<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...

<p>At first glance, hummingbird bills look like straws -- long and thin, perfect for sipping nectar. But a new study reveals that this comparison is far from accurate. </p>



<p>These tiny birds have evolved intricate adaptations for drinking nectar, turning their bills into incredibly sophisticated tools.</p>



<p>In a recent study, a team led by Alejandro Rico-Guevara from the University of Washington discovered that hummingbird bills do much more than we thought. </p>



<p>The bills aren't passive tools; they actively and flexibly engage with the bird's tongue to help it drink nectar with lightning speed.</p>



<p>The team showed that, contrary to what you might expect, a hummingbird’s bill works in concert with its tongue, opening and closing in various sections while drinking. </p>



<p>This rapid coordination allows the bird to extract nectar quickly, helping it conserve energy while hovering mid-air.</p>



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



<p>These little birds, found mostly in the Americas, are famous for their incredible ability to hover in place, thanks to their unique wing structure. </p>



<p>Their wings beat at mind-blowing speeds -- up to 80 beats per second in some species -- which creates the signature humming sound that gives them their name. </p>



<p>They also <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-hummingbirds-deal-with-their-need-for-flight-speed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">have extraordinary agility</a>, flying not just forward but backward, sideways, and even upside down. What really sets hummingbirds apart is their insanely high metabolism. </p>



<p>To fuel their constant movement, they feed on nectar from flowers, using their long, specialized beaks and tongues to reach deep into blooms. They also eat insects and spiders for protein, keeping their diet balanced. </p>



<p>Hummingbirds are small -- some, like the bee hummingbird, are just 2 inches long -- but they pack a visual punch. </p>



<p>Their iridescent feathers shimmer in the sunlight, changing colors depending on the angle, making them one of nature’s most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giants-hummingbirds-are-not-just-one-two-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eye-catching creatures</a>. </p>



<p>Plus, their energy and tenacity are unmatched, with some species migrating thousands of miles to escape the cold.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complexities-of-drinking-nectar">Complexities of drinking nectar</h2>



<p>“Most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hummingbirds-have-an-amazing-sense-of-touch-for-precise-navigation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hummingbirds</a> drink while they’re hovering mid-flight,” said Rico-Guevara, who is also curator of ornithology at the UW’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.burkemuseum.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture</a>. </p>



<p>“Energetically, that is very expensive. Flying straight at commuting speeds uses up less energy than hovering to drink. So, hummingbirds are trying to minimize energy and drink as fast as they can -- all from these hard-to-reach spaces -- which requires special adaptations for speed and efficiency.”</p>



<p>Until now, scientists knew that hummingbirds use their long, intricate tongues to gather nectar. But how their bills contributed to this task remained a mystery. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-essential-role-of-hummingbird-bill">Essential role of hummingbird bill</h2>



<p>By filming hummingbirds in slow motion at field sites across Colombia, Ecuador, and the U.S., the researchers discovered the bill plays an essential role:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>The hummingbird opens just the tip of its bill to extend its tongue.<br></li>



<li>After the tongue gathers nectar, the bill tip closes.<br></li>



<li>To draw the nectar further, the midsection of the bill stays closed while the base opens slightly.<br></li>



<li>The tip opens again for the next round, repeating 10-15 times each second.<br></li>
</ul>



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="Ph5eMVbHPn-4097208-12187" type="single"]</div>



<p>Hummingbirds have highly specialized tongues -- some even resembling intricate origami -- to gather nectar. But this study highlights the often-overlooked importance of the bill.</p>



<p>Though it looks rigid, the bill is surprisingly flexible and essential for efficient nectar drinking.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-fluid-collection-of-hummingbird-bills">Unique fluid collection of hummingbird bills</h2>



<p>The <a href="https://www.washington.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Washington</a> research also uncovered something unique about hummingbird feeding techniques.  </p>



<p>"We already knew that hummingbird bills have some flexibility, for example bending their lower bill while catching insects. But now we know that the bill plays this very active and essential role in drawing up nectar that the tongue collects," Rico-Guevara explained.</p>



<p>Most animals use just one method to collect fluids. Dogs and cats, for instance, lap water using what’s known as Couette flow, while mosquitoes use a suction-based system called Poiseuille flow.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/hummingbird-beak_feeder_Chalybura-buffonii_credit-Kristiina-Hurme_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/hummingbird-beak_feeder_Chalybura-buffonii_credit-Kristiina-Hurme_1s.webp" alt="Image showing a white-vented plumeleteer (Chalybura buffonii) drinking from a feeder at the Colibrí Gorriazul Research Center in Colombia. Credit: Kristiina Hurme" class="wp-image-1952645"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Image showing a white-vented plumeleteer (Chalybura buffonii) drinking from a feeder at the Colibrí Gorriazul Research Center in Colombia. Credit: Kristiina Hurme</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>Hummingbirds, however, use both approaches. Their bills and tongues work together, first lapping the nectar and then drawing it up through suction. </p>



<p>This dual method makes hummingbirds truly unique among nectar feeders.</p>



<p>"It makes sense that they would have to use both, given the pressure to reach the nectar deep within the flower and to feed quickly and efficiently," said Rico-Guevara.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-and-future-questions">Evolution and future questions</h2>



<p>The evolution of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/national-butterfly-and-hummingbird-day-celebrating-the-beauty-of-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hummingbird</a> bills is a fascinating example of adaptation. As flowers have evolved different shapes and sizes, hummingbird bills have also adapted, becoming perfectly suited for reaching deep into blossoms.</p>



<p>But with every answer, new questions arise. What muscles control these intricate movements? How does catching insects impact bill flexibility? There’s still much to learn about these tiny avian marvels.</p>



<p>The co-authors of the study include researchers from universities across the U.S. and the U.K., highlighting the international effort to understand these tiny <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-extinctions-shatter-the-harmonious-balance-of-nature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a>.</p>



<p>In conclusion, hummingbirds, with their delicate beauty and incredible speed, are more than just nectar sippers. </p>



<p>Their bills, far from being mere straws, are the result of millions of years of evolution, fine-tuned to help these birds survive in a competitive environment.</p>



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



<p>The study "<em>Upper bill bending as an adaptation for nectar feeding in hummingbirds</em>"<em> </em>is published in the <em><a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsif.2024.0286" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of the Royal Society Interface</a></em>.</p>



<p>Video Credit: Alejandro Rico-Guevara</p>



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



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Hummingbird bills are an evolutionary wonder

At first glance, hummingbird bills look like straws -- long...

<p>Centenarians, once a rarity, have now become common. They are the fastest-growing demographic group, doubling roughly every decade since the 1970s. </p>



<p>How long humans can live and what defines a healthy, long life have intrigued us for centuries.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoding-the-longevity-mystery">Decoding the longevity mystery</h2>



<p>More than two millennia ago, even renowned philosophers like Plato and Aristotle were captivated by the enigma of aging. </p>



<p>Unveiling the secrets behind <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/people-with-high-resilience-live-up-to-ten-years-longer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exceptional longevity</a>, however, is no simple task. It involves understanding the intricate relationship between genetic predisposition and lifestyle factors, and how they interact throughout a person's lifetime.</p>



<p>A recent study led from <a href="https://ki.se/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Karolinska Institutet</a> gives us more insight into this topic. The researchers have identified some common biomarkers, including levels of cholesterol and glucose, in individuals who have had the privilege of blowing out more than 90 candles on their birthday cake.</p>



<p>"Despite the claim that chance plays an important role in the achievement of exceptional longevity, it has repeatedly been shown that already earlier in life, centenarians are a selected group with fewer disabilities, comorbidities, hospitalizations, and better cognitive function compared to non-centenarians," wrote the study authors. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-centenarians-and-the-secrets-to-healthy-aging">Centenarians and the secrets to healthy aging</h2>



<p>Scientists are fascinated by nonagenarians and centenarians, as they offer insights into living longer and aging in better health. These individuals may hold the secrets to understanding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/survival-of-the-friendliest-social-animals-live-longer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">longevity</a> and healthy aging. </p>



