<p>Think about sipping a sugar-free drink that still tastes sweet. Many of us have puzzled over this illusion. Now scientists at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden reveal how our brains transform smell into taste.</p>



<p>The research, published in <em>Nature Communications</em>, shows that the brain encodes certain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-dna-may-explain-why-you-love-or-hate-certain-smells/">aromas</a> as if they were flavors themselves.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-flavor-and-smell-form">How flavor and smell form</h2>



<p>Flavor is more than taste. It comes from a combination of gustatory signals and retronasal odors, those aromas drifting from the mouth to the nose. </p>



<p>The insula, known as the taste cortex, was found to integrate these signals earlier than expected. This means the brain does not wait for higher regions to combine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-your-brain-decides-what-smells-good-or-bad/">taste</a> and smell but merges them immediately into one experience.</p>



<p>Study lead author Putu Agus Khorisantono is a researcher in the Department of Clinical Neuroscience at <a href="https://ki.se/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Karolinska Institutet</a>. </p>



<p>“We saw that the taste cortex reacts to taste-associated aromas as if they were real tastes,” explained Khorisantono. "The finding provides a possible explanation for why we sometimes experience taste from smell alone, for example in flavored waters." </p>



<p>"This underscores how strongly odors and tastes work together to make food pleasurable, potentially inducing craving and encouraging overeating of certain foods.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-brain-links-flavor-and-smell">How the brain links flavor and smell</h2>



<p>The researchers tested 25 adults. First, participants learned to identify sweet and savory flavors through combinations of taste and smell. </p>



<p>Later, inside a scanner, they received either tasteless odors or odorless tastes. Algorithms trained on brain responses to actual tastes were then tested on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/radio-waves-can-boost-our-sense-of-smell-without-contact/">odors</a> alone. The surprising outcome was that odours mimicked the brain’s taste responses.</p>



<p>The study revealed that sweet or savory odors activated the same neural patterns as the corresponding tastes.</p>



<p>This overlap was strongest in the ventral anterior insula, a region connected to olfactory areas. Importantly, the researchers ruled out simple pleasure ratings as the cause. Instead, the brain genuinely encoded odors in a way that matched taste perception.</p>



<p>“This shows that the brain does not process taste and smell separately, but rather creates a joint representation of the flavor experience in the taste cortex,” said senior researcher Janina Seubert. </p>



<p>“This mechanism may be relevant for how our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-sense-of-smell-and-different-odors-can-influence-how-we-see-colors/">taste</a> preferences and eating habits are formed and influenced.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-flavor-and-smell-matter">Why flavor and smell matter</h2>



<p>The findings highlight the insula as a hub for flavor integration. They also reveal that taste representations can drift over time. Neural patterns of taste identity were less stable across days, echoing results seen in rodent studies. </p>



<p>This suggests that our flavor experiences are dynamic, adapting with exposure, context, and internal states such as hunger, mood, or attention. </p>



<p>A flavor that feels vivid and distinct one day may blur or even shift the next, depending on what the brain has recently learned or anticipated.</p>



<p>This fluid quality points to a system designed not for rigid coding but for flexibility, helping us adjust to changing diets, environments, and cultural influences on taste.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flavor-identity-and-reward-value">Flavor identity and reward value</h2>



<p>The study also observed cross-modal decoding in other regions, such as the orbitofrontal cortex, which is known to encode the value of food. </p>



<p>The researchers propose that the insula forms a shared flavor identity, while the orbitofrontal cortex evaluates its reward value. This dual process could explain why certain odors make foods irresistible and shape long-term eating habits.</p>



<p>The team now wants to test external smells, or orthonasal odors. These are the scents we encounter before eating, like walking past bread or pastries.</p>



<p>“We want to find out whether the activation pattern in the brain’s taste cortex changes from salty to sweet when we walk from the cheese aisle to the pastries in the supermarket,” said Khorisantono. “If so, this could have a significant impact on the foods we choose to consume.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-flavor-and-smell-affect-health">How flavor and smell affect health</h2>



<p>This research reframes flavor as a deeply integrated brain process. Smell and taste are not separate streams but overlapping codes that can trick the brain into tasting without tasting.</p>



<p>Beyond solving everyday mysteries like sweet-tasting flavored water, the work raises questions about cravings, overeating, and how our diets are shaped by environments filled with powerful aromas. </p>



<p>The research also suggests that everyday exposure to food-related smells in supermarkets, restaurants, offices, and even advertising spaces may influence us more than we realize.</p>



<p>These aromas may prime the brain to expect certain tastes, creating a loop where scent alone can nudge us toward food choices we might not otherwise make. </p>



<p>Over time, this subtle influence could shape eating habits, nutritional patterns, and even health outcomes, revealing how deeply our sensory world directs behavior long before conscious decisions take place.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-63803-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.</em></p>



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How smell tricks the brain into tasting flavors

Think about sipping a sugar-free drink that still tastes sweet. Many of us have puzzled over this illusion. Now scientists at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden reveal how our brains transform smell into taste. The research, published in Nature Communications, shows that the brain encodes certain aromas as if they were flavors themselves. How flavor and smell form Flavor is more than taste. It comes from a combination of gustatory signals and retronasal odors, those aromas drifting from the mouth to the nose. The insula, known as the...

<p>New research has uncovered a surprising wrinkle in our understanding of how pesticides affect bumble bees.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While common sense tells us that chemicals meant to kill insects can only harm pollinators, it turns out there may be moments when a tiny amount of poison could actually help a bumble bee queen make it through winter - at least in the short term.</p>



<p>A team of researchers led by <a href="https://agsci.psu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pennsylvania State University’s College of Agricultural Sciences</a> examined imidacloprid, a widely used neonicotinoid insecticide. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-short-term-benefits-vs-long-term-fitness">Short-term benefits vs. long-term fitness </h2>



<p>It’s already well-established that high doses of imidacloprid shorten bees’ lives and reduce their ability to reproduce. </p>



<p>But when the scientists took a closer look, they found something unexpected: at low, sublethal doses, imidacloprid seemed to help bumble bee queens survive through diapause, which is the bug-world version of hibernation.</p>



<p>This phenomenon is called hormesis - when a small dose of something that’s generally harmful turns out to be beneficial under just the right circumstances.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The experts compared it to caffeine for humans. A small amount might provide a boost, but we all know it can also interfere with our sleep if we’re not careful.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Even low doses can have unintended effects, such as disrupting sleep,” said Etya Amsalem, an associate professor of entomology at Penn State and the study’s lead author.</p>



<p>According to Professor Amsalem, if hormesis goes unrecognized, it could lead to the mistaken conclusion that certain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pesticides-attack-bees-in-multiple-ways-throughout-the-body/">pesticides</a> benefit bees. </p>



<p>“Such a misconception is dangerous, given the well-documented negative effects of imidacloprid and the trade-offs associated with hormetic responses - where short-term benefits trade-off with long-term fitness.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-winter-struggle-of-bumble-bee-queens">Winter struggle of bumble bee queens</h2>



<p>One reason this discovery matters so much is that queen bumble bees spend a huge chunk of their life - often around 75% - in diapause. This is a dormant state that helps them weather harsh winter conditions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>If a queen doesn’t make it through this frigid, food-scarce period, an entire future colony is lost in the process.</p>



<p>“Despite the fact that most pollinators undergo winter diapause, pesticide risk assessments typically focus on the bee’s active seasons, overlooking a significant portion of the bee’s life cycle,” Amsalem explained.&nbsp;</p>



<p>So, while we know a fair bit about how chemicals impact <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-climate-change-is-buzzing-off-bumblebee-senses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bees</a> during spring and summer, there’s a big gap in our knowledge about what happens to them over winter.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pesticides-and-bumble-bee-survival">Pesticides and bumble bee survival</h2>



<p>To figure out how imidacloprid might affect bees during both the active and dormant phases, the team fed bumble bees sugar water containing different concentrations of the insecticide.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For worker bees and males, higher doses led to the usual bad news: shorter lifespans and fewer offspring. But when the scientists gave queen bees just a little bit of imidacloprid before sending them into diapause under controlled conditions, they noticed a puzzling effect.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Surprisingly, we found that sublethal imidacloprid exposure actually improved the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bumblebee-queens-have-an-odd-preference-for-contaminated-soil/">queens</a>’ survival,” Amsalem said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hormesis-a-double-edged-sword">Hormesis: A double-edged sword</h2>



<p>While a longer winter survival time sounds like a good thing, that’s only one part of the bigger story. The team also saw that imidacloprid exposure lowered overall fitness, such as decreasing a colony’s total reproductive output.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In other words, the queen might make it through the winter more often if she has just a tiny bit of pesticide in her system, but that same pesticide still saps her and her colony in other ways - perhaps making them less robust once spring arrives.</p>



<p>That’s the essence of hormesis: it’s a trade-off. In bees, these short-term gains don’t necessarily mean the insecticide is actually beneficial when you look at the big picture.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Instead, scientists worry that not accounting for hormesis could lead us to think that certain pesticides are harmless or even helpful, when in fact they may still pose major threats to our pollinator populations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-at-the-bigger-picture">Looking at the bigger picture</h2>



