<p>A recent analysis of the Sapphire Canyon mudstone core, drilled by NASA’s Perseverance rover in July 2024, adds new and convincing evidence to the ongoing search for life on Mars.</p>



<p>The study describes minerals and textures that - on Earth - are often linked to microbial activity. At the same time, the authors stress that some unknown, nonbiological chemistry could also explain the signals.</p>



<p>“This finding by Perseverance is the closest we have ever come to discovering life on Mars. The identification of a potential biosignature on the Red Planet is a groundbreaking discovery, and one that will advance our understanding of Mars,” said acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy. </p>



<p>“NASA’s commitment to conducting Gold Standard Science will continue as we pursue our goal of putting American boots on Mars’ rocky soil.”</p>



<p>The core was taken from a rock named "<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/perseverance-rover-finds-best-evidence-yet-life-on-mars-cheyava-falls-rock/">Chevaya Falls</a>" in Neretva Vallis, an ancient river channel about a quarter mile wide that once fed Jezero Crater’s lake. </p>



<p>After drilling, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/perseverance-rover-captures-a-surprise-dust-devil-while-taking-high-resolution-selfie-on-mars/">Perseverance</a> sealed the sample for possible return to Earth, where laboratory instruments can perform tests far beyond the rover’s onboard capabilities.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inside-the-martian-mudstone">Inside the Martian mudstone</h2>



<p>Lead author Joel A. Hurowitz of <a href="https://www.stonybrook.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stony Brook University</a> (SBU) reports a fine-grained mudstone with circular reaction fronts informally called leopard spots, plus small nodules embedded in layered sediments.</p>



<p>Perseverance’s <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/centers-and-facilities/jpl/the-detective-aboard-nasas-perseverance-rover/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SHERLOC</a> and <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/heres-how-ai-is-changing-nasas-mars-rover-science/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PIXL</a> instruments mapped organic carbon with phosphate, iron, and sulfur arranged in distinct, repeating patterns.</p>



<p>Two minerals stand out: vivianite and greigite. Vivianite is an iron phosphate, while greigite is an iron sulfide associated with iron and sulfur cycling in oxygen-poor settings.</p>



<p>These features show up in rocks that settled from<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wave-ripples-discovered-mars-surface-indicate-liquid-water-present-4-billion-years-ago/"> water</a>, not in lavas. The site on Mars lies along Bright Angel, a set of outcrops that preserve layers and veins consistent with slow changes after the mud was laid down.</p>



<p>Textures and chemistry point to low temperature reactions that reorganized elements already present in the mud. </p>



<p>That detail matters because low temperatures fit environments that life can handle, while very hot conditions tend to erase delicate signals.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-microbes-leave-similar-traces">Earth microbes leave similar traces</h2>



<p>On Earth, vivianite often forms where microbes reduce iron in water-rich sediments and trap phosphorus in blue-green nodules. </p>



<p>Laboratory and field work document biologically mediated vivianite through extracellular electron transfer.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/greigite" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Greigite</a> frequently appears where sulfate reducing bacteria drive chemistry in anoxic muds. In controlled experiments, greigite was detected only in live biotic setups after months of incubation.</p>



<p>The Martian rock shows rims rich in vivianite surrounding small cores enriched in greigite. That bullseye pattern matches a sequence of electron transfer reactions seen in some Earth sediments.</p>



<p>None of this proves metabolism happened in Bright Angel mud, but it shows the chemistry is right for it. That is a subtle point, and it is the reason scientists keep the language cautious.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evidence-of-life-on-mars">Evidence of life on Mars</h2>



<p>A potential biosignature is a feature that might have a biological origin but still needs more data to rule out nonbiological sources. </p>



<p>NASA points mission teams and the public to the Confidence of Life Detection, or CoLD scale, which encourages staged claims and independent checks.</p>



<p>The CoLD mindset is simple in practice. First detect a signal, then exclude contamination, then tackle alternatives, and only then talk about life on Mars with high confidence.</p>



<p>The Bright Angel work sits early on that ladder. It clears several necessary steps but leaves demanding tests for the lab.</p>



<p>Organic compounds can also arrive by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-meteorites-tell-us-about-their-birthplace-in-space/">meteorites</a> or form without biology. The authors note those routes and describe how future analyses could tell paths apart.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-organic-signals-but-no-certainty">Organic signals, but no certainty</h2>



<p>The Mars rover detected organic carbon in several targets within Bright Angel. Reaction fronts rimmed with vivianite surround cores richer in greigite, a pairing consistent with iron and sulfur cycling recorded in the paper.</p>



<p>Mineral veins include calcium sulfate, while the mudstone remains fine-grained and low in magnesium and manganese. There is no sign of intense heating that would reset the rock or scramble tiny textures.</p>



<p>The outcrop sits within layered sediments deposited by water flowing through Neretva Vallis. That channel spans roughly a quarter mile across, which implies sustained flow into Jezero’s ancient lake.</p>



<p>Low temperature context favors life-compatible chemistry, but it does not require life. Abiotic organics and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mineral-discovery-sheds-light-on-mars-fiery-past/">mineral</a> reactions can sometimes copy the same shapes and signals.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-not-proof-but-potential-life-on-mars">Not proof, but potential life on Mars</h2>



<p>“It’s not life itself,” said Nicky Fox, associate administrator for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, stressing that this is a potential biosignature, not proof of life. The lead author echoed that caution.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We cannot claim this is more than a potential biosignature,” said Hurowitz. Other officials also underscored the stakes and the limits.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“[But] this very well could be the clearest sign of life that we’ve ever found on Mars,” said Sean Duffy, acting NASA administrator. </p>



<p>Caution is not hedging for its own sake. It is how science avoids false alarms when the question is this important.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/mars-life_olivine_leopard-spot_Cheyava-Falls_Perseverance-rover_NASA_1big.jpg"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/mars-life_olivine_leopard-spot_Cheyava-Falls_Perseverance-rover_NASA_1s.webp" alt="NASA’s Perseverance rover discovered leopard spots on a reddish rock nicknamed “Cheyava Falls” in Mars’ Jezero Crater in July 2024. Scientists think the spots may indicate that, billions of years ago, the chemical reactions in this rock could have supported microbial life; other explanations are being considered. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS" class="wp-image-1985874"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>NASA’s Perseverance rover discovered leopard spots on a reddish rock nicknamed “Cheyava Falls” in Mars’ Jezero Crater in July 2024. Scientists think the spots may indicate that, billions of years ago, the chemical reactions in this rock could have supported microbial life; other explanations are being considered. Click image to enlarge. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS</em></figcaption></figure>



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



<p>If the vivianite and greigite formed through microbe-like metabolisms, then <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/perseverance-rover-begins-steep-climb-up-martian-crater-rim-jezero-crater/">Bright Angel</a> captures a period when surface waters supported the same chemical strategies some cells use for energy today. </p>



<p>That would extend Mars's habitability into a window when this part of Jezero was still wet.</p>



<p>If abiotic paths made the same pattern, the rock still records redox organization of iron, sulfur, and phosphorus in Martian mud. That is a window into how the planet cycles key elements without biology.</p>



<p>Either outcome matters for the bigger story. Mars did not just dry out, it changed its chemistry over time, and these samples let researchers track that change layer by layer.</p>



<p>The work also flags what to measure next. Isotopes, microtextures, and the exact structure of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/carbon-atoms-in-your-body-took-a-400000-light-year-journey-through-space/">carbon</a> in the core can separate metabolic signatures from chemical lookalikes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-search-for-life-on-mars-moves-forward">Search for life on Mars moves forward</h2>



<p>The authors lay out lab experiments and field analogs on Earth to test whether nonbiological reactions can reproduce these textures and mineral pairings. </p>



<p>They also point to analyses that require the sample in a clean Earth lab, including isotope ratios that biology tends to skew.</p>



<p>Sample return planning will shape how fast those tests happen. Meanwhile, the rover can keep mapping where these features cluster and how they relate to other rock units nearby.</p>



<p>PIXL and SHERLOC have shown enough sensitivity to guide that search. The pairing of elemental maps and Raman detections gives a consistent picture that can be applied to other outcrops.</p>



<p>As new targets are logged, the CoLD framework will help communicate progress without getting ahead of the data. That is how a potential biosignature becomes a result people can trust.</p>



<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://youtu.be/ieJKWW8sp2A
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>This animation depicts water disappearing over time in the Martian river valley Neretva Vallis, where NASA's Perseverance Mars takes the rock sample named “Sapphire Canyon” from a rock called “Cheyava Falls,” which was found in the “Bright Angel” formation. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-09413-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature</em></a>.</p>



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NASA announces discovery of life on Mars with high degree of confidence

A recent analysis of the Sapphire Canyon mudstone core, drilled by NASA’s Perseverance rover in July 2024, adds new and convincing evidence to the ongoing search for life on Mars. The study describes minerals and textures that - on Earth - are often linked to microbial activity. At the same time, the authors stress that some unknown, nonbiological chemistry could also explain the signals. “This finding by Perseverance is the closest we have ever come to discovering life on Mars. The identification of a potential biosignature on...

