<p>In Uganda’s Kibale National Park, scientists have spent years doing the slow, unglamorous work of catching tiny wasps. The payoff is big: a clearer map of “dark biodiversity” - the vast share of species that are poorly known or not yet described - and practical clues for how to protect it before it disappears.</p>



<p>Most of Earth’s species have never been formally documented, making them easy to overlook in conservation plans. Biologists call these overlooked lineages “dark taxa.” They are especially abundant in tropical forests, where species, habitats, and ecological roles remain thinly studied.</p>



<p>The Biodiversity Unit at the <a href="https://www.utu.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Turku</a> has made a specialty of unveiling this hidden diversity, describing new species each year, and building tools to slow global biodiversity loss.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-living-lab-for-biodiversity">A living lab for biodiversity</h2>



<p>Kibale National Park offers a mosaic of habitats. These include tracts of largely undisturbed forest, areas recovering from past logging, and nearby farmland. That patchwork allowed researchers to ask a simple but powerful question: where, exactly, is the unknown diversity concentrated?</p>



<p>The team focused on ichneumonid <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/invasive-parasitic-wasps-quietly-crossed-oceans-now-thriving-in-u-s-oak-trees/">wasps</a> - one of the most diverse animal groups on the planet - and, within it, the subfamily Pimplinae.</p>



<p>These wasps don’t just buzz around flowers. They regulate other species by parasitizing the immature stages of insects and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossil-with-spiders-brain-suggests-arachnids-originated-in-the-sea/">spiders</a>, linking them tightly to the health of entire food webs.</p>



<p>“Ichneumonids are a very poorly known taxon in Africa - we estimate that over half of the species we found are new to science,” said doctoral researcher Emil Österman. </p>



<p>With so little baseline knowledge for tropical ichneumonids, the team used long-term, standardized sampling to see how Pimplinae diversity is distributed across Kibale’s different habitats.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wasps-link-species-and-ecosystems">Wasps link species and ecosystems</h2>



<p>Because parasitoid wasps sit high in food webs, they are sensitive to disruptions below them. If the insects and spiders they rely on decline, parasitoids tend to follow. </p>



<p>That sensitivity makes Pimplinae useful indicators: shifts in their richness and abundance often mirror broader changes in biodiversity. The new work confirms what many ecologists have suspected but struggled to quantify in tropical Africa. </p>



<p>“Many of our finds weren't unexpected, but we didn't have data based on long-term collecting in the field," said Tapani Hopkins, a researcher with the Biodiversity Unit. </p>



<p>"Now we can tell in greater detail how many more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-owl-species-discovered-in-africa/">species</a> there are in natural forest, and to what extent disturbed or logged tropical forest can harbor species.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-farmland-cannot-match-forest-life">Farmland cannot match forest life</h2>



<p>The headline result is encouraging for conservation: intact forest in Kibale harbors especially rich Pimplinae communities. Secondary forest that is regrowing after logging also supports far more species than adjacent farmland.</p>



<p>In other words, protecting remaining forest is essential, and letting disturbed forest recover pays real biodiversity dividends.</p>



<p>“Our results clearly show that African forest, including forest that is recovering from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rainforests-replanted-seedlings-after-logging-do-not-recover-well/">logging</a>, maintains a species-rich Pimplinae fauna compared to, say, nearby farmland," Österman said. "Species-rich habitats can be considered especially valuable in conserving unknown dark biodiversity.” </p>



<p>That matters for policy and on-the-ground management. If you want to safeguard the most unknown species, prioritize forests - and don’t write off recovering stands. They’re already doing important work.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-forests-store-hidden-diversity">Global forests store hidden diversity</h2>



<p>The team also asked a bigger biogeographic question: how does African tropical diversity stack up against the New World? </p>



<p>Drawing on their parallel long-term collections in western Amazonia and Brazil’s coastal forests, the researchers found hints that South American rainforests may host even higher Pimplinae richness than Africa. However, African forests still harbor a rich fauna.</p>



<p>“Conserving dark taxa effectively requires a detailed knowledge of how biodiversity is distributed, both locally and at a global scale,” said Professor Ilari E. Sääksjärvi, who leads the Biodiversity Unit.</p>



<p>The comparison underscores a simple lesson: tropical forests on multiple continents are irreplaceable reservoirs of poorly known life.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forest-biodiversity-loss-accelerates">Forest biodiversity loss accelerates</h2>



<p>Parasitoid wasps are only one window into dark biodiversity. But they tell a familiar story: clearing or simplifying forests causes losses to ripple upward. Protecting or allowing forests to recover lets complex communities rebound - including species we haven’t named yet.</p>



<p>The Kibale study shows <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biodiversity-leaks-conservation-efforts-may-shift-harm-elsewhere/">conservation</a> can succeed despite limited taxonomy: protect habitats that concentrate hidden diversity. It also highlights the value of patient, long-term fieldwork in places where biodiversity is vanishing fastest.</p>



<p>“We will continue our field studies at different tropical forest sites, because that is where biodiversity is disappearing especially quickly. It is a fight against time. When a rainforest is destroyed, we lose countless species which we know nothing about,” Sääksjärvi concluded.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://resjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/icad.70017" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Insect Conservation and Diversity</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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



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Wasps shine a light on 'dark biodiversity' in rainforests

In Uganda’s Kibale National Park, scientists have spent years doing the slow, unglamorous work of catching tiny wasps. The payoff is big: a clearer map of “dark biodiversity” - the vast share of species that are poorly known or not yet described - and practical clues for how to protect it before it disappears. Most of Earth’s species have never been formally documented, making them easy to overlook in conservation plans. Biologists call these overlooked lineages “dark taxa.” They are especially abundant in tropical forests, where species,...

<p>Refrigeration is entering a new era with an innovative cooling technology that is gaining attention for its efficiency and environmental benefits.</p>



<p>The new technology, based on thermogalvanic cells, leverages the power of reversible electrochemical reactions to create a cooling effect.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cleaner-energy-to-cool-to-our-lives">Cleaner energy to cool to our lives</h2>



<p>The cooling system stands out for its potential to reduce operational costs while offering superior scalability. This makes it adaptable for a wide range of applications - from wearable cooling devices to large-scale industrial systems.</p>



<p>The study was led by researchers at the <a href="https://english.hust.edu.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Huazhong University of Science and Technology</a> in Wuhan, China. Senior author Jiangjiang Duan emphasized the rising importance of thermogalvanic technology.</p>



<p>Duan noted that this technology has far-reaching implications in the realm of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-tech-uses-chicken-feathers-to-generate-clean-electricity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">clean electricity</a> production and low-power cooling.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-design-strategy">A new design strategy </h2>



<p>Thermogalvanic cells reap the benefits of heat produced by reversible electrochemical reactions to generate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-harvest-electricity-from-wood-soaking-in-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">electrical power</a>.</p>



<p>Though earlier studies had hinted at the limited potential of thermogalvanic cells to generate cooling power, Duan and his team overcame this obstacle by tweaking the chemicals used in the technology.</p>



<p>“While previous studies mostly focus on original system design and numerical simulation, we report a rational and universal design strategy of thermogalvanic electrolytes, enabling a record-high <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cooling-sector-emissions-could-be-drastically-reduced-by-2050/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cooling</a> performance that is potentially available for practical application," explained Duan.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unlocking-greater-cooling-potential">Unlocking greater cooling potential</h2>



<p>The cooling thermodynamic cells are based on the magic of electrochemical redox reactions involving dissolved iron ions.</p>



<p>In this process, iron ions lose an electron and absorb heat, and in the opposite phase, they gain an electron and release heat. This particular power-play cools the surrounding electrolyte solution, and the rising heat gets extracted.</p>



<p>By simply altering the solutes and solvents used in the electrolyte solution, the team optimized the cooling power of the hydrogalvanic cells.</p>



<p>A unique strategy involved the use of a hydrated iron salt with perchlorate, which favors iron ions to dissolve and dissociate more compared to previously tested iron-containing salts like ferricyanide.</p>



<p>Additionally, the iron salts were dissolved in a solvent containing nitriles instead of pure water. This improved the hydrogalvanic cells' cooling power by 70 percent.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-leap-in-refrigeration-technology">A leap in refrigeration technology</h2>



<p>The revised system cooled the surrounding electrolyte by 1.42 K - a significant stride compared to the mere 0.1 K cooling capacity of previous thermogalvanic systems.</p>



<p>Duan and his team will continue to refine their system's design while exploring possibilities for commercial applications.</p>



<p>"Though our advanced electrolyte is commercially viable, further efforts in the system-level design, scalability, and stability are required to promote the practical application of this technology," said Duan.</p>



<p>"In the future, we aim to continuously improve the thermogalvanic cooling performance by exploring novel mechanisms and advanced materials."</p>



<p>"We are also attempting to develop diverse refrigerator prototypes towards potential application scenarios and are seeking to collaborate with innovation companies to promote commercialization of thermogalvanic technologies."</p>



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



<p>While thermogalvanic refrigeration has demonstrated remarkable efficiency in controlled experiments, its transition into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/smart-energy-how-everyday-objects-could-power-your-home/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">everyday use</a> is now the next frontier. </p>



<p>Researchers are actively exploring how this technology can be integrated into existing refrigeration systems to make them more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.</p>



<p>One promising application is in wearable cooling devices, which could revolutionize personal comfort in extreme climates or high-performance settings. </p>



<p>Industries that rely on precise temperature control, such as pharmaceuticals and food storage, could also benefit from this innovative approach. </p>



<p>Unlike traditional refrigeration units that require large compressors and harmful refrigerants, thermogalvanic cells offer a compact and sustainable alternative.</p>



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



<p>Beyond consumer and industrial applications, this technological breakthrough could also play a crucial role in addressing global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/epa-awards-20-billion-in-grants-for-clean-energy-projects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">energy</a> challenges.</p>



<p>As climate change drives up temperatures worldwide, cooling demands are increasing, placing strain on energy grids. </p>



<p>By offering a low-power alternative, thermogalvanic refrigeration could reduce reliance on energy-intensive cooling methods and help curb greenhouse gas emissions.</p>



<p>With ongoing research into material improvements and system scalability, thermogalvanic refrigeration may soon become a practical and widely adopted solution. </p>



<p>As the technology advances, collaborations between scientists and industry leaders will be key to bringing this next-generation cooling method from the lab to daily life.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.cell.com/joule/fulltext/S2542-4351(25)00003-0?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS2542435125000030%3Fshowall%3Dtrue" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Joule</a></em>.</p>



<p>Image Credit: Credit: Yilin Zeng</p>



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Refrigeration will finally get an upgrade with cleaner energy

Refrigeration is entering a new era with an innovative cooling...

