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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/ieJKWW8sp2A
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>This animation depicts water disappearing over time in the Martian river valley Neretva Vallis, where NASA's Perseverance Mars takes the rock sample named “Sapphire Canyon” from a rock called “Cheyava Falls,” which was found in the “Bright Angel” formation. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech</em></figcaption></figure>



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



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

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

Murder,Hornet,Vespa,Mandarinia,Giant,Wasp,Known,As,Killer,Bee

<p>The giant hornet, once feared for threatening insects, agriculture, and human comfort, has been eradicated from its foothold in the United States.</p>



<p>Officials in Washington State have announced that the invasive species, long feared to be on a path to permanent establishment, is no longer lurking in the region where it first appeared.<br><br>This development, five years in the making, has calmed local growers and everyday folks who once wondered whether the hornet’s presence would spread beyond that northwest corner.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-narrow-escape-from-the-giant-hornet">A narrow escape from the giant hornet</h2>



<p>The campaign against the giant hornet began when stunned beekeepers discovered eerily decapitated honeybees. Aggressive trapping and tracking techniques soon followed.<br><br>Specialists from state agencies donned thick suits and carefully approached <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oriental-hornets-have-the-highest-alcohol-tolerance-of-any-animal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hornet</a> nests, using delicate methods to remove them. It took years for the last hornet to turn up empty-handed. This outcome did not come easily.<br><br>The <a href="https://agr.wa.gov/departments/insects-pests-and-weeds/insects/hornets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Washington State Department of Agriculture</a> and the United States Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, represented by pest program manager Sven Spichiger and associate deputy administrator <a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/news/agency-announcements/aphis-plant-protection-quarantine-selects-new-leader-its-emergency" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nicole Russo</a>, stand as key figures in this success story.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-the-front-lines">From the front lines</h2>



<p>The individuals who led the fight against this insect had been worried about the possibility of a permanent invader.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“As an entomologist, I’ve been doing this for over 25 years now, and it is a rare day when the humans actually get to win one against the insects,” said <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Sven-Erik-Spichiger" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sven Spichiger</a> at the end of the months-long 2023 tracking season.<br><br>The dramatic effort to find and eradicate the nests pushed everyone involved to remain vigilant, setting traps, training local port inspectors and working tirelessly to address every reported sighting.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nationwide-view">Nationwide view</h2>



<p>The project required help from many. </p>



<p>Observant residents phoned tip lines. Field teams outfitted giant hornets with tiny trackers. Nests discovered near the Canadian border were carefully sealed off. </p>



<p>With continued support, officials now say the species is no longer present in that part of Washington.<br><br>Despite this, many agencies remain on their toes. The United States Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, called the successful effort a <a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/news/agency-announcements/aphis-action-victory-over-worlds-largest-hornet-species" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">“landmark achievement”</a> to celebrate.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lingering-questions-about-the-giant-hornet">Lingering questions about the giant hornet</h2>



<p>Experts have not identified the precise route by which the giant hornet originally arrived. Some suggest it might have hidden inside a shipping container. Without clear proof, there is no guarantee a fresh introduction will never happen again.<br><br>Potential <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-are-hornets-so-successful-as-invasive-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">future detections</a> will likely trigger a swift response. New sightings remain possible, and teams intend to keep watch.<br><br>Officials in Washington say that any further activity will face the same intense scrutiny as before. Past lessons will guide all future efforts, so no one wants to take chances.</p>



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



<p>Outside the United States, fears linked to hornets have rattled others. </p>



<p>In parts of Europe, alarm spread after a related species, the southern giant hornet, surfaced in northern Spain, prompting researchers to warn that more outbreaks could follow if left unchecked.<br><br>The wide distribution of similar insects shows that this is not a contained issue. Scientists point to climate conditions, global shipping patterns, and changing ecosystems as reasons why these insects appear in unlikely places.</p>



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



<p>The hornet once caused a buzz in the media under various nicknames. Many remember it being called the “Asian giant hornet” and “murder <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hornets-are-the-most-important-pollinators-for-some-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hornet</a>,” but specialists have moved toward a name they find more accurate. </p>



<p>As per the <a href="https://www.entsoc.org/publications/common-names/better-common-names-project" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Entomological Society of America</a>, calling it the “northern giant hornet” better suits its native range while also reducing problematic associations.<br><br>That shift may help everyone talk about the insect without tying it to any single region or prompting unnecessary assumptions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-really-mattered">What really mattered</h2>



<p>The giant hornet’s potential to damage honeybee colonies and other beneficial insects raised alarms among ecologists, beekeepers and farmers. A single hornet nest, if left alone, can cause serious losses in crucial pollinator populations.<br><br>Many experts knew that if the species spread, it would be no small matter. <a href="https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/A-Bionomic-Sketch-of-the-Giant-Hornet%2C-Vespa-a-Pest-Matsuura-Sakagami/67e9b6a08e424b124bae2965e0d292e55d93ad43" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Studies</a> on the behavior of the northern giant hornet (<em>Vespa mandarinia</em>) suggest that these hornets can quickly invade hives, and their stings pack a painful punch for humans and other animals as well.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lessons-learned-from-the-giant-hornets">Lessons learned from the giant hornets</h2>



<p>One positive takeaway from this situation is that clear communication and community involvement can pay off. Early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alien-invasion-yellow-legged-hornet-spotted-in-the-u-s-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">detection</a> and rapid response efforts worked.<br><br>The strong network of officials, scientists and residents raised the alarm, tracked every possible hornet and prevented it from spreading to other areas.<br><br>Officials have also given training and supplies to various inspectors at key points of entry. The entire scenario, though tense, underlined how people can come together to stop a serious threat before it turns into an ongoing crisis.</p>



<p>Further details on the eradication of the northern giant hornet are available <a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/news/agency-announcements/aphis-action-victory-over-worlds-largest-hornet-species">here</a>. </p>



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Victory: Invasive 'murder hornets' have been completely eradicated from the US

The giant hornet, once feared for threatening insects, agriculture, and...

<p>A new study has provided the clearest evidence yet that music therapy can significantly ease the agitation, anxiety, and distress frequently seen in people with advanced dementia. The research also explains in detail why music has such a positive effect, and how it can be systematically woven into daily care. </p>



<p>Published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s44220-024-00342-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Mental Health</em></a>, the study offers hope that this readily available and cost-effective tool can help improve quality of life for those facing the greatest challenges of dementia.</p>



<p>Around a million people in the UK live with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/certain-personality-traits-lower-the-risk-of-dementia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dementia</a>, over half of them in advanced stages. As dementia progresses, it can lead to difficult behaviors like aggression, restlessness, wandering, and resistance to care - factors that make life harder for patients, loved ones, and professional caregivers alike.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Now, the evidence indicates that music therapy can offer a pathway to greater calm, improved mood, and more meaningful connections, even in the later phases of the disease.</p>



<p>“With an aging population and increasing numbers of people diagnosed with dementia, music is a relatively straightforward and cost-effective way of improving the quality of life of those affected,” said Naomi Thompson of <a href="https://www.aru.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Anglia Ruskin University</a> (ARU), who led the study.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tailored-music-therapy-for-dementia-patients">Tailored music therapy for dementia patients </h2>



<p>The research shows that when <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/music-therapy-can-reduce-pain-stress-and-anxiety/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">music therapy</a> is carefully tailored to an individual’s personal history, tastes, and needs - through listening to familiar recordings, playing instruments, or singing - there can be immediate and short-term improvements in attention, mood, alertness, and engagement.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Just as importantly, these music sessions can reduce anxiety and agitation, helping people feel safer and more oriented.</p>



<p>Why does music have such a profound impact? The study found that music taps into both sides of the brain, stimulating cognitive and sensory networks even as dementia erodes other faculties.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This can allow individuals to access preserved memories and emotions, and regulate their body’s stress responses, leading to reduced distress. In other words, music can gently awaken parts of the mind that are otherwise difficult to reach.</p>



<p>“Our study not only shows why music therapy is successful - including meeting the person’s need for stimulation, supporting familiarity through memories, encouraging relationships, and crucially helping with the reduction of distress and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fear-and-anxiety-the-mental-health-impacts-of-wildfires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">anxiety</a> - it also paves the way for its wider use in dementia care,” Thompson said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-comfort-of-familiar-music">The comfort of familiar music</h2>



<p>One of the key reasons music therapy works so well is its ability to spark memories. Songs from an individual’s younger years, generally between ages 10 and 30, appear most effective at triggering positive, personal recollections.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These music-driven memories can help restore a sense of identity and comfort, soothing the emotional turmoil that often accompanies advanced dementia.</p>



<p>Music therapists can help caregivers and families identify tracks that resonate with the individual’s life story.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Recorded music, which is easily accessible and affordable, can be integrated into a person’s daily routine, introduced at times when they are most likely to become agitated, or used to foster moments of relaxation and reminiscence.</p>



<p>“Just as a doctor prescribes medications with a specific dose and frequency, a music therapist can outline an individualised program, setting out how music should be used throughout someone’s day to reduce distress and improve their wellbeing,” Thompson explained.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nonverbal-communication-and-social-interaction">Nonverbal communication and social interaction</h2>



<p>Music does not require words - or strong cognitive function - to be enjoyed or understood. People with severe dementia who struggle with language can still respond to melodies, rhythms, and harmonies. They may sway, hum, or smile in response.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This opens up new avenues for connection between the individual, caregivers, family members, and even other residents in a care home.</p>



<p>Such musical encounters can shift the caregiving dynamic. Instead of focusing solely on managing difficult behaviors, caregivers can share positive experiences that validate the person’s humanity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These uplifting moments can reduce caregivers’ stress and help them feel more empathetic, strengthening the bond between them and the individuals they support.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-effective-use-of-music-therapy-for-dementia">Effective use of music therapy for dementia </h2>