<p>However, many previous studies on this topic have been limited in scope, often focusing on smaller or selective groups. </p>



<p>For example, some research has excluded centenarians living in care homes, which can skew findings. By studying a broader and more inclusive range of participants, researchers aim to uncover the factors that contribute to both extended lifespan and improved quality of life.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biomarkers-of-centenarians">Biomarkers of centenarians </h2>



<p>Breaking away from small-scale studies, this recent research is the largest of its kind to date. It compares biomarker profiles between exceptionally <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/becoming-more-physically-active-could-add-11-years-to-your-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">long-lived individuals</a> and their shorter-lived peers.</p>



<p>The data includes information of 44,000 Swedes aged between 64-99 from the so-called Amoris cohort. Out of these people, 1,224 made it to the age of 100, and about 85% were female.</p>



<p>A dozen blood-based biomarkers related to inflammation, metabolism, liver and kidney function, as well as potential malnutrition and anaemia were included in the study.</p>



<p>The researchers found that people who reached their hundredth birthday generally had lower levels of glucose, creatinine, and uric acid after their sixties.</p>



<p>While centenarians and non-centenarians didn't markedly differ in median values for most biomarkers, centenarians rarely exhibited extremely high or low values.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-metabolic-health-nutrition-and-longevity">Metabolic health, nutrition, and longevity </h2>



<p>When investigating which biomarkers were linked to the likelihood of reaching 100, the researchers found that all but two (alat and albumin) of the 12 biomarkers influenced the chances of becoming a centenarian. </p>



<p>For example, people with the lowest levels of total cholesterol and iron had a lower chance of reaching 100 years compared to those with higher levels.</p>



<p>While the differences were generally small, these findings indicate a potential relationship between metabolic health, nutrition, and exceptional longevity. </p>



<p>The study doesn't suggest any specific lifestyle factors or genes responsible for these biomarker values. Yet, it is realistic to believe that elements like nutrition and alcohol intake might have some role.</p>



<p>While chance may play a part in reaching an exceptional age, it appears that genes and lifestyle could also be important. Therefore, keeping an eye on your kidney and liver values, as well as glucose and uric acid as you age, might be a good idea. </p>



<p>After all, who wouldn't want a chance at blowing out a centenary of candles?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-facts-on-centenarians">More facts on centenarians</h2>



<p>Centenarians credit their long lives to a few simple habits: staying positive, building strong relationships, and having a sense of purpose. </p>



<p>Many stick to plant-based diets with little processed food, stay active with hobbies like gardening, and occasionally enjoy a drink.</p>



<p>Genetics also play a big part, helping older adults recover from illness and avoid chronic diseases. Most live healthy, active lives right up until their later years, proving that it’s not just about living longer - it’s about living well.</p>



<p>The study on blood biomarker profiles and exceptional longevity is published in the journal <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11357-023-00936-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>GeoScience</em></a>.</p>



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



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Centenarians on the rise: Living over 100 is now more common

Centenarians, once a rarity, have now become common. They are...

<p>The Mayan civilization was among the ancient societies that transitioned smoothly to a sedentary lifestyle in harmony with their natural habitats.</p>



<p>New scientific research on the Maya, specifically in Belize, has brought to light some fascinating facts about the lifestyle of these people.</p>



<p>This tale of survival, resilience, and environmental adaptation resonates today, as we grapple with pressing environmental issues.</p>



<p>It reminds us that our ancestors understood the essence of responsible resource management.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-maya-s-hidden-wetland-treasure">The Maya's hidden wetland treasure</h2>



<p>The phenomenal findings focus on the earliest known, large-scale fish-trapping facility in ancient Mesoamerica.</p>



<p>Nestled within the heart of the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, the largest inland wetland of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deforestation-has-darkened-coastal-waters-off-belize/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Belize</a>, are fisheries canals that date back to between 2000 and 1900 years BCE.</p>



<p>That's a staggering thousand years older than similar facilities that have been discovered in the Amazon!</p>



<p>Even more impressively, this sustainable facility was in operation for centuries, and was utilized by the descendants of the original Mayan architects.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-mayan-civilization-thrived">How Mayan civilization thrived</h2>



<p>The study was authored by Dr. Eleanor Harrison-Buck, a professor of anthropology at the <a href="https://www.unh.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of New Hampshire</a>, and co-authored by Dr. Samantha M. Krause, an assistant professor in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at Texas State University.</p>



<p>This novel research offers a fascinating exploration of ancient resource management and sustainability methods, and sheds light on how early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-collapse-of-mayan-civilization-was-not-caused-by-drought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mayan communities</a> thrived in challenging environmental conditions.</p>



<p>"<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-wetlands-day-the-hidden-potential-of-tidal-landscapes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wetlands</a> have always been a critical ecosystem for humans across the globe," said Dr. Krause. "Knowing how to manage wetland resources responsibly is essential for the continued resilience of these ecosystems, both in the past and today."</p>



<p>"The Archaic hunter-gatherer-fishers knew how to protect their resources and use them in a way that could sustain these habitats, not exhaust them, which explains their long-lasting occupation in this area.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-harnessing-modern-technology">Harnessing modern technology</h2>



<p>The researchers used drones and satellite imagery to identify an extensive network of linear earthen channels or weirs. These were designed to redirect annual floodwaters into source ponds for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ice-age-art-discovery-reveals-15800-year-old-fishing-secrets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish trapping</a>.</p>



<p>The clever constructions coincided with a long-term drought that hit Mesoamerica between 2200 and 1900 years BCE.</p>



<p>Excavations revealed a side to ancient civilizations from which modern society can indeed learn a lot.</p>



<p>In response to the drought, these communities intensified fish trapping and balanced it with other food sources, such as amaranth that thrives in the sandy, clay-rich soils typical of Belize's wetland-lagoon environments.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-creating-a-sustainable-future">Creating a sustainable future</h2>



<p>The hunter-gatherer-fisher groups were not only surviving but thriving during this challenging period. </p>



<p>They even used controlled fire burns to encourage the annual regrowth of amaranth and other valuable plant species. </p>



<p>To top it off, these controlled burns cleared away undergrowth to provide open access to fish canals and ponds while also fertilizing the fish-trapping facilities.</p>



<p>The data suggests that such environmental and social conditions likely supported larger social gatherings, communal feasting, and eventually the transition to permanent settlements.</p>



<p>So, these fish-trapping facilities, rather than maize-based agriculture, might have contributed to the emergence of Mayan population centers such as Chau Hiix, Lamanai, and Nohmul in northern Belize, and Itzamkanac and Aguada Fénix in Campeche and Tabasco, Mexico.</p>



<p>This intriguing research highlights how an ancient civilization balanced adaptation, innovation, and sustainability to thrive in changing climatic conditions – a lesson from which we could all learn.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-echoes-of-mayan-civilization-in-modern-practices">Echoes of Mayan civilization in modern practices</h2>



<p>The ingenuity of ancient Mayan communities in managing wetland ecosystems offers a blueprint for modern sustainability efforts.</p>



<p>Their ability to adapt to environmental changes - such as prolonged droughts - while maintaining ecological balance demonstrates the potential of integrating traditional knowledge with contemporary strategies.</p>



<p>Today, wetlands around the world face significant threats from urbanization, pollution, and climate change. </p>



<p>Yet, ancient practices like controlled burns to rejuvenate vegetation, or the creation of fish-trapping networks, can inspire solutions to protect these critical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/overfishing-and-habitat-degradation-have-devastated-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystems</a>.</p>



<p>Conservationists and archaeologists alike emphasize the importance of preserving such ancient wisdom as we seek innovative ways to tackle modern environmental challenges.</p>



<p>The Mayan system of resource management serves as a reminder that humanity's survival hinges not only on innovation but also on respecting and working in harmony with nature - a lesson as relevant today as it was over 4,000 years ago.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adq1444" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a></em>.</p>



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



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Mayan civilization may have been shaped by ingenious fisheries

The Mayan civilization was among the ancient societies that transitioned...