<p>Bumble bees are critical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pollinators-face-extinction-risk-due-to-climate-change/">pollinators</a> for a variety of crops. Any shift in their survival rates - good or bad - could have huge implications for agriculture and ecosystems. If our standard methods of testing pesticide safety overlook what happens during diapause, we risk missing the full picture.</p>



<p>Professor Amsalem believes these findings should be woven into how we assess and regulate pesticides. She also said we need to dig deeper into the “why” of this hormetic response. </p>



<p>“Most importantly,” she explained, “we must strive to conduct nuanced science that provides a holistic understanding of how stressors affect pollinators - ensuring better-informed conservation efforts.”</p>



<p>To truly protect bumble bees and other pollinators, experts will need to examine every part of their life cycle, not just those busy spring and summer months.&nbsp;</p>



<p>That includes thinking about how warming and pesticides might affect them differently in different seasons - and whether certain amounts of chemicals that look safe on the surface can still be causing hidden problems.</p>



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



<p>The discovery that low doses of imidacloprid can help queens survive winter means we can’t simply dismiss all sublethal pesticide exposure as benign. It also means that if we don’t consider diapause in our risk assessments, we might jump to the wrong conclusions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Future research will no doubt explore exactly how these low doses increase queen survival and whether similar patterns show up in other insect species or other types of pesticides.</p>



<p>What’s clear is that pollinator health is rarely a simple matter of “just avoid poison.” From the vantage point of ecology, everything is connected. A small dose can have unforeseen benefits - until it doesn’t.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By expanding our perspective to include times of the year we usually overlook, like the frigid months when queen bees are hidden away, we stand a better chance of keeping these vital pollinators humming along for generations to come.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2024.0612"><em>Biology Letters</em></a>.</p>



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Pesticides affect bumble bee health in complex ways

New research has uncovered a surprising wrinkle in our understanding...

<p>Bamboo-based kitchenware is popping up in supermarkets and online shops worldwide. People praise these products for their seemingly eco-friendly image and pleasing designs.</p>



<p>Yet, researchers are examining whether <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/household-chemicals-linked-to-neurological-disorders/">certain chemicals</a> migrate from these items into food, particularly in the presence of high temperatures or acidic substances. </p>



<p>Shoppers want to trust their cups, plates, and bowls, and that trust hinges on transparent science.</p>



<p>“In this study, we collected 33 bamboo and other bio-based dishes from the British, Chinese and Czech markets,” stated <a href="https://sciprofiles.com/profile/1834707" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Kamila Bechynska</a>, a lead researcher from the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague.</p>



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



<p>Bamboo is one of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giant-pandas-taste-for-bamboo-is-literally-written-in-their-genes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fastest-growing plants</a> on Earth, and it’s as strong as it is versatile. Technically a type of grass, bamboo can grow over three feet in a single day, making it an incredible renewable resource. </p>



<p>People use it for everything - from building houses and making furniture to crafting eco-friendly clothing and utensils. </p>



<p>It’s also a powerhouse for the environment, absorbing tons of carbon dioxide while pumping out fresh oxygen.</p>



<p>Some species of bamboo even thrive in poor soil, helping prevent erosion and restore damaged land.</p>



<p>Beyond its practical uses, bamboo is a lifeline for wildlife. Pandas, lemurs, and even some elephants rely on it for food. </p>



<p>In many cultures, bamboo also has deep symbolic meaning, representing strength, flexibility, and resilience. </p>



<p>Plus, it's becoming a go-to material for <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/top-5-uses-for-bamboo-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sustainable living</a> - bamboo toothbrushes, straws, fabrics, and of course, kitchen utensils are replacing plastic alternatives.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bamboo-and-melamine-concerns">Bamboo and melamine concerns</h2>



<p>Bamboo composites often rely on melamine and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/green-cleaning-products-may-be-as-harmful-as-traditional-ones/">formaldehyde</a> resins to maintain shape. Some experts point to potential health implications if these substances leach into food.</p>



<p>In a 2020 <a href="https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdfdirect/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.5902">publication</a> by the European Food Safety Authority's Panel on Food Contact Materials, Enzymes and Processing Aid, the authors concluded that "Fillable articles made from melamine formaldehyde resin, such as coffee-to-go cups sold as bamboo-ware, may leak harmful substances into hot foods.” </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-regulatory-twists">Regulatory twists</h2>



<p>Furthermore, in 2019, the <a href="https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.5902" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Food Safety Authority</a> clarified that bamboo should not be lumped in with wood, highlighting the need for separate scrutiny of these plant-based materials.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Several European agencies expressed similar concerns. They urged tight controls on bamboo and plastic blends that are used to produce tableware that enters the market.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-industry-and-consumer-responses">Industry and consumer responses</h2>



<p>Industry groups have supplied limited data on compliance testing for these products. They often point to successful results for formaldehyde migration and heavy metals detection, though the sample sizes can be rather small.</p>



<p>Some companies tout <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giant-pandas-taste-for-bamboo-is-literally-written-in-their-genes/">bamboo-based</a> cups and lunchboxes as safe for dishwasher use, but evidence on long-term durability remains patchy. </p>



<p>Others highlight meeting official migration standards without offering full transparency on their manufacturing processes.</p>



<p>Consumers need to be aware that tableware marketed as "bio-based" is not necessarily as "green" and sustainable as portrayed. </p>



<p>Although the natural materials used may be safe, but these are often compounded with synthetic substances, such as melamine-formaldehyde resin, which may carry risks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ongoing-knowledge-gaps">Ongoing knowledge gaps</h2>



<p>Regulators still see gaps in how these products perform over time and with repeated use. Hot liquids and acidic foods could accelerate the release of chemicals.</p>



<p>Laboratories in multiple countries continue to evaluate unknown substances that might linger in the resin. Without more data, the real extent of exposure to toxic additives is uncertain.</p>



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



<p>Shoppers who prefer bamboo ware should be aware that repeated heating can increase wear and tear. Official guidance encourages discarding damaged items to reduce the possibility of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-rely-on-quantum-mechanics-to-transfer-energy-from-sunlight/">chemical transfer</a>.</p>



<p>Choosing cups and plates that list detailed composition and adhere to recognized testing procedures can cut down on potential risks. Inspecting labels and product certifications may offer extra peace of mind.</p>



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



<p>Food safety bodies are collecting more data to shape updated regulations on the production standards for bamboo-based dishware. </p>



<p>Additional research could clarify whether these products meet today’s standards under various conditions of use.</p>



<p>Scientists remain interested in pinpointing any harmful chemical releases tied to high temperatures or long storage. Authorities are also exploring whether consistent labeling can guide consumers more effectively.</p>



<p>The study is published in <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S095671352500057X" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Food Control</em></a>.</p>



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Trendy bamboo products may come with a hidden cost

Bamboo-based kitchenware is popping up in supermarkets and online shops...

<p>Researchers at the University of Manchester suggest that fossilized bones of the ancient flying reptiles known as pterosaurs may offer vital insights for building lighter, stronger materials in future. </p>



<p>Using advanced X-ray imaging, the research team discovered a hidden network of microscopic canals inside <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pterosaurs-took-flight-millions-of-years-before-birds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pterosaur</a> wing bones.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These canals, originally used for nutrient transport and structural maintenance, also helped protect against small cracks - a natural design that could revolutionize aerospace engineering today.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prehistoric-flyers-with-an-engineering-edge">Prehistoric flyers with an engineering edge</h2>



<p>Pterosaurs were flying reptiles that lived alongside dinosaurs and were the first vertebrates to achieve powered <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-flight-feathers-may-reveal-which-dinosaurs-could-fly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flight</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Early pterosaur species had wingspans of about 2 meters (6.5 feet), but later forms grew much larger, with some exceeding 10 meters (32 feet). </p>



<p>Supporting such expansive wing membranes required a delicate balance between high strength and low weight. </p>



<p>The scientists behind this new study used state-of-the-art X-ray Computed Tomography (XCT) to examine precisely how pterosaurs met this challenge. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-analyzing-pterosaur-bones-for-biomimicry">Analyzing pterosaur bones for biomimicry</h2>



<p>By analyzing fossil bones at near sub-micrometer resolution, the experts uncovered a dense web of channels inside the bone tissue. </p>



<p>These channels not only served biological functions, such as transferring nutrients and aiding bone growth, but also provided mechanical reinforcement. </p>



<p>They directed stress away from weaker areas, thus preventing microfractures from developing into serious damage.</p>



<p>“We are so excited to find and map these microscopic interlocking structures in pterosaur bones," said Nathan Pili, a Ph.D. student at the <a href="https://www.manchester.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Manchester</a> and first author of the study. </p>



<p>"We hope one day we can use them to reduce the weight of aircraft materials, thereby reducing fuel consumption and potentially making planes safer.” </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pterosaur-bones-in-amazing-detail">Pterosaur bones in amazing detail</h2>



