<p>Inside our bodies, countless decisions play out silently at the cellular level. Some cells divide, some die, and others are forced out when they no longer serve their purpose. </p>



<p>A study from <a href="https://www.kcl.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">King’s College London</a> and the <a href="https://www.crick.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Francis Crick Institute</a> reveals that epithelial cells use electricity to spot weak neighbors and remove them. This breakthrough offers fresh insight into how diseases like cancer and stroke arise when energy balance within cells is disturbed.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cells-renew-constantly">Cells renew constantly</h2>



<p>Epithelial <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hemifusome-newly-discovered-organelle-inside-human-cells-with-immense-potential/">cells</a> form the barrier that lines organs, renewing rapidly to stay protective. Their balance depends on extrusion, the process of ejecting damaged or excess cells. This keeps tissues tightly packed and efficient. </p>



<p>If extrusion falters, cell numbers become chaotic, creating openings for disease. Without this constant regulation, unhealthy cells may linger, disrupt organ integrity, and interfere with critical signaling pathways. </p>



<p>Over time, these disturbances can weaken the protective barrier, encourage unchecked growth, and increase vulnerability to conditions such as cancer, chronic inflammation, or infections that compromise overall tissue health and resilience.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-electricity-targets-weak-cells">Electricity targets weak cells</h2>



<p>Earlier work showed that overcrowding forces some <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-did-the-first-cells-life-form-on-earth-scientists-think-they-finally-figured-it-out/">cells</a> to be squeezed out mechanically. The latest discovery goes further. It shows that extrusion is not random but targets energy-poor cells. Crowding pushes sodium into cells through specialized ion channels, altering their electrical signals. </p>



<p>Healthy cells restore balance, but weak ones cannot, triggering shrinkage and eventual extrusion. This reveals a precise surveillance system where tissues actively monitor cellular energy, ensuring only the strongest cells remain. </p>



<p>Such control preserves organ stability, while defects in this mechanism may promote disease progression and unchecked cellular growth.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cells-sense-crowding-with-electricity">Cells sense crowding with electricity</h2>



<p>The researchers noticed a striking prelude to extrusion: cells briefly shrank before being expelled. This stage, termed homeostatic early shrinkage, reflects water leaving the cell. </p>



<p>Roughly 70 percent of extruding cells undergo this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cells-vomit-waste-to-speed-up-healing-in-our-body/">shrinkage</a>. It is not caused by contractile forces but by ion channels regulating water movement. Key players include the potassium channels Kv1.1 and Kv1.2, and the chloride channel SWELL1.</p>



<p>The study revealed that an epithelial sodium channel, ENaC, senses crowding. It acts as a tension detector, letting sodium rush in when cells press against one another.</p>



<p>If a cell has enough ATP, it pumps sodium back out and stabilizes. If not, depolarization occurs, potassium and chloride exit, water follows, and the cell shrinks, crossing the threshold that triggers extrusion.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-low-energy-as-a-trigger">Low energy as a trigger</h2>



<p>Time-lapse experiments revealed that cells destined for extrusion show falling ATP levels before they depolarize and shrink. When ATP levels were artificially lowered, extrusion increased. </p>



<p>This shows energy deficiency directly selects <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-space-changes-our-cells-insights-from-the-iss/">cells</a> for removal. In essence, epithelial tissue runs a built-in fitness test: cells unable to maintain their electrical balance are expelled.</p>



<p>"We see this sodium channel acting as a sensor, exposing cells with the least amount of energy and targeting those cells for death," noted study lead author Dr. Saranne Mitchell. </p>



<p>"This mechanism gives epithelia a constant surveillance system to rapidly detect weak cells and remove them. It's like an electrical quality-control check, keeping tissues robust and functional."</p>



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



<p>The study highlights how epithelial tissues are not passive layers but dynamic communities constantly testing their members. By identifying weaker cells early, they can preserve strength and protect organ function.</p>



<p>"By revealing that cells with low energy are targeted for extrusion, our work also adds a new layer into how metabolism can impact many diseases," said Professor Jody Rosenblatt.</p>



<p>"This new insight could suggest how overconsumption, through eating more and consuming more calories, might override this 'low energy trigger' for extrusion and prevent the elimination of defective cells, allowing them to accumulate into cancers." </p>



<p>"It might also reveal how energy deprivation following a stroke, caused by impacted blood supply, could lead to excess extrusion and organ damage."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cells-use-electricity-effectively">Cells use electricity effectively</h2>



<p>This model highlights energy sufficiency as a deciding factor in cell survival. Much like how mitochondria regulate apoptosis, epithelial extrusion uses energy balance as a checkpoint. </p>



<p>The findings also connect to conditions like cystic fibrosis and cancer, where ion channel malfunctions are common. By linking ion flow, energy, and crowding, this study reframes how tissues maintain integrity.</p>



<p>The discovery paints epithelia as more than static barriers. They are dynamic, electrically sensitive tissues constantly probing their members for weakness. </p>



<p>Cells that cannot meet the energy demands are removed for the greater good of the tissue. Even the faintest electrical flicker within these cellular communities can tip the balance between health and disease.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-09514-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature</em></a>.</p>



<p>Image Credit: CC0 Public Domain</p>



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Body tissues use electricity to expel weak cells

Inside our bodies, countless decisions play out silently at the cellular level. Some cells divide, some die, and others are forced out when they no longer serve their purpose. A study from King’s College London and the Francis Crick Institute reveals that epithelial cells use electricity to spot weak neighbors and remove them. This breakthrough offers fresh insight into how diseases like cancer and stroke arise when energy balance within cells is disturbed. Cells renew constantly Epithelial cells form the barrier that lines organs, renewing rapidly to...

Gut-brain,Connection,Or,Gut,Brain,Axis.,Concept,Art,Showing,A

<p>Many people have felt a twist in their stomach when emotions run high. It can happen during tense or stressful moments, and when sadness or depression makes a person lose interest in eating. </p>



<p>This everyday experience points to connections inside the body, between the mind and the gut, that aren't always obvious and are often overlooked.</p>



<p>For years, treatments that affect the brain have been used to lift spirits. Yet new research suggests a different path -- focusing on that "gut feeling."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gut-treatment-not-brain-treatment">Gut treatment, not brain treatment</h2>



<p>A recent animal study explored the idea of focusing treatments for depression and anxiety to cells inside the gut rather than <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/memory-isnt-only-stored-in-our-brains-other-cells-can-remember-too/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain cells</a>.</p>



<p>This shift may help people feel better without the unwelcome side effects that can come with drugs affecting the entire body.</p>



<p>These findings were led by Mark Ansorge, associate professor of clinical neurobiology at Columbia University <a href="https://www.vagelos.columbia.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vagelos College</a> of Physicians and Surgeons, and Kara Margolis, Director of the <a href="https://dental.nyu.edu/research/pain-research-center.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NYU Pain Research Center</a> and an associate professor of molecular pathobiology in the <a href="https://dental.nyu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NYU College of Dentistry</a>. </p>



<p>They looked closely at how treatments often used for depression and anxiety might work differently when kept mostly in the intestines.</p>



<p>“Antidepressants like Prozac and Zoloft that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-gut-brain-communication-affect-emotional-well-being/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">raise serotonin levels</a> are important first-line treatments and help many patients but can sometimes cause side effects that patients can’t tolerate," Ansorge explains.</p>



<p>"Our study suggests that restricting the drugs to interact only with intestinal cells could avoid these issues."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ssri-treatment-in-the-gut">SSRI treatment in the gut</h2>



<p>The standard approach to dealing with persistent sadness or worry has long involved drugs called SSRIs. They affect serotonin, a chemical known to help messages <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mitochondria-fling-dna-into-our-brain-cells-making-us-age-faster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">move around in the brain</a>. </p>



<p>The problem is that these treatments spread everywhere, not just in the head. Changing that could make a big difference.</p>



<p>“But not treating a pregnant person’s depression also comes with risks to their children,” Ansorge says. “An SSRI that selectively raises serotonin in the intestine could be a better alternative.”</p>



<p>For decades, no one gave much thought to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-dopamine-and-serotonin-shape-behavior/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">serotonin outside the brain</a>. Yet there is a lot of it sitting right in the intestines. </p>



<p>“In fact, 90% of our bodies’ serotonin is in the gut”, says Margolis, who is also an associate professor of pediatrics and cell biology at <a href="https://med.nyu.edu/our-community/about-us" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NYU Grossman School of Medicine</a>.</p>



<p>This inside story may explain why some people experience stomach upset along with mood issues. </p>



<p>If balancing serotonin only in the intestines can influence a person’s feelings, then future treatments might avoid the usual problems linked to current medications.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-study-was-done">How the study was done</h2>



<p>To explore this, researchers worked with mice. They used genetic engineering, surgery, and drugs to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/swallowing-food-triggers-feel-good-hormones/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">increase serotonin signaling</a> in the gut but not in other parts of the body. </p>



<p>The question was simple: Would these changes help the mice behave in ways that suggest relief from anxiety or low mood?</p>



<p>“These results suggest that SSRIs produce therapeutic effects by working directly in the gut,” Ansorge says.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-did-they-learn">What did they learn?</h2>



