<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>You could easily mistake this polychaete for a set of fake eyelashes shimmering under faint lights, but this creature is indeed real. Its habitat lies at the junction of three tectonic plates in the depths of the Pacific Ocean.</p>



<p>Researchers from the Schmidt Ocean Institute discovered the worm while using their 7,055-pound robotic explorer ROV <em>SuBastian</em>. They sent the underwater robot to search on the ocean floor and this spectacular bristle worm is what turned up in the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCUvkLLS831/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">video footage</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meet-the-polychaete-worm">Meet the polychaete worm</h2>



<p>This fascinating creature is better known as a polychaete, which is a type of segmented <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mystery-mollusk-glowing-sea-slug-found-in-the-deep-sea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine worm</a>. There are more than 10,000 different species of polychaetes distributed all over the world.</p>



<p>"To describe this polychaete, one simply must use jazz hands - it is the only way to capture this deep-sea worm's dazzle!" the experts said in an&nbsp;Instagram&nbsp;post.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-internet-reacts-to-the-sparkling-worm">Internet reacts to the sparkling worm</h2>



<p>This creature’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-life-100-new-sea-creatures-found-in-chile/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">discovery</a> soon gained the attention of Instagram viewers. One viewer humorously dubbed it a "forbidden toilet scrubber," while another compared it to a "deep sea Xmas tree." </p>



<p>And yes, there were certainly those who could only see a pair of fake eyelashes crawling tantalizingly across the ocean bed.</p>



<p>The researchers discovered this sparkling addition to the polychaete family while the ROV (remotely operated vehicle) pilots were exploring the Chile Margin.</p>



<p>This intriguing region remains largely unknown, and the international team has been undertaking formidable tasks along the margin.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-natural-laboratory">A natural laboratory</h2>



<p>The Chile Margin, which extends from the country's west coast and suddenly drops into the Pacific Ocean, is an area of particular interest for scientific exploration. </p>



<p>Its unique tectonic forces and terrestrial influences make this margin an ideal location to investigate chemosynthetic and deep-sea environments and, of course, to discover creatures like this shimmering deep-sea worm.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beauty-of-the-sparkling-worm">Beauty of the sparkling worm</h2>



<p>Videos posted to the <a href="https://schmidtocean.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Schmidt Ocean Institute</a>'s Instagram account show the animal inching along the seabed. </p>



<p>Here, its iridescent bristles catch the light, adding a mesmerising sparkle to its movements. </p>



<p>The term polychaete means "many bristles," and the way these bristles light up is quite unique. In this species, the bristles possess protein structures that cause the iridescence.</p>



<p>It's important to remember that these creatures are more than just appealing to look at. </p>



<p>Polychaetes play a vital role in the global ocean, from the heat-tolerant extremophiles in hydrothermal vents to the bone-eating <em>Osedax </em>worms that undertake nutrient cycling.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-deep-sea-ecosystems">Exploring deep sea ecosystems</h2>



<p>The Chile Margin's unique environment, with an intermediate water depth of about 2,652 to 3,281 feet, presents a fantastic natural laboratory for exploration. </p>



<p>Over a period of 55 days, the researchers aim to map, sample, and characterize the deep-sea ecosystems along the central-south Chile Margin. Will they find more aquatic wonders? Only time will tell.</p>



<p>The expedition's journey along the Chile Margin is a remarkable endeavor that examines the unique phenomenon of chemosynthesis.</p>



<p>Unlike photosynthetic processes driven by sunlight, chemosynthetic organisms derive energy from chemical reactions, typically in environments devoid of light. The bristle worms residing in such habitats exhibit a symbiotic relationship with bacteria, which facilitate this energy conversion.</p>



<p>This natural phenomenon supports diverse lifeforms in these dark, alien worlds and gives the polychaetes an opportunity to live in and adapt to the extreme conditions.</p>



