em></a>.</p>



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



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

Alarming new data on sea level rise does not bode well for humanity

The Earth is exposed to restless forces that are never...

<p>Intelligence has often been linked with better health and a longer life. Some studies even suggest that people with sharper word use and cognitive abilities are more likely to beat typical lifespan expectations, though the exact reasons can be complex.</p>



<p>Recent work has zeroed in on a key ability called verbal fluency. In a recent study, Paolo Ghisletta of the <a href="https://www.unige.ch/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Geneva</a> and his colleagues revealed a direct connection between one’s command of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/when-did-humans-first-develop-language-scientists-think-they-know/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vocabulary</a> and chances of living longer.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strong-word-skills-linked-to-better-health">Strong word skills linked to better health</h2>



<p>Some <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/09567976241311923" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">experts</a> see language skills as tightly tied to overall well-being. Words need memory, efficiency, and other brain processes, so they can act like a barometer of a person’s general health.</p>



<p>Researchers have long debated which parts of intelligence have the most say in aging outcomes. <a href="https://awspntest.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1027%2F1016-9040.11.3.224" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Studies</a> that track groups over time show that different cognitive abilities may not all have equal influence.</p>



<p>Verbal tasks may stand out because they draw on multiple systems in the brain at once. This load on memory, word retrieval, and mental speed might offer a clearer snapshot of cognitive health than simpler tests.</p>



<p>Certain tasks, like naming animals under time limits, have been used to measure these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/babies-can-naturally-learn-multiple-languages-from-birth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">verbal skills</a>. They challenge participants to recall words quickly, hinting at deeper efficiency and organization in the mind.</p>



<p>Language also connects to social engagement and emotional expression. That makes it an important reflection of daily life, which could reveal deeper health aspects beneath the surface.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-do-the-body-and-mind-decline-together">Do the body and mind decline together?</h2>



<p>One idea is that the body and mind decline in sync, so verbal strength might simply indicate a more robust constitution overall. <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/03610730290080344" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Research</a> linking higher intelligence with better physical health supports this view.</p>



<p>Another angle considers how using words depends on various brain circuits tied to health that might stay active as people age. If these circuits remain in good shape, other key health functions could follow the same pattern.</p>



<p>Stress levels, nutrition, and lifestyle might also affect word recall and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pi-day-celebrating-the-universal-language-of-mathematics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">general cognition</a>. When stress is low or diets are balanced, people may keep their memory sharper, improving how they express words.</p>



<p>Economics and education could play a part too, since those with more opportunities might practice language-related skills more often. Experts caution, though, that correlation is not the same as direct cause.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-collaborations-and-optimism">Collaborations and optimism</h2>



<p>Ghisletta emphasized that modern tools and open data sets let more scientists work together. He noted that it’s now easier to handle larger pools of data and compare findings across labs.</p>



<p>Some of these collaborative efforts focus on advanced statistical methods that consider how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/screen-time-delays-language-development-in-toddlers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health</a> changes over time. Using this approach, experts can untangle whether language shifts appear before major physical declines.</p>



<p>Scientists see an opportunity to learn from each other’s strengths. They exchange ideas about complex analysis, design new projects, and share insights that might not surface in isolated work.</p>



<p>Open collaboration can reduce duplication and speed up discovery. It also helps younger scholars sharpen their skills with diverse data, which drives the field forward.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-does-this-research-lead">Where does this research lead?</h2>



<p>Some analysts hope that easy-to-administer verbal tasks could act as early warning signs for health problems. A <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/nursing-and-health-professions/verbal-fluency-test" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">short word-generation test </a>might reveal cognitive slowdowns linked to risk of serious conditions.</p>



<p>Identifying subtle changes could prompt lifestyle shifts or interventions when they matter most. Catching small declines in language might be easier than waiting for severe physical symptoms.</p>



