<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>



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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>In 2016, a quiet galaxy in the constellation Draco caught scientists’ attention with subtle flickers that hinted at unusual activity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Today, in a 2025 follow-up <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/2041-8213/ad8651" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a>, astronomers have confirmed something astonishing: the presence of a <a href="https://astronomy.swin.edu.au/cosmos/*/Supermassive+Black+Hole" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supermas</a><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/many-supermassive-black-holes-are-hidden-by-gas-and-dust/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">s</a><a href="https://astronomy.swin.edu.au/cosmos/*/Supermassive+Black+Hole" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ive black hole</a> blasting out twin jets at nearly one-third of the speed of light.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quiet-galaxy-sparks-new-interest">Quiet galaxy sparks new interest</h2>



<p>The galaxy, designated <a href="https://www.aanda.org/articles/aa/abs/2003/02/aah3775/aah3775.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">1ES 1927+654</a>, sits about 270 million light-years away in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/cats-eye-nebula-in-the-constellation-draco/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Draco constellation</a>. It houses a central black hole estimated to be around 1.4 million times the mass of our Sun.</p>



<p>This cosmic powerhouse had seemed relatively subdued until multiple space- and ground-based telescopes picked up some dramatic changes.</p>



<p>Researchers noticed months-long boosts in X-ray emissions and, soon after this, powerful radio signals indicated a sudden outburst.</p>



<p><a href="https://physics.umbc.edu/people/faculty/meyer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eileen Meyer</a>, from the University of Maryland Baltimore County, led a team that <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/universe/black-holes/supermassive-black-holes/astronomers-catch-unprecedented-features-at-brink-of-active-black-hole/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">captured the radio flare</a> with high-resolution observations. </p>



<p>They found what appear to be opposing jets of <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/ionized-gas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ionized gas</a> that extended roughly half a light-year in total distance.</p>



<p>“The launch of a black hole jet has never been observed before in real time,” said Meyer at the <a href="https://aas.org/meetings/aas245" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">245th meeting</a> of the American Astronomical Society (<a href="https://aas.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AAS</a>) in National Harbor, Maryland. </p>



<p>Data suggest these jets emerged when X-ray activity started increasing, but thick layers of hot gas likely shielded them from view until they finally broke free last year.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-x-ray-rhythms-from-black-hole-jets">X-ray rhythms from black hole jets</h2>



<p>A separate team <a href="https://arxiv.org/abs/2501.01581" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">studied</a> unexplained X-ray pulses, or <a href="https://www.uni-kassel.de/maschinenbau/en/institute/mechanik/fachgebiete/engineering-dynamics/research/quasi-periodic-oscillations" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quasiperiodic oscillations</a>, that raced up and down in brightness by about ten percent every few minutes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“One way to produce these oscillations is with an object orbiting within the black hole’s accretion disk,” said <a href="https://www.space.mit.edu/people/megan-masterson/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Megan Masterson</a>, a doctoral candidate at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (<a href="https://www.mit.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MIT</a>).</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/supermassive-black-hole_twin-jets_draco_1ES-1927-654_Pan-STARRS_nasa_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/supermassive-black-hole_twin-jets_draco_1ES-1927-654_Pan-STARRS_nasa_1s.webp" alt="Active galaxy 1ES 1927+654, circled, has exhibited extraordinary changes since 2018, when a major outburst occurred in visible, ultraviolet, and X-ray light. The galaxy harbors a central black hole weighing about 1.4 million solar masses and is located 270 million light-years away. Credit: NASA/Pan-STARRS" class="wp-image-1958228"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Active galaxy 1ES 1927+654, circled, has exhibited extraordinary changes since 2018, when a major outburst occurred in visible, ultraviolet, and X-ray light. The galaxy harbors a central black hole weighing about 1.4 million solar masses and is located 270 million light-years away. Credit: NASA/Pan-STARRS</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>The team found that these flares sped up from an 18-minute to a 7-minute cycle. They suspect an orbiting body may have been spiraling closer to the black hole, only to settle into a stable path once it had lost some of its own matter.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-view-of-a-bright-radio-flare">New view of a bright radio flare</h2>



<p>Radio data revealed a flare about 60 times more intense than earlier readings, according to <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/2041-8213/ad8651" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research</a>. That flare accompanied the birth of what looks like a pair of jets that travel outward in opposite directions.</p>



<p>Researchers often see twin jets shooting from supermassive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/evidence-of-massive-early-universe-black-hole-stuns-astronomers/">black holes</a>, but it is rare to spot the moment that they erupt.</p>



<p>Astronomers think that matter swirling around the black hole sometimes gets channeled by strong magnetic fields, and then builds up pressure until bursts of fast-moving plasma escape.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-white-dwarf-near-the-event-horizon">White dwarf near the event horizon?</h2>



<p>Many objects would be torn apart too quickly to create the repeated short timescale <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/x-ray-radiation-from-black-holes-explained-after-50-year-struggle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X-ray signals</a> at 1ES 1927+654. The best candidate for a resilient companion is a <a href="https://imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov/science/objects/dwarfs2.html#:~:text=A%20white%20dwarf%20is%20what,material%2C%20creating%20a%20planetary%20nebula." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">white dwarf</a> - a stellar remnant about the size of Earth.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/supermassive-black-hole_twin-jets_draco_1ES-1927-654_nasa_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/supermassive-black-hole_twin-jets_draco_1ES-1927-654_nasa_1s.webp" alt="In this artist’s concept, matter is stripped from a white dwarf (sphere at lower right) orbiting within the innermost accretion disk surrounding 1ES 1927+654’s supermassive black hole. Astronomers developed this scenario to explain the evolution of rapid X-ray oscillations detected by ESA’s (European Space Agency) XMM-Newton satellite. Credit: NASA/Aurore Simonnet, Sonoma State University" class="wp-image-1958226"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>In this artist’s concept, matter is stripped from a white dwarf (sphere at lower right) orbiting within the innermost accretion disk surrounding 1ES 1927+654’s supermassive black hole. Astronomers developed this scenario to explain the evolution of rapid X-ray oscillations detected by ESA’s (European Space Agency) XMM-Newton satellite. Credit: NASA/Aurore Simonnet, Sonoma State University</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>According to <a href="https://arxiv.org/abs/2501.02340">research</a> led by <a href="https://science.gsfc.nasa.gov/sci/bio/sibasish.laha" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sibasish Laha</a> at UMBC and NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, a white dwarf could gradually lose matter as the black hole’s immense gravity pulls it inward.</p>



<p>That slow leak of material might counteract the energy loss from gravitational waves, allowing the dwarf to maintain a (relatively) steady orbit in this violent neighborhood.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observing-black-hole-jets">Observing black hole jets</h2>



<p>If there is indeed a white dwarf locked in such a dance, it may be producing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-particles-solution-gravitational-wave-mystery-bose-einstein-condensate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gravitational waves</a> that ripple out through space.</p>



<p>An upcoming mission called <a href="https://lisa.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LISA</a> (Laser Interferometer Space Antenna) could potentially detect these signals, giving scientists another tool to study what happens near a supermassive black hole.</p>



<p>Researchers also hope to track the jets’ growth using advanced radio arrays capable of pinpointing shifting structures that are less than a light-year across.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-are-black-hole-jets-important">Why are black hole jets important?</h2>



<p>Scientists are still working out why some black holes generate powerful jets while others remain radio-quiet. The flare at 1ES 1927+654 suggests that even black holes with lower masses can create jets if conditions are right.</p>



<p>Observers also wonder whether the jets will persist or fade back into obscurity. Regardless, this galaxy has emerged as a unique target that may clarify how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/colossal-black-hole-found-in-our-galaxy-is-33-times-the-suns-mass/">black holes</a> shape their surroundings through bursts of high-speed outflows.</p>



<p>This new study shows that a once-silent black hole can transform in surprising ways. </p>



<p>Researchers will continue gathering data from space-based X-ray telescopes and radio observatories on Earth, looking for more clues about what triggers these explosive events.</p>



<p>By comparing ongoing measurements with earlier records, astronomers hope to piece together how matter near a black hole either falls in or jets out into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-galactic-explosion-provides-clues-about-galaxy-evolution/">intergalactic space</a>. </p>



<p>The discoveries at 1ES 1927+654 underline the fact that black holes, even if quiet for centuries, can abruptly shift their behavior.</p>



<p>The study is published in <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/2041-8213/ad8651" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>The Astrophysical Journal Letters</em></a>.</p>



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This black hole just awoke and is blasting out twin jets at incredible speeds

In 2016, a quiet galaxy in the constellation Draco caught...