<p>Cities around the globe are taking steps to shield residents from the dangers of tailpipe pollution. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), traffic remains a leading source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States.<br><br>Residents of neighborhoods with high truck activity face increased exposure to pollutants that can worsen breathing troubles. </p>



<p>Recent findings have tied heavy-duty vehicle pollution to serious health problems. A growing number of <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/2752-5309/ad9f95" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">studies</a> are exploring the potential of using electricity over diesel or gasoline in big rigs and delivery trucks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-traffic-pollution-and-health-expenses">Traffic pollution and health expenses </h2>



<p>Over the years, city roads have seen a flood of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles crisscrossing tight corridors around shipping terminals and industrial areas.<br><br>These trucks emit fine particulate matter and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gas-stoves-emit-unsafe-levels-of-nitrogen-dioxide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nitrogen dioxide</a>, which have been linked to lung irritations and rising health expenses. They also generate smog-forming pollutants that can lead to visibility concerns in urban environments.</p>



<p>Brian Naess is a GIS analyst and lecturer at the <a href="https://ie.unc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UNC Institute for the Environment</a>. His team evaluated the air quality and health benefits of electrifying medium- and heavy-duty vehicles (MHDEVs) in New York City, focusing on disparities across neighborhoods and population groups.</p>



<p>The <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/2752-5309/ad9f95" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research</a> points to a potential $2.4 billion decrease in health-related expenses if New York achieves a broad transition to electric trucks by 2040.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>Electric trucks rely on rechargeable batteries rather than burning fuels that emit carbon dioxide and other pollutants. </p>



<p>Some city fleets have already moved to battery-powered vans for deliveries.</p>



<p>Researchers see this move as a step toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions and trimming <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/electric-vehicles-could-save-billions-in-health-care-costs-by-2050/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">public health costs</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-electric-trucks-and-no2-emissions">Electric trucks and NO2 emissions</h2>



<p>Nitrogen dioxide, formed when fossil fuels burn at high temperatures, is a major contributor to respiratory stress. Multiple investigations have shown that targeted interventions to slash NO2 can reduce <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/first-new-asthma-treatment-in-50-years-offers-hope-for-millions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">asthma attacks</a>.</p>



<p>Scientists <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38499224/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conducted</a> a literature search of MEDLINE, Embase, Global Health, CINAHL, Scopus, and Environmental Science Collection databases. The analysis was focused on articles published between January 1990 and January 2024.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The experts found that almost every study reported evidence of positive health impacts from transitioning to electric or hybrid electric vehicles </p>



<p>Some findings suggested that benefits linked to reducing NO2 emissions can form the bulk of health gains in an electrification scenario.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-justice-concerns">Environmental justice concerns </h2>



<p>Many areas with mostly Black or Hispanic households sit near busy roads. This has led to air pollution concerns and higher rates of respiratory issues.</p>



<p>A 2023 report highlighted the significant benefits of transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs) under New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). <br><br>The team found overwhelming evidence that widespread EV adoption, especially in medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, could dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality.<br><br>These changes would directly benefit disadvantaged communities that have historically faced higher <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/u-s-air-pollution-levels-have-dropped-but-not-for-everyone/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollution levels</a>, addressing long-standing environmental justice concerns.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cost-of-switching-to-electric-trucks">Cost of switching to electric trucks</h2>



<p>Shifting city trucks to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-future-is-electric-epa-sets-strictest-ever-vehicle-emission-rules/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">electric power</a> demands heavy investment in battery systems and charging equipment. </p>



<p>Fleets must consider the startup costs of new trucks, but the drop in fuel and maintenance expenses appears to help offset the price. </p>



<p>Trucks that operate on electric power can also reduce greenhouse gases and smog contributors, which <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7567144/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">correlates</a> with fewer doctor visits.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modeling-tools-and-community-monitoring">Modeling tools and community monitoring</h2>



<p>Officials in New York have used modeling tools to calculate how local traffic choices may affect air pollution levels. </p>



<p>One advanced platform, known as the <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35475336/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ZIP Code-Level Air Pollution Policy Assessment</a> (ZAPPA), merges data from environmental agencies and community monitoring stations.</p>



<p>Another system, the<a href="https://www.epa.gov/cobra" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Co-Benefits Risk Assessment Health Impacts Screening and Mapping Tool </a>(COBRA), offers estimates of health outcomes in specific areas. </p>



<p>These models identify places where trucks produce the worst air quality issues and predict how electrification might help.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-potential-of-electric-vehicles">The potential of electric vehicles</h2>



<p>Research from multiple sources points to the potential for electric cars to reduce pediatric asthma and lower hospital admissions. </p>



<p>More city governments are pushing rules and incentives, ranging from rebates on electric truck purchases to installing more charging stations.</p>



<p>Planners see electric trucks as a chance to meet climate goals while bringing relief to families who struggle with healthcare costs. This movement could transform roads into cleaner routes for everyone.</p>



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Public health and environmental justice: The push for electric trucks in cities

Cities around the globe are taking steps to shield residents...

<p>Paleontologists have made a remarkable discovery that bridges a gap of 150 million years. Their new study has uncovered nearly 50 hidden relatives of <em>Pterodactylus</em>, the first pterosaur ever discovered.</p>



<p>This fossil find from the <a href="https://le.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Leicester</a> allows scientists to piece together the life story of this ancient flying reptile, from its earliest days to adulthood.</p>



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



<p>These fascinating flying reptiles weren't actually dinosaurs, but rather a separate group of flying reptiles that first appeared around 230 million years ago during the Triassic period. </p>



<p>Unlike birds or bats, pterosaurs had a unique wing structure formed by a membrane of skin and muscle that stretched from an elongated fourth finger to their body. This created a lightweight and flexible flying apparatus that allowed them to soar and glide.</p>



<p>Different pterosaur species came in an astonishing range of sizes, from tiny creatures the size of sparrows to massive pterosaurs with wingspans around 33 feet wide. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Pterodactylus_growth-stages_illustration_ULeicester_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Pterodactylus_growth-stages_illustration_ULeicester_1s.webp" alt="Growth stages of Pterodactylus. From tiny &quot;flaplings&quot; no larger than a sparrow, most known specimens represent 'teenagers' comparable in size to a pigeon. Fully grown individuals boasted impressive wingspans exceeding 1 meter. Unlike birds, which must grow before achieving flight, even the smallest Pterodactylus were capable of flight from an early age. Credit: University of Leicester" class="wp-image-1954862"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Growth stages of Pterodactylus. From tiny "flaplings" no larger than a sparrow, most known specimens represent 'teenagers' comparable in size to a pigeon. Fully grown individuals boasted impressive wingspans exceeding 1 meter. Unlike birds, which must grow before achieving flight, even the smallest Pterodactylus were capable of flight from an early age. Credit: University of Leicester</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>Some had long, spear-like beaks perfect for fishing, while others sported elaborate head crests that might have been used for display, communication, or even temperature regulation. </p>



<p>Their bones were incredibly lightweight and hollow, similar to modern bird bones, which helped them achieve flight with minimal energy expenditure.</p>



<p>Pterosaurs were incredibly successful and adaptable creatures that survived for an impressive 160 million years before finally going extinct along with the dinosaurs during the catastrophic asteroid impact at the end of the Cretaceous period. </p>



<p>Their fossils have been discovered on every continent, revealing that they occupied diverse environments from coastal regions to inland areas.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-first-pterosaur-discovery">First pterosaur discovery</h2>



<p>Almost 250 years ago, a fossil unearthed in a Bavarian quarry introduced the world to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pterosaur-new-species-named-abfab-had-wings-wide-as-car/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pterosaurs</a>. </p>



<p>This fossil, named&nbsp;<em>Pterodactylus</em>, offered the first glimpse into the Mesozoic skies, where these creatures soared above the dinosaurs.</p>



<p>Though the first specimen was modest in size - comparable to a turtle dove - it revolutionized our understanding of prehistoric life and showcased the extraordinary <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pterosaurs-took-flight-millions-of-years-before-birds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diversity of flying reptiles</a>.</p>



<p>Over time, however,&nbsp;<em>Pterodactylus</em>&nbsp;faded from public attention, overshadowed by its larger and flashier relatives, such as&nbsp;<em>Pteranodon</em>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<em>Quetzalcoatlus</em>. </p>



<p>Yet, among scientists,&nbsp;the <em>Pterodactylus</em> genus remained a vital subject of study that played a central role in shaping our understanding of pterosaur anatomy, flight, diet, and growth.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finding-pterodactylus-family">Finding <em>Pterodactylus</em> family</h2>



<p>Despite its significance, confusion has long surrounded&nbsp;<em>Pterodactylus</em>. </p>



<p>Fossils attributed to this genus were often mixed with other species, making it challenging to determine which truly belonged to&nbsp;<em>Pterodactylus</em>. This <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-fossil-fills-crucial-gap-in-pterosaur-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ambiguity</a> persisted for centuries - until now.</p>



<p>Using UV fluorescence, paleontologists Robert Smyth and Dr. Dave Unwin from the <a href="https://le.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Leicester</a> conducted a meticulous analysis of&nbsp;<em>Pterodactylus</em>&nbsp;fossils housed in museums across Europe. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Pterodactylus_fossil_UV-light_ULeicester_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Pterodactylus_fossil_UV-light_ULeicester_1s.webp" alt="UV photography of Pterodactylus. Ultraviolet light reveals remarkable details of the fossil invisible under normal lighting. This famous specimen showcases preserved soft tissues, including the delicate wing membranes, which fluoresce vividly under UV illumination. Credit: University of Leicester" class="wp-image-1954860"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>UV photography of Pterodactylus. Ultraviolet light reveals remarkable details of the fossil invisible under normal lighting. This famous specimen showcases preserved soft tissues, including the delicate wing membranes, which fluoresce vividly under UV illumination. Credit: University of Leicester</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>By shining powerful UV light on fossilized bones, they illuminated previously invisible features that distinguish the&nbsp;<em>Pterodactylus</em>&nbsp;family from other pterosaurs. Their work revealed dozens of misclassified fossils, including over 40 specimens that were reidentified as&nbsp;<em>Pterodactylus</em>.</p>



<p>“By examining lots of fossils in collections across Europe, we were able to reidentify more than forty specimens as&nbsp;<em>Pterodactylus</em>,” said lead author Robert Smyth. </p>



<p>“UV stimulated fluorescence is astonishing in the amount of detail it can reveal. Features that were once hidden were glowing in plain sight.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-face-of-nbsp-pterodactylus">New face of&nbsp;<em>Pterodactylus</em></h2>



<p>This discovery has profoundly altered the scientific understanding of&nbsp;the genus <em>Pterodactylus</em>. Previously thought to be a rare find, nearly 50 specimens have now been confirmed.</p>



<p>This expanded collection allows researchers to construct a complete and detailed skeletal anatomy of this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cracking-the-code-of-pterosaur-flight-soaring-vs-flapping/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pivotal pterosaur</a>. </p>