<p>To capture these structures in 3D, the research team harnessed ultra-detailed X-ray imaging that can visualize features around 20 times thinner than a human hair.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Past examinations of pterosaur bones had never reached this resolution, leaving these intricate microcanals undiscovered. </p>



<p>According to the team, the extraordinary precision of the scans allowed them to understand how the channels fit together like a network, conferring both strength and flexibility.</p>



<p>The microcanals were originally pathways for blood vessels and other biological materials. Over millions of years of evolution, however, pterosaurs adapted to maintain enough bone density to support flight without adding unnecessary mass.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The result was a structural arrangement that distributed loads effectively - an arrangement that the researchers believe could point to innovative “palaeo-biomimetic” solutions for 21st-century engineering.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aircraft-inspired-by-pterosaur-bones-nbsp">Aircraft inspired by pterosaur bones&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Modern <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/electric-aircraft-demonstrate-major-climate-benefits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aircraft</a> designers are always looking for lighter yet more resilient materials to reduce fuel consumption, cut emissions, and enhance safety.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The canal-based structure found in pterosaur bones might be mimicked in metal 3D printing, producing airplane parts with strategically placed internal channels that mirror the reptile’s natural bone architecture.</p>



<p>“It is highly likely that, among the billions of permutations of life on Earth, unique engineering solutions have evolved but were lost to the sands of time,” said Professor Phil Manning, senior author of the study and Director of Science at the <a href="https://dct.gov.ae/en/what.we.do/culture/museums/natural.history.museum.abu.dhabi..aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ancient-pterosaur-bone_aerospace-design_credit-UManchester_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ancient-pterosaur-bone_aerospace-design_credit-UManchester_1s.webp" alt="Credit: Nathan Pili, University of Manchester" class="wp-image-1961537"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Credit: Nathan Pili, University of Manchester</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>“We hope to unlock the potential of ancient natural solutions to create new materials but also help build a more sustainable future.”</p>



<p>The researchers suggest that such bio-inspired designs could allow for integrated sensors or even self-healing properties, further pushing the boundaries of aviation technology.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As more advanced 3D printing methods emerge, these fossil-derived ideas could feasibly enter industrial production lines.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dual-function-of-pterosaur-bones">Dual function of pterosaur bones</h2>



<p>As the largest known flying vertebrates, some pterosaurs had wingspans of up to 10 meters (32 feet) or more, supported primarily by an elongated fourth finger that served as a “wing spar.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>This anatomical arrangement required bones that were strong enough to sustain flight stresses yet not so heavy as to hinder takeoff and maneuverability. The newly revealed microcanal system effectively addresses both goals.</p>



<p>The dual function of biological support and mechanical resilience is a hallmark of evolutionary engineering, where life solves specific survival challenges over millions of years of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lifes-rules-natural-selection-change-significantly-often-daphnia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural selection</a>.</p>



<p>“There is over 4 billion years of experimental design that were a function of Darwinian natural selection,” Manning commented. </p>



<p>“These natural solutions are beautifully reflected by the same iterative processes used by engineers to refine materials.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extinct-creatures-and-modern-innovation-nbsp">Extinct creatures and modern innovation&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study’s authors see these discoveries as a stepping stone to palaeo-biomimetics, the idea that even extinct creatures can guide modern innovation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Whether for aircraft, marine vessels, or other structural applications, the strategies that once helped pterosaurs soar across prehistoric skies may now help address present-day engineering obstacles.</p>



<p>While natural selection did not always produce “perfect” designs, there may be countless examples of biological systems that overcame extreme challenges.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The pterosaur bone microcanals are just one instance of how ancient life can inform solutions that lie beyond the scope of conventional human design.</p>



<p>Pili and colleagues plan to conduct higher-resolution scans of more pterosaur fossils, hoping to uncover additional secrets hidden in ancient bones.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These efforts may spur a new wave of cross-disciplinary research involving paleontology, materials science, and advanced manufacturing. </p>



<p>The hope is that some of the most promising ideas for the future might be found by looking 100 million years into the past.</p>



<p>The findings were recently published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-88257-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Scientific Reports</em></a>.</p>



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100-million-year-old bones inspire new aircraft design

Researchers at the University of Manchester suggest that fossilized bones...

<p>Life on Earth has faced several extinction events, but none were as devastating as the end-Permian mass extinction 252 million years ago. Nearly 90% of all species vanished, yet some amphibians managed to survive.</p>



<p>This catastrophe reshaped ecosystems, forcing the remaining species to adapt to extreme conditions. Among these survivors were ancient amphibians called temnospondyls, distant relatives of modern frogs and salamanders.</p>



<p>Scientists from the University of Bristol have uncovered how these early amphibians endured the extinction crisis. </p>



<p>The findings, published in <em>Royal Society Open Science</em>, reveal that temnospondyls thrived by feeding on freshwater prey, which remained stable while land-based food sources dwindled.</p>



<p>Their adaptability helped early amphibians <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/frog-saunas-hot-solution-to-fighting-global-amphibian-extinction-apocalypse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">survive</a> a world marked by climate chaos and environmental upheaval.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-amphibians-survived-extinction">How amphibians survived extinction</h2>



<p>The period following the end-Permian extinction was marked by drastic environmental shifts. Massive volcanic eruptions led to rising global temperatures, acid rain, and widespread wildfires. </p>



<p>Many terrestrial species struggled to find food as plant and animal populations plummeted. However, freshwater ecosystems remained relatively stable, providing a refuge for adaptable predators like temnospondyls.</p>



<p>“One of the great mysteries has been the survival and flourishing of a major group of amphibians called the temnospondyls,” said Aamir Mehmood from Bristol’s <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/biology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">School of Biological Sciences</a>. </p>



<p>“These were predatory animals that fed on fishes and other prey, but were primarily linked to the water, just like modern amphibians such as frogs and salamanders. We know that climates then were hot, and especially so after the extinction event. How could these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/could-a-new-virus-put-an-end-to-the-global-amphibian-pandemic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water-loving animals</a> have been so successful?”</p>



<p>Scientists believe that the feeding habits of amphibians played a crucial role in preventing their extinction. Unlike land-dwelling predators, which relied on an unstable food supply, temnospondyls could hunt a variety of freshwater creatures, ensuring their survival even when environmental conditions changed.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-features-of-early-amphibians">Features of early amphibians </h2>



<p>“We collected data on 100 temnospondyls that lived throughout the Triassic and wanted to look at how their ecologies changed. We measured their body sizes and features of the skulls and teeth that tell us about function,” noted co-author Dr. Suresh Singh.</p>



<p>“Much to our surprise, we found that they did not change much through the crisis," added Dr. Armin Elsler. "The temnospondyls showed the same range of body sizes as in the Permian, some of them small and feeding on insects, and others larger."</p>



<p>“These larger forms included long-snouted animals that trapped fishes and broad-snouted generalist feeders. What was unusual though was how their diversity of body sizes and functional variety expanded about 5 million years after the crisis and then dropped back.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surviving-the-tropical-dead-zone">Surviving the tropical dead zone</h2>



<p>Due to extreme global warming in the Early Triassic, many <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amphibian-siphonops-annulatus-discovered-feeds-milk-to-offspring/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> moved away from the tropics. However, temnospondyls managed to cross these inhospitable regions.</p>



<p>“Our work shows that the temnospondyls, unexpectedly, were able to cross the tropical dead zone," said Professor Mike Benton.</p>



<p>"Fossils are known from South Africa and Australia in the south, as well as North America, Europe, and Russia in the north. The temnospondyls must have been able to criss-cross the tropical zone during cooler episodes."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-decline-of-early-amphibians">The decline of early amphibians</h2>



<p>Their early success highlights the resilience of amphibians, showing how adaptability can determine survival in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/frogs-and-toads-face-new-risks-as-their-habitats-dry-up/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme environments</a>. However, Mehmood pointed out that the amphibians' rapid success in the Early Triassic was short-lived.</p>



<p>"They coped with the hot conditions probably by having a low requirement for food, by being able to eat most prey animals, and by hiding in sparse water bodies. But when the ancestors of dinosaurs and of mammals began to diversify in the Middle Triassic, the temnospondyls began their long decline."</p>



<p>The dominance of temnospondyls faded as the new competitors emerged, leading to their eventual extinction.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-legacy-of-resilience">A legacy of resilience</h2>



<p>Temnospondyls may have disappeared, but their story highlights how adaptability shapes survival. Their ability to endure extreme environmental changes for millions of years demonstrates the importance of flexible feeding strategies and ecological diversity.</p>



<p>The history of temnospondyls also provides insight into how modern amphibians might respond to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amphibian-fossils-found-in-burrows-reveal-ancient-survival-strategies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental challenges</a>.</p>



<p>As climate change alters habitats today, species with broad diets and adaptable lifestyles may have the best chance of survival, just as the temnospondyls did millions of years ago.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.241200" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Society Open Science</a>.</em></p>



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



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How amphibians survived Earth’s deadliest mass extinction

Life on Earth has faced several extinction events, but none...