<p>A new study led by geologists and geographers from the University of Florida provides new insights into Antarctic ice shelves and how they respond to climate change.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While warming temperatures are clearly driving a widespread loss of ice shelves, the study reveals that major iceberg calving events have not significantly increased in frequency or size.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Instead, smaller, more frequent calving events, which the authors describe as “death by a thousand cuts,” appear to be the main culprits in Antarctic ice shelf decline.</p>



<p>The findings have been published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1029/2024GL112235" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Geophysical Research Letters</em></a>, and the research team was led by assistant professor of geological sciences Emma MacKie and assistant professor of geography Katy Serafin (both from the <a href="https://www.ufl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Florida</a>), along with a collaborator from the <a href="https://www.mines.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colorado School of Mines</a>.</p>



<p>“Our results suggest that the primary threat to our ice shelves is ‘death by a thousand cuts’ via small calving events, rather than catastrophic extremes,” MacKie said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-temperatures-and-antarctic-ice-shelves-nbsp">Rising temperatures and Antarctic ice shelves&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Calving refers to the process by which chunks of ice detach from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarcticas-melting-ice-shelves-threaten-global-sea-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice shelves</a> to form icebergs. While this process has long been known to occur naturally, the role of climate change in speeding it up has attracted increasing scientific attention.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The most striking aspect of this new study is its finding that extreme, large-scale iceberg break-offs - although they capture headlines - are not happening more frequently or growing in magnitude due to global warming.</p>



<p>Throughout their survey, the researchers primarily observed a broad retreat of ice shelves associated with rising temperatures. However, these large calving events - where an iceberg exceeds 100 square kilometers - remain relatively rare.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-large-calving-events-are-rare">Large calving events are rare</h2>



<p>The team delved into 47 years’ worth of satellite data, spanning 1976 to 2023, to uncover patterns in the frequency and size of large calving events. Despite this extensive timeframe, major calving events still numbered too few for standard statistical methods to paint a clear picture.&nbsp;</p>



<p>To address this, the team turned to extreme value theory, a statistical approach commonly used to study rare natural disasters like major floods or earthquakes.</p>



<p>Katy Serafin - an expert on extreme flooding - applied these established methods to the ice shelf data. “Statistical models relating event size and frequency are tools that have been used for estimating rare flood events, like a 100-year flood, for decades,” she explained.</p>



<p>“Now that satellite imagery can more consistently track large calving events, we thought we’d test whether we could apply the same tools for understanding how likely these massive calving events are.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-giant-icebergs-are-not-increasing">Giant icebergs are not increasing</h2>



<p>By applying extreme value theory to the available data, the researchers calculated the likelihood and potential size of large calving events.&nbsp;</p>



<p>They estimated that a once-in-a-decade iceberg could be around 6,100 square kilometers, comparable to a giant iceberg that broke off in 2017 (roughly the size of Delaware), while a once-in-a-century iceberg could measure as much as 45,000 square kilometers, an area larger than Denmark.</p>



<p>“A once in a century <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarcticas-largest-icebergs-are-not-linked-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">iceberg</a> would be several times larger than any in the observational record and would have a significant impact on ice-sheet stability and ocean processes,” said MacKie.</p>



<p>Despite these theoretical extremes, the researchers found no upward trend in the frequency or size of these major events over the last five decades.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Interestingly, the largest icebergs observed appeared between 1986 and 2000, suggesting that these rare break-offs are not directly tied to rising temperatures.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-real-threat-small-calving-events">The real threat: Small calving events</h2>



<p>While dramatic, large icebergs do not seem to be increasing in tandem with climate change, smaller, more frequent calving events appear to be gradually eroding Antarctica’s ice shelves. </p>



<p>The cumulative impact of these numerous small break-offs seems to be the main driver of ice shelf loss over the past 50 years.</p>



<p>This ongoing reduction in ice shelves - amplified by warmer conditions - poses long-term concerns for ice sheet stability and global sea levels.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-models-and-sea-level-rise">Climate models and sea level rise</h2>



<p>The study’s findings carry significant consequences for climate modeling and predictions of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-sea-levels-spiked-dramatically-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea level rise</a>. </p>



<p>Contrary to public perceptions focusing on massive icebergs breaking away, the slow, continuous loss of ice could represent the more serious danger to polar regions.</p>



<p>Understanding these smaller, frequent calving events can help scientists improve models that forecast the future of ice shelves and enable policymakers to formulate more precise strategies for addressing the ramifications of ice melt.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dynamics-of-antarctic-ice-shelves">Dynamics of Antarctic ice shelves</h2>



<p>By revealing that large calving events are not growing in size or frequency, the study comes up with a new narrative on how Antarctic ice shelves are declining.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The emphasis shifts to the accumulative toll of small-scale calving. This highlights the value of long-term observational data and specialized statistical methods, such as extreme value theory, for discerning broader patterns in rarely observed phenomena.</p>



<p>Ultimately, the results warn that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rapid-surge-in-global-warming-may-have-an-unexpected-source/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rapid warming</a>, while not accelerating catastrophic iceberg release, is facilitating a steady thinning of ice shelves - a trend that remains a serious concern for Antarctica’s stability and the worldwide consequences of sea level rise.</p>



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Giant icebergs are not the main threat to Antarctica’s stability 

A new study led by geologists and geographers from the...

The,Astronaut,In,An,Outer,Space,,At,The,Iss,,Repairs

<p>Sometimes, the most fascinating discoveries are not in the stars and planets that are light-years away. Instead, they lie in the microbes that somehow manage to hitch a ride on our spaceships - minuscule organisms that could reveal new insights into life’s resilience.</p>



<p>Understanding how these microbes survive the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbes-laid-the-foundation-for-early-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">harsh environment</a> of space is crucial for future exploration and planetary protection efforts. </p>



<p>In addition, it is important that humans do not introduce microbes into space as a result of their activities.</p>



<p>The new <a href="https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20230000435/downloads/Bell%20IEM%20EVA%20LPSC%202023.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ISS External Microorganisms</a> experiment lays the groundwork for a scientific expedition to sample areas of the ISS and determine whether microbes are present and, if so, how many of them there are.</p>



<p>These tiny stowaways may offer valuable data on microbial adaptation and potential risks for deep-space missions in future.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-invisible-microbes-in-space">Invisible microbes in space</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astronauts-microbiome-health-is-crucial-to-future-space-exploration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Astronauts</a> are set to embark on spacewalks to collect samples near the life support system vents on the outside of the International Space Station in hopes of finding living microbes.</p>



<p>This location choice is driven by the curiosity to see whether the spacecraft might be emitting microorganisms into the cosmos and, if so, the nature and number of these microorganisms and the distance they may travel.</p>



<p>As the scientists carefully gather samples, the focus isn't just to count and classify these raw data. They want to learn how microbes can survive in space and which microbes are best able to do so.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-survival-of-the-fittest">Survival of the fittest</h2>



<p>How do these tiny life forms manage to survive and propagate in the hostile environment of space? Could they hold the secret to life on distant planets like the Moon or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-microbes-from-earth-could-survive-the-conditions-on-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars</a>? </p>



<p>These are the intriguing questions the research hopes to answer.</p>



<p>The ISS External Microorganisms experiment is particularly interested in a group of microbes known as "<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extremophiles-and-the-quest-for-alien-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extremophiles</a>."</p>



<p>These are robust survivors that continue to thrive in conditions that can be extremely harsh and improbable for life as we know it.</p>



<p>Their extraordinary resilience makes them subjects of great curiosity, not just for space research, but also for applications right here on Earth, in fields like pharmaceuticals and agriculture.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monitoring-microbes-on-the-space-station">Monitoring microbes on the space station</h2>



<p>Onboard monitoring of microbial communities within the ISS has been a longstanding project to ensure the health and safety of the crew.</p>



<p>Various methods, such as air and surface sampling, have helped researchers understand better how microbial populations evolve in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microgravity-causes-big-problems-with-human-gene-expression/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microgravity</a> over time.</p>



<p>This internal tracking provides a controlled environment where scientists can study how microorganisms adapt to factors such as radiation, humidity, and temperature fluctuations in space.</p>



<p>With advanced tools, astronauts can now identify microbial strains directly in space, without the need to return samples to Earth.</p>



<p>These efforts have revealed that, while the space station remains remarkably clean, microbial presence is inevitable due to the constant exchange of supplies and human activity.</p>



<p>The findings from these studies have implications for designing better contamination control systems for future deep-space missions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-humans-microbes-and-space">Humans, microbes, and space</h2>



<p>Spacecrafts and astronaut suits are meticulously sterilized before any mission to minimize the risk of biological contamination and to ensure the integrity of scientific investigations.</p>



<p>Yet, it's a well-known fact that humans carry their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-microbiome-trillions-of-bacteria-unique-like-your-fingerprint/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">individual microbiomes</a>, which consistently recreate diverse and dynamic microbial communities within the spacecraft environment.</p>



<p>Despite stringent sterilization protocols, these microbial hitchhikers can persist and even adapt to the unique conditions of space.</p>



<p>How successfully do current designs and methods curb or limit human contamination over extended missions and repeated spacewalks? </p>



<p>Addressing this challenge is crucial, as microbial proliferation could impact both astronaut health and mission integrity.</p>



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



<p>The findings from this study could influence potential modifications to crewed spacecraft, including the materials and structures used in life-support systems, air filtration, and the suits worn by astronauts when exploring destinations where life may currently exist or could have existed in the past.</p>



<p>Understanding how microbes behave in space can inform strategies for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astronauts-microbiome-health-is-crucial-to-future-space-exploration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">maintaining crew health</a> on long-duration missions to Mars and beyond.</p>



<p>Moreover, this research contributes to planetary protection efforts, ensuring that human missions do not inadvertently introduce Earth-based microbes to extraterrestrial environments.</p>



<p>Investigating the world of microbes on the space station has tremendous potential to access new knowledge and shape future research.</p>



<p>As scientists continue to explore the microscopic frontier, the search for microbial hitchhikers could redefine our understanding of life's resilience beyond Earth.</p>



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



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Astronauts will search the exterior of the space station for living microbes

Sometimes, the most fascinating discoveries are not in the stars...

