<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>



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;</p>



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



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

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>We hear it time and time again, "age is just a number." Older Australian women are truly embracing this mantra and giving it a whole new meaning. They're hitting the roads solo, traveling across the expansive Australian landscapes, and challenging the traditional notions of aging.</p>



<p>Armed with caravans, campervans, or sturdy 4WDs, they journey across the country in search of self-discovery, freedom, and connection. From the rugged Oodnadatta Track to Tasmania’s serene wilderness, they chart new paths and challenge societal norms.</p>



<p>Margaret Yates, a retired nurse and PhD candidate at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), examined this growing phenomenon. Her study, published in the&nbsp;<em>Journal of Women and Aging</em>, interviewed 29 women, most over 60, to uncover their motivations. </p>



<p>“For many of these women, this isn’t just about travel,” Yates explained. “It’s about developing self-knowledge, experiencing the unknown, and taking control of their lives after years of caring for others.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-traveling-isn-t-just-a-hobby">Traveling isn’t just a hobby </h2>



<p>The study explores how women in their sixties and seventies are challenging traditional roles. These women are reshaping how we view aging, showing that it can be a time of freedom and reinvention.</p>



<p>Vivian, a woman in her mid-sixties, is a perfect example. After managing a small business for years, she was inspired by a scuba diving trip in Far North Queensland. She decided to sell her business, rent her home, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-hidden-carbon-footprint-of-long-distance-travel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">travel</a>.</p>



<p>“The best choice I ever made,” she said. Challenges only fueled her determination. “I knew there’d be hurdles and tough times. That probably made me even more determined,” she added.</p>



<p>This shift in behavior reflects broader societal changes. More women are financially independent, and advancements in healthcare, such as telehealth, give them more freedom. Additionally, changing attitudes toward aging encourage women to live unconventional lives. </p>



<p>The COVID-19 pandemic has further influenced this change, with many now valuing experiences over material possessions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-traveling-at-any-age">Traveling at any age</h2>



<p>Life on the road isn’t always smooth. From vehicle breakdowns to remote isolation, challenges abound. Yet these obstacles often become sources of empowerment, showing that traveling at any age brings unexpected growth.</p>



<p>“If you’re in the middle of nowhere and get a flat tire, you have to deal with it,” said Vivian. “I’ve learnt a lot about myself, my weak points, and my strong points.”</p>



<p>Women form informal networks at campgrounds, sharing tips and support. Social media also plays a role, allowing them to document and celebrate their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-environment-day-2024-a-call-for-land-restoration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">journeys</a>. Most report feeling safe and find immense joy in their achievements.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-healthier-happier-lifestyle">A healthier, happier lifestyle</h2>



<p>This <a href="https://www.uts.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UTS</a> research uncovers unexpected health benefits for women, even those with chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease, through traveling at any age.</p>



<p>Many report feeling less stressed and experiencing improved well-being while traveling. The freedom and sense of connection they gain from life on the road significantly boost their health and happiness.</p>



<p>Aria, in her early sixties, is a great example of this joy. Traveling with her dog, Rusty, she originally planned a one-year trip. </p>



<p>“I’ve just fallen in love with what I’m doing,” she shared. “Years later, I’m still going and still loving it.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-traveling-solo-with-age">Traveling solo with age</h2>



<p>These women challenge the typical stereotypes about aging, embracing both independence and adventure in ways that were once considered unconventional for their age.</p>



<p>As they <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-will-climate-change-affect-our-outdoor-activities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">journey</a> through Australia’s vast and diverse landscapes, they are not just discovering new places, but are also redefining their own lives. They break free from societal expectations and carve out new paths for themselves.</p>



<p>Their experiences serve as an inspiration to others, encouraging people to rethink what’s possible at any stage of life. They prove that adventure, growth, and new beginnings have no age limit.</p>



<p>These stories remind us that it is never too late to seek out new horizons, face challenges head-on, and uncover the extraordinary within the everyday.</p>



<p>They encourage us to push past the boundaries of age and travel, embracing life’s adventures, big or small, knowing that each journey holds the potential for personal transformation.</p>



<p>The study is published in the <em><a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/08952841.2024.2431412" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Women &amp; Aging</a></em>. </p>



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



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

More women are embracing solo travel as they age

We hear it time and time again, "age is just...

<p>In the early 200s, the Iberian lynx, small in stature yet brimming with character, was a hair’s breadth from disappearing from the wild.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Conservation groups and government agencies knew the stakes were high, because a world without this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/protecting-lynx-habitat-in-a-shifting-landscape/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spotted feline</a> meant losing a living symbol of Mediterranean woodlands. Though it has taken decades of hard work, the Iberian lynx is finally bouncing back.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-race-to-protect-the-iberian-lynx">Race to protect the Iberian lynx</h2>



<p>The Iberian lynx inhabits regions of southwestern Europe. It measures around 39 inches (100 cm) in length and stands about 18 inches (46 cm) at the shoulder.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Back in the early 2000s, fewer than 100 individuals roamed the wild, including only 25 reproductive females. The outlook was bleak until a dedicated breeding program took shape across the Iberian Peninsula.</p>



<p>This rehabilitation <a href="https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1523-1739.2012.01871.x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">effort</a> is led in part by biologist and program director, <a href="https://apgvn.pt/speakers/en-dr-rodrigo-serra/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rodrigo Serra</a>, at the National Breeding Centre for Iberian Lynxes in Silves.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The Iberian <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/canada-lynx-survival-linked-to-life-cycle-of-snowshoe-hares/">lynx</a> was very, very close to extinction,” shared Serra at the end of a long observation shift. He works alongside other scientists who oversee the species’ reproduction in both Spain and Portugal.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-sabre-tooth-to-survival">From sabre-tooth to survival</h2>



<p>There was a time when experts compared this cat’s precarious position to that of the ancient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mummified-baby-saber-toothed-cat-found-with-fur-and-toes-intact/">sabre-tooth tiger</a>. “The only feline species that was threatened at this level was the sabre tooth tiger, thousands of years ago,” noted Serra at the end of a field visit.</p>



<p>Loss of habitat to agriculture, increased road traffic, and a devastating drop in wild rabbit numbers pushed this lynx to the edge. </p>



<p>By the mid-2000s, Portugal had no native lynxes left. Meanwhile, captive-breeding efforts in Spain were showing promise, and Portugal soon followed suit with its own national conservation plan.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-going-the-extra-mile-in-silves">Going the extra mile in Silves</h2>



<p>Conservation staff at the breeding facility in Silves have a clear, two-part mission: shape these cats into resourceful hunters and get them ready for life outside the center. A lot of attention goes into making sure they never grow too accustomed to humans.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“When we notice a litter is becoming a bit more confident, we go in and chase them and make noise so they are scared again,” said Serra. He then explained that this keeps them cautious around people, hopefully reducing future conflicts and accidents on farms or roads.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-iberian-lynx-s-release-strategy">Iberian lynx's release strategy</h2>



<p>Once the animals reach the right age and temperament, they are released into the wild. Their genetic makeup often determines whether they will head to Spain or remain in Portugal, a decision that is aimed at reducing the chances of inbreeding.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Private landowners typically allow these cats to be set free on their properties, and agreements between conservation <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21091768/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">teams</a> and landholders provide a framework that supports both sides. The cats then select their paths.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Although lynxes have occasionally caused rumbles by raiding chicken coops, these incidents remain uncommon.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reintroducing-an-endangered-species">Reintroducing an endangered species</h2>



<p><a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=_zjEgOsAAAAJ&amp;hl=pt-PT" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pedro Sarmento</a>, a researcher who has studied the Iberian lynx for three decades with the Portuguese Institute for Conservation of Nature and Forests (<a href="https://iucn.org/our-union/members/iucn-members/instituto-da-conservacao-da-natureza-e-das-florestas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ICNF</a>), has seen up close what makes these cats so distinctive.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“It’s an animal with a fairly small head for its body and extraordinarily wide paws,” observed Sarmento after a day’s worth of fieldwork. He found their exceptional leaping ability to be a defining trait. </p>



