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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

<p>Concerns about TikTok’s influence on youth are common, but a new study led by Emilie Owens provides a more nuanced view.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.3366/ircl.2024.0562" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>International Research in Children's Literature</em></a>, the study explores how TikTok shapes teenagers' lives and behaviors, offering insights that challenge the platform’s negative reputation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-teenagers-and-their-phones">Teenagers and their phones</h2>



<p>Owens, a doctoral student in media studies at the <a href="https://www.uio.no/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oslo</a>, set out to better understand the relationship between teenagers and their phones. “My goal has been to get to know teenagers and their phones. I wanted to be in the room with them,” she explained.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Her curiosity was driven by the often critical attitudes adults hold toward TikTok.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While acknowledging its commercial downsides, Owens emphasizes the positive role the platform can play for teens. “<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/internet-addiction-impairs-brain-function-in-teenagers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Teenagers</a> in my research say that TikTok makes them happy and provides comfort. They also see it as a social activity.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-teenagers-use-of-tiktok">Exploring teenagers’ use of TikTok</h2>



<p>Over seven months, Owens conducted her study in an international high school in Oslo.&nbsp;</p>



<p>To capture authentic teenage behavior, she encouraged students to interact with TikTok as they normally would, occasionally assigning tasks such as finding or creating content.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By observing them in action, she gained a deeper understanding of their relationship with the platform.</p>



<p>Owens initially expected significant gender differences in TikTok use, but her findings painted a more complex picture.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While a small group of boys gravitated toward sarcastic, political, and controversial content, the majority of students - regardless of gender - focused on humorous memes, quirky videos, and educational material.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-teenagers-learning-through-tiktok">Teenagers learning through TikTok</h2>



<p>One surprising outcome of the study was how much teenagers claimed to learn from TikTok. A 16-year-old girl noted that TikTok often provided clear explanations of current events or academic topics.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“All of these controversies going on? There's always someone explaining it there. Or I have actually seen Russian ladies, like, describe math to me, and I understand it,” she said.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Similarly, a 17-year-old boy praised the platform’s short videos for getting “straight to the point without any explanation,” which he found particularly effective.</p>



<p>TikTok, Owens observed, often acts as a lens through which teenagers view the world. They use it in various contexts, from passing time while waiting for the bus to engaging socially by sharing videos with friends.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“In such cases, TikTok becomes a social focal point, a kind of lens through which they can see the world together,” Owens explained.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This shared experience can bridge cultural divides, particularly in international classrooms where students come from different backgrounds.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balancing-the-good-and-the-bad">Balancing the good and the bad</h2>



<p>Despite TikTok’s positive aspects, teenagers are aware of its potential downsides. Some prefer YouTube, feeling it offers more substantial educational value. Others temporarily delete TikTok to focus on schoolwork.&nbsp;</p>



<p>One teenager mentioned the physical strain of prolonged use, noting that “after twelve hours, your eyes get sore.” While this may not be literal, it reflects the platform’s potential to consume significant amounts of time.</p>



<p>The content on TikTok also elicited mixed reactions. Teenagers recognized that the type of accounts they follow could influence their mood and motivation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As one 16-year-old boy put it:&nbsp; “If you follow a certain type of people, it can be motivating. But if you follow a certain group, it can be very demotivating as well.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>The term “brain rot” was humorously used by the teens to describe the sillier, less meaningful content, though they didn’t take this label too seriously.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-customized-digital-world">A customized digital world</h2>



<p>Owens reflects on what it means for today’s teenagers to grow up with TikTok. The platform offers a highly customized experience, where users can easily move on to something else if they don’t like what they see.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“It certainly gives them a more customized world. They learn to expect things to be the way they want them,” Owens noted.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While the long-term implications remain unclear, she suggests this tailored digital environment could shape their expectations and interactions in significant ways.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-relationship-between-teenagers-and-tiktok-nbsp">Complex relationship between teenagers and TikTok&nbsp;</h2>



<p>For parents, Owens points to the work of University of Oslo professor Elisabeth Staksrud, who emphasizes the importance of parental involvement in teenagers’ digital lives.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Owens echoes this advice: “It’s probably wise to be realistic. Young people use <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spending-less-time-on-social-media-improves-your-mental-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social media</a> now, and it’s an important part of their lives. Approach it as you would any other issue in a teenager’s life. Ask them what’s happening and show that you care.”</p>



<p>Owens’ study reveals a nuanced relationship between teenagers and TikTok. While the platform poses challenges, it also offers opportunities for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-learning-how-the-brain-stores-new-information/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">learning</a>, social connection, and entertainment.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By understanding this balance, parents, educators, and researchers can better navigate the evolving digital landscape and support teenagers in making the most of their online experiences.</p>



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Growing up in a digital world: TikTok makes teenagers happy

Concerns about TikTok’s influence on youth are common, but a...

<p>Proper food intake is essential for pregnant humpback whales to complete their extraordinary annual migration between Hawaii and Alaska.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Researchers with the <a href="https://www.mmrphawaii.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marine Mammal Research Program</a> (MMRP) at the <a href="https://www.himb.hawaii.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mānoa Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology</a> (HIMB) have revealed the energetic demands and vulnerabilities of these migratory mothers-to-be.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The findings, published in <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1113/JP287304" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>The Journal of Physiology</em></a>, show that while the initial stages of pregnancy are relatively low in energy cost, the final trimester dramatically increases the mother’s energetic needs - just when she must fast and cover great distances without feeding.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-humpback-whales-astonishing-migrations">Humpback whales’ astonishing migrations</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humpback-whales-felt-less-stressed-during-the-pandemic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Humpback whales</a> feed in polar waters and then embark on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humpback-whale-travels-farther-than-any-mammal-ever-recorded/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migrations</a> reaching up to 5,000 kilometers to the tropical regions where they mate and give birth.&nbsp;</p>



<p>During pregnancy, which lasts about 10 months, these females must travel and fast, relying solely on the energy reserves built up in feeding grounds.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By examining a combination of recent and historical data, the researchers found a direct correlation between maternal size and fetal growth: larger mothers carry larger fetuses that grow at faster rates.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-energy-demands-of-pregnant-whales">Energy demands of pregnant whales</h2>



<p>These findings allowed the team to estimate the energy demands for different stages of pregnancy. The first two-thirds of the pregnancy required only minimal extra energy, accounting for just 0.01–1.08% of the mother’s energy expenditure.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The most significant strain came in the final 100 days, when energy needs soared to 98.2% of the pregnancy’s total metabolic cost.</p>



<p>“It was surprising to see how the peak of energy requirements coincided with the onset of fasting in pregnant females, ultimately highlighting how crucial those final 100 days of pregnancy are for this migratory species,” said lead author Martin van Aswegen, a PhD student at MMRP.</p>



<p>“Females that are late in the pregnancy are therefore particularly vulnerable to disruptions in energy balance, given periods of greatest energetic stress coincide with fasting and migration to sub-tropical breeding grounds.”&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vulnerable-period-for-pregnant-whales">Vulnerable period for pregnant whales</h2>



<p>According to van Aswegen, the study highlights a particularly vulnerable period for pregnant humpback whales.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This is important, because once these whales leave their high-latitude feeding grounds, they have a finite amount of energy available to invest in their offspring over a 3–5 month fasting period, with energy requirements being even higher after calf birth.”</p>



<p>Humpback whales depend on abundant feeding during summer months in high-latitude regions to gather the energy reserves necessary for migration and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humpback-whale-reproduction-is-linked-to-krill-abundance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reproduction</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The new data highlights how critical it is for these whales to have access to sufficient prey before beginning their long journeys southward to deliver calves in warmer, predator-scarce waters.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-declining-calf-production-raises-concerns">Declining calf production raises concerns</h2>



<p>Recent observations have shown a worrying trend: there has been a 75.6% decline in the number of humpback whale mothers with calves off Hawaiʻi between 2013 and 2018.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In Southeast Alaska, a recent study documented that calf production between 2015 and 2019 was about six times lower than in pre-2015 years, while midsummer calf mortality increased tenfold from 2014 to 2019.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These declines coincided with significant, extended changes in the marine food web, leading to poor feeding conditions for humpback whales.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-lives-of-humpback-whales">Complex lives of humpback whales</h2>



<p>“This research underpins future studies on humpback whale energy demands,” said Lars Bejder, co-author of the study and director of MMRP.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Our drone-collected whale health database, developed in partnership with the <a href="https://www.alaskawhalefoundation.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alaska Whale Foundation</a>, includes over 11,000 measurements from 8,500 individual North Pacific whales. Its extensive temporal and spatial scale offers invaluable insights into the effects of large-scale climatic events on this iconic sentinel species.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>Bejder noted that sustaining such long-term, wide-scale studies is crucial for understanding these impacts within the context of natural variability in whale health.”</p>



<p>“This research underscores the value of collaboration in tackling complex questions about the lives of humpback whales,” added Jens Currie, co-author and chief scientist at <a href="https://www.pacificwhale.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pacific Whale Foundation</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Through large-scale collaborations, we're able to gain critical insights into the challenges migratory whales face during pregnancy to better inform conservation strategies. Together, we can address large-scale ecological challenges that no single institution could achieve alone.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-pressure-faced-by-pregnant-whales">The pressure faced by pregnant whales</h2>



<p>By analyzing the whales’ energy use and nutritional demands, this study sheds light on key factors influencing whale reproductive success.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Understanding the energetic pressures faced by pregnant females can guide future <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/effective-conservation-efforts-key-to-saving-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation</a> efforts aimed at safeguarding feeding grounds and migration routes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In a warming ocean where prey availability and distribution are changing, such science-based insights will prove essential for ensuring that humpback whales continue to complete their life cycle and thrive for generations to come.</p>



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The hidden struggles of pregnant humpback whales

Proper food intake is essential for pregnant humpback whales to...