<p>To ensure music therapy is widely adopted, the study recommends training for all care staff in using music effectively.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Music therapists can provide guidance on how to select songs, structure sessions, and integrate these sessions into daily life.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Families should also be encouraged to contribute their knowledge of a loved one’s musical preferences, helping to shape personalized playlists that maximize the therapy’s impact.</p>



<p>The guidance outlined in the study is the result of careful research, including interviews with staff and music therapists working on inpatient dementia wards at the<a href="https://www.cpft.nhs.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust</a>, a systematic review of published studies, a national survey of healthcare professionals, and collaboration with the dementia nursing charity <a href="https://www.dementiauk.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dementia UK</a>.</p>



<p>“People with advanced dementia can sometimes become quite distressed, and we need to find the best ways to help them,” said study co-author Ben Underwood, an associate professor at the <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cambridge</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Music is one thing which can help, and so I am excited to see such high-quality work being done in partnership to see how we can bring music therapy to <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHS</a> dementia patients.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-creating-a-more-positive-environment-for-everyone-nbsp"><strong>Creating a more positive environment for everyone&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>Although the primary aim is to improve life for people with advanced dementia, the advantages also extend to families and caregivers.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Engaging with music can reduce their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stress-eats-away-our-brains-cognitive-defenses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stress</a> and create moments of shared enjoyment, leading to better job satisfaction, reduced caregiver burnout, and a more positive environment all around.</p>



<p>As the number of people living with dementia continues to grow, cost-effective, accessible interventions like music therapy become increasingly valuable. This study not only confirms music’s potential but also provides a realistic plan for making it a standard part of dementia care.</p>



<p>“Music is not just a way to soothe - it’s a way to connect, to remember, and to live more fully in the moment,” Thompson said. “Our study shows that music therapy is not just an option but an essential component of dementia care.”</p>



<p>By embedding music into the heart of dementia care, we can help people with advanced dementia experience less distress, rediscover parts of themselves hidden by the disease, and reconnect with those around them, creating moments of calm, understanding, and human connection.</p>



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Music therapy reduces distress in people with dementia

A new study has provided the clearest evidence yet that...

Adelie,Penguins,On,Ice,Floe,Balleny,Islands,Antarctica

<p>It is well known that Arctic ice captures most headlines when it comes to climate change, but the icy waters around Antarctica are also showing troubling shifts. </p>



<p>In 2023, Antarctic sea ice hit record lows, a development that left researchers scratching their heads as they observed a surprising surge in ocean changes beneath the now more exposed Southern Ocean surface.<br><br>This year-over-year shift is no small blip, and it appears that 2024 will surge past the record lows of 2023, continuing this disturbing trend. It represents a dramatic event that scientists have long feared might happen but hoped to avoid. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-winter-without-cover">A new winter without cover</h2>



<p>As the protective ice blanket thinned, the ocean underneath became more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/emergency-meeting-reveals-the-alarming-extent-of-antarcticas-ice-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vulnerable</a>. </p>



<p>Without a solid covering, heat from the water escaped in far greater amounts than seen before. The result was a measurable spike in warmth shifting into the air above the waves.<br><br>At the same time, storm activity began ramping up, turning the region into a hotbed of atmospheric commotion. </p>



<p>According to recent <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-08368-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research</a>, the low ice levels in 2023 allowed for unprecedented ocean heat loss and triggered more frequent storms. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changing-antarctic-sea-ice">Changing Antarctic sea ice</h2>



<p>This study was conducted by Professor <a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=b-RiXNQAAAAJ&amp;hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Simon Josey</a>, an expert on ocean-atmosphere interaction at the UK’s National Oceanography Centre (<a href="https://noc.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NOC</a>).&nbsp;</p>



<p>The work paints an unsettling picture of a Southern Ocean entering a new era, where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ice-sheet-patterns-point-to-rapid-melting-risks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conditions</a> once considered extreme are becoming common. </p>



<p>Researchers say these harsh conditions could repeat in coming years if <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/152547/antarctic-sea-ice-at-near-historic-lows" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea ice</a> fails to recover.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-science-behind-the-antarctic-sea-ice-conditions">Science behind the Antarctic sea ice conditions</h2>



<p>Shifts in Antarctic <a href="https://nsidc.org/sea-ice-today" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea ice</a> do not only matter for penguins and seals. The Southern Ocean is a key player in our climate system. It stores carbon, moves heat around the planet, and supports large-scale ocean currents.<br><br>As ice declines, the ocean’s personality changes. According to the research team’s findings, years with low ice cover will likely feature more intense winter weather and unusual ocean properties.<br><br>According to the findings, years with minimal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-are-intense-heat-waves-affecting-life-in-antarctica/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea ice</a> are likely to experience heightened storm activity and significant transformations in ocean characteristics.<br><br>Simon Josey explained that this trend highlights the ongoing impact of Antarctic sea ice loss which could cascade into long-term disruptions in global climate systems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-what-we-thought-we-knew">Rethinking what we thought we knew</h2>



<p>The new results mark a dramatic departure from previous assumptions about the stability and resilience of Antarctica’s icy <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarcticas-peace-is-at-risk-as-nations-race-for-its-resources/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environment</a>. </p>



<p>Before 2023, <a href="https://journals.ametsoc.org/view/journals/clim/35/14/JCLI-D-21-0918.1.xml">scientists</a> did not anticipate such a sharp decline in sea ice and the related jump in ocean heat release.<br><br>“I didn’t expect to see a real-world ice decline as large as that observed in 2023 with such strong consequences for the ocean heat loss,” said <a href="https://journals.ametsoc.org/view/journals/clim/35/14/JCLI-D-21-0918.1.xml" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Holly Ayres</a>, formerly at the <a href="https://www.reading.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Reading</a> and now at NOC.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-heavier-ocean-in-ice-free-zones">A heavier ocean in ice-free zones</h2>



<p>One of the most striking changes involves the <a href="https://floats.pmel.noaa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/gcj_4j.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">density of surface waters</a>. When the ocean loses heat, the top layer becomes denser. With more ice-free regions, the water is sinking more readily into the depths.<br><br>“The massive increase in ocean heat loss to the atmosphere is increasing the density of water at the sea surface to values not previously seen,” said Professor Josey.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/declining-Antarctic-sea-ice_Schematic-representation_credit-NOC_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/declining-Antarctic-sea-ice_Schematic-representation_credit-NOC_1s.webp" alt="Declining Antarctic Sea-ice from the NOC Near Present Day NEMO ocean model simulation (credit Dr Adam Blaker). Colors show the difference of June to July 2023 from June to July 1991-2020, blue shows less ice around much of Antarctica." class="wp-image-1954264"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Declining Antarctic Sea-ice from the NOC Near Present Day NEMO ocean model simulation (credit Dr Adam Blaker). Colors show the difference of June to July 2023 from June to July 1991-2020, blue shows less ice around much of Antarctica.</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>These shifts in density can influence the formation of heavier water masses that can travel far into the ocean’s interior, affecting how heat and nutrients flow across the globe.<br><br>Over time, the unusual movement of these waters could even alter patterns of <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1029/2024GL111229" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctic bottom water</a>, which helps shape global ocean circulation. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cracks-in-the-global-weather-puzzle">Cracks in the global weather puzzle</h2>



<p>Far-reaching <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/when-will-the-antarctic-ice-sheet-collapse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">effects</a> may emerge. Scientists have long known that the Southern Ocean plays an outsize role in managing Earth’s heat and carbon storage.<br><br>Now, with the ice slipping away, and more energy escaping into the air, there is a chance that <a href="https://arxiv.org/abs/1602.01393?utm_">distant regions</a> could feel the pinch in the form of altered weather patterns.<br><br>The team at NOC has indicated that it’s too early to confirm whether 2023 and its record-breaking sea-ice decline marked the onset of a fundamental shift in the amount of Antarctic sea ice.<br><br>The puzzle includes potential changes in how warm waters move beneath the surface, which could set the stage for shifting conditions that ripple far beyond Antarctica but only time will tell.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-need-for-new-antarctic-sea-ice-simulations">Need for new Antarctic sea ice simulations</h2>



<p>Scientists stress that these findings are not just about one odd year. </p>



<p>They argue that understanding what is happening now can help us predict what might come next. Improved climate models are needed to understand why this happened and what might follow.</p>



<p>“We need to use our ocean and climate simulations to understand how the major increase in heat loss and increased surface water density in regions of declining Antarctic sea ice impacts the wider ocean circulation,” said Professor Josey.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gazing-ahead-with-cautious-eyes">Gazing ahead with cautious eyes</h2>



<p>No one wants to see a permanent slide toward less <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctica-is-greening-at-an-unprecedented-rate/">ice</a> and more climate chaos. However, if low sea ice cover conditions repeat in future winters, these extraordinary shifts could become the new normal.</p>



<p>What matters now is how researchers worldwide pull together their data, simulations, and knowledge to figure out what this all means for the planet.&nbsp;</p>



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Rapid Antarctic sea ice loss is causing severe storms around the world

It is well known that Arctic ice captures most headlines...