<p>Despite the lynx’s recuperating numbers, collisions with vehicles are still a leading cause of death, which reflects the constant balancing act between modern infrastructure and wildlife.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-iberian-lynx-is-a-cat-with-more-than-9-lives">Iberian lynx is a cat with more than 9 lives</h2>



<p>One of the best-known <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/317278807_First_captive-bred_individuals_released_in_the_Iberian_lynx_reintroduction_programme" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cases</a> in Portugal involved a cat named Lítio. Released into a part of southern Portugal, he stayed put for half a year, then wandered back into Spain’s Doñana National Park.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Lítio fell ill at one point and was returned for treatment in the Algarve. Right after getting a clean bill of health, he swam across the Guadiana River to Spain.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In time, he was again transported back, only to settle a short distance from the breeding center, find a mate, and stay put.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“He is the oldest lynx we have here, and he’s fathered plenty of cubs ever since,” said Sarmento.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-steady-climb-toward-a-safer-future">Steady climb toward a safer future</h2>



<p>In recent years, the Iberian lynx has moved from Critically Endangered to Endangered on the <a href="https://www.iucnredlist.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IUCN</a> Red List. <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/227672841_The_Iberian_lynx_Lynx_Pardinus_Conservation_Breeding_Program" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Conservationists</a> hope that the population can grow to around 5,000 or 6,000 in the wild by 2035, a threshold that would grant them healthier genetic diversity. </p>



<p>“I saw the species disappearing. It’s surreal that we’re in a place where we can see <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/canada-lynxs-historic-range-points-to-a-promising-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lynxes in nature</a> or through camera trapping almost daily,” Sarmento commented, still recalling how grim things looked a few decades ago. </p>



<p>Roads still claim too many lives, and keeping habitats linked is a continuous hurdle, but the progress so far stands as proof that species on the brink can inch their way back.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-taking-pride-in-an-ongoing-mission">Taking pride in an ongoing mission</h2>



<p>The program teams in Spain and Portugal are not slowing their efforts. They’re fine-tuning captive-breeding routines, improving veterinary procedures, and pushing for more wildlife corridors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Volunteers and landowners often work side by side, placing warning signs in high-risk areas and stepping up habitat restoration projects. These steps reduce vehicle collisions and lessen friction where farmland meets wilderness.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Although new challenges appear, the Iberian lynx’s rise from a handful of scattered cats to more than 2,000 in the wild shows what patient, practical conservation can accomplish when many people devote years to a single cause.</p>



<p>More information can be found on the <a href="https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/12520/218695618" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Red List</em></a>.</p>



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



<p>Like what you read?<a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/"> Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;</p>



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



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

Saving the Iberian lynx: How humans rescued this rare feline from extinction

In the early 200s, the Iberian lynx, small in stature...

<p>The story of Earth's climate can be found locked away in tiny shells that are scattered across ancient rocks. These seemingly modest remains have just helped scientists crack open one of the most significant climate mysteries in our planet's history. </p>



<p>Researchers at the University of St Andrews have made remarkable discoveries about the fundamental role of carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>) in shaping Earth's climate.</p>



<p>The study provides new insights into how CO<sub>2</sub> regulated Earth's warming and cooling over hundreds of millions of years.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-co-2-earth-s-climate-architect">CO<sub>2</sub>: Earth's climate architect</h2>



<p>CO<sub>2</sub> is the most influential <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/met-office-2024-co2-levels-will-surpass-the-point-of-no-return/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gas on Earth</a>. It traps heat from the Sun by absorbing it and radiating some of it back toward the planet's surface. </p>



<p>This natural process keeps the Earth warm enough to sustain life. However, when CO<sub>2</sub> levels in the atmosphere increase, the planet becomes warmer, leading to significant climate changes.</p>



<p>While scientists understand how CO<sub>2</sub> affects the climate today, its role in shaping Earth's climate millions of years ago has been harder to uncover. </p>



<p>Much of this information on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-co2-emissions-rise-as-nations-tackle-fossil-fuel-dependence/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CO<sub>2</sub></a> is hidden in geological records in the form of layers of rock and fossils that act like time capsules of Earth's past environments.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fossils-reveal-climate-secrets">Fossils reveal climate secrets</h2>



<p>A team of scientists, led by Dr. Hana Jurikova at the <a href="https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of St Andrews</a>, has made a breakthrough in understanding this history.</p>



<p>The researchers studied a crucial period called the Late Paleozoic Ice Age, which occurred between 335 and 265 million years ago. This was a time of dramatic climate change when the Earth experienced extensive glaciation (ice ages) and subsequent warming.</p>



<p>The research revealed that CO<sub>2</sub> levels played a central role in driving these massive climatic transitions. By unlocking the secrets of this ancient period, the team showed how CO<sub>2</sub> fluctuations caused Earth to cool into ice ages and then warm as CO<sub>2</sub> levels rose again.</p>



<p>This discovery sheds light on how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/carbon-sinks-are-losing-their-ability-to-absorb-co2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CO<sub>2</sub></a> has been a powerful driver of climate shifts throughout Earth's history, influencing both the environment and the evolution of life on the planet.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reconstructing-past-co-2-levels">Reconstructing past CO<sub>2</sub> levels</h2>



<p>The team used the fossilized shells of brachiopods - ancient, clam-like organisms that date back hundreds of millions of years - to reconstruct past atmospheric <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-absorb-31-more-co2-than-previously-estimated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CO<sub>2</sub> levels</a>.</p>



<p>These shells, which are preserved across geological time, store chemical fingerprints of Earth's past climate. By analyzing these fingerprints, the researchers determined how atmospheric CO<sub>2</sub> fluctuated during the Carboniferous and Permian periods.</p>



<p>"This showed that the Late Paleozoic Ice Age had prolonged low CO<sub>2</sub> levels, unprecedented in Earth's history," explained Dr. Jurikova. "Atmospheric CO<sub>2</sub> then rose abruptly, 294 million years ago, due to large-scale volcanic eruptions, warming the planet and melting back the ice."</p>



<p>The study demonstrates that these CO<sub>2</sub> changes were instrumental in transitioning Earth out of an ice age and spurring the evolution of reptiles.</p>



<p>"The end of the Late Paleozoic Ice Age was a turning point in the evolution of life and the environment, leading to the rise of reptiles. Now we know it was paced by carbon dioxide," said Dr. Jurikova.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lessons-for-the-present-and-future">Lessons for the present and future</h2>



<p>The findings highlight the central role that CO<sub>2</sub> has played in regulating Earth's climate over geological timescales.</p>



<p>Low CO<sub>2</sub> levels during the Carboniferous period triggered extensive glaciation, while higher levels in the Permian period led to global warming and ice sheet melting.</p>



<p>"This time interval gives a potential geological analog for the impact of CO<sub>2</sub> on our planet. CO<sub>2</sub> emissions in the past caused major global warming and sea level rise, and if left unchecked, they will do so again in the future," noted Dr. James Rae, a co-author of the study.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-co-2-drives-major-climate-transitions">CO<sub>2</sub> drives major climate transitions</h2>



<p>This research highlights the immense power of CO<sub>2</sub> levels in shaping Earth's climate over millions of years. CO<sub>2</sub> has been a key driver of major climate transitions, including ice ages and periods of significant warming.</p>



<p>By studying how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/co2-levels-linked-to-cascading-effects-that-last-for-millennia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CO<sub>2</sub></a> influenced the planet's ancient climate, scientists have gained valuable insights into the ways greenhouse gases affect Earth's environment over long timescales.</p>



<p>Today, humanity faces a similar challenge: rising CO<sub>2</sub> levels due to human activities like burning fossil fuels and deforestation. This modern surge in greenhouse gases is causing global temperatures to rise, leading to melting ice caps, rising sea levels, and extreme weather events.</p>



<p>The findings from this research serve as a stark reminder that unchecked CO<sub>2</sub> emissions can have dramatic and lasting impacts on our planet.</p>



<p>Understanding CO<sub>2</sub>'s role in Earth's past climate transitions offers crucial lessons for addressing climate change today and highlights the urgent need for action to prevent further damage to the environment.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-024-01610-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Geoscience</a></em>.</p>



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



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

CO2 has regulated Earth’s climate for millions of years

The story of Earth's climate can be found locked away...