<p>As climate change accelerates, it poses a serious threat to our global food supply. Scientists are raising alarms about the potentially devastating consequences. </p>



<p>Without rapid changes to how we develop climate-resilient crops, we could face widespread food shortages, famine, mass migration, and global instability. </p>



<p>An international team of researchers, as reported in <em>Trends in Plant Science</em>, calls for urgent action to avert this crisis.</p>



<p>"We're in a race against time," said Silvia Restrepo, president of the Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI) and co-author of the paper.</p>



<p>"The crops we depend on for food are increasingly struggling to survive extreme weather, from heat waves to droughts and floods. Meanwhile, our current approaches to developing tougher, more resilient crops simply aren't moving fast enough."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-impacting-food-supply">Climate change impacting food supply </h2>



<p>The challenges facing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-you-eat-can-literally-change-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">agriculture</a> are more complex than ever. Crops are not only battling higher temperatures but are also dealing with more frequent pest outbreaks and diseases. </p>



<p>Even when plants survive these challenges, climate change can reduce their nutritional value. </p>



<p>The situation is further complicated by agriculture itself contributing to about 26% of global greenhouse gas emissions, creating a vicious cycle that accelerates climate change.</p>



<p>The <a href="https://btiscience.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BTI</a> researchers outline five key recommendations to tackle this urgent crisis:</p>



<ol start="1" class="wp-block-list">
<li>Create global research initiatives that unite scientists from developed and developing nations to share resources and expertise.<br></li>



<li>Study plants in real-world conditions, beyond the confines of controlled laboratory environments.<br></li>



<li>Forge stronger partnerships between scientists and farmers to ensure practical solutions.<br></li>



<li>Build public trust in new crop development technologies to increase acceptance.<br></li>



<li>Streamline regulations&nbsp;to speed up the implementation of innovative agricultural solutions.</li>
</ol>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-funding-gaps-and-neglected-regions">Funding gaps and neglected regions</h2>



<p>Despite the crucial role agriculture plays in human survival, only about 4% of global climate funding - roughly $35 billion annually - goes toward developing climate-resilient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-food-day-fighting-global-hunger/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food systems</a>.</p>



<p>What’s even more alarming is that most of this funding focuses on large-scale farming in developed nations, leaving smaller farms and developing countries behind. </p>



<p>This imbalance is exacerbating both climate challenges and the global food supply crisis, leaving vulnerable regions at greater risk.</p>



<p>"We need to completely rethink how we approach this challenge," said study co-author Andrew Nelson, an associate professor at BTI.</p>



<p>"Instead of starting in the lab and hoping solutions work in the field, we should begin by understanding farmers' real-world challenges and then work backward to develop practical solutions."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-resilience-through-collaboration">Building resilience through collaboration</h2>



<p>Success will demand unprecedented collaboration among scientists, farmers, policymakers, and the public. </p>



<p>It will also require making new technologies accessible to all regions, particularly in the Global South, where climate impacts are felt most severely.</p>



<p>This global collaboration could help prevent a worsening crisis in agriculture and improve <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-predict-the-chaotic-response-of-crops-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food</a> security and nutrition worldwide.</p>



<p>The experts emphasize that the time for incremental changes has passed. Rapid and decisive action is required to implement their five recommendations. </p>



<p>Only by building resilient agricultural systems can we hope to secure our food supply in the face of ongoing climate change.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-international-summit-on-plant-resilience">International summit on plant resilience</h2>



<p>The group of 21 co-authors from nine countries formed after the First International Summit on Plant Resilience, organized by the Plant Resilience Institute. </p>



<p>The summit, held earlier this year, featured Michelle Heck as the keynote speaker. Heck, an adjunct professor at BTI and <a href="https://www.cornell.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cornell University</a> and Research Molecular Biologist at USDA-ARS, spoke about her innovative research on preventing citrus greening disease.</p>



<p>The summit aimed to promote global collaboration by bringing together leading plant scientists from diverse disciplines. The goal? Establishing plant resilience research as a cornerstone of climate change solutions.</p>



<p>Another summit is already planned for 2026, signaling the importance and urgency of continued efforts to fight climate threats.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-our-food-supply-from-climate-change">Protecting our food supply from climate change</h2>



<p>As climate change continues to accelerate, our food systems face an uncertain future. </p>



<p>Addressing these issues will require collaboration across borders, new technology, and a fresh perspective on solving real-world agricultural problems.</p>



<p>The five recommendations outlined by the researchers are a roadmap that could lead to a more resilient and secure food system - but only if we act decisively.</p>



<p>The time for half-measures has passed; the world must come together to ensure a stable food supply for future generations.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.cell.com/trends/plant-science/abstract/S1360-1385(24)00302-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trends in Plant Science</a>.</em></p>



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We are in a race against time to save our food supply from climate change

As climate change accelerates, it poses a serious threat to...

<p>In the early days of mankind, even the simplest tasks we now take for granted were hard-earned skills, sculpted over hundreds of thousands of years. From learning to make a fire to evolving complex language, these represent chapters in our evolution, much like the chimpanzee tool use that showcases early problem-solving abilities.</p>



<p>A recent study suggests that such fundamental abilities could have roots dating back even further, when our ancestors were still primates, swinging from trees rather than conversing over tea.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-human-behaviors">Complex human behaviors</h2>



<p>Many human behaviors are highly complex, requiring intricate sequences, such as spoken <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/similar-patterns-music-language-found-across-all-cultures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">language</a> or tool-making. </p>



<p>These actions involve the ability to organize behaviors into chunks and understand relationships between different elements of a sequence, even if they are separated by other actions. </p>



<p>For instance, making a cup of tea or coffee involves multiple actions that must be done in the correct order - boiling water before pouring it, for example.</p>



<p>These tasks require breaking down complex steps into solvable parts, and humans are adept at switching between these chunks to adjust for unexpected occurrences, such as cleaning up spilled milk before continuing. </p>



<p>Until recently, it was unclear if <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chimpanzees-pass-tool-use-skills-across-generations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">non-human primates</a> shared this flexible ability to organize behaviors.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chimpanzees-and-tool-use">Chimpanzees and tool use</h2>



<p>The new research was led by the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a> with an international team from the UK, US, Germany, Switzerland, and Japan. </p>



<p>The researchers explored whether chimpanzees, our closest relatives, display similar behavior when using tools.</p>



<p>The team studied wild chimpanzees in the Bossou forest, Guinea, analyzing tool use sequences captured in decades-long video footage. </p>



<p>These chimpanzees were documented using hammer and anvil stones to crack hard-shelled nuts - one of the most complex forms of natural tool use in the animal kingdom.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observing-chimpanzee-tool-use">Observing chimpanzee tool use</h2>



<p>The researchers recorded approximately 8,260 individual actions performed by the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chimpanzees-are-constantly-mastering-new-tools/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chimps</a> as they cracked over 300 nuts, detailing each movement, such as grasping the nut, positioning it on the anvil, and striking with a hammer. </p>



<p>Using advanced statistical models, they discovered relationships between these actions that were similar to patterns seen in human behavior. </p>



<p>Specifically, half of the adult chimpanzees were shown to associate actions further along the sequence, suggesting they planned these actions rather than linking them reflexively, step by step.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flexibility-of-chimpanzee-tool-use">Flexibility of chimpanzee tool use</h2>



<p>"The ability to flexibly organize individual actions into tool use sequences has likely been key to humans’ global success," noted Dr. Elliot Howard-Spink, the lead researcher.</p>



<p>"Our results suggest that the fundamental aspects of human sequential behaviours may have evolved prior to the last common ancestor of humans and chimpanzees, and then may have been further elaborated on during subsequent hominin evolution." </p>



<p>Chimpanzees not only plan their tool use sequences but also adapt mid-process - such as adjusting tools or preparing multiple nuts before cracking them. This flexibility mirrors human-like problem-solving, where interruptions or adjustments are handled naturally.</p>