<p>Did you know that if you can wiggle your ears, you're exhibiting signs of a past ability that profoundly assisted our distant ancestors in sharpening their sense of hearing?</p>



<p>These muscles, called auricular muscles, alter the shape of the pinna (the ear's shell). They are considered vestigial, which means that they have become basically useless to humans over the course of evolution. </p>



<p>However, a recent study reveals that even in their limited capacity, auricular muscles spring into action when we are in the middle of sonic chaos, trying to focus on one sound amidst many.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ear-wiggling-muscles">Ear-wiggling muscles</h2>



<p>A team at <a href="https://www.uni-saarland.de/en/home.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saarland University</a> has taken a closer look at our seemingly insignificant ear-wiggling muscles.</p>



<p>"There are three large muscles which connect the auricle to the skull and scalp and are important for ear wiggling. These muscles, particularly the superior auricular muscle, exhibit increased activity during effortful listening tasks," noted Andreas Schröer, the study's lead scientist.</p>



<p>"This suggests that these muscles are engaged not merely as a reflex but potentially as part of an attentional effort mechanism, especially in challenging auditory environments."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-listening-isn-t-as-simple-as-it-seems">Listening isn't as simple as it seems</h2>



<p>How do you measure how hard someone is <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/listening-to-music-makes-medication-more-effective/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">listening</a>? It's not as straightforward as it seems. </p>



<p>While self-reported measures exist, the key to unraveling this mystery lies in the tool called electromyography, which measures electrical activity in a muscle. </p>



<p>Researchers have previously found that the largest auricular muscles - the posterior and superior ones - show increased activity during <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/live-music-connects-people-emotionally-and-physically/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">attentive listening</a>.</p>



<p>"The exact reason these became vestigial is difficult to tell, as our ancestors lost this ability about 25 million years ago," explained Schröer.</p>



<p>"One possible explanation could be that the evolutionary pressure to move the ears ceased because we became much more proficient with our visual and vocal systems."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-one-of-our-oldest-ear-muscles">One of our oldest ear muscles</h2>



<p>To investigate the functions of these particular muscles, the researchers assembled a group of 20 study participants with normal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hearing-loss-linked-to-a-greater-risk-of-dementia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hearing</a>.</p>



<p>The participants were subjected to a series of trials where they listened to an audiobook while simultaneously being exposed to distracting podcast sounds. </p>



<p>Conducting trials with varying levels of difficulty, the researchers tracked the electrical activity in the participants' auricular muscles. Though the trials were designed to be challenging, they were feasible.</p>



<p>After all, if the task was too difficult, participants might give up, and no muscular effort would register on the electromyography readings. </p>



<p>The researchers focused on the participants' subjective perceptions of effort, their estimated frequency of losing track of the audiobook, and their understanding of the audiobook content.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-distinct-responses-of-ear-muscles">Distinct responses of ear muscles </h2>



<p>The experts discovered distinct responses from the two auricular muscles. The posterior auricular muscle reacted to changes in direction, while the superior auricular muscle responded to the difficulty level of the task.</p>



<p>Participant's self-reported measures and accuracy in answering questions about the audiobook reflected the task's difficulty level and correlated with the superior auricular muscles' activity.</p>



<p>"The ear movements that could be generated by the signals we have recorded are so minuscule that there is probably no perceivable benefit," explained Schröer. </p>



<p>"However, the auricle itself does contribute to our ability to localize sounds. So, our auriculomotor system probably tries its best after being vestigial for 25 million years, but does not achieve much."</p>



<p>This new insight into our auricular <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-ultra-processed-foods-makes-your-muscles-weaker-and-more-fragile/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">muscles</a> and their potential role in determining listening effort is a stepping stone towards understanding more about auditory processes.</p>



<p>"Investigating the possible effects of muscle strain itself or the ear’s miniscule movements on the transmission of sound is something we want to do in the future. The effect of these factors in people with hearing impairments would also be interesting to investigate," Schröer concluded.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unused-ear-muscles">Unused ear muscles </h2>



<p>If these muscles no longer serve their original purpose, why haven’t they disappeared entirely? </p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/evolution-is-not-as-random-as-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Evolution</a> doesn’t always eliminate unused traits. Instead, they may become repurposed or remain in a diminished state if they pose no significant disadvantage.</p>



<p>While many mammals, including cats and dogs, rely on ear movement to pinpoint sounds, humans have developed other mechanisms - like head-turning and binaural hearing - to achieve similar auditory awareness.</p>



<p>However, the research suggests that these vestigial muscles may not be entirely obsolete. </p>



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



<p>Even though their movements are nearly imperceptible, the activation of auricular muscles during effortful listening implies they might still make a subtle contribution to sound localization or auditory attention.</p>



<p>Scientists are eager to explore whether these small muscle activations have any measurable impact on hearing precision or cognitive effort, particularly in individuals with hearing impairments.</p>



<p>Future studies may investigate whether targeted training or stimulation of auricular muscles could enhance auditory focus, especially in noisy environments. </p>



<p>Additionally, researchers plan to examine how these muscles function across different age groups and whether their activity diminishes with age, similar to other motor functions.</p>



<p>As technology advances, more refined techniques may help unlock the hidden potential of these long-overlooked muscles, revealing whether they are truly remnants of the past or contribute to our auditory experience.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnins.2024.1462507/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Neuroscience</a></em>.</p>



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'Useless' ear muscles may actually serve a purpose

Did you know that if you can wiggle your ears,...

Xxl,Size,Physical,World,Map,Illustration.,Primary,Source,,Elements,Of

<p>Geologists have long viewed North America and Europe as separate continents, yet new studies suggest there might be more complexity beneath the surface of Earth's oceans. </p>



<p>Ongoing research has revealed hints of buried land that stretches from Greenland through Iceland to the Faroe Islands.</p>



<p>At the center of this conversation is the concept that these tectonic plates could still be pulling apart in unexpected ways. Some experts say this updated view could affect how we classify continents in the future.</p>



<p>One of the researchers behind these developments is Dr Jordan Phethean, a lecturer in Earth Science at the <a href="https://www.derby.ac.uk/">University of</a><a href="https://www.derby.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> </a><a href="https://www.derby.ac.uk/">Derby</a>. </p>



<p>He worked alongside a global team, including collaborators from Switzerland, Italy, and the USA, to study what lies beneath Iceland’s volcanic layers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-iceland-s-geology-and-africa-s-rift-zones">Iceland's geology and Africa’s rift zones</h2>



<p>Researchers found similarities between an area in Africa known as the <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/77566/east-african-rift-valley-kenya" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Afra region</a> and the formation of Iceland. </p>



<p>By examining how rifting occurs in both places, they identified a newly defined feature called a Rifted Oceanic Magmatic Plateau, or ROMP.</p>



<p>Their work suggests the North American and Eurasian plates have not finished splitting, despite previous estimates that this separation happened <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-forces-discovered-cause-earths-continents-to-rise-great-escarpment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tens of millions of years ago</a>. According to recent evidence, the process is still underway.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disputing-earth-s-continents">Disputing Earth's continents</h2>



<p>Many geologists once believed the North American and Eurasian plates fully ruptured about 52 million years ago. </p>



<p>They now see ongoing tension that, if confirmed, could merge North America and Europe into a single large body.</p>



<p>“They are, in fact, still stretching and in the process of breaking apart,” Dr Phethean explained. This reinterpretation challenges our standard teaching of how the continents evolved.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fragments-below-iceland">Fragments below Iceland</h2>



<p>Experts suspect that Iceland might hold fragments of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sunken-worlds-discovered-under-the-pacific-ocean-in-earths-mantle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">submerged continental crust</a> beneath thick, volcanic rock, which suggests that the region’s geologic story is more complex than a simple hot plume scenario.</p>



<p>This idea is seen as an unusual parallel with the Afra region of East Africa, where active rifting also exposes deeper layers.</p>



<p>“I like to think of this concept as the Earth Science equivalent of finding the Lost City of Atlantis,” said Dr Phethean. </p>



<p>Experts believe that these hidden fragments could connect past tectonic events with modern geophysical observations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-micro-continent-emerges">A new micro-continent emerges</h2>