<p>Remarkably, soft tissues are preserved in over 20 of the specimens, which provides unprecedented insights into a range of features.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Pterodactylus_comparison-relative_fossil_UV-light_ULeicester_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Pterodactylus_comparison-relative_fossil_UV-light_ULeicester_1s.webp" alt="Family resemblance. This larger specimen is slightly jumbled, but it still reveals many important details, including the anatomy of the hands and feet, which have been found to be highly diagnostic features. This allows us to distinguish Pterodactylus from other closely related pterosaurs. Credit: University of Leicester" class="wp-image-1954857"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Family resemblance. This larger specimen is slightly jumbled, but it still reveals many important details, including the anatomy of the hands and feet, which have been found to be highly diagnostic features. This allows us to distinguish Pterodactylus from other closely related pterosaurs. Credit: University of Leicester</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>“We can now construct a complete and highly detailed skeletal anatomy for this key pterosaur,” explained co-author Dr. Dave Unwin. “Soft tissues are fossilised in more than twenty examples so we can also reconstruct head crests, body shape, foot webs, and even the wings.”</p>



<p>The result is akin to a family portrait, showcasing <em>Pterodactylus</em> at every stage of its life. The smallest hatchlings, endearingly called “flaplings,” were robin-sized. </p>



<p>These grew into “teenage” forms before reaching adulthood, where they boasted raven-sized bodies and wingspans of up to ten times their body length.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-revolutionary-technique">A revolutionary technique</h2>



<p>The study highlights the transformative potential of UV fluorescence in paleontology. </p>



<p>While the technique is well-known, the combination of advanced light sources and a systematic approach has yielded groundbreaking results in this case.</p>



<p>“UV stimulated fluorescence is a well-known technique,” Dr. Unwin noted. </p>



<p>“But the difference in this case is that we have been able to combine new, high-quality light sources with a systematic "catch-all" approach, and it's going to have a revolutionary impact on our understanding of pterosaurs.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pterodactylus-family-and-future-study"><em>Pterodactylus</em> family and future study</h2>



<p>This discovery not only redefines&nbsp;<em>Pterodactylus</em>&nbsp;but also highlights the value of revisiting and reexamining existing collections of fossils.</p>



<p>With nearly 50 examples now identified, researchers have an unprecedented opportunity to explore the life history of one of the most important pterosaurs. </p>



<p>From its early days as a tiny flapling to its commanding presence in the skies,&nbsp;the<em> Pterodactylus</em>&nbsp;fossils provide a vivid window into the Mesozoic era.</p>



<p>As families come together this festive season, paleontologists celebrate their own remarkable reunion - a long-lost family, brought back to light after 150 million years.</p>



<p>The study is published in the <em><a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14772019.2024.2421845" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Systematic Palaeontology</a>. </em></p>



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Pterodactylus: New pterosaur family members discovered that lived 150 million years ago

Paleontologists have made a remarkable discovery that bridges a gap...

Vesta,Asteroid,(elements,Of,This,Image,Furnished,By,Nasa)

<p>The asteroid belt is no stranger to cosmic collisions. Many of its objects bear scars and craters from countless strikes over billions of years, such as the asteroid named Vesta. </p>



<p>But when NASA’s Dawn spacecraft visited the giant asteroid Vesta, it glimpsed more than pockmarks and gouges -- it discovered intriguing channels on the rocky surface.</p>



<p>The deep channels on Vesta looked suspiciously like gullies carved by liquid flows, which seemed rather unlikely on an airless body in the vacuum of space.</p>



<p>These gullies challenged the assumptions of how liquids might appear on such a rugged, atmosphere-free world.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-channels-on-asteroid-vesta">Hidden channels on asteroid Vesta</h2>



<p>Vesta’s unusual channels stirred interest in whether there might be hidden pockets of ice below the surface. <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/PSJ/ad696a" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Researchers</a> wondered how any liquid could last long enough to carve gullies instead of evaporating in an instant from the asteroid's surface.<br><br>This puzzle prompted a team to conduct experiments that mimic the conditions on Vesta, to see what might be at work beneath the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-meteorites-can-be-traced-to-three-asteroid-families/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">asteroid’</a>s crater-pocked exterior.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-made-vesta-s-channels">What made Vesta’s channels?</h2>



<p>Asteroids the size of Vesta rank among the largest members of the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/asteroid-belts" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">asteroid belt</a> between Mars and Jupiter. </p>



<p>Although the surface has been pummeled by impacts, scientists suspected that some small, deeply buried ice deposits might exist within Vesta.<br><br>A NASA-funded project took a closer look at how meteoroid <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-world-ceres-near-mars-is-full-of-organic-matter-that-may-support-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">impacts</a> could unearth these concealed layers and release liquid water.<br><br>Many researchers had argued that any water would vanish quickly in space. But new lab findings showed that saline solutions might linger long enough to form the winding channels observed in high-resolution images.</p>



<p>“Not only do impacts trigger a flow of liquid on the surface, the liquids are active long enough to create specific surface features,” said <a href="https://scienceandtechnology.jpl.nasa.gov/jennifer-scully" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jennifer Scully</a> of NASA’s <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a> in Southern California who explained the significance of these results.<br><br>This work provides a clue to how short-lived fluids might appear on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-has-lost-its-mini-moon-2024-pt5-may-have-come-from-our-main-moon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">worlds</a> once deemed too harsh for liquid water.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moving-into-the-lab">Moving into the lab</h2>



<p>Shortly after the discovery of channels on Vesta, the research team, led by <a href="https://www.swri.org/industry/space-science/planetary-science-research-staff" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michael J. Poston</a> of the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio, set up a series of simulations to re-create post-impact conditions.<br><br>They relied on a specialized facility at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory called the Dirty Under-vacuum Simulation Testbed for Icy Environments (<a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/images/pia26405-a-look-inside-jpls-dustie-planetary-simulation-chamber/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DUSTIE</a>). </p>



<p>Inside this chamber, they subjected small liquid samples to low-pressure environments that match those on Vesta’s surface.<br><br>Under these near-vacuum conditions, pure water froze almost instantly. But briny water, which is rich in sodium chloride, took at least an hour to freeze.</p>



<p>That extra time can explain how curvy gullies might form. The experiments proved that salt plays an important role in keeping water liquid, even under conditions that usually turn plain water to ice right away.<br><br>Poston noted that if the channels carved by these brines on Vesta were a few yards deep, the liquid phase would persist even longer. </p>



<p>Their study described how this freezing delay could cause fluid to travel and create <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0012821X14007572?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gullies</a> before it finally solidified.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-salt-s-unexpected-impact-and-hidden-ice-below">Salt’s unexpected impact and hidden ice below</h2>



<p>Ice and salt often coexist on other airless bodies in the solar system. </p>



<p>Scientists studying <a href="https://eyes.nasa.gov/apps/orrery/#/1_ceres" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ceres</a>, another object visited by the <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/dawn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dawn spacecraft</a>, found abundant salt deposits near the surface. </p>



<p>Similar processes might occur on Vesta, with hidden ice deposits that melt upon impact and release salty fluids that are capable of flowing.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-should-we-care-about-asteroid-vesta">Why should we care about asteroid Vesta?</h2>



<p>While direct evidence of ice on Vesta is still unconfirmed, researchers continue to analyze crater walls and gullies, looking for hints of exposed water-bearing minerals. </p>



<p>If more ice deposits are detected, it would further support the idea that these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ceres-largest-asteroid-in-our-solar-system-used-to-be-an-ancient-ocean-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">asteroid surfaces</a> hide unexpected moisture beneath the dusty exterior.</p>



<p>Many experts highlight how this discovery of Vesta's channels ties in with other research on planetary bodies beyond Earth. </p>



<p>Salt-rich flows have also been proposed to explain active gullies on Mars, where channels can appear seasonally as temperatures shift.<br><br>Although the Red Planet has a thin atmosphere, brine might remain stable for short intervals in ways that resemble the results of the Vesta experiments.</p>



<p>Similar processes have been hypothesized for other airless worlds, fueling further curiosity about how widespread water could be in these unexpected places.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finding-water-in-the-asteroid-belt">Finding water in the asteroid belt</h2>



<p>The Dawn mission provided valuable insight into the <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/mystery-solved-bright-areas-on-ceres-come-from-salty-water-below/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">composition of Vesta</a> and Ceres, and the history of these objects.<br><br>Observations of brine activity on Ceres prompted a rethinking of the asteroid belt’s arid reputation. If subsurface ices can be heated by impacts, short bursts of fluid flows might be more common than once assumed.<br><br>The new experiments open a door for further study of how these liquids behave and how long they can remain stable in harsh, vacuum conditions.</p>



<p>Some see these lab results as a foundation for understanding what future spacecraft might find on icy asteroids or even distant moons. </p>



<p>Asteroid Vesta's channels provide a key example and suggest that if other objects harbor briny fluids, they too might form channels when <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-test-simulation-shows-earth-not-prepared-prevent-large-asteroid-strike/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">struck by meteoroids</a>.</p>



<p>Although quickly frozen, the liquid can still carve paths before turning to ice. This finding adds another piece to the puzzle of solar system evolution and the hidden chemistry that shapes so many distant worlds.</p>



<p>The research findings were published in <em><a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/PSJ/ad696a">The Planetary Science Journal</a></em>.</p>



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Asteroid Vesta found to have channels that look like water-made gullies

The asteroid belt is no stranger to cosmic collisions. Many...