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



<p>In addition to exploration, engaging the public in the wonders of deep-sea research is a key aspect of the Schmidt Ocean Institute's mission. </p>



<p>Through their extensive online presence and their videos that showcase their findings, the scientists at the Institute stimulate public interest and awareness about marine biodiversity and the oceanic environment.</p>



<p>Furthermore, the data and samples collected serve as a foundation for future scientific inquiries, collaboration, and education. </p>



<p>Researchers are particularly eager to study the evolutionary adaptations of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alarming-climate-impacts-threaten-key-marine-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">organisms</a> living along such dynamic margins and to uncover more about the unexplored complexities of the ocean's hidden depths.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advancing-our-understanding-of-the-ocean">Advancing our understanding of the ocean</h2>



<p>This expedition isn't just about discovering <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-oceans-seas-lakes-are-losing-their-ability-to-support-most-types-of-fish/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new species</a>; it's about enhancing our understanding of the ocean. </p>



<p>The researchers at the Schmidt Ocean Institute aim to bolster efforts to manage and protect ecosystems within Chile's waters, and to emphasize the critical need for conservation.</p>



<p>After all, without these explorative efforts, we might have missed out on meeting our new sparkling worm. </p>



<p>Image Credit: Schmidt Ocean Institute </p>



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Sparkling worm discovered deep in the Pacific Ocean

You could easily mistake this polychaete for a set of...

<p>Do you recall those childhood days when you eagerly anticipated bedtime stories about Peter Rabbit, Toad or Ratty from The Wind in the Willows? Or the excitement that washed over you every time you opened a children's book teeming with playful, animated animals? </p>



<p>Well, a new study is giving us a fresh perspective on the role of these furry, iconic characters.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-children-s-books-animal-characters">Children's books animal characters</h2>



<p>The research has shed light on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/toddlers-learn-faster-after-witnessing-impossible-events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">potential influence</a> of non-human characters in children's books.</p>



<p>The researchers aimed to gauge how these animal characters affected children's theory of mind skills - crucial abilities which include deciphering social changes in the environment based on voice tone, word choice, or facial expressions.</p>



<p>They worked with over 100 children aged five to 10, each of whom were tested on their theory of mind skills after hearing stories featuring animal characters, as well as those highlighting human characters.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-vs-animal-characters-in-books">Human vs. animal characters in books</h2>



<p>The study unveiled an interesting pattern. When exposed to stories centered around human characters, an age-related progression was observed. </p>



<p>Older children were consistently outperforming their younger counterparts, with 3rd grade children surpassing the researchers' expectations in tests featuring human characters.</p>



<p>But the revelations didn't stop there. The tests that involved animal characters threw up another surprise. </p>



<p>The younger participants were able to match the scores achieved by pupils in 3rd grade,  who were two years their senior. That's quite a feat for our young champions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-insight-into-children-s-development">New insight into children's development</h2>



<p>These findings, published in the <em>Journal of Experimental Child Psychology</em>, highlight the importance of both human and non-human characters in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/outdoor-classes-improve-childrens-mental-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">children's developmental stages</a>.</p>



<p>The research was led by Dr. Gray Atherton and Dr. Liam Cross from the University of Plymouth’s <a href="https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/schools/psychology" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">School of Psychology</a>.</p>



<p>"Animals play a huge part of children’s stories, whether that is in books and comics or through TV and film. We wanted to test if that is down to more than simply liking the characters, and whether there are actual benefits of children learning through by watching or reading about animals and if this changes over time," said Dr. Atherton.</p>



<p>"Our findings showed that both human and non-human characters are important in helping children interpret the world around them, and that they play differing roles at different stages in their development. Adapting activities and lessons in nurseries and the early school years to take that into account could be hugely effective in helping to support their development."</p>



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



<p>The insights gained from this study have substantial implications for educators and parents aiming to support children's cognitive and social development.</p>



<p>By incorporating both human and animal characters into books, educators can craft a more balanced learning environment that caters to the diverse needs of children across age groups. </p>