<p>Another striking revelation is the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1342937X24001023">proto-microcontinent</a> discovered between Canada and Greenland. It is about 250 miles long and sits below the <a href="https://visibleearth.nasa.gov/images/58325/baffin-bay-and-davis-strait">Davis Strait</a>, an important waterway linking the Labrador Sea to Baffin Bay.</p>



<p>This block likely formed around 60 million years ago, and sheds light on how shifting plates shape smaller fragments of land over millions of years. </p>



<p>Investigators used gravity data from space satellites, along with seismic methods, to reveal its boundaries.</p>



<p>“Rifting and microcontinent formation are ongoing phenomena,” Dr Phethean noted. This perspective offers clues on how our planet’s features change through geologic time.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pushing-earth-s-continent-boundaries">Pushing Earth's continent boundaries</h2>



<p>Scientists plan to run <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/geodynamics">geodynamic</a> computer simulations to understand how these areas evolved over time. They hope to capture the complex interplay of magma, stretching plates, and buried crust to see if similar events have happened elsewhere.</p>



<p>These models could give us a better look at how rifting can create new microcontinents or modify existing landmasses. They also might help clarify why volcanic regions in Iceland and the Afra zone follow a related pattern.</p>



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



<p>Revising how we view continents and their structures can influence natural resource exploration, especially for minerals and fossil fuels that form where plates shift. </p>



<p>Some industries already use knowledge of ancient rifts to guide drilling and surveying projects.</p>



<p>Better awareness of these features also strengthens our understanding of earthquake and volcanic hazards. </p>



<p>Regions experiencing active rifting may face ground deformation or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/continent-sized-islands-llsvp-found-inside-earth-are-100-times-taller-than-mount-everest/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">other geologic risks</a> that call for careful monitoring.</p>



<p>Plate movements never truly stop. Even when the timeline stretches over tens of millions of years, the Earth is shifting far beneath our feet in ways that might surprise us.</p>



<p>Tracing hidden land under the ocean challenges our textbook definitions of continents. This reclassification debate may intensify if further data confirms unbroken connections between large tectonic blocks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eco-friendly-solutions">Eco-friendly solutions</h2>



<p>Understanding the deep <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-crust-is-dripping-under-turkey/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crust</a> could also open doors to cleaner energy resources like geothermal power. Iceland has long been a leader in tapping underground heat for electricity, and new geologic data could encourage similar methods in other places.</p>



<p>Researchers and students at the University of Derby are exploring these possibilities. They see a link between geoscience progress and the push for sustainable solutions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-s-continents-and-academics">Earth's continents and academics</h2>



<p>Training new scientists is essential for advancing our understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mountain-building-triggered-a-mass-extinction-event/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's changing structure</a>.</p>



<p>Young researchers and recent graduates often introduce fresh ideas that lead to new discoveries in how continents shift, how tectonic plates move, and how we can manage Earth's natural resources better.</p>



<p>As more people become interested in studying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-crust-is-dripping-under-turkey/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">geological changes</a>, universities and research institutions that offer specialized programs in these fields may see more students enrolling.</p>



<p>Those who gain hands-on experience, such as working in the field or using computer models to simulate Earth’s processes, have a better chance of making important discoveries in the future.</p>



<p>This research highlights the need to keep an open mind about how Earth's structure works. While the ground beneath us feels solid and unchanging, the deeper layers of the planet are always moving. </p>



<p>Understanding these shifts helps us prepare for the future and make better decisions about natural resources, disasters, and environmental sustainability.</p>



<p>The study is published in <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1342937X24001023"><em>Gondwana Research</em></a>.</p>



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Earth only has six continents, not seven, according to a recent study

Geologists have long viewed North America and Europe as separate...

<p>We all have heard the saying, "Listen to your gut." A growing collection of research shows that our guts have more to say than we ever imagined. They might even be speaking to our brains in ways that influence the progression of Alzheimer's-type illnesses.</p>



<p>A team of Italian and French scientists is on the trail of new insights into Alzheimer’s disease. Their research sheds new light on this devastating neurodegenerative condition that affects millions worldwide.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mysterious-language-of-the-gut-and-brain">Mysterious language of the gut and brain</h2>



<p>Alzheimer's disease is characterized by alterations in the brain including synaptic loss, chronic inflammation, and neuronal cell death.</p>



<p>Recent discoveries have shown that our gut and brain communicate via neurons in both organs. If this intricate communication system misfires, it often leads to psychiatric and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-deprivation-impairs-the-brain-potentially-causing-neurological-disorders/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neurological disorders</a>, like Alzheimer’s.</p>



<p>In the midst of this, gut microbiota - the microorganisms residing in our intestinal tract - play a crucial role.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-harmful-gut-bacteria-and-alzheimer-s-disease">Harmful gut bacteria and Alzheimer’s disease</h2>



<p>“There are already many studies that support that changes in the gut composition can contribute to Alzheimer’s onset and progression,” said Alessia Cedola,&nbsp;a researcher at the <a href="https://www.cnr.it/en/institute/054/institute-of-nanotechnology-nanotec" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute of Nanotechnology</a>.</p>



<p>This is where "<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-gut-microbiome-is-shaped-by-what-we-eat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dysbiosis</a>" enters the picture. It is an imbalance in the composition and function of microbial communities in the gut.</p>



<p>The loss of gut microbial diversity often leads to the prevalence of dangerous bacteria that produce toxic metabolites, promoting inflammation and potentially causing the break down of gut-brain barriers. But what exactly happens when gut dysbiosis occurs?</p>



<p>"The main hypothesis is that changes trigger the escape of bad bacteria from the gut, entering the circulation, reaching the brain, and triggering Alzheimer’s, but evidence is still poor," explained Cedola.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gut-changes-in-alzheimer-s">Gut changes in Alzheimer’s</h2>



<p>To address this, the scientists pioneered the use of nano- and micro X-ray phase-contrast tomography (XPCT). They found this tool to be incredibly beneficial in studying structural and morphological alterations in the gut, sans any tissue manipulation.</p>



<p>The team conducted experiments at ESRF, the European Synchrotron in Grenoble, France. Peter Cloetens was the leading scientist on the project.</p>



<p>"Thanks to this technique we can image soft biological tissues with excellent sensitivity in 3D, with minimal sample preparation and without contrast agents," said Cloetens.</p>



<p>The data revealed changes in cell abundance and organization and structural alterations in different tissues of mice with Alzheimer's.</p>



<p>Specifically, the team found significant alterations in the gut's villi and crypts, cellular transformations, and many other vital factors.</p>



<p>These factors, when functioning properly, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/carrots-may-help-manage-diabetes-by-improving-gut-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">maintain gut health</a>, support digestion, and protect the intestinal lining from damage.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-detection-of-alzheimer-s">Early detection of Alzheimer's </h2>



<p>Cedola believes that this technique might be pivotal in the early detection and prognosis of Alzheimer's disease. </p>



<p>By gaining a deeper understanding of these processes, the team hopes to identify therapeutic targets and develop innovative treatments for this devastating disease.</p>



<p>In collaboration with their colleagues Francesca Palermo and Claudia Balducci, the team plans to further exploit the capabilities of XPCT. </p>



<p>The goal is to investigate the enteric nervous system and its role in Alzheimer's disease. The research highlights the importance of biomedical studies at the ESRF.</p>



<p>“The ESRF will undoubtedly continue to play a crucial role in our research, and we look forward to many more exciting discoveries in the years to come,” noted Cedola.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-gut-s-role-in-alzheimer-s-prevention">The gut's role in Alzheimer’s prevention</h2>



<p>As researchers uncover more about the gut’s role in neurodegenerative diseases, the question arises - can gut-targeted therapies help prevent or slow down <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exercise-benefits-alzheimers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alzheimer’s progression</a>?</p>



<p>Scientists are increasingly exploring interventions such as probiotics, prebiotics, and dietary modifications aimed at restoring microbial balance.</p>



<p>Some research even suggests that a healthy gut microbiome can decrease systemic inflammation, which is the hallmark of Alzheimer’s pathology. </p>



<p>Furthermore, FMTs have been recently emerging as promising for reversing dysbiosis-related cognitive decline, but more research needs to be conducted to establish its effectiveness.</p>



<p>In the future, Cedola and her team believe that their high-tech imaging might be used to track how such interventions affect the gut structure, thereby influencing the health of the brain. Future treatments may not begin in the brain, but in the microbial world of the gut.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adr8511" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a></em>.</p>



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Targeting the gut might be key in preventing Alzheimer’s disease

We all have heard the saying, "Listen to your gut."...