<p>At-home apps or community health centers could someday offer quick word tests that alert people to potential cognitive changes. Such tools may encourage proactive checkups and targeted therapies.</p>



<p>Skeptics note that language alone cannot paint the full picture. Still, many agree it’s a promising piece of the puzzle in understanding how we age.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-and-next-steps">Challenges and next steps</h2>



<p>Experts still debate which factors drive the link between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birds-learn-songs-like-humans-learn-languages/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">word skills</a> and longevity. Some wonder if robust language is a cause or just a sign of better overall health.</p>



<p>Socioeconomic differences and educational backgrounds might skew test results. Researchers want to refine these measures to be fair and accurate for a wide range of people.</p>



<p>There’s also interest in combining language tasks with other assessments of mental speed or memory. This could highlight whether verbal fluency truly stands alone or interacts with multiple abilities.</p>



<p>Despite lingering questions, many view the new findings with optimism. They feel that focusing on language could open doors to simpler, more affordable health monitoring.</p>



<p>Teams across different countries have joined forces to test these ideas on diverse populations. By seeing how verbal tasks perform in various settings, the researchers hope to refine their understanding of healthy aging.</p>



<p>Nobody can guarantee a perfect formula for longer life, yet any practical clue that helps us spot risks early might be worth a closer look.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-public-health-through-words">Tracking public health through words</h2>



<p>This research may also inspire more collaboration between psychologists, <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/gerontologist" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gerontologists</a>, and public health experts. Fresh angles, combined with robust data, could lead to clearer guidance on preserving cognitive health.</p>



<p>Language is more than just words; it may reflect deeper patterns in how our minds and bodies operate. Monitoring it might offer a gentle nudge for healthy habits and timely checkups.</p>



<p>In an ever-aging world, these studies appeal to policymakers and families alike. Simple steps to gauge language might become part of routine health practices one day.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/09567976241311923"><em>Psychological Science</em></a>.</p>



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



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People who are good with words have better health and live longer

Intelligence has often been linked with better health and a...

<p>Many people know dogs have an amazing sense of smell. It helps them find lost hikers, sniff out contraband, and detect health issues. Their noses pick up odors we barely notice, offering an invisible map of the world around them.</p>



<p>Scientists have taken a closer look at this skill by scanning <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-can-smell-human-stress-and-it-makes-them-feel-gloomy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">canine brains</a> while they work their sniffing magic. The study was led by Professor Zeev Zalevsky from the Kofkin Faculty of Engineering at <a href="https://engineering.biu.ac.il/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bar-Ilan University</a>. </p>



<p>The researchers found key insights in the <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/24894-amygdala" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">amygdala</a>, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482171/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hippocampus</a>, and <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK11158/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">olfactory bulb</a> of four dog breeds, which shed light on how dogs separate one odor from another.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dogs-read-smells-with-their-brain">Dogs read smells with their brain</h2>



<p>Dogs have a larger set of <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/mid/NIHMS22337/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">odor receptor genes</a> than humans, allowing them to detect scents in trace amounts. </p>



<p>Their noses send signals to the olfactory bulb, where initial processing happens. Next, the signals reach deeper regions of the brain linked to memory, motivation, and emotion.</p>



<p>The research team used a remote optical sensor that could scan a dog’s brain activity while it took in four different smells. Experts say this approach might open the door for observing real-time <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-can-detect-scents-better-than-the-most-advanced-lab-tools/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">canine</a> responses without bulky equipment.</p>



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



<p>“The findings show that the amygdala is crucial in the way dogs process and react to odors, with specific scents triggering distinct emotional and memory responses, and we are capable of optically detecting their brain activity in this region,” said Professor Zalevsky.&nbsp;</p>



<p>”This discovery could be the first step toward creating a device that enables us to better understand and interpret the unique way dogs perceive and differentiate smells.”</p>



