<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>



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



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



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



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

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>As the holiday season approaches, homes worldwide are decorated with evergreen conifers like spruce and pine. Beyond spreading warmth and joy as Christmas trees, these resilient conifers thrive in harsh natural environments - enduring everything from frigid winters to intense sunlight in boreal forests.</p>



<p>Scientists at Umeå University are shedding light on how these remarkable trees endure such adversities and remain lush and green year-round.</p>



<p>The experts found that conifers possess unique adaptations that allow them to thrive in some of the planet's most challenging environments.</p>



<p>The findings not only deepen our understanding of conifers but also hint at potential applications in conservation and crop resilience.</p>



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



<p>Conifer trees are some of the most recognizable and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-do-some-leaves-live-longer-than-others/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evergreen giants</a> you’ll find in forests around the world. Think of pine, spruce, fir, and cedar trees with their needle-like leaves and sturdy cones. </p>



<p>These trees are well adapted to various climates, especially colder and drier regions, because their shape helps them shed snow and conserve water.</p>



<p>Conifers have been around for millions of years, dominating many landscapes long before flowering plants took the stage. </p>



<p>Their evergreen nature means they <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unexpected-changes-what-happens-to-boreal-forests-after-fire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stay green</a> all year round, providing a constant splash of color even during the bleakest winters.</p>



<p>Beyond their striking appearance, conifer trees play a crucial role in the environment and our daily lives. They are vital for producing oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide, helping to combat climate change. </p>



<p>The wood from conifers is used in building everything from homes to paper products, making them <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/which-trees-are-best-at-purifying-the-air/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">essential to many industries</a>. </p>



<p>Plus, conifer forests are home to countless wildlife species, offering habitats and food sources for animals like birds, squirrels, and deer.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-photosynthesis-strategies-of-conifers">Photosynthesis strategies of conifers</h2>



<p>The process of photosynthesis is conserved across most plants, yet conifers exhibit <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/resilient-trees-can-help-safeguard-cities-from-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">distinct strategies</a> that set them apart. </p>



<p>One such adaptation is a structural change in their thylakoid membranes - the sites where photosynthesis occurs. During winter, Photosystem I (PSI) and Photosystem II (PSII), typically separated in most plants, come closer together in a phenomenon known as spill-over.</p>



<p>"This helps them to safely dissipate extra energy and avoid damage from too much sunlight in the cold," explained Stefan Jansson, a professor in the <a href="https://www.upsc.se" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Umeå Plant Science Center</a>.</p>



<p>This mechanism prevents excess light from overwhelming their photosynthetic machinery, enabling them to survive harsh winters unscathed.</p>



<p>Previously, researchers referred to this process as "sustained quenching," likening it to a photosynthetic lockdown. However, the precise mechanism remained a mystery.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alternative-electron-flow">Alternative electron flow</h2>



<p>In addition to spill-over, conifers possess a second survival strategy: alternative electron flow - a key aspect of their resilience in harsh winter environments.</p>



<p>This method involves the use of&nbsp;flavodiiron proteins, which redirect electrons during <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-cleverly-adapt-to-withstand-storms-and-high-winds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photosynthesis</a>. This redirection ensures that the photosynthetic system remains balanced, even when faced with intense sunlight and freezing temperatures.</p>



<p>Alternative electron flow acts as a backup mechanism to handle excess energy, preventing the photosynthetic machinery from becoming overloaded and damaged. </p>



<p>This is particularly critical in winter when sunlight can be strong but the freezing conditions make energy dissipation challenging.</p>



<p>Together with&nbsp;spill-over, where Photosystem I (PSI) and Photosystem II (PSII) collaborate to dissipate extra energy, these strategies form a dual defense system. </p>



<p>Spill-over reduces the risk of light-induced damage, while alternative electron flow maintains the system's stability.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-adaptations-of-conifers">Unique adaptations of conifers</h2>



<p>Conifers' photosynthetic apparatus also diverges from that of flowering plants (angiosperms) in other significant ways. </p>



<p>For instance, they lack certain light-harvesting proteins found in angiosperms. This unique configuration might explain why conifers thrive in nutrient-poor, cold, and water-scarce environments.</p>



<p>"All together, this can explain why conifers are the dominant species in boreal forests, thriving where few others can, perhaps at the expense of advantages during less <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planting-trees-in-the-wrong-place-can-make-cities-hotter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">challenging conditions</a>," noted Pushan Bag, lead author of the study.</p>



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



<p>Understanding the survival mechanisms of conifers goes beyond academic curiosity. As the climate changes, insights into how conifers adapt to extreme conditions may inform conservation strategies and predict forest responses to new environmental <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tree-diversity-makes-forests-more-resilient-against-storms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">challenges</a>.</p>



<p>These findings could also guide the development of crops that are resilient to extreme weather, ensuring food security in an unpredictable future.</p>



<p>"This paper highlights the intricate adaptations of conifers to extreme winter conditions. By combining structural, molecular, and evolutionary insights, it advances our understanding of how these trees have come to dominate some of the harshest ecosystems on Earth," said study co-author Alexander Ivanov.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-incredible-resilience-of-conifers">Incredible resilience of conifers</h2>



<p>Conifers’ ability to adapt and thrive in severe conditions is a proof of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-are-in-big-trouble-and-scientists-are-sounding-the-alarm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nature's ingenuity</a>. Their unique photosynthetic strategies, refined over millennia, ensure their survival in environments where most plants would falter.</p>



<p>As researchers continue to explore these mechanisms, they uncover not only the secrets of these hardy evergreens but also pathways to address pressing challenges like climate change and food insecurity.</p>



<p>This festive season, as you admire the beauty of a Christmas tree, take a moment to appreciate the incredible resilience and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-trees-protect-their-genetic-diversity-for-millions-of-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolutionary brilliance</a> of conifers. </p>



<p>They are not just symbols of joy and celebration but also living proof of nature's ability to overcome adversity.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.cell.com/trends/plant-science/fulltext/S1360-1385(24)00300-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trends in Plant Science</a></em>.</p>



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



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



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



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

Christmas trees have unique strategies to survive harsh winters

As the holiday season approaches, homes worldwide are decorated with...

<p>Giant sloths once roamed across much of the Americas. Modern humans often picture sloths as slow animals clinging to tree branches, but their prehistoric relatives weighed more than 8,000 pounds and sometimes reacted aggressively if they felt threatened.<br><br>At the same time, ancient mastodons grazed across plains and wetlands, forming part of a landscape filled with towering mammals that would turn heads in any museum exhibit.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-humans-coexistence-with-sloths">Humans coexistence with sloths</h2>



<p>For many years, scientists believed that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/when-did-early-humans-first-start-wearing-clothes-and-why-parasites-lice/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">humans</a> set foot in the Americas around 13,000 years ago and rapidly hunted massive creatures like giant ground sloths and saber-toothed cats into extinction.</p>



<p>This theory, called <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6202698/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pleistocene overkill</a>, painted a picture of speedy destruction. </p>



<p>However, <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/383692589_Anthropogenic_modification_of_a_giant_ground_sloth_tooth_from_Brazil_supported_by_a_multi-disciplinary_approach" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">researchers</a> from different archaeological sites have recently suggested that people may have arrived much earlier and may have coexisted with these animals for thousands of years.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-footprints-in-new-mexico">Ancient footprints in New Mexico</h2>



<p><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34554787/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Daniel Odess</a>, an archaeologist at White Sands National Park in New Mexico, is among those revisiting the old timeline. </p>



<p>His team has analyzed evidence from footprints and geological layers that could date <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-humans-preferred-the-mountains-and-it-changed-our-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human presence</a> in North America to more than 20,000 years ago.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/giant-sloth_skeleton_coexisted-with-humans_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/giant-sloth_skeleton_coexisted-with-humans_1s.webp" alt="Giant Ground Sloth skeleton at the Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science. Credit: BMHNS" class="wp-image-1954670"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Giant Ground Sloth skeleton at the Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science. Credit: BMHNS</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>These footprints appear alongside the tracks of mammoths, giant ground sloths, and other ancient creatures. Some experts question why footprints remain but few other artifacts have turned up. </p>



<p>Yet the discovery suggests that humans spent many generations adapting to a dramatic environment, rather than simply arriving and wiping out large species in a short period.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sloth-fossils-reveal-human-presence">Sloth fossils reveal human presence</h2>



<p>Sloth fossils from <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/383692589_Anthropogenic_modification_of_a_giant_ground_sloth_tooth_from_Brazil_supported_by_a_multi-disciplinary_approach" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Santa Elina</a>, an archaeological site in central Brazil, have stirred fresh discussions about the timeline.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/383692589_Anthropogenic_modification_of_a_giant_ground_sloth_tooth_from_Brazil_supported_by_a_multi-disciplinary_approach" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Researchers</a> there have unearthed the fossilized remains of giant ground sloths that show signs of human handiwork. These prehistoric bones feature small holes and polished edges that differ from untouched remains.</p>



<p>“We believe it was intentionally altered and used by ancient people as jewelry or adornment,” said researcher <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mirian-Pacheco" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mírian Pacheco</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jewelry-from-fresh-bones">Jewelry from ‘fresh bones’</h2>



<p>One puzzle centered on whether this jewelry came from old fossils or from bones that were still fresh and relatively new. </p>



<p>Laboratory analysis suggests these <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Study-area-and-fossil-material-a-Map-of-the-location-of-the-tank-deposit-where-the_fig1_383692589" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sloth bones</a> were shaped and drilled not long after the animals died, hinting at a human presence in South America more than 25,000 years ago. </p>