<p>When the SS Makambo ran aground on Lord Howe Island in 1918, only one person was reported to have drowned. In the aftermath, however, a slow-moving disaster was set in motion that nearly destroyed a unique, flightless stick insect. </p>



<p>Black rats escaped onto the Island from the grounded vessel, found no natural predators, and quickly attacked local fauna. </p>



<p>Several species vanished in a blink, including the now-famous Lord Howe Island stick insect (<a href="https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/99617-Dryococelus-australis" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Dryococelus australis</em></a>).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reckoning-with-unseen-consequences">Reckoning with unseen consequences</h2>



<p>Scientists thought the Lord Howe Island stick insect was wiped out by around 1920. No new sightings or specimens of this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stick-and-leaf-insects-have-all-evolved-the-same-basic-body-parts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insect species</a> turned up for decades. </p>



<p>After countless searches, the creature earned a grim reputation as just another island species lost to invasive rats. </p>



<p>In 2001, two determined researchers, Dr. David Priddel and Dr. Nicholas Carlile from the <a href="https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NSW</a> Government’s Office of Environment and Heritage, decided to settle the mystery once and for all. </p>



<p>They joined an <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2001/02/14/245820.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">expedition</a> to Ball’s Pyramid, a tall sea stack about 14 miles from Lord Howe Island, where a few climbers had reported stumbling on suspicious insect remains.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-haven-of-lord-howe-island-stick-insects">Hidden haven of Lord Howe Island stick insects</h2>



<p>Cautious climbs up the windy cliffs at Ball’s Pyramid revealed a stark, barren rock. Despite that, a cluster of tea tree bushes held an astonishing secret. </p>



<p>A tiny population of living Lord Howe Island stick insects had somehow persisted there. </p>



<p>“We’d get requests from people saying they were going to find this stick insect,” says Carlile, “but then you’d look at the list of people and there wouldn’t be an entomologist on there!” </p>



<p>Not only did a few insects survive, but they also managed to <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/krulwich/2012/02/24/147367644/six-legged-giant-finds-secret-hideaway-hides-for-80-years" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">multiply</a> within a cramped, precarious habitat.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-size-and-surprises">Size and surprises</h2>



<p>Known as “tree lobsters,” these insects grow up to 5 inches (12.7 cm) in length, weigh up to 0.9 ounces (25 grams), and have a hard exoskeleton. </p>



<p>Reports from early island residents suggest they were so plentiful that some people used them as fishing bait. </p>



<p>Researchers believe the survivors on Ball’s Pyramid likely benefited from the rugged environment, which had no rats. </p>



<p>Another factor that may have helped is a special trick called <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/veterinary-science-and-veterinary-medicine/parthenogenesis" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">parthenogenesis</a>, which lets female insects lay fertile eggs even without a mate. </p>



<p>An October 2017 study in <em><a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(17)31098-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a></em> confirmed the Ball’s Pyramid population is genetically the same species once found on Lord Howe Island.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-fragile-comeback">A fragile comeback</h2>



<p>Bringing the stick insect home involved careful planning. In 2003, biologists took <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/evolution-is-both-predictable-and-random/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">two of the insects</a> - nicknamed Adam and Eve - to Melbourne Zoo and launched a breeding program. </p>



<p>Early attempts ran into problems, but patience paid off. The insects multiplied, and zoos worldwide - San Diego Zoo and Bristol Zoo among them - took part in safeguarding these large, slow-moving invertebrates.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Researchers wanted to see if Lord Howe Island itself could ever host them again. That possibility hinged on ridding the island of rats and mice, a <a href="https://www.lhib.nsw.gov.au/environment/rodent-eradication-project" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">project</a> that gained momentum in 2019.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-killing-rats-to-save-lord-howe-island-stick-insects">Killing rats to save Lord Howe Island stick insects</h2>



<p>Conservation teams used aerial and ground applications of rodent baits to get rid of every rat and mouse. </p>



<p>Locals worried about the impact on other animals would have on the stick insects, but the operation’s leaders stressed that rodents were the real threat. </p>



<p>According to global <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10530-005-0421-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">studies</a>, rats are a top cause of bird and insect extinctions on islands. </p>



<p>By late 2019, officials declared Lord Howe Island free of these invasive rodents. However, a stray rat was <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/apr/19/rats-reappear-on-lord-howe-island-for-the-first-time-since-2019-eradication-program" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spotted</a> in April 2021, which led to a fast response. </p>



<p>The final check showed that a few persistent rats had descended from a tiny remnant that avoided the initial eradication. Authorities adjusted their monitoring methods, and the island’s rodent-free status is still a goal.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-forward">Looking forward</h2>



<p>Today, thousands of stick insects have been bred in captivity and stand ready for eventual release. Researchers aim to make sure the island’s vegetation has recovered and that any lurking rodent threat is completely gone. The insects’ <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/evolution-is-both-predictable-and-random/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dependence on safe hideouts</a> is clear. </p>



<p>They once congregated by the dozens in tree hollows, a behavior that left them vulnerable to hungry rats. Without predators, the insects will have a better shot at thriving in their original home, completing a circle that has been nearly a century in the making.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lord-howe-island-stick-insect-conservation">Lord Howe Island stick insect conservation</h2>



<p>Biologists agree that this return is more than an ecological curiosity. It reflects the importance of eradicating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/invasive-species-use-wildfires-and-drought-as-an-opening-to-move-in/">invasive species</a> to protect fragile island habitats. </p>



<p>The Lord Howe Island stick insect’s recovery also highlights how a few survivors can carry a species forward. </p>



<p>Although some questions linger about their survival on Ball’s Pyramid, one thing is certain: they’ve gone from presumed extinct to promising comeback. </p>



<p>Conservationists can’t wait for the day when these long-legged insects reclaim the trees and hollows of Lord Howe Island, undisturbed by rats and free to walk the night once more.</p>



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



<p>Like what you read?<a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/"> Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;</p>



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

World's rarest insect returns after a century of absence

When the SS Makambo ran aground on Lord Howe Island...

<p>Coral reefs around the world are facing escalating threats from climate change, including widespread bleaching events and increasingly intense storms.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Remote atolls, in particular, are at high risk, as their isolation limits connectivity to neighboring reefs, which could otherwise supply new coral larvae to aid recovery.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, new research on Scott Reef, an isolated coral system off northwest Australia, reveals a surprising strength: local connections within the reef may play a critical role in its resilience.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increasing-resilience-in-reef-systems">Increasing resilience in reef systems</h2>



<p>A study led by oceanographers at the <a href="https://www.aims.gov.au/">Australian Institute of Marine Science</a> (AIMS) highlights how larval exchange within isolated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-reefs-may-be-more-resilient-than-we-thought/">reef</a> systems can help coral communities recover from disturbances.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We know that communities connected across the reef system that receive high numbers of larvae from multiple sources can recover more rapidly from disturbances than less well-connected systems,” explained lead author Camille Grimaldi, an AIMS Research Scientist.</p>



<p>While most research has focused on large-scale connectivity among neighboring reefs, this study shifts the focus to fine-scale interactions within individual reef systems.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Our study shows that the internal dynamics of a reef system play a key role and influence how effectively a reef can self-seed and recover from disturbances,” Grimaldi said.</p>



<p>This finding is particularly relevant as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-study-provides-answers-to-how-coral-reefs-can-survive-climate-change/">climate change</a> exacerbates the frequency and intensity of stressors on coral reefs. Understanding how local networks function may offer a blueprint for improving reef management and increasing resilience in isolated systems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scott-reef-a-case-study-in-resilience">Scott Reef: A case study in resilience</h2>



<p>Scott Reef is a remote group of three coral atolls located 300 kilometers off Australia’s northwest coast. Over the past decade, these reefs have endured significant disturbances, including mass <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-worlds-largest-coral-bleaching-event-is-now-underway/">bleaching</a> events. Despite this, the system has shown remarkable signs of recovery.</p>



<p>For instance, surveys in 2024 revealed that coral cover had begun to rebound eight years after a major bleaching event in 2016. Similar recovery was noted after the devastating bleaching in 1998. Researchers were curious about how such isolated reefs, which receive minimal larvae from external sources, managed to recover.</p>



