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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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How smell tricks the brain into tasting flavors

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

<p>If we could turn back time to between 45,000 and 29,000 years ago, we would find that the planet was a vastly different place from how it is currently. Early humans were just beginning to establish their presence beyond the African continent, and they may unwittingly have caused a seismic shift in the local ecology.</p>



<p>But how did their arrival impact the delicate balance of the animal kingdom? A recent study offers fresh insights into this ancient relationship.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-scavenger-human-relationship">The scavenger-human relationship</h2>



<p>"Early humans, more than 30,000 years ago, did not live in isolation from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wealth-inequality-exists-in-the-animal-kingdom-too/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animal world</a>; they were integrated into a network of relationships with scavengers," explained Dr. Chris Baumann, one of the key scientists behind the research.</p>



<p>This complex web of interactions, where humans and scavenger animals influenced each other, is often challenging to understand from our modern perspective.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-power-of-data-unearthing-the-past">The power of data: Unearthing the past</h2>



<p>Uncovering insights from the depths of history is no simple task. However, researchers from the <a href="https://uni-tuebingen.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Tübingen</a> and the University of Cologne achieved this by leveraging the extensive ROAD database from the ROCEEH research center. </p>



<p>This database encompasses information from 2,400 prehistoric sites across Europe, Africa, and Asia.</p>



<p>By focusing on zooarchaeological data from European sites once inhabited by humans, the team unearthed intriguing patterns of behavior that had long disappeared into the past.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-human-effect-on-scavengers">The human effect on scavengers</h2>



<p>Dr. Baumann and his colleagues hypothesize that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-ancient-humans-hunted-elephants-with-stone-tools/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ancient humans</a> may have hunted and killed more animals than they could consume, thereby increasing the availability of carrion.</p>



<p>At first, this may have been a boon for sizable scavenger animals. "Initially, this benefited large scavengers," noted Baumann.</p>



<p>However, humans soon began to manage their surroundings more carefully, ensuring that large predators were kept at a distance from their settlements.</p>



<p>On the other hand, unthreatening small scavengers like foxes, ravens, or crows were likely tolerated - much like we tolerate urban foxes and raccoons today.</p>



<p>Baumann believes this dynamic resulted in a significant shift in the relationship between humans and scavengers between 45,000 and 29,000 years ago.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-large-carnivores-were-displaced">Large carnivores were displaced </h2>



<p>"During this period, the late Pleistocene, the large scavengers began to be displaced in favor of smaller species, some of which even benefited from living with humans," noted Dr. Shumon T. Hussain. </p>



<p>This shift was likely driven, in part, by the arrival of modern humans (<em><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neanderthals-homo-sapiens-living-spaces-organized-similarly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Homo sapiens</a></em>) in Europe and the displacement of the region's last Neanderthals.</p>



<p>"Humans further developed their skills and hunted so many animals that significantly more energy became available in the food web," noted Baumann.</p>



<p>This influx of energy resulted in behavioral adaptations and evolutionary changes in scavenging animals, while humans developed new ways of colonizing the landscape. </p>



<p>In effect, humans played a significant role in shaping ecosystems - which may have also influenced human evolution itself.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-term-ecological-impact">Long-term ecological impact</h2>



<p>The changes induced by early humans didn’t just alter the dynamics between scavengers and their environment in the short term. These changes triggered a cascade of ecological consequences that echoed through generations.</p>



<p>As large scavengers were gradually pushed away and smaller ones thrived in human-dominated spaces, the ecosystem itself adapted in response. </p>



<p>This shift likely influenced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/danger-zones-climate-change-is-altering-predator-prey-dynamics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">predator-prey</a> relationships, competition for resources, and even the genetic evolution of scavenger species over time.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-domestication-of-animals">Domestication of animals</h2>



<p>Researchers believe that this transition may have contributed to the domestication process, with some animals gradually adapting to human presence and food sources. </p>



<p>The tolerance for smaller scavengers like foxes and birds may have been an early stepping stone to the complex relationships humans share with domesticated animals today.</p>



<p>Furthermore, this adaptation highlights how human activity can leave an enduring mark on biodiversity - whether intentional or not.</p>



<p>Understanding these ancient ecological shifts provides valuable lessons for modern conservation efforts. </p>



<p>The study highlights the importance of considering how human interventions, both past and present, can disrupt or reshape natural ecosystems. The research offers insights into how we might promote more sustainable coexistence with wildlife in the future.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0277379124006504?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Quaternary Science Reviews</a></em>.</p>



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How early humans and small scavengers benefited each other

If we could turn back time to between 45,000 and...

<p>For millennia, the Arctic-boreal zone (ABZ) has acted as a critical carbon reservoir, locking away vast amounts of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in its frozen soils. Unfortunately, this seems to no longer be true.</p>



<p>A new study confirms that this vital role is rapidly eroding due to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-earth-energy-imbalance-temperature-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rising temperatures</a>, increased microbial activity, and intensifying wildfires. </p>



<p>The research, led by the <a href="https://www.woodwellclimate.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Woodwell Climate Research Center</a>, shows that one-third of the ABZ is now emitting more carbon than it absorbs, with this figure rising to 40% when emissions from fires are factored in.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifting-carbon-balance-in-the-arctic">Shifting carbon balance in the Arctic</h2>



<p>The Arctic-boreal zone encompasses tundra, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/single-degree-temperature-warming-boreal-forests-wreak-havoc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">boreal forests</a>, and wetlands across Earth's northernmost regions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Historically, the ABZ has acted as a net carbon sink, absorbing more CO₂ through plant photosynthesis than it released via microbial and plant respiration. </p>



<p>However, the study highlights how this delicate balance is shifting, driven by climate change and a surge in wildfires.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/arctic-boreal-zone_abz_study-zone-area_map_credit-WCRC_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/arctic-boreal-zone_abz_study-zone-area_map_credit-WCRC_1s.webp" alt="Map of Arctic-boreal zone study area depicting boreal forests, tundra, and permafrost region. Credit: Greg Fiske / Woodwell Climate Research Center" class="wp-image-1958071"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Map of Arctic-boreal zone study area depicting boreal forests, tundra, and permafrost region. Credit: Greg Fiske / Woodwell Climate Research Center</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>“We wanted to develop the most current and comprehensive picture of carbon in the north, and to do that, we knew we needed to account for fire’s growing carbon footprint in this region,” said lead author Anna Virkkala, a research scientist at Woodwell Climate.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“While we found many northern ecosystems are still acting as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mountains-both-carbon-sinks-and-carbon-sources/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon dioxide sinks</a>, source regions and fires are now canceling out much of that net uptake and reversing long-standing trends.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-data-behind-the-findings">Data behind the findings</h2>



<p>To assess the ABZ’s changing carbon dynamics, the research team compiled three decades of CO₂ data (1990–2020) from 200 monitoring sites. </p>



<p>The data were drawn from flux towers and chambers that measure gas exchanges between the land and the atmosphere. </p>



<p>These site-level observations were integrated with climate, soil, and vegetation data into the “<a href="https://essd.copernicus.org/articles/14/179/2022/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ABC Flux</a>” database, which Virkkala oversees.</p>



<p>The process of “upscaling” these data created detailed, high-resolution maps (1km x 1km) of carbon fluxes across the region. This level of detail allowed researchers to pinpoint specific areas where carbon trends are shifting.</p>



<p>“The high resolution of these data means that we can now see how variable the Arctic is when it comes to carbon,” said Sue Natali, lead of the Permafrost Pathways initiative at Woodwell Climate and a co-author of the study.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The Arctic isn’t one single place - it’s a massive area with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-action-and-biodiversity-striking-the-right-balance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diverse ecosystems</a> and climatic conditions. And now we have the capability to track and map carbon processes at a spatial resolution that can reveal what’s happening on the ground.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-summer-greening-vs-winter-emissions">Summer greening vs. winter emissions</h2>



<p>The study provides key insights into the factors driving the ABZ’s changing carbon balance. </p>



<p>While longer growing seasons and increased vegetation in some areas have boosted summer carbon uptake, these gains are overshadowed by increased emissions during the non-growing season. </p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/permafrost-is-no-longer-permanent-arctic-communities-in-danger/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thawing permafrost</a> releases stored carbon, and microbial activity during warmer winters accelerates the release of greenhouse gases.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/arctic-boreal-zone_abz_average-co2-balance_2001-2020_map_credit-WCRC_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/arctic-boreal-zone_abz_average-co2-balance_2001-2020_map_credit-WCRC_1s.webp" alt="Average terrestrial CO2 balance from 2001–2020 based on a synthesis of field measurements and machine learning models. Credit: Greg Fiske / Woodwell Climate Research Center" class="wp-image-1958065"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Average terrestrial CO2 balance from 2001–2020 based on a synthesis of field measurements and machine learning models. Credit: Greg Fiske / Woodwell Climate Research Center</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>“We are seeing that longer growing seasons and more microbial activity in winter are gradually shifting carbon trajectories,” explained Marguerite Mauritz, an assistant professor at the <a href="https://www.utep.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Texas-El Paso</a> and co-author of the study.</p>