<p>Some bones also show dark coloration. Early findings point to possible burning at campfires, though researchers continue to explore alternative explanations, such as chemical changes in the soil.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-debates-and-different-interpretations">Debates and different interpretations</h2>



<p>The site at Santa Elina is only one example among several that point to the idea of an older human presence in the Western Hemisphere. </p>



<p>In Chile, Monte Verde gained worldwide attention when stone tools and preserved vegetation were <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17773106/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dated to about 14,500 years ago</a>.<br><br><a href="https://www.arroyodelvizcaino.org/en/el-lugar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Uruguay’s Arroyo del Vizcaíno site</a> has yielded animal bones with possible cut marks that may date back 30,000 years. </p>



<p>Older dates consistently generate skepticism from some experts. People often ask whether there might be errors in dating techniques or whether non-human processes could explain the markings.<br><br>Scientists like Odess remain open to these critiques and emphasize that it takes time and multiple confirmations for a hypothesis to gain acceptance.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-living-among-ice-age-giants">Living among Ice Age giants</h2>



<p>As research grows, a new picture emerges of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-humans-felt-emotions-in-unusual-body-parts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">humans</a> who spent millennia wandering with mastodons, giant sloths, and other imposing animals. </p>



<p>Paleontologist <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Thais-Pansani-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thais Pansani</a> and her colleagues note that early campsites may have included hearths that left burn marks on large bones.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/american-mastodon_skeleton_coexisted-with-humans_1-1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/american-mastodon_skeleton_coexisted-with-humans_1s.webp" alt="Skeleton of an American mastodon, the elephant's Ice Age relative that went extinct around 13,000 years ago on display at the Natural History Museum in London. Credit: NHM London" class="wp-image-1954668"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Skeleton of an American mastodon, the elephant's Ice Age relative that went extinct around 13,000 years ago on display at the Natural History Museum in London. Credit: NHM London</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>These details give us a sense of daily life in a time when massive creatures ambled across landscapes quite different from modern farms and highways.</p>



<p>Although the popular view once held that people showed up and immediately caused extinctions, the latest findings propose a longer period of coexistence.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-shifts-disrupted-habitats">Climate shifts disrupted habitats</h2>



<p>If <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-oldest-wooden-structure-completely-rewrites-early-human-history/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">humans</a> arrived earlier, why didn’t they drive giant mammals to immediate extinction? Scientists have started to suggest a wider web of factors, including changes in climate. </p>



<p>When the Ice Age ended, shifting habitats may have disrupted food sources and water supplies for large herbivores and the predators that hunted them.</p>



<p>People may have contributed to the extinctions, but it appears that climate shifts played a role, too. The timing of events is still under scrutiny, and not every site’s data line up perfectly, but the story is growing more complex.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-in-dating-and-evidence">Challenges in dating and evidence</h2>



<p>Dating techniques rely on methods such as radiocarbon analysis of charcoal or bones, geological correlations, and DNA tests that reveal genetic timelines. </p>



<p>Each tool has strengths and weaknesses, so researchers weigh multiple approaches.<br><br>Unusual finds, like footprints without additional artifacts, make some archaeologists cautious. </p>



<p>Yet repeated patterns of evidence are shifting attitudes toward the possibility that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-humans-impacted-earth-than-previously-thought-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">humans</a> reached the Americas well before the traditional 13,000-year mark.</p>



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



<p>No single discovery will settle the debates. Instead, each new fossil sample and archaeological layer adds a piece to a changing puzzle. </p>



<p>Researchers continue to test bones, re-check radiocarbon dates, and compare footprints to the surrounding sediments. </p>



<p>Whether the first arrivals journeyed by land, sea, or both, many specialists agree that older dates are worth taking seriously.<br><br>Giant sloths, mastodons, saber-toothed cats, and even ancient horses likely shared vast grasslands and wetlands with humans, at least for a while. </p>



<p>Their interactions remain difficult to trace, but our understanding of the distant past grows richer as new investigations move forward.</p>



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



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



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



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

Discovery: Early humans in America coexisted with giant sloths and mastodons

Giant sloths once roamed across much of the Americas. Modern...

This,Man-made,Vehicle,Reached,A,Record,Speed,Of,635,Thousand

<p>NASA’s Parker Solar Probe is set to achieve its most dangerous feat yet tomorrow, December 24, 2024. After a six-year journey of spiraling closer to the star at the heart of our solar system, the spacecraft is expected to come within 3.8 million miles of the Sun’s surface. </p>



<p>This tiny distance in cosmic terms lets scientists capture a new type of information, revealing secrets about solar winds, extreme heat, and magnetic fields.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solar-probe-on-the-sun-s-doorstep">Solar probe on the Sun's doorstep</h2>



<p>Engineers have spent years carefully adjusting <a href="https://blogs.nasa.gov/parkersolarprobe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Parker’s flight path</a> using multiple Venus gravity assists. These flybys reshape the spacecraft’s orbit and tighten its looping path around the Sun.<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,” explained <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/people/dr-arik-posner/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arik Posner</a>, Parker Solar Probe program scientist at NASA Headquarters, describing this mission’s significance.</p>



<p>Ever since the launch in 2018, Parker’s main goal has been to study the Sun’s outer atmosphere, known as the corona. Tomorrow’s approach, often called <a href="https://cneos.jpl.nasa.gov/glossary/perihelion.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">perihelion</a>, marks a new milestone in that quest.<br><br>The probe moves at speeds around 430,000 miles per hour, faster than any other spacecraft. At such high velocity, it can swing around our star without getting swallowed.<br><br>Even so, mission managers won’t receive immediate updates once Parker hits its closest point because signals cannot travel through the intense solar environment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-heat-and-lasting-protection">Extreme heat and lasting protection</h2>



<p>What sets Parker apart is its resilient heat shield. This 4.5-inch-thick carbon-composite barrier enables the spacecraft’s instruments to continue functioning in an environment where temperatures can reach roughly 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit.<br><br>Despite the harsh surroundings, the precious science instruments remain near room temperature, thanks to expert engineering by Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (<a href="https://parkersolarprobe.jhuapl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">APL</a>).</p>



<p>During every close approach, Parker is pelted by gusts of solar wind and bathed in radiation. Still, it keeps sending back readings about magnetic fields, <a href="https://www.plasmacoalition.org/plasma_writeups/solar_plasmas.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plasma</a> behavior, and energetic <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">particles</a>.<br><br>The probe’s data illuminates reasons behind the corona’s blazing heat, which can climb into the millions of degrees, significantly hotter than the visible surface of the Sun. Such puzzling behavior has fascinated scientists for decades.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chasing-the-solar-wind-s-origins">Chasing the solar wind’s origins</h2>



<p>Solar wind, a stream of charged particles flowing away from the Sun at speeds topping one million miles per hour, plays a major role in <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/sun/what-is-the-solar-wind/">space weather</a>. </p>



<p>By skimming through the corona, Parker records fresh evidence of how these particles speed up and scatter across the solar system.<br><br>The answers may help experts forecast disturbances that affect satellites and astronaut safety. Surges of these charged particles can disable communication systems or even disrupt power grids on Earth.</p>



<p>For researchers, big questions remain. How does the <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/sun/what-is-the-solar-wind/">solar wind</a> pick up its pace so dramatically? Is there a specific region in the corona that triggers bursts of fast-moving particles? </p>



<p>Parker’s measurements bring us closer to unraveling these mysteries. Officials at NASA say that by tomorrow’s approach, new layers of data will help them see patterns not possible to detect from a greater distance.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solar-probe-and-the-sun-s-active-cycle">Solar probe and the Sun's active cycle</h2>



<p>The Sun moves through an 11-year activity cycle. Right now, it is in an active phase, meaning increased sunspots, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secondary-peak-extreme-geomagnetic-solar-storm-expected-today/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar flares</a>, and <a href="https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/phenomena/coronal-mass-ejections" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coronal mass ejections</a>. </p>



<p>Researchers are tracking not only Parker’s journey but also the Sun’s changing patterns. Sometimes these outbursts interact with Earth’s magnetosphere and spark colorful auroras, even in places unused to such displays.<br><br>And although most solar weather events are harmless for life on Earth, severe storms can interfere with GPS systems or satellites.</p>



<p>This is why Parker’s findings are so relevant. Gaining a better understanding of how energetic solar events begin could lead to timelier warnings, giving operators on Earth a heads-up to power down sensitive instruments or adjust satellite orbits.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-paying-tribute-to-eugene-parker">Paying tribute to Eugene Parker</h2>



<p>In 2017, NASA renamed the probe after <a href="https://news.uchicago.edu/story/eugene-parker-legendary-figure-solar-science-and-namesake-parker-solar-probe-1927-2022">Dr. Eugene N. Parker</a>, the first person to predict the solar wind in the 1950s. He introduced key ideas about how stars interact with their surroundings.<br><br>The mission’s name honors his influential work. Dr. Parker passed away in 2022, but his legacy continues. </p>



<p>The data this spacecraft is sending back not only expands knowledge of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tracing-solar-wind-directly-to-its-source-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar physics</a> but also shows how correct Dr. Parker’s early theories were.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-record-setting-solar-probe-flyby">Record-setting Solar Probe flyby</h2>



<p>Mission operations expect Parker to reach perihelion at 6:53 a.m. EST on December 24. </p>