<p>Using 21 years of annual coral spawning data, the study modeled local larval dispersal patterns within Scott Reef. Results showed that about half of the coral larvae remained within the reef system, traveling between 100 meters and several kilometers from their release site. The other half dispersed into the open ocean, beyond the reef system.</p>



<p>These findings highlight the remarkable capacity of Scott Reef’s coral communities to rely on internal connections for recovery. Such localized dispersal supports a self-sustaining network, even in the face of repeated environmental shocks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-local-networks-boost-reef-resilience">Local networks boost reef resilience</h2>



<p>The study underscores the importance of local larval dispersal in maintaining a well-connected reef network.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We found that local-scale dispersal of coral larvae helps form a well-connected reef network, which in turn boosts larval exchange within reef patches and between different reef zones such as lagoons and reef flats,” Grimaldi said. “That bolsters the reef’s resilience by helping withstand environmental stressors such as heat-induced mortality.”</p>



<p>This internal connectivity allows coral communities within isolated reefs to assist each other’s recovery, provided that enough survivors persist across the system and environmental conditions remain favorable. By promoting gene flow and preventing genetic bottlenecks, these networks create a buffer against environmental disruptions.</p>



<p>Reef systems like Scott Reef demonstrate how nature’s intricate mechanisms can foster resilience in seemingly vulnerable ecosystems. However, these natural advantages must be supported by careful management to ensure their long-term effectiveness.</p>



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



<p>The study, published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/lno.12720"><em>Limnology and Oceanography</em></a>, has significant implications for the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-save-coral-reefs-with-selective-breeding/">conservation</a> of isolated reef systems.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Enhancing and preserving local connectivity can have a substantial impact on the overall health and resilience of isolated reef ecosystems,” said co-author James Gilmour, a reef ecologist at the AIMS Research Office in Perth.</p>



<p>Local connectivity offers a practical target for conservation strategies. By safeguarding critical reef zones and minimizing disruptions to larval pathways, managers can enhance the natural recovery processes within isolated systems.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Gilmour emphasized that without considering the effects of local dynamics, efforts to understand or manage reef recovery may fall short.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We have shown that reef systems benefiting from dispersal mechanisms that connect many different coral communities may have an enhanced likelihood of recovery following disturbances,” he said.</p>



<p>The study also underscores the need for long-term monitoring of reef systems. Consistent data collection can help identify patterns of resilience and vulnerability, providing a foundation for adaptive management strategies tailored to specific reef conditions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hope-for-isolated-reefs">Hope for isolated reefs</h2>



<p>The findings suggest that targeted local management actions, such as preserving internal connectivity and protecting survivor populations, could significantly improve the resilience of remote coral reefs.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By focusing on local dynamics, conservationists may be better equipped to sustain these vital ecosystems in the face of climate change.</p>



<p>Scott Reef serves as a testament to nature’s resilience and highlights the potential for recovery, even in the most isolated corners of our oceans. The lessons learned here could inform global efforts to preserve coral reefs, offering a ray of hope for ecosystems under mounting pressure from human activity and environmental change.</p>



<p>As the challenges facing coral reefs grow, the study reinforces the importance of understanding and leveraging the natural processes that sustain them.&nbsp;</p>



<p>With careful management, even isolated systems like Scott Reef can continue to thrive, providing crucial ecological and economic benefits for generations to come.</p>



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



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



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

Isolated coral reefs survive with the help of their local network

Coral reefs around the world are facing escalating threats from...

<p>In a significant breakthrough, researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have discovered where an essential photoreceptor, cryptochrome-1 (CRY1), operates within plant seedling stems.</p>



<p>This finding could have profound implications for improving crop resilience and yield, especially for vital crops like soybeans.</p>



<p>The discovery sheds new light on how plant seedlings interact with their environment, detect sunlight, and decide their growth strategies. </p>



<p>For farmers and researchers alike, understanding these processes during the vulnerable early stages of a plant's life could be key to promoting stronger, healthier crops.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-photoreceptors-influence-plant-seedlings">How photoreceptors influence plant seedlings</h2>



<p>Photoreceptors are proteins that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-soil-day-2024-protecting-our-planets-lifeline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a> use to sense light and make growth-related decisions. They play a pivotal role in determining when a seedling should stop elongating, begin photosynthesis, and channel energy into survival and development. </p>



<p>Until now, scientists understood these broad functions but lacked clarity about where in the seedling the photoreceptors acted.</p>



<p>“For the first time, we realized that the effect of these photoreceptors is not everywhere along the stem and that different photoreceptors control different regions of the stem,” explained Edgar Spalding, professor emeritus of botany at <a href="https://www.wisc.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UW–Madison</a>.</p>



<p>To unravel this mystery, Spalding, doctoral student Julian Bustamante, and data scientist Nathan Miller used a combination of techniques including genetic manipulation, high-resolution imaging, and machine learning.</p>



<p>The team photographed the growth of tiny seedlings with highly sensitive cameras and analyzed the data using UW–Madison’s advanced computing resources. This approach allowed them to pinpoint how specific photoreceptors influence distinct parts of the plant stem.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-light-detection-and-plant-survival">Light detection and plant survival</h2>



<p>One of the most fascinating discoveries from this research is the critical role of the photoreceptor CRY1 in helping seedlings survive environmental challenges.</p>



<p>When a seedling first emerges from the soil, it uses stored energy to elongate its stem and reach sunlight, where it can begin photosynthesis. </p>



<p>However, sometimes seedlings are covered again by soil due to wind, animals, or other environmental factors. Without sunlight, they can no longer produce energy through photosynthesis.</p>



<p>CRY1 acts as a kind of survival mechanism. Initially, it prevents the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/booster-plant-gene-discovery-amplifies-plant-growth-up-to-200-percent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant</a> from overextending its stem, conserving energy and leaving some growth potential in reserve. If the seedling gets buried again, CRY1 signals the plant to elongate further until it breaks through the soil and reaches sunlight once more.</p>



<p>This discovery is particularly significant for "stand establishment" - the phase when seedlings take root and begin to grow. Stand establishment is a critical determinant of crop success, and understanding how CRY1 functions during this period could help farmers enhance the resilience of their plants.</p>



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



<p>The implications of this research extend beyond academic curiosity. By genetically enhancing the role of CRY1 in seeds, researchers could develop crops better equipped to handle environmental setbacks.</p>



<p>This innovation could prove invaluable for farmers, particularly in regions where soil conditions or weather events make early seedling survival more challenging.</p>



<p>“By isolating the effects of specific photoreceptors like CRY1, we’re able to focus on ways to create <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predicting-how-climate-change-will-alter-plant-growth-cycles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a> that are more adaptable to their environment,” noted Spalding.</p>



<p>“This research not only improves our understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/electric-soil-esoil-boosts-crop-production-by-50-in-just-15-days/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant</a> biology but also opens the door to practical applications that could benefit agriculture worldwide.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-efficient-and-resilient-farming-methods">Efficient and resilient farming methods</h2>



<p>As the world’s population grows, the need for more efficient and resilient farming methods becomes critical. This study on plants photoreceptors and their influence on seedling growth offers insights that could transform agriculture by enabling the creation of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-have-sophisticated-strategies-to-balance-defense-and-growth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crops</a> better suited to handle environmental challenges.</p>



<p>By enhancing photoreceptor functions, particularly CRY1, scientists could engineer seeds that help plants recover from obstacles like being buried under soil. This innovation has the potential to increase yields, reduce crop losses, and provide a stable food supply, benefiting both farmers and consumers.</p>



<p>The research demonstrates the power of combining advanced genetic editing, machine learning, and traditional plant biology. It showcases how understanding plant-environment interactions can help develop crops that not only survive but thrive under adverse conditions.</p>



<p>The findings could pave the way for a future where agriculture is more sustainable, adaptable, and capable of meeting global food demands.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(24)01562-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a></em>.</p>



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



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

New understanding of light detection in plants may revolutionize farming

In a significant breakthrough, researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison...