<p>For decades, scientists have studied the moon’s surface to uncover its complex geological and evolutionary history. Evidence from the lunar maria - dark, flat areas filled with solidified lava - suggested that the moon experienced significant compression billions of years ago. </p>



<p>Large, arching ridges on the moon’s near side were thought to be remnants of this ancient contraction, leading researchers to believe that the lunar maria had remained dormant ever since. However, a recent study published in&nbsp;<em>The Planetary Science Journal</em> challenges this long-held assumption.</p>



<p>Researchers at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.si.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Smithsonian Institution</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;University of Maryland&nbsp;have discovered that the moon’s far side tells a different story - one of recent geological activity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-young-ridges-on-the-moon-s-far-side">Young ridges on the moon’s far side</h2>



<p>The study was led by Jaclyn Clark, an assistant research scientist in the University of Maryland’s Department of Geology. The findings reveal that small ridges on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-plans-to-build-a-moon-base-using-3d-printing-and-robots/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moon</a>’s far side are significantly younger than those on the near side.</p>



<p>“Many scientists believe that most of the moon’s geological movements happened two and a half, maybe three billion years ago,” Clark said. </p>



<p>“But we're seeing that these tectonic landforms have been recently active in the last billion years and may still be active today. These small mare ridges seem to have formed within the last 200 million years or so, which is relatively recent considering the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/moons-entire-surface-is-covered-with-water-and-hydroxyl-not-just-the-poles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moon</a>’s timescale.”</p>



<p>Using advanced mapping and modeling techniques, the team identified 266 previously unknown small ridges on the moon’s far side. These ridges often appeared in groups of 10 to 40 within volcanic regions that likely formed 3.2 to 3.6 billion years ago. </p>



<p>The researchers suggest that these areas may have underlying weaknesses in the moon’s surface, making them more susceptible to tectonic activity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crater-counting-window-into-lunar-history">Crater counting: Window into lunar history</h2>



<p>To estimate the age of these ridges, the team employed a technique called crater counting. </p>



<p>“Essentially, the more craters a surface has, the older it is; the surface has more time to accumulate more craters,” Clark explained. </p>



<p>By analyzing the number of craters around the ridges, the researchers found that some ridges cut through existing impact craters, indicating they were tectonically active within the last 160 million years.</p>



<p>This discovery challenges the notion that the moon’s geological activity ceased billions of years ago. Instead, it suggests that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/evidence-magma-ocean-molten-rock-found-moons-surface-south-pole-chandrayaan-3/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moon</a>’s interior may still be dynamic, with forces like the moon’s gradual shrinking and shifts in its orbit contributing to ongoing tectonic processes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forces-that-created-the-moon-ridges">Forces that created the moon ridges </h2>



<p>Interestingly, the ridges on the moon’s far side share structural similarities with those on the near side. This suggests that both sets of ridges were created by the same forces, likely a combination of the moon’s gradual shrinking and changes in its orbit. </p>



<p>The moon’s interior cooling over time causes it to contract, creating stress on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-recent-mini-moon-2024-pt5-seems-to-be-a-lost-fragment-of-our-real-moon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">surface</a> that forms these ridges.</p>



<p>The findings also provide a potential explanation for the shallow moonquakes detected by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/apollo/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apollo missions</a>&nbsp;decades ago. These moonquakes, which were previously unexplained, may be linked to the same tectonic activity that formed the recently discovered ridges.</p>



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



<p>The discovery of young ridges and potential ongoing tectonic activity has significant implications for future lunar exploration. As space agencies like&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>&nbsp;and private companies plan missions to the moon, understanding its geological activity is crucial for ensuring the safety and success of these endeavors.</p>



<p>“We hope that future missions to the moon will include tools like ground-penetrating radar so researchers can better understand the structures beneath the lunar surface,” Clark said. </p>



<p>“Knowing that the moon is still geologically dynamic has very real implications for where we’re planning to put our astronauts, equipment, and infrastructure on the moon.”</p>



<p>For example, areas with recent tectonic activity may pose risks for building permanent structures or landing spacecraft. By identifying these regions, scientists can help mission planners choose safer locations for lunar bases and other infrastructure.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-significance-of-the-moon-s-ridges">Broader significance of the moon's ridges</h2>



<p>The study not only reshapes our understanding of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-the-moon-looks-100-million-years-younger-than-its-true-age/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moon’s geological history</a> but also highlights the importance of continued exploration. By combining advanced technology with innovative research methods, scientists are uncovering new layers of complexity in our closest celestial neighbor.</p>



<p>Learning more about the moon’s geological activity can also provide insights into the evolution of other rocky bodies in the solar system. </p>



<p>For instance, the processes that shape the moon’s surface may be similar to those on planets like Mercury or even some moons of Jupiter and Saturn.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-lunar-exploration">Future of lunar exploration</h2>



<p>As we prepare for future missions, including NASA’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/specials/artemis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Artemis program</a>, which aims to return humans to the moon by the mid-2020s, these discoveries will play a critical role in guiding exploration efforts. </p>



<p>Tools like ground-penetrating radar and seismometers could provide even more detailed information about the moon’s interior and its ongoing activity.</p>



<p>The study also highlights the importance of international collaboration in space exploration. By working together, scientists from various institutions&nbsp;can pool their expertise and resources to unlock the moon’s many secrets.</p>



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



<p>The moon, long thought to be a geologically dormant world, is revealing itself to be far more dynamic than previously believed. The discovery of young ridges on the moon’s far side, along with evidence of recent tectonic activity, opens a new chapter in our understanding of lunar geology.</p>



<p>As we continue to explore the moon, these findings will not only enhance our scientific knowledge but also pave the way for safer and more successful missions. The moon, our closest celestial neighbor, still holds many mysteries waiting to be uncovered.</p>



<p>For more information on lunar research and upcoming missions, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/topics/moon-to-mars" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA’s Moon to Mars Exploration</a>&nbsp;initiative.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/PSJ/ad9eaa" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Planetary Science Journal</a>.</em></p>



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



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Young ridges on Moon’s surface suggest that it is still active

For decades, scientists have studied the moon’s surface to uncover...

<p>For decades, scientists have puzzled over the contradiction between Mars' present-day barren landscape and its ancient history of flowing rivers and lakes. The planet is now cold and dry, yet geological evidence suggests that liquid water once existed in warm abundance.</p>



<p>Researchers at Harvard have taken a significant step toward explaining how early Mars could have sustained a climate warm enough to support water - and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-mars-became-uninhabitable-after-being-life-supporting-ocean-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">potentially life</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mars-climate-shifts">Mars' climate shifts</h2>



<p>Mars orbits farther from the Sun than Earth, and the Sun itself was fainter billions of years ago. This makes it difficult to explain how the planet ever reached temperatures high enough for liquid water to exist on its surface.</p>



<p>Scientists have long speculated that greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen, played a role in warming Mars intermittently. However, the exact mechanisms behind these warming periods remained unclear.</p>



<p>A team at the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences has now explored the chemical processes that may have contributed to early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wave-ripples-discovered-mars-surface-indicate-liquid-water-present-4-billion-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars’ climate</a>. </p>



<p>The study expands on the idea that Mars experienced alternating warm and cold periods. By modeling atmospheric chemistry, the researchers were able to identify key factors that influenced these shifts.</p>



<p>Danica Adams, a <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a> Sagan Postdoctoral Fellow and lead author of the study, emphasized the long-standing mystery surrounding Mars’ climate.</p>



<p>“It’s been such a puzzle that there was liquid water on Mars, because Mars is further from the Sun, and also, the Sun was fainter early on,” she said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hydrogen-s-role-in-warming-mars">Hydrogen’s role in warming Mars</h2>