<p>Parents, too, can enrich their children's home learning experiences by selecting a variety of stories that include both human and animal protagonists. </p>



<p>This approach not only makes reading sessions more engaging but also aids in developing empathy and understanding of complex social scenarios.</p>



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



<p>While this study provides valuable insights, it also opens avenues for further exploration. </p>



<p>Future research could go deeper into the types of animal characteristics that are most effective in nurturing children's theory of mind. For instance, exploring whether anthropomorphized animals or more realistic portrayals have differing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/parents-who-use-humor-have-better-relationships-with-their-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">impacts</a>. </p>



<p>Similarly, cross-cultural studies could investigate whether the affinity towards animal characters holds true in diverse cultural contexts. These inquiries could refine understanding and application in educational strategies, enhancing the efficacy of storytelling as a developmental tool.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-animal-characters-and-autism-treatment">Animal characters and autism treatment</h2>



<p>In previous studies, Dr. Atherton and Dr. Cross examined the factors influencing the educational and social development of individuals with autism and learning difficulties.</p>



<p>The experts launched initiatives proving how board and online games can bolster confidence among people with autism. </p>



<p>Borrowing insights from this research, the scholars now plan to dig deeper to explore if their findings could provide specific benefits to children with such conditions.</p>



<p>Dr. Cross envisions a significant impact of this study on individuals with autism or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/kids-with-behavioral-issues-have-high-cortisol-levels-in-their-hair/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">other conditions</a> affecting their learning. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-way-of-looking-at-animal-characters">A new way of looking at animal characters</h2>



<p>The researchers have observed how tasks involving animal characters can result in autistic individuals performing on par with non-autistic children. </p>



<p>The plan is to replicate this study with autistic children in an effort to unveil more effective ways to support them at a critical stage in their development.</p>



<p>In a nutshell, this study has unraveled an entirely new dimension of how we view animals in children's books. </p>



<p>Those delightful animal characters do more than simply entertain; they help shape our children's minds and understanding of the world around them in their formative years.</p>



<p>The study is published in the <em><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S002209652400256X?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Experimental Child Psychology</a>. </em></p>



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Animal characters boost social and emotional skills in children

Do you recall those childhood days when you eagerly anticipated...

<p>Picture yourself at a social event. As the gathering comes to a close, and you step out, a barrage of thoughts flood your mind. Did you talk excessively? Did you unintentionally offend someone with a misplaced comment? Were your companions entertained or burdened by your presence?</p>



<p>This anxiety-inducing pattern of thought might seem frustrating, but it's part of what makes us human - our brain's advanced social cognitive abilities.</p>



<p>In a scientific study led by Northwestern Medicine, researchers have investigated the intricate evolutionary aspects of this phenomenon.</p>



<p>The study suggests that the human brain's evolutionary advances in social cognition could be harnessed for future psychiatric therapies, potentially aiding those who suffer from anxiety or depression.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lizard-brain-and-social-cognitive-abilities">Lizard brain and social cognitive abilities</h2>



<p>We often find ourselves caught up in thoughts, attempting to decipher the emotions and intentions of those around us. </p>



<p>"What is that person feeling, thinking? Did I say something to upset them?" noted senior author Rodrigo Braga. </p>



<p>This cognitive ability, however, is a recent addition to our evolutionary timeline. It involves placing oneself in another's shoes and making educated guesses about their thought process, despite not having any concrete evidence.</p>



<p>The study aimed to decipher the link between the relatively new social <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/where-does-creativity-start-in-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive network</a> and the ancient part of the brain called the amygdala, also known as the "lizard brain." The amygdala typically processes fear and detects threats.</p>



<p>Yet, it also governs social behaviors like parenting, mating, aggression, and social dominance hierarchies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-and-advanced-brain-functions">Ancient and advanced brain functions</h2>