<p>It’s not every day that humble microbial cells make a splash, but recent research indicates that these tiny life forms have an unexpected capacity to exchange electrical signals and coordinate motions.</p>



<p>They might look simple on the outside, yet new findings suggest their internal teamwork is more complex than we once thought.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research reveals that colonies of a single-celled organism called <em>Salpingoeca rosetta</em> actively synchronize their shape and movement through voltage-gated calcium signals.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This activity appears to happen at the edge of multicellularity, offering curious hints about how animals may have gained their early nerve and muscle systems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-signaling-in-microbial-cell-colonies">Signaling in microbial cell colonies</h2>



<p>Biologists have known for years that these marine microorganisms can form small, ball-shaped clusters, yet only now are researchers uncovering the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-cells-communicate-with-each-other-through-rna/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">communication channels</a> they use to coordinate their shape changes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study at the center of this buzz was spearheaded by first author <a href="https://www4.uib.no/en/find-employees/Jeffrey.John.Colgren" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jeffrey Colgren</a> and last author Pawel Burkhardt, from the Burkhardt group at the <a href="https://www.uib.no/en/michaelsarscentre/117326/publications-burkhardt-group" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michael Sars Centre</a>, <a href="https://www.uib.no/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bergen</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>They found that, when these microbes link up into rosette-shaped colonies, they pull off synchronized stunts involving cell contraction and simultaneous flagellar "<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3042756/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pauses</a>."</p>



<p>The group observed that these moves can be switched on and off by altering the levels of calcium outside the cells.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-origin-of-multicellularity-in-microbes">Origin of multicellularity in microbes</h2>



<p>“We found <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-cells-message-each-other-using-rna-and-escort-proteins/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">communication</a> among the cells of the colonies, which regulates shape and ciliary beating across the rosette,” explained Colgren.</p>



<p>He observed that each individual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/memory-isnt-only-stored-in-our-brains-other-cells-can-remember-too/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cell</a> within the cluster uses its own voltage-gated calcium channels. That same type of channel is present in the muscles and nerves of animals.&nbsp;</p>



<p>At a glance, it might sound fancy for a microbe, but it highlights the possibility that simpler creatures already had the building blocks for complex body structures. </p>



<p>The ability to start or stop movement on a dime allows each cell to respond to environmental changes with surprising speed.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-parallels-in-microbial-cell-signaling">Parallels in microbial cell signaling</h2>



<p>One intriguing parallel can be seen in certain sponges that also rely on active tissues to draw water through their bodies, even though they are <a href="https://academic.oup.com/icb/article-abstract/5/3/439/128677?redirectedFrom=fulltext&amp;login=false" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">without nerves or muscles</a>.</p>



<p>A sponge can briefly halt the beating of its <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6481868/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">collar cells</a> after sensing undesirable particles in the water. <em>S. rosetta</em>, for its part, demonstrates a small-scale version of this process by using coordinated pulses of calcium to stop ciliary beating.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Observers notice that this phenomenon can happen in unison across the entire colony, which is quite a feat for an organism that doesn’t even crack the millimeter mark.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-multicellularity-in-action">Multicellularity in action</h2>



<p>“<em><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35337467/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">S. rosetta</a></em> is a powerful model for investigating the emergence of multicellularity,” says <a href="https://www4.uib.no/en/find-employees/Pawel.Burkhardt">Burkhardt</a>. The dividing line between single-celled and multicellular life can be fuzzy, and organisms like <em>S. rosetta</em> flip back and forth between being solitary and grouping up.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The fact that these microbes can share signals within a colony suggests that they possess at least some basic wiring for collaboration. That coordination might be especially useful in crowded or changing conditions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Scientists suspect that if cells can pass electrical messages around the circle, then the whole cluster acts as a better-fed, more unified version of itself.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-importance-for-early-nervous-systems">Importance for early nervous systems</h2>



<p>“This evidence of how information flows between cells in choanoflagellate colonies demonstrates cell-cell signaling at the cusp of multicellularity,” stressed Colgren.</p>



<p>The big takeaway is that a group of cells - still lacking real nerve fibers - can synchronize movements using communication patterns similar to those used in animal neurons.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This discovery runs alongside the idea that ancient organisms may have started with basic electrical networks, eventually paving the way for today’s complex brains. </p>



<p>It also raises the question whether other, simple life forms also have hidden <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cell-nuclei-play-unexpected-role-in-organ-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">communication systems</a> that have not yet been detected.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-feeding-and-coordination">Feeding and coordination</h2>



<p>By forming a rosette, these cells place their feeding structures on the outside surface.</p>



<p>This arrangement can help them capture bacterial prey with extra efficiency, especially if every cell coordinates its efforts. Prior <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15363407/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">analyses</a> hint that improved feeding was a key perk of <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18983257/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">early multicellularity</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Researchers saw that when <em>S. rosetta’s</em> <a href="https://ciliopathyalliance.org/cilia" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cilia</a> pause, food particles sometimes get jostled loose, suggesting that minor “resets” keep the filter mechanism going at its best. </p>



<p>Colonies might even share information about local bacterial levels, so everyone benefits from the best mealtime strategies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-microbial-cell-signaling-research">Future of microbial cell signaling research</h2>



<p>“The tools developed and findings from this study open up a lot of new and interesting questions,” stated <a href="https://www4.uib.no/en/find-employees/Jeffrey.John.Colgren" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colgren</a>. There is now an eagerness to investigate how, exactly, the signals hop from one cell to the next.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A line of inquiry also involves whether these mini-contractions might influence swimming direction, colony spacing, or survival in shifting environments. </p>



<p>The researchers aim to see if other <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/choanoflagellate" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">choanoflagellate</a> species carry the same equipment or use different methods for cellular harmony. </p>



<p>As the team refines their imaging and genetic approaches, the hope is that future experiments will keep revealing bigger clues about the earliest sparks of nerve and muscle function.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glancing-back-looking-ahead">Glancing back, looking ahead</h2>



<p>The excitement around these discoveries reflects how little we know about the fine details of life’s transition from single celled organisms to multicellular animals and plants. </p>



<p>What looks basic or primitive can teach us a lot about how real bodies coordinate movement, sense surroundings, and evolve new types of organization. </p>



<p>Tiny though they may be, these rosette-forming microbes remind us that even the smallest corners of biology hold plenty of intrigue for those willing to take a closer peek.</p>



<p>The study is published in <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adr7434" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science Advances</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



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

Microbial cells have a fascinating and unexpected communication system

It’s not every day that humble microbial cells make a...

<p>The world of paleontology recently found itself in a mosh pit of excitement due to two unlikely rockstars named Punk and Emo. </p>



<p>These are not your typical music icons, but a pair of 430 million-year-old fossils that challenge what we know about one of life's most diverse animal groups - the mollusks.</p>



<p>These 430-million-year-old relics, unearthed in Herefordshire, have made scientists rethink the long-standing assumptions about the early origins of this group of invertebrates. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-mollusks-were-complex">Ancient mollusks were complex</h2>



<p>Dating back to the Silurian period, the fossils belong to the Aculifera group, which includes chitons and worm-like mollusks. Traditionally, scientists viewed these creatures as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-building-blocks-of-life-zinc-arrived-on-early-earth-planetesimals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">basic and primitive</a>.</p>



<p>However, this discovery paints a different picture, revealing their complexity and evolutionary ingenuity.</p>



<p>"Retrieving fossils that are so exceptionally well preserved and reveal details of the soft tissues is extremely rare," noted Dr. Mark Sutton, the study’s lead researcher from <a href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Imperial College London</a>.</p>



<p>"We have been able to create ‘virtual fossils’ - 3D digital models - that provide us with a gold mine of information and help us understand that the branch of molluskan evolution containing Emo and Punk was much more evolutionarily rich and diverse than we thought." </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meet-the-mollusk-fossils-punk-and-emo">Meet the mollusk fossils, Punk and Emo</h2>



<p>The names&nbsp;<em>Punk ferox</em>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<em>Emo vorticaudum</em>&nbsp;were chosen to reflect the distinctive traits of these ancient mollusks.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Punk, with its spiky, rugged appearance, reminded researchers of a rebellious punk rocker, with a bold and unconventional look. Its spines set it apart as a unique and striking figure among early mollusks.</p>