<p>In 1969, paleobotanists identified fossilized leaves in eastern Utah belonging to the extinct species <em>Othniophyton elongatum</em>, a name that translates to “alien plant.” Initially, researchers speculated it might be part of the ginseng family.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, new discoveries have turned this assumption on its head. Recent fossil specimens reveal that this ancient plant is even stranger than previously thought, challenging how scientists classify extinct flora.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alien-plant-with-an-unknown-family">Alien plant with an unknown family</h2>



<p>Steven Manchester, curator of paleobotany at the <a href="https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Museum of Natural History</a>, has spent years studying 47-million-year-old fossils from Utah.&nbsp;</p>



<p>During a visit to the <a href="https://www.berkeley.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Berkeley</a>, Manchester encountered an unusually well-preserved <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossil-reveals-how-plants-use-winged-seeds-to-expand-their-habitats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant fossil</a> from the same area as the original <em>Othniophyton elongatum</em> leaves. This fossil included leaves, fruits, and flowers attached to a woody stem - a rare find.</p>



<p>“This fossil is rare in having the twig with attached fruits and leaves. Usually those are found separately,” Manchester said.</p>



<p>Further analysis revealed that these fossils were from the same species as the 1969 find. However, the new evidence showed that <em>Othniophyton elongatum</em> didn’t fit within the ginseng family -- or any other known plant family.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-plant-with-no-living-relatives">A plant with no living relatives</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Alien-plant.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">To uncover the origins</a> of <em>Othniophyton elongatum</em>, Manchester and his colleagues compared the physical features of the fossils to over 400 modern plant families. Despite their extensive search, they couldn’t find a match.</p>



<p>“There are many things for which we have good evidence to put in a modern family or genus, but you can’t always shoehorn these things,” Manchester said.</p>



<p>This was the case with <em>Othniophyton elongatum</em>. Its peculiar combination of traits - including leaves, fruits, and flowers - defied placement in any known group. Even extinct families failed to provide a fit.</p>



<p>The research highlights a significant challenge in paleobotany: <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/all-plants-on-earth-could-be-saved-from-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extinct plants</a> from less than 65 million years ago are often assigned to modern families or genera.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This practice can distort our understanding of ancient biodiversity, creating the false impression that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ecosystem-behavior-earth-first-sea-creatures-stirring-water-drove-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prehistoric ecosystems</a> were more similar to today’s than they actually were.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strange-fossils-from-an-ancient-lake">Strange fossils from an ancient lake</h2>



<p>The fossils were discovered in the Green River Formation near the ghost town of Rainbow in eastern Utah. This formation, a massive inland lake system 47 million years ago, provided ideal conditions for preserving plants and animals in remarkable detail.</p>



<p>Low-oxygen sediments and volcanic ash slowed decomposition, resulting in the preservation of fish, reptiles, birds, and plants, including the fossils of <em>Othniophyton elongatum</em>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, the original specimens collected in 1969 offered limited information. Researchers could only analyze the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-had-complex-leaf-vein-networks-200-million-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">leaves</a>, which resembled compound leaves commonly found in the ginseng family.</p>



<p>New fossils, though, painted a very different picture. Leaves attached directly to stems, rather than in a compound arrangement, ruled out the ginseng family.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Additional features, including the plant’s fruits and flowers, ruled out other families like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fairy-circles-kill-all-newly-planted-grasses-deepening-their-mystery/">grasses</a> and magnolias. Even with such detailed specimens, the team remained stumped.</p>



<p>“The two twigs we found show the same kind of leaf attached, but they're not compound. They’re simple, which eliminates the possibility of it being anything in that family,” Manchester explained.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-look-at-the-alien-plant">A new look at the alien plant</h2>



<p>For years, the fossils sat in storage as researchers struggled to make sense of them. Then, new technology offered a breakthrough. The Florida Museum of Natural History established a microscopy workstation that allowed the team to examine the fossils in unprecedented detail.</p>



<p>Using a digital microscope with computer-enhanced shadow illumination, Manchester and his colleagues discovered features they had previously missed. The minute fruits revealed micro-impressions of their internal anatomy, including developing seeds.</p>



<p>“Normally we don't expect to see that preserved in these types of fossils, but maybe we've been overlooking it because our equipment didn’t pick up that kind of topographic relief,” Manchester said.</p>



<p>One of the most striking aspects was the plant’s stamens, the male reproductive organs of its flowers. In most plants, stamens detach after fertilization, but in <em>Othniophyton elongatum</em>, they remain attached to the mature fruits - an unusual trait not seen in any modern plant.</p>



<p>“Usually, stamens will fall away as the fruit develops. And this thing seems unusual in that it's retaining the stamens at the time it has mature fruits with seeds ready to disperse. We haven't seen that in anything modern,” Manchester noted.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shedding-light-on-ancient-ecosystems">Shedding light on ancient ecosystems</h2>



<p>The study’s lead author, Julian Correa-Narvaez, a doctoral student at the University of Florida, emphasized the importance of the discovery. “It’s important because it gives us a little bit of a clue about how these organisms were evolving and adapting in different places,” he said.</p>



<p>The diversity within plant families can be astonishing. For example, seemingly unrelated species like poison ivy, cashews, and mangoes belong to the same family, which contains over 800 species. However, with <em>Othniophyton elongatum</em>, scientists can only speculate about how much diversity has been lost to time.</p>



<p>Similar discoveries from the Green River Formation have unveiled other extinct plant groups, showing that it remains a rich site for paleobotanical mysteries.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>Digital tools like <a href="https://www.idigbio.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">iDigBio</a>, which allow researchers to access museum specimens remotely, are helping to unlock these mysteries and advance our understanding of plant evolution.</p>



<p>The discovery of <em>Othniophyton elongatum</em> not only expands our knowledge of extinct plants but also challenges assumptions about how ancient ecosystems functioned.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/aob/mcae196" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Annals of Botany</em></a>, this study serves as a reminder of how much remains to be discovered in the fossil record - and how evolving technology can illuminate the secrets of the distant past.</p>



<p>Image Credit: Florida Museum of Natural History photo by Jeff Gage</p>



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Fossil mystery: The "alien plant" that defies classification

In 1969, paleobotanists identified fossilized leaves in eastern Utah belonging...

<p>The Greenland Ice Sheet, part of which is shown in this image of Jakobshavn Glacier, is now melting at an incredibly rapid pace, pushing sea levels upward while upsetting global weather patterns. </p>



<p>Precise measurements of the ice sheet’s changing shape and volume matter greatly at this point in Earth's history because accurate data helps scientists understand what's coming next.</p>



<p>Until recently, getting this information was tricky. </p>



<p>Now, two advanced missions, ESA’s CryoSat and NASA’s ICESat-2, have joined forces to offer data that reaches far beyond old limits. </p>



<p>Their combined measurements deliver a more complete view that was not possible before.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measuring-greenland-ice-melt">Measuring Greenland ice melt</h2>



<p>As of today, scientists have recorded the first measurements of the Greenland Ice Sheet’s shape changes using both <a href="https://www.esa.int/Applications/Observing_the_Earth/FutureEO/CryoSat" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CryoSat</a> and <a href="https://icesat-2.gsfc.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ICESat-2</a> satellites.</p>



<p>This work is led by researchers from the UK Centre for Polar Observation and Modelling (<a href="https://cpom.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CPOM</a>). Lead author and CPOM researcher Nitin Ravinder has confirmed that these missions are able to capture changes in ice elevation with impressive accuracy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-technologies-from-different-skies">Technologies from different skies</h2>



<p>To measure the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/speed-of-greenland-ice-melt-confirmed-to-be-rapidly-increasing-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rapid loss</a> of the ice all across Greenland, one of the mission satellites relies on radar, and the other uses a laser. </p>



<p>Radar can measure through clouds but needs careful adjustments because it can pass into the ice surface before bouncing back.</p>



<p>Laser measurements track the actual surface but cannot see through clouds. </p>



<p>These tools stand at opposite ends, yet when put together, they form a better pair than either could alone. </p>



<p>In fact, a new study published in <em>Geophysical Research Letters</em> notes that CryoSat and ICESat-2 measurements of Greenland Ice Sheet elevation change agree within 3% of what is actually happening.</p>



<p>This stronger confidence means if one mission fails, the other can still <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenland-ice-loss-tracked-by-new-gps-system-on-a-daily-basis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">keep track of ice changes</a>.</p>



<p>“We are very excited to have discovered that CryoSat and ICESat-2 are in such close agreement. Their complementary nature provides a strong motivation to combine the data sets to produce improved estimates of ice sheet volume and mass changes," says lead author and CPOM researcher Nitin Ravinder.</p>



<p>"As ice sheet mass loss is a key contributor to global sea level rise, this is incredibly useful for the scientific community and policymakers.”</p>



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="23p8n2tdza-4146590-12187" type="single"]</div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-greenland-ice-and-natural-beauty">Greenland, ice, and natural beauty</h2>



<p>Greenland, the world’s largest island, sits between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans. It is mostly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenland-ice-sheet-discovery-transforms-sea-level-predictions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">covered with thick ice</a>, and its glaciers run from the heart of the island to its shores. </p>



<p>There are small towns along the coastal edges where people make a life that ties closely to the environment. </p>



<p>Long winters and brief summers shape a culture centered on fishing, hunting, and a respect for nature’s power. </p>



<p>The capital, Nuuk, brings together old traditions and new ways of living in a place where weather is a big player in daily life.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-melting-ice-and-everyday-lives">Melting ice and everyday lives</h2>



<p>A warming climate makes <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-glacial-outburst-observed-in-greenland-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Greenland’s glaciers break apart</a> and slip into the ocean. As they melt, sea levels climb, and coastal cities thousands of miles away face the threat of water creeping up their streets. </p>



<p>Wildlife in Greenland itself struggles when the ice they depend on thins. Polar bears, seals, and walruses have fewer safe spots to rest and hunt. </p>



<p>For local people, the loss of stable ice can disrupt fishing and hunting practices. Shifts in ocean currents triggered by fresh meltwater also <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenland-transformation-ice-melt-plant-growth-vegetation-cascading-effects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">change weather patterns</a>, and that can spell trouble for everyone.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-real-numbers-behind-greenland-ice-melt">Real numbers behind Greenland ice melt</h2>