<p>The amygdala is often associated with emotion and survival instincts. The researchers saw this region activate differently when the dogs sampled each odor, highlighting why some smells bring about strong behaviors.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-the-smell-response-of-dogs">Tracking the smell response of dogs</h2>



<p>“Our next step is to develop a portable, Wi-Fi-controlled device equipped with a mini camera and laser system, which could be mounted on a dog’s head and used to monitor its olfactory <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trained-dogs-can-detect-bladder-cancer-in-other-dogs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">responses</a> in real time,” said Dr. Yafim Beiderman, an expert in Professor Zalevsky’s Optical Research Lab at Bar-Ilan University.</p>



<p>This technology could potentially transform how dogs are used in substance detection or medical diagnosis.</p>



<p>Some experts have looked at dogs for <a href="https://www.bmj.com/content/329/7468/712" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer screening</a> and diabetes alerts. A deeper understanding of their scent processing could speed up these efforts, making it possible to gather data without waiting for canine training to finish.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scanning-from-a-distance">Scanning from a distance</h2>



<p>Using lasers to pick up tiny vibrations on the surface of the skull may sound out of the ordinary. Yet <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0263224123007145" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">studies</a> show that such non-invasive methods can sense blood flow and neural activity in humans. </p>



<p>The researchers adapted that idea for dogs, focusing on specific brain zones where odor signals land.</p>



<p>Data from the sensor was processed by a machine-learning system, revealing that each area of the brain responded in unique ways. This led to the conclusion that the emotional center is a heavyweight in scent separation.</p>



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



<p>Police often rely on K9 units to sniff out drugs and other illegal substances. A remote brain scanner might help them interpret the dog’s recognition of a target odor without confusion or guesswork. </p>



<p>In medical fields, a quick read of a dog’s amygdala response may one day spot an illness before a patient notices symptoms.</p>



<p>Teams that conduct search-and-rescue missions also stand to gain. Any gadget that clarifies what a dog is smelling could guide them toward trapped individuals more efficiently.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-shift-in-how-we-see-dogs">A shift in how we see dogs</h2>



<p>The research emphasizes that dogs are more than <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/petting-a-dog-might-be-the-easiest-way-to-reduce-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">loyal companions</a>. Their noses have been described as sophisticated analyzers that monitor odors for emotion-based clues. </p>



<p>Decoding those responses may add new dimensions to how people partner with animals in daily tasks.</p>



<p>A deeper look at the hippocampus in dogs may also reveal how memories of smells guide their actions. The research team noted that future studies could expand to more breeds and more scents, refining the technology along the way.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-subtle-scent-triggers-from-a-dog-s-brain">Subtle scent triggers from a dog's brain</h2>



<p>Some individuals rely on service dogs for anxiety or panic disorders. Interpreting real-time signals from the dog’s brain might uncover subtle scent triggers that a person hasn’t recognized. </p>



<p>This concept extends to therapy animals, especially if professionals want to measure how dogs respond to stressful environments.</p>



<p>Researchers have found that dog noses can often detect changes in body chemistry, sometimes months or years before medical tests confirm a disease. Real-time tracking of this skill could produce a fast approach for problem detection, bridging the communication gap between species.</p>



<p>Scientists plan to explore broader ways to translate canine brainwaves into easy-to-read data. There might come a time when a single device reveals how dogs process everything from everyday household smells to suspicious substances. </p>



<p>The study is published in the <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jbio.202400501" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Journal of Biophotonics</em></a>.</p>



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



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How dogs are able to "feel" smells may help keep us safe

Many people know dogs have an amazing sense of smell....