<p>Emo, on the other hand, was named for its elongated, folded posture, which suggested unusual and unconventional ways of moving. Its name reflects individuality and adaptability, much like the cultural association with the emo style.</p>



<p>These names capture the essence of the fossils’ individuality, and help convey the extraordinary features that set these ancient mollusks apart in the evolutionary history of their group.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-characteristics-of-mollusks">Characteristics of mollusks</h2>



<p>The researchers used advanced imaging methods to study the fossils of Punk and Emo in incredible detail. First, they employed X-ray scanning to examine the internal structures of the fossils without causing any damage.</p>



<p>Then, they carefully ground the fossils down in extremely thin layers, taking high-resolution photographs at each stage. These images were combined to create detailed 3D digital models, showing both the internal and external features of the fossils.</p>



<p>This meticulous process revealed surprising details about how these ancient mollusks lived and moved.&nbsp;Emo&nbsp;likely moved in a manner similar to an inchworm. Its spines helped it grip surfaces, allowing it to push itself forward in a rhythmic motion.</p>



<p>In contrast, Punk remains more mysterious in terms of movement. However, researchers discovered it had a ridge-like foot and gills, a unique combination not seen in any modern mollusks.</p>



<p>These features suggest that Punk had an entirely different and now-extinct way of locomotion and survival, which gives new insights into the diversity of molluskan evolution.</p>



<p>Both fossils exhibited smooth undersides, suggesting a benthic lifestyle on the sea floor.</p>



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



<p>The mollusk fossils, Punk and Emo, showed a surprising mix of features that challenge traditional scientific classifications.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Punk combined characteristics typically seen in separate mollusk groups. It had spiny, worm-like traits but also possessed a broad foot and gills, which are features commonly found in chitons - a type of mollusk that is known for its protective, segmented shells.</p>



<p>Emo also had a spiny, elongated body, similar to that found in other worm-like mollusks. However, it stood out with unique adaptations such as a compressed body shape and shell-like structures. These traits are uncommon in its relatives, thus further blurring the lines between known categories of mollusks.</p>



<p>This mix of traits highlights the complexity and diversity of early mollusks, and suggests that their evolutionary history is far more intricate than previously understood. These fossils challenge existing classifications and provide new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossil-discovery-shifts-the-origin-of-lizards-back-35-million-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insights</a> into how ancient mollusks adapted to their environments.</p>



<p>"The branch of molluskan evolution containing Emo and Punk was much more evolutionarily rich and diverse than we thought," said Dr. Sutton.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fossils-rewrite-mollusk-evolution">Fossils rewrite mollusk evolution</h2>



<p>The research provides a revolutionary look at how <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/mollusks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mollusks</a> evolved over millions of years.</p>



<p>By analyzing the fossils of Punk and Emo, scientists discovered that the group of mollusks known as Aculifera were more diverse and complex than previously thought.</p>



<p>These ancient creatures displayed unique adaptations, such as unconventional ways of moving and surviving, which helped them thrive in their environments.</p>



<p>The findings challenge old assumptions and show that even organisms that might appear simple at first glance can have surprisingly intricate and fascinating evolutionary histories. </p>



<p>With advanced tools like 3D imaging, researchers continue to uncover these hidden stories that transform the way in which we understand the evolution of life on Earth.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-08312-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature</em></a>.</p>



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



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

Fossils called Punk and Emo rewrite the story of mollusk evolution

The world of paleontology recently found itself in a mosh...

Construction,Workers,Supervise,The,Pouring,Of,Concrete,On,The,Construction

<p>Climate change is no longer a looming distant threat. It's here now, and it's affecting everything, from the weather we experience to the air we breathe. But what if the solution to this colossal issue lay right beneath our noses, or to be precise, in the construction materials in our own homes?</p>



<p>It sounds far-fetched, right? Well, a recent study begs to differ.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-turning-construction-into-climate-solutions">Turning construction into climate solutions</h2>



<p>"Could common construction materials, the very ones we use to build our homes and roads, hold the key to mitigating climate change?"</p>



<p>This is the question posed by a new environmentally-conscious research study conducted by scientists at the University of California, Davis (<a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Davis</a>), and <a href="https://www.stanford.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford University</a>.</p>



<p>Elisabeth Van Roijen, who led the study as a graduate student at UC Davis, asks, "What if, instead, we can leverage materials that we already produce in large quantities to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/zooplankton-poop-can-be-used-to-store-carbon-in-the-deep-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">store carbon</a>?" </p>



<p>The massive potential of everyday building materials, such as concrete, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urban-trees-surrounded-by-less-asphalt-grow-taller-and-stronger/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">asphalt</a>, plastics, and brick, to store away carbon dioxide (CO2) was explored in this study. </p>



<p>Carbon sequestration, the process undertaken to achieve this, aims to capture and convert CO2 into a stable form and store it where it cannot contribute to climate change. </p>



<p>There, it lies dormant, locked away, not exacerbating our warming world.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-common-goods-used-for-climate-good">Common goods used for climate good</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-rise-of-self-heating-concrete-technology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Concrete</a>, a construction material already produced in massive quantities, was found to have a significant potential for carbon storage to address climate change.</p>



<p>That’s not surprising, considering over 20 billion tons of concrete are produced every year. </p>



<p>Add to that, the sheer scale of global concrete use makes any viable carbon storage solution involving it incredibly impactful.</p>



<p>Bio-based plastics were also identified as promising, capable of absorbing a large amount of carbon by weight. </p>



<p>The research also explored into other carbon-storing approaches, such as introducing biomass fiber into bricks, and using artificial rocks loaded with carbon as concrete and asphalt pavement aggregate.</p>



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



<p>Making concrete is simpler than you might think. It all starts with mixing four main ingredients: cement, water, sand, and gravel. </p>



<p>Cement acts like the glue that holds everything together. You pour the cement into a big container, add water to create a paste, and then mix in sand and gravel. </p>



<p>This combination creates a thick, pourable mixture that you can shape into whatever you need, whether it’s a sidewalk, a driveway, or the foundation of a house. The water reacts with the cement, starting a chemical process that makes the mixture harden over time.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bamboo-plants-shows-great-potential-to-become-the-next-big-renewable-energy-source/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Integrating biomass</a> into the concrete-making process is a fantastic way to make construction more sustainable and reduce our environmental footprint. </p>



<p>One common method is by adding natural fibers, such as hemp, flax, or bamboo, to the concrete mix. These fibers act as a reinforcement, similar to how steel rebar works, but with the added benefits of being renewable and biodegradable. </p>



<p>By mixing these plant-based materials into the concrete, we can enhance its strength and durability while also cutting down on the use of traditional, energy-intensive materials.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-waste-not-want-not">Waste not, want not</h2>



<p>Beyond the direct environmental benefits of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/carbon-sequestration-method-co2-rock/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon sequestration</a> in construction materials, there's another climate-related aspect well worth discussing.</p>



<p>The raw materials required for these carbon capture processes typically comprise low-value waste materials like biomass, enhancing their value and promoting a circular economy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ready-set-apply">Ready, set, apply!</h2>



<p>The readiness of the technology involved in these carbon-storing methods ranges across the board. </p>



<p>While some are at the investigation or pilot scale, others are primed and ready for adoption. </p>



<p>There's no denying that more technology development is needed, especially in areas where material performance and net-storage potential of individual manufacturing methods need validation.</p>



<p>But, this research seems to suggest, we're off to a good start.</p>



<p>In doing so, this study makes a profound point. When it comes to climate change, the tools we need to fight it might just be lying around us, waiting to be used in innovative ways. </p>



<p>A few tweaks to our familiar construction materials, and our homes and cities might transform from mere dwellers to climate heroes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-friendly-construction-materials">Climate-friendly construction materials</h2>



<p>While the potential of using construction materials for carbon sequestration is promising, scaling this vision to a global level comes with its challenges.</p>



<p> One significant hurdle is the energy-intensive nature of manufacturing materials like concrete and plastics, which already contribute to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenhouse-gas-emissions-reach-another-all-time-high/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gas emissions</a>. </p>



<p>To make a meaningful impact, researchers emphasize the need for integrating renewable energy sources into the production processes.</p>



<p>Furthermore, the adoption of these innovative materials requires collaboration across industries, from policymakers creating incentives for sustainable practices to construction companies rethinking traditional methods. </p>



<p>Public awareness is another critical piece of the puzzle - educating communities and stakeholders on the dual benefits of these materials could drive widespread acceptance and implementation.</p>



<p>Despite these challenges, the opportunities are immense. Transforming construction into a carbon-negative industry could turn cities into massive carbon storage hubs, helping to offset emissions from other sectors. </p>



<p>As the study highlights, with continued innovation and collaboration, the tools to combat climate change may already be within reach, embedded in the construction materials of our built environment.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adq8594" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a></em>.</p>



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



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

Construction materials could store carbon in homes and buildings, helping the climate

Climate change is no longer a looming distant threat. It's...