<p>At that time, the spacecraft will run autonomously, and engineers at APL will wait until December 27 for a beacon tone confirming a safe passage around the Sun.<br><br>“No human-made object has ever passed this close to a star, so Parker will truly be returning data from uncharted territory. We’re excited to hear back from the spacecraft when it swings back around the Sun,” 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. </p>



<p>When that update arrives, scientists will study Parker’s recent measurements to identify potential clues about solar wind origins and coronal heating.<br><br>Each orbit is another chance to witness the scorching conditions near our star. At the same time, the probe helps refine predictions about solar eruptions that might drive future storms toward Earth.</p>



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



<p>Beyond the scientific breakthroughs, Parker’s success can have practical benefits for technology we rely on every day. Our society depends on GPS signals and stable power systems, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/team-creates-video-showing-the-sun-in-gamma-rays-over-a-14-year-period/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">major solar events</a> can disrupt both.<br><br>By learning how to anticipate strong solar winds or flares, experts might one day keep satellites out of harm’s way or shield power grids from unexpected surges.</p>



<p>Tomorrow’s close approach continues a streak of remarkable achievements for NASA. As Parker zips through the corona, it gathers observations that no other mission could obtain.<br><br>The craft appears ready for another sizzling pass, thanks to the robust thermal design and careful planning. </p>



<p>Whether it’s helping forecast solar tempers or refining our knowledge of basic astrophysical processes, Parker remains on track to change the way we see the Sun.</p>



<p>Learn more about <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/parker-solar-probe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA's Parker Solar Probe here...</a></p>



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



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



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



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

Spacecraft flew through the Sun's atmosphere today for the first time ever

NASA’s Parker Solar Probe is set to achieve its most...

<p>If all the world's a stage, and all the species merely players, then their exits and entrances can be found in the rock record. This poetic perspective highlights the continuous evolution and unfolding of life’s history, a narrative that is etched into fossils and the layers of sediment in which they are found.</p>



<p>A recent Virginia Tech analysis has now extended this narrative back to nearly 2 billion years ago, offering a more complete picture of life's origin, diversification, and extinction.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expanding-the-chart-of-life">Expanding the chart of life</h2>



<p>Fossil evidence has charted evolutionary milestones over the past half-billion years, but researchers have now pushed this timeline even further back.</p>



<p>The study, led by <a href="https://www.vt.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Virginia Tech</a> geobiologist Shuhai Xiao, expands our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discovery-evolution-not-random-gene-families-pangenome-influence-called-revolutionary/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">understanding of ancient life</a> to the Proterozoic Eon, which spans 2,500 million to 539 million years ago. </p>



<p>During this era, life forms were typically smaller and softer, such as sea sponges without mineral skeletons, which were less likely to leave fossil traces.</p>



<p>“This is the most comprehensive and up-to-date analysis of this period to date,” said Xiao. "And more importantly, we’ve used a graphic correlation program that allowed us to achieve greater temporal resolution.”</p>



<p>The team’s findings provide a high-resolution analysis of the global diversity and evolution of Proterozoic life. This chart now offers valuable insights into how life’s story played out during this vast period.</p>



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



<p>During the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rewrite-the-textbooks-life-on-earth-did-not-arise-due-to-increased-oxygen-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proterozoic eon</a>, which lasted from about 2.5 billion to 541 million years ago, life on Earth was mostly simple and microscopic. Imagine tiny single-celled organisms like bacteria and algae swimming in the oceans. </p>



<p>These early life forms played a huge role in shaping our planet. For example, they produced oxygen through photosynthesis, which gradually filled the atmosphere and made it possible for more complex life to develop later on. </p>



<p>Around the middle of the Proterozoic, more advanced cells called <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-oldest-organisms-ever-discovered-show-dazzling-diversity-and-complexity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eukaryotes</a> appeared. These cells are the building blocks of all plants and animals today, featuring a nucleus and other specialized structures inside them.</p>



<p>As the Proterozoic eon progressed, life started to get a bit more interesting. Towards the end of this time, some of these eukaryotic cells began to form simple multicellular organisms, laying the groundwork for the incredible diversity of life we see today. </p>



<p>Fossils from this era show the first signs of tiny colonies of cells and simple sea creatures. Even though life was still mostly confined to the oceans, these early innovations set the stage for the explosion of life that would happen in the next eon, the Phanerozoic.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-of-proterozoic-marine-eukaryotes">Evolution of proterozoic marine eukaryotes</h2>



<p>Xiao and his team studied the evolution of ancient marine eukaryotes, which are organisms with cells that have a nucleus. </p>



<p>These early eukaryotes were the ancestors of animals, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ferns-evolving-backward-a-new-look-at-the-evolution-of-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a>, and fungi, and thus they paved the way for complex life on Earth.</p>



<p>The researchers found that eukaryotes first appeared at least 1.8 billion years ago. For the next billion years, often called the "boring billion," not much changed.</p>



<p>Species evolved slowly, and diversity remained stable, with few new species emerging or old ones going extinct.</p>



<p>This calm period eventually ended as Earth experienced dramatic changes. Shifts in the environment and evolution then brought a surge in diversity and set the stage for the development of the complex ecosystems we know today.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-snowball-earth-s-impact-on-the-evolution-of-life">Snowball Earth's impact on the evolution of life</h2>



<p>Between 720 million and 635 million years ago, the planet experienced at least two severe ice ages, known as Snowball Earth events. These global glaciations plunged Earth into an icy grip, and reshaped <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-life-and-environment-co-evolved-over-500-million-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life’s trajectory</a>.</p>



<p>“The ice ages were a major factor that reset the evolutionary path in terms of diversity and dynamics,” Xiao explained. “We see rapid turnover of eukaryotic species immediately after glaciation. That’s a major finding.”</p>



<p>When the ice melted, evolutionary activity surged, marking the end of the “boring billion” and ushering in a more dynamic era of biodiversity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-questions-than-answers">More questions than answers</h2>



<p>The study on eukaryotic evolution raises important questions about how environmental and evolutionary forces influenced the development of life on Earth. </p>



<p>For instance, why did eukaryotic evolution remain so slow and stable during the "boring billion," a period marked by low species turnover?</p>



<p>What triggered the rapid evolutionary changes after the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/snowball-earth-event-set-the-stage-for-complex-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Snowball Earth events</a>, when the planet thawed from extreme glaciation?</p>



<p>Key factors under consideration include whether changes in climate and rising atmospheric oxygen levels played a role in accelerating evolution. </p>



<p>Additionally, scientists wonder whether competition and interactions among organisms created an "evolutionary arms race," that drove species to evolve faster. </p>



<p>According to Xiao, the team's findings create a foundation for future research. By analyzing the patterns revealed in this study, scientists can delve deeper into the complex relationship between Earth's changing environments and the evolution of life.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-perspective-on-the-evolution-of-life">New perspective on the evolution of life</h2>



<p>The study of proterozoic life enhances our understanding of how early eukaryotes - the ancestors of modern animals, plants, and fungi - evolved.</p>



<p>The research also reveals how living organisms and Earth’s environment influenced each other in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-evolution-was-shaped-by-environmental-crises-land-and-sea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">complex and interconnected ways</a> over billions of years.</p>



<p>By extending the timeline of life’s history, this research gives scientists a detailed framework to explore unanswered questions about Earth’s ancient past. It helps us see how events from billions of years ago shaped the planet and life as we know it today.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adm9137" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science</em></a>.</p>



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



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



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



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

Timeline of life’s evolution extended by nearly 1.5 billion years

If all the world's a stage, and all the species...

<p>The life and times of our ancient Scandinavian ancestors hold a captivating charm that invites us to explore the details of their daily lives.</p>



<p>What did these early farmers eat, and how did they prepare their meals? </p>



<p>Recent discoveries from a 5,500-year-old Neolithic settlement has shed light on their surprising culinary practices.</p>



<p>Findings such as grindstones and charred grain kernels offer a glimpse into the resourcefulness and ingenuity of the Funnel Beaker Culture, revealing not just their diets but also their relationship with the land and its wild resources.</p>



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



<p>Imagine large, flat stones that people would use to grind grains like wheat and barley into flour. These grindstones were essential for making bread and other staple foods, which helped communities settle down and develop agriculture. </p>



<p>They often had grooves or patterns carved into them to make the grinding process more efficient. People would place the grains on the grindstone and use a hand-held stone to crush them, turning raw seeds into something edible and nutritious.</p>



<p>Besides grinding grains, Neolithic grindstones also played a role in everyday life and social activities. They were often found in or near villages, showing how important food production was to these early communities. </p>



<p>Some grindstones were even decorated with carvings or symbols, indicating that they might have had cultural or ceremonial significance too. </p>



<p>By studying these ancient tools, archaeologists can learn a lot about the daily lives, diets, and technological advancements of our ancestors.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-grindestones-and-grain">Grindestones and grain</h2>



<p>Historians have unearthed an intriguing narrative from a settlement called Frydenlund, on the shores of Strandby Mark, southeast of Haarby on Funen.</p>



<p>The artifacts indicate that people from the Funnel Beaker Culture inhabited this settlement, which is remarkable for the fourteen grindstones that were discovered there.</p>



<p>In addition to these, over 5,000 charred grain kernels, including naked <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/barley-was-bred-for-exceptional-qualities-back-in-the-19th-century/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">barley</a>, emmer wheat, and durum wheat, were also found.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scandinavian-grinding-stones">Scandinavian grinding stones</h2>