<p>Previous studies suggested that hydrogen, when mixed with carbon dioxide, could have triggered greenhouse warming episodes on Mars. However, a major issue with this hypothesis was that atmospheric hydrogen does not last long, making it difficult to sustain warming over extended periods.</p>



<p>To address this problem, Adams and her colleagues, including Professor Robin Wordsworth of <a href="https://www.harvard.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard</a>, conducted photochemical modeling.</p>



<p>These techniques, commonly used today to study air pollution on Earth, provided deeper insight into the interactions between hydrogen and the early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/does-life-exist-below-the-icy-surface-of-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Martian atmosphere</a>.</p>



<p>“Early Mars is a lost world, but it can be reconstructed in great detail if we ask the right questions,” Wordsworth said. “This study synthesizes atmospheric chemistry and climate for the first time, to make some striking new predictions – which are testable once we bring Mars rocks back to Earth.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-simulating-the-climate-of-early-mars">Simulating the climate of early Mars</h2>



<p>Adams used a model called KINETICS to analyze how a combination of hydrogen and other gases reacted with both the ground and the air, influencing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insights-alien-life-mars-water-sulfur-discovered-gained-studying-extreme-life-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars' climate</a> billions of years ago. </p>



<p>The modeling suggested that during the Noachian and Hesperian periods - between 4 and 3 billion years ago - Mars experienced episodic warm spells. These warming events lasted for over 100,000 years each and continued in cycles for around 40 million years.</p>



<p>The findings align with geological features on Mars that indicate past water flow. According to the study, these warm periods were largely driven by a process known as crustal hydration, where water was absorbed into the ground. </p>



<p>This process supplied the atmosphere with hydrogen over millions of years, leading to greenhouse effects that warmed the planet temporarily.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifting-atmospheric-chemistry">Shifting atmospheric chemistry</h2>



<p>While Mars alternated between warm and cold phases, its atmospheric chemistry was also constantly evolving. Carbon dioxide, a dominant gas in the Martian atmosphere, interacts with sunlight, converting into carbon monoxide. </p>



<p>In warmer periods, the carbon monoxide recycled back into carbon dioxide, reinforcing greenhouse conditions. However, during prolonged cold spells, this recycling slowed, allowing carbon monoxide to accumulate and shift the atmosphere into a more reduced state, meaning it had less oxygen.</p>



<p>These atmospheric changes influenced the planet’s redox states, or its ability to support oxidation-reduction reactions over time. Understanding these shifts is essential for piecing together Mars’ climatic history and its potential to support life.</p>



<p>“We’ve identified time scales for all of these alternations,” Adams said. “And we’ve described all the pieces in the same photochemical model.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-life-on-mars">Early life on Mars</h2>



<p>The study offers new insights into the environmental conditions that may have supported prebiotic chemistry - the chemical processes that precede the emergence of life.</p>



<p>During warm periods, conditions could have allowed for complex organic reactions to occur. However, prolonged cold spells and oxidation events would have posed significant challenges for the persistence of life.</p>



<p>Adams and her colleagues are now focused on finding physical evidence of these atmospheric transitions through isotope chemical modeling. Their goal is to compare their predictions with actual Martian rock samples.</p>



<p>The upcoming <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/mars-sample-return/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars Sample Return mission</a> is expected to provide crucial data that could validate or refine their findings.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-window-into-planetary-evolution">A window into planetary evolution</h2>



<p>Unlike Earth, Mars lacks plate tectonics, which means its surface has remained largely unchanged for billions of years. This unique characteristic makes the planet a valuable case study for understanding how planetary climates evolve over time. </p>



<p>Studying Mars’ atmospheric history not only helps scientists reconstruct its warm past but also provides insights into the broader processes that shape planetary environments throughout the universe.</p>



<p>“It makes a really great case study for how planets can evolve over time,” said Adams, who began this research as a Ph.D. student at <a href="https://www.caltech.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">California Institute of Technology</a>.</p>



<p>The study received funding from the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The team’s findings mark a significant advancement in understanding Mars’ climatic past and pave the way for future discoveries about the planet’s ability to support life.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-024-01626-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Geoscience</a>.</em></p>



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How early Mars stayed warm enough for water and possibly life

For decades, scientists have puzzled over the contradiction between Mars'...

<p>Colorectal cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, may have just found an unlikely foe in a common weed.</p>



<p>Artemisia herba-alba, a plant also commonly known as white wormwood or herba alba, has been used for medical purposes for thousands of years. It was originally used in the Middle East and North Africa.</p>



<p>This aromatic herb, which has been used to treat ailments such as bronchitis and digestive issues, is now capturing the attention of scientists for an even more meaningful purpose.</p>



<p>A recent study by researchers at the <a href="https://www.sharjah.ac.ae/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Sharjah</a> sheds light on the potential for white wormwood to fight colorectal cancer.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-battle-against-colorectal-cancer">The battle against colorectal cancer</h2>



<p>Colorectal cancer, or CRC, is a worldwide health concern. Ranked as the third most common type of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cancer-thrives-on-human-stress-as-it-spreads-throughout-the-body/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer</a> globally, it is responsible for nearly 10% of all cancer cases.</p>



<p>Colorectal cancer mainly affects patients over the age of 50 and is the second leading cause of death from cancer. With one million mortalities and two million new cases recorded in 2020 alone, there is an urgent need for more effective CRC treatments.</p>



<p>Study lead author Dr. Lara Bou Malhab is a research associate at the Sharjah University Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences.</p>



<p>“Artemisia herba-alba&nbsp;could be a promising natural ingredient for new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/better-cancer-tests-produce-better-cancer-treatments/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer treatments</a> based on (our study’s) findings," noted Dr. Bou Malhab. "Colorectal cancer is a common and serious illness, making it essential to find new and better treatments.”</p>



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



<p>Extracts isolated from Artemisia herba-alba were found to contain compounds with the ability to combat colorectal cancer. These compounds arrest the growth of the malignant cells and trigger self-destruction irrespective of the genetic makeup of these cells.</p>



<p>The compounds also interfere with the cell division in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unique-fingerprint-of-cancer-cells-revealed-in-hydrogen-atoms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer cells</a> through proteins like Cyclin B1 and CDK1.</p>



<p>Furthermore, the herb extracts inhibit a pathway that significantly contributes to tumorigenesis, the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.</p>



<p>“Our findings highlight the immense potential of Artemisia herba-alba as a natural source for developing innovative therapies against colorectal cancer, addressing the urgent need for treatments with fewer side effects and greater efficacy," said Dr. Malhab.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-substances-as-effective-drugs">Natural substances as effective drugs</h2>



<p>Despite the call of modern medicine, the use of natural substances in synthesizing effective drugs with fewer side effects is an area that cannot be ignored, particularly in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-anti-aging-drug-interleukin-11-boosts-lifespan-prevents-cancer-gray-hair/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer medications</a>.</p>



<p>Current chemotherapy drugs are plagued by the issues of cancer cells developing resistance and collateral damage in the form of side effects. This study, therefore, could have significant implications if noted and implemented by pharmaceutical giants.</p>



<p>While further research is necessary to unravel the specific molecular mechanisms and the clinical efficacy of Artemisia herba-alba in cancer treatment, there's no denying the potential that this unassuming <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/herbs-and-spices-linked-to-lower-blood-pressure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">herb</a> carries within its leaves. </p>



<p>This study has contributed an important piece to the larger puzzle of creating more effective cancer treatments that are less harmful.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-colorectal-cancer-a-growing-global-concern">Colorectal cancer: A growing global concern</h2>



<p>Colorectal cancer remains one of the major health challenges facing the world. The incidence rates of this cancer have been on the rise, mainly due to lifestyle factors, an aging population, and genetic predispositions.</p>



<p>Though early detection through screening programs has improved survival rates, treatment options remain limited and often involve surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation - all of which carry significant drawbacks.</p>



<p>Traditional chemotherapy causes severe side effects, such as immune suppression, fatigue, and gastrointestinal distress.</p>



<p>This is why natural compounds such as Artemisia herba-alba are gaining attention. Experts are looking at plant-based solutions that could offer targeted cancer-fighting properties with fewer side effects.</p>



<p>If further research confirms the herb’s effectiveness, it will open doors to more accessible, well-tolerated therapies that could revolutionize colorectal cancer treatment.</p>



<p>With colorectal cancer cases estimated to reach 3.2 million annually by 2040, the need for better treatments has never been greater.</p>



<p>In light of this discovery on Artemisia herba-alba, researchers are bound to look towards nature for their future pharmacological discovery in cancer treatment.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em>Food Science &amp; Nutrition</em>.</p>



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Medicinal plant has great potential to fight colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths...