<p>The research also challenges the assumption that a “greener” Arctic will lead to greater carbon storage. While nearly half (49%) of the ABZ showed signs of greening, only 12% of those areas demonstrated an annual net increase in CO₂ uptake.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Warmer conditions often mean more carbon released from permafrost thaw and more biomass available to burn during <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fast-wildfires-are-gaining-even-more-speed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfires</a>, further contributing to emissions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fires-amplify-arctic-carbon-loss">Fires amplify Arctic carbon loss</h2>



<p>Wildfires, a growing threat in the ABZ, exacerbate the region’s carbon release. Adding fire emissions to the carbon balance analysis raised the percentage of the ABZ acting as a carbon source from 34% to 40%.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These fires are fueled by increased vegetation and drier conditions, creating a feedback loop that accelerates carbon loss.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/arctic-boreal-zone_abz_average-co2-balance_2001-2020_map2_credit-WCRC_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/arctic-boreal-zone_abz_average-co2-balance_2001-2020_map2_credit-WCRC_1s.webp" alt="Average terrestrial CO2 balance from 2001–2020 based on a synthesis of field measurements and machine learning models. Credit: Greg Fiske / Woodwell Climate Research Center" class="wp-image-1958068"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Average terrestrial CO2 balance from 2001–2020 based on a synthesis of field measurements and machine learning models. Credit: Greg Fiske / Woodwell Climate Research Center</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>The study highlights the need for more robust monitoring of the ABZ to better understand and mitigate the impacts of these changes.</p>



<p>“Highly collaborative efforts like this are critical for understanding how shifting seasonal dynamics and disturbance patterns can have regional and even global impacts,” Mauritz said.</p>



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



<p>The findings are consistent with a growing body of research indicating that the Arctic is transitioning from a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-carbon-sinks-are-being-pushed-to-their-limits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon sink</a> to a carbon source. </p>



<p>Studies including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-previously-unknown-sources-of-methane-production/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">methane (CH₄) emissions</a> from lakes, rivers, and wetlands reinforce this troubling trend. </p>



<p>A warmer Arctic may no longer serve as a reliable buffer against global carbon emissions but instead act as a significant contributor.</p>



<p>“This study may act as a warning sign of bigger changes ahead, and offers a map of places we’ll need to better monitor in the coming decades,” Virkkala said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arctic-warming-and-carbon-dynamics">Arctic warming and carbon dynamics </h2>



<p>The researchers emphasize that understanding these changes is essential for predicting their long-term impact on the global carbon cycle. </p>



<p>The detailed, high-resolution maps created by this study can guide future monitoring efforts and inform climate policy.</p>



<p>By illustrating how and where carbon dynamics are shifting, this research provides critical tools for scientists and policymakers to address the challenges posed by a warming Arctic.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As the study shows, the region’s role in regulating Earth’s carbon balance is changing rapidly - and the consequences may reverberate far beyond the northern latitudes.</p>



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Earth's Arctic region has flipped and now emits more carbon than it stores

For millennia, the Arctic-boreal zone (ABZ) has acted as a...

<p>In 2022, the Great Salt Lake - celebrated as the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere - dropped to unprecedented low levels.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This alarming decline has triggered widespread concerns in Utah regarding the lake’s economic value, ecological significance, and potential threats to public health.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-guiding-decisions-about-great-salt-lake">Guiding decisions about Great Salt Lake </h2>



<p>A new study from <a href="https://www.pdx.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Portland State University</a> (PSU) represents the first peer-reviewed effort to quantitatively assess the contributing factors behind Great Salt Lake's record-low water volume. </p>



<p>According to the researchers, this detailed analysis is critical for predicting and guiding future decisions about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/great-salt-lake-agriculture-is-draining-a-natural-wonder/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lake management</a>.</p>



<p>“The lake has a lot of social and economic relevance for the region and Utah,” said Siiri Bigalke, the lead author of the study and a PhD candidate in PSU’s Earth, Environment and Society program.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Bigalke's research builds upon earlier work conducted during her master’s studies at <a href="https://www.usu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Utah State University</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-far-reaching-importance-of-great-salt-lake">Far-reaching importance of Great Salt Lake </h2>



<p>Bigalke highlighted the multifaceted significance of the Great Salt Lake. “It provides over $1.9 billion in annual economic revenue, serves as a vital feeding ground for millions of migratory birds and enhances snowfall over the Wasatch Mountain Range.” </p>



<p>The Wasatch Range hosts 11 ski resorts, and the Winter Olympics will return to Salt Lake City in 2034. The lake influences weather patterns that sustain this recreation and tourism. A compromised lake could have extensive repercussions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-yearly-changes-in-lake-volume">Yearly changes in lake volume</h2>



<p>Bigalke collaborated with co-authors Paul Loikith, an associate professor of geography and director of PSU’s Climate Science Lab, and Nick Siler, an associate professor in <a href="https://oregonstate.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oregon State University</a>’s College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences.</p>



<p>The team developed a model to track the lake’s annual water volume fluctuations. This model incorporated water inputs - primarily from streamflow and precipitation - as well as water loss from evaporation.</p>



<p>“We developed a model that created alternate scenarios where only one of the input or output variables changed as observed in order to isolate the relative contributions of streamflow, precipitation and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/light-can-vaporize-water-cause-evaporation-without-heat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evaporation</a> to the record low volume in 2022,” Bigalke explained.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-causes-of-the-lake-s-decline">Causes of the lake's decline</h2>



<p>The commonly cited cause of the lake’s decline is reduced streamflows in its three major tributaries, driven by a combination of drought, water diversions, and climate change.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While the PSU study confirmed that shrinking streamflows accounted for about two-thirds of the total water volume drop, it also identified another critical factor: increased evaporation resulting from rising temperatures.</p>



<p>Warmer conditions intensify the rate at which water evaporates off the lake’s surface. This effect, already significant, is likely to worsen over time if temperatures continue to climb.</p>



<p>“As the climate is warming, evaporation off the lake increases, so the contribution from warming to the evaporation is significant,” Loikith said.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Without the warming trend, 2022 wouldn't have been a record low. Even though streamflow is dominant, the increase in evaporation was necessary to reach the record low.”</p>



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



<p>Although boosting streamflows through measures like water conservation could temporarily help the lake recover some of its lost volume, the longer-term picture is more troubling.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The escalating heat linked to climate change is expected to further intensify evaporation, potentially outpacing any near-term improvements.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-risks-of-a-shrinking-lake">Health risks of a shrinking lake</h2>



<p>Beyond economic and ecological losses, a shrinking Great Salt Lake also poses serious health concerns for the roughly 1.2 million residents in the Salt Lake City metro region.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As more lakebed is exposed, dust events could become more frequent, degrading air quality and carrying toxic particles.</p>



<p>“As the lake shrinks, it's exposing this dry lakebed that could possibly increase dust events into the metropolitan area, affecting the air quality for nearby residents,” Bigalke noted.</p>



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



<p>The study authors call for further research to determine precisely how much each factor - rising evaporation, shifting precipitation, and human-driven water diversions - impacts the flow of water into the lake. </p>



<p>This knowledge is pivotal for crafting policies that effectively address the lake’s ongoing decline.</p>



<p>The PSU-led team believes that understanding these variables can help officials plan for a range of scenarios. This is especially crucial in regions susceptible to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-now-the-driving-force-behind-droughts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drought</a> and extreme weather events, where the lake’s status could shift rapidly.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-managing-a-critical-resource">Managing a critical resource</h2>



<p>The Great Salt Lake’s record low in 2022 stands as a stark reminder of how climate change and resource management decisions intersect.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Policymakers, conservationists, and local stakeholders must collaborate to safeguard the lake for future generations, balancing economic demands with ecological sustainability.</p>



<p>Ultimately, the lake’s future hinges on measures that address <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tackling-the-worlds-climate-driven-water-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water scarcity</a>, curtail water diversions, and mitigate the effects of global warming. The research highlights the urgency of these efforts and the consequences if they are delayed.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2024GL112154" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Geophysical Research Letters</em></a>.</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;</p>



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Great Salt Lake is rapidly shrinking, and experts say that they finally know why

In 2022, the Great Salt Lake - celebrated as the...