<p>Governments, international organizations, and researchers depend on global population data for essential decision-making. These datasets help allocate resources, plan infrastructure, track disease epidemiology, and manage disaster risks. </p>



<p>However, recent research reveals that rural population figures have been systematically underestimated, raising concerns about the accuracy of decades’ worth of data that inform global policy and planning.</p>



<p>A new study from Aalto University in Finland exposes the severe extent of this undercounting.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rural-populations-are-vastly-underreported">Rural populations are vastly underreported</h2>



<p>"For the first time, our study provides evidence that a significant proportion of the rural population may be missing from global population datasets," said postdoctoral researcher Josias Láng-Ritter from Aalto University.</p>



<p>The study compared five of the most widely used <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-population-will-peak-at-10-3-billion-by-2085/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global population</a> datasets - maps that break the world into high-resolution grid cells based on census data - with resettlement figures from more than 300 rural dam projects across 35 countries. </p>



<p>The results were striking. Depending on the dataset, rural populations were underestimated by 53% to 84% over the study period.</p>



<p>"We were surprised to find that the actual population living in rural areas is much higher than the global population data indicates," said Láng-Ritter.</p>



<p>"The results are remarkable, as these datasets have been used in thousands of studies and extensively support decision-making, yet their accuracy has not been systematically evaluated."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dam-resettlement-data-offers-a-comparison">Dam resettlement data offers a comparison</h2>



<p>To assess the accuracy of global datasets, the team turned to an unconventional but reliable source - resettlement data from <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/dam-collapse-in-south-africa-has-left-behind-devastation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dam</a> projects.</p>



<p>"When dams are built, large areas are flooded and people need to be relocated," noted Láng-Ritter. "The relocated population is usually counted precisely because dam companies pay compensation to those affected." </p>



<p>"Unlike global population datasets, such local impact statements provide comprehensive, on-the-ground population counts that are not skewed by administrative boundaries. We then combined these with spatial information from satellite imagery."</p>



<p>The discrepancies in rural population data were particularly noticeable in China, Brazil, Australia, Poland, and Colombia, where more independent data was available for comparison.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-population-censuses-create-biases">How population censuses create biases</h2>



<p>One major reason for these discrepancies is that population censuses - the primary data source for global datasets - often fail to capture accurate numbers in rural areas.</p>



<p>Some countries lack the resources for comprehensive data collection, and vast rural landscapes make travel difficult for census workers. Sparse populations spread across large areas further complicate the process.</p>



<p>To assess the extent of the issue, the researchers examined data from 1975 to 2010, as dam resettlement records were available for these years.</p>



<p>The analysis showed that, while accuracy improved slightly over time, even the 2010 datasets missed between one-third (32%) and three-quarters (77%) of rural residents.</p>



<p>Newer datasets from 2015 and 2020 likely still contain similar biases, but no dam resettlement records were available for these years.</p>



<p>"While our study shows accuracy has somewhat improved over decades, the trend is clear:  global population datasets miss a significant portion of the rural population," said Láng-Ritter.</p>



<p>"With the same basic practices in place, it’s unlikely that slightly improved input data could correct for this level of bias. And even if the most recent population maps reflected reality, earlier datasets have influenced decision-making for decades and are still used to monitor change, for instance providing a distorted picture of movement over time from the countryside to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-nature-affect-human-health-in-urban-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">urban areas</a>."</p>



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



<p>Currently, about 43% of the world's 8.2 billion people live in rural areas, according to official estimates. However, these figures may be misleading if rural populations have been significantly undercounted. </p>



<p>Global decision-makers, including the UN and the World Bank, rely on the same flawed census data used to create population maps. This means essential services, from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/growing-health-gap-between-rural-and-urban-men-around-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">healthcare</a> to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-heat-impacts-our-daily-routines-and-transportation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">transportation</a>, may not be adequately planned for rural areas.</p>



<p>"In many countries, there may not be sufficient data available on a national level, so they rely on global population maps to support their decision-making: Do we need an asphalted road or a hospital? How much medicine is required in a particular area? How many people could be affected by natural disasters such as earthquakes or floods?" Láng-Ritter explained.</p>



<p>The need for improved rural population data is especially pressing in crisis-hit regions, where transitioning to digital population records could take years.</p>