<p>The heart of our Milky Way galaxy is much more active than most people would realize. In fact, astronomers discovered two gigantic "bubbles" extending above and below the galactic center, roughly 50,000 light years in each direction.</p>



<p>Each one stretches tens of thousands of light-years above and below the galactic center, yet they stay hidden from casual stargazers because they glow mainly in gamma rays and X-rays. </p>



<p>These mysterious formations appear to have emerged from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cosmic-chimney-venting-found-heart-milky-way-galaxy-sagittarius-a/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supermassive black hole</a> at the center of the galaxy, Sagittarius A*. </p>



<p>Researchers pieced together evidence that points to an enormous outburst several million years ago, releasing colossal amounts of energy in a short time.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fermi-and-erosita-bubbles">"Fermi" and "eRosita" bubbles</h2>



<p>These enormous structures are called the <a href="https://fermi.gsfc.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fermi</a> and <a href="https://www.mpe.mpg.de/eROSITA" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eRosita</a> bubbles, named for the telescopes that found them independently in 2010 and 2020. </p>



<p>Since then, researchers have published well over a hundred peer-reviewed papers that specifically investigate the nature, origins, and implications of the Fermi Bubbles. </p>



<p>One study in particular explores how these bubbles arose and pinpoints the event that may have created them. </p>



<p>It suggests that a powerful jet of material began erupting from the Milky Way’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/high-speed-baby-stars-swarm-around-milky-ways-supermassive-sagittarius-a/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">central black hole</a>, Sagittarius A*, about 2.6 million years ago, continuing for roughly 100,000 years. </p>



<p>Mateusz Ruszkowski from the <a href="https://umich.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Michigan</a> worked on this investigation alongside partners at <a href="https://nthu-en.site.nthu.edu.tw/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Tsing Hua University</a> in Taiwan and the <a href="https://www.wisc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Wisconsin</a>.</p>



<p>“Our findings are important in the sense that we need to understand how black holes interact with the galaxies that they are inside, because this interaction allows these black holes to grow in a controlled fashion as opposed to grow uncontrollably,” said U-M astronomer Mateusz Ruszkowski, a co-author of the study. </p>



<p>“If you believe in the model of these Fermi or eRosita bubbles as being driven by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-ways-black-hole-formed-through-a-merger/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supermassive black holes</a>, you can start answering these profound questions.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-galaxy-bubbles-and-black-hole-jets">Galaxy bubbles and black hole jets</h2>



<p>The research indicates that a black hole outflow can blow away surrounding gas and inflate these bubbles rather than letting the black hole grow without limits. </p>



<p>This idea contrasts with an older hypothesis that connected the bubbles to supernova-driven starbursts. </p>



<p>The new results back the black hole scenario instead, helped by observations of a microwave haze and other emissions near the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/powerful-magnetic-fields-may-be-key-features-of-black-holes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy’s center</a>.</p>



<p>“We not only can rule out the starburst model, but we can also fine tune the parameters that are needed to produce the same images, or something very similar to what’s in the sky, within that supermassive black hole model,” Ruszkowski said. </p>



<p>“We can better constrain certain things, such as how much energy was pumped in, what’s inside these bubbles and how long was the energy injected in order to produce these bubbles.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cosmic-rays-and-expanding-gas">Cosmic rays and expanding gas</h2>



<p>The eRosita and Fermi bubbles each shine in different wavelengths, but they appear related to the same violent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flares-shed-light-on-the-milky-ways-supermassive-black-hole/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">release of energy</a>. </p>



<p>A shock wave triggered by the Fermi bubbles likely expanded the eRosita bubbles to nearly twice their size. </p>



<p>The expanding cosmic rays can be traced, giving astronomers another way to explore what is happening at the core of our galaxy.</p>



<p>“Our simulation is unique in that it takes into account the interaction between the cosmic rays and gas within the Milky Way," Yang explained. </p>



<p>"The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hess-observatory-detects-highest-energy-cosmic-rays-ever-observed-origin-unknown/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cosmic rays</a>, injected with the jets of the black hole, expand and form the Fermi bubbles that shine in gamma rays."</p>



<p>The same explosion pushes gas away from the Galactic center and forms a shock wave that is observed as the eRosita bubbles. </p>



<p>Observing the eRosita bubbles allowed them to more accurately constrain the duration of the black hole activity, and better understand the past history of the Milky Way galaxy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-creating-a-galaxy-bubble-timeline">Creating a galaxy bubble timeline</h2>



<p>Multiple lines of evidence hint that the bubble-producing event in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-way-galaxy-is-surrounded-by-massive-magnetic-fields/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a> galaxy lasted a mere fraction of the timescale once proposed by the starburst explanation.</p>



<p>Researchers involved in this work point out that the starburst model usually implies a longer energy injection period, which would produce different bubble sizes and shapes.</p>



<p>“On the other hand, our active black hole model accurately predicts the relative sizes of the eRosita x-ray bubbles and the Fermi gamma ray bubbles, provided the energy injection time is about one percent of that, or one tenth of a million years,” Zweibel noted.</p>



<p>Injecting energy over 10 million years would produce bubbles with a completely different appearance. It’s the opportunity to compare the x-ray and gamma ray bubbles from each telescope which provides the crucial previously missing piece.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-composition-of-the-galaxy-bubbles">Composition of the galaxy bubbles</h2>



<p>The discovery of these towering structures close to home allows astronomers to collect more detailed data than they could from faraway galaxies. </p>



<p>These bubbles also highlight the link between cosmic events and everyday life. The processes involved in creating these bubbles influence how galaxies grow and evolve, which affects the formation of the stars and planets we depend on.</p>



<p>The study’s authors performed simulations that incorporate hydrodynamics, gravity, and cosmic ray physics. </p>



<p>Matching these simulations to real observations helps astronomers understand the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-hole-jets-are-like-million-light-year-long-jedi-lightsabers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">energy involved</a> and the composition of the bubbles. </p>



<p>The momentum driving and blowing up these massive Fermi and eRosita bubbles comes from kinetic, thermal, and cosmic ray energy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-space-bubbles-and-the-milky-way-galaxy">Space bubbles and the Milky Way galaxy</h2>



<p>To sum it all up, these galaxy bubbles, which seem to be making some type of giant space sandwich out of the Milky Way, likely formed when the supermassive black hole at the center, Sagittarius A*, hurled out <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/porphyrion-largest-black-hole-jets-ever-seen-is-23-million-light-years-long/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">energy and hot gas</a>. </p>



<p>Instead of running wild, the black hole pushed material away and created these balloon-like shapes that glow in different types of light - gamma rays and X-rays.  </p>



<p>Researchers studied these bubbles by modeling how energy flows through the galaxy, giving them clues about how the outflow grew so large and how it shaped the area around our galactic core.</p>



<p>The results suggest that this wasn't caused by exploding stars but rather by a focused burst of energy, or jets, from the black hole.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-any-of-this-matter-0">Why does any of this matter?</h2>



<p>Now, I totally get it - two giant bubbles hovering above and below our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/runaway-star-j1249-36-spotted-trying-to-escape-our-milky-way-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a> galaxy, each over 50,000 light-years long, seems almost impossible to comprehend. </p>



<p>But by learning about these massive bubbles and the energy from the black hole that created them, Sagittarius A*, we learn how galaxies grow, how stars and planets form, and how the universe impacts the environment around us. </p>



<p>That knowledge helps scientists see the “big picture” of where we come from and where we might be headed.</p>



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



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Two enormous "bubbles" discovered towering above and below our Milky Way galaxy

The heart of our Milky Way galaxy is much more...

<p>We've all experienced it - rashes that appear out of nowhere, tempting us into scratching for momentary relief. We listen to our parents' cautions but give in anyway, only to have the itch return, worse than ever.</p>



<p>Now, a study has confirmed what many of us have long suspected: scratching doesn’t just fail to help - it actually makes things worse, exacerbating inflammation and prolonging healing.</p>



<p>The research sheds light on why the itch-scratch cycle is so tough to break. Surprisingly, while scratching feels satisfying in the moment, scientists say it actually has an evolutionary purpose that's more complex than just relief.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rashes-and-the-urge-to-scratch">Rashes and the urge to scratch</h2>



<p>The research was focused on a type of eczema known as allergic contact dermatitis. This condition is caused by an allergic reaction to various <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/smartphones-can-be-reservoirs-of-allergens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">allergens</a> or skin irritants - including poison ivy and certain metals like nickel - and prompts an itchy, swollen rash.</p>



<p>Giving in to the urge to scratch only fuels the fire - increasing inflammation, exacerbating symptoms, and hindering the healing process.</p>



<p>Study lead author Daniel Kaplan is a professor of dermatology and immunology at the <a href="https://www.pitt.edu/">University of Pittsburgh</a>.</p>



<p>“At first, these findings seemed to introduce a paradox: If scratching an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/common-microbe-found-to-be-the-culprit-behind-itch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">itch</a> is bad for us, why does it feel so good? Scratching is often pleasurable, which suggests that, in order to have evolved, this behavior must provide some kind of benefit," noted Kaplan. </p>



<p>"Our study helps resolve this paradox by providing evidence that scratching also provides defense against bacterial skin infections.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-scratch-itch-cycle-in-rashes">The scratch-itch cycle in rashes</h2>



<p>To investigate what perpetuates the scratch-itch cycle in rashes, the researchers used itch-inducing allergens to simulate eczema-like symptoms on the ears of two groups of mice. One group was normal, while the other lacked an itch-sensing neuron (and was unable to feel itchy).</p>



<p>The researchers found that the ears of the mice that could scratch were significantly more swollen and filled with inflammatory immune cells called neutrophils compared to the group that couldn’t scratch.</p>



<p>This experiment validated the notion that scratching indeed worsens the skin condition. The researchers discovered that scratching precipitates the release of a compound called substance P by pain-sensing neurons.</p>



<p>This substance then triggers the activation of mast cells, immune cells that play a pivotal role in driving <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/allergy-season-will-become-increasingly-brutal-as-climate-warms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">itchiness</a> and inflammation through the recruitment of neutrophils.</p>



<p>“In contact dermatitis, mast cells are directly activated by allergens, which drives minor inflammation and itchiness,” explained Professor Kaplan.</p>



<p>“In response to scratching, the release of substance P activates mast cells through a second pathway, so the reason that scratching triggers more inflammation in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/skins-secret-strength-shields-against-puncture-damage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">skin</a> is because mast cells have been synergistically activated through two pathways.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scratching-rashes-and-skin-defense">Scratching rashes and skin defense</h2>