<p>As the holiday season unfolds, shopping reaches its peak. This year, a staggering 197 million people shopped from Black Friday to Cyber Monday, and spent a record $33.6 billion on Black Friday alone. </p>



<p>Behind the shopping frenzy lies a fascinating intersection of brain activity, neuroscience, and economics, as explored by Dr. Uma Karmarkar, a leading expert in neuroeconomics.</p>



<p>Karmarkar investigated the psychological and physical factors that drive consumer behavior, offering insights into why we buy - and how we can make more intentional choices.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-science-and-shopping-behavior">Brain science and shopping behavior</h2>



<p>"Neuroeconomics is a field of study that uses theories and methods from neuroscience, psychology, and economics to better understand how people make real-world decisions," said Dr. Karmarkar, an associate professor at <a href="https://ucsd.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC San Diego</a>.</p>



<p>With a PhD in neuroscience, as well as a PhD in consumer behavior, Dr. Karmarkar bridges the gap between basic brain science and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/happiness-influences-online-shopping-habits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">everyday human actions</a>, such as shopping.</p>



<p>Her journey into neuroeconomics began with studying how brain cells process information for tasks like memory and learning. She found that the decision-making process is complex and engaging.</p>



<p>"I found it very exciting that we could build models from brain to behavior on how we make choices about health or career or finances, or even shop for groceries," said Dr. Karmarkar.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-processes-involved-in-shopping">Brain processes involved in shopping </h2>



<p>When shopping, our brains engage in multiple processes. The ventral striatum, a key brain region, evaluates how much we like an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fashion-industrys-plastic-waste-is-a-major-environmental-threat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">item</a>, even when we're not actively shopping. </p>



<p>If we consider making a purchase, additional brain regions help weigh the price, willingness to pay, and overall decision.</p>



<p>Interestingly, these processes remain consistent between in-person and online shopping. However, environmental factors like interacting with physical products or being surrounded by other shoppers can create subtle differences in how decisions are made.</p>



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="1wHE5lBtkb-4130361-12187" type="single"]</div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-brands-in-decision-making">Role of brands in decision-making</h2>



<p>Brands play a powerful role in consumer decisions, offering familiarity and confidence. This sense of assurance activates reward centers in the brain. </p>



<p>"These relationships to brands are strong and multi-faceted, but they’re not the same relationships that we have with people," noted Dr. Karmarkar.</p>



<p>Understanding these distinctions can help consumers recognize how brand loyalty shapes their choices.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-companies-trick-our-brains-into-shopping">How companies trick our brains into shopping</h2>



<p>Businesses leverage insights from neuroeconomics to fine-tune marketing strategies. For instance, Dr. Karmarkar's eye-tracking research highlights how product recommendations can <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mortality-salience-fear-of-death-main-driver-early-halloween-shopping/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">influence purchases</a>.</p>



<p>"I've also done some work with eye-tracking - that is, measuring what people look at, and for how long - to help know what information they paid attention to or found useful," said Dr. Karmarkar.</p>



<p>She found that consumers are more likely to buy an item if it is advertised or displayed among other, similar and recommended items on a page.</p>



<p>Dr. Karmarkar used the example of a person <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/happiness-influences-online-shopping-habits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">searching online</a> for a sweater to purchase. "The presence of matched products on the page helps you feel more engaged with a 'sweater-specific' decision," she explained.</p>



<p>On the other hand, mismatched recommendations, such as unrelated items like earrings or home goods, can distract consumers and make them less likely to buy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alternatives-for-more-sustainable-joy">Alternatives for more sustainable joy</h2>



<p>The same brain regions that respond to the rewards of shopping also react to other pleasures, suggesting alternatives for more sustainable joy.</p>



<p>"It doesn’t have to be a sacrifice," said Dr. Karmarkar. Activities like massages or finding "new-to-me" items through secondhand shopping can provide similar satisfaction without the environmental cost of buying new products.</p>



<p>Our craving for novelty often drives the impulse to shop, as the reward from new items can feel more intense than the ongoing enjoyment of what we already own. Recognizing this tendency can help consumers find rewarding alternatives that align with their values.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-becoming-a-conscious-consumer">Becoming a conscious consumer</h2>



<p>Dr. Karmarkar emphasizes the importance of intentional shopping, and highlights how the brain plays a key role in making conscious choices.</p>



<p>"To be a more conscious consumer, think about what your goals are before you get into shopping situations," she advised. Making a list or setting a budget can help curb impulsive buying, as it’s harder to make deliberate choices in the moment.</p>



<p>The research also suggests expanding your "consideration set" - thinking about other ways to spend your money and time. If a product still feels worthwhile after weighing other options, it might be the right choice.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-perspective-on-shopping">New perspective on shopping</h2>



<p>Dr. Karmarkar’s work reveals the intricate interplay between our brains and shopping behaviors. By understanding the science behind our choices, we can navigate the holiday season - and everyday shopping - with greater awareness.</p>



<p>Whether it’s embracing sustainable habits or rethinking our relationship with brands, the journey toward intentional consumption starts with a deeper understanding of ourselves.</p>



<p>This information is published in a <a href="https://rady.ucsd.edu/why/news/2024/12-09-the-science-of-shopping.html">report</a> by the Rady School of Management.</p>



<p>Video Credit: Patagonia </p>



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Shopping mania: Part of your brain is always browsing

As the holiday season unfolds, shopping reaches its peak. This...

<p>The mental load - the invisible labor of planning, organizing, and managing family life - encompasses tasks ranging from scheduling doctor’s appointments to planning birthday parties.</p>



<p>This cognitive household labor can feel especially overwhelming during the holiday season, when to-do lists seem endless.</p>



<p>A new study highlights that mothers are bearing the lion's share of this mental load in many households - not just during the holidays, but every single day.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-distribution-of-the-mental-load">Distribution of the mental load</h2>



<p>Researchers at the <a href="https://www.bath.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bath</a> and the <a href="https://www.unimelb.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Melbourne</a> reached these conclusions after analyzing responses from 3,000 parents in the United States. </p>



<p>The results shed light on how the mental load is unevenly distributed within families.</p>



<p>The experts found that mothers take on a significant 71% of all <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/household-chores-can-improve-brain-health-in-older-adults/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">household tasks</a> that require mental effort, including everything from daily activities, like meal planning and organizing schedules, to managing household finances.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mothers-fathers-and-household-mental-labor">Mothers, fathers, and household mental labor </h2>



<p>When it comes down to the fine details of the mental load, it seems that mothers and fathers often undertake different tasks.</p>



<p>Mothers take on a whopping 79% of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/moms-are-more-worried-about-chores-and-its-a-heavy-mental-load/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">daily tasks</a>, such as cleaning and childcare, which is over twice the share of dads, who manage these daily tasks at a rate of 37 percent.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-fathers-experience-slight-shrinkage-of-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fathers</a> appear to focus more on episodic tasks like managing finances and home repairs, taking up 65% of these tasks. </p>



<p>However, mothers are also involved in episodic tasks - taking on 53% of these tasks - highlighting an often overlooked duplication of effort.</p>



<p>Interestingly, the study illuminates that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/parents-with-more-children-risk-faster-cognitive-decline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">parents</a> often overestimate their contributions, with fathers being the most likely to do so. Fathers also tend to view the household mental labor as equally shared, yet mothers would beg to differ.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hard-at-work-the-single-parent-reality">Hard at work: The single parent reality</h2>



<p>Single parents undoubtedly have the most demanding burden as they have to juggle the entire mental load. The study revealed that single fathers take on significantly more compared to married fathers.</p>



<p>The primary goal of the research was to understand individual parents’ perceptions of the mental load, rather than the perception shared by couples.</p>



<p>Due to the inclusion of parents from a wide variety of family types, including LGBTQ+ and single parents, the findings are relevant to a diverse spectrum of households.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sharing-the-mental-load-more-fairly">Sharing the mental load more fairly</h2>