<p>Throughout human evolution, the presence of body and facial hair has diminished. Yet, eyelashes have remained a distinctive feature. </p>



<p>Traditionally, their role has been considered purely protective - catching dust, filtering air and water, and aiding in vision. However, the functional purpose of eyelashes has remained the subject of debate.</p>



<p>A recent study by Chinese researchers has unveiled fascinating insights into the role and structure of human eyelashes.</p>



<p>Conducted by Professor Jiang Lei and his team from the Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the research highlights the hydrodynamic advantages of eyelashes in maintaining visual clarity.</p>



<p>The team examined the sophisticated design and functionality of these small yet vital features.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-makes-eyelashes-unique">What makes eyelashes unique?</h2>



<p>The study revealed that eyelashes consist of a hydrophobic, curved, and flexible fiber array. The fibers feature surface micro-ratchets and a macro-curvature resembling the Brachistochrone curve. </p>



<p>This unique structure enables eyelashes to expel liquid rapidly and directionally, ensuring <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-ai-could-protect-millions-of-people-from-vision-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">clear vision</a> even in challenging conditions.</p>



<p>Eyelashes are not merely for aesthetic appeal or shielding the eyes from debris. The study highlighted that eyelashes actively repel water, a feature that has been largely overlooked in scientific literature.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eyelashes-repel-water">Eyelashes repel water</h2>



<p>The team investigated the interaction between water and the flexible fiber array of eyelashes. The study carefully examined the unique design of human eyelashes, focusing on three main aspects:</p>



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Structure</strong>: the physical arrangement of the eyelash fibers, including their curvature and alignment.</li>



<li><strong>Wettability</strong>: how easily water interacts with or slides off the surface of eyelashes.</li>



<li><strong>Water Drainage</strong>: the process through which water is moved away from the eyes by the eyelashes.</li>
</ol>



<p>The researchers also investigated how the flexibility, shape (curvature), and elasticity (ability to stretch and return to shape) of eyelashes contribute to their effectiveness in repelling water. These features help eyelashes function as a natural barrier against liquid.</p>



<p>The results of the study led to some key conclusions:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hydrophobic-and-curved-design">Hydrophobic and curved design</h3>



<p>Eyelashes repel water because of their water-resistant surface and curved structure. This design directs water away from the eyes, keeping them dry.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-asymmetric-structures-and-elasticity">Asymmetric structures and elasticity</h3>



<p>The varying shapes and elastic properties of the eyelashes control how liquid moves around. These properties determine the direction in which water flows and how long it stays in contact with the eyelashes.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-computational-modeling">Computational modeling </h3>



<p>The team developed a mathematical model to measure the forces acting on the eyelashes. This helped explain why they quickly push water away.</p>



<p>These mechanisms ensure that during daily activities like washing your face or sweating, eyelashes prevent water from entering the eyes. This allows for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-pistachios-daily-proven-to-boost-eyes-vision-and-overall-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">clear vision</a>, even in wet conditions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-applications-of-eyelash-research">Broader applications of eyelash research</h2>



<p>The implications of this research extend beyond understanding human anatomy. The findings have inspired the design of certain innovative technologies.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-repellent-false-eyelashes">Water repellent false eyelashes</h3>



<p>Water repellent false eyelashes are designed to replicate the natural properties of human eyelashes. Not only are they visually appealing, but they also provide a functional benefit by repelling water, similar to natural eyelashes. </p>



<p>This makes them practical for use in wet environments, enhancing both <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/laughter-may-help-dry-eyes-as-much-as-eye-drops/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aesthetics and protection</a>.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-waterproof-imaging-devices">Waterproof imaging devices</h3>



<p>The study’s findings inspired the creation of imaging devices that mimic the structure of eyelashes. The devices use similar water-repelling designs that improve their functionality and performance in wet or humid conditions. </p>



<p>This innovation can benefit fields like underwater photography or outdoor surveillance.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ventilated-structures">Ventilated structures</h3>



<p>By applying the design principles of eyelashes, researchers have developed structures that manage air and liquid flow effectively. </p>



<p>These can be used in various applications, such as building ventilation systems or equipment that requires controlled airflow and moisture resistance, and ensures better efficiency and durability.</p>



<p>Professor Jiang’s team emphasized that their work bridges biological understanding with practical applications, showcasing how nature’s designs can inspire <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-camera-technology-lets-us-see-colors-of-the-world-through-the-eyes-of-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">advanced technologies</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-additional-eye-hygiene-tips">Additional eye hygiene tips</h2>



<p>While eyelashes play a crucial role in protecting eyes from liquid and debris, maintaining proper eye hygiene is equally important. The NHS recommends:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>washing hands before and after touching the eyes,</li>



<li>cleaning glasses regularly, and</li>



<li>avoiding sleeping in contact lenses.</li>
</ul>



<p>These practices can prevent dirt and bacteria from entering the eyes, thus reducing the risk of infections.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-repelling-potential-of-eyelashes">Water-repelling potential of eyelashes</h2>



<p>In conclusion, eyelashes are more than just a facial feature; they are a sophisticated natural mechanism designed to protect and maintain visual clarity. </p>



<p>The study from the <a href="https://english.cas.cn" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chinese Academy of Sciences</a> sheds light on their unique structure and functionality, revealing a deeper appreciation for these seemingly simple fibers.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adr2135" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a></em>.</p>



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Eyelashes keep vision clear by actively repelling water

Throughout human evolution, the presence of body and facial hair...

<p>In the relentless battle between parasites and their hosts, nature often finds innovative solutions. Sometimes, however, borrowing proven strategies can trump the invention of new ones. </p>



<p>This principle is exemplified by fruit flies, which have adopted a defense mechanism from bacteria to help them counter predatory wasps. The fascinating discovery highlights the dynamic strategies of evolution.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-parasitic-wasps-vs-fruit-flies">Parasitic wasps vs. fruit flies</h2>



<p>Parasitic wasps present a gruesome threat to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fruit-flies-can-walk-jump-and-dance-using-the-same-motor-neurons/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fruit flies</a>, as they transform fly larvae into hosts for wasp offspring. In some species, parasitism affects nearly half of all fly larvae, in a process that is eerily reminiscent of the 1979 movie&nbsp;<em>Alien</em>. </p>



<p>To survive this biological invasion, fruit flies have co-opted a bacterial defense mechanism, showcasing a remarkable example of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) in animals.</p>



<p>Horizontal gene transfer, where genes jump between unrelated species, is common among bacteria and viruses. It plays a crucial role in spreading antibiotic resistance among microbes. </p>



<p>However, HGT is considered rare in multicellular organisms, such as insects and humans. This study challenges that notion, and demonstrates how animals might also leverage HGT for rapid adaptation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-borrowed-toxin-for-defense">Borrowed toxin for defense</h2>



<p>Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, led by Noah Whiteman, have identified a bacterial gene that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fruit-flies-on-treadmills-video-shows-how-insects-walk-and-balance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fruit flies</a> use to fend off parasitic wasps.</p>



<p>This gene encodes a toxin that damages the DNA of wasp eggs, preventing them from developing. </p>



<p>According to Whiteman, the discovery provides a model for understanding how immune systems evolve, including our immune system, which also contains horizontally transferred genes. Whiteman.</p>



<p>The team previously showed that knocking out this gene in&nbsp;<em>Drosophila ananassae</em>&nbsp;resulted in nearly all fly larvae succumbing to wasp predation.</p>



<p>In their latest study, published in the journal <em>Current Biology</em>, they successfully inserted the toxin-encoding gene into&nbsp;<em>Drosophila melanogaster</em>, a different species of fruit fly. This made the genetically modified lab flies resistant to predation by parasitic wasps. </p>



<p>The findings highlight the critical role of HGT in animal survival and adaptation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strategies-of-fruit-flies-against-wasps">Strategies of fruit flies against wasps</h2>



<p>"This shows that horizontal gene transfer is an under-appreciated way that rapid evolution happens in animals," said Rebecca Tarnopol, a <a href="https://www.berkeley.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Berkeley</a> doctoral student and first author of the study. </p>



<p>While HGT is well-recognized in microbes, Tarnopol noted that it might occur more frequently in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insects-fruit-flies-smell-well-as-humans-with-much-less-nose-neurons/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insects</a> than previously thought.</p>



<p>The toxin gene, dubbed fusionB, originates from a bacteriophage - a virus that infects bacteria. This phage initially passed the gene to bacteria that lived inside aphids.</p>



<p>In turn, the bacteria used the gene to defend aphids against parasitic wasps. Flies, borrowing the same genetic tool, now use it to protect themselves from wasps, creating a fascinating chain of genetic borrowing across different species.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-precision-in-gene-expression">Precision in gene expression</h2>



<p>Expressing the toxin gene safely was a key challenge. When Tarnopol initially expressed the gene throughout the fly's body, all of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flies-are-more-vulnerable-to-climate-change-than-bees/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flies</a> died.</p>



<p>However, targeting specific immune cells enabled the flies to utilize the toxin effectively without harming themselves. This delicate balance illustrates the complexities of HGT. </p>



<p>"If the gene is expressed in the wrong tissue, the fly is going to die. But if it lands in a favorable location, it can confer an amazing advantage," noted Whiteman.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gene-transfer-and-immune-defenses">Gene transfer and immune defenses</h2>



<p>The study reveals that horizontal gene transfer might drive immune defense evolution in animals. </p>



<p>"It gives us a picture of a new kind of dynamism," said Whiteman, highlighting how even animals with innate immune systems can adapt rapidly by borrowing genes from rapidly-evolving microbes.</p>



<p>This discovery also has implications for human health. Understanding how genes are co-opted and shared could inform therapies to combat parasitic infections, cancer, or other diseases. </p>



<p>By investigating how fruit flies utilize bacterial genes to defend against parasitic wasps, the researchers uncovered valuable insights into the evolutionary processes shaping immune systems in various species.</p>



<p>This research sheds light on the genetic mechanisms that animals may use to adapt and survive against evolving threats.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-ingenious-strategy">An ingenious strategy </h2>



<p>The fruit flies' ingenious borrowing of bacterial defenses exemplifies nature's resourcefulness against relentless wasps and other threats.</p>



<p>This remarkable work sheds light on the hidden role of horizontal gene transfer in animal evolution and offers a glimpse into potential applications for human health. </p>



<p>"When you're a poor little fruit fly, borrowing genes from rapidly evolving bacteria and viruses is an ingenious strategy," Whiteman concluded.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(24)01638-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a></em>.</p>



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Fruit flies have a new weapon to defend against parasitic wasps

In the relentless battle between parasites and their hosts, nature...