<p>The researchers found that the communication between the amygdala and the social <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-adult-depression-linked-to-worse-memory-skills/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive network</a> is ongoing.</p>



<p>In particular, the medial nucleus, a specific part of the amygdala that governs social behaviors, has a connection with the newly evolved social cognitive network areas that are linked to perceiving the emotions and intentions of others.</p>



<p>This link helps shape the social cognitive network's function by granting access to the amygdala's role in processing emotionally significant content.</p>



<p>To uncover these connections, the researchers turned to a noninvasive brain-imaging technique, known as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), which is used to measure brain activity by detecting variations in blood oxygen levels.</p>



<p>These high-resolution scans came courtesy of Kendrick Kay, a collaborator at the <a href="https://twin-cities.umn.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Minnesota</a>.</p>



<p>The scans enabled the researchers to observe details of the social cognitive network that are not seen in lower-resolution brain scans.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-cognition-of-the-brain">Social cognition of the brain</h2>



<p>Understanding the interplay between the amygdala and the social <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/transcendent-thinking-promotes-brain-growth-in-adolescents/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive</a> network offers significant insights into the evolutionary trajectory of the human brain. </p>



<p>This unique relationship represents a sophisticated adaptation that allows for higher-order social processing, an attribute crucial for the complex social structures that define human societies.</p>



<p>By aligning instinctual responses with advanced cognitive capabilities, this system equips humans with the ability to navigate intricate social landscapes, promoting cooperation, empathy, and theoretical thinking.</p>



<p>Such advancements have likely been pivotal in humanity's survival and success as a species, reflecting an evolutionary advantage to processing social information.</p>



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



<p>Both anxiety and depression involve amygdala hyperactivity, which can lead to excessive emotional responses and impaired emotional regulation. Current treatments, like deep brain stimulation, are invasive because of the amygdala's deep-seated location in the brain.</p>



<p>With the insights this study provides, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a less intrusive procedure, might be used to target the amygdala indirectly by focusing on the interconnected regions. This could offer a new, more comfortable treatment route for those dealing with these disorders.</p>



<p>Does this mean we are a step closer to alleviating the emotional load carried by millions around us? Only time will tell. But it is studies like these that keep inching us forward in our quest to better understand <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-are-walking-ecosystems-and-microbes-rule-their-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ourselves</a>, our brains, and our shared humanity.</p>



<p>So next time you leave a social gathering and get swamped by intrusive thoughts about the way others see you, remember that it's just your evolved human brain at work. And who knows, this advanced cognitive trait might offer a lifeline to many who grapple with their emotional well-being.</p>



<p>The study titled “The human social cognitive network contains multiple regions within the amygdala”&nbsp; is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adp0453" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.</em></p>



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'Lizard brain' shapes social abilities in humans

Picture yourself at a social event. As the gathering comes...

<p>What if switching to a vegan diet could not only save you money but also upgrade your health?</p>



<p>A new study from the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine suggests that trading in red meat and dairy products for a greener diet could be kinder to both your wallet and your well-being. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saving-money-on-a-vegan-diet">Saving money on a vegan diet</h2>



<p>The focus of the study was a humble vegan diet that is low in fat and bursting with fruits, grains, veggies, and beans. This <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-you-eat-can-literally-change-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dietary change</a> could slash your food bill by an impressive 19 percent.</p>



<p>That's a savings of $1.80 each day when compared to the traditional American diet consisting of meat, dairy, and other animal-derived products.</p>



<p>While this amount may not seem like much, if you multiply those savings over a year, they add up to $650.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-the-mediterranean-diet">Exploring the Mediterranean diet </h2>



<p>But what if you find yourself gravitating towards a Mediterranean diet? </p>



<p>With its emphasis on fruits, vegetables, legumes, fish, low-fat dairy, and extra-virgin olive oil, this heart-friendly diet might cost you a tad more - about 60 cents per day - compared to the Standard American Diet (SAD).</p>