Attractive,Young,Man,On,Concrete,Background,With,Brain,Sketch.,Creative

<p>Words have the power to engage the brain, evoke emotions, and shape human experiences. The intricate connection between language and emotions is central to how we understand, interpret, and respond to the world around us.</p>



<p>Each word carries the potential to influence our decisions and behaviors, painting the broad strokes of our lives. </p>



<p>By bridging the gap between neuroscience and linguistics, researchers are uncovering how our brains decode the emotional weight of words.</p>



<p>In an exciting development, recent research sheds new light on how words interact with brain chemistry, revealing their profound impact on emotions and decision-making.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-words-and-brain-control">Words and brain control</h2>



<p>A team of researchers from <a href="https://www.vt.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Virginia Tech</a> embarked on a study that illuminated how our brains engage with the emotional <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/power-of-words-how-language-framing-shapes-our-perception/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">content of words</a>.</p>



<p>At the heart of this research was the investigation of neurotransmitters, the chemical messengers of our nervous systems. </p>



<p>These neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin, long thought to simply broadcast signals related to positive or negative experiences, were found to play a more nuanced role.</p>



<p>The team's findings, shared by computational neuroscientist Read Montague, revealed these chemicals to be released in distinct regions of the brain when we process the emotional significance of words. </p>



<p>“Our research supports the idea that the brain systems that evolved to help us react to good or bad things in our environment might also play a role in how we process words, which are just as important for our survival,” he explains.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-brain-processes-emotional-language">How the brain processes emotional language</h2>



<p>The research team sought to measure dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine release in the context of complex brain dynamics behind our interpretation and response to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-humans-felt-emotions-in-unusual-body-parts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">language</a>.</p>



<p>According to Montague, this process doesn't function through a single brain region or a solitary neurotransmitter representing one emotion. </p>



<p>Instead, words' emotional content interacts with several transmitter systems, each fluctuating differently to process the emotions attached to language.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-words-under-the-microscope">Words under the microscope</h2>



<p>Neurochemical measurements were conducted on patients undergoing specific neurological procedures. </p>



<p>They displayed emotionally charged words on a screen and monitored the neurotransmitter release in disparate brain regions. </p>



<p>The measurements uncovered that the words modulated neurotransmitter release according to their emotional tone. </p>



<p>Researchers even observed neurotransmitter activity in the thalamus, a region not typically associated with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/emotional-facial-expressions-are-not-universally-understood/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">language</a> or emotions, indicating that other brain areas might have access to emotionally significant information.</p>



<p>“This suggests that even brain regions not typically associated with emotional or linguistic processing might still be privy to that information," noted assistant professor William “Matt” Howe.</p>



<p>"For instance, parts of the brain responsible for mobilizing movement might benefit from having access to emotionally significant information to guide behavior.” </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extrapolating-to-the-animal-kingdom">Extrapolating to the animal kingdom</h2>



<p>While the primary discovery was in humans, the researchers sought validation in animal models, successfully confirming the patterns observed in humans across different species.</p>



<p>Alec Hartle, co-author of the study, conducted detailed experiments in rodent models to closely examine the functions of specific neurons, neural circuits, and their role in processing emotionally charged language cues.</p>



<p>“What we observed in the human brain was extraordinary,” said Howe. “The validation in animals supports and solidifies the broader implications of these neurotransmitters in decision-making systems.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-words-that-shape-our-brains">Words that shape our brains</h2>



<p>The study used words from a database that rates emotions linked with words, helping the researchers to explain their intriguing findings better. </p>



<p>“While previous studies focused on neurotransmission during decision-making, this research explores something uniquely human: the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/future-tech-will-track-emotions-through-changes-in-our-skin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emotional content</a> of written words,” said Seth Batten, the study's first author and a senior research associate with the Montague laboratory.</p>



<p>“Unlike animals, humans can understand words, their context, and meaning. The study examines how neurotransmitter systems process words with different emotional weight, reflecting the hypothesis that these systems, which evolved to keep us alive, now also help interpret language.”</p>



<p>While still in the early stages, this exciting research opens the door to a host of fascinating questions, positioning us for a future where we better understand the emotional weight of our words.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S2211124724015134" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cell Reports</a></em>.</p>



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



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

Words shape how our brains process feelings and guide decisions

Words have the power to engage the brain, evoke emotions,...

<p>Antarctica’s vast ice sheet, holding over half of Earth’s freshwater, plays a critical role in regulating the planet’s climate and sea levels. The continent's ice shelves, large floating extensions of ice over the ocean, are of particular interest.</p>



<p>Observations show that many of these ice shelves are thinning due to melting from below, with profound implications for ocean dynamics and global sea levels.</p>



<p>Among these, the Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf stands out. Spanning the Weddell Sea, it is one of Antarctica’s largest ice shelves. Fortunately, it remains relatively stable for now. Near-freezing currents circulating beneath the shelf provide a protective buffer. </p>



<p>However, climate models warn that warmer currents may reach this region in the future, potentially destabilizing the shelf.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ice-shelf-dynamics-in-antarctica">Ice shelf dynamics in Antarctica </h2>



<p>To predict the future of the Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf, N. Steiger and colleagues from <a href="https://www.sorbonne-universite.fr" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sorbonne Université</a> conducted a detailed analysis of ocean data collected between 2017 and 2021. </p>



<p>The team used sensors placed on the seafloor (moored instruments) and on floating devices beneath the water's surface.</p>



<p>These tools recorded water temperature and velocity, providing a wealth of information about how ocean currents interact with the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-ice-in-antarctica-could-wake-sleeping-volcanoes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice shelf</a>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-previous-observations-and-limitations">Previous observations and limitations</h2>



<p>Earlier research had identified a recurring phenomenon: in summer, warm seawater rises from middle ocean depths and flows along the Filchner Trough - a deep undersea valley - toward the edge of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/emergency-meeting-reveals-the-alarming-extent-of-antarcticas-ice-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice</a> shelf.</p>



<p>However, these studies were often limited to a single location or a short timeframe, which left gaps in understanding the broader system.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warming-of-antarctica-s-ice-shelves">Warming of Antarctica's ice shelves</h2>



<p>The new study revealed a more intricate system of water movement. Warm water doesn't only follow the main Filchner Trough but also uses a smaller, eastern trough. Importantly, the role of each pathway varies from year to year.</p>



<p>During years with higher-than-average temperatures, warm water moves faster and more extensively across the continental shelf. This increases the likelihood of warm water reaching the ice shelf and potentially contributing to its melting.</p>



<p>Steiger’s research highlights the importance of long-term and multi-site observations to grasp the complex interactions between ocean currents and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ice-sheet-patterns-point-to-rapid-melting-risks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctic</a> ice shelves. These insights improve predictions about how warming oceans may affect the stability of ice shelves and contribute to rising sea levels globally.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warm-summers-and-ice-shelf-changes">Warm summers and ice shelf changes</h2>



<p>The researchers identified 2017 and 2018 as exceptional summers, characterized by unusually warm water flowing into the region and a significant reduction in floating sea <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ice-sheet-past-present-and-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice</a>. These conditions were crucial because sea ice acts as a barrier that influences ocean behavior.</p>