Cosmic,Vortex:,The,Fiery,Eye,Of,The,Galaxy

<p>Dark matter has puzzled scientists for decades, stirring endless debate about what constitutes the huge chunk of mass in the universe that is not directly visible. </p>



<p>While numerous theories have been proposed, researchers have yet to confirm a definitive explanation for this elusive substance.</p>



<p>Advanced instrumentation has now sparked renewed attempts to uncover possible signals from dark <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">matter</a> in the near infrared spectrum. </p>



<p>After reviewing recently collected data, scientists are discussing results that appear to set new standards on how long certain dark matter particles can last.</p>



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



<p>Dark matter is the mysterious, invisible glue that holds the universe together. Most scientists believe it’s there because of its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-big-bang-theory-attempts-to-explain-origin-of-dark-matter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gravitational pull on galaxies</a>, but they can’t see or touch it. </p>



<p>Unlike regular matter, dark matter doesn’t emit, absorb, or reflect light, making it impossible to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-are-now-searching-for-dark-matter-inside-old-earth-rocks-minerals-crystals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">detect directly</a>. </p>



<p>Instead, astronomers study how galaxies move and rotate - without dark matter’s extra gravity, they should be flying apart. </p>



<p>The crazy part? Dark matter makes up about 85% of the universe’s total mass, yet we have no idea what it actually is.</p>



<p>Scientists are on a mission to crack the dark matter mystery, using massive underground detectors and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-matter-might-be-driving-force-behind-black-hole-mergers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">powerful telescopes</a>. </p>



<p>Some theories suggest it’s made of undiscovered particles, while others think it could be linked to hidden dimensions. </p>



<p>Whatever it is, most scientists believe that dark matter plays a huge role in shaping the cosmos, influencing everything from galaxy formation and black holes, to the structure of the universe itself.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dark-matter-signals-in-infrared-light">Dark matter signals in infrared light</h2>



<p>Associate Professor <a href="https://inspirehep.net/authors/1421892" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wen Yin</a> from <a href="https://www.tmu.ac.jp/english/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tokyo Metropolitan University</a> has worked with a team on a fresh approach that searched for faint signals produced by <a href="https://arxiv.org/abs/1407.0546" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">axionlike particles</a>.</p>



<p>They relied on the fact that certain theoretical models predict these particles will emit narrow bands of light when they decay.</p>



<p>“The identity of dark matter has been a mystery in astronomy, cosmology, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-matter-formation-may-have-occurred-before-the-big-bang/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">particle theory</a> for about a century,” wrote Yin and co-authors from Tokyo Metropolitan University in a new study. </p>



<p>They used an infrared spectrograph, known as <a href="http://lihweb.kyoto-su.ac.jp/WINERED/overview_winered.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WINERED</a>, which picks up subtle features in light that might reveal how dark matter decays.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-using-infrared-tools-to-detect-dark-matter-decay">Using infrared tools to detect dark matter decay</h2>



<p>Instruments like WINERED, the <a href="https://www.jwst.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Webb Space Telescope</a>, and other devices help scientists inspect complicated <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/computer-science/electromagnetic-signal" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">electromagnetic signals</a> in the cosmos to see if anything stands out. </p>



<p>Researchers are particularly keen on the near infrared band because some dark matter models point to that range as a possible hotspot.</p>



<p>Investigating this spectral window is tricky because noise from <a href="https://earthsky.org/astronomy-essentials/everything-you-need-to-know-zodiacal-light-or-false-dawn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">zodiacal light</a> and atmospheric interference can obscure important features. </p>



<p>A new data analysis technique, which separates narrow decay signals from broad background emissions, reduces this confusion.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mapping-hidden-galaxies">Mapping hidden galaxies</h2>



<p>The <a href="https://www.lco.cl/magellan-telescopes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Magellan Clay Telescope</a> in Chile measures about 21 feet (6.4 meters) across, and has the ability to capture even the faint glow from distant <a href="https://esahubble.org/wordbank/dwarf-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dwarf galaxies</a>.</p>



<p>By pointing this telescope at galaxies named Leo V and Tucana II, Yin’s team managed to gather significant infrared data in just four hours.</p>



<p>Their measurements pointed to no noticeable bursts at certain frequencies, which suggests that axionlike particle decay was not observed. </p>



<p>The absence of any distinct signal implies that these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/existence-of-dark-matter-confirmed-by-new-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">particles</a>, if they exist, might survive for more than 10<sup>25</sup> seconds, which is many times the age of our cosmos.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-signs-of-something-unexpected">Signs of something unexpected</h2>



<p>Although the data so far show no conclusive dark matter decay, there were slight hints of unexplained patterns that deserve further investigation. </p>



<p>Such anomalies might indicate that more sensitive instruments or longer observation windows could finally pin down a genuine dark matter signature.</p>



<p>Several groups worldwide are refining spectrometers to explore these curious <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-big-bang-theory-attempts-to-explain-origin-of-dark-matter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">signals</a> at higher resolution. </p>



<p>Continued monitoring of galaxies with low background interference could clarify whether these faint clues are actual traces of dark matter or just simple flukes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-in-detecting-dark-matter-signals">Challenges in detecting dark matter signals</h2>



<p>Examinations of <a href="https://www.amnh.org/learn-teach/curriculum-collections/cosmic-horizons-book/cosmic-microwave-background-radiation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">background radiation</a> remain complicated because the universe is filled with scattered light from multiple sources. </p>



<p>Researchers must also untangle contamination from Earth’s own atmosphere, which intensifies when the sun heats the air.</p>



<p>Despite these obstacles, improved calibration methods and collaborative efforts between astronomers and particle physicists continue to enhance the search for hidden cosmic matter. </p>



<p>No single test has delivered a decisive answer, yet confidence is growing that bigger discoveries lie ahead.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-these-findings-matter">Why these findings matter</h2>



<p>If axionlike particles do show up, they might solve a puzzle that has preoccupied scientists since the 1930s. </p>



<p>Decades ago, measurements of galaxy rotation speeds revealed invisible mass exerting gravitational influence, which prompted the name “dark matter” for this puzzling substance.</p>



<p>Pinpointing whether these elusive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-matter-does-not-exist-universe-27-billion-years-old-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">particles</a> exist could also unlock new physics beyond the current understanding, and pave the way for novel insights about the structure of the cosmos.</p>



<p>Scientists remain motivated to analyze more data from advanced spectrographs as the chase continues for clues about what really makes up the bulk of our universe.</p>



<p>The study is published in <a href="https://journals.aps.org/prl/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevLett.134.051004" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Physical Review Letters</em></a>.</p>



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Dark matter, if it exists, has a strictly limited lifetime, new study says

Dark matter has puzzled scientists for decades, stirring endless debate...

<p>Health is often assessed through physical fitness, diet, and medical history. However, new research suggests that male reproductive health might hold critical clues about life expectancy. </p>



<p>A study published in the journal <em>Human Reproduction</em> reveals a surprising connection between semen quality and lifespan.</p>



<p>The researchers analyzed data from nearly 80,000 men over 50 years. They found that those with higher motile <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/semen-has-its-own-microbiome-and-it-may-be-the-cause-of-infertility/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sperm</a> counts lived longer.</p>



<p>Men with over 120 million motile sperm lived two to three years longer than those with less than 5 million. This research, the largest of its kind, is described as a “landmark” publication in an editorial commentary.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-semen-quality-affects-lifespan">Semen quality affects lifespan</h2>



<p>Dr. Lærke Priskorn and Dr. Niels Jørgensen led the study at Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet. The team examined semen samples from men who sought fertility <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/novel-gene-editing-tool-analyzes-sperm-health-in-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">assessments</a> between 1965 and 2015.</p>



<p>The researchers analyzed sperm concentration, volume, motility, and shape. They then tracked mortality rates using Danish national registers.</p>



<p>Over the study period, 11% of the participants died, amounting to 8,600 deaths.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adjusting-for-other-factors">Adjusting for other factors</h2>



<p>Among the men studied, 59,657 provided samples between 1987 and 2015. For this group, additional data such as educational level and medical history were available.</p>



<p>“Previous research has suggested that male infertility and lower semen quality could be associated with mortality,“ noted Dr. Priskorn.</p>



<p>“We conducted this study to test the hypothesis and at the same time get an absolute estimate of how much <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stress-enhances-sperm-performance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">semen</a> quality predicts a man’s lifespan and to understand whether diagnosed diseases prior to semen quality assessment might explain some of the reported association.”</p>



<p>Dr. Priskorn emphasized that higher semen quality correlated with longer life expectancy. The researchers found no link between mortality and pre-existing medical conditions or educational levels.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-semen-quality-as-a-health-indicator">Semen quality as a health indicator</h2>



<p>The findings suggest that poor semen quality might indicate broader health risks. It could serve as an early warning sign for potential health problems.</p>