<p>The results were surprising. The mice acted calmer and less down, yet they did not show the usual side effects often tied to SSRIs that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/high-fat-diets-cause-high-anxiety-through-changes-in-gut-bacteria/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">affect the entire body</a>. </p>



<p>“Based on what we know about interactions between the brain and gut, we expected to see some effect. But to see enhanced serotonin signaling in the gut epithelium produce such robust antidepressant and anxiety-relieving effects without noticeable side effects was surprising even to us,” Ansorge enthused.</p>



<p>“There may be an advantage to targeting antidepressants selectively to the gut epithelium,” adds Margolis. “<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-microbiome-trillions-of-bacteria-unique-like-your-fingerprint/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Systemic treatment</a> may not be necessary for eliciting the drugs’ benefits.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gut-brain-connection">Gut-brain connection</h2>



<p>This approach did not just help the mood of the mice. It also revealed something new about how the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-do-some-foods-seem-irresistible-the-answer-is-in-your-gut/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">body’s internal wiring</a> works. </p>



<p>Signals going from the gut up to the head seem to matter. The vagus nerve, known for carrying messages between these regions, was key.</p>



<p>Instead of the brain telling the belly what to do, the gut’s signals played a role in shaping mood.</p>



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



<p>The vagus nerve is like your body’s superhighway for communication between your brain and various organs. It’s one of the longest nerves in your body, stretching from your brainstem all the way down to your abdomen. </p>



<p>Think of it as a major player in your <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heart-has-its-own-mini-brain-that-controls-its-beat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">autonomic nervous system</a>, which controls things you don’t have to think about, like your <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-can-feel-our-emotions-through-our-heart-rate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart rate</a>, digestion, and breathing. </p>



<p>When you take a deep breath, feel your heart beat, or even swallow your food, that’s the vagus nerve doing its job. </p>



<p>It helps keep everything running smoothly by sending signals back and forth, ensuring your body responds appropriately to different situations.</p>



<p>But the vagus nerve does more than just manage basic functions -- it also plays a role in your mood and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/music-has-the-power-to-change-the-mood-of-our-memories/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">overall sense of well-being</a>. </p>



<p>Stimulating the vagus nerve, whether through activities like deep breathing, meditation, or even certain medical treatments, can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. </p>



<p>This nerve is involved in the “rest and digest” response, helping to calm your body after you’ve been stressed or active.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pregnancy-concerns">Pregnancy concerns</h2>



<p>Problems can arise when certain drugs cross the placenta. Past work has linked these exposures with issues in children. </p>



<p>The researchers studied more than 400 mothers and babies and found that children exposed to these antidepressants were 3 times more likely to develop constipation in their first year of life.</p>



<p>“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-pregnancy-changes-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Maternal depression</a> and anxiety can have many unwanted effects on fetal and child development and must thus be treated and monitored adequately to the benefit of both mother and child,” says Ansorge.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-drugs-guts-brains-and-the-future">Drugs, guts, brains, and the future</h2>



<p>The team is now working to create an SSRI that stays in the gut. If they succeed, it might change how doctors help people dealing with serious sadness and worry.</p>



<p>This approach could matter especially for those expecting a child, since it would mean addressing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/link-between-sleep-and-mood-explains-the-wrong-side-of-the-bed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mood concerns</a> without running the risks that come with the usual treatments.</p>



<p>Keeping these treatments focused on the intestines might give people a better shot at feeling like themselves again. </p>



<p>For many, this line of thinking stands as a reminder that what happens inside the body often comes down to more than what goes on in the head. </p>



<p>It suggests a future where relief could come without the troubles that keep so many from getting the help they need.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0016508524057512" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gastroenterology</a></em>.</p>



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Drugs targeting gut cells for depression and anxiety work better than those targeting brain cells

Many people have felt a twist in their stomach when...

<p>Soil, often perceived as lifeless dirt, is a dynamic ecosystem teeming with bacteria, many of which naturally carry antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). These tiny genetic codes enable bacteria to resist antibiotics, posing a significant challenge when they spread to harmful bacteria capable of infecting humans.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Human activities like pollution and land-use changes disturb soil ecosystems, facilitating the transfer of these genes from soil bacteria to pathogens, which could exacerbate the global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antimicrobial-resistance-could-cause-39-million-deaths-by-2050/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antibiotic resistance</a> crisis.</p>



<p>Jingqiu Liao, an assistant professor in civil and environmental engineering, has led a new study to understand how soil bacteria contribute to the growing issue of antibiotic resistance.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The findings emphasize that once bacteria acquire ARGs, they can rapidly transmit them to other species. This process transforms antibiotic resistance into an escalating public health concern.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By deciphering these mechanisms, scientists hope to develop strategies to control ARG spread, protecting human health and preserving antibiotics' efficacy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-threat-of-antibiotic-resistance-in-soil-nbsp">The threat of antibiotic resistance in soil&nbsp;</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-soil-bacteria-contribute-to-atmospheric-co2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Soil</a> is a vibrant environment filled with diverse bacterial communities. While some bacteria naturally carry ARGs as a defense mechanism against antibiotics, the situation becomes dangerous when these genes spread to pathogenic bacteria. </p>



<p><em>Listeria monocytogenes</em>, a bacterium found in soil, exemplifies this threat. When it infiltrates the food chain, it can cause listeriosis, a severe illness with fatality rates of 20–30% in vulnerable populations.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The ability of listeria to spread ARGs and infect humans makes it a critical model for studying the dynamics of antibiotic resistance in soil and its potential to spread to other environments.</p>



<p>According to Liao, soil is a crucial reservoir for ARGs, with environmental factors such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soil-pollution-is-harming-worms-and-bugs-to-an-unknown-degree/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollution</a> and land use amplifying their prevalence. These factors create conditions that promote the survival, spread, and exchange of ARGs among bacteria. </p>



<p>However, the ecological and evolutionary mechanisms driving ARG dynamics in soil remain poorly understood. To address this gap, her team used listeria as a model organism to unravel the emergence and development of ARGs in soil ecosystems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-antibiotic-resistance-in-listeria">Antibiotic resistance in listeria</h2>



<p>Liao’s team comprises a multidisciplinary group of researchers, including doctoral student Ying-Xian Goh, the study’s lead author.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Supported by <a href="https://infectiousdisease.fralinlifesci.vt.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Virginia Tech’s Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens</a> Interdisciplinary Team-building Pilot Grant, the team is conducting comprehensive genetic and ecological analyses of ARGs. </p>



<p>This project builds on earlier research, such as Liao’s previous study published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41564-021-00935-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Microbiology</em></a>, which analyzed nearly 600 listeria genomes from soil samples across the United States.</p>



<p>The findings identify five primary ARGs prevalent nationwide and shed light on how these genes spread between bacteria.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Transformation, a process where bacteria acquire free-floating DNA containing ARGs from their environment, plays a key role.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Once a bacterium picks up an ARG, it can pass it to others, even across species. This rapid transfer of resistance genes underscores the urgency of the antibiotic resistance problem.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By studying ARG transmission in listeria, the team gained crucial insights into how resistance develops and propagates through ecosystems.</p>



<p>Liao highlighted the relevance of listeria as a model organism. Although clinical cases of listeria with antibiotic resistance remain low, the bacterium naturally resists several <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nanoplastics-can-alter-the-course-of-antibiotics-within-our-body/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antibiotics</a> and is showing signs of increased resistance. This makes it an ideal candidate for tracking ARG development before it becomes a widespread clinical issue.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-impact-of-soil-and-land-use">The impact of soil and land use</h2>



<p>The study also examined how soil properties and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/40-percent-of-earths-land-has-became-permanently-drier/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">land</a> use shape ARG diversity and distribution. For instance, soils rich in aluminum tend to encourage greater ARG diversity. </p>



<p>Aluminum stress may prompt bacteria to retain resistance genes. In contrast, magnesium-rich soils seem to reduce ARG diversity, likely by lowering bacterial competition.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Wildlife presence in forested areas contributes to higher ARG prevalence as animals introduce these genes into the environment. Conversely, agricultural activities can alter soil composition and microbial communities, influencing ARG dynamics in bacteria like listeria.</p>



<p>Liao underscored the importance of minimizing activities that disturb soil conditions, such as improper waste disposal that may lead to metal contamination. She advises practicing good sanitation after activities like gardening to avoid potential exposure to ARGs and resistant bacteria in soil.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Understanding how environmental factors affect ARG spread is critical for developing strategies to mitigate antibiotic resistance and protect public health.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-combating-antibiotic-resistance">The future of combating antibiotic resistance</h2>



<p>The study highlights the vital role of protecting natural ecosystems to curb ARG spread. Soil health preservation not only benefits the environment but also plays a crucial role in safeguarding future medical care.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Building on these findings, Liao aims to explore new strategies for controlling antibiotic resistance, ensuring that antibiotics remain effective against infections for generations to come.</p>



<p>Liao believes that a deeper understanding of the ecological drivers of ARGs in soil is essential to tackling this urgent global health threat.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Establishing a fundamental understanding of the ecological drivers of these bacteria in the soil could help us better understand the emergence, evolution, and spread of antibiotic resistance,” she concluded.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-54459-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Communications</em></a>.</p>



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Soil plays an overlooked role in antibiotic resistance

Soil, often perceived as lifeless dirt, is a dynamic ecosystem...

