For years, bacteria dominated gut health research. Now, the gut virome is gaining attention as a major player in health and disease. Bacteriophages, which are viruses that infect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-think-they-found-two-key-bacteria-that-cause-multiple-sclerosis/">bacteria</a>, make up around 90% of the gut virome.



Though small in biomass, they outnumber bacteria by up to tenfold. These tiny viruses shape microbial communities, influence immunity, and affect gut health.



A landmark review published recently in Precision Clinical Medicine reveals how the gut virome links to diseases like inflammatory bowel disease (<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/inflammatory-bowel-disease/about/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IBD</a>), <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/colonoscopy-vs-stool-tests-doctors-found-out-which-is-better-at-detecting-cancer/">colorectal cancer</a>, and Clostridium difficile infection (<a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15548-c-diff-infection" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDI</a>).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gut-s-virome-changes-across-life-stages">Gut's virome changes across life stages</h2>



The gut virome changes constantly throughout life. Infants show high <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-that-eat-forever-chemicals-discovered-in-contaminated-soil/">diversity</a> in gut bacteriophages (also called phages), which is shaped by birth method, diet, and antibiotic exposure.



As individuals grow, diet and hormones refine the virome. In adults, phages and bacteria form a stable, <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41579-021-00536-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">balanced community</a>.



However, aging shifts this balance. Older adults show more lysogenic phages, which integrate into bacterial genomes and potentially alter metabolism and immune interactions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diet-and-environment-shape-the-virome">Diet and environment shape the virome</h2>



Diet greatly <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9455721/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">influences</a> the virome. High-fiber diets support beneficial phages by encouraging helpful bacteria. Western diets, rich in fat and sugar, promote harmful <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-bacteria-breathe-by-creating-electricity/">phages</a>.



Urbanization reduces exposure to natural viruses. Studies show that rural diets which are rich in fiber boost gut virome diversity.



Host genetics and immunity also play roles. Genetic variants can affect viral detection and clearance. Immune defenses, like <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/interferons" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">interferons</a> and <a href="https://www.immunology.org/public-information/bitesized-immunology/receptors-molecules/immunoglobulin-iga" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IgA</a>, keep the virome balanced.



However, immune dysfunction can trigger viral imbalances, worsening conditions like HIV and gut inflammation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-viruses-and-bacteria-interacting">Viruses and bacteria interacting</h2>



Viruses, including phages, along with bacteria and fungi form a complex and dynamic ecosystem in the gut. The components interact in positive and negative ways, thus affecting host metabolism, immune regulation and resistance to disease. 



The gut virome plays a crucial regulatory role in these intricate interactions. Phages interact with bacteria through lytic, lysogenic, and budding cycles, which regulate bacterial populations and gene flow. 



In a form of microbial arms race, the bacteria defend against phages using <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crispr-used-to-remove-extra-chromosomes-in-down-syndrome-and-restore-cell-function/">CRISPR systems</a> and the phages evolve escape mechanisms.



Some phages even boost bacterial metabolism and biofilm formation, affecting disease risk. For instance, phages can transfer genes that enhance bacterial survival in acidic conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-virome-s-influence-on-immunity">Virome’s influence on immunity</h2>



The virome affects gut immunity deeply. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/when-bacteria-get-hungry-they-turn-on-each-other/">Phages</a> can anchor to gut mucus and form a protective barrier. They also shape our own <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459471/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">T and B cell</a> activity and regulate macrophages. In addition, viruses that infect eukaryotic cells affect immune pathways and maintain gut balance.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/virome_microbiome_human-gut_graphic_credit-PCM_1m.jpg"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/virome_microbiome_human-gut_graphic_credit-PCM_1s.webp" alt="This infographic illustrates four major therapeutic approaches—fecal microbial transplantation (FMT), phage therapy, dietary interventions, and probiotics/prebiotics—that aim to restore gut health by modulating the microbiome and virome. Each strategy offers unique methods, benefits, and challenges in managing gastrointestinal disorders such as IBD, CRC, and CDI, highlighting the growing potential of virome-informed precision medicine. Credit: Precision Clinical Medicine" class="wp-image-1976450"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This infographic illustrates four major therapeutic approaches—fecal microbial transplantation (FMT), phage therapy, dietary interventions, and probiotics/prebiotics—that aim to restore gut health by modulating the microbiome and virome. Each strategy offers unique methods, benefits, and challenges in managing gastrointestinal disorders such as IBD, CRC, and CDI, highlighting the growing potential of virome-informed precision medicine. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Precision Clinical Medicine</figcaption></figure>



However, infections and antibiotics can disrupt this harmony and lead to inflammation. Phages can trigger TLR9 pathways, causing excessive immune responses such as those linked to IBD.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-virome-s-role-in-disease">Virome’s role in disease</h2>



Imbalances in the gut virome have been linked to several gut diseases. In IBD, specific phages become abundant and worsen inflammation.



Certain groups of phages (such as Caudovirales) amplify immune responses, while norovirus and rotavirus can damage the gut lining. Viral imbalances are also common in IBS and CDI.



In colorectal cancer, phages and eukaryotic viruses like HPV and JC virus (polyomavirus) appear more often. They may promote tumor growth by altering bacterial communities and gene expression.



Studies suggest that some phages directly influence cancer risk by promoting biofilms and transferring harmful genes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-virus-based-treatments">Virus-based treatments</h2>



Several therapies now explore the virome’s potential to treat certain diseases or conditions. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) restores gut balance and reduces inflammation in IBD and CDI.



FMT works not only by shifting bacteria but also by transferring beneficial phages. Studies show that donor phages often align quickly with recipients and promote recovery.



Phage therapy, which uses viruses to kill specific bacteria, is another approach that is gaining traction. It can reduce harmful microbes while preserving beneficial ones.



Researchers have created phage cocktails that target specific gut pathogens like E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, and this approach has had promising results in animal models.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diet-as-a-tool-to-reshape-the-virome">Diet as a tool to reshape the virome</h2>



Dietary strategies also reshape the virome. High-fiber diets boost beneficial phages and support bacterial diversity.



Whey protein has shown potential in managing Crohn’s disease by improving phage-bacteria interactions.



Other interventions, such as exclusive enteral nutrition and low-FODMAP diets, also show benefits in gut diseases.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-probiotics-prebiotics-and-phages">Probiotics, prebiotics, and phages</h2>



Probiotics introduce beneficial bacteria, while prebiotics feed them. Combining them, known as symbiotics, shows promise for restoring and maintaining gut health.



Recent research suggests that adding phages can enhance these effects. Phage-based products, such as PreforPro, have already shown benefits in clinical trials.



These products can reduce populations of harmful bacteria and improve probiotic performance, thereby creating a more stable gut environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-using-gut-viruses-to-detect-diseases-early">Using gut viruses to detect diseases early</h2>



The gut virome is now being studied as a diagnostic tool. Viral patterns are more stable than bacterial ones, making them reliable biomarkers.



Distinct virome signatures can predict IBD and colorectal cancer. Machine learning models already use virome data to detect these diseases early.



Virome profiling may also track treatment responses, such as FMT success in IBD and CDI.



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



Despite the excitement over potential new treatments, many hurdles remain. Current methods struggle to capture the full virome due to technical limits.



Many phages are still unculturable, and their roles remain unclear. Researchers are working to improve viral databases and develop targeted therapies. Once these gaps close, virome-based therapies could change how we treat gut diseases.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://academic.oup.com/pcm/article/8/2/pbaf010/8152264" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Precision Clinical Medicine</a>.



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Move over microbiome, it's time for the human gut's "virome" to shine

For years, bacteria dominated gut health research. Now, the gut virome is gaining attention as a major player in health and disease. Bacteriophages, which are viruses that infect bacteria, make up around 90% of the gut virome. Though small in biomass, they outnumber bacteria by up to tenfold. These tiny viruses shape microbial communities, influence immunity, and affect gut health. A landmark review published recently in Precision Clinical Medicine reveals how the gut virome links to diseases like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), colorectal cancer, and Clostridium difficile infection (CDI)....

Satellite,Photo,Of,Ice,Pattern,,Aerial,Top,View,Of,Blue

About 650 million years ago, during the last global ice age, Earth was a giant frozen snowball. As the ocean chemistry started to change and the ice began to melt, Earth's surface transformed into what scientists are calling a "slushy" planet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-last-global-ice-age">Understanding the last global ice age</h2>



During a period of time ranging from 635 million to 650 million years ago, Earth went through an intense global ice age known as "<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/past-snowball-earth-conditions-drove-evolution-complex-multicellular-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Snowball Earth</a>." 



During this time, glaciers covered almost the entire planet, from the poles all the way to the equator. The oceans were capped with thick layers of ice, and the continents were buried under massive ice sheets. 



It was so extreme that if you were looking at Earth from space, it would have looked like a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-complete-record-of-snowball-earth-found-in-rock-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">giant snowball</a>, hence the nickname.



Life back then was pretty simple, mostly microscopic organisms living in the oceans. These tiny life forms had to survive under the ice, where some sunlight could still filter through. 