<p>Most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chimpanzees-feel-the-pressure-to-perform-with-an-audience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chimpanzees</a> in the study organized actions into repeatable chunks, just as humans do. However, not every individual followed this pattern, suggesting that these strategies might not be universal among chimpanzees as they are for humans.</p>



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



<p>"There has been a renewed interest in the co-evolution of language and stone tool use in human evolution, and our study contributes to this debate," said Professor Thibaud Gruber from the <a href="https://www.unige.ch/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Geneva</a>.</p>



<p>"While the connection between our results and early hominin stone tool use can be made more readily, how this connects with the evolution of other complex behaviours, like language, remains an exciting avenue of future research." </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-and-cultural-preservation">Conservation and cultural preservation</h2>



<p>Interestingly, the findings may also influence conservation efforts. </p>



<p>"There is increasing recognition that preserving cultural behaviors in wild animals - such as stone-tool use in West-African chimpanzees - should be incorporated into conservation efforts," said Professor Dora Biro from the <a href="https://www.rochester.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Rochester</a>.</p>



<p>"Wild chimpanzees and their cultures are critically endangered, yet our work highlights how much we can yet learn from our closest relative about our own evolutionary history.” </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shared-abilities-across-great-apes">Shared abilities across great apes</h2>



<p>Since many great apes engage in complex, technical foraging, this capacity for intricate behavioral sequences might be present across other ape species as well. </p>



<p>More research is needed to determine whether these abilities are indeed shared among different great apes, and this is a priority for the team moving forward.</p>



<p>In addition, future research will focus on how chimpanzees group actions into higher-order chunks during tool use. Understanding the specific rules chimpanzees follow when organizing their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chimpanzee-cultures-are-more-complex-than-we-realized/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">behaviors</a> will shed further light on how these skills emerge and develop over time.</p>



<p>The study offers fresh insights into the shared evolutionary roots of complex behaviors, including language and tool use. </p>



<p>By observing our closest relatives, we learn more about the fundamental skills that may have helped shape human success - long before the first words were spoken or the first tools were made.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://peerj.com/articles/18484/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>PeerJ</em></a>.</p>



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Chimpanzees can plan and adapt their use of tools just like humans

In the early days of mankind, even the simplest tasks...

<p>An interesting new study has generated some unexpected results relating to how alcohol influences people's pain thresholds and the effect that this has on their subsequent behavior.</p>



<p>It seems that alcohol may make us less sensitive to pain and, at the same time, more aggressive towards others. This then may increase the possibility that we end up causing harm.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unmasking-the-unsuspected-connection">Unmasking the unsuspected connection</h2>



<p>The findings of this study are based on a well-established experimental design in operation since 1967.</p>



<p>A total of 870 volunteers who drink an average of 3-4 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stress-causes-women-to-consume-more-alcohol-than-intended/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">alcoholic beverages</a> per occasion, at least once a month, took part in two independent laboratory experiments.</p>



<p>The study attracted a varied pool of participants through newspaper advertisements, which offered the added incentive of a $75 reward upon completion of the experiment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-experiment-a-tipple-for-tolerance">The experiment: A tipple for tolerance</h2>



<p>After a thorough briefing and signing informed consent, each participant was given an indistinguishable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sugary-beverages-premature-death/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">beverage</a>, either alcoholic or a placebo.</p>



<p>The drinks were cleverly designed to keep the participants in the dark about the nature of their drink. </p>



<p>To maintain the illusion, placebo beverages included minute alcohol traces on top and around the rim to mimic the taste of an alcoholic concoction.</p>



<p>Once the drinks were downed, the researchers monitored the participant's pain threshold by administering one-second electrical shocks to their fingers, intensifying the shocks until the participant reported pain. </p>



<p>This marked the participant's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/men-have-a-higher-pain-threshold-when-females-are-treating-them/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pain threshold</a>, a crucial aspect of the subsequent experiment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-outcome-when-alcohol-ignites-aggression">The outcome: When alcohol ignites aggression</h2>



<p>Following their drinks, the volunteers were involved in an online competitive reaction time task. The winner had the liberty to shock the loser, with shock intensity and duration at their discretion.</p>



<p>Unbeknownst to the participants, the opponent was non-existent and the results were manipulated by the researchers.</p>



<p>The outcome was quite telling. Those who had consumed alcohol displayed higher pain thresholds. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increased-pain-tolerance-and-aggression">Increased pain tolerance and aggression </h2>



<p>More concerning, however, was the direct correlation between their increased pain tolerance and how intense and long-lasting a shock they were willing to deliver to their supposed opponent. </p>



<p>This suggested a pronounced tendency towards aggressive behavior, triggered by having an increased tolerance of pain themselves.</p>



<p>On the contrary, participants who consumed placebo beverages exhibited less aggressive behavior, as their pain threshold was comparatively lower.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-less-empathy-and-more-aggression">Less empathy and more aggression</h2>



<p>This study took place at <a href="https://www.osu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ohio State University</a>. Insightful comments from co-author Professor Brad Bushman shed light on the findings.</p>



<p>“We’ve all heard the idiom 'I feel your pain.' But if intoxicated people can’t feel their own pain, they might be less likely to feel empathy when others feel pain, and that could lead them to be more aggressive," he explained.</p>



<p>Professor Bushman also noted that participants who had consumed alcohol had average blood alcohol concentrations of between 0.095% and 0.11%, just above the legal limit.</p>



<p>This led Bushman to suggest that the effects of alcohol on pain tolerance could potentially be exaggerated for those consuming alcohol beyond these experimental levels, making them even more susceptible to aggressive behavior.</p>



<p>Further research will continue to examine the myriad ways in which alcohol influences behavior, focusing specifically on the links between alcohol, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/no-pain-no-gain-physical-activity-enhances-pain-tolerance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pain tolerance</a>, and ensuing aggression.</p>



<p>The study was a collaborative effort, with contributions from C. Nathan DeWall from the University of Kentucky and Peter Giancola, a clinical psychologist based in Montreal. </p>



<p>Funding was provided by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and the National Center for Research Resources.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alcohol-and-its-ripple-effect-on-aggression">Alcohol and its ripple effect on aggression</h2>



<p>The study highlights how alcohol's ability to dull personal pain can ripple outward, influencing social interactions and behaviors. </p>



<p>In settings like bars or gatherings, heightened pain tolerance paired with reduced empathy might escalate minor disputes into aggressive confrontations. </p>



<p>Such insights emphasize the need for broader public awareness campaigns about alcohol's behavioral effects, and support systems for individuals prone to aggressive tendencies when intoxicated.</p>



<p>By understanding these mechanisms, policymakers and health professionals can design targeted interventions to address alcohol-induced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-struggle-to-predict-aggression-in-dogs-and-other-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aggression</a>, thereby reducing harm in communities and promoting safer drinking environments.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.jsad.com/doi/10.15288/jsad.24-00144" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs</a></em>.</p>



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Alcohol increases pain tolerance and fuels aggression

An interesting new study has generated some unexpected results relating...