<p>While mast cells can intensify existing skin irritations, they also aid in the protection against bacteria and other pathogens.</p>



<p>The research team decided to explore whether the activation of mast cells induced by scratching could influence the skin’s microbiome.</p>



<p>The findings revealed that scratching lessened the presence of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pigs-are-spreading-antibiotic-resistant-bacteria-to-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Staphylococcus aureus</a>, a common bacteria involved in skin infections, on the skin.</p>



<p>“The finding that scratching improves defense against Staphylococcus aureus suggests that it could be beneficial in some contexts,” said Kaplan. “But the damage that scratching does to the skin probably outweighs this benefit when itching is chronic.”</p>



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



<p>Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh plan to develop new therapies for dermatitis, rosacea, and urticaria. They aim to reduce inflammation by targeting specific receptors on mast cells. These immune cells play a key role in triggering itchiness and swelling. </p>



<p>By understanding how scratching worsens inflammation, scientists hope to create treatments that break the itch-scratch cycle. Their findings could lead to better options for people suffering from chronic skin conditions.</p>



<p>The research highlights why avoiding scratching is essential for healthier skin. Scratching may feel good in the moment, but it often makes rashes worse by increasing inflammation. While it can help fight bacteria, the long-term damage outweighs the short-term relief. </p>



<p>Next time your skin itches, think twice before scratching. Instead, try soothing lotions, cool compresses, or medications to reduce irritation. Sometimes, resisting the urge can help your skin heal faster and prevent further discomfort.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adn9390" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a></em>.</p>



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Scratching that itch? Science confirms it only makes rashes worse

We've all experienced it - rashes that appear out of...

<p>Skateboarding is more than just a sport; it's a symphony of sounds and silence. A new study reveals that sound plays a critical and often overlooked role in how skateboarders interact with their craft.</p>



<p>Skateboarders not only see their environment but also feel and hear it. Images and videos may show the spectacular stunts, but they don't capture the whole experience.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-listening-to-the-streets">Listening to the streets</h2>



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/silent-mind-when-the-inner-voice-fades/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sounds</a> and vibrations emanating from the urban surfaces – the "skatesound" - provide insights that are integral to the skateboarding experience.</p>



<p>These sounds enable skateboarders to verify the success of their maneuvers, evaluate the suitability of surfaces for skating, and function as a social cue. </p>



<p>For some, the sensory stimulation of skateboarding can be therapeutic and a way to connect with their fellow skateboarders.</p>



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



<p>However, the study introduces an interesting concept - the "skatesound paradox."</p>



<p>Skateboarders are conscious of the intrusive nature of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/traffic-noise-increases-the-risk-of-hypertension/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">noise</a> they produce and adjust their behavior accordingly in certain situations to minimize this disruption.</p>



<p>Surprisingly, skateboarders describe the sound of the sport as both abrasive and pleasant. </p>



<p>For some, sound is an essential part of the experience, offering a therapeutic sensory aid, especially to those who identify as neurodiverse.</p>



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



<p>Researchers from the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a>, conducted interviews with 18 adult skateboarders aged between 19 and 51 from diverse geographies and experience levels. </p>



<p>The study revealed that skatesound was an inclusive experience, offering engagement for some who may feel excluded by more traditional and regulated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/children-who-play-team-sports-have-fewer-mental-health-problems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sports</a>.</p>



<p>Dr. Paul O’Connor, one of the researchers, shared quotes from skateboarders who described the sound of skateboarding in sensory and graphic terms. </p>



<p>They used expressions like "clattering," "an irritant," "rolling, rough, smooth tickling in my ear," and "rough and in your face. Loud in the best way."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-listening-to-feel-not-just-to-hear">Listening to feel, not just to hear</h2>



<p>The research also highlights some heartening stories from the skateboarders. </p>



<p>Alfie, a skilled skateboarder, spoke of how the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/experts-find-cultural-differences-in-how-we-interpret-rhythm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rhythm</a> and flow of skatesound made him a more empathetic person, helping him deal with anxiety and increasing his self-awareness of his neurodiversity.</p>



<p>Interestingly, most of the skateboarders were against the idea of listening to music through headphones while skateboarding, viewing it as anti-social. </p>



<p>The sport for them is a communal activity, and wearing headphones disrupts the connection with the group and the overall experience.</p>



<p>However, those who chose to listen to music through headphones while skateboarding had their reasons. </p>



<p>Music helped with focus for some skateboarders, while headphones served as a social barrier for others - offering them an added layer of confidence.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-auditory-canvas-of-skateboarding">The auditory canvas of skateboarding</h2>



<p>The research sheds light on the underappreciated sensory element of skateboarding.</p>



<p>The study, led by Professor Brian Glenney and Dr. Max Boutin, revealed that the skateboard is not just a toy or sports object but an "ear beneath the feet."</p>



<p>Next time you hear the thrum of wheels on concrete and the clatter of a board hitting the pavement, consider the symphony of sounds that the skateboarders are attuning to. </p>



<p>They're not simply making noise. Skateboarders are engaged in deep sensory <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-learning-how-our-brains-neurons-make-and-retrieve-memories/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">learning</a>, bonding with their friends, and perhaps, finding an unusual solace in an otherwise noisy world.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-skateboarding-as-a-sensory-experience">Skateboarding as a sensory experience</h2>



<p>Skateboarding is more than a physical activity - it’s a full-body sensory experience. From the vibration of the board against their feet to the rhythmic sounds of wheels against the pavement, skateboarders operate through every possible use of their senses.</p>



<p>They feel what the deck feels, find resistance from the surface, and even pick up on subtle shifts in sound to find-tune their moves in real time.</p>



<p>For many, skateboarding is a unique way to engage with the world. Unlike other sports that rely heavily on visual cues, skateboarders develop a deep connection to their surroundings through sound and touch. </p>



<p>The constant feedback loop between movement and skatesound not only sharpens their skills but also deepens their understanding of space, balance, and flow.</p>



<p>This heightened sensory awareness makes skateboarding more than just a sport - it is an art form, a venue for self-expression, and for some, even a form of therapy.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17430437.2024.2446115" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sport in Society</a></em>.</p>



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



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Listening to the streets: Skateboarding is an experience shaped by sound

Skateboarding is more than just a sport; it's a symphony...

<p>Yellowstone National Park boasts some of the most iconic geothermal features in the United States. Beneath those colorful hot springs and spewing geysers sits a volcanic system that has captured the attention of geologists for decades.</p>



<p>Recent <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-08286-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">findings</a> discuss how molten material may one day break the surface in a corner of this ancient hotspot. </p>



<p>According to Ninfa Bennington of the U.S. Geological Survey (<a href="https://www.usgs.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USGS</a>), new instruments revealed four distinct magma bodies beneath Yellowstone, yet only the northeastern one appears poised for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-next-big-volcano-eruption-will-cause-global-chaos-climate-impact/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">far-future activity</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-yellowstone-s-history-of-massive-eruptions">Yellowstone's history of massive eruptions</h2>



<p>Researchers have long noted three massive eruptions in Yellowstone over roughly two million years. </p>



<p>Those events left behind giant <a href="https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/calderas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">calderas</a>, which are vast volcanic depressions formed when large volumes of magma empty and cause the ground to collapse.</p>



<p>Such colossal blasts are uncommon, so experts analyze lingering heat and rock structures to understand how these systems evolve. Each caldera tells a different part of the story, offering clues about what lies below.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-magma-deep-underground">Tracking magma deep underground</h2>



<p>Specialists use <a href="https://epic.earthscope.org/content/instrumentation/magnetotelluric-systems-epic" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnetotelluric instruments</a> to detect electrical signals that reveal melted rock under the surface. </p>



<p>The devices measure conductivity, allowing scientists to map <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/axial-seamount-large-underwater-volcano-off-us-coast-will-likely-erupt-in-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magma zones</a> without drilling. This approach pinpoints subterranean areas where molten rock might accumulate.</p>



<p>"We find that rhyolitic melts are stored in segregated regions beneath the caldera," wrote Bennington, the study's lead author.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-northeastern-magma-body">Northeastern magma body</h2>



<p>Among the identified <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-and-trees-predict-volcano-eruptions-when-viewed-from-space-satellites/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magma</a> bodies, only the one in Yellowstone's northeast <a href="https://www.nps.gov/yell/index.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sector</a> is expected to retain enough heat to stay partially molten long-term. </p>



<p>This discovery refines older ideas that suggested multiple areas could erupt in the distant future.</p>



<p>"We suggest that the locus of future <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/rhyolite" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rhyolitic volcanism</a> has shifted to northeast Yellowstone Caldera," noted Bennington. This statement pinpoints a new center of potential volcanic action in Yellowstone.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-yellowstone-compares-to-others">How Yellowstone compares to others</h2>



<p>Yellowstone isn't the only place on Earth with massive magma systems. In Indonesia, <a href="https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/what-a-supervolcano-what-a-supereruption" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supervolcano</a> Toba erupted about 74,000 years ago, leading to significant global impacts.</p>



<p>Scientists compare Yellowstone with Toba and other large volcanic fields to see how deeply buried <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-research-enhances-predictions-on-volcanic-eruptions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magma</a> behaves over time. </p>



<p>Each site adds pieces to the broader puzzle of predicting when and how these forces might surface.</p>



<p>Forecasting eruptions is a complex challenge. Experts watch seismic tremors, ground changes, and chemical signals to catch early warnings of magma movement.</p>