Volcanic activity continued beneath the icy surface, releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Over <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-was-a-giant-snowball-700-million-years-ago-and-now-scientists-know-why/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tens of millions of years</a>, this buildup of greenhouse gases eventually warmed the planet enough to start melting the ice. 



That's how Earth reached the "slushy" planet phase, which is the topic of this research.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-slushy-earth-and-plumeworld-ocean">Slushy Earth and "plumeworld ocean"</h2>



Thankfully, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-records-shatter-2024-set-to-be-hottest-year-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth</a>, much like its current inhabitants, has a knack for adaptation and survival.



A recently concluded study led by <a href="https://www.vt.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Virginia Tech</a> has given us an icy peek into the past, one that unveils a fascinating era known as the "plumeworld ocean" epoch.



This time slot on our planet's timeline marked a significant moment. Imagine high levels of carbon dioxide acting like an invisible blowtorch, coaxing the frozen Earth into a vast, rapid meltdown. 



“Our results have important implications for understanding how Earth's climate and ocean chemistry changed after the extreme conditions of the last global ice age,” said lead author Tian Gan, a former Virginia Tech postdoctoral researcher. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-before-turning-slushy">Earth before turning slushy</h2>



Let's shift our attention back to the Snowball Earth period of around 635 to 650 million years ago. As mentioned, this was the time when our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-earths-temperature-has-changed-over-500-million-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth was deep-frozen</a>, and polar ice caps started encircling the planet like an icy belt.



This expansion of ice had a reflective effect, bouncing sunlight away from Earth and sending our temperatures on a downward spiral.



“A quarter of the ocean was frozen due to extremely low carbon-dioxide levels,” said co-author <a href="https://news.vt.edu/articles/2024/04/science-nas-xiao-rock-reader.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shuhai Xiao</a>, who recently was inducted into the National Academy of Sciences.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-effect-of-inactivity">Effect of inactivity</h2>



Imagine someone pressing the pause button on the planet. That's pretty much what happened. 



The surface ocean sealed up, and a chain reaction of inactivity followed. First, the water cycle locked up -- no evaporation, not much precipitation.



Without water, a fundamental carbon-dioxide consuming process known as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-caused-marine-mass-extinctions-millions-of-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chemical weathering</a>, which essentially involves rocks eroding and disintegrating, slowed down dramatically. 



The result? <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-carbon-dioxide-travels-in-the-atmosphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Carbon dioxide</a> began to pile up in the atmosphere, turning into a thermal blanket of sorts.



Like a tightly wound spring, pressure built until the high levels of carbon dioxide were enough to shatter this ice age. When that happened, it wasn't just a slow thaw -- it was a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/report-earth-is-headed-for-an-irreversible-climate-disaster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climatic catastrophe</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plumeworld-ocean-epoch">"Plumeworld ocean" epoch</h2>



The Earth took a sudden U-turn and became "slushy". 



As the heat built up, the ice caps began retreating, and our climate started shifting back towards the warmer side. 



And when we say warmer, we're talking about a scorching swing from minus 50 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit (that's minus 45 to 48 degrees Celsius).



The ice didn't gently melt into the sea. Instead, think of it as reverse tsunamis of glacial water charging from land into the sea, creating vast pools over the extra salty, extra dense ocean water.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-do-we-know-this-is-true">How do we know this is true?</h2>



How did the researchers uncover this prehistoric tale of the slushy Earth? The answer lies in a set of carbonate rocks that formed as the global ice age was wrapping up. 



Upon analyzing the relative abundance of lithium isotopes within these rocks, a geochemical signature was found that supported the "plumeworld ocean" theory.



The data showed that the signatures of freshwater were stronger in rocks formed under nearshore meltwater than those formed offshore, deep under the salty sea. 



This finding falls perfectly in line with what our researchers had theorized.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-slushy-earth-s-resilience">Slushy Earth's resilience</h2>



To sum it all up, these findings bring the limits of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-days-getting-longer-rotation-slows-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental change</a> into sharper focus, as Xiao mentions.



They also shed light on the frontiers of biology and the incredible resilience of life under extreme conditions -- be it hot, cold, or slushy.



In the end, probing into Earth's slushy past isn't a mere indulgence in nostalgia. It's a way to understand our present and prepare for our future. 



In understanding how our planet has weathered past climatic earthquakes, we can better equip ourselves to navigate the potentially stormy climate shifts in our future.



Can the lessons from our past guide us towards a more resilient future? Let's hope so.



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Collaborators include Ben Gill, a Virginia Tech associate professor of sedimentary geochemistry; Morrison Nolan, a former graduate student now at <a href="https://denison.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Denison University</a>; and other significant contributors.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2407419121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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"Slushy" Earth: The slightly warmer cousin of the infamous Snowball Earth

About 650 million years ago, during the last global ice...

The flea toad, a tiny marvel smaller than a fingernail, resides deep within the heartlands of the Atlantic Rainforest.



Known for its diminutive size and unique characteristics, this intriguing amphibian has recently gained another member in its genus - a newly discovered species known as Brachycephalus dacnis.



The toad was named in honor of Project Dacnis, an NGO dedicated to conservation, research, and education.



Project Dacnis significantly contributes to the preservation of private regions within the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alarming-number-of-tree-species-threatened-in-the-atlantic-rainforest/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Atlantic Rainforest</a>, including the area where B. dacnis was spotted. This particular area lies within the charming coastal city of Ubatuba in the state of São Paulo.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flea-toad-brachycephalus-dacnis">Flea toad Brachycephalus dacnis</h2>



These small toads are nothing short of exceptional in the world of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/over-40-of-amphibians-face-extinction-due-to-escalating-climate-threats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">amphibians</a>. They possess a unique set of traits that set them apart from their larger counterparts.



"There are small toads with all the characteristics of large toads except for their size. This genus is different," noted study co-author, Luís Felipe Toledo, a professor at the <a href="https://www.ib.unicamp.br/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute of Biology</a>.



"During its evolution, it underwent what we biologists call <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-do-some-animals-evolve-to-become-miniature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">miniaturization</a>, which involves loss, reduction and/or fusion of bones, as well as fewer digits and absence of other parts of their anatomy."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unearthing-diversity-amidst-the-leaves">Unearthing diversity amidst the leaves</h2>



Researchers have always found the genus Brachycephalus fascinating, particularly due to its colorful species and unique venom.



The recent focus, however, is on the puny stature of the flea toads belonging to the seventh species to be described in this genus.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/flea-toad_Brachycephalus-dacnis_smallest_credit-Lucas-Machado-Botelho_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/flea-toad_Brachycephalus-dacnis_smallest_credit-Lucas-Machado-Botelho_1s.webp" alt="New miniature species on researcher's palm. Credit: Lucas Machado Botelho/Projeto Dacnis" class="wp-image-1949690"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">New miniature species on researcher's palm. Credit: Lucas Machado Botelho/Projeto Dacnis</figcaption></figure>



The tiny toadlets of Brachycephalus share a unique quality. They are unable to hear their own vocalizations due to the absence of a tympanic middle ear. 



This intriguing fact was uncovered in a 2017 article by Toledo and his team. The study, focused on pumpkin toadlets, indicated that visual&nbsp;communication&nbsp;has replaced acoustic communication.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brachycephalus-dacnis-as-a-new-species">Brachycephalus dacnis as a new species</h2>



Upon analyzing B. dacnis, the team found that it shares a lot of morphological similarities with another species - B. hermogenesi.



Both have a yellowish-brown skin, share the same habitat in leaf litter, lack a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-tadpole-vision-changes-from-water-to-land/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tadpole</a> stage, and are found in the same region. However, the uniqueness lies in their calls -- they are distinctly different.



DNA testing further confirmed their suspicion and identified B. dacnis as a new species that is found in the same region as B. hermogenesi.



Discussing the likelihood of the existence of B. dacnis among the specimen that aided in describing B. hermogenesi in 1998, Toledo suggested the use of historical DNA sequencing tools to clear up uncertainties.



These tools are crucial in gathering DNA from zoological museum and herbarium specimens.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-need-for-focused-conservation-efforts">Need for focused conservation efforts</h2>



The discovery of B. dacnis reveals the rich and possibly underestimated variety within the world of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brazilian-flea-toad-worlds-smallest-vertebrate-discovered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">miniature frogs</a>.



"The diversity of these miniature frogs may be far greater than we think. Hence the importance of describing as many traits and features as possible, to expedite the description process and get to work on conservation as quickly as possible," Toledo said. 



Advancing our understanding of these tiny amphibians is essential for their preservation and highlights the need for focused conservation efforts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-significance-of-flea-toads">Ecological significance of flea toads</h2>



Flea toads, despite their tiny size, play a significant role within their ecosystem. Their presence in the Atlantic Rainforest highlights the importance of even the smallest creatures in maintaining ecological balance.



As insectivores, these diminutive amphibians help regulate insect populations, including species that may become pests if left unchecked. 



By thriving within the leaf litter, they also contribute to the nutrient cycle, enriching the soil as they forage and interact with other organisms. 



Understanding the ecological contributions of B. dacnis and similar species highlights why conservation efforts are vital - not only to protect the toads themselves but also to preserve the broader environmental health of this rich habitat.