Golden,Trevally,Swim,With,A,Whale,Shark,In,Cenderawasih,Bay,

<p>Massive whale sharks, the gentle giants of the ocean, are engaging in unexpected behavior. According to a new study, whale sharks use oil platforms as migratory stopover sites during their expansive journeys across the globe.</p>



<p>These spotted behemoths don't just randomly cruise the seas - they follow a network of natural and human-made structures that dot their underwater highways.</p>



<p>These observations come from a long-term tracking study conducted by Ben D'Antonio and his colleagues at the Australian Institute of Marine Science (<a href="https://www.aims.gov.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AIMS</a>) and The University of Western Australia (<a href="https://www.uwa.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UWA</a>).</p>



<p>The findings paint a fascinating picture of how these enormous fish navigate the vast expanses of our oceans.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-whale-sharks-across-the-ocean">Tracking whale sharks across the ocean</h2>



<p>The study involved analyzing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/whale-shark-mating-behaviors-observed-for-the-first-time-in-the-wild/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">satellite tracking</a> data from 78 whale sharks over a span of 14 years. The researchers focused on whale sharks that had been tagged at Ningaloo Reef and Shark Bay - two critical habitats along the Western Australian coast.</p>



<p>According to lead author Ben D’Antonio, a Ph.D. candidate from the AIMS@UWA program, the study provides crucial insights into how these massive creatures navigate the ocean.</p>



<p>"We mapped their movements across the eastern Indian Ocean and the North West Shelf. The latter area in particular features a number of oil and gas platforms and associated infrastructure," D’Antonio said.</p>



<p>The researchers found that whale sharks use natural underwater formations, such as seamounts, pinnacles, and canyons as navigational aids.</p>



<p>These structures, shaped by ocean currents, act as hotspots for plankton and other small organisms, which provide a reliable food source for the filter-feeding giants.</p>



<p>"Whale sharks travel huge distances across the oceans, and our study illustrates that they tend to use undersea pinnacles and seamounts as stepping stones on these journeys because the currents that flow around these features help to enhance food availability like plankton," said D'Antonio.</p>



<p>Interestingly, the researchers also found that artificial structures, such as offshore oil and gas platforms, may play a similar role in facilitating whale <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/whale-sharks-move-into-dangerous-territory-as-the-climate-warms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shark migration</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-whale-sharks-like-oil-and-gas-platforms">Whale sharks like oil and gas platforms</h2>



<p>While seamounts and pinnacles can span tens of kilometers, oil and gas platforms are relatively small. Yet, they seem to offer a comparable level of food availability. </p>



<p>Researchers believe this may be due to the way industrial infrastructure affects surrounding marine ecosystems.</p>



<p>"The same is true for the industrial infrastructure found off the north-west coast of Australia," D’Antonio explained.</p>



<p>There is evidence, for example, that plankton are attracted by the artificial lights on these platforms. This discovery suggests that oil and gas platforms may unintentionally benefit marine life by attracting prey species.</p>



<p>However, the role of oil and gas platforms as migratory stepping stones also raises new questions about how their eventual removal could affect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/whale-sharks-face-deadly-threats-in-shipping-lanes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whale shark</a> movement patterns.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-oil-platform-removal">Impact of oil platform removal </h2>



<p>As oil and gas platforms reach the end of their operational lives, many are scheduled for decommissioning. </p>



<p>The study’s findings suggest that removing these structures could disrupt whale shark migration.</p>



<p>"The removal of platforms at the end of their productive life may change seascape connectivity by removing migratory stepping stones that link important habitats for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/overfishing-has-caused-a-50-decline-in-sharks-and-rays/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whale sharks</a>," D’Antonio said.</p>



<p>Understanding the extent to which whale sharks depend on these artificial structures is now a priority.</p>



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



<p>Researchers need to determine how frequently the sharks visit platforms and whether they rely on them for sustenance or merely use them as occasional stopovers.</p>



<p>"There is still a need to understand the detail in the relationships between whale sharks and individual oil and gas platforms, like how often and for how long they visit," noted D’Antonio.</p>



<p>These insights are crucial for conservation and management strategies, particularly when planning marine protected areas (MPAs) and making decisions about decommissioning offshore infrastructures.</p>



<p>Policymakers must carefully weigh the ecological consequences before dismantling platforms that may serve an unexpected but important role in whale shark migration.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balancing-conservation-and-risks">Balancing conservation and risks</h2>



<p>While the presence of oil and gas platforms may provide benefits for whale sharks, they also introduce significant risks. Ship strikes from service vessels are a major concern, particularly in areas with heavy industrial activity.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.aims.gov.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AIMS</a> scientist and co-author Dr. Luciana Ferreira pointed out the dangers posed by vessel interactions.</p>



<p>"There are records of fatal interactions between whale sharks and vessels, and a considerable portion of the whale shark population at Ningaloo Reef have scars attributed to vessel strikes," she said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-whale-sharks-offshore-oil-and-pollution">Whale sharks, offshore oil, and pollution</h2>



<p>Pollution is another pressing issue. Discharges, spills, and other contaminants associated with industrial operations can pose serious threats to marine life. </p>



<p>Even subtle environmental changes caused by industrial infrastructure may have unintended consequences for whale shark behavior.</p>



<p>"The presence of the platforms may also have indirect implications by altering migration patterns and disrupting the movements of whale sharks between natural features," explained Dr. Ferreira.</p>



<p>Despite these concerns, whale sharks face threats across their entire distribution. Fishing bycatch, entanglement, and ship strikes are all significant dangers that affect populations globally.</p>



<p>To protect whale sharks effectively, conservationists must take a holistic approach that accounts for both natural and artificial influences on their movements.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-need-for-further-research">Need for further research</h2>



<p>This study highlights the complexity of whale shark conservation. While natural features remain the primary drivers of migration, artificial structures appear to play a growing role in shaping their movement patterns. </p>



<p>Experts must now investigate whether these structures act as temporary refuges, long-term feeding grounds, or accidental hazards.</p>



<p>More broadly, the study highlights the importance of integrating industrial considerations into marine conservation planning. With careful management, it may be possible to mitigate risks while preserving the unexpected benefits that artificial structures provide.</p>



<p>As decisions about decommissioning offshore platforms loom, scientists and policymakers must work together to ensure that conservation efforts align with the realities of an ever-changing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/whale-sharks-move-into-dangerous-territory-as-the-climate-warms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine environment</a>. </p>



<p>The future of whale sharks depends on understanding how both natural and human-made factors, such as oil and gas platforms, shape their world - and ensuring that their migratory pathways remain intact for generations to come.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ddi.13950" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Diversity and Distributions</a></em>.</p>



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Whale sharks use offshore oil rigs as food stops during migration, harming conservation efforts

Massive whale sharks, the gentle giants of the ocean, are...

<p>For the first time, researchers have measured the shape of an electron as it moves through a solid. This achievement could open a new way of looking at how electrons behave inside different materials. </p>



<p>Their discovery highlights many effects that could be relevant to everything from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/transmitting-quantum-information-using-electron-spin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum information</a> science to electronics manufacturing.</p>



<p>Those findings come from a team led by physicist <a href="https://physics.mit.edu/faculty/riccardo-comin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Riccardo Comin</a>, MIT’s Class of 1947 Career Development Associate Professor of Physics and leader of the work, in collaboration with other institutions. </p>



<p>“We’ve essentially developed a blueprint for obtaining some completely new information that couldn’t be obtained before,” says Comin. His colleague and co-author, <a href="https://www.lassp.cornell.edu/people/mingu-kang" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mingu Kang</a>, performed much of this research at MIT before continuing at <a href="https://www.cornell.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cornell University</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-angles-on-electron-shape">New angles on electron shape</h2>



<p>Physicists have examined electrons for decades, but the wave-like aspect of these particles brings extra complexity. Electrons can be described not just as small points, but also as <strong>“</strong>wave functions.<strong>”&nbsp;</strong></p>



<p>These wave functions look like shapes or surfaces in higher-dimensional spaces. Sometimes these shapes are relatively simple. Other times, they’re tangled and tricky to measure.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, or <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43586-022-00133-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ARPES</a>, the team recorded details about how electrons behaved as light hit them. </p>



<p>ARPES helped them pin down a previously elusive property of electrons that holds the key to better understanding their geometry.</p>



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



<p>In usual settings, we talk about an electron’s energy or velocity. Those are familiar concepts. Geometry, on the other hand, points to the patterns or forms that electron waves can take when arranged in a solid.&nbsp;</p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/graviton-like-particle-observed-in-quantum-material-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Quantum geometry</a> affects how these particles interact, pair up, and even give rise to unusual behaviors. One example is superconductivity, where electrons zip along a material without resistance. </p>



<p>Another is when electrons form orderly patterns, a bit like a collection of synchronized dancers. Observing geometry could help scientists design new materials with novel electronic traits.</p>



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



<p>The team measured this geometric effect in a class of materials called <a href="https://www.bnl.gov/newsroom/news.php?a=221687" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">kagome metals</a>. Kagome metals are named for a repeating pattern of atoms that resembles a series of interlocking triangles. This lattice structure can influence how electrons navigate and share energy.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Physicists have long found kagome metals interesting because they host special behaviors that aren’t common in many other materials. </p>



<p>Observing the geometry inside them could explain why electrons in these metals sometimes align in peculiar ways that set off advanced superconductivity or other strange effects.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arpes-and-quantum-shapes">ARPES and quantum shapes</h2>



<p>During ARPES experiments, researchers shine a beam of photons on a crystal. The light pushes <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/watching-electrons-move-1-quintillionth-of-second-attoseconds-attomicroscopy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">electrons</a> out of the material, allowing scientists to measure those electrons’ angles and spins. </p>



<p>By gathering that data, they reconstruct how electrons inside the crystal are moving and what shapes they form. </p>