<p>Dr. Ana Catalano Weeks is a political scientist in the Department of Politics, Languages &amp; International Studies at the University of Bath. She noted that the effects of the mental load are not confined to the home.</p>



<p>"This kind of work is often unseen, but it matters. It can lead to stress, burnout and even impact women’s careers. In many cases, resentment can build, creating strain between couples," said Dr. Catalano Weeks.</p>



<p>"We hope our research sparks conversations about sharing the mental load more fairly - something that benefits everyone."</p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/maternal-mortality-the-overlooked-needs-of-mothers-after-childbirth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mothers</a>, who are disproportionately affected by the mental load, are feeling the pressure, with a recent Gallup study showing that working mothers are twice as likely as fathers to contemplate reducing their hours or leaving their jobs due to parental responsibilities.</p>



<p>"Going forward, the challenge for governments and employers who care about attracting the top talent is how to create policies that are supportive of both mothers and fathers sharing the unpaid work at home," said Dr. Catalano Weeks.</p>



<p>"One policy that comes to mind is well-paid, gender-neutral parental leave – which both the U.K. and U.S. are way behind on compared to the rest of Europe."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reducing-stress-with-teamwork">Reducing stress with teamwork</h2>



<p>As the holiday season fast approaches, it's a perfect time to discuss the disproportionate weight of the mental load.</p>



<p>A conversation leading to an action plan on how to share these tasks can help make the holidays - and everyday life - more seamlessly balanced, giving mothers a well-deserved break.</p>



<p>Small changes, like dividing tasks more equitably or setting realistic expectations, can go a long way in reducing stress and promoting teamwork. By addressing the mental load together, families can create a more supportive environment that benefits everyone.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jomf.13057" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Marriage and Family</a></em>.</p>



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Mothers carry the heaviest weight of the 'mental load'

The mental load - the invisible labor of planning, organizing,...

<p>Scientists have announced the discovery of a species of lipstick vine that is completely new to science, found in the depths of the Philippine rainforest.</p>



<p>This species, which has never been documented in botanical records, has sparked a wave of excitement among scientists and nature enthusiasts alike. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-expedition-into-the-heart-of-luzon">An expedition into the heart of Luzon</h2>



<p>A daring expedition by a team of botanists in 2022 led them into Barangay Balbalasang <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drones-reveal-hidden-biodiversity-in-rainforest-canopies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rainforest</a>, a remote and virtually inaccessible part of Luzon island. </p>



<p>The journey began with days of rugged travel to reach the rainforest, which was filled with unforgiving thickets that demanded to be sliced with machetes. In these wild conditions, the researchers discovered their prize.</p>



<p>The team included Jayson Mansibang, Adriane Tobias, and Pastor L. Malabrigo from the <a href="https://uplb.edu.ph/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of the Philippines Los Baños</a>, along with Dr. Chris Thorogood, Deputy Director and Head of Science at the Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum.</p>



<p>The researchers stayed with the Banao Tribe, an indigenous community that protects the local forest.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-lipstick-vine-unlike-any-other">A lipstick vine unlike any other</h2>



<p>Among the species found in the forest, one stood out - a specimen of the lipstick vine, a genus known as <em>Aeschynanthus</em>.</p>



<p>This plant had a distinct pattern of delicate purple mottling which painted its flowers in a pattern similar to that of a European <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/foxgloves-rapidly-evolved-in-the-presence-of-hummingbirds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">foxglove</a>.</p>



<p>"We were trekking through dense vegetation when suddenly we spotted a luminous white, purple-spotted flower dangling above our heads," said Dr. Thorogood.</p>



<p>"We suspected immediately that it was new to science. It’s so exciting that beautiful species like this are still there waiting to be described.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-discovery-of-a-new-lipstick-vine">The discovery of a new lipstick vine </h2>



<p>The team named the plant <em>Aeschynanthus pentatrichomatus</em> from the Latin ‘penta,’ meaning five, and ‘trichomatus’ referring to the trichomes - hair-like outgrowths deep in the throats of the flowers.</p>



<p>Lipstick vines, encompassing nearly 180 tropical and subtropical species, are known for their tubular, bud-like appearance. </p>



<p>These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/woody-vines-amplify-the-effects-of-lightning-in-tropical-forests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vines</a>, often adorning other plants and trees, boast vibrantly colored flowers that attract birds for pollination.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-concerns-amid-climate-change">Conservation concerns amid climate change</h2>



<p>Sadly, this newfound beauty already faces a critical risk of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/all-plants-on-earth-could-be-saved-from-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extinction</a>. Rapid climate change, driving increasingly intense typhoons, relentlessly threatens the plant's natural habitat.</p>



<p>The Barangay Balbalasang rainforest remains remarkably intact, housing numerous species that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. The researchers hope that the new discovery can help support conservation efforts to protect the region.</p>



<p>"We dedicate this discovery not only to the unique beauty of the Banao forest but also to the Banao People themselves, who, through their care and stewardship, have ensured the conservation of rare species within these precious forests," said Tobias.</p>



<p>"It’s rare to find <em>Aeschynanthus</em> in such an environment, and as young botanists, we were thrilled to discover something so distinct.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-world-s-plant-data-darkspots">The world's plant data darkspots </h2>



<p>“Many new species remain undocumented in the world’s ‘plant data <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-diversity-darkspots-need-urgent-attention/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">darkspots</a>’ - up to 15% of the world’s flora in fact," noted Dr. Thorogood.</p>



<p>"Finding these ‘known unknowns’ is essential for understanding and protecting biodiversity. That’s what makes discoveries such as this one so important for conservation science.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-importance-of-lipstick-vines">Ecological importance of lipstick vines</h2>



<p>The discovery of <em>Aeschynanthus pentatrichomatus</em> sheds light on the ecological importance of lipstick vines in tropical ecosystems. </p>



<p>As epiphytes, these plants grow on trees without harming them, creating microhabitats that support diverse wildlife. </p>



<p>Their vividly colored flowers play a vital role in attracting pollinators, particularly birds, which are essential for maintaining the delicate balance of tropical rainforests.</p>



<p>Beyond their ecological contributions, lipstick vines are indicators of environmental health. Their presence often signifies a well-preserved ecosystem, as these plants thrive only in stable and intact habitats. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-a-unique-rainforest">Protecting a unique rainforest </h2>



<p>The discovery of this new species in Barangay Balbalasang emphasizes the rainforest’s unique biodiversity and the urgent need to safeguard it.</p>



<p>With nearly 180 known species of <em>Aeschynanthus</em>, each adapted to its specific environment, the newly discovered species offers valuable insights into the evolution of plant-pollinator relationships and the resilience of tropical flora in the face of climate change. </p>



<p>Protecting <em>Aeschynanthus pentatrichomatus</em> is not just about preserving a single species; it is about safeguarding the intricate web of life that it supports.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://nsojournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/njb.04580" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nordic Journal of Botany</a></em>.</p>



<p>Image Credit: Chris Thorogood</p>



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Beautiful new 'lipstick vine' found in the Philippine rainforest

Scientists have announced the discovery of a species of lipstick...

<p>A recent discovery in Türkiye is shaking up our understanding of human evolution. Scientists have identified a new fossil ape, <em>Anadoluvius turkae</em>, from an 8.7-million-year-old site near Çankırı. </p>



<p>This find challenges the long-held belief that human ancestors evolved solely in Africa, suggesting instead that Europe played a significant role in our evolutionary history.</p>



<p>The fossil, uncovered at the Çorakyerler site with support from Türkiye's Ministry of Culture and Tourism, reveals that Mediterranean fossil apes were more diverse than previously thought. </p>



<p>These apes are part of the earliest known <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/two-species-of-human-ancestors-literally-crossed-paths-1-5-million-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">group of hominins</a>, which includes not only African apes like chimpanzees, bonobos, and gorillas but also humans and their fossil ancestors. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-out-of-africa-maybe-not">Out of Africa? Maybe not</h2>



<p>This discovery adds weight to the theory that the ancestors of African apes and humans may have evolved in Europe before migrating to Africa between nine and seven million years ago.</p>



<p>Professor David Begun from the <a href="https://www.utoronto.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Toronto</a> and Professor Ayla Sevim Erol from <a href="https://www.ankara.edu.tr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ankara University</a> led the international team of researchers who conducted the study. </p>



<p>"Our findings further suggest that hominines not only evolved in western and central Europe but spent over five million years evolving there and spreading to the eastern Mediterranean before eventually dispersing into Africa, probably as a consequence of changing environments and diminishing forests," explained Professor Begun. </p>



<p>"The members of this radiation to which <em>Anadoluvius turkae</em> belongs are currently only identified in Europe and Anatolia."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-partial-skull-of-anadoluvius-turkae">Partial skull of <em>Anadoluvius turkae</em></h2>



<p>The conclusion drawn from the study is based on the analysis of a well-preserved partial cranium discovered in 2015. </p>