<p>Groups like the <a href="https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/yvo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yellowstone Volcano Observatory</a> share real-time updates to help the public stay informed. They typically see low-level unrest, which doesn't point to any immediate threat.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-yellowstone-eruption-fears-vs-facts">Yellowstone eruption: Fears vs. facts</h2>



<p>Rumors about sudden cataclysms occasionally circulate. Geologists stress that supervolcano-scale eruptions require specific conditions that rarely align.</p>



<p>Communities near Yellowstone benefit from ongoing research that tracks small shifts in the system. This work helps reduce uncertainty and shows that colossal events happen on geological - not human - timelines.</p>



<p>Continued advances in imaging technology and field observations refine our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supervolcano-italy-solfatara-crater-phlegraean-fields-shows-signs-of-waking-up/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">understanding of underground processes</a>. </p>



<p>By mapping details more precisely, researchers can spot temperature and pressure variations that might foreshadow bigger changes.</p>



<p>Experts emphasize that no single method gives a perfect forecast. Instead, multiple tools create a fuller view, improving how we interpret rumblings beneath our feet.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-supervolcanoes-erupt">When supervolcanoes erupt</h2>



<p>When a supervolcano erupts, it blasts huge amounts of ash, gas, and lava high into the atmosphere, which then spread across vast regions of the planet. </p>



<p>This ash can disrupt daily life in many ways by affecting air quality, water supplies, and transportation, to name just a few.</p>



<p>On a global scale, the eruption <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/volcanic-winters-weakened-the-dinosaurs-before-the-asteroid-hit/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cools the Earth's climate</a> by blocking sunlight with thick layers of ash and sulfur dioxide. </p>



<p>This cooling effect, sometimes called a "<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/volcanic-cooling-not-warming-caused-a-major-mass-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcanic winter</a>," can lead to shorter growing seasons and widespread crop failures, affecting food supplies around the world. </p>



<p>The climate shifts and environmental stress might even trigger economic and social disruptions as governments and communities adapt to the new conditions.</p>



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



<p>Some wonder if the northeastern sector will pose a risk anytime soon. Most geologists say it's a far-off scenario measured in thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of years.</p>



<p>Still, pinpointing that region offers a step toward more focused hazard assessments. Future drilling or additional surveys may provide clues to how heat flows and magma shifts under Yellowstone's surface.</p>



<p>Each study enhances our understanding of how supervolcanoes work. Comparing data worldwide helps gauge the intervals between major eruptions, giving communities perspective on the pace of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-volcanic-past-reveals-the-shocking-reality-of-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">geologic change</a>.</p>



<p>Investigations like these highlight how Earth remains active in places we least expect. This hidden energy feeds geysers and hot springs now, and might shape landscapes in ways we can only imagine.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-standing-on-a-sleeping-giant">Standing on a sleeping giant</h2>



<p>Millions of visitors roam Yellowstone's trails every year, drawn by dramatic scenery and wildlife. Few realize they're walking above a deep reservoir that, while dormant, still holds potential power.</p>



<p>Researchers remain cautious about definitive forecasts but appreciate this deeper glimpse into where future volcanic eruptions could arise in Yellowstone. </p>



<p>Lessons learned from this site might guide how we monitor volcanic regions across the globe.</p>



<p>Current measurements reinforce that no sudden explosion is expected soon. The findings merely shine light on the structure of the system and indicate that the northeastern sector might be the stage for the next chapter.</p>



<p>The study is published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-08286-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature</em></a>.</p>



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Yellowstone supervolcano study sparks new debate on where and when it will erupt

Yellowstone National Park boasts some of the most iconic geothermal...

<p>Legends about a boiling, scalding river that roasts anything that falls inside may sound like fiction. Yet nestled in the Peruvian rainforest, a curious waterway <a href="https://www.ted.com/talks/andres_ruzo_the_boiling_river_of_the_amazon" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">proves</a> these stories are far from mythical.</p>



<p>Its waters can reach 210°F, a temperature that can cause severe burns within seconds. For decades, local communities spoke of a place so hot that small <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cold-shocks-in-the-amazon-how-do-wild-animals-respond/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animals perish</a> upon touching its surface.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-boiling-river-in-peru">The "Boiling River" in Peru</h2>



<p>The "Boiling River" is located in the Mayantuyacu region of central Peru. The river’s length is around 4 miles, and it can be up to about 20 feet wide in some sections.</p>



<p>A team of scientists led by <a href="https://www.rileyfortier.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Riley Fortier</a>, a graduate student at the <a href="https://welcome.miami.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Miami</a>, surveyed 70 sites along this tributary. </p>



<p>"It really provides us a window into the future because the Amazon will get hotter whether we like it or not, so this allows us to understand what increases in temperature will do to the forest composition," said Riley Fortier, lead author on a study of the site published in <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/gcb.17555" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Global Change Biology</em></a>, and a graduate student in professor Kenneth Feeley's <a href="https://www.junglebiology.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jungle Biology lab</a>.</p>



<p>The team wanted to see how extreme heat shapes the surrounding forest.</p>



<p>By mapping the tree and plant species from cooler upstream areas down to the scalding heart of the river, they discovered a startling drop in biological variety. </p>



<p>Findings <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/gcb.17555" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">showed</a> an 11% decline in biodiversity for each 1.8°F rise in average temperature.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-the-boiling-river-boils">Why the boiling river boils</h2>



<p>Geoscientists attribute the heat to fault-fed activity, where underground water channels meet Earth’s geothermal energy. </p>



<p>A fault is a <a href="https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/what-a-fault-and-what-are-different-types" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">large fracture</a> in the crust that provides a direct path for scorching fluid to surge toward the surface.</p>



<p>Researchers believe that rainwater infiltrating sedimentary rock becomes superheated below ground. It then emerges as a system of hot springs converging with the main watercourse, creating a natural cauldron.</p>



<p>“You stick your hand in, and you will see second or third degree burns in a matter of seconds,” said Ruzo, who first measured the river’s peak heat. </p>



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



<p>Many local inhabitants regard the site with deep respect because anything that wanders too close risks a painful encounter.</p>



<p>Certain plants thrive on the fringes, but most large creatures struggle with the sweltering <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiny-microbes-in-amazon-peatlands-help-balance-the-global-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environment</a>. Adaptations are limited for organisms facing water that can reach coffee-brewing temperatures.</p>



<p>"Overall, the tree community is less diverse, so we see fewer species in hotter spots," Fortier said. "And forest composition was also more homogenous in the warmest locations, whereas in cooler forest plots, there was more plant diversity."</p>



<p>Botanical surveys from cooler sections toward the hotter stretches revealed how tree diversity narrows. In place of thick canopies, the research team documented more scrubby <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rainforest-trees-use-rivers-as-highways-for-migration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vegetation</a>.</p>



<p>"Over the course of dozens of miles, you might expect to see dramatic changes like that, but in the small sampling area that we had, you typically wouldn't see such a clear change in composition," Fortier added.</p>



<p>Small species adapted to drought-like conditions gained ground as the mercury rose. Larger, slower-growing trees faded away, reflecting how intense heat reshapes even lush ecosystems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-boiling-rivers-and-future-climate">Boiling rivers and future climate</h2>



<p>Fortier’s data suggest that as worldwide temperatures climb, similar shifts could spread across other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-amazon-rainforest-is-approaching-widespread-collapse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lowland rainforests</a>.</p>



<p>Changes may include declines in species that cannot handle additional heat and a rise in those more comfortable with higher temperatures.</p>



<p>Scientists note that an environment featuring fewer tree varieties will likely support fewer types of animals too. The loss of one group often sends ripples through the entire food web.</p>



<p>The boiling tributary, known locally as <a href="https://shanaytimpishka.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shanay-Timpishka</a>, meaning “boiled with the heat of the sun,” stands as a stark example of what could happen if average temperatures continue to climb. </p>



<p>Areas that were once rich in wildlife may morph into simpler, drier landscapes. Observers hope that studying this natural hotspot will inspire careful planning to protect sensitive habitats. </p>



<p>Even though the river is unique, it signals what may lie ahead for places currently seen as safe havens for biodiversity.</p>



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



<p>Researchers plan to gather long-term data and explore whether <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nearly-40-of-climate-critical-amazon-rainforest-is-unprotected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flora and fauna</a> can adapt to persistently higher temperatures. They will also watch for signs of any species shifting to cooler pockets.</p>



<p>Some scientists are examining whether the warming patterns near this location might parallel broader trends in tropical zones. </p>



<p>They predict that more forests around the globe could face intense thermal stress, forcing communities to adapt or relocate.</p>



<p>Feeley's lab will continue its research of the boiling river, since it is such a unique place that could portend much about our natural world.</p>



<p>"You can't heat a whole forest, at least not artificially, which is one of the coolest aspects of the boiling river," Fortier added.</p>



<p>The study is published in <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/gcb.17555" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Global Change Biology</em></a>.</p>



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One river in the Amazon rainforest is so hot that it literally boils, destroying nearby biodiversity

Legends about a boiling, scalding river that roasts anything that...