<p>One might easily conclude that our ancestors ground these grains into flour for baking <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-bread-wheat-gave-rise-to-civilization/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bread</a> -- a common presumption when one stumbles upon grindstones.</p>



<p>But, as it turns out, our ancestors had different culinary preferences!</p>



<p>As a research team from Denmark, Germany, and Spain discovered, cereals were not the being pulverized on these grindstones.</p>



<p>Upon analyzing mineral plant remains (phytoliths) and starch grains on the stones, the researchers found no evidence of cereals being ground. Instead, the starch grains identified came from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/billions-of-people-depend-on-wild-plant-and-animal-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wild plants</a>.</p>



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



<p>"We have not identified the plants the starch grains originate from. We have merely ruled out the most obvious candidates – namely the cereals found at the settlement, which were not ground, as well as various collected species, including hazelnuts," says archaeobotanist Dr. Welmoed Out from <a href="https://www.moesgaardmuseum.dk/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moesgaard Museum</a>.</p>



<p>So what were the grinding stones used for? </p>



<p>While the exact interpretation still remains up for debate, scientists have ruled out the possibility that they were used for grinding grain. </p>



<p>The stones lack clear marks from the pushing movements typically associated with this process.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-porridge-tale">A porridge tale</h2>



<p>According to senior researcher Dr. Niels H. Andersen, also from Moesgaard Museum, the grindstones were struck with pestles made of stone, much like crushing in a mortar.</p>



<p>This technique emerged 500 years later and was more suited to preparing gruel or porridge from grains, rather than baking bread.</p>



<p>The research conducted by scientists from Moesgaard Museum and <a href="https://international.au.dk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aarhus University</a> in Denmark, in collaboration with scientists from <a href="https://www.uni-kiel.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kiel University</a> in Germany and the Spanish National Research Council (<a href="https://www.csic.es/en/csic" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IMF-CSIC</a>) in Barcelona, supports a hypothesis proposed by other archaeologists.</p>



<p>The first farmers of Northern Europe likely survived on water and gruel, along with berries, nuts, roots, and meat.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-thirst-for-historical-accuracy">A thirst for historical accuracy</h2>



<p>"And yes, they likely drank water," adds Andersen. </p>



<p>Despite popular belief, there are no definitive traces of beer brewing in Denmark before the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/evidence-of-drug-use-found-during-bronze-age-ceremonies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bronze Age</a>. Yet, researchers caution against applying these findings universally. </p>



<p>"This study only involves one settlement. While it supports other findings from the Funnel Beaker Culture, we cannot rule out the possibility of different results emerging when this method is applied to finds from other excavations," Andersen concluded.</p>



<p>As contemporary explorers of ancient worlds, we're left fascinated by these delicious glimpses into our past. </p>



<p>The next time you enjoy a hearty bowl of gruel or porridge, remember the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stone-age-diet-deer-and-trout-were-on-the-menu-10000-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ancient Scandinavian</a> farmers who might have savored a similar meal, millennia ago.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scandinavian-farmers-and-their-connection-to-nature">Scandinavian farmers and their connection to nature</h2>



<p>The findings from the Frydenlund settlement also highlight the deep connection between ancient Scandinavian farmers and their natural surroundings. </p>



<p>By prioritizing wild plants and natural resources, these early settlers demonstrated an intricate understanding of their environment. </p>



<p>The absence of cereal residues on grindstones, despite the abundance of charred grains, suggests that wild plants may have played a central role in their diet.</p>



<p>This reliance on natural resources extended beyond sustenance. It shaped their tools, agricultural practices, and perhaps even cultural rituals. </p>



<p>The use of grindstones for purposes other than grain grinding hints at a flexible and adaptive approach to food preparation, relying on what was seasonally and locally available.</p>



<p>These findings challenge the modern assumption that early farmers in Northern Europe followed a grain-heavy diet. </p>



<p>Instead, their culinary practices reflected a harmonious balance between cultivation and foraging, bridging the gap between agricultural innovation and traditional hunter-gatherer methods.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00334-024-01020-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vegetation History and Archaeobotany</a></em>.</p>



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



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



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



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

Discovering the diet of farmers who lived 5,500 years ago

The life and times of our ancient Scandinavian ancestors hold...

<p>Coastlines face growing threats as climate change accelerates. Research from the <a href="https://www.upei.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Prince Edward Island</a> warns that warming waters, ocean acidification, sea-level rise, and erratic rainfall are driving coastal ecosystems toward irreversible changes.</p>



<p>Critical habitats like mangroves, coral reefs, and wetlands, which protect against storms and support fisheries, are at risk of steep decline. </p>



<p>Global data reveals that heatwaves, shifting storm patterns, and disrupted river flows are pushing these ecosystems to the brink, threatening their stability and identity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-temperatures-and-coastal-climate">Rising temperatures and coastal climate</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-temperatures-increase-scientists-plan-slow-down-rising-heat/">Higher temperatures</a> mean higher stress. As seas warm, natural balance falters. Species that once thrived in certain temperature ranges must adapt or vanish. </p>



<p>Recent ocean heat records have shown that key habitats are changing in ways that scientists never expected.</p>



<p>This new study is not alone in raising concerns. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (<a href="https://www.ipcc.ch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IPCC</a>) says there is “high confidence” that ocean warming and coastal habitat breakdown threaten marine biodiversity and human communities.</p>



<p>Short-term gains for warm-water species do not outweigh mass declines of sensitive ones. This reshuffling may lead to lower diversity and a loss of fisheries that many communities need.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-seas-submerged-shores">Rising seas, submerged shores</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-level-rise-will-cost-coastal-cities-over-1-trillion-in-damages/">As sea levels creep higher</a>, low-lying areas flood and coastal wetlands shrink. Some species can keep up by building new soil or shifting inland, but not all have room to move.</p>



<p>Once a marsh, reef, or mangrove forest loses its foothold, it may never return. This problem multiplies where development blocks inland migration. </p>



<p>Scientists note that without major emission reductions, sea-level rise could accelerate even more, forcing expensive decisions about what to protect and what to abandon.</p>



<p>Over time, this could transform coastlines from productive wetlands and beaches to less diverse environments, putting people at risk from storms and erosion.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-acidification-and-brittle-defenses">Ocean acidification and brittle defenses</h2>



<p>Oceans absorb <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-based-carbon-dioxide-removal-may-not-be-effective/">carbon dioxide</a>, becoming more acidic and making it harder for shellfish, corals, and some plankton to grow. Weakening these creatures means less food for predators and fewer stable habitats.</p>



<p>Laboratory work and field studies show that corals already struggle with bleaching and diseases when seas heat. Acidified waters add another layer of stress by reducing their ability to build and maintain reef structures.</p>



<p>According to the <a href="https://www.pewtrusts.org/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pew Charitable Trusts</a>, “unless global climate change is curbed, some of the world’s most productive coastal habitats could be irreversibly transformed.” </p>



<p>This spells trouble for communities relying on reefs for coastal protection, tourism, and sustenance.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unpredictable-rain-and-freshwater-flows">Unpredictable rain and freshwater flows</h2>



<p>As climate patterns shift, certain regions see intense rains and floods while others endure droughts. Changing water flows alter salinity and nutrient patterns that shape estuaries and wetlands.</p>



<p>Erratic flows harm sensitive species that depend on steady conditions to breed or feed. Shifts in river outputs can spark harmful algae blooms or flush away nursery grounds.</p>



<p>Reduced freshwater may transform once-thriving marshes into saltier, less hospitable places. Over time, this can weaken fisheries and water quality, leaving local communities grappling with higher costs and fewer natural resources.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-shift-and-coastal-currents">Climate shift and coastal currents</h2>



<p>With more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hurricanes-will-increase-in-frequency-on-the-gulf-coast/">intense hurricanes</a> and unexpected winds, coastal habitats must work harder to recover from pounding waves and scoured seabeds.</p>



<p>Extreme storms can break coral skeletons, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drowning-mangroves-climate-change-is-pushing-nature-past-its-limits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">uproot mangroves</a>, and bury seagrasses under sediment. </p>



<p><a href="https://www.noaa.gov/climate" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NOAA</a> notes that “coastal ecosystems are on the frontline of climate change, with rising seas, warming waters, and coastal acidification already impacting fisheries, wetlands, and coral reefs.”</p>



<p>If protective habitats vanish, shorelines will feel the full brunt of storms. Altered ocean currents and changed upwelling patterns can also redirect nutrient flows, starve certain zones of essential ingredients, and shift fish stocks away from regions that depend on them.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adding-local-fuel-to-the-fire">Adding local fuel to the fire</h2>



<p>Coastal development, runoff, and unsustainable fishing make climate problems worse. By degrading water quality, removing natural buffers, and altering sediment flows, human actions reduce the resilience of coastal habitats.</p>



<p><a href="https://files.worldwildlife.org/wwfcmsprod/files/Publication/file/5dqysd8gh6_Living_Blue_Planet_Report_2015_Final_LR.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WWF’s Living Blue Planet report</a> states that “climate change is affecting coastal systems at all levels -- from coral reefs to Arctic ice-edge zones -- and urgent action is needed to preserve these essential ecosystems.”</p>



<p>When layered on top of warming, acidification, and sea-level rise, these local pressures lock ecosystems into downward spirals.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-stronger-communities">Building stronger communities</h2>



<p>These findings point to the need for bold, informed decisions. By understanding where and how climate stressors strike hardest, leaders can plan better coastal defenses and shape responsible policies.</p>



<p>Restoration efforts that maintain and reconnect habitats can buffer waves, store carbon, and supply food. Protecting key species that hold communities together means healthier fisheries, more stable economies, and cleaner coastlines.</p>



<p>Local managers can use this information to adjust fishing rules, safeguard migration corridors, and support projects that enhance water quality.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-call-for-climate-coastal-action">A call for climate coastal action</h2>



<p>Halting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenhouse-gas-emissions-reach-another-all-time-high/">greenhouse gas emissions</a> is a big step. Reducing local stress -- like runoff and destructive construction -- helps too. </p>



<p>Many places already experiment with restoring marshes, planting mangroves, or opening fish passages in tidal zones. These steps buy time and boost resilience, but they are not a substitute for cutting emissions.</p>



<p>To keep vital resources intact, global and local efforts must move together. The sooner we make changes, the better our odds of passing on healthy coastal ecosystems to future generations.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/2752-5295/ad9f90" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Research Climate</a></em>.</p>



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



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



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



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

New climate warning could reshape how we see our shores and coastal areas

Coastlines face growing threats as climate change accelerates. Research from...