<p>This fossil includes most of the facial structure and the front part of the braincase, providing valuable insights into the ape's anatomy. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/human-ancestor_Anadoluvius-turkae_early-ape_evolved-europe_credit-Sevim-Erol_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/human-ancestor_Anadoluvius-turkae_early-ape_evolved-europe_credit-Sevim-Erol_1s.webp" alt="A new face and partial brain case of Anadoluvius turkae, a fossil hominine—the group that includes African apes and humans—from the Çorakyerler fossil site located in Central Anatolia, Türkiye. Credit: Sevim-Erol, A., Begun, D.R., Sözer, Ç.S. et al." class="wp-image-1953373"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>A new face and partial brain case of Anadoluvius turkae, a fossil hominine—the group that includes African apes and humans—from the Çorakyerler fossil site located in Central Anatolia, Türkiye. Credit: Sevim-Erol, A., Begun, D.R., Sözer, Ç.S. et al.</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>"The completeness of the fossil allowed us to do a broader and more detailed analysis using many characters and attributes that are coded into a program designed to calculate evolutionary relationships," Begun explained. </p>



<p>"The face is mostly complete, after applying mirror imaging. The new part is the forehead, with bone preserved to about the crown of the cranium. Previously described fossils do not have this much of the brain case."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-of-anadoluvius-turkae">Life of <em>Anadoluvius turkae</em></h2>



<p>Anadoluvius was roughly the size of a large <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chimpanzees-pass-tool-use-skills-across-generations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">male chimpanzee</a>, weighing between 50-60 kilograms. This size is notably large for a chimp and is comparable to the average size of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-gorilla-day-supporting-the-guardians-of-the-forest/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">female gorilla</a>, which weighs around 75-80 kilograms. </p>



<p>The fossil suggests that Anadoluvius lived in a dry forest environment and likely spent a significant amount of time on the ground.</p>



<p>"We have no limb bones but judging from its jaws and teeth, the animals found alongside it, and the geological indicators of the environment, Anadoluvius probably lived in relatively open conditions, unlike the forest settings of living great apes," said Professor Sevim Erol. </p>



<p>"More like what we think the environments of early humans in Africa were like. The powerful jaws and large, thickly enameled teeth suggest a diet including hard or tough food items from terrestrial sources such as roots and rhizomes."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sharing-earth-with-anadoluvius-turkae">Sharing Earth with <em>Anadoluvius turkae</em></h2>



<p>The ecosystem in which Anadoluvius lived was similar to today's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/grasslands-are-racing-to-adapt-to-climate-shifts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">African grasslands</a> and dry forests. It coexisted with animals such as giraffes, warthogs, rhinos, diverse antelopes, zebras, elephants, porcupines, hyenas, and lion-like carnivores. </p>



<p>Research indicates that this ecological community likely dispersed into Africa from the eastern Mediterranean sometime after eight million years ago.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/human-ancestor_Anadoluvius-turkae_excavation_evolved-europe_credit-Sevim-Erol_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/human-ancestor_Anadoluvius-turkae_excavation_evolved-europe_credit-Sevim-Erol_1s.webp" alt="Excavation of the Anadoluvius turkae fossil, a significantly well-preserved partial cranium uncovered at the Çorakyerler fossil site in Türkiye in 2015. The fossil includes most of the facial structure and the front part of the brain case. Credit: Ayla Sevim-Erol" class="wp-image-1953375"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Excavation of the Anadoluvius turkae fossil, a significantly well-preserved partial cranium uncovered at the Çorakyerler fossil site in Türkiye in 2015. The fossil includes most of the facial structure and the front part of the brain case. Credit: Ayla Sevim-Erol</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>"The founding of the modern African open country fauna from the eastern Mediterranean has long been known and now we can add to the list of entrants the ancestors of the African apes and humans," Erol added.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-is-this-a-big-deal">Why is this a big deal?</h2>



<p><em>Anadoluvius turkae</em> is positioned on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-evolution-was-shaped-by-competition-not-just-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolutionary tree</a> alongside other fossil apes from nearby regions, such as Ouranopithecus from Greece and Graecopithecus from Bulgaria. </p>



<p>These fossils are the best-preserved specimens of early hominins and offer the strongest evidence to date that this group originated in Europe before moving into Africa.</p>



<p>The study's detailed analysis shows that Balkan and Anatolian apes evolved from ancestors in western and central Europe. </p>



<p>This suggests that the entire group of hominins likely evolved and diversified in Europe, rather than separate branches moving independently into Europe from Africa over millions of years and then going extinct.</p>



<p>"There is no evidence of the latter, though it remains a favorite proposal among those who do not accept a European origin hypothesis," Begun noted. </p>



<p>"These findings contrast with the long-held view that African apes and humans evolved exclusively in Africa. While the remains of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-humans-preferred-the-mountains-and-it-changed-our-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">early hominins</a> are abundant in Europe and Anatolia, they are completely absent from Africa until the first hominin appeared there about seven million years ago."</p>



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



<p>While the discovery of <em>Anadoluvius turkae</em> provides compelling evidence for a European origin of hominines, it does not definitively prove the theory. </p>



<p>More fossils from Europe and Africa, dating between eight and seven million years old, are needed to establish a clear connection between the two regions.</p>



<p>This new evidence supports the hypothesis that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-oldest-wooden-structure-completely-rewrites-early-human-history/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hominins</a> originated in Europe and dispersed into Africa along with many other mammals between nine and seven million years ago, though it does not definitively prove it.</p>



<p>"For that, we need to find more fossils from Europe and Africa between eight and seven million years old to establish a definitive connection between the two groups," Begun concluded.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-anadoluvius-turkae-and-human-origins"><em>Anadoluvius turkae</em> and human origins</h2>



<p>To sum it all up, if hominines did indeed originate in Europe, it could reshape our understanding of how and where humans evolved. </p>



<p>It also highlights the importance of fossil sites outside of Africa, which have been underexplored in the quest to trace human origins.</p>



<p><em>Anadoluvius turkae</em> adds a new species to the fossil record while providing a fresh perspective on the evolutionary journey of hominins. </p>



<p>By bridging the gap between European and African fossil records, this discovery encourages scientists to revisit existing theories and consider new possibilities in the story of human origins.</p>



<p>As researchers continue to analyze the fossil and search for more evidence, the story of <em>Anadoluvius turkae</em> will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping our understanding of where we come from and how we evolved.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-023-05210-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Biology</a>.</em></p>



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Humans originated in Europe, not Africa, according to fossil discovery

A recent discovery in Türkiye is shaking up our understanding...

<p>For the first time, scientists have observed a massive glacial lake outburst in real-time in East Greenland. </p>



<p>This rare event, captured by researchers from the University of Copenhagen, involved the release of over 3,000 billion liters of meltwater - equivalent to three times Denmark's annual water consumption - over just a few weeks.</p>



<p>The outburst provides critical insights into the immense power of meltwater and its potential hazards.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-a-glacial-outburst">What is a glacial outburst?</h2>



<p>A&nbsp;glacial outburst&nbsp;(also known as a&nbsp;glacial lake outburst flood, or GLOF) is a sudden and rapid release of water from a glacial lake.</p>



<p>These lakes form when meltwater from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenland-ice-sheet-discovery-transforms-sea-level-predictions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glaciers</a> collects behind natural dams of ice or debris. Over time, the pressure of the trapped water can cause the dam to break, allowing the water to rush out in large volumes. </p>



<p>This can lead to flooding, erosion, and sometimes destruction of infrastructure or communities downstream. Glacial outbursts are becoming more frequent due to climate change, as rising temperatures increase glacier melt.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-greenland-s-glacial-outburst">Greenland's glacial outburst</h2>



<p>The glacial outburst occurred when Catalina Lake, located in East Greenland, suddenly unleashed its vast water reserves into the Scoresby Sound fjord. This staggering release of 3.4 cubic kilometers (about 0.8 cubic miles) of water places the event among the top three largest ever recorded.</p>



<p>Between September 23 and October 11, the lake's water level plummeted by 154 meters. For the first time, scientists used satellite imagery to monitor and measure the event in real time.</p>



<p>"We have previously found traces of similar outburst floods, but due to polar night and clouds obstructing the potential for satellite observations, this is the first time that researchers have been able to monitor an event and measure the water volumes in real time," explained Aslak Grinsted, a climate researcher from the <a href="https://nbi.ku.dk/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Niels Bohr Institute</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mechanics-of-the-glacial-lake-outburst">Mechanics of the glacial lake outburst</h2>



<p>Catalina Lake had been accumulating meltwater for over 20 years. The lake's water was trapped behind the massive Edward Bailey Glacier, which blocked its natural outflow. </p>



<p>Over time, the water lifted the glacier, carving a 25-kilometer (15.5 miles) tunnel beneath the ice. This channel became the escape route for the lake’s water, unleashing it into Scoresby Sound, the world's largest fjord.</p>