<p>Household plumbing systems often teem with microbial life, most of which is harmless. However, scientists have yet to fully document the bacterial communities living within people’s homes. </p>



<p>While the Safe Drinking Water Act ensures monitoring by public water utilities, this surveillance stops at the property line. </p>



<p>Once water enters a home, its microbial makeup can change significantly, evolving in ways that remain largely unmonitored and misunderstood.</p>



<p>Fangqiong Ling, an assistant professor of energy, environmental, and chemical engineering at Washington University in St. Louis, is conducting research to address this knowledge gap.</p>



<p>Together with her team, Ling aims to improve understanding of household water microbiomes and their potential implications for public health.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-household-plumbing-microbial-communities">Household plumbing microbial communities</h2>



<p>In a paper published in the journal <em>Nature Water</em>, Ling and her colleagues detailed findings from a study that sampled bathroom faucets in eight households in the St. Louis metro area.</p>



<p>Over a seven-day period, they tracked the flow and evolution of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/city-microbes-are-finding-surprising-new-ways-to-survive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacterial populations</a>. While all houses shared major bacterial categories, there was considerable variation at the species level from one household to another.</p>



<p>“The houses have their own unique signature compared to the rest,” Ling explained.</p>



<p>Despite the rigorous treatment and disinfection protocols applied to public tap water, the researchers identified small yet resilient microbial populations. </p>



<p>These microbes often carry antibiotic resistance genes - a phenomenon the researchers anticipated. Using the same disinfectants across systems creates an environment where certain microbes develop resistance and form what scientists call a “resistome.”</p>



<p>The study revealed patterns of these resistomes across households but left questions about species-level variation unanswered.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microbes-in-plumbing-and-public-health">Microbes in plumbing and public health</h2>



<p>The researchers used computer modeling to explore how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/living-microbes-discovered-in-2-billion-year-old-rocks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbial communities</a> establish themselves. </p>



<p>The findings suggest that both deterministic factors (such as water chemistry) and stochastic processes (random events) influence community formation. Variables like the timing of microbial arrivals, growth dynamics, and as-yet-unknown factors contribute to the observed diversity.</p>



<p>Ling’s work aims to anticipate and prevent outbreaks of opportunistic pathogens and disease-causing bacteria. While similar monitoring is under development for hospitals and other large institutions, individual household systems remain understudied.</p>



<p>“Houses are still the place where the majority of our interactions with water take place, so we want to study households,” Ling emphasized.</p>



<p>Though the study detected illness-causing bacteria in small quantities, this doesn’t necessarily indicate that household water is unsafe. However, Ling believes public health regulators should pay closer attention to the potential risks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community-science-and-crowdsourcing-data">Community science and crowdsourcing data</h2>



<p>Lin Zhang, a Ph.D. student and the lead author of the&nbsp;paper, led efforts to expand the study’s reach.</p>



<p>By involving high school students as “community scientists,” the team collected samples from about 100 households in the St. Louis metro area. These contributions are now part of Zhang’s final Ph.D. project, which analyzes household-specific <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mouth-microbes-reflect-your-lifestyle-choices/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbiome signatures</a> and their shared resistomes.</p>



<p>“I like that we were able to give high school students a glimpse into real-world research and the scientific method. Hopefully, this might motivate them to pursue a future in environmental engineering,” said Zhang.</p>



<p>The research highlights the importance of studying household plumbing microbiomes. While most bacteria are harmless, the resistance genes they carry can transfer to pathogens, especially when individuals undergo antibiotic treatments. </p>



<p>Understanding these dynamics is crucial, given the frequent human interaction with these microbes through daily activities like showering and cooking.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-infrastructure-upgrades-and-future-monitoring">Infrastructure upgrades and future monitoring</h2>



<p>Just a few months ago, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced a new rule requiring municipalities to replace lead plumbing pipes within the next decade.</p>



<p>This infrastructure overhaul could also provide opportunities to enhance monitoring of household water systems. Beyond dealing with metals, new plumbing systems might also focus on mitigating the presence of microplastics, and better understanding microbiomes.</p>



<p>Professor Dan Giammar is leading projects to improve drinking water quality. He highlighted the challenges of tracking water quality changes from treatment plants to household taps.</p>



<p>“Aspects of drinking water quality that can change between the treatment plant and the customer’s tap have been frustratingly difficult to monitor,” said Professor Grammar. </p>



<p>“This innovative work provides new insights into how microbes grow and what microbes are present in premise plumbing.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-microbiome-of-plumbing">Understanding the microbiome of plumbing</h2>



<p>Ling and Zhang’s research continues to unveil the diversity of household <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbes-have-emerged-as-major-source-of-methane-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbiomes</a>. With every additional house sampled, more microbial variety emerges - presenting new questions for scientists to tackle.</p>



<p>Understanding the microbiome and resistome of household plumbing systems is critical for preventing health risks and improving water quality. </p>



<p>The collaborative efforts of researchers, students, and community scientists are paving the way for a safer, more informed approach to managing water systems in our homes.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s44221-024-00345-z">Nature Water</a>.</em></p>



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Household plumbing is full of microbial life that might be a health hazard

Household plumbing systems often teem with microbial life, most of...

<p>Nothing sets the tone of your day better than breakfast. It is far more than just a meal; it's a base for your body's vibrancy and long-term wellness.</p>



<p>While&nbsp;everyone&nbsp;knows&nbsp;that a good breakfast&nbsp;gives&nbsp;you&nbsp;the energy you need to conquer the day, most people don't&nbsp;know that the quality of breakfast&nbsp;consumed might&nbsp;be&nbsp;the key to&nbsp;combating cardiovascular disease.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-power-of-a-healthy-breakfast">The power of a healthy breakfast</h2>



<p>In a recent study, experts at the <a href="http://Hospital del Mar Research Institute +34 933 16 04 00   https://g.co/kgs/ZjWpvfE" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hospital del Mar Research Institute</a> investigated the link between breakfast quality and heart health.</p>



<p>The researchers tracked 383 participants in the PREDIMED-Plus project. The goal was to examine the impact of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mediterranean-diet-can-lead-to-longer-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mediterranean diet</a> coupled with physical activity on heart disease - compared to the impact of dietary recommendations alone.</p>



<p>"Breakfast is a pivotal meal because it breaks the longest fasting time in the day. According to dietary recommendations, an adequate breakfast provides 20–25% of energy intake," wrote the study authors.  </p>



<p>"Skipping breakfast has been associated to higher prevalence of obesity, risk of diabetes, and metabolic conditions. On the contrary, eating breakfast has been associated with a better quality of the whole diet."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-research">Focus of the research </h2>



<p>The study was focused on two primary aspects. First, the researchers considered the energy derived from breakfast as a proportion of the daily total energy intake. Here, they differentiated between an adequate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-caloric-restriction-help-you-live-longer-its-complicated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">calorie intake</a> (20-30% of the total daily intake) and other levels.</p>



<p>Second, the effects of consuming a high-quality breakfast with a perfect balance of proteins, fats, fiber, and other key nutrients were analyzed.</p>



<p>The findings revealed that a proper breakfast, packed with high-quality food and adequate energy, considerably reduces cardiovascular risk factors.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breakfast-energy-intake-and-heart-disease">Breakfast energy intake and heart disease</h2>



<p>The three-year-long study was focused on participants aged between 55 and 75 who were all overweight or obese. </p>



<p>The researchers accounted for several <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-century-of-progress-in-the-fight-against-cardiovascular-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiovascular</a> risk factors. These included weight, waist circumference (an indicator of abdominal obesity), lipid profile, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, blood pressure, and diabetes indicators.</p>



<p>The study revealed that participants who consumed 20-30% of their daily energy intake at breakfast showed promising health outcomes. They had a more favorable body weight evolution compared to those who consumed more or less energy in the morning.</p>



<p>These participants ended the study with a 2-3.5% lower body mass index and a 2-4% smaller waist circumference. Plus, their triglyceride levels were significantly lower (9-18% reduction), and their HDL cholesterol levels were commendably high (4-8.5% increase).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breakfast-quality-why-it-matters">Breakfast quality: Why it matters</h2>



<p>While adequate energy intake plays a crucial role, the quality of breakfast also counts when it comes to heart health.</p>



<p>Those who had a high-quality breakfast ended up with a waist circumference that was 1.5% smaller, with 4% lower triglycerides, and an increase of 3% in HDL cholesterol levels.</p>



<p>A good breakfast should be rich in protein, beneficial fats, fiber, and essential minerals like potassium and iron, while keeping the added sugars and saturated fats at bay.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-maintaining-better-health-with-breakfast">Maintaining better health with breakfast</h2>



<p>Álvaro Hernáez, a key researcher at the Hospital del Mar Research Institute, emphasized the importance of breakfast in maintaining health.</p>



<p>“Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but what and how you eat it matters. Eating controlled amounts - not too much or too little - and ensuring good nutritional composition is crucial," said Hernáez.</p>



<p>"Our data show that quality is associated with better cardiovascular risk factor outcomes. It's as important to have breakfast as it is to have a quality one.”</p>



<p>Additionally, Dr. Montse Fitó noted that both energy adequacy and quality have a role in preventing cardiovascular risk.</p>



<p>“We have confirmed that dietary recommendations about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/diet-quality-briefly-improved-during-the-pandemic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food quality</a> have been effective in improving risk factor evolution over time in adults at high cardiovascular risk,”&nbsp;said Dr. Fitó.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-step-toward-healthy-aging">A step toward healthy aging</h2>



<p>“Promoting healthy breakfast habits can contribute to healthy aging by reducing the risk of metabolic syndrome and associated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fasting-helps-the-body-fight-inflammation-and-chronic-diseases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chronic diseases</a>, thereby improving quality of life,” concluded Karla-Alejandra Pérez-Vega.</p>



<p>Having a good breakfast won't just power you through the morning, but will also arm you against health risks.</p>



<p>This is especially important for adults who are at high cardiovascular risk. So, the next time you plan your breakfast, remember to choose quality and control quantity. </p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1279770724004949" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Journal of Nutrition Health &amp; Aging</a></em>.</p>



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Breakfast: A delicious way to start your day and combat heart disease at the same time

Nothing sets the tone of your day better than breakfast....