<p>Scientists and botanists are continuously exploring nature's vast variety, making tree and plant discoveries that highlight the richness of our planet's biodiversity. </p>



<p>These findings spark excitement and curiosity, offering fresh perspectives on the vast array of plant species still awaiting exploration. Most recently, experts have added to the world of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dna-technology-will-accelerate-the-pace-of-plant-species-discovery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">botanical discoveries</a> by naming six new tree species.</p>



<p>These species were identified during an exhaustive comparison of dried plant specimens gathered from across the Neotropics. </p>



<p>Among the six, three unique species - Matisia petaquillae, Matisia changuinolana, and Matisia aquilarum - were identified in Panama while the other three - Matisia genesiana, Matisia mutatana, and Matisia rufula - were discovered in Colombia.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-specimens-and-new-tree-species">Plant specimens and new tree species</h2>



<p>The process of discovering these new species was a meticulous one, involving the careful collection, drying, and examination of plant samples. </p>



<p>These samples were pressed into pieces of cardboard, mounted onto specialized paper, and later filed into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/did-the-centinela-mass-extinction-really-happen/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">herbaria</a> - dedicated repositories for dried plant specimens. </p>



<p>With digital advancements, curators have made a significant portion of these specimens available online, facilitating easier access and exchange of knowledge.</p>



<p>However, it's important to note that despite digital access, the task of identifying these plant specimens still hinges on expert plant taxonomists.</p>



<p>Scientists often grapple with unidentified specimens for years before they can conclusively establish whether these represent previously unknown species.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-upon-previous-discoveries">Building upon previous discoveries </h2>



<p>Ernesto Campos, a research technician at the <a href="https://stri.si.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute</a> (STRI), noted that José Luis Fernández-Alonso played a pivotal role in confirming the identification of a new tree species, Matisia tinamastiana in 2022.</p>



<p>This discovery unfolded in the Altos de Campana Forest Reserve and National Park and laid the cornerstone for the current collaborative efforts.</p>



<p>To identify this intriguing set of species, Fernández-Alonso examined plant samples preserved in herbaria across Costa Rica, Colombia, Ecuador, and the United States. </p>



<p>Campos provided crucial assistance in Panama, facilitating the review of herbarium collections at different institutions, including the Autonomous University of Chiriquí (UCH).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-specimens-from-chagres-national-park">Specimens from Chagres National Park</h2>



<p>The discovery journey was further enriched with the collections made by senior botanists at STRI, Rolando Pérez and Salomón Aguilar, who extended the known distribution range of Matisia aquilarum.</p>



<p>This achievement was possible thanks to specimens found at a study site in Chagres National Park, a part of the ForestGEO-STRI forest monitoring network.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-window-into-the-world-of-plants">Window into the world of plants </h2>



<p>The exploration does not end here. With the help of Joana Sumich, a technician in the SCZ herbarium, the researchers are in the process of identifying other plant samples - including some that were collected decades ago. They anticipate uncovering more species previously unknown to science.</p>



<p>To aid non-specialists in identifying these new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-many-invasive-plant-species-are-in-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant species</a>, the authors have also included an updated dichotomous key of Matisia species for Panama in their manuscript. This represents the first such identification key published in over half a century.</p>



<p>David Mitre, the research manager for ForestGEO-STRI in Panama, aptly summed up the importance of these discoveries.</p>



<p>"Herbaria are not just collections of dried plants, they are a source of new information in the long term. Discoveries like this remind us how important it is to make sure that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amazon-trees-are-critically-endangered-even-in-protected-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">protected areas</a> are really well protected," said Mitre.</p>



<p>These findings elevate our understanding of our precious ecosystems, shedding light on the multitudes of plant species <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/thousands-of-tree-species-remain-undiscovered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">waiting to be discovered</a>.</p>



<p>“This window into the world of plants leads to discoveries of new pharmaceuticals and makes it possible for conservationists to justify protection for natural areas where rare species flourish," said Joshua Tewksbury, STRI Director.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reservoirs-of-preserved-plant-specimens">Reservoirs of preserved plant specimens</h2>



<p>Herbaria play a pivotal role in botanical research, serving as reservoirs of preserved plant specimens that hold invaluable information about the planet's biodiversity. </p>



<p>These collections, some dating back centuries, are meticulously maintained to ensure their scientific integrity. </p>



<p>Advances in digital technology have made many herbarium records accessible online, revolutionizing how researchers study plant species across the globe.</p>



<p>Despite this accessibility, the identification of new species remains a time-intensive process that relies heavily on skilled plant taxonomists. </p>



<p>By carefully analyzing physical traits, geographical data, and historical records, these experts uncover the stories behind each specimen. </p>



<p>The recent discoveries of the six <em>Matisia</em> tree species highlight the importance of herbaria in preserving the natural history of our planet and contributing to conservation efforts.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://raccefyn.co/index.php/raccefyn/article/view/malvaceae-neotropicae-novae-vel-minus-cognitae-nuevas-especies-d" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Revista de la Academia Colombiana de Ciencias Exactas Físicas y Naturales</a></em>.</p>



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



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

Six new tree species identified in Columbia and Panama

Scientists and botanists are continuously exploring nature's vast variety, making...

<p>There's something both captivating and comforting about the rhythms and harmonies of a symphony orchestra, right? Well, did you know that something similar happens inside your brain while you're catching some sleep? It turns out, our brains have a maestro of their own - breathing. </p>



<p>Just as a conductor harmonizes an orchestra to create a symphony, breathing synchronizes the rhythm of brain waves during sleep. This phenomenon takes place in the hippocampus - a region of the brain that is critical for memory.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breathing-rhythms-during-sleep">Breathing rhythms during sleep</h2>



<p>This fascinating revelation comes from a recent study by <a href="https://www.nm.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northwestern Medicine</a>. It marks the first time scientists have linked breathing rhythms during sleep to the hippocampal brain waves known as&nbsp;slow waves, spindles, and ripples. </p>



<p>Study senior author Christina Zelano is a professor of neurology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.</p>



<p>“To strengthen memories, three special neural oscillations emerge and synchronize in the hippocampus during sleep, but they were thought to come and go at random times,” noted Professor Zelano. "We discovered that they are coordinated by breathing rhythms.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-science-behind-memory-synchronization">Science behind memory synchronization</h2>



<p>The study shows that certain brain waves, called hippocampal oscillations, align with specific phases of the breathing cycle. These oscillations are critical for organizing and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/breathing-coordinates-brain-waves-for-memory-storage-during-sleep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">strengthening memories</a>. </p>



<p>Andrew Sheriff is a postdoctoral student in Zelano's lab and the corresponding author of the study.</p>



<p>This means that the rhythm of your breathing during sleep plays an active role in helping your brain store and recall information effectively. </p>



<p>“Memory consolidation relies on the orchestration of brain waves during sleep, and we show that this process is closely timed by breathing,” explained Sheriff.</p>



<p>This research opens new doors for understanding the intricate relationship between breathing, brain activity, and memory.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breathing-sleep-and-memory-consolidation">Breathing, sleep, and memory consolidation </h2>



<p>The connection between sleep and improved memory is not a new discovery. The ancient Roman scholar Quintillion stated: "The interval of a single night will greatly increase the strength of the memory."</p>



<p>This phenomenon, now recognized as memory consolidation, involves the precise coordination of brain waves in the hippocampus.</p>



<p>Sheriff shared a personal example to explain how memory consolidation works. While attending a conference in Reykjavik, Iceland, he had to find his way around an unfamiliar city. </p>



<p>After sleeping, he realized his sense of direction and understanding of the city's layout had improved. This improvement happened because, during sleep, the brain replayed and reinforced the experiences and maps he had formed earlier. </p>



<p>His hippocampus, which is responsible for spatial memory, used specific brain waves to process and solidify this information overnight.</p>



<p>“The hippocampus plays a major role in forming a map of a new area,” Sheriff said. “I would wake up and feel I had a better representation of the city around me. That was facilitated by the oscillations that occurred during my sleep, which we found are coordinated by breathing.”</p>



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



<p>The study’s findings carry significant implications for individuals suffering from sleep-disordered breathing, such as sleep apnea. Poor memory consolidation is one of the many cognitive challenges associated with such conditions.</p>



<p>“When you don’t get sleep, your brain suffers, your cognition suffers, you get foggy,” Sheriff noted. He emphasized the connection between disrupted breathing during sleep and serious conditions such as stroke, dementia, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.</p>



<p>Interestingly, the unique rhythm of breathing during sleep may serve a specific purpose. “If you listen to someone breathing, you might be able to tell when they are asleep, because breathing is paced differently when you’re sleeping,” Sheriff said. </p>



<p>“One reason for that may be that breathing is performing a careful task: coordinating brain waves that are related to memory.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-frontier-in-sleep-research">New frontier in sleep research</h2>



<p>The research highlights the importance of addressing sleep disorders to maintain cognitive health and memory. Sheriff emphasized the need for individuals with disrupted breathing to seek treatment, as improved sleep could have far-reaching benefits for overall brain function.</p>



<p>This study was funded by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders and a Ruth L. Kirchstein Institutional National Research Award.</p>



<p>This remarkable research adds a new layer of understanding to the intricate processes that occur during sleep. By uncovering the role of breathing in synchronizing brain waves, Northwestern scientists have paved the way for new interventions aimed at improving memory and cognitive health.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em>Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</em>.</p>



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



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Breathing rhythms help strengthen memories during sleep

There's something both captivating and comforting about the rhythms and...