<p>“We need to better understand the association between semen quality and men’s general health,“ said Dr Jørgensen.</p>



<p>“However, this study suggests that we can identify subgroups of men with impaired semen quality who are apparently healthy when their semen quality is assessed, but who are at increased risk of developing certain diseases later in life.”</p>



<p>Dr Jørgensen noted that fertility evaluations could help detect risks of future health conditions. Further research will explore whether specific diseases, such as cancer or heart disease, contribute to the shorter lifespan of men with poor semen quality.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-missing-lifestyle-data">Missing lifestyle data</h2>



<p>The study’s large sample size is a major strength. However, some limitations exist. The researchers lacked data on lifestyle habits and only had pre-existing medical records for men who provided samples after 1987.</p>



<p>Additionally, the study could not differentiate between men with obstructed reproductive tracts and those with other causes of low motile <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-body-prevents-multiple-sperm-from-fertilizing-an-egg/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sperm</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-the-underlying-factors">Exploring the underlying factors</h2>



<p>Professor John Aitken from <a href="https://www.newcastle.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The University of Newcastle</a> praised the research as a milestone in reproductive medicine. He explored possible reasons for the link between semen quality and lifespan.</p>



<p>“In this commentary, I have highlighted several potential mediators of such an association including genetic defects on the sex chromosomes (X or Y), a compromised immune system, comorbidities, lifestyle factors and chemical pollutants capable of compromising telomeric integrity,“ he wrote.</p>



<p>“Given the complexity of these factors, we might ask whether they are acting independently, or do they reflect the existence of some fundamental pathological process that cuts across all of these epidemiological <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-life-begins-egg-sperm-and-a-covert-team-of-proteins/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pathways</a>?”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oxidative-stress-and-longevity">Oxidative stress and longevity</h2>



<p>Professor Aitken suggested oxidative stress as a possible factor. This condition results from an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body. Oxidative stress damages cells, impacts semen quality, and plays a role in aging.</p>



<p>“Any factor (genetic, immunological, metabolic, environmental or lifestyle) that enhances overall levels of oxidative stress, could reasonably be expected to drive changes in the semen profile and subsequent patterns of mortality, as observed by Priskorn et al.,” wrote Professor Aitken.</p>



<p>”Furthermore, an aetiology grounded in oxidative stress might also explain the relationships observed between complications of pregnancy (preeclampsia, gestational hypertension and gestational diabetes) and female mortality later in life."</p>



<p>”An overarching oxidative stress hypothesis also accords with the observation that circulating antioxidant levels are generally higher in women than men, just as their telomeres are usually longer. </p>



<p>”So perhaps, for both genders, the secret to achieving both high fecundity and heathy ageing, is to monitor oxidative stress and adopt measures to maintain a balanced redox state. Could it be that simple? Clearly, much food for thought.”</p>



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



<p>The study raises important questions about fertility and long-term health. Researchers plan to investigate specific causes of early death among men with poor semen quality. They will also look for biomarkers that could predict future health risks.</p>



<p>These findings highlight the potential of fertility assessments in the early detection of health issues. Ultimately, understanding the implications of semen quality could lead to better preventive healthcare strategies for men.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://academic.oup.com/humrep/advance-article/doi/10.1093/humrep/deaf023/8051460" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Human Reproduction</a>.</em></p>



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Poor semen quality signifies more than just fertility problems

Health is often assessed through physical fitness, diet, and medical...

<p>Infections often conjure images of bacteria or viruses, but certain fungi can also take their toll on us. They can hide in unsuspecting corners of the environment and interact with living organisms in ways that raise many questions.</p>



<p>One particular fungus, <em>Beauveria bassiana</em>, has captured attention because of its interactions with insects. </p>



<p>Its spores settle on an insect and then germinate and penetrate through the cuticle. The insect dies within days and forms the substrate for a white fungal mold that grows and flourishes.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/staff/profiles/biosciences/hidalgo-alicia" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Prof. Alicia Hidalgo</a>, from the University of Birmingham, directed a recent investigation into infections in insects by this devastating fungus.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-immune-responses-to-brain-fungus">Immune responses to brain fungus</h2>



<p>Fruit flies became the chosen subjects for this study because their immune system shares some features with that of more complex creatures. </p>



<p>Researchers often turn to these small insects when exploring disease processes in a simple model.</p>



<p>The researchers analyzed the effect of the fungus on the brains of flies and found that flies infected with <em>B. bassiana</em> suffered a reduction in the number of brain cells. </p>



<p>They identified that the fly's own immune system was "tricked" by the invading fungus to start destroying brain cells.</p>



<p>In flies, Toll receptors are agents of the immune system. When infected with the fungus, the Toll-1 receptors in the flies triggered the release of antimicrobial peptides that attack and kill pathogens. </p>



<p>However, the fungus also provoked the Toll-1 receptors to produce another molecule, called Sarm, that suppresses the immune response and destroys brain cells instead.</p>



<p>“We have shown a process for how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-and-fungi-communicate-using-a-silent-language/">fungi</a> have evolved to trick the immune system to get into the brain,” said Prof. Hidalgo. Her findings suggest that a normal line of defense can accidentally turn against the very organ it’s meant to protect.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sarm-s-link-to-neurodegeneration">Sarm's link to neurodegeneration</h2>



<p>When the immune system tries to confront this fungus, the <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2738257/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sarm</a> molecules step up their activity; they have the potential to sabotage defenses by encouraging cell damage in the brain.</p>



<p>“The key antagonist in the immune process is Sarm<em>,&nbsp;</em>a so-called master of destruction, that is causing cell death in the brain. The ability of&nbsp;<em>B. bassiana&nbsp;</em>to trick the fruit fly immune system into activating the master of destruction Sarm and kill<em>&nbsp;</em>cells enables spores to beat the blood-brain barrier and start feeding on brain cells,” commented Hidalgo.</p>



<p>The process, known as neurodegeneration, describes the gradual breakdown of nerve cells. If immune signals become confused, the result might be nerve destruction in the brain.</p>



<p>Experts note that this fungus, though hazardous to insects, is widely used for insect management in agriculture. It is developed into a type of pesticide and used to kills certain insects. </p>



<p>The findings offer a curious look at how a single microbe might manipulate host biology for its own benefit.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-does-this-fungus-mean-for-humans">What does this fungus mean for humans?</h2>



<p>“It is important to stress that <em>B. bassiana</em> cannot affect humans,” explained <a href="https://web-cdn.bsky.app/profile/did:plc:d6rwoejbzaavw4wcxlydd6un" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Deepanshu Singh</a>, now a post-doc at the University of Manchester. The fungus targets insects, but it stays clear of mammals.</p>



<p>Still, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fungi-can-think-and-make-smart-decisions-without-a-brain/">other fungi</a> are known to reach the human brain under certain conditions. These discoveries hint that parallel strategies might pop up in different species, especially when fungal organisms are trying to survive inside a host.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-broader-perspective-on-fungal-threats">A broader perspective on fungal threats</h2>



<p>Some scientists believe that future work could explore whether similar immune system misdirection happens in other animals. </p>



<p>Understanding how these pathogens find loopholes in the immune system may help researchers develop new interventions.</p>



<p>Fungal infections often get less attention than bacterial or viral illnesses, yet they can still pose serious threats. </p>



<p>The possibility that a fungus might slip into the human central nervous system and confuse its defenses encourages further research.</p>



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



<p>The discovery that a fungal infection can manipulate immune responses to attack brain cells raises questions about similar mechanisms in humans. </p>



<p>Some neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, involve <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-tiny-bacteria-outsmart-the-human-immune-system/">immune system</a> dysfunction and excessive inflammation in the brain.</p>



<p>If certain pathogens can trigger destructive immune pathways, this could offer new insights into how inflammation contributes to neurodegeneration. </p>



<p>Researchers may investigate whether similar immune evasion tactics occur in human infections, potentially linking fungal exposure to long-term neurological effects.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-possible-next-steps-in-fungal-research">Possible next steps in fungal research</h2>



<p>Scientists hope to identify molecules that can protect nerve cells when the immune system is tricked. Pinpointing the exact signals could spark novel medical approaches for people at risk of certain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/orchid-parents-nurture-seedlings-through-fungal-networks/">fungal</a> infections.</p>



<p>Research also continues on ways to control fungal spread in agricultural settings without harming beneficial insects. </p>



<p><em>B. bassiana</em> remains a useful tool for pest management, though its tactics highlight the complexity of the microbe-host relationship.</p>



<p>The study is published in <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.3003020" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>PLOS Biology</em></a>.</p>



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Brain-eating fungus causes the immune system to attack neurons

Infections often conjure images of bacteria or viruses, but certain...