<p>Microgravity has deep and surprising effects on the human body, particularly on the eyes and vision of astronauts.</p>



<p>Long-duration space travel has been linked to changes in ocular health that astronauts experience after six to twelve months on the International Space Station (ISS).</p>



<p>These changes, associated with a condition called spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS), have alarmed researchers and space agencies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-microgravity-on-eyes">Impact of microgravity on eyes</h2>



<p>The study's lead researcher, Santiago Costantino, is an ophthalmologist at the <a href="https://www.umontreal.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Université de Montréal</a>. He discovered that over 70% of astronauts on the ISS are affected by a condition known as spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-space-travel-affect-eye-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SANS</a>.</p>



<p>Leading a team at the UdeM-affiliated Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital, Costantino embarked on a mission to pinpoint the biomechanical changes that are to blame for this particular disorder.</p>



<p>The group analyzed data from 13 astronauts who had spent a period between 157 to 186 days on the ISS. These astronauts ranged in age, nationality, gender, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astronauts-are-surprisingly-good-at-flying-in-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space</a> mission experience - providing a diverse group for the study.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-astronauts-eyes-change-due-to-microgravity">Astronauts' eyes change due to microgravity</h2>



<p>The researchers compared three important ocular parameters before and after the space missions. </p>



<p>They looked at ocular rigidity, intraocular pressure, and ocular pulse amplitude. To obtain these data, the team used optical coherence tomography and tonometry.</p>



<p>The findings were nothing less than astonishing. The astronauts' eyes showed a 33% decrease in ocular rigidity, an 11% decrease in intraocular pressure, and a reduction of 25% in ocular pulse amplitude.</p>



<p>Coupled with these changes, symptoms such as altered focal field, reduced eye size and - in some exceptional cases - optic nerve edema and retinal folds were identified.</p>



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



<p>Costantino explained the fundamental reason behind these changes. "Weightlessness alters the distribution of blood in the body, increasing blood flow to the head and slowing venous circulation in the eye," he noted.</p>



<p>This is likely what leads to the expansion of the choroid layer, responsible for nourishing the retina of the eye.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-journey-back-to-normal">The journey back to normal</h2>



<p>While these changes might sound alarming, they are generally not a cause for concern. Even though 80% of the studied astronauts exhibited at least one symptom, their eyes returned to normal once they were back on Earth.</p>



<p>In most cases, simply wearing corrective eyeglasses was enough to address the symptoms developed during the time aboard the ISS.</p>



<p>However, there is an air of caution about future long-duration missions, such as a flight to Mars.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prolonged-microgravity-and-eye-health">Prolonged microgravity and eye health</h2>



<p>Understandably, the impact of prolonged exposure to microgravity on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/do-blue-light-blocking-lenses-work-experts-say-there-is-no-proof/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eye health</a> remains a mystery. Currently, no known preventive or palliative measures exist. </p>



<p>For this reason, the research team at Maisonneuve-Rosemont eagerly awaits more data from NASA to continue investigating.</p>



<p>"The observed changes in the mechanical properties of the eye could serve as biomarkers to predict the development of SANS," said Constantino. </p>



<p>Such findings could be instrumental in identifying astronauts at risk before they develop severe eye problems during long-duration missions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preparing-for-the-mars-challenge">Preparing for the Mars challenge</h2>



<p>As the space community sets its sights on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astronauts-kidneys-may-not-survive-a-roundtrip-to-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">missions to Mars</a>, understanding and addressing the effects of microgravity on astronauts' vision becomes increasingly critical. </p>



<p>A mission to Mars could last between two and three years, significantly exceeding the six to twelve months that astronauts currently spend aboard the ISS.</p>



<p>This extended duration in microgravity introduces a host of unknowns regarding the progression of SANS and its potential long-term impact on vision and overall eye health.</p>



<p>One promising avenue for mitigating these risks lies in technological advancements and preemptive measures. </p>



<p>Researchers are exploring innovative solutions, such as wearable devices that regulate intracranial pressure or techniques to simulate Earth-like gravitational forces. </p>



<p>Additionally, dietary interventions or pharmaceutical approaches targeting the choroidal expansion and venous circulation in the eye may offer new preventive strategies.</p>



<p>Moreover, this study emphasizes the importance of developing diagnostic tools to monitor ocular health in real-time during spaceflight.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-astronauts-well-being">Protecting astronauts' well-being</h2>



<p>Enhanced imaging technologies and portable devices could help astronauts and mission control teams identify early signs of SANS, enabling timely intervention.</p>



<p>The collaboration between researchers, space agencies, and medical professionals will be crucial in paving the way for safer long-duration missions. </p>



<p>As Santiago Costantino and his team continue to analyze new data from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>, their work represents a significant step forward in safeguarding astronaut health and ensuring the success of humanity's ambitious journey to Mars and beyond.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/10666778/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Open Journal of Engineering in Medicine and Biology</a></em>.</p>



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



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<p></p>

Long space missions harm astronauts' eyes and vision, casting doubt on travel to Mars

Microgravity has deep and surprising effects on the human body,...

<p>Have you ever tried to catch a baseball? In that split second, your brain is doing something remarkable - it's tracking both where the ball is and how long it'll take to reach you. This everyday feat of coordination reveals an extraordinary truth about our brains: they're constantly processing time and space simultaneously.</p>



<p>Scientists have long wondered exactly how our brains juggle these two fundamental aspects of reality. Now, researchers from <a href="https://www.sissa.it" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SISSA</a>'s Cognitive Neuroscience group have cracked open this mystery. </p>



<p>In their study, Valeria Centanino, Gianfranco Fortunato, and Domenica Bueti revealed an elegant system at work in our brains.</p>



<p>The findings show that different brain regions process time and space in unique ways - much like a company where some departments handle multiple tasks together, while others specialize in just one thing.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-functional-hierarchy-in-the-brain">A functional hierarchy in the brain</h2>



<p>The study found that posterior brain regions, which first receive visual information, process time and space together. As <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-discover-the-speed-at-which-the-brain-processes-information/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">information moves forward</a> to the parietal and frontal areas, these two elements gradually separate.</p>



<p>Moreover, the way time is encoded varies across brain regions. In the occipital areas, space and time are processed together, with the same neural population encoding both aspects. The longer the duration of a stimulus, the more active these neurons become. </p>



<p>However, in the parietal and frontal areas, time is processed by separate neural populations - each responding selectively to specific durations. The parietal cortex serves as an intermediary, and contains mechanisms that process time both in conjunction with space and separately.</p>



<p>Understanding this hierarchy sheds light on how the brain organizes information about time and space as it helps us to interact with our environment.</p>



<p>Whether we are tracking a moving object, estimating the length of an event, or synchronizing actions, these brain mechanisms play a crucial role in perception and behavior.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-s-perception-of-space-and-time">Brain’s perception of space and time</h2>



<p>The researchers sought to answer a fundamental question: how does the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-brain-literally-changes-based-on-daily-activities-and-lifestyle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human brain</a> process visual information that changes in both spatial position and duration? “We wanted to understand whether space and time are processed independently or not,” the authors explained.</p>



<p>To explore this, the team conducted an experiment with young, healthy participants. Subjects were asked to judge the duration of a visual stimulus that appeared in different screen positions for varying amounts of time.</p>



<p>During this task, neural activity was recorded using high-resolution functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). This technique allowed the researchers to map how different brain areas responded to analysis of space and time, which provided insights into the underlying neural mechanisms.</p>



<p>The results confirmed that different brain regions follow distinct strategies for encoding space and time. Some areas integrate the two aspects, while others treat them as separate dimensions. </p>



<p>This finding challenges the notion of a fixed processing method and instead suggests a dynamic system that adapts based on functional needs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unified-processing-of-time-and-space">Unified processing of time and space</h2>



<p>One of the most striking findings of the study was that in the occipital visual cortex, space and time are processed together. This region, located at the back of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-our-brain-divide-the-day-into-different-chapters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain</a>, is responsible for receiving and interpreting visual stimuli. It plays a crucial role in detecting motion, object positions, and duration.</p>



<p>“What we discovered is that the link between space and time in the human brain is not fixed but depends on the brain areas involved. In the posterior part of our brain, particularly in the occipital visual cortex, the connection is strong because space and time are processed by the same neurons,” noted the researchers.</p>



<p>Neurons in this region responded to both the position and duration of the visual stimulus. The longer the viewing time, the greater the brain activity in these neuron populations. This suggests that in early visual processing, space and time are closely intertwined, and form a unified representation.</p>



<p>This integration is essential for motion perception, as it allows the brain to track moving objects and estimate their speed and direction.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-separate-processing-of-time-and-space">Separate processing of time and space</h2>



<p>As information moves forward in the brain, the connection between space and time weakens. In the frontal premotor areas, which are involved in movement planning and decision-making, time is processed independently of spatial position. Here, distinct neural populations encode time and space information separately.</p>