<p>This method is demanding because it requires intricate equipment and specialized facilities. Yet it gives a unique window into what happens on distances smaller than a billionth of an inch.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-applications-and-potential-benefits">Applications and potential benefits</h2>



<p>A precise measurement of quantum geometry can lead to progress in areas that rely on electron control. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/schrodingers-cat-put-into-silicon-chip-may-be-holy-grail-for-error-proof-quantum-computing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Quantum computing</a>, for instance, depends on maintaining stable electronic states while performing computations. </p>



<p>Researchers want materials that can reliably keep these states without unwanted disruptions. If scientists understand and possibly design the geometry of electrons, they might improve superconductors or even develop electronic devices that lose very little energy through heat. </p>



<p>With energy efficiency becoming ever more critical, there’s real value in controlling electron flow on such tiny scales.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-from-global-teamwork">Insights from global teamwork</h2>



<p>This <a href="https://mrl.mit.edu/index.php/articles/physicists_measure_quantum_geometry_for_the_first_time" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> was a partnership among institutions spanning different parts of the world. Collaborators brought together theoretical and experimental backgrounds. </p>



<p>Their collective expertise made it possible to design, synthesize, and measure the electronic structure of a kagome metal. </p>



<p>The pandemic forced some members to work remotely, but it also enabled other team members to take on new roles in labs that were partially shut down. </p>



<p>That unexpected shift helped push the work forward and demonstrated how closely linked theory and experiment must be when tackling high-precision measurements.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-one-electron-shape-many-possibilities">One electron shape, many possibilities</h2>



<p>Quantum geometry is far richer than standard geometry we learn in everyday math. The shape of an electron’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bose-einstein-condensate-bec-rare-form-quantum-matter-created-with-molecules/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wave function</a> isn’t like a typical circle or a neat sphere. It can take on forms that twist and loop in higher dimensions. </p>



<p>Observing that shape in a real material confirms predictions that theorists have pursued for a long time. It means those theoretical constructs describing wave functions have real, measurable consequences. </p>



<p>And now, there is a proven route to measure them, so future studies might target <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/edge-state-atoms-how-electrons-find-their-groove-in-frictionless-flow/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exotic materials</a> that exhibit other patterns or new behaviors.</p>



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



<p>Scientists plan to refine techniques like ARPES and adapt them to explore a range of materials. They hope to see how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/graviton-like-particle-observed-in-quantum-material-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum geometry</a> influences conductivity, magnetism, and other conditions that matter for practical applications. </p>



<p>Physicists also see promise in discovering how manipulating geometry might encourage electrons to swap their usual habits for more synchronized, cooperative behavior. </p>



<p>That synchronization is important for technologies that rely on controlling multiple electrons at once, such as quantum sensors or memory elements.</p>



<p>Experts say these findings will likely inspire more ambitious experiments to uncover aspects of quantum geometry we haven’t been able to measure before.&nbsp;</p>



<p>With each new result, materials researchers step closer to engineering designs for the electronic components of tomorrow. The electron might be tiny, but it’s revealing secrets about shaping the future of technology.</p>



<p>The study is published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41567-024-02678-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Physics</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Shape of electrons is revealed for the first time through big advance in quantum physics

For the first time, researchers have measured the shape of...

<p>Around 45 million years ago, during the Eocene Epoch, the Geiseltal region of present-day Germany was a vast, humid swamp that teemed with life. Ancient horses, early tapirs, giant tortoises, large land crocodiles, and countless birds flourished in this tropical paradise. Among these creatures roamed <em>Diatryma</em>, a massive, flightless bird that stood 4.6 feet (1.40 meters) tall.</p>



<p>With its robust frame and enormous beak, this prehistoric giant was once thought to be a fearsome predator. However, modern research has revealed a different story - <em>Diatryma</em> was likely a gentle herbivore.</p>



<p>This bird's legacy remained shrouded in mystery for decades, but a recent discovery by an international team of researchers has brought it back into the spotlight. </p>



<p>Led by scientists from the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU) and the Senckenberg Research Institute, the research team has analyzed a fully preserved <em>Diatryma</em> skull, making it only the second such specimen known in the world.</p>



<p>The findings, published in the journal&nbsp;<em>Palaeontologia Electronica</em>, highlight how museum collections continue to yield remarkable scientific revelations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-fossil-lost-in-time">A fossil lost in time</h2>



<p>The newly examined <em>Diatryma</em> skull was not freshly excavated. Instead, it had been sitting unnoticed in the extensive Geiseltal Collection at <a href="https://www.uni-halle.de/?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MLU</a> for decades. It was originally unearthed in the 1950s in a lignite mining area in Geiseltal, a site known for its rich <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/where-did-dinosaurs-come-from-missing-fossils-hold-the-secret/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossil deposits</a>.</p>



<p>However, due to a misclassification, the fossil led a shadowy existence for years. It was mistakenly identified as a crocodile skull, a forgivable mix-up given the variety of prehistoric reptilian remains found in the region.</p>



<p>For years, the skull sat in storage, unrecognized for what it truly was. It wasn’t until Michael Stache, a geological preparator at MLU's Central Repository of Natural Science Collections, rediscovered the fossil that its true significance came to light. </p>



<p>"The find was initially misidentified as a crocodile skull," remarked Stache. Upon closer examination, he realized the error and undertook the painstaking process of restoring and analyzing the specimen.</p>



<p>As Stache worked on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-fossil-fills-crucial-gap-in-pterosaur-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossil</a>, he noticed that another fragment in the collection seemed to belong to the same skull. By combining the two pieces, he successfully reconstructed what is now recognized as an almost entire preserved <em>Diatryma</em> skull.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-rare-and-remarkable-find">A rare and remarkable find</h2>



<p>The rediscovery of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/grand-canyon-fossils-reveal-secrets-of-the-cambrian-explosion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossil</a> attracted the attention of Dr. Gerald Mayr, a researcher at the <a href="https://www.senckenberg.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Senckenberg Research Institute</a>. He examined the specimen closely and confirmed what few paleontologists ever expected to find - a nearly complete <em>Diatryma</em> skull.</p>



<p>Until this discovery, only one other fully preserved skull of this species was known to exist; it is housed at the <a href="https://www.amnh.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Museum of Natural History</a> in the United States.</p>



<p>"This shows, once again, that many of the most interesting discoveries in paleontology occur in museum collections. Just a few years ago, nobody would have thought that the Geiseltal Collection would contain such surprises," commented Mayr.</p>



<p>The skull’s excellent state of preservation offers scientists a rare opportunity to study the anatomy of this ancient bird in greater detail than ever before.</p>



<p>The fossil is now part of the Geiseltal Collection, which consists of approximately 50,000 specimens. These fossils, considered a national heritage asset, provide an invaluable window into the ancient ecosystems of the Eocene. </p>



<p>Even though the mining operations in Geiseltal ceased in 1993 and fossil excavations ended long ago, new discoveries continue to emerge from the collection, reshaping our understanding of prehistoric life.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-gentle-giant-not-a-predator">A gentle giant, not a predator</h2>



<p>For decades, scientists debated <em>Diatryma</em>’s place in the prehistoric food chain.</p>



<p>Early theories suggested that this towering bird was a predator that hunted small horses and other mammals in the swamps of Geiseltal. Its size and formidable beak led researchers to compare it to later, more aggressive species of giant flightless birds.</p>



<p>However, recent studies, including those based on the newly examined skull, have painted a very different picture. <em>Diatryma</em> was most likely a herbivore that used its massive beak to process tough plant material rather than to tear flesh.</p>



<p>Its anatomy suggests it was built for foraging rather than hunting, much like modern, large, plant-eating birds such as ostriches and emus.</p>



<p>"This research expands our understanding of the Eocene Epoch in the Geiseltal even though the excavations were completed long ago," says Stache. Scientists now believe that <em>Diatryma</em> lived alongside early mammals that fed on vegetation rather than preying on animals.</p>



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



<p>The Geiseltal region has long been a treasure trove for paleontologists. Once a mining area rich in lignite deposits, it also preserved an astonishing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossils-capture-a-turning-point-in-the-evolution-of-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diversity of prehistoric life</a>. </p>



<p>Fossils from this region include everything from tiny insects to massive reptiles, providing an unparalleled glimpse into an ecosystem that thrived 45 million years ago.</p>



<p>Even though large-scale excavations in the area ended decades ago, the work of researchers at MLU and other institutions continues to uncover new findings. The rediscovery of the <em>Diatryma</em> skull proves that museum collections hold many secrets that are waiting to be revealed by keen-eyed scientists.</p>



<p>The Geiseltal Collection remains a hub of international research. Scientists from around the world visit MLU regularly to study its fossils, eager to expand the knowledge of life in the Eocene. </p>



<p>Each fossil offers a new puzzle piece in the story of evolution, shedding light on how prehistoric species adapted and thrived in their environments.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-from-the-diatryma-fossil">Insights from the <em>Diatryma</em> fossil</h2>



<p>With only about 40 known <em>Diatryma</em> fossils in the Geiseltal Collection, researchers believe the bird was a relatively rare sight in the region.</p>



<p>"<em>Diatryma</em> was probably a rare guest in the Geiseltal. Otherwise, there would probably be more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossil-reveals-how-plants-use-winged-seeds-to-expand-their-habitats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossils</a>," concluded Stache.</p>



<p>The rediscovery of its skull is not just a victory for paleontology but also a proof of the enduring value of museum collections. </p>



<p>While excavation sites may eventually close, the knowledge they yield continues to evolve, driven by curiosity and scientific advances.</p>



<p><em>Diatryma</em>, once lost in the depths of a misidentified fossil collection, now stands as a symbol of how history can be rewritten with patience, research, and a touch of serendipity.</p>



<p>The study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://palaeo-electronica.org/content/2024/5393-review-of-gastornithiformes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Palaeontologia Electronica</a></em>.</p>



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Rediscovered 45-million-year-old skull turns out to be a large, extinct bird species

Around 45 million years ago, during the Eocene Epoch, the...