<p>The Nebra Sky Disc, estimated to be over 3,600 years old, is a globally significant artifact that has been listed in UNESCO’s “Memory of the World” register since 2013.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Despite its reputation as one of the most extensively studied archaeological discoveries, the precise process used to craft this extraordinary object has remained uncertain.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-intricate-manufacturing-process">An intricate manufacturing process</h2>



<p>Previous studies based on the disc’s material composition made it clear that it could not have been cast directly in its final form. However, new metallographic analyses have revealed that its creation involved a complex hot forging method.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Researchers determined that producing the disc required approximately ten cycles of heating to around 700°C, forging, and annealing, a process used to relax the metal’s internal structure.</p>



<p>Since the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiny-metal-spheres-from-the-pacific-ocean-may-earths-first-alien-objects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">artifact</a> was recovered by police and returned to Saxony-Anhalt in 2002, it has undergone numerous scientific studies. These investigations have provided valuable insights into its raw materials and even its original coloration, but the exact manufacturing process had remained elusive until now.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crafting-the-nebra-sky-disc-a-technical-feat">Crafting the Nebra Sky Disc: A technical feat</h2>



<p>Creating a bronze disc with a diameter of 31 centimeters and a thickness of only a few millimeters is no straightforward task. The most recent findings focus on the steps needed to transform a cast bronze blank into the final product.</p>



<p>The study was conducted by the <a href="https://www.lda-lsa.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">State Office for Heritage Management and Archaeology Saxony-Anhalt</a>, in collaboration with <a href="https://www.ovgu.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg</a> and <a href="https://deltasigma.de/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DeltaSigma Analytics GmbH</a>. </p>



<p>The researchers utilized advanced metallographic techniques, including energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, electron backscatter diffraction, and light microscopy on color-etched samples. They also performed hardness tests to better understand the metal’s properties.</p>



<p>The team examined a small sample taken from the disc’s outer edge in 2002, which had previously been reinserted, temporarily removing it for further analysis.&nbsp;</p>



<p>To validate their findings, experimental trials were conducted by skilled coppersmith Herbert Bauer, who created a replica of the Sky Disc from a cast blank.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evidence-of-advanced-forging-techniques">Evidence of advanced forging techniques</h2>



<p>The analyses confirmed that the disc’s creation involved a series of carefully executed hot forging cycles. Until it reached its final dimensions, approximately ten cycles were necessary, each including heating to around 700 °C, forging and then annealing to relax the metal structure again.</p>



<p>Interestingly, Bauer’s experiments required significantly more forging cycles to produce the replica, suggesting that the original cast blank used for the Sky Disc was slightly larger and thinner than the one used in the replication.</p>



<p>“That the investigations continue to produce such fundamental new findings more than 20 years after the Sky Disc was secured not only once again demonstrates the extraordinary character of this find of the century, but also how highly developed the art of metal processing was already in the Early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bronze-age-technology-is-a-modern-solution-for-clean-energy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bronze Age</a>,” said State Archaeologist Harald Meller, the study’s senior author.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-the-nebra-sky-disc-nbsp">Significance of the Nebra Sky Disc&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The findings highlight the advanced skills of Early Bronze Age metalworkers. These artisans were not only proficient in casting but also in mastering complex forging techniques, such as hot forging.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Drawing on their vast expertise and skill, they were capable not only of mass-producing axes but also of crafting an exceptional artifact like the Nebra Sky Disc, which remains unparalleled even by today’s standards.</p>



<p>This remarkable artifact reflects a high level of technical expertise, showcasing the creativity and ingenuity of ancient craftspeople who worked with limited <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stone-tool-flint-discovery-challenges-theory-of-human-cultural-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tools</a> but extraordinary skill.</p>



<p>“In addition, the Sky Disc shows how important it is to re-examine seemingly well-known finds when new methods become available,” Meller said.</p>



<p>The Nebra Sky Disc continues to provide invaluable insights into the technological and cultural achievements of the Early Bronze Age.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As research progresses, this extraordinary artifact reveals ever more about the ingenuity of ancient civilizations, solidifying its status as one of the most fascinating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/enduring-mystery-ai-discovers-303-more-line-drawings-carved-into-the-nazca-desert/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">archaeological discoveries</a> of our time.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-80545-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Scientific Reports</em></a>.</p>



<p>Image Credit: Juraj Lipták, State Office for Heritage Management and Archaeology Saxony-Anhalt</p>



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The Nebra Sky Disc: What does it do, and how was it made?

The Nebra Sky Disc, estimated to be over 3,600 years...

<p>One of the most enduring scientific mysteries concerns the origins of life on Earth. Researchers have often focused on the potential role of deep-sea hydrothermal vents - towering underwater structures that release a mixture of organic and inorganic materials.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Within the plumes of these vents are minerals known as iron sulfides, which scientists believe may have catalyzed early chemical reactions essential for life.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-springs-and-the-emergence-of-life">Hot springs and the emergence of life</h2>



<p>Interestingly, these same minerals are also found in modern <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giant-viruses-found-in-yellowstones-hot-springs-are-1-5-billion-years-old/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hot springs</a>, such as the Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park. These springs are created by groundwater heated through volcanic activity beneath the Earth's crust.</p>



<p>New research led by an international team of scientists and published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-54062-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Communications</em></a><em> </em>contributes to the growing body of evidence suggesting that ancient hot springs may have played a critical role in the emergence of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-much-life-has-inhabited-earth-since-the-very-first-cell-scientists-found-out/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life</a>. </p>



<p>This work helps to reconcile competing theories about the environments where life could have first arisen.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-geochemistry-to-biology">From geochemistry to biology</h2>



<p>Carbon fixation, a fundamental process for life, involves converting carbon dioxide from the air or water into organic molecules.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Various life forms, including plants, bacteria, and archaea, accomplish this through distinct pathways, with photosynthesis being a well-known example.</p>



<p>Each carbon fixation pathway is a series of enzyme-driven reactions, some of which involve proteins with iron-sulfur cores. These iron-sulfur clusters are present in all life forms and are believed to trace back to the Last Universal Common Ancestor - a cell proposed to be the origin point for all life on Earth.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-minerals-in-land-based-hot-springs-nbsp">Minerals in land-based hot springs&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Iron sulfides, formed when dissolved iron reacts with hydrogen sulfide gas, exhibit structures remarkably similar to these iron-sulfur clusters.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This resemblance has led some scientists to hypothesize that iron sulfides were key in bridging the gap between Earth's geochemical conditions and biological processes.</p>



<p>The new research extends this understanding by exploring the chemical properties of iron sulfides in ancient land-based hot springs, which share similarities with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-sea-hydrothermal-vents-provide-clues-about-the-origin-of-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deep-sea hydrothermal vents</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-simulating-early-earth-s-hot-springs">Simulating early Earth’s hot springs</h2>



<p>To replicate early Earth’s hot spring conditions, researchers designed a custom chamber. Inside, synthesized iron sulfide samples - some pure and others mixed with common hot spring metals - were spread across the chamber.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A lamp simulated sunlight on Earth’s ancient surface, with varying levels of ultraviolet radiation.</p>



<p>Carbon dioxide and hydrogen gas, known to be important for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/turning-plants-into-carbon-capture-machines-with-cyanobacteria/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon fixation</a> in deep-sea vent experiments, were continually pumped into the chamber. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-springs-and-early-life-processes-nbsp">Hot springs and early life processes&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The results showed that all the iron sulfide samples were capable of producing methanol, a simple organic molecule, though production levels varied.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These findings indicate that iron sulfides can facilitate carbon fixation in both deep-sea vents and terrestrial hot springs.</p>



<p>Methanol production increased when the samples were exposed to visible light and higher temperatures.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Additional experiments with different temperature ranges, lighting conditions, and water vapor content further demonstrated that land-based hot springs could have supported carbon fixation processes on early Earth.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uncovering-an-ancient-pathway">Uncovering an ancient pathway</h2>



<p>Further experiments and theoretical analyses revealed that methanol production occurred through a reaction called the reverse water-gas shift.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This reaction mirrors part of the acetyl-CoA (or Wood-Ljungdahl) pathway, a method used by some bacteria and archaea to convert carbon dioxide into energy-rich molecules. The acetyl-CoA pathway is thought to be one of the earliest mechanisms for carbon fixation in life.</p>



<p>What makes this connection fascinating is that the reverse water-gas shift takes place on dry land near hot springs, while the acetyl-CoA pathway occurs in the aqueous environment of living cells. This parallel suggests a shared origin for these processes, bridging the gap between geochemistry and biology.</p>



<p>The study demonstrates that methanol production could occur under a wide range of conditions similar to those found in early Earth’s hot springs.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These results broaden our understanding of how iron sulfides may have facilitated the chemical reactions necessary for life, both in the ocean and on land.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-life-s-origins">Implications for life’s origins</h2>



<p>This research supports the prevailing scientific consensus that iron-sulfur clusters and the acetyl-CoA pathway are ancient and may have been crucial in the emergence of life.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By showing that carbon fixation is possible in both marine and terrestrial environments, the findings highlight the versatility of early chemical processes.</p>



<p>Whether life began at the bottom of the ocean or at the edges of hot springs on land, this study underscores the importance of iron sulfides in the origin of life.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research also provides a framework for understanding how life might arise in similar conditions on other planets, offering valuable insights into the universal principles of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-clues-about-the-origins-of-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life’s origins</a>.</p>



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



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

Hot springs may have played a key role in the emergence of life

One of the most enduring scientific mysteries concerns the origins...