<p>This type of event has been occurring with increasing frequency due to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-models-underestimate-sea-ice-melt-and-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rising global temperatures</a>.</p>



<p>"The danger from glacier-dammed lakes is increasing due to global warming. It's vital to improve our understanding of this phenomenon to issue timely warnings should there be an imminent risk," emphasized Grinsted.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-threat-of-glacial-floods">Global threat of glacial floods</h2>



<p>Although Greenland’s sparse population meant this event caused no harm, 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">potential risks</a> are enormous in more densely populated areas. </p>



<p>In regions like the Himalayas, GLOFs have destroyed villages and claimed lives. A 2023 study revealed that 15 million people worldwide live under the threat of deadly glacial floods.</p>



<p>"I expect that we will witness outbursts from even larger ice-dammed lakes as Greenland's ice sheet retreats in coming centuries," noted Grinsted.</p>



<p>"At the end of the last Ice Age, Lake Missoula had an outburst that was 2,500 times larger than the recent Catalina event. To understand these massive forces, we must study the largest outbursts when they occur."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enormous-power-and-energy-potential">Enormous power and energy potential </h2>



<p>The energy released during such outbursts is truly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/collapse-of-main-atlantic-ocean-circulaton-current-amoc-is-already-happening/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">immense</a>. "In this case, the energy released by the glacier flood was equivalent to the output of the world's largest nuclear power plant running at full capacity for 22 days," explained Grinsted.</p>



<p>The amount of energy from Greenland's glacial outburst could theoretically power a small town, providing 50 megawatts of electricity continuously. </p>



<p>However, the logistical challenges of harnessing this energy remain significant. The nearest settlement to the Catalina Lake event is 180 kilometers away, with only 350 inhabitants.</p>



<p>"As with many other natural resources in Greenland, infrastructure is a problem. But if a brilliant engineer could figure out how to harness these meltwater <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ice-sheet-melting-new-tipping-point-discovered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">outbursts</a>, there's enormous power and energy potential in them," concluded Grinsted.</p>



<p>The Greenland outburst highlights the growing risks posed by climate change and the need for continued research into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/when-will-the-antarctic-ice-sheet-collapse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glacial dynamics</a>. </p>



<p>By understanding these massive forces, scientists hope to develop strategies for early warnings and, potentially, ways to harness their energy for sustainable purposes.</p>



<p>Image Credit: University of Copenhagen</p>



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Massive glacial outburst observed in Greenland for the first time

For the first time, scientists have observed a massive glacial...

<p>Astronomers have utilized NASA's Hubble Space Telescope to delve deeper than ever into the enigmatic surroundings of quasar 3C 273.&nbsp;The study has uncovered new features that bring the experts closer to understanding the processes powering these celestial beacons.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Quasars, short for "quasi-stellar objects," are some of the most luminous and energetic phenomena in the universe. </p>



<p>They are powered by supermassive black holes at the centers of distant galaxies, where matter spirals inward, forming an accretion disk that releases immense amounts of energy as it heats up.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-weird-things-in-the-quasar-s-environment">Weird things in the quasar’s environment </h2>



<p>The latest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hubble-spots-a-mysterious-explosion-lfbot-in-a-place-it-should-not-have-happened/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hubble</a> observations provide unprecedented detail about the quasar’s environment, including what researcher Bin Ren from the Côte d'Azur Observatory describes as “weird things.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>The team observed various peculiar structures within 16,000 light-years of the central black hole, including blobs of differing sizes and a mysterious L-shaped filament.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These features may include satellite galaxies that could feed material into the black hole, further fueling the quasar’s immense energy output.</p>



<p>“Thanks to Hubble's observing power, we're opening a new gateway into understanding quasars,” Ren said. “My colleagues are excited because they've never seen this much detail before.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quasar-3c-273-a-celestial-powerhouse">Quasar 3C 273: A celestial powerhouse</h2>



<p>Quasar 3C 273 is not only one of the closest quasars to Earth but also the first to be identified. It was discovered in 1963 by astronomer Maarten Schmidt.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Located 2.5 billion light-years away, quasar 3C 273 emits energy exceeding that of the brightest elliptical galaxies by a factor of ten. If it were much closer to Earth - within a few tens of light-years - it would shine as brightly as the Sun.</p>



<p>The term quasi-stellar object reflects the quasar’s starlike appearance in the night sky. However, as Schmidt noted, its extreme luminosity could only be explained by the accretion of material onto a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/largest-map-of-supermassive-black-holes-unveiled/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supermassive black hole</a>, marking the discovery of a new class of cosmic phenomena.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-from-hubble-s-advanced-instruments">Insights from Hubble’s advanced instruments</h2>



<p>In 1994, Hubble's sharp imaging revealed that quasars’ host environments are far more complex than initially assumed. Earlier observations hinted at <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxy-collision-2-million-mph-stephans-quintet-captured-unprecedented-detail/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galactic collisions</a> and mergers funneling debris toward supermassive black holes, effectively reigniting quasars.</p>



<p>Now, with its Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS), Hubble has pushed these insights further by employing a coronagraph, which blocks the intense light from the quasar’s core.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This approach allowed researchers to focus on fine details of the quasar’s host galaxy, unveiling dusty disks and intricate galactic interactions.</p>



<p>The coronagraph enabled astronomers to examine regions eight times closer to the black hole than ever before. For context, observing the quasar's core is likened to trying to spot an ant on a car's headlight while staring directly into the glare.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-quasar-host-morphology">Understanding quasar host morphology</h2>



<p>The STIS instrument also provided remarkable observations of the quasar’s 300,000-light-year-long extragalactic jet. This enormous stream of material is traveling at nearly the speed of light.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By comparing new data with archival images from 22 years ago, the researchers discovered that the jet accelerates as it moves farther from the black hole.</p>



<p>“With the fine spatial structures and jet motion, Hubble bridged a gap between the small-scale radio interferometry and large-scale optical imaging observations, and thus we can take an observational step towards a more complete understanding of quasar host morphology,” Ren explained.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“In the future, looking further at 3C 273 in infrared light with the James Webb Space Telescope might give us more clues.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tools-for-astronomical-research">Tools for astronomical research </h2>



<p>Quasar 3C 273 is just one of over one million quasars that are distributed throughout the vast expanse of the universe. These remarkable objects serve as invaluable tools for astronomical research.</p>



<p>Quasars peaked in abundance roughly three billion years after the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/origins-of-matter-discovered-by-recreating-the-big-bang/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Big Bang</a>, during a time when galactic collisions were far more frequent. These collisions provided the necessary conditions for their formation.</p>



<p>Hubble's cutting-edge observations of 3C 273 not only deepen our understanding of quasars but also set the stage for future studies. </p>



<p>As researchers continue to unlock the secrets of these cosmic lighthouses, they shed light on the intricate processes driving the evolution of galaxies across the cosmos.</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA, ESA, Bin Ren (Université Côte d’Azur/CNRS)</p>



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Hubble took the closest-ever image of a quasar, and captured some 'weird things'

Astronomers have utilized NASA's Hubble Space Telescope to delve deeper...

Close,Up,Of,Colorful,Atomic,Particle,Background,Science,3d,Illustration

<p>For the first time, researchers have observed a type of quasiparticle that behaves in an unusual way. In one direction, it acts like it has no mass, zipping around as if it were made of pure energy. </p>



<p>But turning another way, it carries mass, slowing down and resisting motion. </p>



<p>This mysterious entity, called a semi-Dirac fermion, had appeared in theory about 16 years ago but had never been seen inside a real material.</p>



<p>After careful experiments, a team made up of scientists from <a href="https://www.psu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Penn State</a> and <a href="https://www.columbia.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Columbia University</a> recently announced its discovery in the journal <em>Physical Review X</em>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexpected-outcomes-in-a-crystal">Unexpected outcomes in a crystal</h2>



<p>The strange quasiparticle was spotted within a crystal known as ZrSiS, which is a type of semi-metal. The team had not set out searching for semi-Dirac <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/super-photons-fascinating-behavior-in-quantum-realm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fermions</a> but instead stumbled upon them. </p>



<p>“This was totally unexpected,” exclaimed lead author on the paper is Yinming Shao, assistant professor at Penn State University. </p>



<p>“We weren’t even looking for a semi-Dirac fermion when we started working with this material, but we were seeing signatures we didn’t understand -- and it turns out we had made the first observation of these wild quasiparticles that sometimes move like they have mass and sometimes move like they have none," Shao explained.</p>



<p>These findings highlight how some materials harbor <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/like-charged-particles-attract-each-other-defying-coulombs-laws-of-physics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unusual particle behavior</a> that does not match everyday expectations. </p>



<p>Inside solid substances, many particles can clump together to form emergent behavior. It was within these interactions that the researchers identified the odd switch between massless and massive motion. </p>