Woman,Wearing,Brainwave,Scanning,Headset,Sits,In,A,Chair,In

<p>It has been known for nearly 20 years that slow, synchronous electrical waves in the brain during deep sleep support the formation of memories. However, the reason for this has remained unclear. </p>



<p>Now, a team of researchers from <a href="https://www.charite.de/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin</a> have found an explanation. According to the study, the slow waves make the neocortex, the location of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-our-brain-form-long-term-memories/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">long-term memory</a>, especially receptive to information.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The findings could help to optimize the treatment approaches that are intended to support memory formation from outside.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-slow-waves-and-memory-consolidation">Slow waves and memory consolidation</h2>



<p>How do permanent memories form? Experts believe that while we <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cleaning-the-brain-neurons-flush-out-waste-while-we-sleep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sleep</a>, our brains replay the events of the day, moving information from the location of short-term memory, the hippocampus, to the long-term memory located in the neocortex.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Slow waves” are especially key to this process: slow, synchronous oscillations of electrical voltage in the cortex that occur during the deep sleep phase.&nbsp;</p>



<p>They can be measured using an electroencephalogram (EEG). The waves originate when the electrical voltage in many neurons rises and falls simultaneously once per second.</p>



<p>“We’ve known for many years that these voltage fluctuations contribute to the formation of memory,” explained senior author Jörg Geiger, the director of the Institute of Neurophysiology at Charité.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“When slow-wave sleep is artificially augmented from outside, memory improves. But what we didn’t know until now was what exactly is happening inside the brain when this occurs, because it is extremely difficult to study the flows of information inside the human brain.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-slow-waves-enhance-synaptic-connections">Slow waves enhance synaptic connections</h2>



<p>Geiger and his team have now used intact human brain tissue, which is extremely rare, to clarify the processes that are very likely to underlie the formation of memory during deep sleep.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to their findings, the slow electrical waves influence the strength of synaptic connections between the neurons in the neocortex – and thus their receptivity.</p>



<p>For their study, the team of researchers investigated intact neocortical tissue samples taken from 45 patients who had undergone neurosurgery to treat epilepsy or a brain tumor at Charité, the <a href="https://evkb.de/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Evangelisches Klinikum Bethel (EvKB) hospital</a>, or the <a href="https://www.uke.de/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf </a>(UKE).&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers simulated the voltage fluctuations typical of slow brain waves during deep sleep in the tissue and then measured the nerve cells’ response. To achieve this, they used glass micropipettes positioned precisely down to the nanometer.&nbsp;</p>



<p>To “listen in” on the communications among multiple nerve cells connected through the tissue, they used up to ten “pipette feelers” at once – an extra-large number for this method, which is known as the multipatch technique.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-optimizing-timing-for-memory-formation">Optimizing timing for memory formation</h2>



<p>The experts discovered that the synaptic connections between neurons in the neocortex are maximally enhanced at a very specific point in time during the voltage fluctuations.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The synapses work most efficiently immediately after the voltage rises from low to high,” explained lead author Franz Xaver Mittermaier, a researcher at the Institute of Neurophysiology at Charité.</p>



<p>“During that brief time window, the cortex can be thought of as having been placed in a state of elevated readiness. If the brain plays back a memory at exactly this time, it is transferred to long-term memory especially effectively. So, slow-wave sleep evidently supports <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-is-essential-for-memory-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">memory formation</a> by making the neocortex particularly receptive for many short periods of time.”</p>



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



<p>This newfound understanding could have important practical applications. With the knowledge of precisely when the neocortex is most receptive, scientists and clinicians may be able to refine techniques that stimulate slow-wave activity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Such stimulation can be achieved using subtle electrical impulses (transcranial electrostimulation) or through acoustic cues timed to slow waves during deep sleep.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Right now, though, these stimulation approaches are being optimized through trial and error, which is a laborious and time-consuming process,” Geiger said.</p>



<p>Armed with these fresh insights, researchers can now work toward a more targeted development of external stimuli to enhance memory formation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For people with mild <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/even-mild-covid-can-cause-prolonged-cognitive-impairment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive impairment</a> or age-related memory decline, carefully timed interventions during deep sleep might strengthen or restore certain aspects of memory. This line of inquiry can also guide future studies into conditions where deep sleep or slow-wave activity is disrupted, such as in patients with neurodegenerative disorders.</p>



<p>In essence, this research clarifies a long-standing mystery: how deep sleep’s slow waves aid in consolidating memories.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By illuminating the precise timing and mechanism by which the neocortex becomes primed to receive and integrate information from the hippocampus, the study stands to refine therapeutic strategies aimed at improving memory function and potentially help those facing cognitive challenges.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-53901-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Communications</em></a>.</p>



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Deep sleep: How slow brain waves boost memory formation

It has been known for nearly 20 years that slow,...

<p>Scientists say they have identified the largest iron ore deposit ever recorded. They point to an area in Western Australia that contains a staggering amount of metal worth billions. They have tested samples, analyzed isotopes, and drawn conclusions that may reshape the way many see <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/iron-meteorites-reveal-unexpected-metal-distribution-in-solar-system/">iron</a> on our planet.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-understanding-of-iron-resources">A new understanding of iron resources</h2>



<p>Geologists have uncovered an iron deposit of a scale that none had previously documented. At an estimated 55 billion metric tons, this discovery represents a massive resource.&nbsp;According to <a href="https://www.colorado.edu/geologicalsciences/liam-courtney-davies" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr Liam Courtney-Davis</a> at <a href="https://www.curtin.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Curtin University</a>, this find suggests that entire chapters of mineral formation and large-scale geological processes may need rewriting.<br><br>Based on recent average iron ore prices of approximately $105 per metric ton, the deposit's total value could reach $5.775 trillion USD. This staggering figure far surpasses the $5.9 billion initially reported and highlights the significant economic implications of the find.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-fresh-look-at-mineral-formation">A fresh look at mineral formation</h2>



<p>The scale and value of the Hamersley deposit have geologists and economic experts discussing what it might mean for resource exploration. The region is home to some of the richest iron ore reserves on Earth, and this latest discovery cements its importance. <br><br><a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/abs/10.1073/pnas.2405741121">The research</a> involves studying uranium and lead isotopes to establish that these minerals appeared 1.4 billion years ago, not the 2.2 billion years once assumed.</p>



<p>According to the scientists, this updated timeframe challenges conventional wisdom about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-secret-role-of-seawater-in-gold-formation/">how mineral deposits form</a>. It also highlights new connections to the movements and changes of supercontinents.&nbsp;</p>



<p>One of the study’s co-authors stated, "The discovery of a link between these giant iron ore deposits and changes in supercontinent cycles improves our understanding of ancient geological processes."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seeking-new-exploration-routes-and-methods-to-reveal-hidden-histories">Seeking new exploration routes and methods to reveal hidden histories</h2>



<p>This work has sparked interest among those who look for new deposits. One statement adds, "It improves our ability to predict where we should explore in the future .&nbsp;</p>



<p>The energy from this epic geological activity likely triggered the production of billions of tonnes of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/iron-was-lifes-first-essential-metal-and-shaped-early-evolution/">iron-rich rock</a> in the Pilbara," indicating that the data gathered from these formations may guide future prospecting efforts.</p>



<p>The team has used techniques that focus on isotopic dating and chemical analysis. These approaches shine a light on the path iron took as it changed from 30% to more than 60% iron concentration.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The exact timeline of the change of these formations from 30% iron as they were originally, to more than 60% iron as they are today, was not clear,” Associate <a href="https://staffportal.curtin.edu.au/staff/profile/view/martin-danisik-b20e9bfb/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Professor Martin Danisík</a> explained.</p>



<p>The researchers note that this knowledge gap made it hard to "understand the processes that led to the formation of the largest mineral deposits in the world."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifting-the-focus-to-broader-implications">Shifting the focus to broader implications</h2>



<p>This discovery, though clearly significant for the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/23-million-people-are-exposed-to-toxic-waste-from-mining-activities/">mining sector</a>, signals much more than an economic opportunity. The details shared show that geology is not only about predicting natural disasters or mapping the ground beneath our feet.</p>