<p>Between 2010 and 2023, Greenland’s ice sheet thinned by an average of four feet In the ice sheet’s ablation zone, where summer melting outpaces winter snowfall, the average thinning reached 20 feet. </p>



<p>The worst thinning was at Sermeq Kujalleq, also known as Jakobshavn Isbræ, with a peak thinning of 220 feet. At Zachariae Isstrøm in the northeast, peak thinning hit about 250 feet. </p>



<p>Altogether, the ice sheet shrank by 7,700 cubit feet over a 13-year stretch. It lost more than 1300 cubic feet in 2012 and 2019, matching extreme conditions. </p>



<p>According to the study, these changes affect not only local environments but <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/atmospheric-rivers-are-shifting-with-global-climate-impacts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global weather patterns</a>.</p>



<p>“CryoSat has provided an invaluable platform for understanding our planet’s ice coverage over the past 14 years, but by aligning our data with ICESat-2, we’ve opened new avenues for precision and insight," says Tommaso Parrinello, CryoSat Mission Manager at <a href="https://www.esa.int" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>. </p>



<p>"This collaboration represents an exciting step forward, not just in terms of technology but in how we can better serve scientists and policymakers who rely on our data to understand and mitigate climate impacts.” </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aligning-with-sister-missions">Aligning with sister missions</h2>



<p><a href="https://earth.esa.int/eogateway/missions/cryosat/cryo2ice" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Cryo2ice campaign</a> that began in 2020 let scientists put CryoSat and ICESat-2 measurements side by side. </p>



<p>By adjusting CryoSat’s orbit, ESA allowed the two satellites to gather radar and laser data over the same areas, almost at the same time. </p>



<p>This set the stage for measuring snow depth from space with a level of accuracy that simply did not exist before.</p>



<p>“It is great to see that the data from ‘sister missions’ are providing a consistent picture of the changes going on in Greenland,” says Thorsten Markus, project scientist for the ICESat-2 mission at <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.</p>



<p>“Understanding the similarities and differences between radar and lidar ice sheet height measurements allow us to fully exploit the complementary nature of those satellite missions." </p>



<p>Studies like this are critical to put a comprehensive time series of the ICESat, CryoSat-2, ICESat-2, and, in the future, CRISTAL missions together.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-greenland-ice-and-earth-s-future">Greenland ice and Earth's future</h2>



<p>The accurate data now available will help in decisions that governments must make soon. Timely, reliable information on ice thickness shifts can guide planning for coastal infrastructure. </p>



<p>It matters to millions of people who live near shores in every corner of the planet, and for those who rely on stable weather patterns to grow food and make a living.</p>



<p>ESA’s CryoSat and NASA’s ICESat-2 work as a team to keep an eye on the ice. Together, they paint a detailed picture of changes in Greenland. </p>



<p>That picture gives experts and leaders better tools for understanding the future and figuring out how to adapt.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2024GL110822" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geophysical Research Letters</a>.</em></p>



<p>Video Credit: ESA/Planetary Visions</p>



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Greenland ice sheet seen melting in real-time from Earth orbit

The Greenland Ice Sheet, part of which is shown in...

<p>Life on Earth has faced immense challenges in recent years. The pandemic, heatwaves, and natural disasters remind us how fragile our existence is. These events fuel the argument for seeking a new home in space where humanity might reproduce and thrive.</p>



<p>However, for humans to live and grow on other planets, we must first understand if it’s possible to have children in space. This is a critical question because reproduction is essential for population growth in a new environment.</p>



<p>To address this, scientists are conducting novel experiments involving freeze-dried mouse sperm that is stored aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The results could provide vital insights into the possibility of mammalian reproduction beyond Earth.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-frozen-sperm-experiment-in-space">Frozen sperm experiment in space</h2>



<p>Freeze-dried mouse sperm is currently stored on the <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/international-space-station/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ISS</a> in a radiation-protected environment. </p>



<p>In 2025, the samples will return to Earth, where Professor Teruhiko Wakayama from Japan’s <a href="https://www.yamanashi.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Yamanashi</a> will study them. He aims to determine the impact of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dart-mission-debris-will-create-a-human-made-meteor-shower/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space environment</a> on reproduction and assess whether these samples can create healthy offspring.</p>



<p>Wakayama has ambitious goals. He is developing a device to enable astronauts to conduct rodent in vitro fertilization (IVF) aboard the ISS. This could pave the way for human reproduction in space and may even provide an avenue to safeguard Earth’s genetic diversity.</p>



<p>“Our aim is to establish a system for safely and permanently preserving Earth’s genetic resources somewhere in space – whether on the moon or elsewhere – so that life can be revived even if Earth faces catastrophic destruction,” said Wakayama.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sending-mouse-sperm-to-space">Sending mouse sperm to space</h2>



<p>Wakayama is no stranger to pushing scientific boundaries. In 1997, he co-developed a method to clone the first mouse from adult cells. Since then, he has conducted various studies on reproduction in space.</p>



<p>His team pioneered a freeze-drying method to send mouse sperm to the ISS, where it was stored for six years. Upon its return, the sperm produced healthy baby mice.</p>



<p>The findings revealed that freeze-dried sperm could remain viable for up to 200 years in space. </p>



<p>“That’s absolutely not long enough for our future,” Wakayama admits. He is now testing a new radiation-resistant storage device to extend the viability of reproductive cells indefinitely.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-creatures-that-reproduced-in-space">Creatures that reproduced in space</h2>



<p>Scientists have long studied Earthly organisms in space to understand how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astronauts-are-surprisingly-good-at-flying-in-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microgravity and cosmic radiation</a> affect biological processes. </p>



<p>In 1989, fertilized chicken eggs traveled to space in an experiment nicknamed “Chix in Space.” Frogs and fish have also reproduced in space, though with mixed success. In 2007, a cockroach gave birth to offspring conceived in orbit, though the young displayed some abnormalities.</p>



<p>“We have seen that most of the specific phases of the reproductive cycle can occur in space, at least in a species or two, not always completely successfully. Going to mammals is the next natural step,” explained Virginia Wotring, a professor at the International Space University in France.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenge-of-sustaining-life">Challenge of sustaining life</h2>



<p>Human reproduction in space faces significant hurdles. Cosmic radiation can damage DNA, increasing the risk of genetic abnormalities in offspring. Microgravity may interfere with embryo development, including critical processes like forming the nervous system and limbs.</p>



<p>“There is other information that we need right now in order to care for the astronauts we’re sending to space now,” said Wotring. Immediate priorities include mitigating the effects of radiation, muscle loss, and weakened immunity.</p>



<p>Despite these challenges, Wakayama believes his work is essential for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-like-ecosystem-necessary-for-humans-to-live-in-deep-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">long-term space exploration</a>. He noted that understanding how reproduction works in space could help humans settle on other planets and even bring livestock and pets to sustain life.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-possibility-of-reproducing-in-space">Possibility of reproducing in space</h2>



<p>Wakayama’s IVF project has been accepted by Japan’s space agency, and he hopes to launch the necessary device to the ISS within two years. His experiments could reveal whether mammals, including humans, can reproduce and develop normally in space.</p>



<p>“In sci-fi movies, people live on other planets and babies are born, but we don’t even know if that’s possible yet,” said Wakayama. His work aims to answer this fundamental question.</p>



<p>“If we can confirm that, it will bring reassurance. And if it doesn’t work, we need to understand how to address that challenge.”</p>



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



<p>Humanity has made strides toward becoming a multi-planetary species. NASA’s <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/humans-in-space/artemis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Artemis</a> program plans to return astronauts to the Moon in 2026, while SpaceX envisions a crewed mission to Mars in the near future. However, these ambitious plans hinge on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astronauts-microbiome-health-is-crucial-to-future-space-exploration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solving critical issues</a>, including reproduction.</p>



<p>Wakayama’s research represents a vital step in understanding how life can sustain itself in space. Whether his experiments confirm or challenge the possibility of reproduction, they will shape the future of human space exploration.</p>



<p>As we look to the stars, questions about survival and reproduction remind us of the complexities of leaving Earth behind. Whether or not we can thrive in space remains one of humanity’s greatest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marss-space-debris-should-be-regarded-as-historical-artifacts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scientific frontiers</a>.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.abg5554"><em>Science Advances</em></a>.</p>



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



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Frozen sperm can remain viable in space for over 200 years

Life on Earth has faced immense challenges in recent years....