<p>The discovery follows predictions made in 2008 and 2009, when theoretical physicists outlined the possibility of particles that behave differently depending on their direction of travel.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quasiparticles-from-theory-to-reality">Quasiparticles: From theory to reality</h2>



<p>Sixteen years after those predictions, the team caught the semi-Dirac fermion through magneto-optical spectroscopy. </p>



<p>They shone infrared light on the crystal while applying a powerful magnetic field and then examined the reflected light to uncover the quasiparticle’s properties. </p>



<p>“We were studying optical response, how electrons inside this material <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/watching-electrons-move-1-quintillionth-of-second-attoseconds-attomicroscopy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">respond to light</a>, and then we studied the signals from the light to see if there is anything interesting about the material itself, about its underlying physics,” Shao noted. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/quasiparticle_semi-Dirac-fermion_mass-one-direction_credit_PSU_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/quasiparticle_semi-Dirac-fermion_mass-one-direction_credit_PSU_1s.webp" alt="The quasiparticle, called a semi-Dirac fermion, was first theorized 16 years ago, but was only recently spotted inside a crystal of semi-metal material called ZrSiS. The observation of the quasiparticle opens the door to future advances in a range of emerging technologies from batteries to sensors, according to researchers who made the discovery. Credit: Yinming Shao/Penn State" class="wp-image-1953113"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>The quasiparticle, called a semi-Dirac fermion, was first theorized 16 years ago, but was only recently spotted inside a crystal of semi-metal material called ZrSiS. The observation of the quasiparticle opens the door to future advances in a range of emerging technologies from batteries to sensors, according to researchers who made the discovery. Credit: Yinming Shao/Penn State</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>“In this case, we saw many features we’d expect in a semi-metal crystal and then all of these other things happening that were absolutely puzzling.”</p>



<p>Running the experiment in the <a href="https://nationalmaglab.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National High Magnetic Field Laboratory</a> in Florida made it possible to tap into one of the strongest sustained magnetic fields on Earth. </p>



<p>The team exposed their sample of ZrSiS to a field around 900,000 times stronger than the Earth’s own. </p>



<p>They also chilled the material down to around -452 degrees Fahrenheit, which helped reduce unwanted motion of particles and revealed the subtle patterns of energy levels inside the crystal.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-massless-along-just-one-path">Massless along just one path</h2>



<p>Quasiparticles that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massless-dirac-electrons-seen-moving-in-four-dimensions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">have no mass</a> move at the speed of light. A photon, for instance, is massless and sprints along at light speed. </p>



<p>Under certain conditions, a particle’s behavior can shift, so its effective mass emerges only along certain directions within the structure of a crystal. </p>



<p>Inside ZrSiS, these shifting conditions became clear through direct observation of energy levels known as Landau levels. </p>



<p>The researchers found that instead of following the standard pattern expected from massive particles, these levels showed a relationship known as the B^(2/3) power law, considered a signature of semi-Dirac fermions.</p>



<p>Electrons trapped in the crystal’s structure move along certain pathways. When the magnetic field forces their energy states into Landau levels, the spacing between these steps would normally depend on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/edge-state-atoms-how-electrons-find-their-groove-in-frictionless-flow/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">electron mass</a>. </p>



<p>Instead, something entirely different took place. The observed shifts matched the earlier theoretical predictions for semi-Dirac fermions rather than the standard pattern seen in conventional materials.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quasiparticles-changing-directions-and-identity">Quasiparticles changing directions and identity</h2>



<p>It is as if these tiny entities shed their mass when moving in one direction, only to pick it up again when forced along another route. That directional change disrupts the normal flow of energy and produces distinctive signals. </p>



<p>“Imagine the particle is a tiny train confined to a network of tracks, which are the material’s underlying electronic structure," Shao implored.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/quasiparticle_semi-Dirac-fermion_mass-one-direction_summary-figure_credit_PSU_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/quasiparticle_semi-Dirac-fermion_mass-one-direction_summary-figure_credit_PSU_1s.webp" alt="An illustration of the calculated structure of ZrSiS near the crossing points of its structure, showing a semi-Dirac point as a black sphere on the left. Data points as purple dots support the existence of semi-Dirac fermions in ZrSiS material with the characteristic B2/3 power-law behavior on the right. Credit: Yinming Shao/Penn State" class="wp-image-1953116"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>An illustration of the calculated structure of ZrSiS near the crossing points of its structure, showing a semi-Dirac point as a black sphere on the left. Data points as purple dots support the existence of semi-Dirac fermions in ZrSiS material with the characteristic B2/3 power-law behavior on the right. Credit: Yinming Shao/Penn State</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>"Now, at certain points the tracks intersect, so our particle train is moving along its fast track, at light speed, but then it hits an intersection and needs to switch to a perpendicular track. Suddenly, it experiences resistance, it has mass. The particles are either all energy or have mass depending on the direction of their movement along the material’s ‘tracks.’”</p>



<p>The structure of ZrSiS creates these intersections. Instead of particles freely moving in all directions, they are guided by the arrangement of atoms. At certain crossing points, the character of the quasiparticle changes.</p>



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



<p>ZrSiS is made up of layers that resemble other well-known materials such as graphite. Researchers can isolate very thin sheets that show off <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-tunneling-allow-particles-break-light-speed-barrier/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unusual properties</a>. </p>



<p>“It is a layered material, which means once we can figure out how to have a single layer cut of this compound, we can harness the power of semi-Dirac fermions, control its properties with the same precision as graphene,” Shao said. </p>



<p>“But the most thrilling part of this experiment is that the data cannot be fully explained yet. There are many unsolved mysteries in what we observed, so that is what we are working to understand.”</p>



<p>Such layered materials have drawn interest for a broad range of uses. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nanotech-material-graphene-passes-human-safety-tests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Graphene</a> has been studied for cutting-edge energy storage, advanced electronics, and sensitive detectors. </p>



<p>ZrSiS, now known to host semi-Dirac fermions, could follow a similar path toward future devices. </p>



<p>With careful efforts, it might become a valuable piece of future sensors, energy devices, or other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-quantum-revolution-will-impact-all-aspects-of-society/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emerging technologies</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-direction-for-quantum-research">New direction for quantum research</h2>



<p>The existence of these quasiparticles sparks new questions. The semi-Dirac fermion represents a new twist on what seemed like established physics. </p>



<p>While the basic idea of mass and massless particles is well-understood, this finding adds a fresh layer of complexity that challenges standard thinking. </p>



<p>Although researchers made an important observation, they acknowledge that there are still puzzles that must be addressed. New theoretical models might help pin down exactly why these quasiparticles behave as they do.</p>



<p>With these experimental results now on record, Shao and his collaborators are eager to learn more. Each piece of data adds to the understanding of how electrons interact, how they pick up or lose mass, and what this means for future materials research. </p>



<p>The first direct observation of semi-Dirac fermions marks an intriguing moment. There may be more oddities yet to find, and those answers will require further studies, but the door is now open.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://journals.aps.org/prx/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevX.14.041057" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Physical Review X</a></em>.</p>



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"Quasiparticle" that only has mass moving in one direction is seen for the first time

For the first time, researchers have observed a type of...

<p>For the first time, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has unveiled and measured a galaxy from the early universe -- one with a mass akin to what the Milky Way might have had during its formative years.</p>



<p>Nicknamed the Firefly Sparkle, this galaxy existed just 600 million years after the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-big-bang-theory-attempts-to-explain-origin-of-dark-matter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Big Bang</a> and gleams with 10 distinct star clusters, providing an unprecedented glimpse into galactic assembly.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Unlike other galaxies from this epoch, which are typically much larger, Firefly Sparkle is a relatively lightweight galaxy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-firefly-sparkle-a-galaxy-like-no-other">Firefly Sparkle: A galaxy like no other</h2>



<p>“I didn’t think it would be possible to resolve a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxies-are-much-bigger-than-we-originally-believed-gas-clouds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy</a> that existed so early in the Universe into so many distinct components, let alone find that its mass is similar to that of our own galaxy when it was in the process of forming,” said Lamiya Mowla, co-lead author and assistant professor at <a href="https://www.wellesley.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wellesley College.</a> </p>



<p>"There is so much going on inside this tiny galaxy, including so many different phases of star formation.”</p>



<p>This extraordinary discovery was made possible by the combined effects of nature and technology. </p>



<p>A massive foreground galaxy cluster amplified the distant galaxy’s appearance through gravitational lensing, and the James Webb Space Telescope’s (JWST) state-of-the-art infrared imaging delivered unparalleled clarity.</p>



<p>“Without the benefit of this gravitational lens, we would not be able to see this galaxy in such detail,” explained Kartheik Iyer, co-lead author and NASA Hubble Fellow at <a href="https://www.columbia.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Columbia University</a>. “We knew to expect it based on current physics, but it’s surprising that we actually saw it.”</p>