<p>In a world where plastic waste increasingly clutters our environments and penetrates life's deepest nooks, there is a growing urgency to address the non-biodegradable nature of conventional plastics.</p>



<p>These polymers end up polluting our air, water, and even the bloodstreams of creatures everywhere.</p>



<p>Despite our best efforts, less than a fifth of the total plastic output is biodegradable, and the methods needed to break down these materials are far from efficient. However, hope may finally be on the horizon.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-birth-of-biodegradable-composite-plastic">The birth of biodegradable composite plastic</h2>



<p>A team of researchers based at the <a href="https://www.weizmann.ac.il/MCMS/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Weizmann Institute of Science’s Molecular Chemistry and Materials Science Department</a>, have made a significant breakthrough. The experts have crafted a new kind of plastic - one that can easily be degraded by bacteria.</p>



<p>The marvel doesn't stop there. The composite plastic they've developed is not only affordable and effortless to create, but also incredibly resilient.</p>



<p>Composite plastics are the new industry favorites, combining two or more pure materials to incorporate desired qualities like lightness and strength. </p>



<p>These plastics are now integral components in a plethora of industrial products, from airplanes and cars to bicycles. Yet, these plastics still contribute to the mounting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-plastics-treaty-tackles-the-pollution-problem-directly-at-the-source/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global waste problem</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-composite-plastic-with-exceptional-strength">Composite plastic with exceptional strength </h2>



<p>The team chose to focus on readily available, low-cost materials that could be enhanced, and they found a gem in tyrosine. </p>



<p>This amino acid, which forms sturdy nanocrystals, paired brilliantly with hydroxyethyl cellulose to produce a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biodegradable-plastic-shoes-break-down-in-ocean-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodegradable</a> composite plastic.</p>



<p>Hydroxyethyl cellulose, a weak material on its own and a cellulose derivative used extensively in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, became remarkably steadfast when mixed with tyrosine in boiling water. </p>



<p>The two materials fused to forge a composite plastic of exceptional strength, validated by a 0.04-millimeter-thick strip of the material holding up against a 6-kilogram load.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-with-unprecedented-qualities">Plastic with unprecedented qualities</h2>



<p>The novel material's intriguing traits didn't stop at strength. Typically, when a material's strength is increased, its plasticity reduces. </p>



<p>But in this case, the composite plastic proved not only sturdy but also more malleable than its core component, hydroxyethyl cellulose.</p>



<p>Additionally, since both cellulose and tyrosine are edible, the biodegradable composite plastic can technically be consumed. </p>



<p>But is it tasty? That remains a question for another day.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overcoming-challenges-to-scale-up-production">Overcoming challenges to scale up production</h2>



<p>"The follow-up study that we have already started could advance the commercial potential of this new material, since we have replaced the boiling in water with melting, as is more common in industry," said Professor Boris Rybtchinski, who is part of the team that developed the plastic.</p>



<p>"This means that we heat up the biodegradable polymers until they become liquid and then mix in the tyrosine or other suitable materials. If we manage to overcome the scientific and technical challenges involved in this process, we will be able to explore the possibility of producing this new composite plastic on an industrial scale."</p>



<p>The implications of this research extend beyond industry applications. The new composite plastic could be pivotal to our collective struggle against <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-pollution-is-changing-the-entire-earth-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic pollution</a>.</p>



<p>Every step toward making plastic production more sustainable brings us closer to a future free of plastic waste.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-promise-of-plastic-reinvention">The promise of plastic reinvention</h2>



<p>The development of biodegradable composite plastics signifies more than a scientific achievement - it is a symbol of hope for a planet drowning in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coca-cola-pepsi-among-top-contributors-to-plastic-waste/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic waste</a>.</p>



<p>Traditional plastics, known for their durability and resistance to natural decomposition, are a significant contributor to global pollution. </p>



<p>With the new biodegradable plastic from the Weizmann Institute, this narrative could change dramatically.</p>



<p>The innovative material not only addresses the need for sustainable alternatives but also highlights the potential for integrating eco-friendly practices into industrial processes.</p>



<p>By leveraging accessible materials like hydroxyethyl cellulose and tyrosine, the production process reduces dependency on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-from-fossil-fuels-kills-5-million-people-each-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossil fuels</a>, further contributing to the fight against climate change. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-widespread-adoption-of-biodegradable-plastics">Widespread adoption of biodegradable plastics </h2>



<p>As industries explore these alternatives, the widespread adoption of biodegradable plastics could lead to a cleaner, healthier environment while maintaining the strength and flexibility required for diverse applications.</p>



<p>The shift to greener plastics also brings economic benefits. Cost-efficient production methods and scalability mean industries can transition without the high overhead typically associated with sustainable innovations. </p>



<p>This breakthrough exemplifies how science and industry can collaborate to tackle some of the most pressing challenges of our time.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsnano.3c02528" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACS Nano</a></em>.</p>



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



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<p></p>

The future of plastic: Biodegradable, durable, and even edible

In a world where plastic waste increasingly clutters our environments...

<p>A common picture on college campuses is that of tired, sleep-deprived students. Assignments, night outs with friends, and an unending scroll through social media keep them up far later than they plan. But what if there's something else at play?</p>



<p>A fresh perspective has emerged, suggesting that something much deeper might be robbing our young adults of their sleep. A recent study indicates that it is not excessive screen time, but feelings of loneliness, that are responsible.</p>



<p>The study was conducted by a collaborative team of researchers from Oregon State University (OSU), Harvard Medical School and Chaminade University. The research involved over 1,000 undergraduate students.</p>



<p>It was led by John Sy, a graduate student from OSU, who identified loneliness as the more consistent predictor of insomnia over screen time.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-loneliness-vs-screen-time">Loneliness vs. screen time</h2>



<p>Struggling with sleep, most of us would be quick to blame our electronic devices - and they indeed play a part. The study found a link between spending 8-10 hours on gadgets and a higher likelihood of insomnia among college students.</p>



<p>But interestingly, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/loneliness-causes-people-to-have-more-nightmares/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">impact of loneliness</a> was even more profound on sleep. </p>



<p>The <a href="https://oregonstate.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OSU</a> study revealed that around 35% of the participants reported high levels of loneliness. These individuals suffered nearly twice as much from symptoms of insomnia compared to their less lonely counterparts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-loneliness-meddles-with-sleep">How loneliness meddles with sleep</h2>



<p>The connection between loneliness and poor sleep has long been recognized, but its significant impact on college students is particularly concerning. </p>



<p>College life often brings major changes, such as moving away from home, creating new social circles, and managing increased academic pressure - all of which can lead to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/loneliness-harms-health-more-than-alcohol-obesity-or-smoking/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">feelings of isolation</a>.</p>



<p>Loneliness not only heightens stress sensitivity but also fuels overthinking, creating the perfect formula for sleepless nights. Research shows that lonely individuals are twice as likely to experience depression, which further disrupts their sleep patterns. </p>



<p>Poor sleep, in turn, exacerbates emotional struggles, creating a vicious cycle. Addressing loneliness is essential for improving students' mental health and overall well-being.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-loneliness-a-public-health-concern">Loneliness: A public health concern</h2>