The research received funding and support from FAPESP, a prominent research foundation, as part of the thematic project “From the natural history to the conservation of Brazilian amphibians."



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://peerj.com/articles/18265/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PeerJ</a>.



Image Credit: Lucas Machado Botelho/Projeto Dacnis



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Newly discovered 'flea toad' is the world’s second smallest vertebrate

The flea toad, a tiny marvel smaller than a fingernail,...

Life has a natural rhythm: day and night, sleep and wakefulness, work and play. What if the rhythmic choreography of life is strongly influenced by your gut microbes? 



In an intriguing new study, researchers have identified a solid connection between your gut microbiota and body's stress hormone routines.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gut-bacteria-and-stress-hormones">Gut bacteria and stress hormones</h2>



Researchers from University College Cork and APC Microbiome Ireland have uncovered a fascinating connection between your gut microbes and your body's day-night rhythms. The data reveals that the gut microbiota tunes the body's diurnal (day-night) rhythms in stress hormones.



Depletion of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/balancing-gut-microbes-could-protect-us-from-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gut microbiota</a>, however, throws a spanner in the works. This disrupts the brain's core circadian system and is associated with altered stress hormone rhythms.



Moreover, the research has pinpointed the role of gut microbes in regulating key stress-responding brain regions throughout the day.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-did-they-verify-this-discovery">How did they verify this discovery?</h2>



The research team used a strategy involving microbe transplantation to establish oscillations of gut microbes as a critical factor in regulating stress hormone secretion.



This pioneering study gives us a unique perspective on the vital role our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-tool-detects-changes-in-gut-health-to-help-prevent-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gut microbiota</a> plays in managing our stress responses and interacting with the body's circadian rhythms.



The research paves the way for new microbial-based therapies that could help manage stress-related mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, often linked with alterations in circadian and sleep cycles.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gut-microbes-that-influence-stress">Gut microbes that influence stress</h2>



The study, published in the journal Cell Metabolism, exposes the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/resilience-is-surprisingly-linked-to-gut-and-brain-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">relationship</a> between gut microbes and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis - the body's central stress response system.



The researchers found evidence that depletion of gut microbiota leads to an overactive HPA-axis that, along with alterations to the brain's stress and circadian responding regions, results in altered stress responses throughout the day.



But here's the interesting part - the study also identifies specific gut bacteria, including a Lactobacillus strain (Limosilactobacillus reuteri), as key influencers of this circadian-regulated stress mechanism.



L. reuteri appeared as a candidate strain that modulates glucocorticoid secretion (stress hormones), linking the microbiota's natural diurnal oscillations with altered stress reactivity.



This opens up new opportunities for psychobiotic interventions that focus on improving mental health outcomes by targeting gut bacteria that influence stress regulation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-brain-reacts-to-stress">How the brain reacts to stress</h2>



In today's world, where high stress, poor diet and irregular sleep patterns have become the norm, this research underlines the importance of gut microbiota in maintaining the body's stress-regulation processes.



“Our research has revealed an important link between the gut microbiota and how the brain responds to stress in a time-specific way," said principal Investigator Professor John Cryan.



"The gut microbiome doesn’t just regulate digestion and metabolism; it plays a critical role in how we react to stress, and this regulation follows a precise circadian rhythm. These findings underscore the importance of maintaining a healthy microbiome, particularly for those living in today’s stressful and fast-paced environment.”



"Our work demonstrates that exploring the relationship between the gut microbiota and circadian rhythms will be key in the development of microbiota based therapies for stress-related disorders in the future."



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



“This study is a significant leap forward in our understanding of how the microbiome shapes our mental health,” said Professor Paul Ross, director of APC Microbiome Ireland. 



“At <a href="https://www.ucc.ie/en/apc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">APC</a>, we are committed to unravelling the many ways in which our gut microbiome impact human health, and this research provides crucial insight into how targeting specific bacteria may help manage or even prevent stress-related conditions." 



"The potential to improve mental health through microbiome-based interventions is very real, and this study takes us one step closer to that goal.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microbes-to-manage-stress">Microbes to manage stress</h2>



The research from <a href="https://www.ucc.ie/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University College Cork</a> and APC Microbiome Ireland has revealed the connection between gut bacteria and stress, leading to promising treatments like psychobiotics, which can influence mood through neurotransmitters and hormones. 



Specific strains, such as Limosilactobacillus reuteri, may help manage stress hormones, offering personalized solutions for mental health care. 



As we continue to explore this field, leveraging gut microbes could enhance mental well-being for many individuals.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1550413124003991?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cell Metabolism</a>.



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Gut microbes affect how we handle everyday stress

Life has a natural rhythm: day and night, sleep and...

There’s an eerie beauty and mystery in the dark depths of the Gulf of Mexico, where bacteria thrive alongside coral reefs. 



These are not the colorful, sunlit corals we are most familiar with, but corals that flourish in the ocean’s abyss - devoid of sunlight - at depths ranging from 300 to 900 meters.



This mysterious underwater world is home to two soft coral species, Callogorgia delta and Callogorgia americana. Within the tissues of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-are-some-corals-more-resilient-to-climate-change-than-others/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">corals</a>, scientists recently discovered two peculiar bacterial species previously unknown to science.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-bacteria-in-coral-tissues">Unique bacteria in coral tissues</h2>



The study was led by Professor Iliana Baums, a renowned scientist from the <a href="https://hifmb.de/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity at the University of Oldenburg</a> (HIFMB).



She collaborated with Dr. Samuel Vohsen from Lehigh University in the United States and other esteemed scientists from various institutions across the globe.



The research, published in the journal Nature Communications, creates a new frontier for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-biodiversity-could-shift-rapidly-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine biodiversity</a> discoveries.



The unique bacterial species, found in the corals' tissue layer that forms part of their immune defense system and transports nutrients, belong to the mollicutes class of bacteria. 



Mollicutes are known to live as parasites either in or on the cells of plants, animals, and humans. In some cases, these bacteria cause diseases.



The scientists have proposed a new family for the two bacteria species called the Oceanoplasmataceae.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extraordinary-bacterial-species">Extraordinary bacterial species</h2>



The existence of the newly discovered bacteria presents a puzzle - a mystery that scientists have yet to unravel.



“These species are impressive examples of how few <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiny-animals-steal-genes-from-bacteria-to-produce-antibiotics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genes</a> are needed for a functional organism,” noted Professor Baums.



The Oceanoplasma callogorgiae contains only 359 genes that encode protein for metabolic functions, while the Thalassoplasma callogorgiae has 385 genes.



When compared with around 4,000 in the intestinal bacterium, Escherichia coli, and approximately 21,000 in humans, the difference is stark.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bacteria-s-energy-source">Bacteria's energy source</h2>



The question that begs to be answered is, how can the metabolism of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-microbes-eat-a-different-diet-that-affects-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbes</a> function with such a significantly reduced genome?



The answer is as astonishing as it is simple. Their energy source is not the typical carbohydrate metabolism found in most living organisms but the amino acid arginine.



The breakdown of arginine provides very little energy, leaving scientists confused about the bacteria's survival.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interdependent-or-parasitic-relationship">Interdependent or parasitic relationship?</h2>



Uncertainty remains about whether the bacteria function solely as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-parasites-are-vulnerable-to-warming-oceans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">parasites</a> or if there is a potential symbiotic relationship.



Genetic analysis revealed that these bacterial species use various defense mechanisms called CRISPR/Cas systems to get rid of foreign DNA. This process is also used to edit genes.



The bacteria could potentially be assisting the corals in fighting off pathogens. Alternatively, the host corals could be receiving nitrogen while the bacteria break down arginine.



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



“I always find it amazing that corals can colonize so many different habitats despite being very simple animals in terms of their genetic blueprint,” said Braum. 



She noted that symbionts are crucial for the ability of corals to adapt to different environmental conditions. “They provide metabolic functions that the corals themselves lack.”



This discovery brings us one step closer to understanding the intricate and beautiful complexity of life that thrives in the obscure depths of our oceans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deep-sea-bacteria-and-coral-health">Deep-sea bacteria and coral health</h2>



Beyond their unusual genomes and survival strategies, the bacteria raise intriguing questions about their potential roles in the deep-sea ecosystem.



While researchers have uncovered that the bacteria rely on the amino acid arginine for energy, they still do not fully understand how these microorganisms interact with their coral hosts in such extreme, nutrient-scarce environments.



One theory suggests that the bacteria might contribute essential nutrients or provide defense against other pathogens, potentially forming a mutually beneficial relationship with the corals. 



Alternatively, they could act purely as parasites, exploiting their coral hosts' resources to survive. 



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



Further research aims to explore these possibilities, investigating whether this unique microbial partnership could shed light on how deep-sea corals endure environmental pressures - and possibly how they might adapt to changing ocean conditions.



This ongoing work emphasizes the intricate interdependencies in deep-sea ecosystems and highlights the resilience of life in Earth’s most extreme habitats.



Understanding these relationships could provide insights into the fundamental principles of symbiosis and survival in the ocean's depths.



image Credit: ECOGIG Consortium, Creative Commons CC0 1.0



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-53855-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Highly unusual bacteria discovered in deep-sea corals

There’s an eerie beauty and mystery in the dark depths...