<p>An alarming new study has revealed that Earth’s major carbon sinks are nearing their limits, signaling that natural processes may soon be unable to compensate for rising greenhouse gas emissions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to research published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.34133/ehs.0278" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Ecosystem Health and Sustainability</em></a>, the world’s terrestrial carbon absorption capacity has diminished sharply, challenging the very foundation of current climate mitigation strategies.</p>



<p>The findings center on gross primary productivity (GPP), a vital indicator of how quickly plants can fix carbon dioxide (CO₂) through <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-foundation-of-life-is-at-risk-from-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photosynthesis</a>. By analyzing multiple datasets spanning 1982 to 2016, scientists discovered a marked decrease in GPP across more than two-thirds of Earth’s land surfaces.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This phenomenon underscores the fragility of the natural systems on which humanity relies to offset global warming.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-functioning-of-natural-carbon-sinks">Functioning of natural carbon sinks </h2>



<p>Gross primary productivity reflects the carbon intake capabilities of plants, making it central to the functioning of natural carbon sinks such as forests and soils. These sinks serve as buffers, capturing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/concrete-becoming-great-carbon-sink-capturing-storing-co2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">significant portions</a> of human-produced CO₂. </p>



<p>However, if they lose effectiveness, atmospheric carbon levels will inevitably climb faster, intensifying climate change and diminishing plant growth.</p>



<p>Researchers divided their analysis into two periods - 1982–1999 and 2000–2016 - to investigate how GPP has evolved over time.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Although some stabilization was observed in the earlier time frame, the latter period displayed a marked decline in GPP.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Employing advanced statistical techniques, including the optimal-fingerprint approach often used in climate studies, the team identified key drivers behind these shifts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-slowdown-of-the-co₂-fertilization-effect">Slowdown of the CO₂ fertilization effect</h2>



<p>A central finding from the study highlights the decreasing impact of the CO₂ fertilization effect - the phenomenon where higher CO₂ concentrations stimulate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predicting-how-climate-change-will-alter-plant-growth-cycles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant growth</a>. Once seen as a potential counterbalance to emissions, this effect now appears less potent.</p>



<p>“The decline in the CO₂ fertilization effect is suggested to be the main driver accounting for the slowing-down of global GPP trends,” explained Songhan Wang, a researcher at <a href="https://english.njau.edu.cn/mainm.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nanjing Agricultural University</a> and the study’s lead author.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Although it still has positive effects, the impact of rising CO₂ on GPP on a global scale fell by about one-half from 2000 onwards compared to its impact in 1982–1999.”</p>



<p>Scientists point to nutrient constraints in soils and leaves as a likely reason for this slowdown. Without sufficient nutrients, plants cannot fully capitalize on the surplus CO₂ in the atmosphere.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diminishing-capacity-of-carbon-sinks">Diminishing capacity of carbon sinks</h2>



<p>This research suggests that natural ecosystems - forests, grasslands, and other vegetation - are approaching a saturation point. Once they reach it, these habitats will no longer be able to compensate for anthropogenic emissions, potentially triggering an acceleration in global warming.</p>



<p>It also raises concerns about the feasibility of existing climate strategies. Many proposals aiming to cap temperature increases at 2℃ (a key goal of the Paris Agreement) heavily rely on terrestrial carbon sinks to balance emission trajectories. If carbon sinks can no longer perform this role effectively, a crucial pillar of climate policy is at risk.</p>



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



<p>The study’s findings intensify calls for swift and comprehensive action to reduce <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-carbon-dioxide-emissions-hit-a-record-high-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gas emissions</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While protecting and restoring ecosystems remains indispensable, a reliance on nature’s carbon-storage capacity alone may be insufficient if that capacity continues to weaken.</p>



<p>To safeguard the planet’s resilience, scientists emphasize the need to shift toward low-carbon technologies, adopt sustainable land management practices, and investigate novel carbon-capture methods.&nbsp;</p>



<p>They also advocate for more robust long-term studies to clarify how local soil properties, water availability, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-climate-change-and-biodiversity-loss-are-one-indivisible-global-health-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a> influence plant growth rates and carbon absorption capabilities.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-warning-for-policymakers">A warning for policymakers</h2>



<p>The research underscores a critical turning point in the fight against climate change. With rising global temperatures already causing extreme weather events, melting ice sheets, and other serious impacts, a drop in GPP exacerbates these issues by reducing the natural systems’ ability to counteract emissions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Governments, industries, and societies must now accelerate their decarbonization efforts to avoid deeper climate disruptions.</p>



<p>This work implies that relying on the world’s forests and soils to mop up our emissions is becoming less reliable. Mitigating climate change by reducing carbon outputs is more essential than ever if we hope to maintain a stable climate and meet the 2℃ target.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-irreversible-environmental-damage-nbsp">Irreversible environmental damage&nbsp;</h2>



<p>By revealing that most of Earth’s surface is witnessing a decrease in plant productivity, this study confronts humanity with a stark reality: pushing Earth’s natural systems to their breaking points could lead to irreversible environmental damage.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The dismantling of the CO₂ fertilization effect underscores how intricately balanced and sensitive the global climate truly is.</p>



<p>Ultimately, safeguarding terrestrial carbon sinks demands a multi-pronged strategy - reducing emissions, protecting ecosystems from deforestation and degradation, and improving our scientific understanding of how nature’s complex feedbacks operate in a warming world.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As this newest research shows, halting climate change requires more than hopeful reliance on Earth’s greenery: it necessitates immediate, transformative change at every level of society.</p>



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



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



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



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

Earth’s carbon sinks are being pushed to their limits

An alarming new study has revealed that Earth’s major carbon...

<p>In the vast, featureless expanse of the open ocean, sardines rely on their collective behavior to survive against predators such as the striped marlin.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A recent study, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s42003-024-07267-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Communications Biology</em></a>, has delved into the predator-prey interactions between sardine shoals (<em>Sardinops sagax caerulea</em>) and striped marlins (<em>Kajikia audax</em>).</p>



<p>The research uncovers how sardines use self-organized maneuvers to evade predators - and how predators exploit these strategies.</p>



<p>The study was conducted by a team of scientists from the <a href="https://www.scienceofintelligence.de/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cluster of Excellence “Science of Intelligence” (SCIoI)</a>, <a href="https://www.hu-berlin.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin</a>, the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), and the University of Cambridge.</p>



<p>The team utilized computational modeling and aerial video footage to analyze these behaviors.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sardine-survival-strategy-the-fountain-effect-nbsp">Sardine survival strategy: The “fountain effect”&nbsp;</h2>



<p>One of the most striking maneuvers observed during attacks is the “fountain effect.” This collective response emerges when a sardine shoal splits into two subgroups, creating an arched trajectory around the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-predator-found-in-one-of-the-deepest-parts-of-the-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">predator</a> before rejoining behind it. </p>



<p>This pattern is an effective defensive mechanism that helps sardines outmaneuver faster, less agile predators.</p>



<p>The fountain effect not only allows prey to evade attacks but also enables the separated subgroups to reunite, preserving the benefits of group cohesion.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to the experts, the fountain effect helps slower-moving prey to outmaneuver the fast but less maneuverable predator. This also allows the separated subgroups to rejoin after the attack - retaining the benefits of belonging to a larger group - and to be fully prepared for the next attack.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sardines-maximizing-their-survival-chances">Sardines maximizing their survival chances</h2>



<p>Despite its advantages, the fountain effect comes with trade-offs. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/japanese-sardines-may-be-signaling-major-shifts-in-the-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sardines</a> face a balance between distancing themselves from the predator and minimizing the time it takes to regroup. </p>



<p>The researchers’ simulations revealed that the optimal “prey-fleeing angle” is 30 degrees, which maximizes survival chances but increases the time required for the shoal to recover its cohesion.</p>



<p>Lead researcher Palina Bartashevich is an expert in collective behavior at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Using agent-based computer simulations, we discovered that there is an optimal ‘prey-fleeing angle’ of 30°, which not only produces a fountain-like pattern at the collective level but also maximizes individual survival chances independent of the attack direction,” explained Bartashevich.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>“But we also showed that this comes at a cost: the group takes longer to recover after an attack.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-marlins-work-around-the-sardines-strategy">Marlins work around the sardines’ strategy</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/striped-marlin-demonstrate-the-advantages-of-group-hunting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Striped marlins</a> capitalize on this delay by attacking from the sides, a strategy that disrupts the group’s cohesion and isolates individual prey. </p>