<p>Such discoveries break old assumptions and encourage new ways of interpreting the landscape, its minerals, and the shifts in ancient continents.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-the-hamersley-deposit-matters">Why the Hamersley deposit matters</h2>



<p>The region’s rich geological history has long attracted attention. The level of iron now verified at this location places it in a category of its own.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These results suggest that mineral formation involves complex natural processes that do not follow simple timelines. Some observers say that figuring out how these colossal mineral bodies came into being may help solve puzzles about the early Earth and its tectonic adventures.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-this-means-for-future-research">What this means for future research</h2>



<p>These findings are expected to inspire new projects. Researchers might now direct their efforts toward areas that seemed uninteresting or too difficult to evaluate before.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A greater understanding of ancient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/claim-earth-has-six-continents-not-seven-north-america-europe-connected/">geological processes</a> can lead to more targeted drilling and analysis. It may encourage mining companies and governments to update their strategies, potentially leading to more efficient and less wasteful resource extraction.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-historic-perspective-on-iron">Historic perspective on iron</h2>



<p>Iron has long played a crucial role in human civilization. It helped build cities, forged tools, and fueled industrial progress. Before advances in modern geology, people relied on trial and error to find iron-rich sites.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Now, detailed studies and isotope analysis show patterns that were never suspected. This shift from guesswork to data-driven investigation can result in more sustainable use of natural resources.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-technology-reshapes-geology">How technology reshapes geology</h2>



<p>In the past, identifying and analyzing massive mineral deposits was more guesswork than science. Current methods let experts determine how minerals have changed over billions of years.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Such approaches can influence not just how companies invest but also how scientists interpret <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-discovery-about-earths-formation-raises-probability-of-finding-life-on-other-planets/">Earth’s formation</a>. Reliable data removes old uncertainties and suggests that other surprises may remain hidden beneath the surface.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-the-global-mining-landscape">Implications for the global mining landscape</h2>



<p>Australia already dominates the iron industry. Adding a discovery of this magnitude may confirm its position. This does not only matter for export numbers or stock prices.</p>



<p>It may influence trade deals, global supply chains, and the stability of prices. When basic assumptions about resource formation shift, it can have effects that ripple through multiple industries.</p>



<p>No one is claiming to have all the answers. In fact, the researchers emphasize that they are still putting pieces of the puzzle together. They have shown that what was once considered standard geological knowledge needs rethinking.</p>



<p>With new data, people who study the planet’s past might draw clearer pictures of how continents shifted, how resources formed, and how life adapted along the way.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-glimpse-of-what-is-still-unknown">A glimpse of what is still unknown</h2>



<p>There could be more hidden stories waiting. New methods, fresh approaches, and an openness to challenging old ideas might reveal more giant deposits or explain perplexing geological patterns.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Each fresh insight could shape <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discovery-evolution-not-random-gene-families-pangenome-influence-called-revolutionary/">how science evolves</a> and how societies approach the resources that support everyday life.</p>



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Geologists found the world's largest iron ore deposit

Scientists say they have identified the largest iron ore deposit...

<p>In an effort to protect sensitive fish species, many recreational fisheries have adopted catch-and-release practices, where fish are returned to the water after being caught.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, excessive fishing pressure may influence the behavior of target species and jeopardize the sustainability of fisheries.&nbsp;</p>



<p>An international team of biologists, co-led by the <a href="https://www.umass.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Massachusetts Amherst</a> and the <a href="https://www.usf.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of South Florida</a>, along with conservationists and industry partners in Seychelles, set out to determine if this is the case.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study revealed that a prized sport fish, the giant trevally, is susceptible to high fishing pressure.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This conclusion emerges from a “natural experiment” during the COVID-19-induced closure of the fishery, carrying significant implications for managing the species across the Indian and Pacific oceans.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-collaboration-for-sustainable-fishing-practices">Collaboration for sustainable fishing practices</h2>



<p>Study senior author Andy Danylchuk is a professor of fish conservation at UMass Amherst.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“A few years ago, both the <a href="http://www.islandconservationseychelles.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Island Conservation Society</a>, which promotes conservation in the Seychelles Islands, and the Alphonse Fishing Company (now known as Blue Safari Seychelles Fly Fishing), a flyfishing guide service located in the Seychelles, approached my group concerned about the sustainability of sportfishing in the Seychelles,” explained Danylchuk.</p>



<p>“It was the perfect convergence of a research question that my team cares deeply about - how recreational <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sustainable-fishing-must-be-redefined-to-halt-ocean-destruction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fishing</a> can be a sustainable part of the ‘blue economy’- brought to us by stakeholders looking to implement policies and management guided by science.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unintended-consequences-of-sport-fishing-nbsp">Unintended consequences of sport fishing&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Unlike harvest-oriented recreational fishing, which directly affects population numbers, catch-and-release sport fishing is intended to minimize mortality - theoretically leaving more fish in the water for future anglers.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, this method can have unforeseen effects. These include increased mortality from hooking fish in critical areas like the gills, post-release predation, altered movements, and “hook shyness.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>Hook shyness occurs when <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fish-foraging-behavior-changing-climate-warming-waters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish</a> become accustomed to being targeted and subsequently avoid lures or flies, potentially reducing catch rates. This behavioral change is particularly concerning for the giant trevally, a highly sought-after species that attracts anglers willing to spend significant amounts for a memorable catch.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Declining catch rates due to hook shyness could disappoint anglers and negatively impact the local tourism industry. In some cases, local guides might resort to baiting fish with chum to lure them closer, exacerbating behavioral and movement alterations in giant trevally.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-investigating-sustainability-through-natural-experiments">Investigating sustainability through natural experiments</h2>



<p>Study lead author Lucas Griffin completed this research as part of a post-doctoral fellowship at UMass Amherst. Griffin is now an assistant professor of marine biology at the University of South Florida.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The Island Conservation Society and the Alphonse Fishing Company wanted to know whether or not the current fishing practices for giant trevally in the Alphonse Group of islands in the Seychelles was sustainable,” said Griffin.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“And so, we’ve been working with them on a series of studies to assess just that.”</p>



<p>The research team utilized acoustic telemetry - implanting transmitters in giant trevally and placing receivers throughout the coastal environment to track individual movements - and a mark-and-recapture program, which involved collaborating with anglers to implant microchips in fish.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These methods allowed the team to monitor how often and where individual fish were caught and released.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-once-in-a-lifetime-natural-experiment">Once-in-a-lifetime natural experiment</h2>



<p>Originally, the researchers planned to conduct short-term closures of various fishing spots to observe giant trevally behavior under natural conditions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-19-lockdown-linked-to-dramatic-changes-on-the-moon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COVID-19</a> pandemic led to an almost two-year shutdown of recreational fishing in the Seychelles, providing an unprecedented natural experiment.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“It’s strange to say, but the pandemic created a once-in-a-lifetime natural experiment,” Griffin remarked. “The entire fishery shut down, so we could really see how giant trevally live in the total absence of fishing pressure.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-fish-respond-to-increased-pressure">How fish respond to increased pressure</h2>



<p>The study found that while giant trevally can adjust their behaviors and movement patterns in response to fishing pressure, they did not significantly alter their behavior during the short-term closures or the extended COVID-19 shutdown.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Over time, however, there is evidence that increased fishing pressure may lead to hook shyness, with some groups of giant trevally shifting their home ranges away from prime fishing spots.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Conversely, the mark-and-recapture data indicated a substantial population of giant trevally, with new individuals entering the fishery potentially offsetting the effects of hook shyness.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balancing-fishery-health-and-angler-satisfaction">Balancing fishery health and angler satisfaction</h2>



<p>Overall, the evidence suggests that while giant trevally exhibit resilience to the immediate impacts of catch-and-release, sustained fishing pressure can influence their behavior in ways that may reduce catch rates and affect the angling experience.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Maintaining a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/groundwater-plays-critical-role-ecosystem-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">healthy ecosystem</a> and ensuring high populations of giant trevally could enhance their resilience to angling pressures.</p>



<p>“We are part of the ecology of these fish,” Griffin said. “If we want to be catching more of them, we may need to consider limiting the number of anglers that target them in any given location.”</p>



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



<p>The findings highlight the necessity of integrating scientific research with fisheries management practices to ensure the long-term sustainability of sport fishing.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By understanding the behavioral responses of target species like the giant trevally, stakeholders can develop informed strategies that balance conservation efforts with economic benefits from tourism and sport fishing.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This study underscores the importance of adaptive management approaches that consider both ecological dynamics and human interests in recreational fishing.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enhancing-the-sustainability-of-sport-fisheries">Enhancing the sustainability of sport fisheries</h2>



<p>Moving forward, the research team plans to continue monitoring giant trevally populations and behaviors, particularly in relation to varying levels of fishing pressure.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Further studies will aim to refine management practices to mitigate the unintended consequences of catch-and-release fishing and enhance the sustainability of sport fisheries.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By encouraging collaboration between scientists, conservationists, and industry partners, the team aims to promote practices that support both the health of fish populations and the livelihoods of communities dependent on recreational fishing.</p>



<p>This comprehensive approach ensures that sport fishing remains a viable and sustainable activity, preserving the giant trevally and other sensitive species for future generations of anglers and maintaining the ecological integrity of coastal regions.</p>



<p>The study is published in the <a href="https://doi.org/10.1139/cjfas-2023-0329" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences</em></a>,&nbsp;</p>



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The hidden consequences of catch-and-release sport fishing

In an effort to protect sensitive fish species, many recreational...