<p>New research suggests your daily coffee habit might do more than just wake you up - it could help protect against head and neck cancers.</p>



<p>A comprehensive analysis by scientists at the Huntsman Cancer Institute in Utah sheds light on the potential benefits of coffee and tea in reducing cancer risks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-concern-head-and-neck-cancer">Rising concern: Head and neck cancer</h2>



<p>Head and neck cancer ranks as the seventh most common <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-is-the-next-frontier-in-cancer-treatment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer</a> worldwide, with cases increasing in low- and middle-income countries. </p>



<p>In the United States alone, the <a href="https://www.cancer.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Cancer Institute</a> estimates that 71,100 individuals will be diagnosed with oral cavity, pharynx, or larynx cancer in 2024. </p>



<p>Tobacco and alcohol remain the leading risk factors, but experts are now exploring dietary influences, including coffee and tea.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coffee-and-cancer-risk">Coffee and cancer risk</h2>



<p>The researchers evaluated data from 14 prior studies which involved a total of 25,331 participants, including 9,548 cancer patients and 15,783 cancer-free individuals. The goal was to uncover dietary patterns linked to head and neck cancer.</p>



<p>"While there has been prior research on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healthy-aging-drinking-coffee-can-add-years-to-your-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coffee and tea consumption</a> and reduced risk of cancer, this study highlighted their varying effects with different sub-sites of head and neck cancer, including the observation that even decaffeinated coffee had some positive impact," explained Dr. Yuan-Chin Amy Lee, senior author of the study.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coffee-s-protective-potential-against-cancer">Coffee’s protective potential against cancer</h2>



<p>The study revealed strong evidence that drinking coffee is associated with a lower risk of head and neck cancers. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the findings:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overall-risk-reduction">Overall risk reduction</h3>



<p>Individuals who drank four or more cups of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/caffeine-consumption-may-lower-the-risk-of-dementia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coffee</a> daily experienced a 17% lower risk of head and neck cancers compared to those who didn’t drink coffee. This includes cancers affecting areas like the mouth, throat, and voice box.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-specific-cancer-types">Specific cancer types</h3>



<p>The protective effects of coffee were even more pronounced for certain types of cancer:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Oral cavity cancer</strong>: Coffee drinkers had a 30% lower risk of developing cancer inside the mouth.</li>



<li><strong>Throat cancer</strong>: The risk of throat cancer was reduced by 22% among coffee drinkers.</li>



<li><strong>Hypopharyngeal cancer</strong>: Drinking 3–4 cups of coffee daily lowered the risk of cancer in the lower part of the throat by 41%.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-benefits-of-decaffeinated-coffee">Benefits of decaffeinated coffee</h3>



<p>Even without caffeine, coffee showed significant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/is-coffee-good-for-you-it-may-depend-on-your-genes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">protective effects</a>. People who drank decaffeinated coffee had a 25% lower risk of oral cavity cancer, suggesting that other compounds in coffee may contribute to its anticancer properties.</p>



<p>These findings from <a href="https://healthcare.utah.edu/huntsmancancerinstitute/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Huntsman Cancer Institute</a> highlight the potential role of coffee, both caffeinated and decaffeinated, in reducing the risk of specific cancers in the head and neck region.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tea-a-mixed-brew-of-benefits">Tea: A mixed brew of benefits</h2>



<p>Tea consumption also showed protective effects in some cases. Drinking tea was associated with a 29% reduction in hypopharyngeal cancer risk. </p>



<p>However, consuming more than one cup daily was linked to a 38% increase in laryngeal cancer odds. This paradox suggests other factors, such as beverage temperature, may influence outcomes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-benefits-of-coffee-beyond-cancer-protection">Benefits of coffee beyond cancer protection</h2>



<p>Coffee contains over 2,000 compounds, including anti-inflammatory agents and antioxidants like chlorogenic acids. </p>



<p>These compounds have been linked to reduced risks of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and inflammation-related conditions. Chlorogenic acid, in particular, shows potential in addressing anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).</p>



<p>"Coffee should be enjoyed as a treasure trove of benefits tailored for the golden years," noted researchers from the <a href="https://www.uc.pt/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Coimbra</a> in Portugal.</p>



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



<p>While the findings are promising, the study acknowledges the complexity of coffee and tea habits. Variations in preparation methods, consumption levels, and other lifestyle factors influence outcomes. </p>



<p>Head and neck cancer rates are declining in wealthier nations due to improved healthcare and HPV vaccinations, but remain a significant burden in resource-limited regions.</p>



<p>"Coffee and tea habits are fairly complex, and these findings support the need for more data and further studies around the impact that coffee and tea can have on reducing cancer risk," said Dr. Lee.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-holistic-approach-to-prevention">A holistic approach to prevention</h2>



<p>Beyond dietary habits, public health initiatives should continue addressing tobacco and alcohol use, which significantly increase cancer risks. </p>



<p>Vaccination programs, early detection efforts, and awareness campaigns can further reduce the global burden of head and neck cancers.</p>



<p>Your morning coffee might offer more than just a caffeine kick - it could play a role in cancer prevention. As research progresses, understanding the relationship between dietary habits and cancer risks can empower individuals to make informed choices.</p>



<p>Whether you enjoy coffee for its flavor, energy boost, or potential health benefits, one thing is clear: this beloved beverage has layers worth exploring.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/cncr.35620" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Cancer</em></a>.</p>



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



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Drinking coffee reduces the risk of certain cancers

New research suggests your daily coffee habit might do more...

<p>It's not often we get to peek behind the curtain of our own minds and uncover the mysteries of how and why we behave the way we do. In a comprehensive interview, Professor Inga Neumann has unveiled her research into the role of oxytocin in shaping social behavior and emotional responses.</p>



<p>Professor Neumann is the Chair of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology at the University of Regensburg.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oxytocin-beyond-the-love-hormone">Oxytocin: Beyond the "love hormone"</h2>



<p>Published in the journal <em>Brain Medicine</em>, the interview provides a deep dive into her exploration of neuropeptides and their profound effects on social behavior and emotional responses.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.uni-regensburg.de/biologie-vorklinische-medizin/neurobiologie-tierphysiologie/team-mitarbeiter/prof-dr-inga-d-neumann/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Professor Neumann</a>’s work redefines oxytocin’s role, moving beyond its popular reputation as the “love hormone.” </p>



<p>"I am convinced that increasing our knowledge about the stimuli, dynamics, and consequences of their intracerebral release at the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-rejection-teaches-us-valuable-lessons-about-relationships/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">behavioural</a>, physiological, cellular, and molecular levels will improve our understanding of general brain mechanisms," said Professor Neumann.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oxytocin-s-role-in-social-anxiety">Oxytocin's role in social anxiety</h2>



<p>Professor Neumann’s team has created an advanced mouse model to study social fear conditioning, a process where individuals learn to associate social situations with fear or anxiety. </p>



<p>This model allows researchers to simulate and observe the effects of chronic stress and early life experiences on social behavior in a controlled environment. It provides valuable insights into how these factors influence brain function and behavior over time.</p>



<p>Her findings indicate that oxytocin plays a significant role in alleviating social fear. Additionally, other neuroactive molecules, such as corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), which regulates the stress response, may also be critical in shaping these behaviors.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-treating-social-anxiety-disorders">Treating social anxiety disorders</h2>



<p>Together, these molecules could offer new therapeutic targets for addressing social anxiety disorders. By understanding how they work within the brain, researchers hope to develop treatments that effectively reduce social anxiety and improve overall mental health.</p>



<p>"We started to focus on the potential role of the brain's oxytocin and AVP systems as therapeutic targets for psychiatric diseases such as depression and anxiety disorders or autism," she notes.</p>



<p>Her research highlights the clinical promise of oxytocin-based therapies for treatment-resistant conditions, including social anxiety, autism, and schizophrenia. The findings inspire hope for more effective treatments that leverage the brain’s own neuropeptide systems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-molecular-mechanisms-of-social-fear">Molecular mechanisms of social fear</h2>



<p>Professor Neumann’s research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms behind social fear, a condition where individuals experience anxiety in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-observation-our-decisions-shift-when-people-are-watching/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social situations</a>. </p>



<p>Her studies delve into how oxytocin and CRF, which is linked to the body’s stress response, work together to influence stress resilience and social behavior. </p>



<p>This interplay provides critical insights into how these molecules might be targeted to treat psychiatric conditions such as social anxiety, depression, and autism.</p>



<p>Going forward, the team from University of Regensburg aims to address important questions:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-optimizing-oxytocin-delivery">Optimizing oxytocin delivery</h3>



<p>While oxytocin shows promise as a therapy, delivering it effectively to the brain remains a challenge. Researchers are exploring methods to ensure it reaches the intended brain regions without degrading or causing side effects.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-epigenetic-factors-in-social-disorders">Epigenetic factors in social disorders</h3>



<p>Epigenetic factors, which involve changes in gene expression without altering the DNA sequence, may influence how individuals develop social behavior disorders. Understanding these factors could uncover why some people are more prone to these conditions.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-translating-animal-studies-to-humans">Translating animal studies to humans</h3>



<p>Much of what we know about social behavior and treatments comes from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/survival-of-the-friendliest-social-animals-live-longer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animal models</a>. Bridging the gap between these studies and human applications is crucial for developing therapies that work effectively in clinical settings.</p>



<p>These lines of inquiry aim to advance both our understanding of brain mechanisms and the development of targeted treatments for psychiatric disorders.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oxytocin-s-role-in-social-behaviors">Oxytocin's role in social behaviors</h2>



<p>The interview with Professor Neumann not only explores her scientific contributions but also provides a glimpse into her personal journey and experiences. </p>



<p>The conversation blends Professor Neumann's research with stories of her challenges and triumphs, offering a more human perspective. By doing so, it highlights not just the technical aspects of her studies but also the broader implications of her findings for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oxytocin-cuddle-hormone-fosters-love-boosts-memory-and-may-cure-addiction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">society and mental health</a>.</p>



<p>This narrative approach connects readers to the person behind the research, making the science more relatable and impactful. </p>



<p>The series emphasizes how individual perseverance and innovation can drive meaningful advancements in understanding complex topics like brain function and social behavior. </p>



<p>Through this blend of professional and personal insights, the interview offers a holistic view of both the research and the researcher’s role in shaping the future of neuroscience.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://genomicpress.kglmeridian.com/view/journals/brainmed/aop/article-10.61373-bm024k.0139/article-10.61373-bm024k.0139.xml" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brain Medicine</a>.</em></p>



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



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

Oxytocin is crucial beyond its role as the 'love hormone'

It's not often we get to peek behind the curtain...