<p>Honeybees have been indispensable to agriculture for centuries. Their role in pollination supports food production, contributing to the growth of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and coffee. Without bees and proper hive health, many crops would struggle, leading to food shortages.</p>



<p>But bee populations are shrinking due to bad weather, chemicals, and pests. This harms nature and makes life harder for beekeepers who need healthy <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-honey-bee-day-protecting-our-vital-pollinators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bees</a> for honey and farming.</p>



<p>Beekeepers face increasing challenges in maintaining hive health. External stressors disrupt colonies, making it difficult for bees to survive. </p>



<p>Traditional methods of monitoring hive conditions rely on experience and judgment. While valuable, these methods are not always precise. Scientists and engineers have now introduced a data-driven approach to help beekeepers make informed decisions and prevent colony collapse.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-beehive-thermoregulation">Understanding beehive thermoregulation</h2>



<p>Bee colonies regulate their internal temperature to stay between 33 and 36 degrees Celsius, or 91 to 97 degrees Fahrenheit. This thermoregulation is vital for the survival of the hive. </p>



<p>When temperatures drop, bees cluster together to generate warmth. In hot conditions, they fan their wings to cool the hive. This natural ability allows them to protect their brood and maintain an optimal environment for their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/major-cause-of-honeybee-mortality-can-be-easily-reduced/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">colony</a>.</p>



<p>However, when external stressors like pesticides, habitat loss, or sudden weather changes affect the hive, bees struggle to maintain their internal climate. If they fail, the colony becomes vulnerable to diseases, reduced reproduction, and, ultimately, collapse. </p>



<p>Beekeepers intervene when necessary, but current monitoring techniques do not always detect early warning signs of trouble. Scientists recognized this gap and developed an advanced tool to assist beekeepers in safeguarding their hives.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smart-system-to-track-hive-health">Smart system to track hive health</h2>



<p>A research team from Carnegie Mellon University’s <a href="https://www.cs.cmu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">School of Computer Science</a> and the <a href="https://www.ucr.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California</a>, Riverside has developed a system to monitor hive health more accurately.</p>



<p>This tool, called the Electronic Bee-Veterinarian (EBV), uses heat sensors and predictive modeling to track changes in hive temperature and identify early signs of stress.</p>



<p>The EBV system includes two sensors - one inside the hive and one outside. These sensors collect real-time temperature data, which is then fed into a model that calculates a hive health factor.</p>



<p>This single numerical value provides beekeepers with a quick understanding of their colony’s condition. If the health factor remains close to one, the hive is functioning normally. If it drops significantly, beekeepers receive an early warning that intervention is needed.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-data-driven-approach-to-hive-health">Data-driven approach to hive health </h2>



<p>The research team applied physics and engineering principles to design an effective health monitoring system. Christos Faloutsos,  a professor of computer science at Carnegie Mellon, explained the approach used to create the hive health forecasting model.</p>



<p>"We derived equations based on the first principles of thermal diffusion, heat transfer and control theory," said Professor Faloutsos.</p>



<p>"We put these equations together and then compressed all the historical data into one number, the hive health factor. If the health factor is close to one, the bees are healthy and thermoregulating."</p>



<p>"If it is much lower than one, it means the beehive isn't healthy and might need an intervention. Once we have this health factor computed every day, we can do standard forecasting and the beekeeper can take further action."</p>



<p>This data-driven approach simplifies decision-making for beekeepers. Instead of relying solely on visual inspections or experience, they can use precise, real-time data to assess hive health and respond to problems before they escalate.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-designing-a-tool-for-beekeepers">Designing a tool for beekeepers</h2>



<p>One of the key goals of the EBV project was to ensure that the system was easy to use. </p>



<p>Many beekeepers do not have technical expertise in data analysis, so researchers condensed the data into a single hive health factor. This simplification allows any beekeeper, regardless of experience, to interpret the results quickly.</p>



<p>Jeremy Lee, a doctoral student at Carnegie Mellon who worked on the project, emphasized the importance of collaboration between different fields in making this system successful. </p>



<p>The team included researchers from computer science, electrical engineering, and entomology. Their combined knowledge helped create a practical and effective solution for beekeepers.</p>



<p>"This is something I'm very interested in - using our expertise from computer science and working with other domain experts to make an impact in another area," Lee said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-computer-science-in-agriculture">Computer science in agriculture</h2>



<p>Lee has worked on other projects that use computational techniques to solve real-world challenges. </p>



<p>Along with Professor Faloutsos and other researchers from Carnegie Mellon and McGill University, Lee applied data science to criminology by helping experts detect human trafficking networks. His ability to bridge different fields has made a tangible impact in both law enforcement and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honeybees-use-creative-dance-moves-to-help-others-find-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental science</a>.</p>



<p>The EBV system represents a growing trend where computer science and artificial intelligence contribute to agriculture and environmental sustainability. </p>



<p>With forecasting and automation, technology helps beekeepers keep hives stable and prevent losses. The next step is to improve the system even more.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-hive-climate-control">Future of hive climate control</h2>



<p>With additional funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the research team is working on automating hive climate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honey-bee-colonies-are-collapsing-as-climate-change-progresses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">control</a>. </p>



<p>If successful, the EBV system will not only detect health issues but also take corrective actions automatically. This could involve adjusting hive temperature to counteract environmental stress or implementing early interventions to protect bees from disease outbreaks.</p>



<p>With automated climate control, beekeepers can do less manual work while keeping hives healthy and producing more honey. This technology could also help large beekeeping farms manage many hives more easily.</p>



<p>The decline of honeybee populations remains a serious concern, but innovations like the EBV system offer hope. By combining scientific expertise with real-world applications, researchers have created a tool that could change how beekeepers manage their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honey-bees-face-a-multitude-of-complex-stressors-in-the-field/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">colonies</a>.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3719014" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACM Transactions on Knowledge Discovery from Data</a>.</em></p>



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Smart sensors help beekeepers monitor hive health

Honeybees have been indispensable to agriculture for centuries. Their role...

<p>A country like Australia, with its wildlife-rich forests, is a treasure trove of interesting species. Standing out among them is the superb lyrebird. This bird's distinct tail and mimicry skills have always fascinated scientists and nature enthusiasts.</p>



<p>However, recent research has uncovered a previously unseen aspect of the bird's behavior, shedding light on how it stands apart from other species. </p>



<p>The lyrebird does more than just imitate sounds. It farms to keep a steady food supply which helps maintain the balance of its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-are-still-fighting-climate-change-against-all-odds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitat</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-birds-that-optimize-their-food-supply">Birds that optimize their food supply</h2>



<p>For years, scientists have studied the foraging habits of lyrebirds, but only recently did they realize the true extent of their influence on their habitat. Researchers from <a href="https://www.latrobe.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">La Trobe University</a> observed these birds arranging leaf litter and soil in ways that create microhabitats, perfect for the growth of their prey.</p>



<p>Instead of simply hunting for food, lyrebirds manipulate the forest floor to encourage worms, centipedes, and spiders to flourish. By creating the right conditions, they ensure that their prey grows larger and becomes more abundant, allowing them to return later for an easy meal.</p>



<p>This type of farming is rarely seen in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-rich-tree-diversity-adapt-better-changing-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nature</a>, making the lyrebird a unique case among birds. The research findings suggest that the bird does not just survive in its environment but actively modifies it to its advantage.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lyrebird-s-impact-on-forest-ecosystems">Lyrebird’s impact on forest ecosystems</h2>



<p>To better understand how these birds shape their surroundings, the researchers set up controlled experiments. They fenced off small areas in the forest to prevent lyrebirds from entering. Some of these areas were left untouched, while others were raked to simulate the bird’s natural foraging behavior.</p>



<p>The results were striking. In the raked areas, there was a noticeable increase in the variety and size of invertebrates compared to the untouched zones. This confirmed that the birds’ actions directly influenced the availability of food in their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planting-too-many-trees-could-spoil-the-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitat</a>.</p>



<p>Lead researcher Alex Maisey explained the significance of these findings. "Lyrebirds set up the perfect home for their prey, creating conditions with more food resources and effectively fattening them up before eating them."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-key-player-in-australia-s-forests">A key player in Australia’s forests</h2>



<p>The superb lyrebird is primarily found in the moist eucalypt forests of south-eastern Australia. These birds do more than just modify the ground for their own benefit - they shape entire ecosystems.</p>



<p>By constantly disturbing the forest floor, lyrebirds influence which plants and animals can thrive in their habitat. Their foraging behavior creates a dynamic environment where nutrients are redistributed, allowing different species to grow in areas they might not otherwise survive.</p>



<p>This activity helps maintain biodiversity by preventing the forest floor from becoming too compacted or overgrown. The birds ensure that organic material continues to break down, enriching the soil and supporting a diverse range of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/asian-forests-proving-resilient-both-climate-change-human-actions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life forms</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lyrebirds-help-control-bushfires">Lyrebirds help control bushfires</h2>



<p>One of the most surprising benefits of the lyrebird’s digging behavior is its role in fire prevention. Bushfires are a natural part of Australia’s landscape, but their frequency and intensity have increased due to climate change. Lyrebirds may provide an unexpected solution to this growing problem.</p>