<p>"For example here in Finland, the population data is nowadays very reliable even in rural regions, as we were the second country in the world to start keeping digital population records already in 1990. But especially in crisis-hit countries, the shift towards digital population registers could take years, even decades," Láng-Ritter added.</p>



<p>"To provide rural communities with equal access to services and other resources, we need to have a critical discussion about the past and future applications of these population maps."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-how-we-count-rural-populations">Rethinking how we count rural populations</h2>



<p>Accurate population data is essential for governments and international organizations to make informed decisions about resource allocation, infrastructure, and disaster preparedness. This new study highlights the urgent need to reassess how rural populations are counted to ensure that global datasets reflect reality.</p>



<p>If rural communities continue to be undercounted, they risk being overlooked in critical planning efforts, from healthcare access to climate adaptation strategies. The findings emphasize the importance of improving data collection methods, particularly in areas where traditional census methods fall short. </p>



<p>Without change, the missing millions in rural areas will remain invisible to decision-makers worldwide.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-56906-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a></em>.</p>



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Millions of people in rural areas are missing from global population data

Governments, international organizations, and researchers depend on global population data...

<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=lHHxOej4QfE
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Researchers found a correlation between Alzheimer's disease and traffic pollution.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-invisible-threat-in-urban-air"><strong>Invisible threat in urban air</strong></h2>



<p>City dwellers face an unseen danger with every breath. New findings from Emory University researchers suggest that fine particulate matter from <a href="http://earth.com/news/traffic-related-air-pollution-might-increase-alzheimers-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vehicle emissions may significantly elevate the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease</a>. The study examined brain tissue samples from 224 individuals who had confirmed diagnoses and volunteered their brains for scientific research.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disturbing-connections-emerge"><strong>Disturbing connections emerge</strong></h2>



<p>Scientists analyzed neuritic plaques — protein clusters that characterize Alzheimer's — while mapping each participant's exposure to PM2.5 particles based on residential location and surrounding traffic density. The correlation proved more alarming than anticipated. Individuals experiencing higher pollution exposure showed nearly double the likelihood of elevated plaque accumulation in brain tissue.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-timing-matters"><strong>Timing matters</strong></h2>



<p>The research team discovered that pollution exposure during the final year before death demonstrated the strongest association with brain changes. This timeline suggests relatively rapid impacts from environmental toxins on neural health. The connection remained robust even after accounting for various demographic and health factors.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-vulnerability-patterns"><strong>Genetic vulnerability patterns</strong></h2>



<p>Perhaps most concerning, people lacking the APOE gene—which naturally predisposes individuals to Alzheimer's — exhibited more than twice the susceptibility to pollution-related brain damage. Study author Dr. Anke Huels noted this indicates environmental elements like air contamination could trigger the disease in cases where hereditary factors don't explain.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-public-health-implications"><strong>Public health implications</strong></h2>



<p>These findings, published in <em><a href="https://www.neurology.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neurology</a></em>, underscore the critical importance of air quality regulations in urban planning. The research suggests that implementing stricter emission controls and promoting alternative transportation could serve as powerful tools in Alzheimer's prevention.</p>



<p>As cities worldwide grapple with growing traffic congestion and aging populations, this study highlights an urgent need for comprehensive approaches to environmental health that protect both our lungs and our minds.</p>



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Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHHxOej4QfE Researchers found a correlation between Alzheimer's disease and traffic...