<p>In a setback for environmental protection efforts, recent UN talks failed to produce a concrete plan for addressing worldwide drought concerns. </p>



<p>The extended discussions highlighted growing rifts between developed and developing nations on how to tackle the drought crisis.</p>



<p>At the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) COP16 meeting in Riyadh, delegates from 196 countries and the European Union worked through the night, pushing the talks a day beyond schedule. </p>



<p>Ibrahim Thiaw, UNCCD Executive Secretary, had expressed high hopes at the start, stating that the world expected negotiators "to adopt a bold decision that can help turn the tide on the most pervasive and the most disruptive environmental disaster: drought."</p>



<p>However, as dawn approached after the night's efforts, Thiaw acknowledged that "parties need more time to agree on the best way forward."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-pattern-of-failed-environmental-negotiations">A pattern of failed environmental negotiations</h2>



<p>This latest setback follows several recent disappointments that have arisen in global environmental talks, including unsuccessful biodiversity discussions in Colombia and failed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-can-we-combat-the-escalating-plastic-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic pollution</a> negotiations in South Korea.</p>



<p>Tom Mitchell from the <a href="https://www.iied.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Institute for Environment and Development</a> noted that these outcomes have "highlighted the challenges facing global negotiations."</p>



<p>"More than ever, the fractured geopolitical landscape is proving to be a stumbling block to the COP process and some voices are being squeezed out," he added. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-real-cost-of-drought-inaction">The real cost of drought inaction</h2>



<p>The stakes couldn't be higher. Droughts, already among the most devastating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natural-disasters-are-on-the-rise-but-hazard-plans-are-inadequate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural disasters</a>, are expected to intensify due to climate change - threatening both ecosystems and human livelihoods.</p>



<p>According to UN reports, drought-related economic losses currently exceed $300 billion annually, a figure that is likely to climb as water becomes more scarce.</p>



<p>Beyond financial tolls, the social and humanitarian impacts are staggering - droughts exacerbate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/late-rainy-season-signals-upcoming-food-insecurity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food insecurity</a>, force mass migrations, and heighten conflicts over dwindling resources.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-growing-drought-crisis">The growing drought crisis</h2>



<p>Projections for the future are even grimmer. By 2050, up to three-quarters of the global population could face drought conditions, placing unprecedented pressure on agriculture, water management systems, and urban planning. </p>



<p>Regions already vulnerable will bear the brunt, but no part of the world will remain untouched. </p>



<p>Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, and shrinking freshwater supplies are converging to create a perfect storm of challenges that require immediate and coordinated global action.</p>



<p>If no bold measures are taken, the ripple effects could jeopardize progress toward several UN Sustainable Development Goals, including ending poverty, ensuring food security, and promoting peace and justice. </p>



<p>Addressing the drought crisis is not merely a matter of environmental stewardship - it is a necessity for global stability and resilience.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-african-nations-push-for-stronger-measures">African nations push for stronger measures</h2>



<p>African countries stood united in pushing for a binding agreement. </p>



<p>One African delegate, speaking anonymously, shared the hope for mandatory drought preparation plans, stating: "It's the first time I've seen Africa so united, with a strong united front, with respect to the drought protocol."</p>



<p>The divide between nations became clear as developed countries preferred a looser "framework" approach rather than binding commitments. </p>



<p>This position frustrated both African nations and Indigenous groups that were seeking stronger measures.</p>



<p>Praveena Sridhar of Save Soil suggested moving forward despite the lack of agreement.</p>



<p>"The absence of a protocol from COP16 shouldn't delay progress," said Sridhar, noting that governments can still support farmers through sustainable land management programs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-financial-commitments-and-future-plans">Financial commitments and future plans</h2>



<p>The talks weren't without some progress. Various organizations, including the Arab Coordination Group and the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership, pledged over $12 billion toward <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/toilet-to-tap-california-approves-wastewater-recycling-amid-drought-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drought resilience efforts</a>.</p>



<p>However, this falls short of the UN's estimated need of $2.6 trillion for land restoration by 2030.</p>



<p>Saudi Environment Minister Abdulrahman AlFadley emphasized his country's commitment, stating they are dedicated "to working with all parties to preserve ecosystems, enhance international cooperation to combat desertification and land degradation, and address drought."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finding-common-ground">Finding common ground</h2>



<p>The discussions revealed an interesting dynamic, as noted by Sridhar. Unlike climate talks that focus on controversial topics like fossil fuels, land preservation discussions offer more common ground.</p>



<p>"Attending to land, agriculture lands, farmers, livestock – it's not a contested subject. Nobody's going to say 'I don't want food.' The use of fossil fuels or not is a very polarizing subject. This is not," said Sridhar.</p>



<p>The next opportunity for progress will come at COP17 in Mongolia in 2026, where nations again hope to finalize a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/formal-agreement-needed-to-define-the-current-level-of-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global drought agreement</a>.</p>



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



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UN talks on the drought crisis end without agreement

In a setback for environmental protection efforts, recent UN talks...

Parker,Solar,Probe,Near,The,Sun.,Elements,Of,This,Image

<p>NASA’s Parker Solar Probe touched the Sun's atmosphere, flying within 3.8 million miles (around 6.1 million kilometers) from the surface of the Sun on Tuesday, Dec. 24, at 6:53 a.m. EST. </p>



<p>To approach the sun so closely, the Parker Solar Probe had to withstand extreme heat and intense radiation like no other spacecraft before it. </p>



<p>"It is breaking all of these records and it's a, just a total 'Yay! We did it!' moment," <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/people/nicola-fox/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nicola Fox</a>, the associate administrator for NASA Science Mission Directorate, said in a <a href="https://x.com/NASASun/status/1871524544306909200" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">video</a> on Dec. 24.</p>



<p>During its closest approach, also called perihelion, mission operations will be out of contact with the spacecraft. </p>



<p>Scientists won’t know if Parker survived or what condition it’s in until Friday, when it's expected to send its first signal back to Earth since its close fly-by. Lots of fingers will remain crossed until then.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-going-where-no-human-made-object-has-gone">Going where no human-made object has gone</h2>



<p>This approach is unlike anything previously accomplished by a human-made spacecraft, marking a landmark in solar science that may rewrite much of what we know about our star.</p>



<p>Arik Posner, <a href="https://parkersolarprobe.jhuapl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Parker Solar Probe</a> program scientist at NASA Headquarters in Washington, sees this effort as a new window into solar research.<br><br>“This is one example of NASA’s bold missions, doing something that no one else has ever done before to answer longstanding questions about our universe,” said <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/people/dr-arik-posner/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arik</a>.<br><br>The Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (<a href="https://www.jhuapl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">APL</a>) in Laurel, Maryland, manages mission operations and is keeping a watchful eye on every step as Parker speeds by.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breathtaking-pace-of-the-parker-solar-probe">Breathtaking pace of the Parker solar probe</h2>



<p>The spacecraft is moving at approximately <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/feature/goddard/parker-solar-probe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">430,000 miles per hour</a>. At that velocity, Parker could zip from New York to Los Angeles in about 20 seconds. </p>



<p>By <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/parker-solar-probe-will-fly-through-suns-atmosphere-tomorrow-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">approaching the Sun</a> so closely, mission teams hope to retrieve data that no earlier craft could access.<br><br>Particles in the corona -- where temperatures can exceed a few million degrees -- tend to behave in puzzling ways. </p>



<p>Scientists aim to see how these intense conditions might shape <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/sun/what-is-the-solar-wind/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar wind</a>, which jets out at more than one million miles per hour.</p>



<p>Engineers designed Parker’s trajectory with careful flybys of Venus to shrink its orbit gradually around the Sun. This path has taken years to perfect since launch in 2018. </p>



<p>Each loop demanded detailed calculations to ensure the craft can survive the approach, collect the right measurements, and keep sending updates back to Earth.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solar-probe-battling-extreme-heat">Solar probe battling extreme heat</h2>



<p>Because the Sun’s heat is punishing at such a short distance, Parker Solar Probe relies on a <a href="https://parkersolarprobe.jhuapl.edu/Spacecraft/index.php#Extreme-Environments" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon-composite shield</a> 4.5 inches thick.</p>



<p>This protective layer keeps sensitive instruments near room temperature while the shield’s front side can face extreme temperatures above 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit.</p>



<p>Sophisticated cooling systems also channel heat away from the core of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/meet-the-fastest-human-made-object-ever-nasas-parker-solar-probe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spacecraft</a>, helping to sustain the electronics that record measurements of plasma, magnetic fields, and solar wind particles.</p>



<p>Inside, the instruments are scanning for clues to explain the corona’s unusual temperatures, which skyrocket to levels far higher than the Sun’s visible surface. </p>



<p>Those same instruments are also watching for charged particle bursts and fluctuations in magnetic fields that might help answer big questions about what accelerates the solar wind.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crucial-timing-and-limited-contact">Crucial timing and limited contact</h2>



<p>Today’s perihelion means Parker is currently skimming the outer atmosphere of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/solar-orbiter-spacecraft-sees-the-sun-through-three-different-lenses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sun</a> while in autonomous mode, out of immediate radio contact.</p>



<p>This window of silence is standard because powerful solar emissions prevent reliable communication. Mission operators anticipate a beacon tone on December 27, which should confirm Parker has survived.</p>



<p>Scientists believe that data from this flyby could provide <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/parker-solar-probe-will-fly-through-suns-atmosphere-tomorrow-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unprecedented detail on solar activity</a>. Periods of heightened activity, known as solar maxima, produce more flares and coronal mass ejections.<br><br>These events can spawn auroras at unexpected latitudes and threaten satellites with bursts of charged particles. </p>



<p>By collecting data from close range, Parker might reveal new insights into how these explosive happenings form and evolve.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-visionary-behind-the-parker-solar-probe">Visionary behind the Parker solar probe</h2>



<p>This trailblazer of solar research is named after <a href="https://news.uchicago.edu/story/eugene-parker-legendary-figure-solar-science-and-namesake-parker-solar-probe-1927-2022" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Eugene N. Parker</a>, the late astrophysicist from the University of Chicago who proposed the existence of the solar wind back in the 1950s.</p>



<p>He changed our understanding of how stars interact with their surroundings. In 2018, he became the first person to witness the launch of a spacecraft bearing his name. </p>



<p>Though he passed away in 2022, his legacy lives on in every close pass the probe completes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-closer-look-at-solar-wind">A closer look at solar wind</h2>



<p>One of the main motivations behind Parker Solar Probe mission is to figure out how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strong-solar-storm-warning-issued-as-two-cmes-will-hit-earth-tomorrow/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar wind</a>, that stream of charged particles racing from the Sun, accelerates to incredible speeds.<br><br>Scientists hope Parker will pinpoint where and how energy is transferred to these particles. Such information could refine space weather forecasts, which are critical for protecting satellites, power grids, and astronauts in orbit.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.plasmacoalition.org/plasma_writeups/solar_plasmas.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plasma</a> behavior at these altitudes can also inform theories about stellar physics beyond the Sun. </p>