<p>By moving massive amounts of leaf litter and soil, these birds help bury potential fuel sources, reducing the risk of intense fires. The researchers found that lyrebirds can shift an average of 155 tonnes of material per hectare as they farm for invertebrates.</p>



<p>"Lyrebirds are widespread and active across millions of hectares of forest. Their farming actions play an important role in maintaining forest biodiversity," said Dr. Maisey.</p>



<p>This means that in addition to securing their own food, lyrebirds contribute to the overall health and safety of the forests they inhabit.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lyrebirds-take-care-of-their-environment">Lyrebirds take care of their environment </h2>



<p>For a long time, the superb lyrebird has amazed people with its ability to copy sounds. It can mimic anything from chainsaws to camera shutters, making it one of the best sound imitators in the animal world. This talent has made it famous worldwide.</p>



<p>But scientists have now discovered something even more impressive about these birds. Lyrebirds are not just great at mimicking - they also help take care of their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/single-degree-temperature-warming-boreal-forests-wreak-havoc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environment</a>.</p>



<p>By digging up the ground and moving leaves, they create better homes for the insects and worms they eat. This keeps nature in balance and helps different plants and animals survive.</p>



<p>Even more surprising, their digging helps stop dangerous wildfires. By burying dry leaves and branches, they reduce the fuel that fires need to spread. This means lyrebirds play a key role in protecting forests.</p>



<p>Scientists are still learning more about these birds, and future research might reveal even more ways they help the environment. One thing is certain: the superb lyrebird is more than just a great imitator - it’s a nature-made engineer that keeps forests healthy.</p>



<p>The study is published in the <em><a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1365-2656.70009" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Animal Ecology</a>. </em></p>



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Lyrebirds farm their own food - and shape entire forests

A country like Australia, with its wildlife-rich forests, is a...

<p>The world has faced multiple pandemics, with COVID-19 being the most recent reminder of how quickly diseases can spread. Traditional methods of controlling outbreaks, such as lockdowns, mass testing, and travel restrictions, often come at a high cost to society. However, advances in technology like smartwatches may offer a better solution.</p>



<p>Already used for fitness tracking and health monitoring, smartwatches have shown remarkable accuracy in detecting infections before symptoms appear.</p>



<p>A new study from Aalto University, <a href="https://www.stanford.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford University</a>, and <a href="https://www.tamu.edu/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Texas A&amp;M</a> suggests that wearable technology could change how we <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/preparing-for-the-next-pandemic-lessons-about-viral-transmission/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">manage diseases</a>.</p>



<p>The research highlights how smartwatches can help reduce transmission by alerting individuals before they even feel sick. This smartwatch-based approach could provide a practical and cost-effective way to slow down or even stop pandemics before they escalate.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smartwatches-detect-illness-early">Smartwatches detect illness early</h2>



<p>Many infectious diseases, including COVID-19 and influenza, are most contagious before noticeable symptoms develop. </p>



<p>Research has shown that 44 percent of COVID-19 infections were transmitted before the infected person realized they were sick. This makes early detection essential in preventing further spread.</p>



<p>Wearable devices monitor physiological changes such as heart rate, respiration, and skin temperature. These indicators can reveal an infection days before a person experiences symptoms. </p>



<p>Everyday smartwatches have demonstrated 88 percent accuracy in detecting COVID-19 and 90 percent accuracy for the flu. The ability to identify infections at such an early stage offers a new way to curb <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/staying-home-is-the-new-going-out-after-the-pandemic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">disease transmission</a>.</p>



<p>“Unlike during the pandemic, we now have concrete data on how pandemics develop, and how effective different measures are at curbing the spread,“ noted Märt Vesinurm from <a href="https://www.aalto.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aalto University</a>.</p>



<p>“Add to this that wearable technology is now extremely effective when it comes to detecting the very early physiological signs of infection, and we are much better prepared.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-warnings-reduce-disease-spread">Early warnings reduce disease spread</h2>



<p>People naturally change their behavior once they realize they are sick. Studies show that individuals reduce social contact by 66 to 90 percent from the moment they become aware of their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/playful-people-handled-pandemic-stress-better-than-others/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">illness</a>. </p>



<p>However, by the time symptoms appear, they may have already infected others. This is where smartwatches could play a crucial role.</p>



<p>“Even at the lower end of compliance, if people receive and act on an earlier warning by self-isolating, the impact is significant,<em>"</em> explained Vesinurm.</p>



<p>“Even just a 66-75 percent reduction in social contacts soon after detection by smartwatches - keeping in mind that that’s on a par with what you’d normally do if you had cold symptoms - can lead to a 40-65 percent decrease in disease transmission compared to someone isolating from the onset of symptoms.”</p>



<p>This research suggests that if compliance levels were even higher, such as during a pandemic, smartwatches could effectively stop an outbreak.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-can-smartwatches-prevent-a-pandemic">Can smartwatches prevent a pandemic?</h2>



<p>One of the biggest concerns in public health today is the potential emergence of new, highly contagious diseases. </p>



<p>The spread of avian flu (H5N1) and other infectious diseases remains a serious risk. If smartwatches can detect infections early, could they help prevent the next <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-makes-a-virus-capable-of-causing-a-pandemic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global pandemic</a>? "I see no reason why not,“ said Vesinurm.</p>



<p>“As we gather more specific data about how different illnesses affect these measurements, there’s no reason we couldn’t distinguish between diseases, from bird flu and HIV to the common cold, especially when used in conjunction with advanced machine learning methods and other data from the user.”</p>



<p>Machine learning algorithms combined with smartwatch data could help identify different infections more precisely. </p>



<p>Over time, researchers could fine-tune these models to differentiate between various illnesses based on physiological responses. This could lead to even more accurate and personalized health alerts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smarter-approach-to-public-health-policy">Smarter approach to public health policy</h2>



<p>The team behind this research is the first to combine real-world data from multiple epidemiological, biological, and behavioral studies into a mathematical model. This model examines how infections spread and how smartwatches could alter the course of a pandemic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pandemic-puppy-owners-report-challenges-but-remain-committed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">outbreak</a>.</p>



<p>Vesinurm envisions a future where wearable devices play a key role in pandemic response strategies. If smartwatches become widely adopted, they could reduce the need for large-scale lockdowns and mandatory testing. </p>



<p>Instead, early warnings from wearable devices could encourage targeted actions, minimizing disruptions to daily life.</p>



<p>“People are used to wearable devices and they’re likely to trust them. While they’re not yet diagnostic, they could help make unpopular approaches like masks, lockdowns and invasive testing more targeted and less of a blunt instrument,” said Vesinum.</p>



<p>Receiving a smartwatch alert could prompt users to take simple steps like getting a PCR test, avoiding travel, or staying away from high-risk individuals.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smartwatches-for-pandemic-management">Smartwatches for pandemic management </h2>



<p>The idea of using smartwatches for pandemic management raises important ethical questions. If governments recognize their effectiveness, they may consider providing smartwatches to citizens during health crises. </p>



<p>This could ensure that more people receive early warnings, but it also introduces concerns about data privacy and personal freedom.</p>



<p>“It could be that governments find it most cost effective in a pandemic situation to provide every person who wants one with a smartwatch - although of course, this comes with its own ethical considerations,” said Vesinurm.</p>



<p>Despite these concerns, the potential benefits of smartwatches in disease prevention are undeniable. Early detection at the individual level could lead to better public health outcomes and significantly reduce the impact of future pandemics.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-wearable-health-monitoring">Future of wearable health monitoring</h2>



<p>As technology continues to improve, smartwatches may become an even more powerful tool for disease detection. Researchers are working to refine algorithms, increase accuracy, and expand the range of illnesses that can be detected through wearable devices.</p>



<p>With such a simple approach to early detection, the way we manage disease outbreaks may soon change. Instead of relying on large-scale interventions, individuals could take proactive steps to protect themselves and their communities.</p>



<p>The findings from this study offer a glimpse into a future where a smartwatch helps us stay ahead of pandemics rather than reacting to them after they begin.</p>



<p>“Either way, with early detection literally at our fingertips, I see a lot of reason to hope,” concluded Vesinurm.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/article/4/3/pgaf044/8046445" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PNAS Nexus</a>.</em></p>



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Smartwatches could help prevent the next pandemic

The world has faced multiple pandemics, with COVID-19 being the...