<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=2E0mn5mTvhQ
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">'Death Star' moon Mimas conceals a 15-million-year-old ocean that scientists never expected.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-waters-beneath-ancient-craters">Hidden waters beneath ancient craters</h2>



<p>Scientists have made a startling discovery that challenges everything we thought we knew about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saturn-moon-mimas-has-remarkably-young-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saturn's moon Mimas</a>. Beneath the heavily cratered surface that earned it the nickname "Death Star" lies a global ocean that formed just 5 to 15 million years ago—a remarkably young age by cosmic standards.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cassini-data-reveals-orbital-secrets">Cassini data reveals orbital secrets</h2>



<p>The discovery, led by Dr. Valéry Lainey of the <a href="https://observatoiredeparis.psl.eu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Observatoire de Paris</a>, emerged from careful analysis of <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>'s Cassini spacecraft data. By studying subtle irregularities in Mimas's orbit around Saturn, researchers detected the gravitational signature of liquid water hidden 20 to 30 kilometers beneath the moon's icy shell.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-unlikely-ocean-world">An unlikely ocean world</h2>



<p>At only 400 kilometers in diameter, Mimas seemed like the least likely candidate to harbor a subsurface ocean. Unlike other ocean moons such as Europa and Enceladus, which show clear surface signs of internal activity, Mimas displays no obvious hints of the liquid water beneath its ancient, crater-scarred exterior.</p>



<p>"Mimas is a small moon, and its heavily cratered surface gave no hint of the hidden ocean beneath," explained Dr. Nick Cooper from <a href="https://www.qmul.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queen Mary University of London</a>, a study co-author.</p>



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



<p>The ocean's recent formation makes Mimas a prime target for studying how oceans develop and potentially support life. This discovery adds another member to the exclusive club of ocean worlds in our solar system, each offering unique insights into the conditions necessary for habitability.</p>



<p>The research, published in <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a></em> journal, demonstrates how advanced orbital analysis can reveal hidden features of celestial bodies, opening new possibilities for understanding ocean formation throughout the cosmos.</p>



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Scientists discover unexpected young ocean on Saturn's cratered moon Mimas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2E0mn5mTvhQ 'Death Star' moon Mimas conceals a 15-million-year-old ocean that...

<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=K0DuSr87SHY
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">57 million-year ice age mystery solved by Australian scientists.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-earth-became-a-frozen-wasteland">When Earth became a frozen wasteland</h2>



<p>Imagine Earth as a giant snowball, frozen solid from the North Pole to the equator. This wasn't the plot of a science fiction movie – it was our planet's reality 700 million years ago during an extreme ice age that has puzzled scientists for decades.</p>



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



<p>Australian researchers from the <a href="https://www.sydney.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Sydney</a> have finally cracked one of geology's greatest mysteries: what caused the Sturtian glaciation and why it persisted for an unprecedented 57 million years. This period occurred long before dinosaurs roamed the Earth, when no complex plants or multicellular animals existed.</p>



<p>Dr. Adriana Dutkiewicz, the study's lead author, describes a world completely unlike today's climate. "Imagine the Earth almost completely frozen over," she explained. "The planet was blanketed in ice from poles to equator, and temperatures plunged."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-combination-of-climate-factors">The combination of climate factors</h2>



<p>The research team discovered that this massive freeze resulted from a "double whammy" of geological events. First, plate tectonic activity reduced volcanic carbon dioxide emissions to historically low levels. Volcanic activity typically releases CO2 into the atmosphere, creating a greenhouse effect that keeps Earth warm.</p>



<p>Simultaneously, weathering of volcanic rocks in what is now Canada actively absorbed atmospheric CO2, further reducing greenhouse gas concentrations. When atmospheric carbon dioxide levels dropped below 200 parts per million – less than half of today's levels – glaciation engulfed the entire planet.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-climate-implications">Modern climate implications</h2>



<p>Published in the journal <em><a href="https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/geology" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geology</a></em>, this research provides crucial insights into Earth's climate system. While geological climate changes occur over millions of years, the study emphasizes that human-induced climate change is happening at a pace ten times faster than previously observed natural changes, highlighting the urgent need to understand our planet's delicate climate balance.</p>



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What caused the planet's longest ice age

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0DuSr87SHY 57 million-year ice age mystery solved by Australian scientists....

<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>



<p>—–</p>



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<p>—–</p>

Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<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>



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

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

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



<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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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>



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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>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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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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