<p>The small near-Earth asteroid 2024 PT5 has been creating a buzz among researchers. Discovered last year with the help of a NASA-funded telescope, it is only about 33 feet across and does not pose any threat to Earth.</p>



<p>Its orbit around the Sun is nearly in step with our planet, so it stays surprisingly close without actually circling Earth. This unusual path hints that it may have formed in our neighborhood.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-signs-of-a-familiar-origin">Signs of a familiar origin</h2>



<p>Scientists studying 2024 PT5 have new data pointing to the Moon as the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/its-official-earth-now-has-two-moons-captured-asteroid-2024-pt5/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">source of this rock</a>. They suspect it was knocked off the lunar surface after a powerful impact several thousand years ago.</p>



<p>This ejection event hurled it into a path around the Sun that keeps it near Earth. If confirmed, 2024 PT5 could offer rare information about the processes that shape the Moon.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2024-pt5-matches-moon-rock">2024 PT5 matches Moon rock</h2>



<p>"We had a general idea that this asteroid may have come from the Moon, but the smoking gun was when we found out that it was rich in silicate minerals, not the kind seen on asteroids but found in lunar rock samples” said <a href="https://lowell.edu/people/dr-teddy-kareta/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Teddy Kareta</a>, an astronomer at <a href="https://lowell.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lowell Observatory</a> in Arizona, who led the study.</p>



<p>Observatories in Arizona and Hawaiʻi captured how the asteroid reflects sunlight. The spectral readings told researchers it closely resembles actual lunar material rather than the typical signatures seen on asteroids.</p>



<p>Further clues emerged when experts at NASA’s Center for Near Earth Object Studies (<a href="https://cneos.jpl.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CNEOS</a>) analyzed its orbit. They measured <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/solar-radiation-pressure" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar radiation pressure</a>, which is the slight push from sunlight.</p>



<p>Human-made debris tends to be relatively light and more affected by the pressure of sunlight. However, 2024 PT5 showed little movement, suggesting it is much denser.</p>



<p>“That 2024 PT5 doesn’t move this way indicates it is much denser than space debris,” said <a href="https://scienceandtechnology.jpl.nasa.gov/oscar-fuentes-mu%C3%B1oz" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oscar Fuentes-Muñoz</a>, a NASA postdoctoral fellow at the <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nasa-confirms-it-s-not-space-junk">NASA confirms it’s not space junk</h2>



<p>Experts have long seen leftover rocket boosters slip into near-Earth paths. In 2020, <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/earth-may-have-captured-a-1960s-era-rocket-booster" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">astronomers</a> realized a small object captured by Earth’s gravity for a few months was actually a 1960s-era rocket booster.</p>



<p>Such human-made relics are far lighter. The new findings for 2024 PT5 rule out that possibility. Thanks to precise tracking, scientists are confident that this object is natural and that its composition sets it apart from typical asteroids.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rare-asteroid-from-the-moon">Rare asteroid from the Moon</h2>



<p>The asteroid 2024 PT5 joins an exclusive club of space rocks believed to have originated from the Moon. The only other confirmed example in near-Earth space is <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-021-00303-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">469219 Kamoʻoalewa</a>, which was first identified in 2016.</p>



<p>Like 2024 PT5, it orbits the Sun near Earth and appears to be lunar material ejected by an ancient impact. If scientists can identify the specific crater linked to these objects, they can learn more about how impacts shape the Moon’s surface.</p>



<p>Fragments floating in space might also include buried material that hasn’t been exposed to sunlight or cosmic radiation for long periods.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2024-pt5-and-future-exploration">2024 PT5 and future exploration</h2>



<p>Lunar missions have provided precious samples for laboratory study, but <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/2024-pt5-mini-moon-say-goodbye-to-earths-second-moon-we-barely-got-to-know-you/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space rocks</a> chipped off the Moon could add another dimension to our understanding.</p>



<p>One day, researchers might compare asteroid fragments with known lunar samples to spot subtle differences in how ejected material responds to the vacuum and radiation of deep space.</p>



<p>This would shed light on the processes that shaped the Moon and influenced Earth’s early environment.</p>



<p>There is hope that discoveries like 2024 PT5 will encourage specialists in different fields to work together. Collecting more data about this <a href="https://www.unoosa.org/oosa/sk/ourwork/topics/neos/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">near-Earth object</a>, and other, similar ones, may reveal details about the Moon’s hidden layers.</p>



<p>These tiny wanderers could even prove valuable to scientists seeking to understand cratering events that hammered the early solar system.</p>



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



<p>New observatories are coming online every year, many of them designed with high sensitivity to spot <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/asteroids-found-in-the-main-belt-are-the-smallest-ever-detected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">small asteroids</a>. As they track faint objects, the odds of identifying more lunar fragments improve.</p>



<p>Each find adds a piece to the puzzle of how these rocks end up in near-Earth space. For now, 2024 PT5 is another sign that the Moon’s story keeps unfolding.</p>



<p>Researchers believe the lessons learned from this asteroid discovery will inspire new questions about how battered our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/two-large-asteroids-will-pass-near-earth-this-week/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mo</a>o<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/two-large-asteroids-will-pass-near-earth-this-week/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">n</a> really is, and how fragments keep drifting our way.</p>



<p>The study is published in <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/2041-8213/ad9ea8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>The Astrophysical Journal Letters</em></a>.</p>



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



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Earth's recent mini-moon seems to be a lost fragment of our real Moon

The small near-Earth asteroid 2024 PT5 has been creating a...

<p>In a move that has reignited global debate, President Donald Trump announced that the United States will withdraw from the Paris Agreement for a second time.</p>



<p>This decision, which follows Trump's initial withdrawal in 2017, marks a strong rejection of international climate cooperation. The announcement comes as the world experiences record-breaking temperatures and increasingly severe climate-related disasters.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-renewed-push-for-fossil-fuels">A renewed push for fossil fuels</h2>



<p>Alongside the withdrawal, <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/donald-j-trump/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump</a> declared a&nbsp;"national energy emergency"&nbsp;aimed at bolstering domestic oil and gas production. His administration plans to ramp up drilling operations, roll back emissions regulations, and curb incentives for electric vehicles.</p>



<p>During his inauguration speech, Trump blamed the economic challenges facing the country on excessive government spending and rising energy prices. He insisted that his administration would prioritize energy dominance over <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-experts-predict-global-warming-will-far-exceed-paris-goals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental regulations</a>.</p>



<p>"The inflation crisis was caused by massive overspending and escalating energy prices, and that is why today I will also declare a national energy emergency. We will 'Drill, baby, drill!'"&nbsp;Trump declared.</p>



<p>This announcement signals a direct reversal of the Biden administration’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/2024-confirmed-as-earths-hottest-year-in-recorded-history/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a> policies, particularly the <a href="https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/inflation-reduction-act" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Inflation Reduction Act</a>, which directed billions toward clean energy tax credits. By dismantling vehicle emissions standards, Trump is also rolling back efforts to encourage a transition to electric cars. </p>



<p>He referred to these regulations as an "electric vehicle mandate," framing them as a government overreach that threatened the auto industry.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-impact-of-trump-s-climate-decision">Global impact of Trump's climate decision</h2>



<p>Under the Paris Agreement’s guidelines, a country cannot exit the <a href="https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">accord</a> immediately.</p>



<p>Instead, a formal notice must be submitted to the United Nations, after which withdrawal takes approximately a year. Despite this delay, climate advocates warn that even the announcement of an exit could weaken global efforts to reduce fossil fuel reliance.</p>



<p>The withdrawal raises concerns that other countries may follow suit. Argentina, under libertarian President Javier Milei, has already signaled that it is&nbsp;"re-evaluating"&nbsp;its commitment to the accord. </p>



<p>If major polluters like China and India decide to scale back their climate commitments, it could significantly derail international progress in reducing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-warming-is-accelerating-beyond-control-as-co2-levels-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emissions</a>.</p>