<p>The galaxy, named for its sparkling clusters reminiscent of fireflies on a summer night, immediately captivated Mowla due to its unique characteristics.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reconstructing-the-shape-of-firefly-sparkle-nbsp">Reconstructing the shape of Firefly Sparkle&nbsp;</h2>



<p>To understand the true structure of the Firefly Sparkle galaxy, the research team reconstructed its shape, removing the distortions caused by gravitational lensing. </p>



<p>They discovered it resembles an elongated raindrop containing clusters of stars at various stages of development.</p>



<p>“Our reconstruction shows that clumps of actively forming stars are surrounded by diffuse light from other unresolved stars,” Iyer said. “This galaxy is literally in the process of assembling.”</p>



<p>Despite its small size, Firefly Sparkle falls into the category of low-mass galaxies. It will take billions of years for it to evolve into a larger, more distinct form.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Most of the other galaxies Webb has shown us aren’t magnified or stretched, and we are not able to see their 'building blocks' separately. With Firefly Sparkle, we are witnessing a galaxy being assembled brick by brick,” Mowla added.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-building-blocks-of-a-galaxy">The building blocks of a galaxy</h2>



<p>Thanks to the gravitational lensing effect, the galaxy appears as a stretched arc, allowing researchers to identify 10 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secret-origins-of-young-star-clusters-traced-to-three-families/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star clusters</a> contributing most of its light.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These clusters, glowing in shades of pink, purple, and blue, provide critical evidence that star formation in Firefly Sparkle occurred in staggered phases rather than all at once.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Firefly-Sparkle-Galaxy_Webb-telescope_NIRCam_inset-image_NASA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Firefly-Sparkle-Galaxy_Webb-telescope_NIRCam_inset-image_NASA_1s.webp" alt="Horizontal split down the middle. At left, thousands of overlapping objects at various distances are spread across this galaxy cluster. A box at bottom right is enlarged on the right half. A central oval identifies the Firefly Sparkle galaxy, a line with 10 dots in various colors. Credit: NASA" class="wp-image-1953341"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Horizontal split down the middle. At left, thousands of overlapping objects at various distances are spread across this galaxy cluster. A box at bottom right is enlarged on the right half. A central oval identifies the Firefly Sparkle galaxy, a line with 10 dots in various colors. Credit: NASA</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>“This galaxy has a diverse collection of star clusters, and it is remarkable that we can see them separately at such an early age of the Universe,” said co-author Chris Willott, a scientist at the <a href="https://nrc.canada.ca/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Research Council Canada</a>. “Each clump of stars is at a different stage of formation or evolution.”</p>



<p>The galaxy’s elongated and disorganized shape further suggests its stars have not yet coalesced into a central bulge or thin disc, suggesting that Firefly Sparkle is still in its formative phase.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-neighboring-galaxies-and-future-growth">Neighboring galaxies and future growth</h2>



<p>Firefly Sparkle is not alone. Two companion galaxies orbit nearby and are likely to influence its growth and shape over billions of years.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The nearest companion lies just 6,500 light-years away, while the second is separated by 42,000 light-years - both distances relatively small compared to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxies-like-our-own-milky-way-are-not-unique/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>’s 100,000-light-year diameter.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Researchers believe these companions are close enough to interact gravitationally, driving gas condensation and new star formation during each orbital pass.</p>



<p>“It has long been predicted that galaxies in the early Universe form through successive interactions and mergers with other tinier galaxies,” said study co-author Yoshihisa Asada, a doctoral student at Kyoto University. “We might be witnessing this process in action.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-horizons-in-galactic-discovery">New horizons in galactic discovery</h2>



<p>Firefly Sparkle is just one of many galaxies that will be uncovered by the Webb telescope, marking the dawn of a new era in understanding early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-galaxy-formation-occurred-much-faster-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy formation</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This is just the first of many such galaxies JWST will discover, as we are only starting to use these cosmic microscopes,” noted Maruša Bradač from the <a href="https://www.uni-lj.si/en/university" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Ljubljana</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Just like microscopes let us see pollen grains from plants, the incredible resolution of Webb and the magnifying power of gravitational lensing let us see the small pieces inside galaxies.”</p>



<p>The team’s findings were made possible through the Webb’s Canadian NIRISS Unbiased Cluster Survey (CANUCS), which includes near-infrared imaging from the NIRCam and spectral data from the NIRSpec microshutter array.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-window-into-the-early-universe">A window into the early universe</h2>



<p>Published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-08293-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature</em></a>, this research is a critical step toward unraveling the mysteries of galactic evolution.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By examining the Firefly Sparkle galaxy, scientists are piecing together how small, disorganized galaxies gradually coalesce into the grand structures we see today, like the Milky Way.&nbsp;</p>



<p>With JWST continuing its mission, many more galaxies like Firefly Sparkle await discovery, promising to deepen our understanding of the early universe.</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI</p>



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Webb telescope "weighs" a galaxy for the first time

For the first time, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)...

<p>Scientists at Scripps Research have recently devised MovieNet, a transformative artificial intelligence (AI) model capable of understanding moving images with the subtlety of the human brain.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Unlike traditional <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gencast-new-ai-model-is-redefining-weather-forecasting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI models</a> that excel at analyzing static images, MovieNet is designed to recognize and interpret complex, changing scenes over time.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The innovation, detailed in a study published in <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2412260121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</em></a>, holds significant promise for applications ranging from medical diagnostics to autonomous vehicles.</p>



<p>“The brain doesn’t just see still frames; it creates an ongoing visual narrative,” said senior author Hollis Cline, the director of the Dorris Neuroscience Center at <a href="https://www.scripps.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scripps Research</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Static image recognition has come a long way, but the brain’s capacity to process flowing scenes - like watching a movie - requires a much more sophisticated form of pattern recognition. By studying how neurons capture these sequences, we’ve been able to apply similar principles to AI.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-drawing-inspiration-from-the-brain">Drawing inspiration from the brain</h2>



<p>Cline and first author Masaki Hiramoto, a staff scientist at Scripps Research, based their work on how the brain processes real-world visual sequences. The research focused on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-oldest-tadpole-fossil-reveals-secrets-of-ancient-amphibians/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tadpoles</a>, whose optic tectum - the brain’s visual processing region - efficiently detects and responds to moving stimuli.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These neurons assemble fragments of visual information into coherent sequences, mimicking how humans perceive flowing scenes in real life.</p>



<p>“Tadpoles have a very good visual system, plus we know that they can detect and respond to moving stimuli efficiently,” Hiramoto explained.</p>



<p>The researchers identified neurons in tadpoles’ brains that detect features such as shifts in brightness and changes in object rotation. These neurons process visual data in 100 to 600-millisecond clips, combining light and shadow patterns to create a continuous narrative.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Cline and Hiramoto trained MovieNet to emulate this neurological process, encoding dynamic video clips as a series of recognizable cues.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-watching-video-clips">AI watching video clips</h2>



<p>To evaluate MovieNet, the researchers presented the model with video clips of tadpoles swimming in various conditions. </p>



<p>The model achieved an accuracy of 82.3% in distinguishing normal swimming behaviors from abnormal ones - outperforming human observers by 18% and surpassing the performance of leading AI models like Google’s GoogLeNet, which managed only 72% accuracy.</p>



<p>“This is where we saw real potential,” Cline noted, emphasizing the significance of MovieNet’s ability to handle dynamic data. </p>



<p>Unlike conventional AI models, MovieNet efficiently processes and compresses information, enabling it to deliver high accuracy with reduced data and computational demands.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-greener-approach-to-ai">A greener approach to AI</h2>



<p>One of MovieNet’s standout features is its energy efficiency. Conventional AI models require immense computational resources, contributing to a significant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/using-ai-writing-illustration-drastically-reduces-carbon-footprint/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental footprint</a>. MovieNet, by contrast, reduces energy demands by simplifying data into essential sequences without sacrificing performance.</p>



<p>“By mimicking the brain, we’ve managed to make our AI far less demanding, paving the way for models that aren’t just powerful but sustainable,” Cline said.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This efficiency positions MovieNet as an eco-friendly alternative, paving the way for scaling AI in industries where high costs have been a barrier.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transformative-potential-in-medicine">Transformative potential in medicine</h2>



<p>MovieNet’s ability to interpret subtle changes over time has profound implications for medicine. The model could assist in early detection of health conditions like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coffee-grounds-could-help-prevent-neurodegenerative-diseases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neurodegenerative diseases</a> and irregular heart rhythms.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For example, small motor changes associated with Parkinson’s disease - often imperceptible to the human eye - could be flagged by the AI, allowing clinicians to intervene earlier.</p>



<p>In drug discovery, MovieNet’s dynamic analysis could lead to more precise screening techniques. Traditional methods rely on static snapshots, which can miss critical changes over time.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By tracking cellular responses to chemical exposure, MovieNet can provide deeper insights into how drugs interact with biological systems.</p>