Meat production has become a focal point in the fight against climate change, with some proposals calling for drastic cuts by wealthier nations. But is such an extreme approach necessary to make a meaningful impact?



New insights suggest that carefully tailored strategies could help tackle climate change effectively without major lifestyle overhauls. The research was led by experts in the <a href="https://as.nyu.edu/departments/environment.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Environmental Studies</a> at New York University.



The team found that by achieving a moderate reduction in meat production, we could potentially keep 125 billion tons of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere. This figure exceeds the total number of global fossil fuel emissions from the past three years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-win-for-forests-and-climate">A win for forests and climate</h2>



A slight pullback in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/breakthrough-could-slash-meat-production-expenses-by-90-percent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">meat production</a>, particularly in higher-income countries, could have profound effects on the climate.



The researchers suggest a cutback of around 13% of total meat production could free up vast tracts of land earlier earmarked for cattle grazing, allowing for natural regrowth of forests.



Why <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/single-degree-temperature-warming-boreal-forests-wreak-havoc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forests</a>? Trees are nature’s best carbon absorbers. The return of forests on these lands could drastically reduce fossil fuel emissions. 



"Globally, ruminant grazing - including cattle for beef production - is the most extensive human land use. Removing cattle from pastures represents a meaningful opportunity to sequester carbon into regrowing vegetation and soils," wrote the researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meat-reduction-and-climate-change">Meat reduction and climate change </h2>



"We can achieve enormous climate benefits with modest changes to the total global beef production," said study lead author Matthew N. Hayek.



"By focusing on regions with potentially high carbon sequestration in forests, some restoration strategies could maximize climate benefits while minimizing changes to food supplies."



The study suggests that pasturelands, particularly those which were formerly forests, could immensely aid in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-are-still-fighting-climate-change-against-all-odds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fighting climate change</a>. 



Removing livestock from these “potential native forest” areas could allow ecosystems to naturally revert to their original forested state, hence storing carbon in trees and soil.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wealthy-nations-and-meat-production">Wealthy nations and meat production </h2>



The researchers see wealthier nations as suitable candidates for reducing meat production to combat climate change. Their current pasture areas yield little grass per acre or only during a short growing season, making climate-focused strategies more feasible.



In contrast, these areas could potentially nurture sprawling, verdant forests which act as efficient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reducing-air-pollution-could-greatly-boost-carbon-sequestration-by-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon sequestration</a> sites.



This approach is distinct from that taken by regions such as sub-Saharan Africa and South America, where lush pastures grow year-round, hence providing more food per acre for animals. 



The research team sees potential in these lower-income regions to increase <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/livestock-production-could-be-hit-hard-by-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">livestock</a> feeding efficiency on grass, thereby compensating for the slight dip in meat production by wealthier nations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tailoring-meat-reduction-by-region">Tailoring meat reduction by region</h2>



The team also found potential to immensely mitigate climate change effects by broadening the scope of restoration.



The researchers discovered that eliminating grazing livestock from all potentially forested areas worldwide could sequester a staggering 445 gigatons of CO2 by the end of this century. 



This amount of carbon sequestration is equivalent to over a decade of global fossil fuel emissions. However, Hayek emphasizes that this approach needs to be tailored to individual regions.



"Our findings show that strategic improvements in the efficiency of cattle herds in some areas, coupled with decreased production in others, could lead to a win-win scenario for climate and food production," said Hayek.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meat-reduction-supports-climate-goals">Meat reduction supports climate goals</h2>



The authors also emphasized that restoration efforts should not replace endeavors to reduce fossil fuel emissions. Instead, these efforts should work hand in hand to fight climate change.



“In many places, this regrowth could occur by seeds naturally dispersing and trees regrowing without any human involvement,” noted Hayek.



Swift action is needed to meet climate goals, and ecosystem restoration on converted pasturelands is a critical part of these plans.



"Our study’s findings could offer paths forward for policymakers aiming to address both climate mitigation and food security concerns," concluded Hayek.



In a time when many countries are committing to ambitious reforestation targets, balancing meat production with climate mitigation efforts becomes paramount. This research nudges us closer to that equilibrium.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2405758121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Meat reductions could cut billions of tons of CO2 emissions

Meat production has become a focal point in the fight...

When we look around, it's not difficult to see the myriad ways nature contributes to our existence. The value of nature, though, goes far beyond what meets the eye - offering solutions with benefits that are often overlooked.



That's the extraordinary revelation from a group of researchers at the University of Oxford. The experts examined the economic ramifications of nature-based solutions (NbS) and what they discovered is like finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nature-based-solutions">Nature-based solutions</h2>



The researchers found that adopting nature-based solutions could help local economies flourish by boosting agricultural yields and creating job opportunities. It's a secret formula: the more we <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/we-must-live-in-harmony-with-nature-to-create-a-sustainable-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">work with nature</a>, the more prosperity we unlock.



But there's an added bonus. Nature-based solutions don't just lead to a surge in wealth and jobs. They can also pave the way for "win-win" situations, such as increased income and job creation, while simultaneously promoting biodiversity and supporting climate adaptation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-revving-up-local-economies">Revving up local economies </h2>



The study cites several compelling instances of how NbS has been a game-changer. One example is the Working for Water (WfW) program in South Africa. 



This initiative successfully rid over 1 million hectares of land of invasive species while providing employment for more than 20,000 people. 



Similarly, a coastal restoration project in the United States ended up creating 17 jobs for every million dollars spent.



"The evidence also shows NbS can be deployed with speed and flexibility in areas where they are needed the most, like rural communities that are often neglected by other investment approaches," noted Alex Chausson, lead author of the study.



Chausson, a specialist in nature-based solutions at WWF-UK and a research associate at Oxford's Nature-Based Solutions Initiative (NbSI), further emphasized the significance of these solutions in revving up local economies and aiding recovery in the aftermath of crises.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-than-meets-the-eye">More than meets the eye</h2>



"Nature's value is often overlooked in accounting frameworks, yet our study highlights its tremendous economic benefits," said Nathalie Seddon, a professor of biodiversity at the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a>



"At a time when global systems are under strain and the planet is warming, nature-based solutions offer a vital opportunity to boost the resilience of ecosystems - and the economies that depend on them. However, our study sheds light on its tremendous economic benefits."



Despite these advantages, the researchers identified several obstacles standing in the way of NbS implementation. 



These obstacles include siloed governmental decision-making, widespread misconceptions that pro-environmental policies can harm business, and scant reporting on the broader impacts of NbS projects.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nature-as-a-solution-for-broader-impact">Nature as a solution for broader impact</h2>



"Right now, when a government makes an investment in nature, all too often they are failing to look at the wider impact that investment is having," explained Chausson.



"The immediate impact of restored woodland on biodiversity might be monitored, for example, but the broader benefits of the project on jobs or the resilience of the local community to climate change will not be. If these aspects are considered, it will lead to better policy decisions."



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



Dr. Brian O'Callaghan, co-author of the study and project manager at the University of Oxford, agrees that well thought out investments in nature can create jobs, spur high economic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-predict-how-and-when-humans-and-mammals-will-face-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">productivity</a>, and enhance resilience, offering a robust response to economic shocks.



However, he recommends caution to ensure key stakeholders are not left behind and to avoid any unforeseen negative externalities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nature-based-solutions-are-essential">Nature based solutions are essential</h2>



The crucial factor, according to study co-author Alison Smith, is following best practice standards for NbS to ensure benefits are delivered in practice.



"We found that&nbsp;community involvement&nbsp;in NbS design and delivery was a key factor for making sure that benefits are distributed fairly, and helping to avoid trade-offs," said Smith.



"Integrating traditional, local and&nbsp;scientific knowledge&nbsp;can also really help to improve the outcomes of NbS for both <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-environment-day-the-critical-role-of-nature-in-human-well-being/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nature</a> and people."



The conclusion? Nature-based solutions are not just beneficial; they are essential. And the road to prosperity may well be paved with natural wonders. .



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/climate/article?id=10.1371/journal.pclm.0000281" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS Climate</a>.



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Nature-based solutions can transform local economies

When we look around, it's not difficult to see the...

Amid today’s climate crisis, ancient climate records may hold valuable lessons for our future. By looking into our distant past, we can unlock insights that help address current environmental challenges more effectively.



Although our understanding of Earth millions of years ago remains incomplete, recent research has unveiled a surprising richness in ancient biodiversity, showing how ecosystems once adapted to warmer conditions. 



These findings not only deepen our grasp of past climates but also provide a unique perspective on potential future scenarios as global temperatures continue to rise. 



A long-term study now offers a detailed glimpse into an ancient ecosystem when our planet was significantly warmer than it is today.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-time-travel-to-the-quebrada-honda-basin">Time travel to the Quebrada Honda basin</h2>



Over a decade and a half, a global team from <a href="https://case.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Case Western Reserve University</a> studied an archaeological site in Bolivia-Quebrada Honda Basin (QHB).



Situated in the Andes, this area offers us a glimpse into a time period from 13 million years ago, during the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossil-site-in-australia-indicates-abundant-life-during-the-miocene/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Miocene Epoch</a> - a time when Earth's climate recovered from the previous era's cooling, causing a surge in global temperatures and mammal biodiversity.