<p>When we talk about the prevention and management of cancer, we don’t usually think that diet changes would be very helpful. But a recent study begs to differ.</p>



<p>The research suggests that dietary changes, such as different types of cooking oils, may play a role in slowing tumor growth in cancer patients.</p>



<p>Experts at UCLA focused on men with early-stage prostate cancer and observed notable differences in tumor progression based on dietary habits.</p>



<p>The findings could pave the way for lifestyle changes to complement cancer treatment strategies.</p>



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



<p>Cooking oils are a kitchen staple that come in all shapes, sizes, and flavors -- there’s an oil for every cooking need. </p>



<p>Coconut oil has become popular for its unique taste and high smoke point, making it ideal for high-heat cooking, while avocado oil offers a buttery flavor and is packed with healthy fats. </p>



<p>Each oil brings something different to the table, whether you're whipping up a quick stir-fry or baking your favorite cookies.</p>



<p>Beyond just flavor, cooking oils also play a big role in your health. Many oils, like olive and flaxseed, are loaded with heart-healthy fats that can help lower bad cholesterol and keep your heart happy. </p>



<p>On the flip side, it’s good to watch out for oils high in saturated fats, such as palm oil, if you’re trying to maintain a balanced diet. Choosing the right oil can enhance your meals both taste-wise and nutritionally. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diet-and-cancer-progression">Diet and cancer progression</h2>



<p>The year-long study included 100 men with early-stage prostate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ketogenic-diet-may-help-the-body-kill-cancer-cells/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer</a>. Researchers divided participants into two groups. </p>



<p>One group followed a diet low in omega-6 fats (found in seed oils) and high in omega-3 fats (found in fish like salmon). The other group continued their usual Western diet.</p>



<p>By the end of the study, participants who adjusted their diets showed a&nbsp;15% decrease in tumor aggression markers. </p>



<p>Meanwhile, the group on a standard Western diet saw a&nbsp;24% increase&nbsp;in these markers. These results suggest that dietary fats may influence cancer progression.</p>



<p>"Our findings suggest that something as simple as adjusting your diet could potentially slow cancer growth and extend the time before more aggressive interventions are needed," noted Dr. William Aronson, a professor of urology at <a href="https://www.ucla.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCLA</a> and the study’s lead researcher.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seed-oils-of-the-western-diet">Seed oils of the Western diet </h2>



<p>Seed oils, such as canola, corn, and cottonseed oils, are staples of the Western diet. They are rich in omega-6 fats, which have been linked to increased inflammation in some studies. </p>



<p>Inflammation, in turn, can fuel cancer growth by damaging tissues and weakening the body’s ability to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-is-the-next-frontier-in-cancer-treatment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fight tumors</a>.</p>



<p>On the other hand, omega-3 fats, found in fish, nuts, and flaxseeds, are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. </p>



<p>They may support the immune system and reduce tumor growth risks. Previous animal studies also support the idea that lowering omega-6 intake while increasing omega-3 intake can slow cancer progression.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-non-invasive-interventions">Non-invasive interventions</h2>



<p>Prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/banana-peel-flour-adds-cancer-fighting-nutrients-to-snacks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer</a>-related deaths in American men. An estimated&nbsp;299,010 cases&nbsp;will be diagnosed in 2024, with approximately&nbsp;201,000 patients&nbsp;in the early stages of the disease. </p>



<p>Many patients opt for active monitoring rather than immediate surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy.</p>



<p>For these patients, lifestyle changes, including diet modifications, could delay the need for aggressive treatments. The study’s results highlight a potential non-invasive option to manage early-stage prostate cancer. </p>



<p>"This significant difference suggests that the dietary changes may help slow cancer growth, potentially delaying or even preventing the need for more aggressive treatments," said Dr. Aronson.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seed-oils-and-cancer-risks">Seed oils and cancer risks</h2>



<p>Despite these findings, leading medical bodies, including the American Heart Association, maintain that seed oils are safe and not linked to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/which-dietary-changes-are-best-for-cancer-prevention/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer</a>. </p>



<p>However, public opinion on seed oils has become increasingly divided. Critics, including public figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., claim seed oils contribute to the obesity epidemic and related health concerns.</p>



<p>Adding to the controversy, a recent study from the University of South Florida linked seed oils to rising cases of colon cancer in young adults. </p>



<p>The researchers suggested that the fats in seed oils might promote inflammation, thus creating an environment conducive to tumor growth.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balanced-approach-to-diet">Balanced approach to diet</h2>



<p>The UCLA researchers emphasized that, while their findings are promising, more research is needed to confirm the connection between diet and cancer progression. </p>



<p>They also stressed the importance of maintaining a balanced diet rather than eliminating specific foods.</p>



<p>According to Dr. Aronson, the study&nbsp;is an important step toward understanding how diet can potentially influence prostate cancer outcomes.</p>



<p>Future studies could offer more targeted dietary recommendations for the thousands of men diagnosed with prostate cancer each year. </p>



<p>A deeper understanding of how dietary fats influence cancer might help to reduce reliance on invasive and costly treatments like surgery or chemotherapy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-can-diet-be-a-tool-against-cancer">Can diet be a tool against cancer?</h2>



<p>The evidence suggests that cutting back on omega-6 fats and incorporating omega-3-rich foods could slow the progression of early-stage prostate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/molecular-jackhammers-a-breakthrough-in-cancer-treatment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer</a>. </p>



<p>However, experts agree that there is a need for further research to validate these findings and provide actionable dietary guidelines.</p>



<p>For now, adopting a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods like fish, nuts, and seeds may offer additional benefits for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/caterpillar-fungus-slows-down-growth-of-cancer-cells/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer</a> patients. While diet alone may not cure cancer, it could play a significant role in improving outcomes and quality of life.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://ascopubs.org/doi/abs/10.1200/JCO.24.00608">Clinical Oncology</a>.</em></p>



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



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Cooking oils and omega fats are linked to cancer

When we talk about the prevention and management of cancer,...

<p>How does a barn owl, with its striking white plumage, vanish seamlessly against a night sky? A recent study conducted by a team of biology and optics researchers from various Spanish institutions unveils the intriguing secrets behind the barn owl’s stealthy hunting strategies.</p>



<p>The findings reveal how the barn owl’s distinctive white underbelly and face help it remain nearly invisible to its prey under moonlit and starlit skies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-barn-owls-are-skilled-hunters">Barn owls are skilled hunters</h2>



<p>Barn owls, scientifically known as <em>Tyto alba</em>, are medium-sized <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/great-gray-owls-thrive-closer-to-human-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">owls</a> found across a wide range of habitats - including grasslands, farmland, and woodlands - throughout much of the world.</p>



<p>Recognized for their distinctive heart-shaped face, they have a striking appearance with a light-colored underbelly and a mottled brown and gray upper body. </p>



<p>The owls have a unique facial disc that helps funnel sound directly into their ears, giving them exceptional hearing - which is crucial for hunting in low-light conditions.</p>



<p>Unlike most owls that hunt at dusk or in the early morning, barn owls are primarily nocturnal, relying on their acute sense of hearing to locate prey in complete darkness. </p>



<p>Their diet mostly consists of small mammals, particularly rodents like mice and voles, but they also hunt birds, insects, and reptiles.</p>



<p>Barn owls are highly skilled hunters, capable of flying silently thanks to their specialized feather structure. The soft, velvety feathers on their wings and facial disc help reduce sound as they swoop in on their prey.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-barn-owls-hunting-in-the-moonlight">Barn owls hunting in the moonlight</h2>



<p>Most owls rely on dark feather colors to blend into their surroundings, allowing them to remain inconspicuous while hunting. In contrast, barn <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-silent-flight-of-owls-is-one-of-natures-great-mysteries/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">owls</a> stand out with a strikingly pure white underbelly and a round white face. </p>



<p>At first, this coloration seems counterintuitive, as it could potentially make the owl more noticeable to prey.</p>



<p>However, researchers propose that this seemingly conspicuous trait is actually a highly effective adaptation for nocturnal hunting. The barn owl’s white feathers may serve as camouflage when seen against a clear, moonlit, or starlit night sky.</p>



<p>To test this theory, the researchers conducted an extensive study using advanced techniques. They measured light conditions in various nighttime scenarios, created models to simulate visibility, and used hyperspectral imaging to analyze how light interacts with the owl’s plumage.</p>



<p>These methods provided a detailed understanding of how the barn owl’s unique coloring aids its stealthy hunting strategy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-barn-owls-blend-into-the-night-sky">Barn owls blend into the night sky</h2>



<p>The researchers used sophisticated techniques to evaluate how visible barn <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/u-s-plans-to-save-spotted-owls-by-killing-450000-barred-owls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">owls</a> are under various nighttime lighting conditions. </p>



<p>The team recreated scenarios involving moonlight, starlight, and reflected light to study how these light sources interact with the owl’s plumage, the night sky, and the ground below.</p>



<p>The analysis revealed that the white feathers of barn owls closely mimic the reflectance of moonlight. This alignment significantly reduces the contrast between the owl’s body and its background, making it exceptionally difficult for prey to detect the owl until it is too late.</p>



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



<p>A critical part of the study involved using hyperspectral imaging to measure how light reflects off different parts of the owl’s body. </p>



<p>This technique provided precise data on how the feathers interact with various wavelengths of light, reinforcing the finding that the owl’s white plumage effectively minimizes visibility under moonlit conditions.</p>



<p>As discussed above, on clear nights illuminated by moonlight, the barn owl’s white underbelly blends almost perfectly with the bright night sky. </p>



<p>This seamless blending reduces the chance of prey, such as rodents, spotting the owl as it silently approaches.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-owl-s-feathers-reflect-light">How the owl’s feathers reflect light</h2>



<p>The owl’s feathers reflect light in a manner that significantly lowers the contrast between its body and the sky. This optical effect makes the barn owl nearly invisible to its prey, providing it with a crucial camouflage advantage during nighttime hunting.</p>



<p>Data from hyperspectral imaging confirmed these observations by showing how the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/white-barn-owls-hunting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">owl’s feathers</a> reflect specific wavelengths of light. </p>



<p>The measurements indicated that the plumage’s reflectance closely matches the light of the moonlit sky, further reducing visibility and enhancing its ability to evade detection.</p>



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



<p>This study presents an opportunity for further exploration into how other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/when-barred-owls-live-in-the-city-they-prefer-affluent-neighborhoods/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nocturnal predators</a> might employ similar strategies to avoid detection. </p>



<p>The role of light reflectance in predator-prey dynamics opens a promising avenue for interdisciplinary research, integrating biology, optics, and behavioral science.</p>



<p>As barn owls continue to intrigue both researchers and bird enthusiasts, studies like this contribute to a greater understanding of how these silent hunters master the art of invisibility. </p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2406808121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a></em>.</p>



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Stealthy hunters: Barn owls use moonlight for camouflage

How does a barn owl, with its striking white plumage,...