<p>However, despite Trump’s decision, climate leaders remain hopeful that the Paris Agreement will endure. <a href="https://europeanclimate.org/member/tubiana-laurence/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Laurence Tubiana</a>, a key architect of the accord, emphasized that global efforts will persist regardless of U.S. participation.</p>



<p>"The US withdrawing from the Paris Agreement is unfortunate, but multilateral climate action has proven resilient and is stronger than any single country's politics and policies,"&nbsp;Tubiana said.</p>



<p>UN Climate Chief <a href="https://unfccc.int/about-us/the-executive-secretary" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Simon Steill</a> also reiterated that the "door remains open" for the United States to rejoin, while UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed confidence that individual U.S. states, cities, and businesses would continue advancing climate initiatives despite the federal government’s stance.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmentalists-warn-of-consequences">Environmentalists warn of consequences</h2>



<p>Trump’s announcement has been met with applause from the oil and gas industry, which has long favored deregulation and increased fossil fuel production. </p>



<p>Energy executives see this as a return to what they call "American energy dominance," which prioritizes domestic energy extraction and reduces reliance on foreign imports.</p>



<p>Mike Sommers, president and CEO of the <a href="https://www.api.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Petroleum Institute</a>, welcomed the decision and expressed support for Trump’s policies.</p>



<p>"The US oil and natural gas industry stands ready to work with the new administration to deliver the commonsense energy solutions Americans voted for," said Sommers.</p>



<p>However, environmental organizations and climate activists have condemned Trump's move. Many argue that it represents a step backward in the fight against climate change and ignores the overwhelming scientific consensus on the dangers of continued fossil fuel reliance.</p>



<p>Athan Manuel, director of the <a href="https://www.sierraclub.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sierra Club</a>’s land protection program, criticized Trump’s focus on oil and gas production.</p>



<p>"This declaration is more proof that Trump doesn't seem to recognize the real world," Manuel said. He noted that the U.S. is already producing more oil and gas than any country in history, making further expansion unnecessary and environmentally harmful.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urgent-climate-warnings">Urgent climate warnings</h2>



<p>The decision to withdraw from the Paris Accord comes at a time when scientific warnings about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/2024-is-expected-to-exceed-the-1-5c-warming-limit/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> are becoming more urgent. </p>



<p>Over the past two years, global average temperatures have&nbsp;surpassed the critical 1.5°C warming threshold&nbsp;for the first time, a milestone that scientists have long warned could lead to irreversible climate damage.</p>



<p>The United States has already felt the consequences of a warming planet. In 2024, Hurricane Helene became the second-deadliest storm to strike the mainland in over 50 years, leaving devastation across multiple states. Wildfires, fueled by rising temperatures and prolonged droughts, have ravaged California, with Los Angeles suffering some of the worst destruction in recent history.</p>



<p>Despite the overwhelming evidence linking fossil fuel use to climate disasters, Trump’s administration remains committed to expanding oil and gas production. </p>



<p>Critics argue that this approach ignores the growing economic risks of climate change, including infrastructure damage, supply chain disruptions, and increased disaster recovery costs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trump-s-climate-policies">Trump’s climate policies</h2>



<p>While Trump’s policies will likely slow the pace of U.S. emissions reductions, experts believe that long-term climate progress will continue.</p>



<p>Many states and cities have already committed to ambitious climate goals, and major corporations are investing heavily in renewable energy. These localized efforts may mitigate some of the damage caused by federal policy rollbacks.</p>



<p>Even during Trump’s first term, U.S. emissions declined in some areas due to market forces and state-led initiatives. The expansion of wind and solar energy has continued despite federal opposition, driven by declining costs and growing public demand for clean energy solutions.</p>



<p>Nonetheless, Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement and declare an energy emergency represents a significant shift in U.S. climate policy.</p>



<p>It sets the stage for intense political battles over the future of environmental regulations and raises questions about the country’s role in global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-extremes-in-2024-what-have-we-learned/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a> leadership.</p>



<p>As climate change accelerates, the world will be watching closely to see whether the United States re-engages with international efforts or continues down a path of fossil fuel expansion. The stakes have never been higher, and the consequences of inaction are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.</p>



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U.S. withdraws from the Paris treaty as Trump declares 'energy emergency'

In a move that has reignited global debate, President Donald...

<p>A new study has recently found that we could have an unexpected ally in the fight against per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often called “forever chemicals” for their persistence in the environment: bacteria.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Researchers from the <a href="https://www.buffalo.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University at Buffalo</a> have identified a bacterial strain capable of breaking down and transforming some of the most stubborn PFAS, offering hope for addressing these pervasive pollutants.</p>



<p>The study shows that the bacterial strain <em>Labrys portucalensis F11</em> (F11) can metabolize over 90% of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), one of the most persistent PFAS, within 100 days. </p>



<p>The research also highlights F11’s ability to degrade other PFAS types and even some of the toxic byproducts generated during the degradation process.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tackling-pfas-a-persistent-problem">Tackling PFAS: A persistent problem</h2>



<p>PFAS have been widely used since the 1950s in products such as nonstick cookware, firefighting foam, and water-resistant clothing. These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-source-water-exceeds-safe-drinking-limits-of-pfas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chemicals</a> are notoriously resistant to breakdown due to their strong carbon-fluorine bonds, which make them a challenge for most natural processes.</p>



<p>“The bond between carbon and fluorine atoms in PFAS is very strong, so most microbes cannot use it as an energy source,” said Diana Aga, the senior author of the study and director of the UB RENEW Institute. “The F11 bacterial strain developed the ability to chop away the fluorine and eat the carbon.”</p>



<p>PFOS, a hazardous PFAS recently designated as such by the <a href="https://www.epa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. Environmental Protection Agency</a>, was the primary target of the study. Over the 100-day test period, F11 degraded 90% of PFOS, as well as 58% of 5:3 fluorotelomer carboxylic acid and 21% of 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bacteria-with-remarkable-abilities">Bacteria with remarkable abilities</h2>



<p>F11 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-microbes-discovered-destroys-pfas-forever-chemicals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacteria</a> were originally isolated from contaminated industrial soil in Portugal. This strain had previously shown promise in stripping fluorine from pharmaceutical contaminants but had never been tested on PFAS.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Researchers placed the bacteria in sealed flasks with no carbon source except PFAS and incubated the samples for periods ranging from 100 to 194 days.</p>



<p>The results were promising. Not only did F11 break down significant portions of the PFAS, but elevated fluoride ion levels in the samples confirmed that the bacteria had cleaved the carbon-fluorine bonds.</p>



<p>“Crucially, F11 was not only chopping PFOS into smaller pieces, but also removing the fluorine from those smaller pieces,” said study co-author Mindula Wijayahena, a PhD student in Aga’s lab.</p>



<p>Unlike many prior studies, this research accounted for the metabolites - smaller byproducts left behind after PFAS degradation. F11 demonstrated the ability to further degrade some of these metabolites, removing fluorine atoms and even reducing certain byproducts to undetectable levels.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, the researchers noted that undetectable trace metabolites might still be present in minuscule quantities.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-bacteria-use-chemicals">How bacteria use chemicals </h2>



<p>Bacteria like F11 have adapted to survive in harsh, polluted environments by using <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nearly-100-million-americans-exposed-to-contaminated-drinking-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">contaminants</a> as energy sources.</p>



<p>“If bacteria survive in a harsh, polluted environment, it’s probably because they have adapted to use surrounding chemical pollutants as a food source so they don’t starve,” Aga explained. “Through evolution, some bacteria can develop effective mechanisms to use chemical contaminants to help them grow.”</p>



<p>By stripping fluorine atoms from PFAS, F11 metabolizes the carbon for energy. This process represents a crucial step in breaking down these chemicals that otherwise persist in soil and water for decades or longer.</p>



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



<p>Despite its promising abilities, F11 currently requires long exposure times - 100 days for significant PFAS degradation - and was tested in an environment with no competing carbon sources.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The team plans to explore ways to speed up the process while balancing the availability of alternative food sources to keep F11 focused on PFAS.</p>



<p>“We need to give the F11 colonies enough food to grow, but not enough food that they lose the incentive to convert PFAS into a usable energy source,” Aga said.</p>



<p>Potential applications for F11 include bioaugmentation - introducing the bacteria into contaminated soil or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/groundwater-is-a-keystone-ecosystem-vital-for-our-planets-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">groundwater</a> - or incorporating it into wastewater treatment systems. For example, the bacteria could be grown in activated sludge at treatment plants to accelerate PFAS removal.</p>



<p>“Bioaugmentation is a promising method that has not yet been explored for PFAS remediation in the environment,” Aga added.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-path-toward-environmental-solutions">A path toward environmental solutions</h2>



<p>While challenges remain, the discovery of F11’s PFAS-degrading capabilities marks a significant step toward addressing the environmental and health concerns posed by these chemicals.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research team hopes their work will inspire further exploration into microbial solutions for PFAS remediation.</p>



<p>With innovative approaches like bioaugmentation and advancements in understanding how to optimize bacterial activity, F11 and similar strains could play a critical role in removing “forever chemicals” from the environment.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As Aga noted, breaking down PFAS into less harmful components is a critical first step in taking the “forever” out of “forever chemicals.”</p>



<p>The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.178348" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science of the Total Environment</em></a>.</p>



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Bacteria identified that can eat and digest forever chemicals and their byproducts

A new study has recently found that we could have...