During the Miocene epoch, the Earth was warmer by 3-4 degrees Celsius compared to today. Drawing parallels between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-sea-creatures-built-ecosystems-that-diversified-ocean-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ancient ecosystems</a> and our current climate change predicament can enlighten us about possible future scenarios.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-climate-clues-for-a-sustainable-future">Ancient climate clues for a sustainable future</h2>



Darin Croft, a professor of anatomy at Case Western Reserve's School of Medicine, and the team leader of the QHB research, believes that ancient sites such as QHB are instrumental in calibrating climate models. 



"Our understanding of climate change is based on models, and those models are based on information from the past. We are getting into uncharted territory in terms of climate, and you have to go deeper in time to get conditions that are similar," said Professor Croft.



Initially, the QHB site was lower than its current altitude of 11,500 feet (3,500 meters). However, the exact elevation during the Miocene epoch has been hotly debated among scientists.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-climate-and-rich-biodiversity">Ancient climate and rich biodiversity </h2>



The research team discovered various types of fossils at the QHB site, ranging from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mammal-evolution-kicked-off-with-daring-experiments/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mammal</a> bones and teeth, plant remains, ancient soils, and even the tracks of insects and other invertebrates. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-will-climate-change-impact-cold-blooded-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cold-blooded</a> animals - including a giant tortoise, a side-necked turtle, and a large snake - suggest that QHB's elevation during their existence was less than 1,000 meters, based on the current habitats of closely related species.



The researchers determined that the QHB was a dry forest or a wooded savanna with palms and bamboo, both of which thrive at lower altitudes. This ecosystem shared no parallels with any modern landscapes.



Caroline Strömberg, a biology professor at the University of Washington, examined fossilized phytoliths - microscopic silica particles found in plant cell walls, which are characteristic of the vegetation types they're from.



She compared these with those found in present vegetation to identify the mix of plants at the QHB site.



"Magnifying" the past, the team even discovered 13 previously unknown mammal species, including marsupials, hoofed mammals, rodents, and armadillos. 



"Nature has a wide variety of body plans, often much greater than the limited variety we see today," said Russell Engelman, a Case Western Reserve biology graduate student.



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



Between 2007 and 2017, Professor Croft led six international teams to the QHB site with the primary funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF).



Six years after the team's second NSF grant ended, the research findings continue to be relevant, inspiring follow-up data and publications.



"Field paleontology is a really good investment for the NSF, because the dividends far outweigh the costs," said Professor Croft. His team now seeks funding to study another Miocene site in Bolivia, of a similar age but over a longer time-period.



This lesson from the past highlights the importance of understanding our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-origins-of-earths-largest-igneous-rocks-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planet's history</a> for the sake of our future.



Knowledge about ancient ecosystems can help us forge a path towards a sustainable tomorrow, as we grapple with the reality of climate change and our role in it.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0031018224005078" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Palaeogeography Palaeoclimatology Palaeoecology</a>.



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Looking to Earth's ancient climate to predict our future

Amid today’s climate crisis, ancient climate records may hold valuable...

Did you know that the processed food you enjoy every day might be fast forwarding your biological age? Everyday meals could be dictating the timeline of your life.



Unlike your birthday that tags another year to your age with each cake you cut, biological aging is a more intricate measure. It's an unforgiving countdown clock showing the health and vibrancy of your body's components - the organs, tissues, and systems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ultra-processed-foods-and-aging">Ultra-processed foods and aging</h2>



Wondering how your favorite <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/health-risks-of-ultra-processed-foods-revealed-in-30-year-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">snacks</a> come into the picture? A study by the <a href="https://www.lum.it/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LUM University</a> of Casamassima has revealed a chilling link between high consumption of ultra-processed foods and hastened biological aging.



Ultra-processed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/minimally-processed-foods-cost-more-offer-no-extra-nutrition/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">foods</a> seem like the villains in our story, right? But what do they look like? You'd be surprised to know that your daily diet might be full of them.



Ever heard of hydrogenated fats, maltodextrins, or hydrolyzed proteins? These are the unfamiliar substances that make up the ultra-processed foods we chow down without a second thought.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biological-aging-on-the-fast-track">Biological aging on the fast track</h2>



Digging into a vast pool of data involving 22,000 participants from the Moli-sani Study, the researchers found that consuming high amounts of ultra-processed foods fast-tracks biological aging.



Essentially, if your meals are full of these foods, your biological clock might be sprinting ahead of your chronological age.



"Our data show that a high consumption of ultra-processed foods not only has a negative impact on health in general, but could also accelerate aging itself, suggesting a connection that goes beyond the poor nutritional quality of these foods," said study first author Simona Esposito.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-foods-that-damage-human-health">Foods that damage human health</h2>



Marialaura Bonaccio, a nutritional epidemiologist at the Research Unit of Epidemiology and Prevention-IRCCS Neuromed, elaborated on why these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/toddlers-get-half-their-calories-from-ultra-processed-foods/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">foods can be harmful</a>.



She noted that the mechanisms through which ultra-processed foods can be harmful to human health are not yet entirely clear.



"Besides being nutritionally inadequate, being rich in sugars, salt and saturated or trans fats, these foods undergo intense industrial processing that actually alters their food matrix, with the consequent loss of nutrients and fiber," said Bonaccio.



"This can have important consequences for a series of physiological functions, including glucose metabolism, and the composition and functionality of the gut microbiota. Also, these products are often wrapped in plastic packaging, thus becoming vehicles of substances toxic to the body."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-dietary-directions">Rethinking dietary directions</h2>



Should this study be a wake-up call to reevaluate our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ultra-processed-foods-like-soda-and-snacks-are-the-new-silent-killer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dietary</a> guidelines? 



“This study prompts us once again to reevaluate the current dietary recommendations, that should also include warnings on limiting the intake of ultra-processed food in our daily diet," said Professor Licia Iacoviello.



"Actually, some nutrient-dense packaged foods can be classified as ultra-processed, and this suggest the need of guiding people towards dietary choices that address also the degree of food processing”.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cutting-processed-food-consumption">Cutting processed food consumption</h2>



Lowering our intake of ultra-processed foods means transforming not only our individual food habits but also the food environments around us. On a personal level, you can kick-start this change by choosing fresh, whole foods over processed alternatives. 



Cooking at home, planning your meals, and understanding food labels are simple steps towards healthier dietary choices. 



Public health policies and educational campaigns are also vital in shaping healthier habits on a larger scale.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-engaging-with-nature">Engaging with nature</h2>



Is there a counterbalance to the deleterious effects of ultra-processed foods? Engaging with nature might offer a path to mitigate the impact. 



Numerous studies emphasize the benefits of connecting with natural environments, such as parks and wilderness areas, which can lower stress levels and boost mental well-being.



Physical activities performed in nature, like hiking or gardening, further enhance physiological functions by promoting cardiovascular health and muscular strength. 



These benefits complement efforts to reduce the intake of ultra-processed foods, forming a robust defense against accelerated biological aging. Practicing mindful eating in natural settings might not only improve the quality of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-food-day-fighting-global-hunger/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food choices</a> but also enhance overall life satisfaction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-education-on-ultra-processed-foods">Education on ultra-processed foods</h2>



To promote long-term changes in dietary habits, incorporating culinary education within school curricula becomes essential. Teaching young individuals about nutrition, meal preparation, and the importance of whole foods can lay the groundwork for healthier dietary patterns in adulthood. 



Educators can empower students with the skills needed to discern processed from whole foods, encouraging a more conscious approach to eating. Workshops, school gardens, and cooking classes can make learning about food both engaging and practical. 



This early intervention promises a future generation adept at making informed dietary decisions, reducing reliance on ultra-processed foods, and potentially mitigating the risks associated with biological aging.



The study is published in the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S000291652400813X?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Journal of Clinical Nutrition</a>. 



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Ultra-processed foods make our bodies age faster

Did you know that the processed food you enjoy every...

Human activities have left their imprints in the farthest reaches of our planet. In a recent study, experts revealed that some of the world's most isolated regions have not escaped the footprint of lead pollution.



Even the frosty wilderness of northwestern Tibet stands witness to the impacts of human activities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-origins-of-lead-pollution">Origins of lead pollution</h2>



Examining the Guliya ice cap in northwestern Tibet, researchers detected the presence of lead. Who invited this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-alters-the-atmosphere-in-the-remote-arctic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unexpected guest</a> here?



The answer lies in human activities that took place during and after the Industrial Revolution. Ice core samples dating back to this transitional time period lay bare the increase in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-arctic-ice-weakens-the-strength-of-el-nino-events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lead levels</a>.



However, it was 1974 - the year when U.S. environmental regulations came into force – that marked a significant change in the sources of lead. Despite a drop in certain types of gasoline use, other lead sources remained prevalent.



"We measured the lead isotopic composition in a dusty ice core from the Guliya ice cap in northwest Tibet, from approximately 36 thousand years Before Present (Stone Age) to 2015, to determine the onset and sources of anthropogenic lead," explained the study authors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracing-lead-pollution">Tracing lead pollution</h2>



Roxana Sierra-Hernandez was the lead author of the study and a senior research associate at <a href="https://www.osu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Ohio State University</a>’s Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center. 