<p>Over the past thirty years, astronomers have identified more than 7,000 planets outside of our solar system - a remarkable leap since the first exoplanet discovery in 1995. Yet, researchers estimate that countless more remain undetected in our galaxy alone. </p>



<p>In this context, a team of scientists has confirmed the existence of a potentially habitable super-Earth named HD 20794 d.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study represents a key step in exoplanetology’s ongoing shift from merely detecting planets to investigating their features, particularly conditions that might support life.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-this-super-earth">Significance of this super-Earth</h2>



<p>Exoplanetary science has advanced significantly since Michel Mayor and Didier Queloz discovered the first planet orbiting a star other than our Sun in 1995. This achievement earned them the 2019 Nobel Prize in Physics.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Today, it is broadly accepted that most stars have at least one orbiting planet. Scientists are now concentrating on more nuanced questions, such as identifying characteristics that make a world amenable to life.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In this regard, the confirmation of super-Earth HD 20794 d introduces a planetary system that could allow scientists to test their theories of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planet-formation-new-insights-mechanics-physics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planetary formation</a>, climate models, and the processes tied to biological emergence.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hd-20794-d-in-the-habitable-zone">HD 20794 d in the habitable zone</h2>



<p>A super-Earth is a planet that is <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/super-earth-discovered-in-the-habitable-zone-of-its-star/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">larger than Earth</a> but smaller than gas giants like Neptune. HD 20794 d occupies a system that includes two other planets, all revolving around a G-type star (similar to our Sun) at a distance of approximately 19.7 light-years.</p>



<p>Study co-author Xavier Dumusque is a senior lecturer and researcher in the Department of Astronomy at the <a href="https://www.unige.ch/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Geneva</a> (UNIGE)</p>



<p>“HD 20794, around which HD 20794 d orbits, is not an ordinary star,” noted Dumusque. “Its luminosity and proximity makes it an ideal candidate for future telescopes whose mission will be to observe the atmospheres of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exoplanet-discovery-nasa-identifies-over-5500-distant-worlds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exoplanets</a> directly.”</p>



<p>Among the planet’s most intriguing features is its eccentric orbit, causing HD 20794 d to oscillate between the inner edge of its star’s habitable zone at 0.75 astronomical units (AU) and extending outwards to 2 AU.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Such an orbital path could allow for periods in which surface temperatures might be suitable for liquid water, although the planet’s distance from the star varies significantly over the course of its 647-day year.</p>



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



<p>In astronomy, the habitable zone describes the span around a star where conditions could permit liquid water to persist. </p>



<p>For stars like the Sun or HD 20794, this zone typically lies between 0.7 and 1.5 AU, encompassing the orbits of Earth and Mars in our solar system. </p>



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="zJchJoKMVx-4277975-12187" type="single"]</div>



<p>HD 20794 d completes its orbit just shy of two Earth years, placing it well within reach of conditions that might harbor life.</p>



<p>According to the researchers, the planet's oscillation into and out of the habitable zone provides an exciting scenario for studying how planetary climates evolve and whether they can sustain liquid water.</p>



<p>If liquid water exists, the planet’s elliptical orbit would likely cause it to freeze at greater distances, then thaw as it approaches the star - offering a natural laboratory to examine how temperature fluctuations affect potential habitability.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-we-found-super-earth-hd-20794-d">How we found super-Earth HD 20794 d</h2>



<p>Confirming the discovery of exoplanet HD 20794 d demanded two decades of meticulous observations using the world’s most sophisticated instruments. </p>



<p>Among them are ESPRESSO and HARPS, high-precision spectrographs that are critical in detecting subtle signals from exoplanets. </p>



<p>The researchers also used YARARA, an advanced data-reduction algorithm developed at UNIGE, to filter out noise that had previously concealed any signs of the planet.</p>



<p>“We analyzed the data for years, carefully eliminating sources of contamination,” explained Michael Cretignier, a postdoctoral researcher at <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oxford University</a> and co-author of the paper.&nbsp;</p>



<p>YARARA enabled the team to isolate the signals of HD 20794 d from the background noise. The result is a clearer understanding of the planet’s orbit and an emerging picture of what could be a potentially life-supporting environment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-happens-next">What happens next?</h2>



<p>Because of its location and the brightness of its star, HD 20794 d stands out as a target for upcoming observational campaigns and missions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Scientists plan to employ telescopes such as the ANDES spectrograph on ESO’s Extremely Large Telescope (<a href="https://elt.eso.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ELT</a>) to probe its atmosphere, looking for biosignatures like oxygen or methane. </p>



<p>If these molecules are detected, they could indicate biological processes similar to those on Earth.</p>



<p>In the meantime, the Center for Life in the Universe (<a href="https://www.unige.ch/sciences/cvu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CVU</a>) at UNIGE’s Faculty of Science is already investigating this planet’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/habitable-worlds-new-strategy-to-identify-planets-that-may-host-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitability</a>. </p>



<p>The experts are integrating diverse scientific disciplines to explore conditions that might allow life to arise and flourish on exoplanets.</p>



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



<p>Exoplanet HD 20794 d offers a revealing case study of a super-Earth occupying a shifting seat at the edge of its star’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/one-third-of-our-galaxys-planets-could-be-habitable/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitable zone</a>. </p>



<p>The research expands the horizon of exoplanetary science, reinforcing the notion that the universe may contain abundant worlds capable of supporting life. </p>



<p>Each exoplanet discovery brings us closer to understanding the processes that give rise to habitable environments.</p>



<p>While multiple barriers remain - most notably, the need for more advanced observation techniques and sustained interdisciplinary collaboration - HD 20794 d stands as a powerful reminder of how far exoplanet exploration has progressed.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/202451769" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Astronomy &amp; Astrophysics</em></a>,&nbsp;</p>



<p>Video Credit: © Gabriel Pérez Díaz, SMM (IAC)</p>



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"Super-Earth" found just 20 light-years away is our best chance so far to find alien life

Over the past thirty years, astronomers have identified more than...

<p>The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped nearly every aspect of daily life, leaving no one untouched. While much of the focus has been on how adults adapted to remote work or how school-aged children coped with virtual learning, one group remained largely in the shadows: preschool children. </p>



<p>These young learners, aged six and under, experienced profound disruptions to their routines as daycare centers closed, playdates vanished, and families retreated into isolation. </p>



<p>Yet, until recently, little attention was paid to how these changes might have impacted their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-profoundly-impairs-childrens-cognitive-abilities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive and social development</a>.</p>



<p>A recent study by researchers at <a href="https://www.ucmerced.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Merced</a> has now brought this overlooked issue into sharp focus, revealing startling insights into the effects of the pandemic on preschoolers’ social cognition.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-children-s-cognitive-skills-after-pandemic">Children's cognitive skills after pandemic</h2>



<p>Led by Rose Scott, a professor of developmental psychology, the research team stumbled upon their findings almost by accident. They had been collecting data on children’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soy-foods-boost-cognitive-abilities-and-attention-span-in-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive skills</a> before the pandemic hit. When they resumed testing after lockdowns ended, they noticed something alarming.</p>



<p>“It was remarkable to see the drop in kids’ performance,” said Professor Scott. “On one of the tasks in my lab, children tested before the pandemic could pass at 2 and a half years old. Right after the lockdowns, we were seeing 5-year-olds not passing it.”</p>



<p>This unexpected decline prompted the team to dig deeper, uncovering a significant gap in a key cognitive skill among children aged 3½ to 5½, particularly those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-distinguishing-thoughts-from-facts">Distinguishing thoughts from facts</h2>



<p>At the heart of the study lies the concept of false-belief understanding - a cornerstone of social <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/children-with-autism-benefit-from-learning-multiple-languages/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognition</a>. This skill allows children to recognize that others can hold beliefs different from reality.</p>



<p>False-belief understanding is a crucial step in distinguishing thoughts from facts. It plays a vital role in fostering cooperation, communication, and learning.</p>



<p>For instance, understanding that someone else might not know what you know enables children to navigate social interactions more effectively. Without this ability, tasks like sharing, taking turns, or resolving conflicts become far more challenging.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-testing-children-s-abilities">Testing children's abilities</h2>



<p>To assess false-belief understanding, the researchers designed simple yet clever tests involving puppets and toys. </p>



<p>In one task, children watched as a puppet named Piggy placed a toy in one container and then left the stage. Another puppet appeared and moved the toy to a different container. When Piggy returned, the child was asked where Piggy would look for the toy. </p>



<p>If the child understood false beliefs, they would say Piggy would check the first container (even though they knew the toy wasn’t there).</p>



<p>Current research shows that false-belief abilities develop significantly during a child’s first five years. Falling behind in this area can lead to struggles with peer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-impacts-brain-development-in-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">relationships</a> and academic tasks later in life.</p>



<p>“You think about what a child needs to do to interact with others in a classroom. They want to have friends, but have to take other perspectives into consideration to have effective social interactions,” explained Professor Scott.</p>



<p>“Like, ‘I know you want to play this now, but I really want to play this.’ It’s being able to hold those two viewpoints in mind and still interact.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decline-in-social-skills">Decline in social skills</h2>



<p>The study included 94 children in the initial group, each given three false-belief tasks. Before the pandemic, 80% of 5-year-olds passed these tests. </p>



<p>After the lockdowns, the success rate dropped to 63%. For children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, the results were even more concerning - only 51% passed, which is essentially equivalent to random guessing.</p>



<p>To ensure accurate comparisons, the researchers also evaluated the children’s language skills and measured their families’ socioeconomic status based on household income and parental education levels. </p>



<p>Testing for the first group occurred between August 2019 and March 2020, just before the pandemic took hold. A second group, statistically similar to the first, was tested starting in September 2021.</p>



<p>The results showed a clear trend: children from lower-income households experienced a notable decline in cognitive abilities, while those from higher-income families showed minimal effects from the lockdowns. </p>



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



<p>While the study doesn’t provide a definitive answer, Professor Scott suggested several possibilities.</p>



<p>For families with fewer resources, the stress of financial instability or mental health challenges may have limited opportunities for meaningful parent-child interactions. </p>