<p>“Duration is encoded differently compared to the posterior areas. Here, distinct neural populations preferentially respond to specific durations, and neural populations that prefer similar durations are contiguous in the cortical surface, forming what we might call ‘time maps,’” the researchers explained.</p>



<p>Unlike in the occipital cortex, where neurons show a proportional increase in activity with longer durations, the frontal cortex operates with a categorical system.</p>



<p>Specific groups of neurons respond to specific time intervals, suggesting a more structured and segmented approach to time <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/from-genes-to-genius-what-makes-the-human-brain-unique/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">perception</a>. This organization may help in tasks that require precise timing, such as motor planning, coordination, and anticipation of future events.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-parietal-cortex-a-transition-zone">The parietal cortex: A transition zone</h2>



<p>Between the occipital and frontal regions lies the parietal cortex, which serves as a transition zone for processing space and time. This area is known for integrating multiple sources of information and plays a role in attention, perception, and cognitive functions.</p>



<p>“Some neuronal populations responded to both the position and the duration of the stimulus, while others responded only to one of these dimensions. The response to time was, in some cases, monotonic, like in the occipital cortex, while in others it showed selectivity for specific durations, similar to the anterior areas,” the authors noted.</p>



<p>This finding suggests that the parietal cortex contains a mix of processing strategies. Some neurons continue to encode space and time information together, while others start to specialize in one aspect only. This flexibility allows the brain to adapt to different perceptual demands.</p>



<p>For instance, when focusing on a moving object, integrated processing may be more beneficial. However, when making a precise timing judgment, a more specialized representation of time may be required.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-time-perception">Understanding time perception</h2>



<p>The study offers a new perspective on how the brain perceives time. Rather than having a single mechanism to governing time processing, multiple strategies coexist, with each serving a different function. Some brain regions maintain a close relationship between space and time, while others progressively separate them.</p>



<p>“This study advances our understanding of how space and time, two fundamental aspects of our experience of the world, are processed and integrated in the human brain. Moreover, it sheds light on the presence of a functional hierarchy in time processing,” concluded the researchers.</p>



<p>By identifying the distinct roles played by different brain regions, this research provides valuable insights into cognitive neuroscience. The study may also have implications for understanding disorders that affect time perception, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pesticide-exposure-increases-the-risk-of-parkinsons-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Parkinson’s disease</a>, schizophrenia, and certain neurological conditions.</p>



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



<p>The discovery of a functional hierarchy in time processing raises new questions about the brain’s adaptability. </p>



<p>If space and time are processed differently depending on the brain region, how does this system respond to changes, such as learning, injury, or aging? Future research could explore whether these mechanisms can be trained or modified through experience.</p>



<p>Additionally, understanding how the brain encodes time may help in developing new technologies for artificial intelligence, robotics, and virtual reality. By mimicking the brain’s ability to process space and time data, engineers could create more responsive and adaptive systems.</p>



<p>This study offers a deeper look into the intricate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-learning-how-our-brains-neurons-make-and-retrieve-memories/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">workings of the human brain</a>. By mapping the neural circuits that handle space and time perception, researchers continue to unravel the complexities how we experience the world.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-54336-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a></em>.</p>



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



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

How time and space interact in the brain

Have you ever tried to catch a baseball? In that...

<p>You see them piling up in your employee profile - those unused vacation days that quietly accumulate while deadlines and work meetings fill your calendar. Like millions of Americans, you're probably thinking they can wait until things slow down.</p>



<p>A new review from the <a href="https://www.uga.edu/">University of Georgia</a> suggests that fully disconnecting during vacation can improve your health and well-being.</p>



<p>The study, published in the&nbsp;<em>Journal of Applied Psychology</em>, analyzed 32 studies from nine countries. It found that vacations offer greater benefits for employees than previously thought. </p>



<p>More importantly, these positive effects last long after the vacation ends and employees return home.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-taking-vacations">Impact of taking vacations</h2>



<p>Vacations do more than just offer a temporary break. They have long-term benefits that extend beyond the immediate period of rest. The research suggests that taking time off improves both physical and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/whispered-dreams-how-relaxing-words-tune-our-heartbeat-to-sleep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mental health</a> while enhancing job performance in the long run.</p>



<p>"We think working more is better, but we actually perform better by taking care of ourselves," noted Ryan Grant from the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences</p>



<p>Grant, the study’s lead author and a doctoral student in psychology, highlighted the lasting benefits of vacations.</p>



<p>He noted that job demands and stress are increasing, yet many employees feel hesitant to take time off. Some fear they will fall behind, while others worry it may impact their chances of promotion.</p>



<p>Many workers believe that being constantly available makes them more valuable, but the research suggests otherwise. Instead of pushing through exhaustion, employees benefit from structured breaks. </p>



<p>"We need to break up these intense periods of work with intense periods of rest and recuperation," said Grant.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-avoid-working-on-vacations">Avoid working on vacations</h2>



<p>Taking a vacation is not enough. How employees use their time off significantly affects how restorative the experience is. The study found that employees who truly disengaged from work saw the most significant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-increases-feelings-of-hope-happiness-and-gratitude/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">improvements in their well-being</a>.</p>



<p>"If you’re not at work but you’re thinking about work on vacation, you might as well be at the office," noted Grant.</p>



<p>This means avoiding work emails, not answering phone calls, and resisting the urge to check in with colleagues. True rest requires a mental separation from work responsibilities. Many professionals find it difficult to unplug completely, but doing so maximizes the benefits of time off. </p>



<p>Vacations provide a rare chance to step away from work-related stress, and the more employees embrace that separation, the more they gain from it.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-physical-activity-enhances-vacation-benefits">Physical activity enhances vacation benefits</h2>



<p>The study also revealed that employees who engaged in physical activity during their vacations reported higher levels of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-sleep-clears-toxic-waste-from-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">well-being and restoration</a>. However, this does not mean that vacationers need to participate in intense exercise or structured fitness routines.</p>



<p>"Basically, anything that gets your heart rate up is a good option," Grant confirmed.</p>



<p>Activities like hiking, swimming, cycling, or even casual walks can contribute to overall health benefits. Many vacation activities incorporate movement, such as snorkeling or exploring new cities on foot.</p>



<p>These activities not only provide physiological benefits but also offer unique and enjoyable experiences. A change of scenery, combined with physical movement, creates opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation that a sedentary vacation may not provide.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vacation-without-work-stress">Vacation without work stress</h2>



<p>Longer vacations tend to offer greater benefits. However, returning to work after an extended break can sometimes feel overwhelming. The transition back to daily responsibilities can lead to a sudden drop in well-being.</p>



<p>To counteract this effect, planning both before and after a vacation is essential. Packing in advance, setting expectations at work, and wrapping up key tasks before departure can reduce stress leading up to a trip. </p>



<p>Similarly, easing back into work life, with a buffer period after returning, can make the transition smoother.</p>



<p>Allowing a day or two to re-acclimate before diving back into a full workload can help maintain the benefits of a vacation for longer. It gives employees time to catch up on emails, re-establish routines, and adjust mentally without feeling overwhelmed.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vacations-are-not-a-luxury">Vacations are not a luxury</h2>



<p>The study was co-authored by Beth Buchanan, a late Ph.D. student in UGA’s Department of Psychology, and Kristen Shockley, an associate professor at <a href="https://www.auburn.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Auburn University</a>. The research reinforces the idea that vacations are not a luxury but a necessity for long-term success.</p>



<p>Time off allows employees to return to work more energized, focused, and productive. Rather than viewing vacations as an obstacle to career growth, workers should see them as an investment in their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spending-67-minutes-daily-outdoors-boosts-mental-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">overall well-being</a>.</p>



<p>Taking a break is not a sign of weakness or lack of ambition. It is a proven strategy for maintaining mental health, improving job performance, and enhancing quality of life. If you want to be at your best at work, take that vacation - and truly unplug.</p>



<p>The study was published in the <em><a href="https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2Fapl0001262" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Applied Psychology</a>. </em></p>



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



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Employees need vacations to fully disengage from work

You see them piling up in your employee profile -...

iron ore deposit - 1

<p>The winter chill in early January surprised many across England this year. On January 11, 2025, a casual walk through the Devil’s Punch Bowl turned into a moment of astonishment for a local resident.</p>



<p>He spotted a curious formation that resembled fine strands of white hair wrapped around a twig, and he soon realized it was <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/frost-beard_exidiopsis-effusa_fungi_rare-ice_variuos-images_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">something quite special</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fluffy-frozen-cotton">Fluffy, frozen cotton?</h2>



<p>The walker, identified as the Reverend Jonny Scott from Godalming, initially saw what appeared to be fluffy cotton on a piece of wood. He was intrigued.</p>



<p>He wondered if it might be a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deadly-fungus-found-in-garden-soils-across-america/">strange fungus</a> or just a bit of frosty residue that had collected on the bark. His interest grew when he recognized that the material was actually made of delicate ice fibers.</p>