Through her profound research, Sierra-Hernandez was able to trace anthropogenic lead right back to its origin and highlight the indelible mark they left on the region.



“Our lead isotope samples date to about 36,000 years ago, a time when we know that no civilizations at the time were using lead - meaning that much of what we found is natural,” Sierra-Hernandez said.



“Now with this work, we can pinpoint anthropogenic lead and when they left a mark in the region.”



Millions of people depend on Tibetan glaciers for their water, but these life-sustaining sources are at risk due to global warming. As glaciers retreat, they not only reduce water levels but also release the pollutants trapped within them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-sources-of-pollution">Hidden sources of pollution </h2>



“Depending on the amount of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ozone-pollution-is-stunting-tropical-forest-growth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollution</a> there is in the environment, it sinks into these glaciers,” Sierra-Hernandez said. “If a glacier melts, that source of pollution can leak into nearby rivers.”&nbsp;



While some lead originates from the Earth’s crust, a significant proportion is a result of human activities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-hazards-of-lead-exposure">Health hazards of lead Exposure</h2>



Long-term exposure to lead is detrimental to human health. Its adverse effects span from causing health anomalies like cancer and cardiovascular diseases to fertility issues. 



Hence, understanding the baseline of natural lead levels is pivotal for gauging humanity's environmental impact and preparing for its consequences.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-distinguishing-pollution-sources">Distinguishing pollution sources</h2>



The instruments used in this study provided powerful insights which allowed the scientists to identify the type of pollution each lead trace came from.



The researchers were surprised to find that until 2007, Chinese gasoline was the primary lead source before its emissions decreased and those from coal and lead-zinc ores began to increase.



This evolution of lead sources during the last few centuries offers critical insights into how local pollution can be distributed globally. It is a challenge that goes beyond the capacity of any single country.



“Politicians need to be conscious enough to see that lead is still a concern and make policies that avoid emitting more of it, whether it’s from sources of coal or gasoline,” said Sierra-Hernandez.



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



Lead isotopes can act as unique markers for tracking and investigating pollution sources. This could open avenues for future studies looking to analyze and compare contaminated ice core samples from other glaciers globally. 



“Future studies can build on this study to compare modern and ancient pollution trends and better identify sources due to human activities,” Sierra-Hernandez said. “It’s important to do more lead isotope studies. It’s hard and it’s time-consuming, but there’s so much to learn.”



Such scientific pursuits are integral to untangling the complex web of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alpine-glaciers-will-lose-half-of-their-volume-by-2050/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental issues</a> plaguing our planet. Understanding the environmental impacts of our past actions is a crucial step towards making necessary changes for a healthier, cleaner future.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-024-01724-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Earth &amp; Environment.</a>



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Lead pollution has made its way to the top of the world

Human activities have left their imprints in the farthest reaches...

For years, baseball’s “magic” mud has been a thing of mystery. Its remarkable traits have never been formally examined or scientifically accounted for.



Although it may seem like an extra player on the field, the precise role of this mud in enhancing the performance of Major League Baseball (MLB) games has been more of a riddle than a fact. A new study finally sheds light on this compelling enigma.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-baseball-s-magic-mud">Baseball's magic mud</h2>



For the first time, scientists from the University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science (Penn Engineering) and School of Arts &amp; Sciences (SAS) have investigated the dynamics of this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/youth-sports-are-more-accessible-to-privileged-families/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">baseball</a> staple.



Their findings, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), reveal why the baseball mud is truly "magical."



"It spreads like a skin cream and grips like sandpaper," said Shravan Pradeep, the primary author of the paper and a dedicated researcher in the labs of Professor Douglas J. Jerolmack and Professor Paulo Arratia.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-origins-of-baseball-s-magic-mud">Origins of baseball's magic mud</h2>



The magic mud, applied by each team’s equipment manager to every game ball in the MLB, is harvested by the Bintliff family in an undisclosed location in South Jersey. 



This ritual has been repeated for generations, a guarded secret and cherished tradition in the world of baseball.



In 2019, the research group was prompted by sportswriter Matthew Gutierrez to explore the composition and flow characteristics of the mud. Though they were able to provide a quick analysis, it did not live up to the standards of scientific proof, admits Professor Jerolmack.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-superstition-or-science">Superstition or science?</h2>



Plenty of articles and reports have cited the alleged effects of the magic mud. In interviews with everyone from MLB players to the Bintliffs themselves, people have gushed about the mud.



But the scientific community did not have any empirical evidence to back these claims. The burning question remained: Is the use of this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sand-dunes-hold-a-record-of-fire-history/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mud</a> mere superstition or is there a genuine scientific rationale behind it?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-investigation-of-baseball-s-magic-mud">Investigation of baseball's magic mud</h2>



This gap in knowledge prompted Professor Pradeep to devise a triple-threat scientific investigation into baseball's magic mud. He set up three experiments to measure its spreadability, stickiness, and its effect on baseballs' friction against fingertips.



The team had to go to great lengths, even inventing new experimental setups, to sufficiently mimic the properties of human fingers and accurately capture the mud's behavior.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-verdict-magic-mud-works">The verdict: Magic mud works</h2>



The artificial skin and the oil they used simulated natural finger conditions, helping them align the tests as closely as possible to real-life scenarios. 



All of these efforts paid off when their study confirmed what MLB players have been professing all along: the magic mud works, and it's not just a superstition akin to playoff beards and rally caps.



This study has also debunked the idea of replacing the magic mud with synthetic lubricants - a concept that was previously explored by the MLB.



The original mud’s unique properties have so far proven to be irreplaceable. The researchers suggest sticking with the natural, green, and sustainable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sand-and-dust-storms-have-become-unpredictable-and-dangerous/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mud</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-touch-of-sustainability">Touch of sustainability</h2>



Despite this study focusing on baseball, the implications of the findings extend much further. The research opens up possibilities in the sustainable use of natural materials as lubricants.



The study serves as a window for us to appreciate how the natural world offers some invaluable properties that are hard to recreate from scratch.



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



The researchers extend their gratitude towards the various agencies that supported their work. 



These agencies include the National Science Foundation (<a href="https://www.nsf.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NSF</a>), NASA, Army Research Office, Penn Center for Soft and Living Matter, the University of Pennsylvania’s Singh Center for Nanotechnology, and others.



"We found that the mud contains just the right mixture of clay and water to uniformly coat the baseballs with an adhesive residue, and just enough sand grains to enhance friction," wrote the study authors.



"Understanding these remarkable properties may expand the use of sustainable natural materials for lubrication and gripping applications."



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2413514121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Not just superstition: Baseball's 'magic mud' actually works

For years, baseball’s “magic” mud has been a thing of...

Do you think you know your own body well? As it turns out, we might not know ourselves as intimately as we may think. Humans consistently underestimate how far many of our body parts can bend.



Yes, our brains don't seem to accurately gauge our body's movement limits. The mind-boggling details of this study are brought to you by Dr. Artur Pilacinski, a neuroscientist at Ruhr University Bochum.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mind-blowing-body-bending">Mind-blowing body bending</h2>



Now, let's delve into the heart of the matter. The fundamental concept at play here is the 'body schema' - our brain's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-perception-we-see-the-world-based-on-what-we-expect-to-see/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mental representation</a> of our bodily self. 



“Previous studies by other groups have already shown that people have a distorted body schema,” explains Pilacinski. 



“For example, they systematically underestimate the weight or size of their hands. We were interested in whether there is a similar bias for body movements.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wrist-movements">Wrist movements</h2>



Dr. Pilacinski, along with Antoine Vandenberghe, Gabriella Andrietta, and Professor Gilles Vannuscorps, conducted an intriguing experiment. The team asked 84 participants to anticipate how far they could move their hand in various directions. 



This estimation involved wrist movements in four different ways: inwards and outwards towards the forearm and tilting the wrist towards the thumb or the pinkie.



The participants were divided into two groups. Some were asked to mentally visualize the hand movements and then indicate on an angular ruler the extent they thought they could move their hand. 



The others were shown various positions on the same ruler and had to decide if they could reach those positions by bending their wrists. The actual wrist mobility of all participants was then measured.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-underestimated-reality-of-body-bending">Underestimated reality of body bending</h2>



After crunching the numbers, the researchers found something truly eye-opening. 



For three out of the four movements, there was a significant disparity between the assumed and actual mobility. On average, participants underguessed their movement scope by at least ten degrees. 



The only exception? The movement towards the thumb, whose difference between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-we-recognize-wisdom-in-people/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">presumption</a> and reality was too slight to be measured using their methodology.



Now, what could the reasons behind this discrepancy be? 



Dr. Pilacinski and his team suggest that this bias might serve as a protective mechanism - keeping us from overstretching and potentially harming our muscles, tendons, and ligaments. 



You have to appreciate the irony of this situation: our underestimate of body flexibility actually serves to keep us flexibly operational!



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-neuroscience-and-physical-therapy">Neuroscience and physical therapy</h2>



The findings from <a href="http://www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ruhr University</a> and the <a href="https://uclouvain.be/en/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Université catholique de Louvain</a>, Belgium, offer profound implications for both neuroscience and the field of physical therapy.