<p>The study confirmed that side attacks were the most effective for marlins, as they increase the time it takes for the group to reassemble.</p>



<p>The researchers observed distinct differences in sardine behavior based on the direction of the marlins’ attacks. Side attacks often triggered the fountain effect, causing the shoal to split and regroup.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Conversely, back attacks led to more cohesive evasive movements, with the entire group fleeing in a single direction rather than splitting.</p>



<p>“With our predator-prey computer model, we were able to predict that if the prey in the group uses the mentioned optimal fleeing angle of 30°, predators are more effective in attacking from the side of the school,” Bartashevich explained.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“That’s because attacking from the sides represents the best compromise between getting close to the prey and increasing their splitting time, making it an efficient strategy for a predator balancing both objectives at the same time.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-constant-battle-between-predator-and-prey">Constant battle between predator and prey</h2>



<p>The study highlights the dynamic and adaptive nature of predator-prey interactions. Sardines use collective behaviors to enhance their chances of survival, while marlins refine their hunting techniques to counter these defenses. This ongoing evolutionary arms race underscores the complexity of life in the ocean’s open waters.</p>



<p>By combining computational modeling with real-world observations, the researchers were able to provide new insights into the strategies used by both predators and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/largest-predator-prey-feast-ever-seen-in-the-ocean-enormous-quickly-altered-food-chain/">prey</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Our simulations, as explained above, provide a plausible explanation as to why the prevalence of both side and back attack directions and the observed prey response can be the case, suggesting that there is an ongoing arm wrestle between predators and prey in the strategies they use to improve their own success at the expense of the other,” Bartashevich concluded.</p>



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



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



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



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

Dance of survival: How sardines outsmart striped marlins in the open ocean

In the vast, featureless expanse of the open ocean, sardines...

<p>The energy world is always on the lookout for new ways to store and deliver electricity. Amid these efforts, one idea for a new energy source has gathered interest: converting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/technological-leap-turns-carbon-dioxide-co2-into-methanol-fuel/">methanol into power</a>.</p>



<p>Some think this approach may help balance out renewable sources, as methanol is liquid at everyday temperatures and simpler to handle than certain other fuels. </p>



<p>Others see it as a detour, wondering why we should bother with a route that still lags behind proven renewables.</p>



<p>The latest <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0959652624039507?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research</a> investigates these concerns with fresh eyes, and compares several methanol-to-power setups in terms of their efficiency, economic hits, and overall ecological footprints. </p>



<p>There are some sobering numbers that come to light as a result of the researchers' analyses.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-methanol-and-energy-efficiency">Methanol and energy efficiency</h2>



<p>The marketplace already demands smart, stable power solutions that do not cost an arm and a leg. </p>



<p>Renewables, like solar and wind, have dropped in price and offer steady competition. Against that backdrop, methanol conversion systems <a href="https://www.iea.org/reports/world-energy-outlook-2023" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">struggle</a> to stack up.</p>



<p>Recent power-to-methanol <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/382292385_Comparative_evaluation_of_the_power-to-methanol_process_configurations_and_assessment_of_process_flexibility" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research</a> also notes that current production techniques are not cheap.</p>



<p>One <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212982024000933" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> that modeled a power-to-methanol approach using proton-conducting high temperature electrolyzers found that the final methanol price would soar more than four times above standard market levels.</p>



<p>Although new methods and better scaling might improve the math down the line, today’s numbers are not warm and fuzzy.</p>



<p>Some argue that cost hurdles could ease if methanol prices tumble. Models suggest that cutting methanol’s cost by a decent chunk could align the price of electricity from these routes more closely with other, established renewable options. But that is a big ask.</p>



<p>The complexity of producing renewable methanol and the capital needed for advanced equipment do not vanish overnight.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-new-directions-and-routes">Exploring new directions and routes</h2>



<p>Techno-economic assessments do not come down to just one scenario. Other research groups have tried weaving in carbon capture, shifting their focus to integrated units that pull <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-moisture-swing-carbon-capture-tech-sucks-co2-straight-from-the-air/">CO<sub>2</sub> straight</a> in and turn it into methanol or alternative fuels.</p>



<p>One <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212982024002142" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">team</a> compared methanol production to synthetic natural gas (SNG), noting that while you can trim net emissions, the gains still hinge on careful heat integration and smart process design. </p>



<p>Even in these advanced setups, the bottom line favors large-scale adoption only if significant tweaks slash production costs and tighten the supply chain.</p>



<p>Another angle involves making methanol from renewable hydrogen and captured CO<sub>2</sub>. This trick sounds promising because it ties in nicely with the green energy initiative. </p>



<p><a href="https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2019/ee/c8ee01157e" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Studies</a> show that feeding in cleaner hydrogen from sources like high-temperature electrolyzers might help.</p>



<p>Some tests feature proton-conducting membranes to boost efficiency and produce dry hydrogen straight from water at about 650 °F (340°C). </p>



<p>Although this can increase conversion rates and streamline downstream processes, scaling up remains a major sticking point.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-twists-and-turns">Environmental twists and turns</h2>



<p>The climate angle cannot be ignored. Methanol production and use create carbon emissions unless linked to renewable feeds. </p>



<p>If methanol comes from processes powered by clean electricity and captured CO<sub>2</sub>, its climate scorecard improves a lot.</p>



<p>In some integrated setups, the net greenhouse gas footprint shrinks, and fossil fuel depletion takes a hit too. Although certain routes <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306261920311211" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">promise</a> decent carbon cuts, achieving real decarbonization calls for cleaner upstream sources.</p>



<p>Without them, it is just shifting numbers around on a spreadsheet and not delivering a real decrease in emissions.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-market-realities-of-methanol-energy">Market realities of methanol energy</h2>



<p>Markets evolve based on policies, subsidies, consumer choices, and unpredictable events. Methanol-to-power might find its footing in unique situations. </p>



<p>Some users might want a flexible liquid that can power smaller installations, mobile units, or serve as backup energy.</p>



<p>Others might see value in integrating methanol production with local industries to tap into shared infrastructure. But broad, everyday use at competitive prices remains out of reach right now.</p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0959652624039507" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> concluded that although existing methanol-to-power pathways are currently not cost-competitive, their potential can be greatly enhanced through targeted cost reductions, advances in technology, and the incorporation of renewable methanol production.</p>



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



<p>As the world chases solutions to meet emissions targets and stabilize <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-worlds-renewable-energy-capacity-will-take-a-record-leap-this-year/">energy supplies</a>, many ideas pop up, and methanol-to-power is one of them. But interest alone does not guarantee success.</p>



<p>This recent work, along with parallel studies, sends a strong message: methanol may hold potential in some corners, but plenty of stumbling blocks remain.</p>



<p>Until engineers and entrepreneurs can tame the costs, improve efficiencies, and secure cleaner inputs, methanol’s energy promise may remain an ambitious vision rather than a real game-changer.</p>



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



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



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



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

Is methanol the next green power player in the hunt for clean energy?

The energy world is always on the lookout for new...

<p>With the winter holidays upon us, 28% of Americans say they are experiencing more stress related to the holiday season than they did last year, according to new findings from the American Psychiatric Association (APA).&nbsp;</p>



<p>While the specific causes of this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stress-eats-away-our-brains-cognitive-defenses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stress</a> vary, three stood out in particular: 46% of respondents are anxious about affording holiday gifts, 47% mention grieving a loss or missing someone, and 35% highlight challenging <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/parent-children-relationships-are-key-to-lifelong-well-being/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">family relationships</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-happy-and-hectic-time">A happy and hectic time</h2>



<p>“The holiday season can be both a happy and stressful time of year in part due to expectations to spend time with family and friends, navigate family conflicts and uphold important traditions,” said Dr. Arthur C. Evans Jr,, APA’s chief executive officer.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“At this hectic time of year, it is important that people take care of their mental health, especially in communities whose members feel disproportionately burdened or excluded from what is traditionally considered the holiday season.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stress-caused-by-financial-worries-and-politics-nbsp">Stress caused by financial worries and politics&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Financial worries appear especially pronounced among younger adults. More than half of those aged 18 to 34 (54%) reported being “very” or “somewhat” concerned about the cost of presents, compared to 38% of adults aged 65 and older.</p>



<p>Despite the fact that 2024 is an election year, only 23% of respondents expressed unease about talking politics or current events with family - mirroring the percentage from 2023.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Opinions split along party lines: 30% of Democrats voiced concern about political discussions at holiday gatherings, while 21% of Republicans and 17% of Independents felt the same. </p>



<p>The APA <a href="https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/apa-public-opinion-polls" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Healthy Minds Monthly Poll</a> was conducted by <a href="https://morningconsult.com/?ref=brandata.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Morning Consult</a> on November 16–17, 2024, with 2,201 adults taking part.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-holiday-stress-is-normal">Holiday stress is normal</h2>



<p>“Although there are several different holidays we celebrate in December, many of us share the same <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fear-and-anxiety-the-mental-health-impacts-of-wildfires/">anxiety</a> and excitement about preparing for them,” said APA President Ramaswamy Viswanathan.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Holiday stress is normal, and as psychiatrists, we understand that the social determinants of mental health can and do influence the experience of the winter holidays.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mixed-bag-of-emotions">Mixed bag of emotions</h2>



<p>The poll also reveals moments of positivity during the holidays. Specifically:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>41% of the participants said they anticipate seeing family and friends</li>