<p>The northern plains of Mars, marked by thousands of mounds and hills, hold significant evidence of the planet's watery past.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to a recent study, the formations represent remnants of an ancient, water-altered landscape that has been almost entirely eroded. </p>



<p>This region, roughly the size of the United Kingdom, provides critical insights into Mars' geological and climatic history.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mapping-mars-northern-plains">Mapping Mars' northern plains</h2>



<p>Dr. Joseph McNeil, a researcher at <a href="https://www.nhm.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">London’s Natural History Museum</a> (NHM), and collaborators at <a href="https://www.open.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Open University</a> conducted a detailed analysis using high-resolution imagery and compositional data gathered by Mars orbiters.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research was focused on mounds up to half a kilometer tall, which the experts identified as eroded remnants of ancient highlands. </p>



<p>Over billions of years, these highlands receded by hundreds of kilometers, profoundly shaping the Martian terrain. This erosion delineates the planet’s low-lying northern hemisphere from its elevated southern hemisphere.</p>



<p>“These mounds are incredibly exciting because they preserve the complete history of <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">water</a> in this region within accessible, continuous rocky outcrops,” McNeil said.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“They are a prime location for future missions aimed at uncovering whether Mars ever had an ocean and whether life could have existed there.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-layers-of-martian-history">Layers of Martian history</h2>



<p>The study revealed that the mounds are composed of stratified layers of clay minerals. These layers were formed through prolonged interactions between water and rock, suggesting Mars once had a stable, wet environment.</p>



<p>The mounds’ geology presents three distinct eras. Older non-clay layers lie beneath the clay deposits and represent a pre-aqueous period in Martian history.</p>



<p>Clay mineral layers were formed by water-rock interactions over millions of years. These layers capture the history of Mars' wet conditions.</p>



<p>Younger non-clay layers overlie the clay deposits, marking a shift to a drier climate.</p>



<p>The clay layers' positioning between older and younger deposits underscores Mars' complex geological history and its transition from a wet to a more arid planet.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-links-to-future-mars-missions">Links to future Mars missions</h2>



<p>The findings also connect these mounds to Oxia Planum, a region of great interest due to its geological similarity and proximity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Space Agency</a>’s Rosalind Franklin rover, set to launch in 2028, will explore Oxia Planum for signs of past or present life. The study reinforces the significance of this region as a potential record of Mars' capacity to support <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/expanding-the-search-for-extraterrestrial-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life</a>.</p>



<p>This connection between the northern mounds and Oxia Planum strengthens the case for these areas as critical targets for exploration. Insights gleaned here could reveal whether Mars had an ancient ocean and provide context for the planet’s shift to the dry, desolate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-captured-in-true-color-like-youve-never-seen-the-red-planet-before/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conditions</a> we see today.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-model-for-earth-s-ancient-past">A model for Earth's ancient past</h2>



<p>Mars' preserved geological record offers parallels to early Earth, a time before plate tectonics reshaped our planet’s surface.</p>



<p>“Mars is a model for what the early Earth might have looked like, as its lack of plate tectonics means that much of its ancient geology is still in place,” McNeil noted. “As more missions visit the red planet, the more we’ll be able to dig into our own planet’s history to work out how life began.”</p>



<p>The study aligns with the NHM’s Planetary Origins and Evolution research theme, which aims to explore the processes shaping Earth and its neighboring <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/six-planet-system-hd110067-discovered-that-moves-in-perfect-mathematical-harmony/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planetary systems</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This research not only sheds light on Mars’ past but also offers broader implications for understanding planetary evolution and the origins of life in the solar system.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unraveling-the-mysteries-of-mars">Unraveling the mysteries of Mars</h2>



<p>The discovery of water-rich mounds on Mars provides a unique window into the planet’s wetter, potentially life-supporting past. With future missions like the Rosalind Franklin rover on the horizon, the study serves as a crucial stepping stone in the quest to unravel Mars’ mysteries.</p>



<p>From the clay layers holding the secrets of ancient water to their implications for understanding Earth’s early environment, these findings emphasize the interconnectedness of planetary research.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As McNeil and his team continue to investigate, the mounds stand as a testament to Mars' dynamic history and its potential to unlock answers about the evolution of life.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41561-024-01634-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Geoscience</em></a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Image Credit: ESA/TGO/CaSSIS, NASA/JPL/MSSS/The Murray Lab</p>



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Clay mounds and hills found on Mars tell us more about water on the Red Planet

The northern plains of Mars, marked by thousands of mounds...

<p>When it comes to self-awareness in the animal kingdom, not all primates pass the test. A recent study conducted in the harsh wilderness of Namibia reveals that wild baboons, despite their remarkable intelligence, don't recognize themselves in mirrors.</p>



<p>Conducted in Namibia’s Tsaobis Nature Park, this research is the first controlled laser mark test in a wild setting, offering fresh insights into how non-hominid primates perceive themselves.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-self-recognition-in-animals">Self-recognition in animals</h2>



<p>For over 50 years, scientists have been attempting to measure self-awareness in animals. One of the most widely used methods is the mirror self-recognition test, which involves marking an animal with a visible spot and observing whether it recognizes the mark as being on its own body. </p>



<p>Animals that show clear signs of self-awareness will investigate the mark on their own body, demonstrating an understanding that the reflection in the mirror is not another animal but themselves.</p>



<p>“We define self-awareness as ‘the capacity to become the object of your own attention’ and we test this capacity by assessing an individual's ability to identify an image of themselves,” noted study author Dr. Alecia Carter from <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/anthropology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCL Anthropology</a>.</p>



<p>While some <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-animal-will-replace-humans-as-earths-dominant-species-this-scientist-has-an-idea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animals</a>, such as great apes and dolphins, have passed the mirror test, researchers have long questioned whether monkeys share the same ability. The results from this new study suggest that they do not.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-baboons-and-their-fascination-with-mirrors">Baboons and their fascination with mirrors</h2>



<p>The researchers observed 120 wild Chacma baboons in Tsaobis Nature Park over a six-month period between May and October 2021. </p>



<p>Before testing for self-recognition, the baboons were given time to interact with mirrors. This step was essential because reflective surfaces are uncommon in their natural habitat, unlike in captivity, where primates may have more exposure to their own reflection.</p>



<p>During this exposure period, the baboons displayed curiosity and engaged with the mirrors as if they were a novel object. </p>



<p>Some played with their reflections, while others attempted to look behind the mirror or interact with the “other” baboon they believed was present. However, despite this engagement, they did not show any signs of recognizing the reflection as their own image.</p>



<p>“The Chacma baboons we observed in Tsaobis Nature Park certainly enjoyed using the mirrors as a new toy. But throughout our study, they didn’t quite understand that the mirror’s reflection represented their own bodies and that the laser mark in the mirror image was, indeed, on themselves,” Dr. Carter explained.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-testing-baboons-with-lasers-and-mirrors">Testing baboons with lasers and mirrors</h2>



<p>To assess whether the baboons could recognize themselves in the mirror, researchers used a controlled laser mark test. </p>



<p>A red or green laser was first shone on a visible part of their body, such as their hand or foot. The baboons consistently noticed the mark, reacting by touching or scratching the area, which indicated that they found the mark visually compelling and were aware of its presence on their body.</p>



<p>However, when the laser was shone on a part of their body they could not see directly, such as their ear or cheek, their reaction was entirely different. </p>



<p>When positioned in front of a mirror, the baboons did not attempt to touch or investigate the mark they could only see in their reflection. This suggests that they did not recognize the reflection as themselves and instead perceived it as another animal or an unrelated visual stimulus.</p>



<p>“As the baboons didn’t touch the marks when viewed indirectly, this research confirms that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-monitoring-will-help-protect-endangered-spider-monkeys/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">monkeys</a> don’t spontaneously recognize themselves in a mirror. But, given the monkeys quickly familiarized themselves with their mirror image, it also suggests that they don’t consider their reflection to be a stranger,” noted corresponding author Esa A. Ahmad.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-age-gender-and-color-preferences">Age, gender, and color preferences</h2>



<p>The study also revealed interesting patterns in how the baboons interacted with the laser marks.</p>



<p>Younger baboons were more curious and engaged with the marks more frequently than older individuals. Males showed a greater interest in the marks compared to females, suggesting potential behavioral or social differences in how they perceive and react to visual stimuli.</p>



<p>Another surprising finding was the baboons’ preference for the color green over red. They were significantly more responsive to the green laser marks, a pattern that could be influenced by how their vision processes different wavelengths of light. </p>



<p>By analyzing 361 laser experiments across 120 baboons, the researchers were able to establish a strong dataset supporting these observations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-animals-that-have-passed-the-mirror-test">Animals that have passed the mirror test</h2>



<p>While the Chacma baboons in this study did not show signs of self-recognition, several other animals have demonstrated the ability to recognize themselves in a mirror. </p>