<p>The U.S. Surgeon General's office categorizes loneliness as a significant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/loneliness-drops-in-middle-adulthood-but-then-grows-with-age/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">public health issue</a>. It affects approximately 50% of American adults, even before coronavirus came into play. </p>



<p>The health implications of loneliness are on par with smoking, contributing to premature death. It’s crucial that we stop underestimating the impact of loneliness on sleep - particularly among young adults who are juggling new tasks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insomnia-s-effect-on-college-life">Insomnia's effect on college life</h2>



<p>Statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that over a quarter of college students experience insomnia. </p>



<p>This shortage of restful sleep takes a severe toll. It hampers cognitive function, mood regulation, and metabolism. </p>



<p>For college students, this results in escalated stress levels, anxiety, mood swings, and a dramatic drop in academic performance.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dealing-with-loneliness-for-better-sleep">Dealing with loneliness for better sleep</h2>



<p>While limiting screen time to under 8 to 10 hours a day is a good practice, this research underlines the more pressing issue of loneliness. Addressing this sense of isolation can lead to improved sleep, better mental well-being, and enhanced academic results.</p>



<p>So, how can college students combat loneliness? It’s not always easy, but making connections through campus clubs, group activities, or study groups can help. These activities provide chances to meet new people, build friendships, and create a support system. </p>



<p>Being part of these social groups can make college life feel less lonely and improve overall well-being.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-link-between-sleep-and-loneliness">Link between sleep and loneliness </h2>



<p>Loneliness is more than just an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mixed-emotions-linked-to-unique-brain-activity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emotional state</a>; it’s a health issue that affects overall well-being. For college students, tackling loneliness might just be the key to better sleep. </p>



<p>Limiting screen time is important, but building strong social connections is crucial for a restful night. Engaging in meaningful conversations, even for a few minutes, can significantly lower stress levels and promote a more peaceful mind before bed. </p>



<p>So next time you find yourself staring at the ceiling at 2 a.m., consider reaching out - sometimes, the best way to sleep better is to feel connected with others.</p>



<p>The study is recently published in the <em><a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/07448481.2024.2428413" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of American College Health</a>. </em></p>



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

Loneliness disrupts college students' sleep more than screen time

A common picture on college campuses is that of tired,...

<p>Around 35.65 million years ago, two massive asteroids collided with Earth. Despite the scale of these asteroid impacts, a new study by researchers at University College London (UCL) reveals that they did not trigger any lasting changes in Earth’s climate. </p>



<p>This surprising discovery comes from examining isotopes in tiny marine fossils from that era that offer insights into the resilience of Earth's climate system.</p>



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



<p>These two <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/two-large-asteroids-will-pass-near-earth-this-week/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space rocks</a>, each several miles wide, struck Earth about 25,000 years apart. </p>



<p>One hit the region that is now Chesapeake Bay in the United States, creating a crater 25 to 55 miles (40 to 85 kilometers) in diameter. </p>



<p>The other impacted Siberia, forming the 60-mile-wide (100 kilometers) Popigai crater. These are the fourth and fifth largest asteroid craters known on Earth, respectively. Yet, despite their size, their effect on Earth’s climate appears to have been minimal in the long run.</p>



<p>The study, recently published in the journal&nbsp;<em>Communications Earth &amp; Environment</em>, found no evidence of significant, lasting climate changes in the 150,000 years following the impacts. This contradicts prior theories that linked such collisions with periods of extreme cooling or warming.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-climate-after-asteroid-impacts">Ancient climate after asteroid impacts</h2>



<p>The research team inferred ancient climate conditions by analyzing isotopes in tiny fossils from a group of marine organisms known as foraminifera. These single-celled organisms lived both near the surface and on the seafloor of ancient oceans.</p>



<p>"What is remarkable about our results is that there was no real change following the impacts," noted study co-author Professor Bridget Wade from <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/earth-sciences/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCL Earth Sciences</a>.</p>



<p>"We expected the isotopes to shift in one direction or another, indicating warmer or cooler waters, but this did not happen. These large asteroid impacts occurred and, over the long term, our planet seemed to carry on as usual."</p>



<p>The fossils came from a rock core drilled beneath the Gulf of Mexico by the scientific Deep Sea Drilling Project. The samples ranged in age from 35.5 to 35.9 million years.</p>



<p>The researchers looked at both benthic foraminifera, which lived on the seafloor, and planktonic foraminifera, which floated near the surface. This approach allowed them to form a comprehensive picture of how ocean temperatures responded.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-short-term-chaos-long-term-stability">Short-term chaos, long-term stability</h2>



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-has-lost-its-mini-moon-2024-pt5-may-have-come-from-our-main-moon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">asteroid impacts</a> would have been catastrophic on a human timescale. </p>



<p>“Over a human time scale, these asteroid impacts would be a disaster. They would create a massive shockwave and tsunami, there would be widespread fires, and large amounts of dust would be sent into the air, blocking out sunlight,” noted Professor Wade.</p>



<p>However, the samples they studied were spaced every 11,000 years, which means shorter-term changes over tens or hundreds of years might not be visible in their data.</p>



<p>Indeed, the Chicxulub impact that led to the extinction of the dinosaurs about 66 million years ago caused climate shifts over a much shorter time - less than 25 years, according to modeling studies.</p>



<p>Despite the absence of a long-term impact on Earth's climate, Professor Wade emphasized the importance of continuing to monitor space and fund asteroid deflection missions. </p>



<p>“We still need to know what is coming and fund missions to prevent future collisions,” she cautioned.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-s-resilience-to-catastrophe">Earth's resilience to catastrophe </h2>



<p>Interestingly, the researchers did see climate changes that were not associated with the asteroid <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-anticipated-comet-of-2024-returns-this-weekend-after-80000-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">impacts</a>.</p>



<p>Isotope analysis showed warming of about 2 degrees Celsius at the ocean surface and a 1-degree cooling in deep waters, about 100,000 years before the asteroid events. However, around the time of the impacts and afterward, there were no notable changes.</p>



<p>"Given that the Chicxulub impact likely led to a major extinction event, we were curious to investigate whether what appeared as a series of sizeable asteroid impacts during the Eocene also caused long-lasting climate changes," explained study co-author and MSc Geosciences graduate Natalie Cheng.</p>



<p>"We were surprised to discover that there were no significant climate responses to these impacts."</p>



<p>The study's findings highlight Earth's resilience in the face of these ancient catastrophes.</p>



<p>"It was fascinating to read Earth's climate history from the chemistry preserved in microfossils. It was especially interesting to work with our selection of foraminifera species and discover beautiful specimens of microspherules along the way," Cheng added.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-asteroid-impacts-beyond-climate">Asteroid impacts beyond climate</h2>



<p>While this study suggests that Earth's climate can remain stable even after massive impacts, it also underscores the potential for asteroid impacts to cause significant short-term disruptions. </p>



<p>The two asteroids, which were between two and five miles wide, each created a massive shockwave upon impact.</p>



<p>Evidence also points to three smaller asteroid collisions during the late Eocene epoch, indicating a disturbance in our solar system’s asteroid belt at that time. These smaller impacts add to the mystery of what was happening in space that may have sent so many asteroids our way.</p>



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



<p>The study's funding came from the UK's Natural Environment Research Council (<a href="https://www.ukri.org/councils/nerc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NERC</a>), reflecting the importance of understanding the role of asteroid collisions in Earth’s geological history. </p>



<p>Despite the lack of a long-term climate impact from these two asteroid impacts, the findings are crucial for building a comprehensive view of Earth’s climate history and the resilience of life on our planet.</p>



<p>Asteroid collisions with Earth remain a real threat. Though these events might not always lead to permanent changes, their destructive potential in the short term cannot be ignored. </p>



<p>The world needs continued investment in asteroid detection and deflection missions to ensure we are well prepared for the day when another giant space rock comes our way.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-024-01874-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Earth &amp; Environment</a></em>.</p>



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Massive asteroid crash 35 million years ago had no climate impact

Around 35.65 million years ago, two massive asteroids collided with...