<p>A concentrated sugar solution might be just as effective as antibiotics in treating a prevalent infection in dairy cows, according to new research led by Penn State.</p>



<p>The findings could significantly reduce antibiotic use in dairy farming, combating antimicrobial resistance in both animals and humans.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-antimicrobial-resistance-in-the-dairy-industry">Antimicrobial resistance in the dairy industry</h2>



<p>Antimicrobial resistance poses a growing public health concern, making alternatives to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antimicrobial-resistance-could-cause-39-million-deaths-by-2050/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antibiotics</a> vital. </p>



<p>“The main goal of this research was to test an antibiotic-free alternative option against the current gold standard for treating this prevalent disease,” said Erika Ganda, assistant professor of food animal microbiomes at <a href="https://www.psu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Penn State</a>.</p>



<p>The study focused on treating clinical metritis, a uterine infection that affects cows after calving. This condition, one of the most common diseases in U.S. dairy cattle, is typically treated with antibiotics like ceftiofur. </p>



<p>While effective, such treatments may contribute to antimicrobial resistance, a pressing issue for farm workers and their communities.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sugar-solution-as-an-alternative-to-antibiotics">Sugar solution as an alternative to antibiotics </h2>



<p>The researchers explored intrauterine dextrose, a sugar solution, as an alternative to systemic antibiotics. Dextrose kills bacteria by pulling water out of them, causing the cells to dry out and die. </p>



<p>“We have been searching for alternative therapies that can effectively treat metritis without relying on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soil-plays-an-overlooked-role-in-antibiotic-resistance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antibiotics</a>,” explained Adrian Barragan, associate research professor and co-lead author of the study.</p>



<p>This approach has shown promise in human wound healing but had previously delivered mixed results in cattle. Encouragingly, the study found that dextrose worked just as well as antibiotics for mild cases of metritis. </p>



<p>“We were definitely not expecting to find that both treatments worked similarly for mild cases,” Barragan said. “That was a very exciting discovery.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comparing-the-effects-of-sugar-and-antibiotics">Comparing the effects of sugar and antibiotics </h2>



<p>The study was conducted on 77 dairy cows from a farm in Pennsylvania that were diagnosed with clinical metritis.</p>



<p>The researchers divided the cattle into two groups for treatment comparison. One group received intrauterine dextrose while the other group was treated with systemic ceftiofur, a commonly used <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nanoplastics-can-alter-the-course-of-antibiotics-within-our-body/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antibiotic</a>.</p>



<p>To assess the effectiveness of both treatments, the researchers carefully monitored the cows' recovery. They also analyzed the microbial communities in the cows' reproductive tracts using advanced DNA sequencing techniques.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preservation-of-microbial-health">Preservation of microbial health</h2>



<p>The analysis provided insights into how the treatments affected the bacterial populations in the uterus.</p>



<p>The results revealed that both treatments had similar success rates in curing mild cases of metritis. However, there were variations in how the treatments performed depending on the severity of the infection. </p>



<p>A key finding was that dextrose, unlike <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-create-viruses-to-combat-antibiotic-resistant-bacteria/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antibiotics</a>, did not disturb the natural balance of bacteria in the uterus. </p>



<p>This preservation of microbial health could have long-term benefits for the cows, potentially improving their overall reproductive health and reducing the risk of complications.</p>



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



<p>The discovery of an effective sugar-solution holds particular promise for organic dairy farms, where antibiotics are restricted.</p>



<p>“Our findings may be applicable to reproductive disease in human medicine. In fact, we were inspired by medical literature and sugar-based wound treatments for people,” noted Barragan.</p>



<p>Ganda emphasized the benefits of minimizing antibiotics. "We treat cows with antibiotics only when necessary to ensure their welfare,” she said. "Minimizing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-sea-microbes-show-promise-as-new-antibiotic-drugs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antibiotic use</a> helps reduce the risk of resistant bacteria that can impact farm workers, families, and communities.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reducing-dependency-on-antibiotics">Reducing dependency on antibiotics </h2>



<p>While the study’s results are promising, the researchers acknowledge the need for further investigation. </p>



<p>The study's relatively small sample size means the researchers cannot make definitive conclusions about the effectiveness of sugar-based treatments in curing uterine infections. </p>



<p>However, the results are promising and provide an important starting point for further research. These findings suggest that sugar-based treatments could potentially be developed as viable alternatives to antibiotics. </p>



<p>This can be used not only for treating infections in animals like dairy cows but also for addressing similar reproductive health issues in humans. The study opens the door to new, antibiotic-free approaches in both veterinary and human medicine.</p>



<p>By reducing antibiotic dependence, this research could have far-reaching impacts on animal welfare, public health, and the fight against antimicrobial resistance. </p>



<p>“Antimicrobial resistance in human and veterinary medicine is a growing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antimicrobial-resistance-projected-to-kill-10-million-people-each-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">public health concern</a>,” Ganda noted. This sweet solution might just be a game-changer for addressing it.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2024.1478288/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Veterinary Science</a></em>.</p>



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Sugar solution could replace antibiotics for treating dairy cows

A concentrated sugar solution might be just as effective as...

<p>In an increasingly industrialized world, the effects of air pollution on our health are undeniable. </p>



<p>However, while many studies have focused on death rates, less attention has been paid to hospital admissions - especially those related to mental health. Scottish researchers are trying to change that.</p>



<p>Based at a renowned university in Scotland, the scientists have examined the effect of long-term air pollution exposure on mental, behavioral, and physical health.</p>



<p>The findings, published in the journal <em>BMJ Open</em>, reveal a glaring correlation - prolonged exposure to ambient air pollution increases the risk of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-linked-to-hospital-visits-among-autistic-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hospital admission</a> for a plethora of illnesses.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-scottish-longitudinal-study">The Scottish longitudinal study</h2>



<p>The research was based on the Scottish Longitudinal Study, an extensive dataset representing 5% of the Scottish population. The researchers traced the health and hospital admission records of 202,237 individuals aged 17 and above.</p>



<p>The team cross-referenced this data with levels of four key pollutants - nitrogen dioxide (NO<sub>2</sub>), sulphur dioxide (SO<sub>2</sub>), <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/breast-cancer-incidence-linked-to-high-particulate-air-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">particulate matter</a> with diameter of at least 10 μm (PM10), and small particulate matter of 2.5 μm or less (PM2.5) - between 2002 and 2017.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-air-pollution-the-invisible-culprit">Air pollution: The invisible culprit?</h2>



<p>The trend emerged clearly: higher cumulative exposure to NO<sub>2</sub>, PM10, and PM2.5 was proportionally related to increases in hospital admissions for a variety of diseases.</p>



<p>Specifically, each 1 μg/m<sup>3</sup> increase in PM2.5 and NO<sub>2</sub> pollutants propelled the incidence rate for respiratory disease hospital admissions by just over 4% and 1%, respectively.</p>



<p>Moreover, NO<sub>2</sub> was particularly associated with a greater number of hospital admissions for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-smoke-exposure-linked-to-mental-health-issues/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mental illness</a> and behavioral disorders.</p>



<p>The researchers controlled for demographics such as age, gender, ethnicity, and education level. However, other potentially influential factors - like lifestyle, weight (BMI), noise pollution or lack of green spaces - weren't taken into account. </p>



<p>Despite the inherent limitations, the findings resonate with previously published research.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prevention-is-better-than-cure">Prevention is better than cure</h2>



<p>The researchers caution that the study is observational and thus causal relationships cannot be definitively identified. They also emphasized the need for robust measures and monitoring.</p>



<p>“Policies and interventions on air pollution through stricter environmental regulations, long term planning, and the shifting towards renewable energy could eventually help ease the hospital care burden in Scotland, in the long term," noted the study authors. </p>



<p>They propose an increased number of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/residual-emissions-must-be-addressed-to-reach-net-zero/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">zero-emission</a> zones, particularly in pollution-heavy cities, to improve air quality and reduce hospital admissions.</p>



<p>The research urges us to rethink our environmental policies, and reinforces the adage, "prevention is better than cure."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-residential-exposure-and-health-outcomes">Residential exposure and health outcomes</h2>



<p>A significant feature of the study was its focus on residential exposure to air pollution. </p>



<p>By linking yearly air pollution data to individuals’ residential postcodes, the researchers could examine the long-term impact of localized <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/u-s-air-pollution-levels-have-dropped-but-not-for-everyone/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollution levels</a> on health outcomes. </p>



<p>The findings revealed that individuals living in urban areas, particularly in cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh, faced higher concentrations of pollutants due to increased traffic and industrial activity.</p>



<p>This urban-rural divide highlights the critical need for localized strategies to mitigate the health effects of air pollution.</p>



<p>Interestingly, the cumulative impact of exposure across the study period had a stronger association with mental and behavioral health admissions than the yearly fluctuations.</p>



<p>This suggests that the prolonged effects of pollution may exacerbate conditions that develop over time, such as anxiety and depression, adding another layer of urgency to address air quality issues in densely populated areas.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-air-pollution-impacts-health">How air pollution impacts health</h2>



<p>The researchers also explored the potential biological mechanisms by which air pollution affects health.</p>



<p>Gaseous pollutants, like NO₂ and SO₂, irritate the respiratory system, leading to inflammation and a cascade of effects on the cardiovascular and immune systems.</p>



<p>Fine particulate matter (PM2.5), due to its microscopic size, penetrates deep into the lungs and bloodstream, triggering oxidative stress and exacerbating chronic diseases.</p>



<p>Notably, the research highlighted that mental and behavioral disorders might be influenced by pollution through neurological pathways. </p>



<p>Prolonged exposure to pollutants could increase the production of free radicals, which may impair brain health and heighten the risk of mental illnesses. </p>



<p>These findings highlight the multifaceted nature of air pollution's impact, extending beyond physical ailments to mental health.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/14/12/e084032" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BMJ Open</a></em>.</p>



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



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Air pollution linked to rising hospital admissions

In an increasingly industrialized world, the effects of air pollution...