Understanding the limitations of the body schema can contribute to enhancing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exercise-in-a-pill-is-now-closer-to-reality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">therapeutic</a> practices aimed at improving body awareness and motor function. 



This body-underestimation bias indicates that individuals might benefit from exercises explicitly designed to recalibrate their body schema, potentially leading to improved mobility and injury prevention. 



Additionally, this research on bending of wrists could inform the development of better prosthetic devices and rehabilitation programs by accommodating for the innate bias in body perception. 



Such advancements could transform approaches to neurorehabilitation, aiding patients who have suffered strokes or other mobility-limiting conditions.



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



Dr. Pilacinski and his colleagues have opened new avenues for further exploration. 



Future research could examine whether this perceptual bias extends to other parts of the body or if it varies across different populations, such as athletes compared to non-athletes.



Also, exploring how neurological conditions might exacerbate or differ in these biases could yield valuable insights into their effects on movement and perception. 



Another intriguing direction would involve investigating the role of virtual and augmented reality in recalibrating body schema, providing innovative therapeutic techniques to correct underestimated perceptions. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-real-world-implications">Real-world implications</h2>



In sum, this new insight carries immense potential in realms like sports and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sitting-too-much-can-cause-premature-aging-even-if-you-exercise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rehabilitation</a>. As it turns out, our perceived limit is not our actual limit. 



Acknowledging this could drastically reshape how we envision our movement constraints and could eventually lead to improved mobility.



So the next time you extend your hand for a handshake or grab a cup of coffee, remember - you've got more flexibility than you think! 



Let's welcome this newfound fondness for our bodies and the subtle ways they work to safeguard us. Isn't it fascinating how we continue to learn more about ourselves, even from our bending wrists?



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s44271-024-00153-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Psychology.</a>



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Human bodies can bend way more than your brain let's you believe

Do you think you know your own body well? As...

There's no denying that a balanced diet is your ticket to a healthy lifestyle. But what if stuffing your plate with certain nutrients, Omega like fatty acids, could do a lot more -- like potentially reducing your cancer risk?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-are-omega-fatty-acids">What are Omega fatty acids?</h2>



These powerhouse nutrients are essential fats that our bodies need but can't produce on their own. 



You've probably heard of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids -- they're crucial for brain function, cell growth, and reducing inflammation. 



Since we can't make them ourselves, we have to get them through our diet.



You can find Omega-3s in foods like fatty fish (think salmon and mackerel), flaxseeds, and walnuts. Omega-6s are common in vegetable oils like soybean, corn, and sunflower oils. 



It's all about balance: too much Omega-6 compared to Omega-3 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insects-provide-essential-fatty-acids-to-other-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">can tip the scales</a> toward inflammation, so it's important to include plenty of Omega-3-rich foods in your meals.



Adding these essential fats to your diet can offer a bunch of health benefits. They may help reduce the risk of heart disease, support mental health, and even give your skin a healthy glow.



And now, recent research from the <a href="https://www.uga.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Georgia</a> has discovered an interesting relationship between these superheroes of nutrition and a reduced risk of cancer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-omega-fatty-acids-lower-cancer-risk">Omega fatty acids lower cancer risk</h2>



In this riveting investigation, data from a whopping 250,000 individuals underwent scrutiny. The outcome? 



There was a noticeable association between higher levels of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/omega-3-oil-may-help-protect-pollinators-from-pesticides/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Omega-3</a> and Omega-6 fatty acids and a lessened probability of cancer development. 



“Higher omega-3 and omega-6 levels were associated with lower rates of cancer,” said <a href="https://publichealth.uga.edu/student/yuchen-zhang/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yuchen Zhang</a>, lead author of the study and a doctoral student in UGA’s <a href="https://publichealth.uga.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">College of Public Health</a>. 



“These findings suggest that the average person should focus on getting more of these fatty acids in their diets.”



Now, isn't it time we gave these fatty acids the recognition they deserve and incorporated them more consciously into our diets?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-multispectral-effect">Multispectral effect</h2>



The study didn't merely sketch a broad connection; it hinted at a protective influence of fatty acids across diverse cancer types. 



Individuals boasting elevated levels of Omega-3 were seen to have fewer occurrences of colon, stomach, lung, and sundry other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/western-diet-identified-as-major-cause-of-colon-cancer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">digestive tract cancers</a>.



Omega-6, too, showed its mettle by being linked with diminished rates of a staggering 14 distinct kinds of cancer, a spectrum that includes everything from brain cancer to bladder cancer, and even malignant melanoma.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adding-healthy-fats-to-our-diet">Adding healthy fats to our diet</h2>



Often crowned as "healthy fats," Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are integral to our diets. Their natural habitat includes fatty <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-power-of-fish-oil-in-combating-high-cholesterol/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish</a>, nuts, and certain plant oils like canola oil. 



Yet, they might not be frequent guests on the American dinner table, leading many people to seek their benefits via <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fish-oil-lowers-alzheimers-risk-in-people-who-are-most-susceptible/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish oil supplements</a>.



Fish oil supplements have captured the limelight over the years due to their spectrum of health benefits. Apart from their potential in battling cancer, they're documented to slash the risk of high cholesterol and heart disease.



Although supplements can be beneficial, nutritionists emphasize the importance of obtaining these essential fatty acids through a varied diet rich in natural sources. 



Eating fatty fish like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-salmon-decide-whether-to-venture-out-to-sea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">salmon</a>, mackerel, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/japanese-sardines-may-be-signaling-major-shifts-in-the-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sardines</a>, alongside incorporating walnuts and flaxseeds, offers a delectable way to introduce these fatty acids into your meals.



So, why not start experimenting with new recipes and savor the profound health benefits these ingredients offer?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-can-omega-fatty-acids-also-trigger-cancer">Can Omega fatty acids also trigger cancer?</h2>



While the benefits are hard to deny, it's paramount to know that health doesn't come in a one-size-fits-all package. 



The study also pointed out that high levels of omega-3 might be tied to a somewhat elevated risk of prostate cancer.



“For women, it’s an easy decision: Eat more omega-3,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.genetics.uga.edu/directory/people/kaixiong-calvin-ye" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kaixiong Ye</a>, corresponding author of the study and an associate professor in UGA’s&nbsp;<a href="https://franklin.uga.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Franklin College of Arts and Sciences</a>.



The study also hinted that omega-6 had a more pronounced beneficial impact on younger participants, particularly women.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fatty-acids-and-cancer">Fatty acids and cancer</h2>



Research shows that improving health can benefit from Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. 



However, it's important to remember that no single food can fight diseases alone. The best approach is a balanced diet along with an active lifestyle.



The next time you're wandering the grocery store aisles, why not add some fatty fish or a bag of walnuts to your cart? Your body might just give you a nod of gratitude in the long haul.



Research like this gives us even more reasons to be fascinated by the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fish-oil-lowers-alzheimers-risk-in-people-who-are-most-susceptible/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">field of nutritional science</a>. It demonstrates the incredible ways our food choices can shape our health outcomes. Now, that's something to ponder over.



The study is published in the <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ijc.35226" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Journal of Cancer</a>. 



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Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids may reduce cancer risk

There's no denying that a balanced diet is your ticket...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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Santiago, Chile in South America

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Spiral,Galaxy,,Illustration,Of,Milky,Way

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Astronomers at <a href="https://www.jhu.edu/">Johns Hopkins University</a> have created an interactive map of the universe, including the actual position and real colors of 200,000 galaxies. The map allows the public to access data that was previously only available to scientists.



The map was developed using data collected by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. For over two decades, a telescope in New Mexico was aimed at slightly different locations to capture the night sky.&nbsp;



"Growing up I was very inspired by astronomy pictures, stars, nebulae and galaxies, and now it's our time to create a new type of picture to inspire people," said map creator Brice Ménard, a professor at Johns Hopkins. "Astrophysicists around the world have been analyzing this data for years, leading to thousands of scientific papers and discoveries. But nobody took the time to create a map that is beautiful, scientifically accurate, and accessible to people who are not scientists. Our goal here is to show everybody what the universe really looks like."



"In this map, we are just a speck at the very bottom, just one pixel. And when I say we, I mean our galaxy, the Milky Way which has billions of stars and planets. We are used to seeing astronomical pictures showing one galaxy here, one galaxy there or perhaps a group of galaxies. But what this map shows is a very, very different scale."



"From this speck at the bottom, we are able to map out galaxies across the entire universe, and that says something about the power of science."



The <a href="https://mapoftheuniverse.net/">interactive map</a> is available online, where it can be downloaded for free.



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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Today's Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes the first comprehensive estimate of carbon density in the Saharan, Sahel, and Sudanian zones of Africa. In an effort to measure the amount of carbon stored across these drylands, a team of scientists used high-resolution satellite images and artificial intelligence to map nearly 10 billion individual trees. 



"The high spatial resolution (50 cm) combined with AI and field measurements used in this study is key to improving tree inventories in drylands," said Pierre Hiernaux, a French researcher working for NASA. "The ever-increasing availability of very high-resolution satellite imagery will make it possible to assess carbon pools and their dynamics at the individual tree level on a global scale."