<p>Experts have known about this unusual natural display for more than a century. In 1918, the phenomenon earned scientific attention for its striking appearance.</p>



<p>Scientists Dr. Christian Hofmann from the <a href="https://www.opensanctions.org/entities/NK-eG42EVWMizVRHKRM9QmwMY/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute of Applied Physics</a>, Dr. Christian Mätzler from the <a href="https://www.imk.kit.edu/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute for Meteorology and Climate Research</a>, and Dr. Gisela Preuss from <a href="https://www.biogeosciences.net/">Biogeosciences </a>led a project in 2015 that clarified the precise cause of this unique formation. </p>



<p>They learned that a fungus named <em>Exidiopsis effusa</em> helps these icy filaments develop on rotting wood.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nature-s-artistry-in-rare-weather">Nature's artistry in rare weather</h2>



<p>The Met Office states that <a href="https://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/2012/12/frost-beard/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hair ice</a>, often called frost beard, only appears on damp, rotten branches of broadleaf trees. </p>



<p>Temperatures must hover below freezing at latitudes between 45°N and 55°N, which includes parts of Europe and North America.</p>



<p>Such narrow requirements explain why people so rarely witness these wispy ribbons of ice. Moisture in the wood meets just the right chill to create slender strands of around 0.01 millimeters (0.004 inches) thick.</p>



<p>Rev. Scott was thrilled when he realized he had encountered an extremely uncommon sight. “Nature never ceases to amaze me!” he exclaimed.</p>



<p>He carefully picked up the twig, puzzled by the sheer fragility of the ice. He recalled seeing “a twig that looked to be wrapped in cotton wool” or “perhaps a strange fungus,” but closer inspection proved it was crystal-like hairs of ice.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fungal-helper-exidiopsis-effusa">Fungal helper <em>Exidiopsis effusa</em></h2>



<p>Scientists looking at these formations discovered that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shock-discovery-greenland-ice-sheet-is-teeming-with-microorganisms/">fungus maintains the ice structure</a> by shaping water into threads along the wood’s surface. </p>



<p>During cold weather, water in the wood expands outward, and the fungus helps it freeze into smooth filaments, preventing the ice from clumping.</p>



<p>The strands stand firm until temperatures rise above freezing, or direct sunlight hits them, which causes them to vanish in a matter of moments.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/frost-beard_exidiopsis-effusa_fungi_rare-ice_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/frost-beard_exidiopsis-effusa_fungi_rare-ice_1s.webp" alt="An unusual natural phenomenon - mysterious hair ice on wood looks like angle hair. The fungus Exidiopsis effusa is responsible for this crystallization process that occurs in &quot;Frost beard.&quot;" class="wp-image-1958147"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>An unusual natural phenomenon - mysterious hair ice on wood looks like angle hair. The fungus Exidiopsis effusa is responsible for this crystallization process that occurs in "Frost beard."</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>The existence of hair ice was first documented over 100 years ago, and several theories arose to explain how these slender filaments formed. Some early researchers suspected bacterial processes.</p>



<p>Others suggested peculiar chemical reactions in rotting wood. The 2015 research by Hofmann, Mätzler, and Preuss confirmed that <em>Exidiopsis effusa</em> is essential in shaping the ice, which put long-standing debates to rest.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moments-of-wonder">Moments of wonder</h2>



<p>The <a href="https://surreyhills.org/places-to-see/the-devils-punchbowl/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Devil’s Punch Bowl</a>, a vast natural amphitheater, has long been a favorite among local hikers seeking fresh air and scenic views. Running into hair ice enhances a simple stroll, turning it into something extraordinary.</p>



<p>Rev. Scott admitted he had never even heard of hair ice before, and he felt a bit of excitement to spot such a rare event by chance. </p>



<p>Once he returned to the car park and did a quick online search, he realized he had stumbled upon a fascinating natural curiosity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fragile-beauty">Fragile beauty</h2>



<p>These frozen fibers appear unexpectedly, almost like an artistic flourish designed by the cold. They are easily missed if you’re not paying attention.</p>



<p>Observers often find them on fallen branches scattered along woodland floors. Many folks walk right by without a second glance.</p>



<p>But for anyone who does pause to look, the sight can be quite memorable. Even though hair ice can arise in several places within the right latitudes, people rarely notice it.</p>



<p>And It doesn’t last long. A brief shift in temperature or a stray ray of sunshine is enough to melt the fragile ice.</p>



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



<p>The fleeting nature of hair ice heightens its appeal. For many, the momentary glimpse of these icy tresses symbolizes how rapidly beautiful things in the natural world can come and go.</p>



<p>It’s a reminder to stay curious, no matter how familiar a place might seem. Rev. Scott’s story highlights the potential rewards of keeping a watchful eye on the woods.</p>



<p>Research scientists, mycologists, and weather experts continue to investigate subtle interactions between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fungi-can-think-and-make-smart-decisions-without-a-brain/">fungi and their surroundings</a>. There’s still much to learn about the microscopic processes that lead to the formation of hair ice.</p>



<p>Each small piece of understanding adds to a broader view of how living organisms and seasonal conditions overlap in unexpected ways.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-perspective">New perspective</h2>



<p>It’s easy to overlook delicate sights like these when you think you’ve seen it all. Sometimes, the simplest items - a fallen twig, a chilly breeze - combine to create something that sparks genuine awe.</p>



<p>Rev. Scott encountered hair ice on a routine stroll, and his discovery brought attention to a phenomenon that deserves more admiration from nature lovers.</p>



<p>The study is published in <a href="https://bg.copernicus.org/articles/12/4261/2015/bg-12-4261-2015.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Biogeosciences</em></a>.</p>



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



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Rare 'frost beard' ice formation discovered by a hiker

The winter chill in early January surprised many across England...

<p>Millions of Americans face a sobering reality about their drinking water. A recent study from the&nbsp;Keck&nbsp;School&nbsp;of&nbsp;Medicine&nbsp;at the&nbsp;University&nbsp;of&nbsp;Southern&nbsp;California (USC)&nbsp;warns that exposure to "forever chemicals" in tap water increases cancer risk by up to 33 percent. </p>



<p>These chemicals, known as polyfluoroalkyl substances (<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-strain-identified-that-can-eat-forever-chemicals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS</a>), exist in nearly half of the drinking water supplies across the United States.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forever-chemicals-in-drinking-water">Forever chemicals in drinking water</h2>



<p>Scientists have linked PFAS to severe health problems, including kidney, breast, and testicular cancer. This study broadens the scope, connecting these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forever-chemicals-alter-gene-expression-in-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chemicals</a> to digestive, endocrine, respiratory, and mouth and throat cancers.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.usc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USC</a> researchers analyzed large population datasets, pinpointing a disturbing pattern - counties with contaminated water reported higher cancer cases between 2016 and 2021.</p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.epa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EPA</a> estimates that PFAS contamination contributes to nearly 6,864 new cancer cases each year. Though this accounts for only 0.4 percent of all cancer cases, the long-term impact remains alarming.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hotspots-of-forever-chemicals">Hotspots of forever chemicals </h2>



<p>The&nbsp;Environmental&nbsp;Working&nbsp;Group&nbsp;(<a href="https://www.ewg.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EWG</a>)&nbsp;has mapped out communities and military sites affected by PFAS contamination. Last year, the EPA set the maximum <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forever-chemicals-found-in-tap-and-bottled-water-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS</a> levels at four parts per trillion in drinking water. </p>



<p>But these limits are exceeded in many parts of the country - including Nassau and Suffolk counties in New York, and Los Angeles and Orange counties in California.</p>



<p>The study revealed that cancer rates in these counties range from a minor two percent increase to a staggering 33 percent spike. </p>



<p>A particularly concerning finding involved perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS), a type of PFAS linked to mouth and throat cancers.</p>



<p>Men in high-PFAS areas exhibited increased cases of leukemia and cancers affecting the urinary system, brain, and soft tissues. Meanwhile, women in these regions faced higher incidences of thyroid, mouth, throat, and soft tissue cancers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dangers-of-forever-chemicals-in-water">Dangers of forever chemicals in water</h2>



<p>PFAS are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-can-now-trace-forever-chemicals-back-to-their-sources/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microscopic chemicals</a> that persist in the environment and human body for thousands of years. Their ability to repel water and oil makes them common in non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, and food packaging. </p>



<p>Unfortunately, they also leach into water supplies through household activities like washing dishes or as pesticide runoff from agricultural lands.</p>



<p>There is no safe level of PFAS exposure. Even small amounts accumulate in the body, leading to potential long-term health effects. While public water systems can treat contaminated water, private wells remain a challenge for individuals relying on them.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-reduce-pfas-exposure-at-home">How to reduce PFAS exposure at home</h2>



<p>Households concerned about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-filtration-system-removes-forever-chemicals-from-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS</a> in their water can use specialized filters.&nbsp;</p>