<p>The pursuit of fairness has long intrigued philosophers and scientists alike. Do humans hold a unique sense of fairness, or do animals share this trait? </p>



<p>For years, researchers have debated whether behaviors like jealousy are exclusive to humans or are prevalent among animals as well. A new study from the UC Berkeley sheds new light on this age-old question.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-animal-fairness">Rethinking animal fairness</h2>



<p>Using data from 23 studies, the researchers conducted a meta-analysis involving over 60,000 observations across 18 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chick-emotions-shed-new-light-on-animal-welfare/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animal</a> species.</p>



<p>This effort, described as the “largest empirical investigation of non-human inequity aversion to date,” examined the concept of fairness as perceived by animals.</p>



<p>“We can’t make the claim that animals experience jealousy based on this data,” said Oded Ritov, a fourth-year Ph.D. candidate in UC Berkeley’s <a href="https://psychology.berkeley.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Psychology</a>. </p>



<p>“If there is an effect, it’s very weak and might show up in very specific settings. But it’s nothing like what we see in humans in terms of our deep-seated sense of fairness.”</p>



<p>The findings&nbsp;challenge widely held assumptions about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/international-animal-rights-day-2024-honoring-animals-with-justice/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animal behavior</a>. According to Ritov, the evidence suggests that what might appear as inequity aversion in animals could instead stem from unmet expectations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-fairness-key-to-complex-societies">Human fairness: Key to complex societies</h2>



<p>Humanity’s deep-rooted sense of fairness has played a vital role in building shelters, sharing resources, and developing complex societies. </p>



<p>This trait, known as “inequity aversion,” refers to our dislike of unequal resource distribution. Psychologists argue that this inclination influences how we judge fairness in everyday scenarios.</p>



<p>For example, consider siblings squabbling over toys. When one receives a seemingly better toy, the other might protest - not just out of envy, but because the distribution feels unfair. This intrinsic reaction is a hallmark of human fairness.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-debate-over-animal-fairness">The debate over animal fairness</h2>



<p>The debate over <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animal-characters-boost-social-and-emotional-skills-in-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animal</a> fairness gained traction after primatologist Frans de Waal’s landmark study. In a now-famous video, capuchin monkeys reacted strongly when given unequal rewards. </p>



<p>Monkeys receiving cucumber slices appeared content until they noticed others receiving grapes. One monkey, upon receiving a piece of cucumber while another enjoyed a grape, flung the cucumber away in protest.</p>



<p>This behavior was widely interpreted as evidence of inequity aversion. De Waal and others suggested that animals, like humans, dislike unfair treatment. Similar behaviors have been reported in corvids, dogs, and even mice. However, Ritov’s analysis offers a different perspective.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expectations-and-disappointment">Expectations and disappointment </h2>



<p>Ritov’s study highlights potential issues in prior research, including small sample sizes and a replication crisis that undermines broader scientific conclusions. </p>



<p>“We thought it’d be a valuable contribution to try to pull together as much data as we can on this question and see what kind of pattern emerges with the larger dataset,” Ritov explained.</p>



<p>The emerging pattern suggests that animals’ <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animals-and-possibly-even-insects-have-emotions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reactions</a> may not reflect jealousy or fairness concerns at all. Instead, these behaviors might stem from unmet expectations.</p>



<p>For instance, in follow-up studies, monkeys reacted with similar outrage when grapes were placed in an empty cage, where no other monkey was present. This finding indicates that the animals’ behavior was less about comparison and more about their own unfulfilled anticipation.</p>



<p>“We think that the rejections are a form of social protest,” Ritov said. “But what animals are protesting isn’t receiving less than someone else. Rather, it seems like they’re protesting the human not treating them as well as they could.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-humans-and-animals-a-shared-frustration">Humans and animals: A shared frustration?</h2>



<p>While the study stops short of equating animal behaviors with human fairness, it does point to a shared frustration with unmet expectations. </p>



<p>This insight deepens our understanding of animal cognition and its differences from human behavior.</p>



<p>Animals may not resent inequity per se, but they do respond strongly to perceived mistreatment - a reaction that, while distinct, resonates with human experiences.</p>



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



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-way-you-send-emojis-shows-your-attachment-style/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Human</a> inequity aversion stands out for its complexity and depth. Unlike animals, humans possess the cognitive ability to weigh fairness against social, cultural, and ethical norms. </p>



<p>These layers of reasoning underpin our ability to build and maintain societies where fairness plays a crucial role. Ritov’s work highlights how these traits differentiate us from other species, even as we continue to seek parallels in the animal kingdom.</p>



<p>The study’s findings remind us of the importance of questioning assumptions and interpreting behaviors with care. </p>



<p>Understanding what truly makes us human requires peeling back the layers of evolution and culture - and sometimes re-evaluating what we thought we knew about our closest animal counterparts.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2024.1452" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences</a>.</em></p>



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Animals care more about unmet expectations than fairness

The pursuit of fairness has long intrigued philosophers and scientists...

<p>Our friendships do more than just make us feel good; they can have profound impacts on our physical and mental health. </p>



<p>A recent survey from the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging highlights the significant role friends play in the lives of older adults. </p>



<p>The analysis also sheds light on challenges faced by those with physical or mental health issues, emphasizing the importance of fostering social connections.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-importance-of-friendships">Importance of friendships</h2>



<p>According to the poll, 90% of adults aged 50 and older have at least one close <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-theory-enemy-of-my-enemy-is-my-friend-proven-by-physics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">friend</a>, and 75% feel they have enough close friends. Notably, 70% of those with close friends said they could count on them for support in discussing health concerns.</p>



<p>“With growing understanding of the importance of social connection for older adults, it’s important to explore the relationship between friendship and health, and identify those who might benefit most from efforts to support more interaction,” noted Dr. Sarah Patterson from the U-M <a href="https://isr.umich.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute for Social Research</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-challenges-and-social-isolation">Health challenges and social isolation</h2>



<p>The poll revealed that adults in poor physical or mental health face significant barriers in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/when-moms-meddle-friend-disapproval-worsens-teen-behavior/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">maintaining friendships</a>. </p>



<p>Among participants who rated their mental health as fair or poor, 20% reported having no close friends, compared to 18% of those in fair or poor physical health. Additionally, 47% of those with fair or poor mental health said they lacked enough close friends.</p>



<p>Older adults in poorer health were more likely to find it harder to make new friends. This challenge emphasizes the importance of targeted efforts to help this group stay socially connected.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emotional-support-and-healthier-lifestyles">Emotional support and healthier lifestyles </h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/friends-family-members-and-guardians-dogs-are-more-than-just-pets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Friends</a> often play a critical role in encouraging healthier lifestyles and providing emotional support. Key findings from the poll include:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Emotional support</strong>: 79% of those with at least one close friend said they could turn to them for emotional support.</li>



<li><strong>Healthy lifestyle encouragement</strong>: 50% reported a friend had encouraged healthier choices like better eating or exercise in the past year.</li>



<li><strong>Health advocacy</strong>: 35% said a close friend had urged them to get a symptom checked by a healthcare professional.</li>



<li><strong>Care during illness</strong>: 32% had a friend who helped them when they were sick or injured.</li>
</ul>



<p>“When health care providers see older adults, we should also ask about their social support network, including close friends, especially for those with more serious health conditions,” noted Poll director Dr. Jeffrey Kullgren.</p>



<p>He added that 15% of respondents with close friends had a friend accompany them to a healthcare appointment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gender-age-and-generational-connections">Gender, age, and generational connections</h2>



<p>The poll revealed gender and age differences in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/where-mammals-live-depends-more-on-climate-than-human-activities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social connections</a>. Men were more likely than women to report having no close friends. Adults aged 50 to 64 also reported fewer close friends compared to those aged 65 and older.</p>



<p>Despite these differences, 46% of older adults with close friends said they have friendships spanning generations, with friends at least 15 years younger or older.</p>



<p>Older adults who experienced loneliness or isolation were more likely to lack close friends. Those feeling isolated or lacking companionship at least occasionally were significantly more likely to report having no close friends compared to those who hardly ever felt isolated.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-making-friends-for-better-health">Making friends for better health</h2>



<p>The poll found that many older adults struggle to maintain or build friendships as they age:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>42% said making new friends is harder now than in the past, with higher percentages among those in fair or poor mental (65%) or physical health (55%).</li>



<li>34% said maintaining friendships has become more challenging, with rates even higher among those in fair or poor mental (61%) or physical health (47%).</li>



<li>28% expressed a desire for more contact with their close friends, particularly those in poorer health.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-friendships-in-promoting-health">The role of friendships in promoting health</h2>



<p>The poll’s findings are based on a nationally representative survey conducted by NORC at the <a href="https://www.uchicago.edu/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Chicago</a> in August 2024. </p>



<p>The study included 3,486 U.S. adults aged 50 and older, with 1,174 respondents from Michigan. The results provide valuable insights into the critical role friendships play in promoting health and well-being among older adults.</p>



<p>“This poll underscores the vital role friendships play in the health and well-being of older adults. Strong social connections can encourage healthier choices, provide emotional support, and help older adults navigate health challenges, particularly for those at greater risk of isolation,” noted Indira Venkat, Senior Vice President of Research at <a href="https://www.aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AARP</a>.</p>



<p>The University of Michigan <a href="https://www.healthyagingpoll.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Poll on Healthy Aging</a> highlights the profound impact of friendships on the lives of older adults. For those with physical or mental health challenges, promoting and maintaining connections can significantly improve quality of life.</p>



<p>These findings emphasize the importance of supporting older adults in building and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-power-of-diversity-in-friendships/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">maintaining social networks</a>, which are vital for emotional and physical health.</p>



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How friendships improve your health as you age

Our friendships do more than just make us feel good;...