<p>The mirror test, originally developed by psychologist Gordon Gallup in the 1970s, remains one of the key measures of self-awareness in animals.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/great-apes-will-suffer-through-frequent-and-extreme-climate-events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Great apes</a>, including chimpanzees, bonobos, orangutans, and some gorillas, have repeatedly passed the mirror test. They are known to investigate marks on their own bodies when looking in a mirror, demonstrating an understanding that the reflection represents themselves.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humpback-whale-travels-farther-than-any-mammal-ever-recorded/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cetaceans</a>, such as bottlenose dolphins and orcas, have also displayed self-recognition. Studies have shown that dolphins use mirrors to inspect themselves, and they often engage in self-directed behaviors, such as sticking out their tongues or blowing bubbles, to observe their reflections.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/asian-elephants-perform-a-special-burial-ritual-for-their-calves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Asian elephants</a> are another species that has passed the test. They have been observed touching marks on their own faces after seeing them in a mirror, suggesting they recognize the image as their own.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rebellious-birds-use-anti-bird-spikes-to-build-their-nests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eurasian magpies</a> were the first non-mammalian species to pass the mirror test. These intelligent birds have been shown to use mirrors to inspect their bodies, a behavior that was previously thought to be unique to mammals.</p>



<p>Cleaner wrasse, a type of fish, have also demonstrated behaviors that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fish-sizes-itself-up-in-a-mirror-before-going-into-combat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">suggest self-recognition</a>, though there is ongoing debate about whether their reactions truly indicate self-awareness or are simply a response to perceived social cues.</p>



<p>These findings suggest that self-awareness may not be exclusive to primates and could be more widespread in the animal kingdom than previously believed.</p>



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



<p>This study provides a new framework for measuring self-awareness in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/international-animal-rights-day-2024-honoring-animals-with-justice/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animals</a>. Unlike previous research, which often relied on captive individuals, this experiment took place in the baboons' natural habitat, allowing for more ecologically relevant findings.</p>



<p>“Anthropologists have been trying to measure self-awareness in animals for 50 years, but studies have lacked control conditions and focused on small numbers of animals raised in captivity. Our study is the first controlled laser mark test to be conducted in a wild setting, and we hope it will act as a framework for future visual self-recognition studies,” noted Dr. Carter. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-the-mirror-test-in-baboons">Beyond the mirror test in baboons</h2>



<p>This study reinforces the idea that self-recognition is a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/penguins-may-have-a-degree-of-self-awareness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">complex trait</a> that varies across species. </p>



<p>While some animals appear to have a higher degree of self-awareness, others - like monkeys - may not perceive themselves in the same way.</p>



<p>With ethical approval from the Namibian National Commission on Research Science and Technology and the Zoological Society of London Ethics Committee, this research paves the way for more studies into how wild animals perceive themselves and their surroundings. </p>



<p>Future research may explore whether different testing methods or prolonged exposure to mirrors could alter how non-hominid primates interact with their reflections.</p>



<p>By continuing to investigate self-awareness in a variety of species, scientists can deepen our understanding of animal cognition, the evolution of consciousness, and the boundaries of self-perception in the natural world.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2024.1933" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences</a></em>.</p>



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Baboons fail to recognize themselves in mirrors, unlike some animals

When it comes to self-awareness in the animal kingdom, not...

<p>Remember when being single was considered a temporary pit stop on the road to happily-ever-after? Those days are fading fast. A new study has turned conventional wisdom about relationships upside down, revealing an unexpected truth: single women are thriving, while single men are struggling to find their footing in solo life.</p>



<p>Researchers Elaine Hoan and Professor Geoff MacDonald analyzed nearly 6,000 adults, measuring their satisfaction with life, relationships, and sexual fulfillment. </p>



<p>The findings suggest that men may have more to gain than women from being in a romantic relationship, while women tend to thrive in singlehood.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pressure-on-men-to-find-a-partner">Pressure on men to find a partner</h2>



<p>The study from the <a href="https://www.utoronto.ca" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Toronto</a> highlights how societal expectations shape men’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/male-and-female-brains-are-wired-completely-differently/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">experiences</a> in dating and singlehood. Hoan explains that traditional masculinity places a high value on romantic and sexual success. </p>



<p>“There’s the notion that to really 'be a man,' you must be the type that 'gets girls' - it’s a sign of status,” said Hoan. This expectation can make it harder for men to embrace singlehood and can lead to frustration if they struggle to find a partner.</p>



<p>Men typically find it more difficult to initiate relationships, which means they may feel a greater sense of isolation or unfulfillment when single. </p>



<p>In contrast, women do not face the same level of pressure to prove their desirability, which may allow them to enjoy their independence more fully.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sexual-fulfillment-in-single-women">Sexual fulfillment in single women</h2>



<p>One of the most striking findings of the study is that single women report higher levels of sexual fulfillment compared to single men. </p>



<p>Traditional gender roles often place men’s sexual needs above women’s in relationships, meaning that single women may experience more freedom to explore their own pleasure without prioritizing a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-evolution-why-men-are-advancing-faster-than-women/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">male partner</a>’s satisfaction.</p>



<p>For men, singlehood often means a lack of access to sexual experiences, which can contribute to feelings of dissatisfaction. </p>



<p>Women, however, may have an easier time navigating their sexuality on their own terms, which could explain their higher levels of fulfillment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stronger-social-support-for-single-women">Stronger social support for single women</h2>



<p>Women also tend to have stronger social networks, which may help explain their higher levels of happiness in singlehood. Close friendships and emotional support systems provide many of the benefits that romantic relationships offer, making single life more enjoyable and less lonely.</p>



<p>Men, on the other hand, often rely heavily on their romantic partners for emotional connection. Without a relationship, they may find themselves with fewer outlets for support, which can lead to a decline in well-being. </p>



<p>The absence of strong friendships may make singlehood feel more isolating for men compared to women.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-financial-independence-of-single-women">Financial independence of single women</h2>



<p>Another key factor contributing to women’s happiness in singlehood is financial independence. Historically, marriage provided women with economic security, but today, many women are financially self-sufficient. </p>



<p>As a result, the practical benefits of partnership have become less of a driving force in relationship decisions.</p>



<p>Women no longer feel pressured to settle into relationships for financial stability, allowing them to prioritize their personal happiness. This shift gives them the freedom to enjoy singlehood without feeling like they are missing out on something essential for their well-being.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-men-s-fear-of-singlehood">Men’s fear of singlehood</h2>



<p>The study builds on existing research that shows men fear singlehood more than women do. Younger men, in particular, struggle with being single, though older men tend to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/men-and-women-sleep-differently-and-we-finally-know-why/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">become more content</a> with their single status over time.</p>



<p>Hoan and MacDonald also explored how single men’s dissatisfaction might connect to the rise of incel communities. Incels - short for "involuntarily celibate" - are men who feel resentful toward women due to their inability to form romantic relationships.</p>



<p>While incels represent an extreme subset, the study suggests that broader dissatisfaction among single men could be a contributing factor to the growth of such communities.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-romantic-relationships-may-feel-less-rewarding">Romantic relationships may feel less rewarding</h2>



<p>While the study does not directly explain why romantic relationships tend to be less fulfilling for women, it supports existing research on gender roles in partnerships. </p>



<p>Hoan noted that in heteronormative relationships, women often take on an unequal share of domestic and emotional labor. This imbalance can make relationships feel more burdensome than beneficial, leading some women to find singlehood more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forming-healthy-habits-takes-much-longer-than-21-days/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rewarding</a>.</p>



<p>Additionally, studies show that women’s sexual pleasure is often deprioritized in relationships, which may contribute to their higher levels of sexual fulfillment when single. </p>



<p>Without the constraints of an imbalanced partnership, women may experience more autonomy and personal satisfaction.</p>



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



<p>Hoan and MacDonald’s findings challenge traditional narratives about relationships and happiness. </p>



<p>Their research suggests that singlehood is not inherently negative, especially for women, and that societal pressures on men to seek relationships may contribute to their lower levels of well-being when single.</p>



<p>The researchers plan to continue their work by examining how marriage and romantic relationships contribute to well-being on a global scale. As cultural attitudes toward relationships continue to evolve, their findings may help shape new perspectives on love, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-women-experience-more-chronic-pain-than-men/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">partnership</a>, and personal fulfillment.</p>



<p>Hoan’s final message serves as an important reminder for those who feel pressured to enter a relationship. “If you want to stay single, you may be happier for it."</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/19485506241287960" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Social Psychological and Personality Science</a></em>.</p>



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Who is happier - single men or single women? You may be surprised

Remember when being single was considered a temporary pit stop...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What caused the planet's longest ice age

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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<p>—–</p>

Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>

Social modeling affects our food choices

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists discover we age in bursts

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists solve the mystery of tickling

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>



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



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

Retired professor claims he solved time travel

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;</em></p>



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



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



<p><em>Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;</em></p>



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



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



<p><em>Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;</em></p>



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



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



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



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



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



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;</em></p>



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



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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