<p>When there is less sea ice, the ocean becomes more dynamic, enabling warm water from deeper layers to rise and spread across the continental shelf more easily.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-did-the-warm-water-reach-the-ice-shelf">Did the warm water reach the ice shelf?</h2>



<p>Although it remains uncertain whether the warm water in 2017 and 2018 actually reached the edge of Antarctica's Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf, there is evidence from 2013 suggesting similar warm water flows did reach the shelf’s edge during that year. </p>



<p>In 2013, researchers linked this movement of warm water to specific wind patterns that likely drove the flow toward the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/when-will-the-antarctic-ice-sheet-collapse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice shelf</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-of-reduced-sea-ice">Implications of reduced sea ice</h2>



<p>The lack of sea ice doesn't just alter the flow of warm water; it also allows the warm water to interact more directly with the continental shelf and potentially with the ice shelf itself. </p>



<p>Understanding how these dynamics play out under varying conditions is critical for predicting future changes in Antarctic ice shelves and their contribution to rising sea levels.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-ahead">Looking ahead</h2>



<p>Identifying the drivers of warm water flow beneath Antarctic ice shelves remains a priority. As Steiger’s work shows, year-to-year variability in ocean currents and ice cover can significantly influence the shelf’s stability.</p>



<p>Continued observations and advanced modeling are crucial to predicting how these massive ice shelves will respond to shifting climate patterns.</p>



<p>This research emphasizes the need for continued monitoring and vigilance. The stability of Antarctica’s ice shelves holds the key to the planet’s future sea levels and climate health.</p>



<p>The study is published in the <em><a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2023JC020700" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans</a></em>. </p>



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



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

Antarctica’s melting ice shelves threaten global sea levels

Antarctica’s vast ice sheet, holding over half of Earth’s freshwater,...

Tank,Pours,Liquid,Metal,At,The,Steel,Mill

<p>Have you ever wondered how lead pollution has impacted society over thousands of years? Imagine if we could take a snapshot of the past and use it to understand the current state of human health and the environment.</p>



<p>Now, a study from the DRI (Desert Research Institute) transforms this tantalizing concept into reality, providing a fascinating glimpse into past environmental pollution and its effect on human health.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dirty-facts-from-the-cleanest-places">Dirty facts from the cleanest places</h2>



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-sea-ice-is-headed-toward-a-historic-low/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic</a>, an untouched frozen wilderness, surprisingly holds long-forgotten records of human activity in its icy depths.</p>



<p>In recent decades, DRI scientists have climbed the highest peaks and drilled deep into the Arctic ice, to extract precious ice cores.</p>



<p>Embedded throughout these ice cores are tiny bubbles of air, meticulously preserved, that contain microscopic clues about the earth's atmosphere at the time that layer of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-melting-arctic-sea-ice-could-disrupt-earths-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice</a> was created.</p>



<p>These bubbles are like natural time capsules, and contain a treasure trove of information that allows scientists to track the levels of atmospheric lead <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lead-pollution-has-made-its-way-to-the-top-of-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollution</a> over centuries.</p>



<p>For the past 20 years, researchers at the McConnell Ice Core Laboratory at DRI have been cracking open these icy time capsules. </p>



<p>Their objective? They hope to race the pollution record of the distant past and understand how it continues to impact us.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arctic-ice-reveals-ancient-lead-pollution">Arctic ice reveals ancient lead pollution</h2>



<p>Through these ice cores, <a href="https://www.dri.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DRI</a> researchers have been able to travel in time, back to the era of the Roman Empire, specifically to the Pax Romana - a 200-year period of relative peace and stability.</p>



<p>During this time, Roman civilization saw a significant increase in mining and smelting operations across Europe.</p>



<p>The unfortunate byproduct of this prosperity was lead pollution.</p>



<p>"This is the first study to take a pollution record from an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rapid-antarctic-sea-ice-loss-is-causing-severe-storms-around-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice</a> core and invert it to get atmospheric concentrations of pollution and then assess human impacts," enthused Joe McConnell, the study's lead author.</p>



<p>"The idea that we can do this for 2,000 years ago is pretty novel and exciting." </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smelting-process-in-ancient-rome">Smelting process in ancient Rome</h2>



<p>During the Roman Empire, smelting was a crucial process that allowed Romans to extract valuable metals like iron, copper, and lead from their ores. </p>



<p>They set up large furnaces called bloomeries for iron and furnaces for other metals, where they would heat the ore with charcoal in the presence of a strong airflow. </p>



<p>This intense heat caused the metal to separate from the rocky ore, melting and collecting at the bottom of the furnace. </p>



<p>Skilled workers, known as metallurgists, carefully managed the temperature and airflow to ensure the metals melted correctly without wasting fuel or damaging the furnace. </p>



<p>Once the metal was extracted, the Romans used it to create everything from weapons and tools to intricate artworks and building materials. </p>



<p>For example, iron was essential for making swords and armor for their armies, while copper and tin were combined to produce bronze, used in statues and coins. </p>



<p>Lead was used extensively in plumbing and construction, showcasing the Romans' advanced engineering skills.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mapping-the-course-of-lead-pollution">Mapping the course of lead pollution</h2>



<p>By analyzing the lead isotopes in the ice cores, the researchers tracked the rise and fall of lead pollution levels between 500 BCE and 600 CE.</p>



<p>They found that lead pollution first began to surge during the Iron Age, and peaked during the late 2nd century BCE during the height of the Roman Republic.</p>



<p>After a sharp decline during the 1st-century crisis, it rose once more around 15 BCE, following the rise of the Roman Empire.</p>



<p>The researchers estimate that during the height of the Roman Empire, over 500 kilotons of lead were discharged into the atmosphere, primarily as a byproduct of silver mining. </p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-day-2024-the-tide-may-finally-be-turning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">silver lining</a> of this cloud of lead pollution is that it helped to link lead pollution records to historical events and socio-economic changes.</p>



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



<p>Despite the initial decline of lead pollution following the fall of the Roman Empire, it wasn't until the early 2nd millennium CE that lead pollution in the Arctic began to dwarf even the high levels seen during the Roman era. </p>



<p>This chronic exposure to lead pollution has left a lasting legacy in the form of continuous negative health impacts.</p>



<p>"Lead is known to have a wide range of human health impacts, but we chose to focus on cognitive decline because it’s something we can put a number on," explained the study coauthor, Nathan Chellman, who is assistant research professor of snow and ice hydrology at DRI.</p>



<p>"An IQ reduction of 2 to 3 points doesn't sound like much, but when you apply that to essentially the entire European population, it’s kind of a big deal.” </p>



<p>As the researchers investigate more deeply into past pollution records and connect them to present-day health, it is becoming increasingly evident how much our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-makes-metals-in-the-ocean-more-toxic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">activities</a> from thousands of years ago can impact our health today.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2419630121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a></em>.</p>



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



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

Lead pollution may have caused the fall of the Roman empire

Have you ever wondered how lead pollution has impacted society...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



<p>Like what you saw and read?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a>&nbsp;for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>—–</p>



<p>Check us out on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth.com</a>.</p>



<p>—–</p>

Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



<p>Like what you saw and read?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a>&nbsp;for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>—–</p>



<p>Check us out on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth.com</a>.</p>



<p>—–</p>

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



<p>Like what you saw and read?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a>&nbsp;for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>—–</p>



<p>Check us out on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth.com</a>.</p>



<p>—–</p>

What caused the planet's longest ice age

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



<p>Like what you saw and read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>—–</p>



<p>Check us out on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth.com</a>.</p>



<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>



<p id="block-eff5dea3-a9bb-40b5-a923-e5a9978bc0e2">Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p id="block-43e218f4-0391-477c-8396-eb777c8c80a3">Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



<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>



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



<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>



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



<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>



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



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

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



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

Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



<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>



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



<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>



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



<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>



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



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

Retired professor claims he solved time travel

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



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

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>



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



<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...

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



<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

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="G9bUoxcjr4-2511624-12187" type="single"]</div>



<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

[sendtonews key="G9bUoxcjr4-2511624-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"]</div>



<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

[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" type="single"]</div>



<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

[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="iuA5mpp3jv-1641775-12187" type="single"]</div>



<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

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

News coming your way