<li>24% look forward to enjoying good food</li>



<li>8% plan to take time off</li>



<li>8% are excited about giving and receiving gifts</li>
</ul>



<p>This survey marks the APA’s fourth consecutive year examining holiday-related mental health. Over time, affording gifts and meals have consistently ranked among the top concerns.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Thirty-six percent of respondents reported feeling “very anxious” or “somewhat anxious” about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-19-lockdowns-weakened-our-immune-systems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COVID-19</a> this year - a 3% rise from 2023 - marking the second straight year of growing pandemic-related worries.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reducing-the-strain-of-holiday-expectations-nbsp">Reducing the strain of holiday expectations&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Marketa M. Wills, APA CEO and Medical Director, highlights the importance of focusing on the deeper meaning of the holidays - spending quality time with loved ones.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“For many, the holidays bring about mixed feelings, from joy to worry to grief,” said Wills.</p>



<p>“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mental-health-crisis-half-of-the-worlds-population-will-be-affected-by-age-75/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mental health</a> is often tested over the winter holidays and it’s important to remember that although finding the perfect gift or preparing the favorite feast is gratifying, we can find meaning in the season by spending time with the people who mean the most to us.”</p>



<p>Human connection provides a sense of belonging and emotional support, which can help alleviate the strain of holiday expectations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-true-meaning-of-the-holidays">The true meaning of the holidays</h2>



<p>Dr. Evans noted that, even though the holidays may increase stress levels, they can also be an opportunity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Psychological science tells us that setting aside time to strengthen our relationships and engage in traditions can benefit our physical, mental and emotional well-being, which can prepare us to better manage stress year-round,” said Evans.</p>



<p>Whether through heartfelt conversations, shared traditions, or simply being present, nurturing these relationships reminds us that the true value of the holiday season lies in the bonds we share, not in the material aspects of celebration.</p>



<p>Ultimately, prioritizing meaningful connections over perfection in our holiday plans can lead to a more fulfilling experience.</p>



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



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



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



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

Holiday stress is higher this year compared to 2023

With the winter holidays upon us, 28% of Americans say...

<p>A recent study from Colorado State University (CSU) provides compelling evidence that climate change can influence the frequency of earthquakes. The research adds to a growing body of work suggesting that shifts in climate can directly impact the seismic cycle.</p>



<p>The study focused on the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in southern Colorado, where an active fault runs along the western edge of the range. Researchers discovered that during the last ice age, the weight of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/over-half-of-the-worlds-glaciers-could-disappear-by-2100/">glaciers</a> suppressed fault activity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, as the ice melted, the fault experienced increased slip, indicating that earthquake activity along such faults could rise in response to glacial retreat.</p>



<p>“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-earth-energy-imbalance-temperature-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate change</a> is happening at a rate that is orders of magnitude faster than we see in the geologic record,” said first author Cece Hurtado, who conducted the study as part of her master’s thesis at <a href="https://www.colostate.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colorado State University</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We see this in the rapid mountain glacial retreats in Alaska, the Himalayas and the Alps. In many of these regions, there are also active tectonics, and this work demonstrates that as climate change alters ice and water loads, tectonically active areas might see more frequent fault movements and earthquakes due to rapidly changing stress conditions."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-linking-climate-and-earthquake-activity">Linking climate and earthquake activity</h2>



<p>While it’s well established that tectonic changes influence climate - for example, through mountain uplift altering atmospheric circulation and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rainfall-is-increasingly-unpredictable-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rainfall</a> - research linking climate shifts to tectonic activity is still rare.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The CSU study is among the few that show how climate change can directly impact seismic processes.</p>



<p>“We’ve been able to model these processes for a while, but it’s hard to find examples in nature,” said Sean Gallen, an associate professor of geosciences at CSU and the senior author of the study. “This is compelling evidence. It suggests that the atmosphere and the solid Earth have tight connections that we can measure in the field.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-closer-look-at-the-sangre-de-cristo-fault">A closer look at the Sangre de Cristo fault</h2>



<p>The Sangre de Cristo Mountains, once blanketed by glaciers during the last ice age, provided an ideal setting for studying the relationship between glacial retreat and fault activity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Using remote sensing and field data, researchers reconstructed the extent of ancient glaciers and calculated the weight these ice masses exerted on the fault. They then measured how much the fault had displaced over time.</p>



<p>The analysis revealed that fault slip rates have been five times faster since the glaciers melted compared to the period when the region was glaciated. This acceleration suggests that as the glaciers melted, the fault experienced a “rebound,” catching up to the background tectonic rate of movement.</p>



<p>“It’s basically like a small lever that’s tweaking the rate at which the fault moves, but that long-term rate is set by the background rate of the tectonic processes,” Gallen explained.</p>



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



<p>The findings have significant implications for understanding what drives earthquake activity and for assessing seismic risks in areas experiencing rapid glacial retreat or significant water loss.</p>



<p>“This work implies that the repeat time isn’t necessarily going to be periodic,” Gallen said. “You can have periods of time where you have a bunch of earthquakes in quick succession and a lot of time where you don’t have any <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earthquakes-have-long-lasting-impacts-on-forests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">earthquakes</a>.”</p>



<p>The study’s results may help refine models used to reconstruct prehistoric seismic records and estimate the recurrence intervals of active faults. By factoring in hydrologic processes, such as glacial retreat, over geologic time, seismologists can improve hazard assessments for tectonically active regions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glacial-retreat-and-earthquake-activity">Glacial retreat and earthquake activity </h2>



<p>The research was grounded in a public database of high-resolution elevation data, which served as the foundation for understanding the fault’s displacement.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Hurtado and Gallen also conducted field surveys using high-precision GPS instruments to supplement the elevation data and measure fault displacement. The timing of fault movement was determined based on the age of sediment deposits near the fault.</p>



<p>The researchers noted that the Sangre de Cristo Mountains offered a unique opportunity to study the interplay between glacial retreat and tectonics. The range is part of the Rio Grande rift, which has a known background slip rate, providing a baseline for comparison.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-s-climate-and-tectonic-systems">Earth’s climate and tectonic systems</h2>



<p>As glaciers continue to retreat rapidly in regions such as Alaska, the Himalayas, and the Alps, the CSU team’s findings serve as a preview of how other glacier-adjacent faults might respond to a warming climate.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study highlights the interconnectedness of the Earth’s climate and tectonic systems, highlighting the potential for climate-driven changes to increase seismic activity in tectonically active areas.</p>



<p>By shedding light on this relationship, the researchers hope to deepen understanding of seismic hazards and encourage further study of how climate change shapes the Earth’s dynamic systems. “This is a crucial step in understanding how climate and tectonics interact,” Hurtado concluded.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1130/G52661.1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Geology</em></a>.</p>



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



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



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



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

Earthquake activity will increase due to glacial retreat

A recent study from Colorado State University (CSU) provides compelling...

<p>NASA has released its final goals and objectives for low Earth orbit, laying out a long-term plan to expand microgravity science, technology, and exploration in a way that benefits everyone. </p>



<p>This new framework, called NASA’s Low Earth Orbit Microgravity Strategy, was developed following extensive input from a broad range of industry, academic, international, and governmental stakeholders.</p>



<p>“As we near the retirement of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-international-space-station-celebrates-its-25th-anniversary/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Space Station</a> in 2030, these objectives are a pivotal next step in solidifying U.S. leadership in space,” said <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a> Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy. </p>



<p>“Our consultation with industry, academia, and international partners has helped refine a visionary roadmap for our future in low Earth orbit, which will be enabled by a continuous human presence.”</p>



<p>“Together, we are ensuring that the benefits of exploring space continue to grow - advancing science, innovation, and opportunities for all, while preparing for humanity’s next giant leap of exploring the moon, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-mars-became-uninhabitable-after-being-life-supporting-ocean-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars</a> and beyond.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-next-generation-of-nasa-space-infrastructure"><strong>The next generation of NASA space infrastructure</strong></h2>



<p>Early in 2024, NASA began formulating an initial set of goals and objectives specific to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microgravity-causes-big-problems-with-human-gene-expression/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microgravity</a> environment in low Earth orbit (LEO). The agency engaged its workforce, government partners, private industry, universities, global space agencies, and the public to gather feedback. </p>



<p>After receiving and reviewing more than 1,800 comments - plus hosting two workshops - NASA made key adjustments to align its goals more closely with the needs of its collaborators.</p>



<p>The final plan, known as the Low Earth Orbit Microgravity Strategy, consists of 13 goals and 44 objectives spanning seven core areas.</p>



<p>These areas include commercial low Earth orbit infrastructure; operations; science; research and technology development for exploration; international cooperation; workforce development and STEM engagement; and public engagement.</p>



<p>These focal points highlight the aim of fostering broader economic opportunities, sustaining valuable partnerships, and guiding NASA toward a sustainable, next-generation presence in low Earth orbit.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-maintaining-human-presence-in-low-earth-orbit">Maintaining human presence in low Earth orbit</h2>



<p>NASA’s initiatives in low Earth orbit directly support its broader ambitions for exploration beyond Earth. </p>



<p>The unique microgravity conditions of LEO provide a cost-effective environment for testing new technologies and conducting research essential to future human missions deeper into the solar system.</p>



<p>Because so much of the journey to the moon and Mars will take place under microgravity, maintaining human presence in LEO allows for critical human research, essential system tests, and the retention of operational skills vital for exploration.</p>



<p>“These finalized objectives represent a clear path forward as NASA transitions from the International Space Station to a new era of commercial space stations,” said Robyn Gatens, director of the International Space Station and acting director of commercial spaceflight. </p>