<p>Many stars release similar particle streams, so unraveling the inner workings of the solar wind could offer a template for understanding events happening light-years away.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-stakes-data-for-space-weather-predictions">High-stakes data for space weather predictions</h2>



<p>Operators know that space weather can have major effects here on Earth. Sudden geomagnetic storms have been known to disrupt radio signals, damage satellites, and even cause power outages.<br><br>By studying the Sun’s activity from the inside, Parker could lead to more accurate warnings for regions of the world vulnerable to blackouts. </p>



<p>Air traffic, GPS services, and communication infrastructure may all benefit from improved predictions of <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/science-research/heliophysics/space-weather/solar-flares/what-is-a-solar-flare/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar flares</a> and <a href="https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/phenomena/solar-radiation-storm#:~:text=Solar%20radiation%20storms%20occur%20when,of%20the%20speed%20of%20light." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">particle storms</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-milestone-for-parker-solar-probe">A milestone for Parker Solar Probe</h2>



<p>Now that the probe is at perihelion, mission managers will hold their breath for a few days.</p>



<p>“No human-made object has ever passed this close to a star, so Parker will truly be returning data from uncharted territory,” explained <a href="https://parkersolarprobe.jhuapl.edu/News-Center/Show-Article.php?articleID=205" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nick Pinkine</a>, Parker Solar Probe mission operations manager at <a href="https://www.jhuapl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">APL</a>. </p>



<p>He added that the team is eager to see how Parker managed the flyby when the link reopens.</p>



<p>This moment is a milestone for solar science. If everything goes as planned, Parker will maintain its orbit for future close passes, each offering a renewed chance to investigate the corona’s strange properties.</p>



<p>Researchers anticipate more discoveries that will fill in knowledge gaps about the Sun’s extreme environment.</p>



<p>Far from being an isolated phenomenon, the Sun’s behavior plays a significant role in shaping conditions on Earth. </p>



<p>Today’s brush with solar fury signals the continuing progress of human exploration -- and the promise of deeper insight into the star that illuminates our world.</p>



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



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Solar Probe touched the Sun, now scientists wait for a signal and "proof of life"

NASA’s Parker Solar Probe touched the Sun's atmosphere, flying within...

<p>Picture a landscape on Mars where frost covers the ground, and the crisp sound of icy surfaces breaking underfoot fills the air. Above, sunlight filters through clouds mixed with ice and dust, creating a warm, golden glow. This is the Australe Scopuli region, located at the southern pole of Mars.</p>



<p>It offers a striking contrast - its alien features are shaped by the Red Planet's unique environment, yet its serene beauty evokes scenes that feel almost Earth-like.</p>



<p>This blend of the otherworldly and the familiar makes it a captivating subject for scientific exploration and visual fascination.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-australe-scopuli-unique-polar-landscape-on-mars">Australe Scopuli: Unique polar landscape on Mars</h2>



<p>The High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) aboard the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Mars_Express" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars Express</a>&nbsp;captured stunning images of Australe Scopuli, displaying its distinctive polar deposits.</p>



<p>This region lies near the "cryptic terrain," a puzzling area previously explored by few scientists. Here, layers of carbon dioxide ice and dust swirl together, creating a white, frosty terrain that contrasts sharply with the iconic red <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-mars-became-uninhabitable-after-being-life-supporting-ocean-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Martian soil</a>.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/mars_south-pole_Australe-Scopuli-region_frost_ice_Mars-Express_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/mars_south-pole_Australe-Scopuli-region_frost_ice_Mars-Express_1s.webp" alt="Swirls of light and dark layers mark the boundaries between ice and dust layers exposed in this icy scene from the Australe Scopuli region of Mars. The right side of the image has a lot of ice coverage compared with the left hand side that has numerous dark fan-shaped deposits tracing the horizontal layers. Credit: Mars Express/ESA" class="wp-image-1954353"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Swirls of light and dark layers mark the boundaries between ice and dust layers exposed in this icy scene from the Australe Scopuli region of Mars. The right side of the image has a lot of ice coverage compared with the left hand side that has numerous dark fan-shaped deposits tracing the horizontal layers. Credit: Mars Express/ESA</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>These layered polar deposits result from seasonal cycles, with ice forming and trapping varying amounts of dust. </p>



<p>The contrasting light and dark layers are particularly visible on hills and in valleys, painting the landscape with striking textures.</p>



<p>When viewed through 3D glasses, the region’s topography resembles Earthly ski resorts, with smooth slopes, sharp turns, and steep hillsides.</p>



<p>But skiing on Mars would require preparation for extreme cold: temperatures here plunge to a bone-chilling -125°C (-193°F).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changing-seasons-and-martian-spiders">Changing seasons and Martian "spiders"</h2>



<p>The images, taken on June 16, 2022, during the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-water-found-on-mars-would-cover-the-planet-over-one-mile-deep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Martian</a> summer solstice, showcase how Mars’s southern pole transitions with the changing seasons.</p>



<p>Dark patches in the imagery reveal areas where carbon dioxide ice has sublimated, a process where the ice turns directly from solid to vapor without melting.</p>



<p>This sublimation is driven by sunlight, which warms the ice. As the ice evaporates, it leaves behind trails of dark dust spread across the surface. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/mars_south-pole_Australe-Scopuli-region_perspective_Mars-Express_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/mars_south-pole_Australe-Scopuli-region_perspective_Mars-Express_1s.webp" alt="Perspective view across undulating terrain at the Australe Scopuli region of Mars, with exposed layers of ice and dust. Numerous dark dusty fan-shaped features follow the pattern of the layers. Credit: Mars Express/ESA" class="wp-image-1954355"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Perspective view across undulating terrain at the Australe Scopuli region of Mars, with exposed layers of ice and dust. Numerous dark dusty fan-shaped features follow the pattern of the layers. Credit: Mars Express/ESA</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>These fan-shaped patterns, sculpted by prevailing winds, provide a remarkable look at the seasonal dynamics in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-gravity-pulls-earth-closer-to-the-sun-warming-our-climate-scientists-say/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars</a>'s polar regions.</p>



<p>As summer progresses, sunlight penetrates the translucent carbon dioxide ice, heating the ground beneath it. This leads to the formation of gas pockets as the underlying ice sublimates. </p>



<p>When the gas pressure becomes too high, the ice cracks, releasing bursts of gas and dust into the atmosphere. These jets create fan-shaped deposits that can stretch for hundreds of meters.</p>



<p>This process resembles the formation of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marss-space-debris-should-be-regarded-as-historical-artifacts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Martian</a> "spiders," another fascinating feature observed in recent&nbsp;Mars Express<em> </em>imagery, where similar sublimation mechanisms create spider-like patterns on the surface.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dynamic-australe-scopuli-of-mars">Dynamic Australe Scopuli of Mars</h2>



<p>A detailed look at Australe Scopuli shows that the dust jets typically emerge along the edges of layered polar deposits. These boundaries may act as fragile zones, allowing the jets to break through with less resistance.</p>



<p>This phenomenon, shaped by seasonal temperature changes and the region’s topography, creates a dynamic and evolving <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-samples-from-mars-could-reveal-fascinating-secrets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Martian</a> landscape. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/mars_south-pole_Australe-Scopuli-region_topography_Mars-Express_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/mars_south-pole_Australe-Scopuli-region_topography_Mars-Express_1s.webp" alt="A topography map of Australe Scopuli region of Mars color-coded according to relative heights. The scale goes from red (highest terrain) through yellow, green, blue and purple (lowest terrain). Credit: Mars Express/ESA" class="wp-image-1954357"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>A topography map of Australe Scopuli region of Mars color-coded according to relative heights. The scale goes from red (highest terrain) through yellow, green, blue and purple (lowest terrain). Credit: Mars Express/ESA</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>The interplay between the shifting ice and dust patterns highlights the complexity of Mars’s natural processes.</p>



<p>Although building a snowman on Mars might not be possible, the Australe Scopuli region captures the essence of the planet’s unique beauty. </p>



<p>It offers scientists and explorers a fascinating glimpse into the changing polar environment of the Red Planet.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-science-behind-the-images">Science behind the images</h2>



<p>The HRSC on&nbsp;Mars Express&nbsp;is a remarkable piece of engineering, designed and developed by the German Aerospace Center (DLR).</p>



<p>After the camera captured detailed images of Mars, the <a href="https://www.dlr.de/en/pf/about-us/departments" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DLR Institute for Planetary Research</a> in Berlin-Adlershof processed the data. </p>



<p>Using this data, the Planetary Science and Remote Sensing group at <a href="https://www.fu-berlin.de/en/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Freie Universität Berlin</a> created the stunning final images we see today.</p>



<p>In conclusion, the images of Australe Scopuli offer much more than just stunning visuals of the Martian southern pole. </p>



<p>They serve as powerful proof of the intricate and ever-changing processes that sculpt the Red Planet's icy polar regions.</p>



<p>Every layer of ice and dust preserved in these photographs tells a unique story about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-curiosity-rover-makes-surprising-find-under-martian-rock-sulfur-crystals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars</a>'s geological and climatic history. </p>



<p>By studying these features in detail, researchers can piece together the planet's evolving climate and uncover the mysteries of its geological past.</p>



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



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White Christmas on Mars with its changing polar landscapes

Picture a landscape on Mars where frost covers the ground,...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What caused the planet's longest ice age

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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<p>—–</p>

Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<p></p>

Social modeling affects our food choices

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists discover we age in bursts

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists solve the mystery of tickling

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>



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



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

Retired professor claims he solved time travel

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

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</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Acid rain and a crisis solved.</figcaption></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<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>



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https://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
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<p>Probiotics - beneficial microbes that balance gut bacteria and aid digestion - are typically fragile and can be destroyed by stomach acid or processing. </p>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: ESA</em></p>



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



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;</em></p>



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



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



<p><em>Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;</em></p>



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



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

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



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



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



<p><em>Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;</em></p>



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



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



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



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



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



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;</em></p>



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



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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