<p>“Current methods miss critical changes because they can only analyze images captured at intervals,” Hiramoto remarked. “Observing cells over time means that MovieNet can track the subtlest changes during drug testing.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-technological-leap-for-ai">A technological leap for AI</h2>



<p>MovieNet’s innovation goes beyond accuracy; it bridges gaps in existing AI technology by enabling nuanced analysis of dynamic scenes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Its ability to identify and interpret real-time changes in visual data sets a new standard for AI, making it a vital tool for applications requiring continuous monitoring and precise recognition.</p>



<p>For example, in autonomous vehicles, the AI could enhance safety by detecting and responding to changes in road conditions or pedestrian behavior. Similarly, in medical imaging, it could improve the detection of subtle anomalies that might signal early disease stages.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-models-that-think-like-living-brains">AI models that think like living brains</h2>



<p>Cline and Hiramoto plan to enhance MovieNet’s adaptability, expanding its capabilities across various environments and applications.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This includes refining the model to handle more complex scenarios and exploring its use in other fields, such as environmental monitoring and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-wildlife-threats-can-be-identified-using-ai-technology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildlife</a> observation.</p>



<p>“Taking inspiration from biology will continue to be a fertile area for advancing AI,” Cline said. “By designing models that think like living organisms, we can achieve levels of efficiency that simply aren’t possible with conventional approaches.”</p>



<p>The research team envisions a future where biologically inspired AI like MovieNet revolutionizes technology across sectors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By replicating the brain’s sophisticated processing abilities, MovieNet not only advances our understanding of AI but also opens doors to innovations that could redefine industries and improve lives.</p>



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AI can watch videos by mimicking a living brain

Scientists at Scripps Research have recently devised MovieNet, a transformative...

<p>In 2019, the first-ever image of a black hole captured global attention. This impressive achievement by the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) unveiled the supermassive black hole at the heart of galaxy M87, also known as Virgo A or NGC 4486. </p>



<p>Located in the Virgo constellation, the black hole in M87 is again surprising scientists - this time with a gamma-ray flare that emitted photons billions of times more energetic than those of visible light.</p>



<p>Such intense flares, unseen for over a decade, offer invaluable clues about the mechanisms of particle acceleration near black holes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-jet-of-staggering-proportions">A jet of staggering proportions</h2>



<p>M87’s relativistic jet - an outflow of particles propelled at almost the speed of light - is a defining feature of this galaxy.</p>



<p>This jet is an astonishing seven orders of magnitude larger than the event horizon of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hess-observatory-detects-highest-energy-cosmic-rays-ever-observed-origin-unknown/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black hole</a> itself, a size difference that is comparable to that between a bacterium and a blue whale.</p>



<p>During the recent gamma-ray flare, which lasted about three days, the emission region was estimated to be less than three light-days across, which is equivalent to approximately 15 billion miles.</p>



<p>This intense burst was far brighter than the usual emissions detected by radio telescopes, emphasizing the significance of the event.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gamma-ray-flares-and-extreme-environments">Gamma-ray flares and extreme environments</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brightest-gamma-ray-burst-ever-recorded-had-a-rare-energy-peak/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gamma rays</a> are the most energetic form of electromagnetic radiation. They originate from the universe’s hottest and most extreme environments, including regions around black holes. </p>



<p>The photons in M87’s flare exhibited energy levels reaching several teraelectronvolts (TeV). To put this into perspective, a single TeV photon is energetically comparable to a mosquito in motion, which is astounding for a single photon that is trillions of times smaller.</p>



<p>As matter spirals toward the black hole, it forms an accretion disk where particles are accelerated by the loss of gravitational potential energy. Magnetic fields redirect some of these particles into powerful jets that emanate from the black hole’s poles.</p>



<p>This dynamic and irregular process can result in sudden energy outbursts, like the observed gamma-ray flare. However, gamma rays cannot penetrate Earth’s atmosphere.</p>



<p>Ground-based observatories detect these rays by observing the secondary radiation produced when gamma rays collide with atmospheric particles.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-from-an-unprecedented-campaign">Insights from an unprecedented campaign</h2>



<p>The flare’s discovery was part of the <a href="https://eventhorizontelescope.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EHT</a>’s second multi-wavelength observational campaign, conducted in April 2018.</p>



<p>This international effort involved over 25 terrestrial and orbital telescopes, including NASA’s <a href="https://fermi.gsfc.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fermi-LAT</a>, <a href="https://hubblesite.org/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hubble Space Telescope</a>, <a href="https://www.nustar.caltech.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NuSTAR</a>, <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/mission/chandra-x-ray-observatory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chandra</a>, and <a href="https://swift.gsfc.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Swift</a>, as well as ground-based arrays like <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/veritas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">VERITAS</a>, <a href="https://www.eoportal.org/satellite-missions/magic" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MAGIC</a>, and <a href="https://www.mpi-hd.mpg.de/HESS/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">H.E.S.S.</a> </p>



<p>Together, these facilities collected the most comprehensive spectral data ever for M87, spanning wavelengths from radio to gamma rays.</p>



<p>“We were lucky to detect a gamma-ray flare from M87 during this Event Horizon Telescope’s multi-wavelength campaign. This marks the first gamma-ray flaring event observed in this source in over a decade, allowing us to precisely constrain the size of the region responsible for the observed gamma-ray emission,” said Giacomo Principe, a researcher at the <a href="https://portale.units.it/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Trieste</a>.</p>



<p>“Observations - both recent ones with a more sensitive EHT array and those planned for the coming years - will provide invaluable insights and an extraordinary opportunity to study the physics surrounding M87’s supermassive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/highest-resolution-eht-black-hole-images-ever-taken-usher-in-new-era/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black hole</a>.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-origins-of-the-gamma-ray-flare">Origins of the gamma-ray flare</h2>



<p>The variability observed during the flare provides vital clues about the flare’s origin. The rapid changes in gamma-ray intensity indicate that the emission region is incredibly small - about ten times the size of the black hole itself.</p>



<p>Interestingly, this sharp variability was not detected in other wavelengths, suggesting a complex and multi-layered structure within the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/powerful-magnetic-fields-may-be-key-features-of-black-holes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flare</a> region.</p>



<p>“The activity of this supermassive black hole is highly unpredictable - it is hard to forecast when a flare will occur,” said Kazuhiro Hada from <a href="https://www.nagoya-cu.ac.jp/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nagoya City University</a>.</p>



<p>“The contrasting data obtained in 2017 and 2018, representing its quiescent and active phases respectively, provide crucial insights into unraveling the activity cycle of this enigmatic black hole.”</p>



<p>Analyzing the flare also revealed variations in the position angle of the black hole’s ring - its event horizon - and the jet’s position. These changes suggest a physical link between the particles at different scales.</p>



<p>“By combining the information about the change in the jet direction, the brightness distribution of the ring observed by the EHT, and the gamma-ray activity, we can better understand the mechanisms behind the production of the very-high-energy radiation,” noted Motoki Kino of <a href="https://www.kogakuin.ac.jp/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kogakuin University</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-mysteries-of-particle-acceleration">The mysteries of particle acceleration</h2>



<p>Theories about particle acceleration in black hole jets have long intrigued scientists. The flare in 2018 provided a unique opportunity to test these theories. </p>



<p>Simulations conducted using a supercomputer at Japan’s National Astronomical Observatory suggested that ultra-high-energy particles either underwent additional acceleration within the same region observed in quiet states, or experienced new acceleration in a different region.</p>



<p>“How and where particles are accelerated in supermassive black hole jets is a longstanding mystery. For the first time, we can combine direct imaging of the near event horizon regions during gamma-ray flares from particle acceleration events and test theories about the flare origins,” said Sera Markoff, a professor at the <a href="https://www.uva.nl/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Amsterdam</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-processes-that-shape-the-universe">Extreme processes that shape the universe </h2>



<p>This remarkable discovery emphasizes the importance of collaborative, multi-wavelength observational campaigns in unraveling the universe’s most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-hole-jets-m87-cause-stars-to-erupt-as-they-pass-through-galaxies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">enigmatic phenomena</a>. </p>



<p>The findings offer fresh insights into the disk-jet connection and the processes driving high-energy gamma-ray emission. </p>



<p>Future observations with an enhanced EHT array and other advanced instruments promise to deepen our understanding of particle acceleration and the mysterious forces surrounding supermassive black holes.</p>



<p>As the brightest object in the Virgo cluster, M87 continues to illuminate the frontiers of astrophysical research, offering glimpses into the extreme and energetic processes that shape the universe.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.aanda.org/articles/aa/full_html/2024/12/aa50497-24/aa50497-24.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Astronomy and Astrophysics</a>.</em></p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA</p>



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Rare gamma-ray flare unleashed from a supermassive black hole

In 2019, the first-ever image of a black hole captured...

<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>



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>

Social modeling affects our food choices

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<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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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prrq8Ql81zk
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Acid rain and a crisis solved.</figcaption></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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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

[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" 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 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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