<p>People with severe, treatment-resistant depression who underwent nerve-stimulating therapy experienced significant improvements in their symptoms, quality of life, and ability to carry out daily tasks after one year.</p>



<p>The research was focused on a large, multicenter clinical trial led by Washington University School of Medicine.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-patients-with-treatment-resistant-depression-nbsp">Patients with treatment-resistant depression&nbsp;</h2>



<p>This national study, part of the <a href="https://trials.recovercovid.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RECOVER trial</a>, involved nearly 500 participants at 84 sites across the United States. </p>



<p>All were dealing with severe depression that had proven unresponsive to traditional treatments; on average, each had tried 13 unsuccessful therapies and had spent more than half of their lives living with this debilitating mood disorder.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Many of the participants were so ill that they could not hold jobs or manage everyday activities. While this arm of the RECOVER trial focused on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ketamine-offers-hope-for-treatment-resistant-depression/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">treatment-resistant major depression</a>, the other arm addressing bipolar depression is ongoing.</p>



<p>“These patients are extremely ill, and most have been for a very long time,” said Charles R. Conway, principal investigator of the RECOVER trial and a professor of psychiatry at <a href="https://washu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Washington University</a>. </p>



<p>“Despite that super-high level of sustained illness, we still see statistically significant, measurable improvements in depressive symptoms, quality of life, and functional outcomes.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-vagus-nerve-stimulation-works">How vagus nerve stimulation works</h2>



<p>The therapy at the heart of this trial is vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), which involves implanting a small, pacemaker-like device under the skin in the chest.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A thin wire connects the device to the left vagus nerve in the neck - a major nerve that serves as a communication highway between the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-brain-literally-changes-based-on-daily-activities-and-lifestyle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain</a> and the body’s internal organs. By sending mild electrical pulses through the nerve, the device stimulates areas of the brain involved in regulating mood.</p>



<p>Nearly two decades ago, the <a href="https://www.fda.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Food and Drug Administration</a> (FDA) approved VNS therapy for treatment-resistant depression, but it never became widely available. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cost-of-vagus-nerve-stimulation-nbsp">Cost of vagus nerve stimulation&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The combined cost of the device and the implantation surgery can be substantial, and since the <a href="https://www.cms.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services</a> (CMS) and most private insurers do not cover it, many patients could not afford the therapy.</p>



<p>The RECOVER trial was designed in collaboration with CMS to generate data that might encourage coverage of VNS therapy for these severely ill patients.&nbsp;</p>



<p>CMS provided some funding and helped plan the study, which aims to produce the evidence needed to determine whether to reimburse for the device and its surgical implantation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>If CMS decides to cover the treatment, private insurance companies may follow suit, potentially making this therapy accessible to many more people.</p>



<p>“This study may help make this therapy more accessible,” Conway said. “If CMS decides to cover it, that will likely open the door for thousands of patients who have run out of other options.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inside-the-trial-activated-vs-inactive-devices">Inside the trial: Activated vs. inactive devices</h2>



<p>In total, 493 participants were implanted with the VNS device. Roughly half - 249 people - had their devices turned on (activated) for the first 12 months of the trial, while the other half had implants that remained off during the same period.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Throughout the trial, all participants continued their usual care for depression and kept seeing their mental health providers. They were discouraged from starting new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-antidepressants-could-help-treat-brain-tumors/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antidepressants</a> during the trial but were encouraged to maintain ongoing treatments.</p>



<p>Over the course of the year, the researchers regularly assessed the participants’ progress using multiple validated tools.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measuring-changes-in-depressive-symptoms-nbsp">Measuring changes in depressive symptoms<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>Four well-established measures were used to gauge changes in depressive symptoms: two completed by off-site clinicians who were blinded to the treatment conditions, one by an on-site mental health professional, and one by the participants themselves.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In addition, the participants provided self-reports of their quality of life and ability to perform daily activities every three months using three standardized quality-of-life tools and two functional assessments.</p>



<p>By examining various metrics, the researchers sought to understand how often participants experienced any relief of symptoms - even if temporary - and whether those improvements translated into tangible gains in their daily lives.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significant-improvements-in-daily-functioning">Significant improvements in daily functioning</h2>



<p>After adjusting each device’s electrical parameters individually for the first two months, the investigators began measuring outcomes in month three and continued monthly evaluations for the remainder of the year.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While the primary outcome measure - one particular assessment chosen as the trial’s main benchmark - showed no statistically significant difference between the activated and inactivated groups at the end of the year, many of the other measures told a more promising story.</p>



<p>Overall, individuals with active VNS therapy experienced more frequent improvements in their depressive symptoms than those whose devices were off.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vagus-nerve-stimulation-and-quality-of-life">Vagus nerve stimulation and quality of life</h2>



<p>Complete remission from depression was rare and did not differ significantly between the two groups, but people with activated devices reported feeling better more often. They also described meaningful gains in their quality of life and their ability to manage everyday tasks.</p>



<p>“They’re not just saying, ‘Yeah, I feel a little better,’” Conway explained. “They’re reporting that their lives are improving in real, tangible ways.”</p>



<p>“For a population that has been failed by a long list of treatments - including some of the most aggressive therapies like electroconvulsive therapy - even moderate improvements can be transformative.”</p>



<p>One reason the primary outcome measure may not have shown a clear difference is that the group with inactive devices improved more than expected as the trial reached its end.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Conway noted that all participants knew the devices in the inactive group would be turned on at the end of the year, which may have given those participants hope and a positive psychological boost. This phenomenon could have reduced the contrast between the two groups on the primary measure.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-slow-and-steady-gains">Slow and steady gains</h2>



<p>Another key observation was that most improvements became evident during the last three months of the 12-month trial. This timing aligns with prior research suggesting that VNS therapy’s benefits develop slowly over time.&nbsp;</p>



<p>At the end of the year, the inactive devices were switched on, allowing those participants the opportunity to catch up with their counterparts who had been receiving stimulation all along.</p>



<p>“The nice thing about vagus nerve stimulation, we know from other studies, is that when the patient responds, the effects usually stick,” Conway said.</p>



<p>With a more extended follow-up planned - participants will be monitored for another four years - the researchers aim to see how these improvements hold up over time and whether they continue to grow. This long-term data will help them understand just how durable VNS benefits can be.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-toward-the-future">Looking toward the future</h2>



<p>Beyond establishing the potential effectiveness of vagus nerve stimulation therapy for patients with treatment-resistant depression, the researchers hope to identify which individuals stand to benefit the most.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Pinpointing characteristics tied to the best responses could help personalize this therapy, making it even more effective and efficient.</p>



<p>“We want to know who stands to gain the most,” Conway said. “If we can identify certain traits - such as specific clinical histories or patterns of treatment failures - that predict a good response, we might be able to tailor VNS therapy to the patients who need it most and are most likely to benefit.”</p>



<p>In the broader landscape of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mental-health-the-hidden-casualty-of-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mental health</a> care, these findings offer renewed hope. </p>



<p>For decades, patients with severe, long-standing depression have had limited options after multiple therapies failed. VNS therapy, while not a cure-all, appears capable of delivering meaningful, lasting improvements to people who might otherwise remain stuck in severe depression.</p>



<p>“For these patients, even partial relief can mean the difference between being unable to get out of bed and being able to engage with life,” Conway said.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We’re hopeful that this study will ultimately help make vagus nerve stimulation available to more people who need it and provide them with a better chance at a more fulfilling life.”</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.brainstimjrnl.com/article/S1935-861X(24)01390-1/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Brain Stimulation</em></a>.</p>



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



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Vagus nerve stimulation offers new hope for treating severe depression

People with severe, treatment-resistant depression who underwent nerve-stimulating therapy experienced...

<p>A new study of more than 26,000 white dwarf stars has finally confirmed a subtle, long-predicted phenomenon: hotter white dwarfs are slightly larger than cooler ones, even when they share the same mass.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research, led by experts at <a href="https://www.jhu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Johns Hopkins University</a>, verifies a key aspect of how these incredibly dense stellar remnants behave under extreme gravity. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dead-stars-and-the-search-for-dark-matter-nbsp">Dead stars and the search for dark matter&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study, published in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3847/1538-4357/ad8ddc" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>The Astrophysical Journal</em></a>, lays important groundwork for using <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hungry-white-dwarf-stars-eat-heavy-metals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">white dwarfs</a> as astrophysical laboratories to probe fundamental physics and search for elusive dark matter.</p>



<p>“White dwarfs are one of the best characterized stars that we can work with to test these underlying theories of run-of-the-mill physics in hopes that maybe we can find something wacky pointing to new fundamental physics,” said Nicole Crumpler, a Johns Hopkins astrophysicist who led the work.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“If you want to look for dark matter, quantum gravity, or other exotic things, you better understand normal physics. Otherwise, something that seems novel might be just a new manifestation of an effect that we already know.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dead-stars-with-tremendous-density-nbsp">Dead stars with tremendous density&nbsp;</h2>



<p>White dwarfs are the remnants of once-sunlike stars that have burned through their nuclear fuel. These stripped-down cores are so compact that a teaspoonful of their matter weighs more than a ton.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Such tremendous density produces gravitational pulls hundreds of times stronger than Earth’s, profoundly affecting the physics of light and matter in their vicinity.</p>



<p>The researchers relied on how light escaping these dead stars becomes stretched - “redshifted” - as it fights against the intense gravitational field, a phenomenon predicted by Einstein’s general relativity. </p>