<p>Imagine a world where glasses tumbling off tables or crashing to the floor were no longer met with the familiar sound of shattering but instead with a harmless bounce.</p>



<p>In this world, your smartphone screen remains unscathed, even after a clumsy accident.</p>



<p>While it may sound too good to be true, the latest discoveries from Tohoku University researchers are bringing us one step closer to this extraordinary reality. </p>



<p>The research offers fascinating insights into the science of glass durability and reshapes our understanding of this common yet remarkable material.</p>



<p>With these advances, everyday mishaps might soon become minor inconveniences instead of costly repairs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-secrets-of-atomic-motion">Secrets of atomic motion</h2>



<p>In an article published in the journal <em>Acta Materialia</em>, a multi-institutional team of researchers led by <a href="https://www.tohoku.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tohoku University</a> shared novel results from their study on atomic movements in glass.</p>



<p>The experts revealed that the curious dance of atoms within the glass is key to its ability to resist breakage.</p>



<p>“Glass, while strong, is prone to breaking when stress exceeds its tolerance, but interestingly, the movement of atoms and molecules within glass can relax internal stress, making the material more resistant to fractures," explained Makina Saito, an associate professor at Tohoku University’s Graduate School of Science.</p>



<p>Apparently, the process of atoms "jumping" into nearby empty spaces is what bolsters a glass's resilience - a phenomenon that has puzzled scientists for the longest time.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-synchronized-atomic-dance">Synchronized atomic dance</h2>



<p>In order to uncover these secrets of atomic motion, the team used innovative synchrotron radiation experiments and astute computer simulations. This allowed the researchers to observe the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/impossible-quantum-effects-observed-atoms-positioned-closely-together/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">behavior of atoms</a> within glass on an incredibly precise timescale.</p>



<p>The experts found that once atoms jump into nearby empty spaces, the surrounding group of atoms moves collectively to fill the void like a well-choreographed ballet, which maintains structural integrity.</p>



<p>This synchronized atomic dance acts as a pressure-relief valve, dissipating internal stress and significantly reducing the chance of the glass fracturing under external force or impact.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shaping-the-future-of-glass-related-industries">Shaping the future of glass-related industries</h2>



<p>These breakthrough insights have the potential to transform industries that rely heavily on the robustness of glass materials.</p>



<p>"Our results have far-reaching implications for industries such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/smaller-more-powerful-wireless-devices-are-on-the-horizon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">consumer electronics</a>, construction, and automotive manufacturing, where break-resistant glass is essential," commented Saito.</p>



<p>The team from Tohoku University isn't stopping here. They aim to investigate whether similar atomic mechanisms operate in other types of glass.</p>



<p>Their ultimate mission? To set up universal norms for designing glasses with superior impact resistance, potentially revolutionizing the applications of this common, yet unique material.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-step-toward-sustainable-glass-materials">A step toward sustainable glass materials</h2>



<p>This discovery could play a pivotal role in advancing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/whats-the-most-sustainable-packaging-the-answer-will-surprise-you/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sustainable material</a> science. </p>



<p>Glass is already a widely used, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-recycling-day-creating-a-healthier-planet-for-all/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recyclable</a> material, but enhancing its durability could significantly reduce waste from broken items such as phone screens, windows, and household objects. </p>



<p>By creating materials that last longer and require less frequent replacement, researchers are contributing to a future with reduced environmental impact and resource consumption. </p>



<p>Additionally, fewer replacements mean a reduction in energy and raw materials needed for manufacturing, further lessening the ecological footprint. </p>



<p>This innovation could also inspire sustainable practices across industries that rely on glass, amplifying its impact on global sustainability goals.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broadening-horizons-in-material-science">Broadening horizons in material science</h2>



<p>The implications of this research extend far beyond glass, touching on a wide array of materials and industries.</p>



<p>The techniques used to analyze atomic motion could inspire breakthroughs in other materials, such as ceramics or polymers, where enhancing stress resistance and durability is a priority for both performance and safety.</p>



<p>Additionally, understanding atomic behavior in glass might influence the design of advanced materials that are tailored for demanding environments, including aerospace, defense, and medical applications.</p>



<p>For example, durable glass could be utilized in spacecraft windows to offer enhanced safety during extreme conditions. It could be used to produce bulletproof shields that provide greater reliability, or even surgical tools that combine resilience with precision.</p>



<p>These advances could redefine the boundaries of material science, opening the door to innovations that were previously thought unattainable, while expanding their applications across industries and improving everyday <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neuromorphic-computing-where-ai-meets-human-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">technologies</a>.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1359645424008851?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Acta Materiala</a></em>.</p>



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The secret to shatterproof glass lies in its atomic behavior

Imagine a world where glasses tumbling off tables or crashing...

<p>Mosasaurs are extinct marine reptiles that hold a remarkable place in the history of vertebrate paleontology. Their discovery in 1766 near Maastricht, Netherlands, laid the foundation for studying fossilized backboned animals.</p>



<p>Palaeontologist Michael Polcyn, a leading expert on mosasaurs, has presented the most comprehensive research to date on their early evolution and ecology. On December 16, Polcyn will receive his PhD from Utrecht University for his extensive studies into these fascinating marine reptiles.</p>



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



<p>"Mosasaurs are a textbook example of macroevolution, the emergence of new and distinct groups of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbes-have-emerged-as-major-source-of-methane-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animals</a>, above the level of species," Polcyn explained.</p>



<p>"Although they have been studied for centuries, new discoveries, novel research approaches, and the application of technology, are still teaching us about their relationships and behaviors, some of which continues to surprise us."</p>



<p>"For example, through the use of detailed comparative anatomy aided by micro-CT scanning technology, we have gained a much better understanding of what group of lizards mosasaurs likely evolved from."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-look-at-ancient-mysteries">A new look at ancient mysteries</h2>



<p>Polcyn used state-of-the-art imaging technologies, such as micro-CT scans, to study the braincase structures of mosasaurs.</p>



<p>These tools not only clarified the evolutionary relationships of mosasaurs but also resolved debates around problematic fossil taxa. This approach provided a better understanding of their origins and evolutionary adaptations.</p>



<p>"This study not only addressed the early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jormungandr-24-foot-lizard-is-a-new-link-in-mosasaur-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution</a> of the group, but also explored small- and large-scale aspects of their feeding biology," said Polcyn.</p>



<p>A notable highlight of his work involves a specimen found in Angola, which contained the remains of three other mosasaurs in its stomach, including one from the same species.</p>



<p>This extraordinary discovery represented the first known instance of cannibalism in mosasaurs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mosasaurs-adapting-to-life-in-the-sea">Mosasaurs adapting to life in the sea</h2>



<p>Mosasaurs evolved from a group of lizards that ventured into the oceans around 100 million years ago. Over 34 million years, they adapted to a wide range of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pseudosuchians-ancient-crocodile-like-reptile-discovered-brazil/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine environments</a>, occupying diverse ecological niches. </p>



<p>Alongside many other species, mosasaurs were wiped out 66 million years ago during the mass extinction caused by a meteorite impact.</p>



<p>Despite extensive fossil records from their later evolutionary stages, little is known about the early history of mosasaurs. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-discoveries-and-historical-specimens">New discoveries and historical specimens </h2>



<p>"A relatively large number of fossils are known from the second half of the evolutionary <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/australian-dragons-reveal-new-clues-about-the-mysteries-of-sleep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">history</a> of mosasaurs, allowing a good understanding of the relationships among those species, which have been classified into four major groups," Polcyn noted. </p>



<p>"Much less is known about their early evolutionary history, and how those major groups are related to one another, their origins, and the origin of mosasaurs as a whole."</p>



<p>To address these gaps, the team from <a href="https://www.uu.nl/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Utrecht University</a> leveraged advanced imaging techniques to analyze both new discoveries and historical specimens. </p>



<p>The findings resolved a long-standing scientific debate. Polcyn concluded that mosasaurs are more closely related to monitor lizards than to snakes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mosasaurs-feeding-behavior-and-cannibalism">Mosasaurs' feeding behavior and cannibalism </h2>



<p>The feeding habits of mosasaurs were also a focal point of Polcyn’s research. The Angola specimen containing three mosasaurs highlights a unique aspect of their predatory behavior. </p>



<p>"Whether that mosasaur was a scavenger or actively hunted its prey cannot be said with certainty; however, we do have the first documented example of cannibalism in mosasaurs," Polcyn explained. His findings also reveal how mosasaurs processed prey and the relationship between predator and prey sizes.</p>



<p>Polcyn’s dissertation includes a comprehensive study of mosasaur feeding behavior over a period spanning 92 to 66 million years. </p>



<p>By analyzing a vast global dataset, he uncovered patterns of foraging area segregation and feeding diversity. These insights illuminate how mosasaurs divided resources and evolved their dietary strategies.</p>



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



<p>Michael Polcyn’s research not only enhances our understanding of mosasaur <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rare-triassic-fossil-gondwanax-paraisensis-may-rewrite-history-of-dinosaurs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution</a> but also highlights the value of integrating advanced technology with paleontological studies. </p>



<p>His findings continue to reshape our understanding of these ancient marine predators, offering a deeper glimpse into their complex lives and ecological roles.</p>



<p>As new discoveries emerge, the legacy of mosasaurs serves as a testament to the dynamic nature of paleontology. Their story reminds us how ancient ecosystems still hold untapped secrets waiting to be uncovered.</p>



<p>Image Credit: Andrey Atuchin</p>



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Mosasaurs had fierce survival strategies including cannibalism

Mosasaurs are extinct marine reptiles that hold a remarkable place...