<p>Additionally, children in these households might have spent more time engaging passively with electronic devices - an activity linked to weaker false-belief understanding.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pandemic-learning-loss">Pandemic learning loss</h2>



<p>Follow-up assessments conducted in 2023 offered little relief. The low scores persisted, indicating that the pandemic’s effects on social cognition may linger longer than anticipated. </p>



<p>“The low scores in false-belief understanding were still there, persisting like a wave,” noted Professor Scott.</p>



<p>This finding raises important questions about the long-term implications for these children. Will they catch up as they grow older, or will the gaps widen over time? The answers remain unclear, but the persistence of these deficits highlights the need for continued research and intervention.</p>



<p>The study’s findings also highlight the importance of addressing disparities in early childhood development. Children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds already face numerous challenges, and the pandemic appears to have exacerbated these inequities. </p>



<p>By identifying the specific areas where these children are falling behind, researchers and policymakers can begin to explore targeted strategies to support their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-is-harming-kids-memory-and-learning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">growth and development</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-growing-concern">A growing concern</h2>



<p>In March, Professor Scott presented her team’s findings at a conference in Pasadena, sparking widespread interest. Since the paper’s publication in November, the attention has only grown.</p>



<p>“Every time I talk about this, other people in my field say, ‘Oh, my gosh, this is it. This is what we're seeing in our data,’” said Scott.</p>



<p>In December, a colleague from another university emailed her to express how the UC Merced study clarified patterns they had observed in their own research on post-pandemic social cognition.</p>



<p>Professor Scott believes there may be more data waiting to be explored. “It's just that people haven't had the mindset of looking at kids before school age,” she said.</p>



<p>By shining a light on this overlooked demographic, the study opens the door for further exploration into how early childhood experiences shape cognitive and social development. </p>



<p>As researchers continue to investigate, one thing is clear: the pandemic’s impact on preschoolers is a story that deserves far more attention than it has received so far.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-helping-children-recover-after-pandemic">Helping children recover after pandemic</h2>



<p>The UC Merced study serves as a wake-up call, urging society to pay closer attention to the youngest members of our communities. </p>



<p>Early childhood is a critical period for brain development, and disruptions during these formative years can have lasting consequences. </p>



<p>As schools, daycare centers, and families work to rebuild after the pandemic, it is essential to prioritize the needs of preschool children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. By doing so, we can help ensure that all children have the opportunity to thrive, both cognitively and socially, in the years to come.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-80532-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.</em></p>



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



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Key social skills in young children declined after the pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped nearly every aspect of daily life,...

<p>Mountains can leave us in awe, but they rarely offer easy clues about what lies beneath them. The Tibetan Plateau, often called the "roof of the world," continues to baffle geologists and others curious about Earth’s hidden workings.</p>



<p>Many researchers have tried to figure out why this region keeps rising. One group recently tackled the question by analyzing ambient noise tomography recordings from northern Tibet.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-the-tibetan-plateau-matters">Why the Tibetan Plateau matters</h2>



<p>The research was a collaboration among Dr. Rizheng He of the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Xiaohui Yuan of the Deutsches GeoForschungsZentrum (GFZ), and Dr. Wei Li of the China University of Geosciences.</p>



<p>The experts studied seismic readings that reveal a complex picture of molten material deep <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earthquakes-linked-to-nearby-oil-extraction-fracking-sites/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">beneath the surface</a>.</p>



<p>The Tibetan Plateau was created by the Indian-Eurasian continental collision, which began around 50 million years ago. Some experts view this collision as one of Earth’s major events during the Cenozoic era.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-hoh-xil-basin-is-rising">The Hoh-Xil Basin is rising</h2>



<p>This basin in the northern region has caught the attention of scientists because it experienced a noticeable uplift and post-collisional magmatism in the Early Miocene.</p>



<p>Back then, molten rock found its way into shallower levels, hinting at processes below that might still be active today.</p>



<p>Past seismic studies struggled with coverage gaps in this remote area, leaving scientists without a full picture. Recent instrument deployments now shed more light on the vertical push and the patches of magma that might <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earthquake-activity-will-increase-due-to-glacial-retreat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sit below</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-peering-into-the-crust">Peering into the crust</h2>



<p>The scientists applied ambient noise tomography to map the subsurface. This approach interprets scattered <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-detect-major-earthquakes-months-in-advance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seismic signals</a> to paint a three-dimensional view of the region’s crust and upper mantle.</p>



<p>The experts discovered areas in the upper mantle where S-wave speeds drop significantly below normal. Such zones suggest the presence of molten or partially molten rock, which could alter how the surface behaves under ongoing tectonic forces.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-melt-signals-confirmed">Melt signals confirmed</h2>



<p>“This model shows widespread low S-wave velocity anomalies in the northern Tibetan Plateau, requiring the presence of melts. The crustal and mantle melting aligns with exposed young <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sunken-worlds-discovered-under-the-pacific-ocean-in-earths-mantle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magmatic rocks</a> in the Hoh-Xil Basin,” said Dr. He.</p>



<p>Experts see this melt as a sign that sections of the lithosphere might be thinning or breaking away, allowing heat to concentrate. When heavier parts of the mantle drop off, new magma can flow upward and cause the crust to thicken.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-redefining-tibetan-plateau-growth">Redefining Tibetan plateau growth</h2>



<p>Geologically speaking, plateau growth often involves complicated feedbacks between deep rock dynamics and the overlying crust.</p>



<p>Many thought the northward expansion of Tibetan topography happened gradually, but the evidence for relatively quick uplift in the Hoh-Xil Basin raises new questions.</p>



<p>Post-collisional magmatism can change the thickness and temperature of the crust, creating localized pockets of expansion. That process has made the plateau’s northern edge rise at different intervals from the rest of the region, leaving a patchwork of uplift histories.</p>



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



<p>Scientists point to lithospheric mantle removal as a factor that encourages hotter rocks to appear closer to the surface. This results in partial melting, which eventually feeds magmatic growth and pushes the land upward.</p>



<p>A thinner mantle can also help channel molten material more efficiently, potentially intensifying local deformation. That can create zones of weakness, where rock flows more easily under tectonic stress and changes the mountain-building pattern.</p>



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



<p>Although the plateau sits far from many large cities, any shift in the ground’s shape could influence rivers and ecosystems downstream. People living in nearby valleys depend on these water sources.</p>



<p>Learning about heat and melt distribution helps experts predict how fast the plateau might continue to rise in the decades ahead. </p>



<p>Ongoing geophysical surveys could reveal more hints of where crustal melting is strongest and where new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/continent-sized-islands-llsvp-found-inside-earth-are-100-times-taller-than-mount-everest/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcanic activity</a> might emerge.</p>



<p>Researchers sometimes compare data from satellites with on-the-ground measurements. The goal is to pinpoint where new uplifts are likely and how they connect with deep mantle dynamics.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seismic-data-and-fieldwork">Seismic data and fieldwork</h2>



<p>Multiple institutions now share seismic data to fill in the knowledge gaps, especially in areas that were once inaccessible. </p>



<p>Coordination among research teams is essential because each vantage point captures a different piece of the puzzle, ensuring that no corner remains unexplored.</p>



<p>Scientists also rely on geological fieldwork to examine magmatic rocks that formed during earlier uplift phases. Linking those samples with seismic images can tell a richer story about how the region evolved.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-tibetan-plateau-may-change">How the Tibetan Plateau may change </h2>



<p>Studies of the Himalayan-Tibetan orogen show that collisions can keep rearranging entire mountain systems for millions of years, creating ongoing shifts in crust and mantle structures.</p>



<p>More results from these advanced seismic arrays may reveal just how dynamic the Earth can be as it continues to mold this rugged corner of Asia.</p>



<p>According to some experts, the plateau’s continued growth might spark renewed magmatic activities. Those events could shape new local fault lines or modify existing ones in ways that surprise us.</p>



<p>Ongoing research in the Hoh-Xil Basin may reveal whether these melting regions shift or expand over time, changing how geologists envision the plateau’s future. Such activity might lead to even more localized uplifts that alter the entire profile of northern Tibet.</p>



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



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-map-shows-75-percent-of-the-u-s-at-risk-of-damaging-earthquakes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Seismic</a> imaging in northern Tibet is shedding new light on how molten rock shapes high terrain. Each finding adds another piece to the story of how collisions can reshape entire landscapes.</p>



<p>Researchers will likely keep returning to these high-altitude terrains to refine their models and spot new anomalies.</p>



<p>Many aspects remain uncertain, yet the recognition of partial melting in the crust and mantle highlights the complex way mountains and basins evolve. </p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://academic.oup.com/nsr/article/11/9/nwae257/7721616" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>National Science Review</em></a>.</p>



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



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Why the 'roof of the world' keeps rising over time

Mountains can leave us in awe, but they rarely offer...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHHxOej4QfE
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Researchers found a correlation between Alzheimer's disease and traffic pollution.</figcaption></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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<p>—–</p>

Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

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

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2E0mn5mTvhQ
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">'Death Star' moon Mimas conceals a 15-million-year-old ocean that scientists never expected.</figcaption></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0DuSr87SHY
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">57 million-year ice age mystery solved by Australian scientists.</figcaption></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What caused the planet's longest ice age

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<p>—–</p>

Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<p></p>

Social modeling affects our food choices

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists discover we age in bursts

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists solve the mystery of tickling

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>



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

Retired professor claims he solved time travel

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



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



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



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



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;</em></p>



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



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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