<p><a href="https://www.consumerreports.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Consumer Reports</a> advises buying only filters certified by the National Sanitation Foundation, Water Quality Association, or International Association of Plumbing &amp; Mechanical Officials.</p>



<p>Prices range from $45 for basic pitcher filters to $1,200 for advanced under-sink systems. Although costly, these filters provide one of the few reliable ways to reduce PFAS intake.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-worst-pfas-hotspots-in-the-u-s">Worst PFAS hotspots in the U.S.</h2>



<p>According to the Environmental Working Group, the ten worst cities with water contamination from forever chemicals include:</p>



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Brunswick County, N.C. – 185.9 ppt</li>



<li>Quad Cities, Iowa – 109.8 ppt</li>



<li>Miami, Fla. – 56.7 ppt</li>



<li>Bergen County, N.J. – 51.4 ppt</li>



<li>Wilmington, N.C. – 50.5 ppt</li>



<li>Philadelphia, Pa. – 46.3 ppt</li>



<li>Louisville, Ky. – 45.2 ppt</li>



<li>New Orleans, La. – 41.8 ppt</li>



<li>Charleston, S.C. – 33.3 ppt</li>



<li>Decatur, Ala. – 24.1 ppt</li>
</ol>



<p>These numbers reflect serious environmental concerns, prompting urgent calls for regulatory action.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strengthening-pfas-regulations">Strengthening PFAS regulations</h2>



<p>The&nbsp;National&nbsp;Cancer&nbsp;Institute&nbsp;(<a href="https://www.cancer.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NCI</a>)&nbsp;compiled cancer data from 22 registries covering half of the U.S. population. Scientists cross-referenced this data with PFAS levels in drinking water, identifying several high-risk zones in Chicago, New York, Georgia, Texas, and California.</p>



<p>As part of a nationwide cleanup effort, public water systems have five years to reduce PFAS levels. By 2029, the EPA will begin enforcing strict limits on six PFAS types, including PFOS, PFOA, PFNA, PFHxS, PFHpA, and PFBS.</p>



<p>Dr. Shiwen Li, the study's lead researcher, believes these measures may still be too lenient. He warns that additional restrictions may be necessary to protect public health.</p>



<p>"When people hear that PFAS is associated with cancer, it's hard to know how it's relevant," Dr. Li said. "These findings allow us to draw an initial conclusion about the link between certain rare cancers and PFAS."</p>



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Forever chemicals found in most tap water increase cancer risk by up to 33%

Millions of Americans face a sobering reality about their drinking...

<p>Imagine a world where the vibrant colors and splendor of Earth's wild plants and flowers dotting landscapes around the globe fall victim to extinction and vanish, one species at a time.</p>



<p>While this disturbing notion might seem far-fetched, the reality is that it's already beginning to happen.</p>



<p>Plant conservation is at a critical crossroads as botanic gardens around the world struggle to protect Earth’s most endangered plants. </p>



<p>A recent review of the processes behind this global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biobanking-historic-initiative-aims-to-genetically-rescue-endangered-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species preservation</a> challenge provides scientists with details about exactly what these institutions face in their fight to save endangered and threatened plant species from extinction.</p>



<p>The critical question that emerges is - how can the guardian angels of our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-some-plants-genus-spread-farther-grow-faster-than-others/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant kingdom</a>, botanic gardens, rise to meet this challenge?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-100-years-of-plant-conservation">100-years of plant conservation</h2>



<p>The study examined records of fifty botanic gardens and arboreta around the world over the past 100 years, from 1921 to 2021. </p>



<p>Encompassing over 500,000 plants between them, the goal was to uncover trends and shifts in living plant collections housed at these facilities.</p>



<p>The study's findings suggest that the collections at these gardens have reached their maximum capacity. </p>



<p>In addition, due to various limitations and rules placed on collecting wild plants in different parts of the world, acquiring and protecting diverse <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-diversity-darkspots-need-urgent-attention/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant species</a> for conservation and study has become challenging.</p>



<p>The research also revealed that, on a global scale, the retention of threatened plants within these collections has not been successful despite the escalating extinction risk.</p>



<p>It raises serious questions about the priority given to combatting biodiversity loss across these gardens.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hurdles-in-saving-plants-from-extinction">Hurdles in saving plants from extinction</h2>



<p>The study was spearheaded by Professor Samuel Brockington from <a href="https://www.museums.cam.ac.uk/museums/cambridge-university-botanic-garden" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cambridge University Botanic Garden</a>.</p>



<p>“A concerted, collaborative effort across the world’s botanic gardens is now needed to conserve a genetically diverse range of plants, and to make them available for research and future reintroduction into the wild,” Brockington implored.</p>



<p>The study, published in the journal <em>Nature Ecology and Evolution</em>, stated that the Convention on Biological Diversity (<a href="https://www.cbd.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CBD</a>) has considerably diminished the rate of plant collection from the wild.</p>



<p>This has greatly hampered the international exchange of plants.</p>



<p>“The impact of the Convention on Biological Diversity is a remarkable demonstration of the power and value of international agreements," stated Professor Brockington, who is also a Professor of Evolution at the University of Cambridge's <a href="https://www.plantsci.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Plant Sciences</a>.</p>



<p>"But it seems to be preventing individual botanic gardens from working with many globally threatened <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-many-invasive-plant-species-are-in-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant species</a> that we could help save from extinction.” </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-botanic-garden-meta-collections">Botanic garden meta-collections</h2>



<p>Given that nearly 40% of the world’s plant diversity is at an increased <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/all-plants-on-earth-could-be-saved-from-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">risk of extinction</a>, botanic gardens cannot single-handedly prevent species extinction. </p>



<p>Therefore, a collective approach is proposed to store and safeguard diversity in living collections. </p>



<p>Botanic gardens need to function as a 'meta-collection,’ pooling their resources, sharing data, and expertise.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-can-be-done">What can be done?</h2>



<p>While individual institutions like the <a href="https://www.rbge.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh </a>have achieved remarkable success in plant conservation, their efforts highlight both the potential and the limitations of working in isolation.</p>



<p>Global organizations such as Botanic Gardens Conservation International (<a href="https://www.bgci.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BGCI</a>) have made strides in promoting collaboration through conservation consortia, yet these initiatives remain exceptions rather than the standard practice.</p>



<p>Smaller or regionally focused botanic gardens often face resource constraints that limit their capacity for impactful <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/effective-conservation-efforts-key-to-saving-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation efforts</a>. </p>



<p>Without sufficient funding, expertise, or infrastructure, their ability to participate in large-scale projects is significantly hindered. </p>



<p>Furthermore, the lack of robust data-sharing systems and collaboration across institutions exacerbates the challenge, preventing the formation of a cohesive global strategy.</p>



<p>The successes of these individual institutions and organizations serve as a foundation, but a more unified and coordinated effort is essential to effectively combat biodiversity loss on a global scale.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-and-plant-extinction">Climate change and plant extinction</h2>



<p>As climate change transforms growing conditions across different regions globally, it will be more challenging for individual botanic gardens to grow a diverse range of species. </p>



<p>“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-climate-changes-have-drastic-effects-on-tropical-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate change</a> affects our work directly by altering local weather conditions - we’ve already seen record-breaking temperatures in Cambridge in recent years," Brockington lamented.</p>



<p>"That’s going to affect how well our plants survive, so we need to think rationally and collectively about the best locations to hold different species across the global network of living collections."</p>



<p>Genetic diversity plays a critical role in protecting plants at risk of extinction. The more individual plants of a species are in a collection, the greater the genetic diversity is likely to be.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-do-we-go-from-here">Where do we go from here?</h2>



<p>Last year, Cambridge University Botanic Garden advertised for a new "Expedition Botanist" to lead global plant-collection expeditions and contribute to vital conservation efforts.</p>



<p>Brockington believes in the importance of these expeditions and proposes a collaborative collection approach that creates equitable international partnerships.</p>



<p>The CBD, signed by 150 government leaders in 1992, commits each country to protect its biodiversity and promote sustainable development. </p>



<p>Today, there are about 3,500 botanic gardens and arboreta worldwide, committed to studying, conserving and providing access to the world’s plants.</p>



<p>Organizations like the BGCI, a charity, work to mobilize botanic gardens and establish partnerships to secure plant diversity, benefiting people and the planet.</p>



<p>To sum it all up, we're in a race against time for these botanic gardens to adapt, innovate and collaborate in their fight against plant extinction. The future of our plant kingdom hinges on these collective efforts.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-024-02633-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution</a></em>.</p>



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Saving Earth's most endangered plants from extinction is proving to be very difficult

Imagine a world where the vibrant colors and splendor of...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What caused the planet's longest ice age

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<p 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>



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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>



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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists discover we age in bursts

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists solve the mystery of tickling

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>



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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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