"This study is exceptional because it is pioneering a type of approach that will revolutionize the monitoring of trees and forests on a global scale: in the short term, it will be possible to map the world's trees from the centre of the Amazon to our schoolyards," said <a href="https://www.inrae.fr/en">INRAE</a> researcher Jean-Pierre Wigneron.



"Many fields of application will become much more efficient and accurate, such as tracking carbon stocks, biodiversity, monitoring logging and protection against illegal forest degradation, in near real time.”



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

[sendtonews key="EjmSP20gQK-2593093-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Dublin, the capital and largest city of Ireland. Beyond its pub culture, Dublin is known as a modern culinary destination and a UNESCO City of Literature.



"Dublin is located near the midpoint of Ireland’s east coast in the province of Leinster. The city, which covers an area of around 115 square kilometers, is bordered by the Dublin Mountains, a low mountain range to the south, and is surrounded by flat farmland to the north and west," says ESA.



"The city straddles the River Liffey, which rises in the Wicklow Mountains and flows around 80 kilometers eastwards through the city of Dublin, in which it is canalised and bordered with quays. It then empties into Dublin Bay, an arm of the Irish Sea."



Dublin has an abundance of green spaces, including one of the largest enclosed public parks in any European capital city. Phoenix Park, which was originally formed as a royal hunting park in the 1660s, includes 707 hectares of green space.



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features the province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain. The image was captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission.



"Together with the provinces of Huesca and Teruel, Zaragoza formed the old kingdom of Aragon. Its capital, also called Zaragoza (not visible in this image) is home to around half of Aragon’s population," says ESA.



"The Ebro River can be seen winding its way through the province from west to east in this image. Between its source in the Cantabrian Mountains in the northwest and its delta on the Mediterranean coast, the Ebro River is fed by more than 200 tributaries as it flows 910 km across much of northern Spain."



Since rainfall is very scarce in this region, irrigation in the Ebro basin is critically important. In the valleys surrounding the Ebro River, many fields are used for growing crops such as corn, wheat, and barley.



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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Today's Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> features a visual dataset of.methane emissions from wetlands across the globe. Atmospheric methane levels have reached record highs in recent years, and wetlands are a major source of these emissions.&nbsp;



"Methane is an important greenhouse gas that contributes substantially to global warming. On a molecule by molecule basis, methane is much more efficient at trapping heat than carbon dioxide, the main driver of warming," says NASA.



"Though human activities, including agriculture, oil and natural gas production and use, and waste disposal, collectively contribute the majority of methane to the atmosphere, about a third of total methane emissions comes from wetlands."&nbsp;



According to NASA, understanding methane emissions from wetlands and other natural sources is critically important for scientists and policymakers who are working to combat climate change by reducing emissions from human activities.



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> reveals the evolution of the Columbia Glacier in southeastern Alaska. Columbia is among the fastest shrinking glaciers in the world, and the video documents its rapid retreat over the years.&nbsp;



Columbia Glacier is a large, multi-branched calving glacier that flows out of the Chugach Mountains to the Prince William Sound.&nbsp;



According to USGS, Columbia had a long history of stability prior to 1980, with a length 41 miles, and small, short-lived advances or retreats.



In the years since 1980, however, satellite images have captured Columbia’s alarming retreat. By using false-color images, scientists can distinguish between snow and ice, open water, vegetation, and rocky debris on the glacier’s surface.



The series of false-color images featured in today's video were acquired over the span of 35 years. You can see that by 2021, the glacier’s main branch had retreated about 15 miles from its initial position.



The Columbia Glacier has also lost more than 50 percent of its volume, mostly due to calving. <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/nasa-reveals-3d-visual-of-an-atmospheric-river/">NASA</a> reports that while climate change likely started the retreat, mechanical processes kept the disintegration going.



The NASA images are provided by Jesse Allen, Robert Simmon, Joshua Stevens, and Lauren Dauphin using data from Landsat satellites, from the U.S. Geological Survey, and data from MODIS on NASA’s Terra satellite. The structure of Columbia’s moraine played a large role in the stability of the glacier before 1980. 



Like other tidewater glaciers, the Columbia built up a moraine over time, and the mixture of ice and rock functioned like a dam keeping out the sea. It was supported on one end by the shoreline and by the underwater terminal moraine at the other.



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory/&nbsp; NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

[sendtonews key="0879czfG3k-1785905-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from NASA...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features the Pyrenees Mountains, which form a natural boundary between France and Spain in southwest Europe.



The mountain range is 430 kilometers in length. It stretches from the Mediterranean Sea on the east to the Atlantic Ocean on the west.



At an elevation of 3404 meters, Pico de Aneto is the highest mountain peak in the Pyrenees, and the third-highest peak in Spain. Pico de Aneto is located in the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park, which spans more than 82,000 acres.&nbsp;



"Geological studies have revealed that the Pyrenees Mountains have been around for longer than the Alps, with their sediments first deposited in coastal basins during the Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras," reports ESA.



"The entire mountain range formed due to the upwelling of large sedimentary rocks by the collision of the Iberian and the Eurasian plate around 100 to 150 million years ago, followed by intense erosion from ice and water."



The western Pyrenees receive more precipitation due to moisture blowing in from the Atlantic Ocean. The mountain range contains many lakes, several small glaciers, and some of the highest waterfalls in Europe.



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

[sendtonews key="6HyfrAJTBI-1831843-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.stowers.org/">Stowers Institute for Medical Research</a> describes why experts are studying zebrafish to gain a better understanding of how the immune system responds to injury. Zebrafish have the ability to repair and regenerate organs.



“Organ regeneration offers an exciting opportunity for studying the immune system and to inquire why some species can regenerate organs like the heart or missing limbs while others like humans cannot,” explained Dr. Tatjana Piotrowski.



Zebrafish sensory organ hair cells are an ideal system to investigate the pathways and cell types involved in regeneration since they are easily destroyed with antibiotics and begin regenerating within five hours. This enabled the researchers to identify the exact timing and genetic programs for each anti-inflammatory macrophage activation state.&nbsp;



“Our hypothesis is that human macrophages do not receive the proper chemical activation 'cocktail' to instruct pro-regenerative processes,” said Dr. Nicolas Denans. “Identifying the molecular recipe of macrophage activation in zebrafish may one day enable us to design regenerative immunotherapies in humans.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;



“The new evidence is a valuable resource for comparative studies on the genetic programs involved in macrophage-mediated repair and regeneration. In other words, different types of injuries may induce different kinds of inflammatory responses. We want to decipher whether this 'language' is universal or if there are a variety of dialects."



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research&nbsp;



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



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How the immune system responds to injury

[sendtonews key="0dEcERCq61-2283382-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from Stowers...

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Today's Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes how record-breaking heat expressed itself around the world in 2022.



Scientists have determined that 2022 was the 5th warmest year since 1880. Furthermore, the last nine consecutive years have been the warmest on record.



From devastating floods and wildfires to natural disasters like Hurricane Ian, 2022 showed us yet again how a warming climate affects people across the globe.&nbsp;



"As we look back at 20:22 and years past, we see that each year we better understand the challenges we face and how important it is to meet them," says NASA.



Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

[sendtonews key="3UUsNkFOuS-2487333-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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Today's Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes two exoplanets that are orbiting a star 218 light-years away. A team of researchers led by the University of Montreal has found evidence that these planets are "water worlds."



The experts used data from NASA’s Hubble and Spitzer Space Telescopes. They discovered that exoplanets Kepler-138 c and Kepler-138 could be composed largely of water.



"We previously thought that planets that were a bit larger than Earth were big balls of metal and rock, like scaled-up versions of Earth, and that's why we called them super-Earths," explained study co-author Björn Benneke.&nbsp;



"However, we have now shown that these two planets, Kepler-138 c and d, are quite different in nature and that a big fraction of their entire volume is likely composed of water. It is the best evidence yet for water worlds, a type of planet that was theorized by astronomers to exist for a long time."



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



Image Credit: NASA, ESA, and Leah Hustak (STScI)



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Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

[sendtonews key="QIoVYJqRBi-2434608-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes Earth’s interconnected systems, and how this network is affected by rising temperatures.&nbsp;



During 2020, average global temperatures matched the hottest year on record. The hurricane season was also record-breaking, with many of the storms intensifying at extraordinary speeds. Hot water in the ocean is fuel for hurricanes. The satellite data shows that it's all one interconnected system showing how Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected.



According to NASA, dust swept up from Northern Africa plays a major role in the formation of hurricanes, and is also a key source of fertilization in the Amazon rainforest. As a result of<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seagrass-wasting-disease-is-fueled-by-climate-change/"> climate</a> change, dust plumes are expected to decline, which will have an effect on vegetation far away.&nbsp;



Images from Earth-observing satellites show how the world’s plant life is affected by natural disasters, fires, and deforestation. Satellites also reveal how widespread changes in vegetation impact waterways,&nbsp; the climate, air quality. Satellites communicate by using radio waves to send signals to the antennas on the Earth. "Earth From Space" is a groundbreaking two-hour special that reveals a spectacular new space-based vision of our planet. 



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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