<p>It's fascinating to think about how our brains work. This squishy, soft organ tucked away in our skulls holds the reins of our thoughts, decisions, and knowledge. Despite how much our brains can do, there is still so much we don’t understand about them or their intelligence.</p>



<p>Jonas Thiele and Dr. Kirsten Hilger, who lead the "Networks of Behavior and Cognition" group at Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (JMU), are working to unlock the secrets of the brain.</p>



<p>The team's recent study offers remarkable insights into intelligence and brain connectivity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predicting-intelligence-from-brain-connections">Predicting intelligence from brain connections</h2>



<p>The study utilized data from the <a href="https://www.humanconnectome.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Human Connectome Project</a>, a large-scale U.S.-based data-sharing initiative. Over 800 participants underwent fMRI scans, which measure changes in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-brain-literally-changes-based-on-daily-activities-and-lifestyle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain activity</a> both at rest and while performing tasks. </p>



<p>The researchers focused on brain connectivity - the communication strength between different brain regions - to predict individual intelligence scores.</p>



<p>"Many studies predicting intelligence from brain connections have been published in the last years and they also achieve quite good predictive performance," said Dr. Hilger.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fundamental-brain-processes-and-intelligence">Fundamental brain processes and intelligence </h2>



<p>However, she noted that such predictions lack deeper meaning, as they fall short of matching the accuracy of traditional intelligence tests.</p>



<p>"We therefore intended to move away from the pure prediction of intelligence scores and instead better understand the fundamental processes in the brain. We hope that this will give us a better understanding of the neural code of individual differences in intelligence."</p>



<p>Dr. Hilger encourages her peers to make it a priority to improve the conceptual understanding of human cognition, emphasizing interpretability in future studies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-three-types-of-intelligence">Three types of intelligence</h2>



<p>The study categorized intelligence into three distinct types:</p>



<ol start="1" class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Fluid intelligence</strong>: This involves solving logical problems, recognizing patterns, and processing new information independent of prior knowledge or learned skills.</li>



<li><strong>Crystallized intelligence</strong>: This includes knowledge and skills acquired through life, such as general knowledge, experience, and language comprehension.</li>



<li><strong>General intelligence</strong>: A combination of fluid and crystallized intelligence.</li>
</ol>



<p>The team achieved the best predictive performance with general intelligence, followed by crystallized and fluid intelligence.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-connections-and-intelligence">Brain connections and intelligence</h2>



<p>The <a href="https://www.uni-wuerzburg.de" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JMU</a> researchers explored various <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alzheimers-may-not-be-a-brain-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain connections</a> based on theoretical considerations and randomly selected connections. </p>



<p>A crucial finding emerged: the distribution and number of connections across the brain were more significant predictors of intelligence than the specific regions connected.</p>



<p>"The interchangeability of the selected connections suggests that intelligence is a global property of the whole brain," said Dr. Hilger. </p>



<p>"We were able to predict intelligence not just from a specific set of brain connections, but from different combinations of connections distributed throughout the brain."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenging-established-theories">Challenging established theories</h2>



<p>Traditional intelligence theories often emphasize specific <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/memory-isnt-only-stored-in-our-brains-other-cells-can-remember-too/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain</a> regions, such as the prefrontal cortex. However, this study’s findings suggest that additional brain regions’ connections also play a critical role. </p>



<p>"The connections of brain regions proposed in the most popular neurocognitive models of intelligence produced better results than randomly selected connections. However, the results were even better when complementary connections were added," explained Dr. Hilger.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-path-to-future-discoveries">Path to future discoveries</h2>



<p>The study’s results show that intelligence involves more complex and widespread <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/where-does-creativity-start-in-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain connectivity</a> than previously understood. These findings pave the way for future research into unexplored aspects of intelligence.</p>



<p>As Dr. Hilger emphasized, moving beyond predictive performance to deeper explanations is essential for advancing our understanding of human cognition.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-multiple-factors-that-influence-intelligence">Multiple factors that influence intelligence</h2>



<p>Some studies suggest that genetics play a significant role in intelligence, with heritability estimates ranging from 50% to 80% in adults. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-impacts-brain-development-in-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental factors</a>, such as nutrition, education, and social interactions, also significantly impact intellectual development.</p>



<p>Studies have shown that bilingual individuals often exhibit better cognitive flexibility and problem-solving skills. Additionally, sleep quality directly affects cognitive functions like memory and decision-making. </p>



<p>Emotional intelligence, which involves understanding and managing emotions, is another critical aspect that contributes to overall success in personal and professional life.  </p>



<p>Advanced imaging techniques have also revealed that higher intelligence is often associated with efficient neural networks rather than sheer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-movies-illuminate-our-brains/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain activity</a>. These findings continue to shape our understanding of intelligence, demonstrating its multifaceted nature.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/article/3/12/pgae519/7915712" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PNAS Nexus</a>.</em></p>



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Every part of the brain works together to support intelligence

It's fascinating to think about how our brains work. This...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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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>



<p>—–</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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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>



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<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>



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



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

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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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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Retired professor claims he solved time travel

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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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>



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



<p>Probiotics - beneficial microbes that balance gut bacteria and aid digestion - are typically fragile and can be destroyed by stomach acid or processing. </p>



<p>Prebiotics act as food for these microbes, helping them thrive. Together, they form "synbiotics," a powerful health combination.</p>



<p>Researchers Smriti Gaur and Shubhi Singh from India's Jaypee Institute of Information Technology took an innovative approach, using natural prebiotics like corn and honey instead of complex processing methods. </p>



<p>They created five chocolate varieties: a control and four synbiotic versions containing different combinations of prebiotics, probiotics (Lactobacillus strains), and flavor enhancers (cinnamon or orange).</p>



<p>Laboratory simulations of human digestion showed the probiotics remained viable for over five hours, suggesting they could survive long enough to benefit gut health.</p>



<p>Taste tests were positive, with researchers particularly enjoying the orange-flavored variety, describing it as having "vibrant citrus notes" complementing the "rich cocoa" with a "luxurious" texture.</p>



<p>This research represents just the beginning. With further refinement of strains, textures, and flavors, chocolate could evolve beyond mere indulgence to become a functional food that nourishes while it delights.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsfoodscitech.4c00741" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACS Food Science &amp; Technology</a>.</p>

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

Scientists are transforming chocolate into a functional food by infusing...

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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

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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

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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

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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> describes a new self-powered nanosensor that can instantly detect mercury contamination with the tap of a finger.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The oxidized form of mercury can be harmful when it is ingested through contaminated water or food. This makes it necessary for experts to develop sensors that can quickly and accurately detect the presence of mercury.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Zong-Hong Lin and colleagues have now created a triboelectric nanosensor (TENS) that can detect mercury by simply by touching a sample. According to the researchers, their TENS could serve as the basis for similar devices to safely and remotely monitor other pollutants.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;</em></p>



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



<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Editor</em></p>



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Kainji Lake, a reservoir on the Niger River.</p>



<p>In 1968, Kainji Lake was created by the construction of the Kainji Dam. The Niger River, the third longest in Africa, enters the lake in the north.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rivers-in-the-american-west-are-a-lifesaving-resource-for-birds/">ESA</a>, the creation of the lake submerged Foge Island and the town of Bussa and permanently flooded other riverine settlements, leaving around 50,000 people displaced.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Large parts of Foge Island are temporarily exposed during low water tides, and the land is often used by migrating fishermen. Kainji Dam is a dam across the Niger River in Niger State of Central Nigeria. </p>



<p>Wild mammals occur at relatively low densities due to illegal hunting. Lake Kainji has suffered a dramatic decline as a fishery due to the high numbers of artisanal and subsistence fisherfolk using the lake. It has been suggested that a period of closure, together with controlled fishing rights may help improve fish stocks.</p>



<p>Kainji Lake National Park is the oldest of its kind in Nigeria. The park contains three distinct areas: a part of the Kainji Lake, the Borgu Game Reserve to the west of the lake, and the Zugurma Game Reserve to the southeast. The park is home to around 65 mammal species, 350 bird species, and 30 species of reptiles and amphibians. </p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;</em></p>



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



<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Editor</em></p>



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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