<p>By examining the redshift and understanding the stars’ gravity, the team could disentangle the various effects on the white dwarfs’ size.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-temperature-influences-dead-stars">How temperature influences dead stars</h2>



<p>The new result builds on a 2020 study from the same group that confirmed white dwarfs shrink as they gain mass due to “electron degeneracy pressure,” a quantum mechanical effect stabilizing their cores.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Until now, however, scientists lacked sufficient data to confidently verify the more subtle temperature effect.</p>



<p>In this study, the researchers used data from the <a href="https://www.sdss.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sloan Digital Sky Survey</a> and the <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Gaia" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Space Agency’s Gaia mission</a>, both of which continuously map millions of cosmic objects.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By carefully averaging measurements of the white dwarfs’ motions and grouping the stars according to their mass and gravity, the team isolated how temperature influences the stars’ volumes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The analysis shows that hotter white dwarfs “puff up” slightly compared to cooler ones, confirming the long-predicted effect.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-into-massive-star-evolution">Insights into massive star evolution</h2>



<p>The implications extend beyond confirming existing theories. White dwarfs can help researchers understand processes in massive star evolution, including what determines whether a star ends its life as a white dwarf, neutron star, or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-would-it-be-like-to-fall-into-a-black-hole/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black hole</a>.</p>



<p>“The next frontier could be detecting the extremely subtle differences in the chemical composition of the cores of white dwarfs of different masses,” said Nadia Zakamska, a Johns Hopkins astrophysics professor who directed the research.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We don’t fully understand the maximum mass a star can have to form a white dwarf, as opposed to a neutron star or a black hole.”</p>



<p>“These increasingly high-precision measurements can help us test and refine theories about this and other poorly understood processes in massive star evolution.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-step-toward-dark-matter-detection">A step toward dark matter detection</h2>



<p>Crumpler and her team also view this better understanding of white dwarf physics as a stepping-stone toward detecting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-matter-does-not-exist-universe-27-billion-years-old-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dark matter</a>, the invisible substance believed to comprise most of the universe’s matter.&nbsp;</p>



<p>If certain models of dark matter affect stars’ structures in predictable ways, comparing white dwarfs in different regions of the galaxy might reveal subtle patterns.</p>



<p>“We’ve banged our heads against the wall trying to figure out what dark matter is, but I’d say we have jack diddly squat,” said Crumpler. </p>



<p>“We know a whole lot of what dark matter is not, and we have constraints on what it can and can’t do, but we still don’t know what it is. That’s why understanding simpler astrophysical objects like white dwarf stars is so important, because they give hope of discovering what dark matter might be.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-deeper-understanding-of-the-universe">A deeper understanding of the universe</h2>



<p>White dwarfs’ extreme conditions provide a unique testbed for exploring both everyday and exotic physics.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By confirming this subtle temperature-size relationship, the new study strengthens the foundation on which scientists can stand as they chase the most elusive mysteries of the universe - be it the nature of dark matter, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unraveling-gravity-quantum-nature-entanglement-mechanics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum gravity</a>, or the lifecycle of stars.</p>



<p>With ever-improving data, researchers are one step closer to unlocking the full potential of these ultra-dense cosmic remnants, ensuring that what may seem ordinary at first glance can help illuminate the extraordinary truths hidden in the cosmos.</p>



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Dead stars reveal the hidden physics of the universe

A new study of more than 26,000 white dwarf stars...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What caused the planet's longest ice age

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<p>—–</p>

Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>

Social modeling affects our food choices

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists discover we age in bursts

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists solve the mystery of tickling

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>



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



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

Retired professor claims he solved time travel

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The environmental problem we actually solved

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prrq8Ql81zk Acid rain and a crisis solved. Why don't we...

<p>Scientists are transforming chocolate into a functional food by infusing it with probiotics and prebiotics, aiming to create a treat that satisfies cravings while supporting gut health. </p>



<p>The challenge lies in maintaining chocolate's beloved texture and flavor while adding health benefits.</p>



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https://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
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<p>Probiotics - beneficial microbes that balance gut bacteria and aid digestion - are typically fragile and can be destroyed by stomach acid or processing. </p>



<p>Prebiotics act as food for these microbes, helping them thrive. Together, they form "synbiotics," a powerful health combination.</p>



<p>Researchers Smriti Gaur and Shubhi Singh from India's Jaypee Institute of Information Technology took an innovative approach, using natural prebiotics like corn and honey instead of complex processing methods. </p>



<p>They created five chocolate varieties: a control and four synbiotic versions containing different combinations of prebiotics, probiotics (Lactobacillus strains), and flavor enhancers (cinnamon or orange).</p>



<p>Laboratory simulations of human digestion showed the probiotics remained viable for over five hours, suggesting they could survive long enough to benefit gut health.</p>



<p>Taste tests were positive, with researchers particularly enjoying the orange-flavored variety, describing it as having "vibrant citrus notes" complementing the "rich cocoa" with a "luxurious" texture.</p>



<p>This research represents just the beginning. With further refinement of strains, textures, and flavors, chocolate could evolve beyond mere indulgence to become a functional food that nourishes while it delights.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsfoodscitech.4c00741" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACS Food Science &amp; Technology</a>.</p>

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

Scientists are transforming chocolate into a functional food by infusing...

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Nushagak Bay, a large estuary in southwest Alaska. Nushagak runs mainly north to south and exits in Bristol Bay, a large body of water in the Bering Sea.</p>



<p>"The bay is primarily fed by the Nushagak River, which begins in the Alaska Range and flows southwest approximately 450 km. The bay is also fed by several additional rivers including the Wood, Igushik, Snake and Weary rivers," says ESA.</p>



<p>"The dark colors of the Nushagak River are most likely due to tannins or lignins (chemical substances found in plants). Tannins and lignins from roots, leaves, seeds, bark and soil can leach into the water and give it a brown or even black colour. The sediments then flow southwards where it is mixed with the bluer waters of the bay."</p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: ESA</em></p>



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



<p><em>By </em><a href="http://csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Staff Writer</em></p>

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> (ACS) reveals that proteins on flu viruses are actually flexible, tilting and waving in a “breath-like” motion. According to the experts, these proteins could be used to better defend against the flu.</p>



<p>"The main antigenic targets of influenza virus are two surface glycoproteins, hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA). Whereas the structural and dynamical properties of both glycoproteins have been studied previously, the understanding of their plasticity in the whole-virion context is fragmented," wrote the researchers.</p>



<p>To investigate, the team conducted detailed simulations of the influenza A H1N1 virion, or the swine flu. The experts concluded that the visualizations show many new vulnerable states of flu viruses, which could improve future vaccines and antiviral drugs.</p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;</em></p>



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



<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Editor</em></p>



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Lake Trasimeno, which is located west of Perugia in central Italy. It is the fourth largest lake in the country. While Trasimeno’s water level varies, it has a maximum depth of approximately six meters.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"In this Copernicus Sentinel-2 image, captured on 6 August 2022, the lake’s emerald green colour is likely due to the presence of phytoplankton. Streaks in the water, particularly visible in the west, indicate the presence of soil and sediments which have been stirred up by winds. Dark colored waters in the southern part of the lake indicate a presence of submerged and floating macrophytes (aquatic plants) as well as algae," says ESA.</p>



<p>"Surrounded by hills on three sides, Trasimeno is subject to heavy storms created by winds, especially from the north and west. There are three islets in the lake: Maggiore, Minore and Polvese (the largest). The lake’s shores are sparsely inhabited with only two popular villages: Castiglione del Lago and Passignano sul Trasimeno."</p>



<p>"Italy is experiencing its worst drought in 70 years which has affected drinking water supplies, hydroelectric power and agricultural production. High temperatures, hot winds and lack of rainfall are the main causes of drought in the Umbrian region which saw Lake Trasimeno’s drop 1.3 m, reaching the limit of the hydrometric zero in July 2022."</p>



<p><em>Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;</em></p>



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



<p><em>By </em><a href="http://csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Staff Writer</em></p>

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> describes a new self-powered nanosensor that can instantly detect mercury contamination with the tap of a finger.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The oxidized form of mercury can be harmful when it is ingested through contaminated water or food. This makes it necessary for experts to develop sensors that can quickly and accurately detect the presence of mercury.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Zong-Hong Lin and colleagues have now created a triboelectric nanosensor (TENS) that can detect mercury by simply by touching a sample. According to the researchers, their TENS could serve as the basis for similar devices to safely and remotely monitor other pollutants.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;</em></p>



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



<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Editor</em></p>



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Kainji Lake, a reservoir on the Niger River.</p>



<p>In 1968, Kainji Lake was created by the construction of the Kainji Dam. The Niger River, the third longest in Africa, enters the lake in the north.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rivers-in-the-american-west-are-a-lifesaving-resource-for-birds/">ESA</a>, the creation of the lake submerged Foge Island and the town of Bussa and permanently flooded other riverine settlements, leaving around 50,000 people displaced.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Large parts of Foge Island are temporarily exposed during low water tides, and the land is often used by migrating fishermen. Kainji Dam is a dam across the Niger River in Niger State of Central Nigeria. </p>



<p>Wild mammals occur at relatively low densities due to illegal hunting. Lake Kainji has suffered a dramatic decline as a fishery due to the high numbers of artisanal and subsistence fisherfolk using the lake. It has been suggested that a period of closure, together with controlled fishing rights may help improve fish stocks.</p>



<p>Kainji Lake National Park is the oldest of its kind in Nigeria. The park contains three distinct areas: a part of the Kainji Lake, the Borgu Game Reserve to the west of the lake, and the Zugurma Game Reserve to the southeast. The park is home to around 65 mammal species, 350 bird species, and 30 species of reptiles and amphibians. </p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;</em></p>



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



<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Editor</em></p>



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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