<p>An outbreak of infections caused by the bacterium <em>Listeria monocytogenes</em> in the U.S. has rattled consumers who enjoy frozen supplemental shakes. So far, cases have spanned 21 states since 2018, with 38 <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/shakes-022025/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a> infections and 12 lives lost.</p>



<p>Authorities discovered the source in a facility run by Prairie Farms Dairy in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The Food and Drug Administration <a href="https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-listeria-monocytogenes-frozen-supplemental-shakes-february-2025" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(FDA)</a> says environmental samples from the plant matched the outbreak strain, prompting a recall of specific frozen shakes that were linked to illness.</p>



<p><a href="https://sciprofiles.com/profile/3250980?utm_source=mdpi.com&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=avatar_name" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Olga María Bonilla-Luque</a>, a researcher at the University of Córdoba in Spain, has previously examined ways to control contamination in dairy products. Her work highlights how swift detection and proper handling can make a huge difference in preventing harm.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-listeria-outbreak">Understanding the Listeria outbreak</h2>



<p>Federal officials saw an unusual number of infections reported among people in long-term care facilities and hospitals. </p>



<p>The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (<a href="https://www.cdc.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDC</a>) began looking at several clusters and found that many sick individuals had consumed shakes that were produced by Prairie Farms.</p>



<p>Investigators used whole genome sequencing to show that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-strain-identified-that-can-eat-forever-chemicals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacteria</a> collected from patient samples closely matched those found in the Indiana facility. This connection helped confirm the shakes as a common source of infection.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recalled-prairie-farms-frozen-milkshakes">Recalled Prairie Farms frozen milkshakes</h2>



<p>Four-ounce frozen shakes with best-by dates ranging from February 21, 2025, through February 21, 2026, were withdrawn from the market on February 22, 2025. </p>



<p>They came in vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and strawberry banana flavors, and had been distributed mostly to nursing homes under the Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial labels.</p>



<p>The manufacturer suggests that anyone possessing these items should “quarantine” them. This advice was provided by Lyons Magnus at the time of recall.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-who-is-at-risk-of-developing-listeriosis">Who is at risk of developing listeriosis? </h2>



<p>Affected patients are mostly older adults or people who had already suffered from health complications. A fraction of those who fell ill required soft diets due to difficulties chewing or swallowing. </p>



<p>Certain individuals in these groups face a greater likelihood of severe <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/non-alcoholic-beer-can-be-a-hotbed-for-pathogens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">infection</a> if they consume foods tainted with Listeria.</p>



<p>This bacterium can also pose a risk to pregnant women, as it may lead to miscarriage or stillbirth. Beyond that, symptoms such as fever and stomach distress can occur in otherwise healthy people, but they usually recover without lasting effects.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-most-cases-occurred-in-care-facilities">Most cases occurred in care facilities</h2>



<p>Investigators note that many of the outbreak cases happened in 2024 and 2025. </p>



<p>Officials have confirmed that the recalled shakes were in use in several long-term care sites where the vast majority of those affected lived.</p>



<p>Public health agencies advise close monitoring for new cases. Some people avoid medical care if symptoms seem mild. That can cause undercounting, since they never test for Listeria. Another complication is the weeks-long gap before any laboratory links can be made.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-look-at-listeria-prevention">A look at Listeria prevention</h2>



<p>Experts emphasize thorough food safety checks in facilities that cater to vulnerable populations. </p>



<p>Dr. Bonilla-Luque’s dynamic modeling research on goat milk cheeses suggests that even small lapses in temperature control or poor sanitation can enable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/23-new-marine-bacteria-species-discovered-that-influence-global-ocean-cycles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacterial</a> growth in dairy products.</p>



<p>Routine cleaning of production lines and timely inspections can help eliminate cross-contamination points. Regulators recommend consistent staff training, hazard analysis, and updated recall plans so that foods flagged as risky are swiftly removed from circulation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-consumers-from-listeria">Protecting consumers from Listeria</h2>



<p>Once an outbreak is identified, authorities typically issue guidelines for affected institutions. Early detection and recall announcements limit further exposure. Officials also rely on consumer awareness to keep dangerous products out of circulation.</p>



<p>The CDC encourages prompt testing if someone develops persistent fever and other signs of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soil-plays-an-overlooked-role-in-antibiotic-resistance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Listeria infection</a>. </p>



<p>At-risk groups include those with weakened immune systems, older adults, and pregnant women.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-term-lessons-from-the-listeria-outbreak">Long-term lessons from the Listeria outbreak</h2>



<p>This outbreak highlights the importance of collaboration among federal, state, and local health departments. Swift intervention is often the deciding factor in limiting how many people end up hospitalized.</p>



<p>Producers have reinforced their quality checks in recent years to avoid large-scale incidents. Unfortunately, persistent pathogens thrive in hidden corners, so repeated testing at every stage of food production is necessary.</p>



<p>The study is published in <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0956713525000635" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Food Control</em></a>.</p>



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



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

Deadly Listeria outbreak linked to frozen dairy shakes

An outbreak of infections caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes...

<p>We show our emotions using our facial expressions as well as our body language. The way your body shakes with laughter during a comedy routine versus the restrained movements of a heartfelt reunion with a dear friend - both express joy, yet in profoundly different ways.</p>



<p>Understanding these subtly different layers of physical expression was the focus of a recent research project. </p>



<p>The uniqueness of the study was not just its shift from facial expressions to body movements. The researchers also considered the cultural aspects of body language.</p>



<p>How do we account for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/experts-find-cultural-differences-in-how-we-interpret-rhythm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cultural diversity</a> in body language? What does happiness look like for someone born and raised in Japan?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-charting-emotions-in-motion">Charting emotions in motion</h2>



<p>Building on previous research that primarily focused on Western populations and simple, repetitive actions, this study takes a significant step forward. </p>



<p>In a collaborative effort, scientists from the <a href="https://www.riec.tohoku.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Research Institute</a> of Electrical Communication at Tohoku University (Japan) and National Chung Cheng University (Taiwan) joined forces to address these challenges.</p>



<p>The researchers' quest led them to a motion capture lab where six professional performers expressed a range of emotions by simply moving their bodies.</p>



<p>Notably, the study focused on the emotional expression of Japanese people - a demographic largely overlooked in past studies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emotions-conveyed-through-body-language">Emotions conveyed through body language </h2>



<p>The researchers asked the performers to recall personal emotional experiences that made them feel everything from joy to anger, sadness, surprise, fear, disgust, and contempt. </p>



<p>Their movements captured by high-tech motion capture technology were later transformed into simple, stick figure-like animations.</p>



<p>The team also explored imitation learning. This technique involves a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/robots-can-now-learn-to-accomplish-any-task-by-watching-videos-or-observing-people/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">robot learning</a> by mimicking the movements of a human who is performing a task. Despite its effectiveness in stable environments, imitation learning falters in new or unfamiliar situations.</p>



<p>Professor Mitsuhiro Hayashibe of the Graduate School of Engineering at Tohoku University provided a solution to this dilemma. </p>



<p>The researchers merged imitation learning with another approach. Instead of applying deep learning to the Central Pattern Generators (CPGs), they applied it to a reflex neural network that supports the CPGs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoding-the-body-language">Decoding the body language </h2>



<p>The study participants watched the animations and interpreted the expressed emotions. Surprisingly, their accuracy matched those found in earlier studies that used simpler action databases.</p>



<p>Of the various emotions displayed, the participants found <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/want-to-control-anger-write-your-feelings-down-and-destroy-them/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">anger</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-discover-a-new-way-to-suppress-fear/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fear</a> the easiest to decode, while contempt and disgust were considered challenging.</p>



<p>Dr. Miao Cheng, an assistant professor at Tohoku University, praised the study. He described it as a vital step forward in creating a diverse, Asian-centric dataset to bolster further research on emotional communication.</p>



<p>"We are extremely fortunate to have the support of a local musical company based in Sendai, SCS musical company, to fully support this endeavor from the moment performers were recruited and throughout their performances," noted Dr. Chia-huei Tseng, an associate professor at Tohoku University.</p>



<p>"Without the professional help provided by Mr. Jun Hirose and Mr. Kazumasa Fujita from SCS musical company, it would have been very difficult to bridge art and science properly in this study." </p>



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



<p>The researchers hope future studies will use this database to provide fresh insights into cultural variations in nonverbal communication. This kind of understanding could prove invaluable in developing tech communication tools that promote cross-cultural understanding. </p>



<p>Industries employing motion capture techniques might also benefit from this research, including those in the fields of gaming, film, animation, and virtual reality.</p>



<p>Additionally, the research paves the way for advances in mental health diagnostics. The way individuals move when experiencing different emotions might offer subtle cues about their psychological state, potentially aiding in early detection of conditions such as anxiety or depression.</p>



<p>By incorporating motion-based emotional assessment into therapeutic practices, psychologists and neuroscientists could gain an additional layer of insight into a patient’s well-being.</p>



<p>Finally, the study highlights the importance of expanding the scope of psychological and neuroscientific research beyond Western perspectives. </p>



<p>Much of the existing literature on body language and emotional expression is based on Western subjects, leading to potential biases in how we interpret emotions globally. </p>



<p>By emphasizing culturally diverse datasets, the study contributes to a more comprehensive and inclusive understanding of human emotion, and paves the way for richer cross-cultural research.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.3758/s13428-024-02558-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Behavior Research Methods</a></em>.</p>



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



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

Body language expresses emotions across cultures

We show our emotions using our facial expressions as well...

<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>



<p>—–</p>



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<p>—–</p>

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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<p>—–</p>

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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<p>—–</p>

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>



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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>



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>

Social modeling affects our food choices

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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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>



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Retired professor claims he solved time travel

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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



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



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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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