<p>The saying "dog is man's best friend" raises an intriguing question: When did this bond between dogs and humans truly begin?</p>



<p>A new study, led by François Lanoë at the University of Arizona, takes a major step toward answering this question. The research sheds light on the early relationships between Indigenous people in the Americas and the canines that roamed the land thousands of years ago.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-relationship-between-dogs-and-humans">Relationship between dogs and humans </h2>



<p>The study, published in the journal <em>Science Advances</em>, is based on archaeological remains found in Alaska. </p>



<p>The research reveals that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-are-evolving-to-fit-the-modern-lives-of-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">relationship</a> between humans and dogs may have started much earlier than previously thought – around 12,000 years ago, which is well before recorded history in the Americas.</p>



<p>"We now have evidence that canids and people had close relationships earlier than we knew they did in the Americas," said François Lanoë, an assistant research professor in the U of A&nbsp;<a href="https://anthropology.arizona.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">School of Anthropology</a>.</p>



<p>This discovery challenges previous assumptions and provides valuable insight into this ancient human-animal connection.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovering-early-canine-remains">Discovering early canine remains</h2>



<p>The breakthrough came in 2018 when Lanoë and his team unearthed a tibia – the lower leg bone – from an adult canine at Swan Point, an archaeological site near Fairbanks, Alaska.</p>



<p>Radiocarbon dating revealed that the bone had belonged to a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dog-and-human-brains-sync-up-during-eye-contact/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">canine</a> that lived around 12,000 years ago, near the end of the Ice Age.</p>



<p>Further excavation in 2023 at Hollembaek Hill, another site in Alaska, revealed an 8,100-year-old canine jawbone. The bones showed signs that these animals might have been tamed or domesticated by humans.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-did-humans-feed-fish-to-dogs">Did humans feed fish to dogs?</h2>



<p>The most intriguing part of the discovery was the chemical analysis of both bones. Researchers found substantial traces of salmon proteins, which indicated that the canines had eaten fish.</p>



<p>This finding was particularly significant, as wild canines in that era typically hunted land animals, not fish. The presence of salmon in the diet suggests a closer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-shrinking-brain-size-was-partially-caused-by-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">relationship</a> between the canines and humans, possibly pointing to a dependence on people for food.</p>



<p>“This is the smoking gun because they’re not really going after salmon in the wild,” said Ben Potter, an archaeologist with the University of Alaska Fairbanks. </p>



<p>The most likely explanation for salmon showing up in the animal's diet was that they were being fed by  humans.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-canines-or-tamed-wolves">Canines or tamed wolves?</h2>



<p>The discovery at Swan Point suggests that humans and dogs had a close bond in the Americas far earlier than we thought. </p>



<p>But is this the earliest domesticated dog in the region? Not necessarily. While these canines were likely dependent on humans, they may not have been fully domesticated dogs as we know them today.</p>



<p>Lanoë pointed out that the specimens from Swan Point and Hollembaek Hill might be too old to be genetically related to the dogs we know today. </p>



<p>"Behaviorally, they seem to be like dogs, as they ate salmon provided by people," Lanoë explained. "But genetically, they're not related to anything we know." It's possible that these animals were tamed wolves rather than true domesticated dogs.</p>



<p>The study raises a critical question: What exactly defines a dog? Is it their relationship with humans or their genetic traits? As Lanoë noted, this study invites further research into the nature of these early canine companions. </p>



<p>"It asks the existential question, what is a dog?" noted Potter.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-partnership-with-tribal-communities">Partnership with tribal communities</h2>



<p>This study on the relationship between dog and human is part of a long-standing collaboration with tribal communities in Alaska's Tanana Valley.</p>



<p>Archaeologists have worked in this area since the 1930s, and they often consult with the Healy Lake Village Council before conducting research. The council, which represents the Mendas Cha'ag people indigenous to the region, authorized genetic testing on the canine specimens discovered during this study.</p>



<p>Josh Reuther, an archaeologist at the University of Alaska Museum, highlighted the importance of working with local tribes. Researchers always share their plans with the Healy Lake Village Council before starting studies, including this one.</p>



<p>"It is little – but it is profound – to get the proper permission and to respect those who live on that land," said Evelynn Combs, a Healy Lake member and archaeologist for the tribe's cultural preservation office.</p>



<p>Growing up in the Tanana Valley, Combs often explored archaeological sites with archaeologists, developing a deep respect for the connection between her people and the land. Today, she is part of a community where nearly everyone shares a strong bond with their dogs.</p>



<p>"I really like the idea that, in the record, however long ago, it is a repeatable cultural experience that I have this relationship and this level of love with my dog," Combs said. "I know that throughout history, these relationships have always been present."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-timeless-bond">A timeless bond</h2>



<p>This discovery reaffirms what many have always known: the relationship between humans and dogs is ancient and enduring. In the Tanana Valley, where tribal members have long considered their dogs to be mystic companions, this connection spans millennia. </p>



<p>For Combs, this bond is more than historical; it is a part of her life. "We still had our companions," she said, reflecting on the centuries of shared history between people and dogs.</p>



<p>As the research continues, it reminds us that the relationship between humans and their canine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-people-treat-their-dogs-is-directly-tied-to-their-own-childhood/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">companions</a> is far older than we might have imagined – it's a timeless bond that transcends geography.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.ads1335" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science Advances.</em></a></p>



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

Humans and dogs were bonding much earlier than we thought

The saying "dog is man's best friend" raises an intriguing...

<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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<p>—–</p>

Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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<p>—–</p>

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What caused the planet's longest ice age

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<p>—–</p>

Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<p></p>

Social modeling affects our food choices

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Retired professor claims he solved time travel

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The environmental problem we actually solved

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prrq8Ql81zk Acid rain and a crisis solved. Why don't we...

<p>Scientists are transforming chocolate into a functional food by infusing it with probiotics and prebiotics, aiming to create a treat that satisfies cravings while supporting gut health. </p>



<p>The challenge lies in maintaining chocolate's beloved texture and flavor while adding health benefits.</p>



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https://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
</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

[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> (ACS) reveals that proteins on flu viruses are actually flexible, tilting and waving in a “breath-like” motion. According to the experts, these proteins could be used to better defend against the flu.</p>



<p>"The main antigenic targets of influenza virus are two surface glycoproteins, hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA). Whereas the structural and dynamical properties of both glycoproteins have been studied previously, the understanding of their plasticity in the whole-virion context is fragmented," wrote the researchers.</p>



<p>To investigate, the team conducted detailed simulations of the influenza A H1N1 virion, or the swine flu. The experts concluded that the visualizations show many new vulnerable states of flu viruses, which could improve future vaccines and antiviral drugs.</p>



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



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



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

[sendtonews key="G9bUoxcjr4-2511624-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Lake Trasimeno, which is located west of Perugia in central Italy. It is the fourth largest lake in the country. While Trasimeno’s water level varies, it has a maximum depth of approximately six meters.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"In this Copernicus Sentinel-2 image, captured on 6 August 2022, the lake’s emerald green colour is likely due to the presence of phytoplankton. Streaks in the water, particularly visible in the west, indicate the presence of soil and sediments which have been stirred up by winds. Dark colored waters in the southern part of the lake indicate a presence of submerged and floating macrophytes (aquatic plants) as well as algae," says ESA.</p>



<p>"Surrounded by hills on three sides, Trasimeno is subject to heavy storms created by winds, especially from the north and west. There are three islets in the lake: Maggiore, Minore and Polvese (the largest). The lake’s shores are sparsely inhabited with only two popular villages: Castiglione del Lago and Passignano sul Trasimeno."</p>



<p>"Italy is experiencing its worst drought in 70 years which has affected drinking water supplies, hydroelectric power and agricultural production. High temperatures, hot winds and lack of rainfall are the main causes of drought in the Umbrian region which saw Lake Trasimeno’s drop 1.3 m, reaching the limit of the hydrometric zero in July 2022."</p>



<p><em>Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;</em></p>



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



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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



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



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



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



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<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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