<p>“Low Earth orbit will remain a hub for scientific discovery, technological advancement, and international cooperation, while making strategic investments in a commercial space ecosystem that benefits not just NASA, but the entire space community.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sustaining-a-workforce-proficient-in-microgravity">Sustaining a workforce proficient in microgravity</h2>



<p>One key part of NASA’s strategy is to ensure an unbroken cadence of human spaceflight in low Earth orbit. </p>



<p>The transition from the International Space Station to multiple commercial space stations will require uninterrupted crewed missions, enabling NASA to continue mitigating risks for planned human voyages to Mars.</p>



<p>Sustaining a skilled workforce proficient in microgravity operations is also a top priority, as is the ongoing collection of vital data on human health under extended microgravity conditions.</p>



<p>The final set of goals and objectives stresses the necessity of diverse service providers and regular flight opportunities, promoting a dynamic marketplace in LEO. </p>



<p>This means NASA can rely on different commercial partners to deliver cost-effective solutions and robust competition, supporting both agency missions and the needs of a growing space economy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-successful-model-of-the-iss"><strong>The </strong>successful model of the ISS </h2>



<p>The released plan emphasizes the continuing importance of working with international partners and consulting with private industry. This spirit of cooperation mirrors the successful model of the International Space Station, which has proven that robust partnerships drive innovation and lower costs. </p>



<p>NASA’s new LEO strategy, therefore, aims to build on these cooperative foundations, expanding scientific and economic returns for a global audience of researchers and entrepreneurs.</p>



<p>“Collaboration and consultation remain a cornerstone of our low Earth orbit strategy,” said John Keefe, director of cross-agency strategy integration at NASA. </p>



<p>“The objectives we’ve established will help NASA craft a work plan that ensures NASA is positioned to meet current and future needs and prioritizes the development of critical capabilities for low Earth orbit.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-next-giant-leaps-for-humanity">The next giant leaps for humanity</h2>



<p>As NASA sets its sights on the moon, Mars, and beyond, the final goals and objectives for low Earth orbit promise to strengthen the agency’s role in an expanding and vibrant orbital ecosystem. </p>



<p>By defining a comprehensive framework and partnering with industry, academia, and global space agencies, NASA aims to maintain continuous human presence in LEO, advance cutting-edge research in microgravity, and nurture the commercial opportunities that arise from new space station platforms.</p>



<p>By leveraging these partnerships and sustaining a well-coordinated approach to low Earth orbit microgravity research, NASA will move closer to achieving the breakthroughs required for humanity’s next giant leaps - both in Earth’s orbit and throughout the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/interstellar-tunnel-found-that-connects-our-solar-system-to-other-stars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar system</a>.</p>



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



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



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



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

How NASA plans to keep people in space after the ISS is gone

NASA has released its final goals and objectives for low...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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



<p>—–</p>



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



<p>—–</p>

Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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



<p>—–</p>



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



<p>—–</p>

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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



<p>—–</p>



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



<p>—–</p>

What caused the planet's longest ice age

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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



<p>—–</p>



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



<p>—–</p>

Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>

Social modeling affects our food choices

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists discover we age in bursts

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists solve the mystery of tickling

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>



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



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



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



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

Retired professor claims he solved time travel

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The environmental problem we actually solved

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prrq8Ql81zk Acid rain and a crisis solved. Why don't we...

<p>Scientists are transforming chocolate into a functional food by infusing it with probiotics and prebiotics, aiming to create a treat that satisfies cravings while supporting gut health. </p>



<p>The challenge lies in maintaining chocolate's beloved texture and flavor while adding health benefits.</p>



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



<p>Probiotics - beneficial microbes that balance gut bacteria and aid digestion - are typically fragile and can be destroyed by stomach acid or processing. </p>



<p>Prebiotics act as food for these microbes, helping them thrive. Together, they form "synbiotics," a powerful health combination.</p>



<p>Researchers Smriti Gaur and Shubhi Singh from India's Jaypee Institute of Information Technology took an innovative approach, using natural prebiotics like corn and honey instead of complex processing methods. </p>



<p>They created five chocolate varieties: a control and four synbiotic versions containing different combinations of prebiotics, probiotics (Lactobacillus strains), and flavor enhancers (cinnamon or orange).</p>



<p>Laboratory simulations of human digestion showed the probiotics remained viable for over five hours, suggesting they could survive long enough to benefit gut health.</p>



<p>Taste tests were positive, with researchers particularly enjoying the orange-flavored variety, describing it as having "vibrant citrus notes" complementing the "rich cocoa" with a "luxurious" texture.</p>



<p>This research represents just the beginning. With further refinement of strains, textures, and flavors, chocolate could evolve beyond mere indulgence to become a functional food that nourishes while it delights.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsfoodscitech.4c00741" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACS Food Science &amp; Technology</a>.</p>

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

Scientists are transforming chocolate into a functional food by infusing...

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



<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Nushagak Bay, a large estuary in southwest Alaska. Nushagak runs mainly north to south and exits in Bristol Bay, a large body of water in the Bering Sea.</p>



<p>"The bay is primarily fed by the Nushagak River, which begins in the Alaska Range and flows southwest approximately 450 km. The bay is also fed by several additional rivers including the Wood, Igushik, Snake and Weary rivers," says ESA.</p>



<p>"The dark colors of the Nushagak River are most likely due to tannins or lignins (chemical substances found in plants). Tannins and lignins from roots, leaves, seeds, bark and soil can leach into the water and give it a brown or even black colour. The sediments then flow southwards where it is mixed with the bluer waters of the bay."</p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: ESA</em></p>



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



<p><em>By </em><a href="http://csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Staff Writer</em></p>

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> (ACS) reveals that proteins on flu viruses are actually flexible, tilting and waving in a “breath-like” motion. According to the experts, these proteins could be used to better defend against the flu.</p>



<p>"The main antigenic targets of influenza virus are two surface glycoproteins, hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA). Whereas the structural and dynamical properties of both glycoproteins have been studied previously, the understanding of their plasticity in the whole-virion context is fragmented," wrote the researchers.</p>



<p>To investigate, the team conducted detailed simulations of the influenza A H1N1 virion, or the swine flu. The experts concluded that the visualizations show many new vulnerable states of flu viruses, which could improve future vaccines and antiviral drugs.</p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;</em></p>



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



<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Editor</em></p>



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Lake Trasimeno, which is located west of Perugia in central Italy. It is the fourth largest lake in the country. While Trasimeno’s water level varies, it has a maximum depth of approximately six meters.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"In this Copernicus Sentinel-2 image, captured on 6 August 2022, the lake’s emerald green colour is likely due to the presence of phytoplankton. Streaks in the water, particularly visible in the west, indicate the presence of soil and sediments which have been stirred up by winds. Dark colored waters in the southern part of the lake indicate a presence of submerged and floating macrophytes (aquatic plants) as well as algae," says ESA.</p>



<p>"Surrounded by hills on three sides, Trasimeno is subject to heavy storms created by winds, especially from the north and west. There are three islets in the lake: Maggiore, Minore and Polvese (the largest). The lake’s shores are sparsely inhabited with only two popular villages: Castiglione del Lago and Passignano sul Trasimeno."</p>



<p>"Italy is experiencing its worst drought in 70 years which has affected drinking water supplies, hydroelectric power and agricultural production. High temperatures, hot winds and lack of rainfall are the main causes of drought in the Umbrian region which saw Lake Trasimeno’s drop 1.3 m, reaching the limit of the hydrometric zero in July 2022."</p>



<p><em>Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;</em></p>



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



<p><em>By </em><a href="http://csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Staff Writer</em></p>

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

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



<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> describes a new self-powered nanosensor that can instantly detect mercury contamination with the tap of a finger.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The oxidized form of mercury can be harmful when it is ingested through contaminated water or food. This makes it necessary for experts to develop sensors that can quickly and accurately detect the presence of mercury.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Zong-Hong Lin and colleagues have now created a triboelectric nanosensor (TENS) that can detect mercury by simply by touching a sample. According to the researchers, their TENS could serve as the basis for similar devices to safely and remotely monitor other pollutants.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;</em></p>



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



<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Editor</em></p>



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Kainji Lake, a reservoir on the Niger River.</p>



<p>In 1968, Kainji Lake was created by the construction of the Kainji Dam. The Niger River, the third longest in Africa, enters the lake in the north.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rivers-in-the-american-west-are-a-lifesaving-resource-for-birds/">ESA</a>, the creation of the lake submerged Foge Island and the town of Bussa and permanently flooded other riverine settlements, leaving around 50,000 people displaced.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Large parts of Foge Island are temporarily exposed during low water tides, and the land is often used by migrating fishermen. Kainji Dam is a dam across the Niger River in Niger State of Central Nigeria. </p>



<p>Wild mammals occur at relatively low densities due to illegal hunting. Lake Kainji has suffered a dramatic decline as a fishery due to the high numbers of artisanal and subsistence fisherfolk using the lake. It has been suggested that a period of closure, together with controlled fishing rights may help improve fish stocks.</p>



<p>Kainji Lake National Park is the oldest of its kind in Nigeria. The park contains three distinct areas: a part of the Kainji Lake, the Borgu Game Reserve to the west of the lake, and the Zugurma Game Reserve to the southeast. The park is home to around 65 mammal species, 350 bird species, and 30 species of reptiles and amphibians. </p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;</em></p>



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



<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Editor</em></p>



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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

News coming your way