<p>But if stack up the low-fat vegan diet against the Mediterranean diet, the savings rise to a significant $2.40 per day - a whopping 25% drop in food costs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-costs-of-a-vegan-diet">Costs of a vegan diet </h2>



<p>The secret to these savings is simple: swap out the costly meat and dairy for budget-friendly plant-based <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-diet-shifts-the-hidden-costs-of-what-we-eat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">alternatives</a>, and you've got yourself a deal.</p>



<p>The study's findings revealed a daily savings of $2.90 on meat, 50 cents on dairy, and an additional 50 cents on added fats with a vegan diet. But it's not all about the money, is it?</p>



<p>Dr. Hana Kahleova is the study's lead researcher and the Director of Clinical Research at the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (<a href="https://www.pcrm.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PCRM</a>).</p>



<p>"A vegan diet won't just save money; it could save lives by helping to avoid or improve conditions like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease," said Dr. Kahleova.</p>



<p>Sure, the vegan diet comes with its own additions to the bill - an extra 50 cents a day on vegetables, 30 cents on grains, and a supplementary 50 cents on meat alternatives.</p>



<p>Yet, it seems like even with these additions, the financial and health benefits tip the balance in favor of the vegan lifestyle.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-is-going-vegan-worth-it">Is going vegan worth it?</h2>



<p>The study also revealed that a low-fat vegan diet outperformed the Mediterranean diet in areas of weight, body composition, insulin sensitivity, and cholesterol levels.</p>



<p>So, before you turn a blind eye to that tofu or give those beans the cold shoulder, consider this: Could saving money while potentially improving your health be reason enough to give a plant-based <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-food-day-fighting-global-hunger/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diet</a> a chance?</p>



<p>With the cost of living on a steady incline, a vegan diet seems like an option that is worth considering.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vegan-diet-and-environmental-consciousness">Vegan diet and environmental consciousness </h2>



<p>While we're pondering personal health and financial benefits, it's only fair that we consider the environmental implications of our dietary choices. Shifting towards a vegan diet doesn’t just favor your finances but also ticks the eco-friendly box.</p>



<p>Animal agriculture contributes to a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions, land degradation, and deforestation. By shifting towards a greener diet, we have a shot at significantly reducing our carbon footprints.</p>



<p>Producing plant-based foods generally calls for fewer resources like land and water, and results in fewer emissions compared to meat and dairy production. </p>



<p>This compelling argument weaves together the ecological, personal, and financial advantages of going vegan.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-navigating-through-the-green-transition">Navigating through the green transition</h2>



<p>Granted, the benefits of a vegan diet are plentiful. But the transition might come with a few bumps in the road, especially when it comes to snapping out of old habits and ensuring nutritional adequacy.</p>



<p>Thankfully, assistance is abundant. Recipes, meal plans, and nutritional guides could ease the transition, ensuring a wholesome <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/modern-human-diets-pose-many-risks-health-environment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diet</a>. </p>



<p>Community support - such as online forums or local vegan groups - can provide needed motivation and answer pressing questions. Introducing plant-based meals gradually into your routine might make the shift feel less formidable and more sustainable.</p>



<p>Setting achievable goals, like starting with one vegan meal a day, could pave the way for lasting changes that benefit both your health and the environment.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em>JAMA Network Open</em>.</p>



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Switching to a vegan diet can cut grocery costs by a very significant amount

What if switching to a vegan diet could not only...

<p>The Red Planet has always been a subject of intrigue and fascination. Recent research led by Curtin University has added more fuel to this age-old curiosity. The scientists discovered what could possibly be the oldest evidence of hot water activity on Mars.</p>



<p>This discovery opens up possibilities that at some point in its mysterious past, Mars may have been a place where life could exist.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-water-on-mars">Hot water on Mars</h2>



<p>The study focused on a zircon grain from the renowned <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-water-found-on-mars-would-cover-the-planet-over-one-mile-deep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Martian</a> meteorite NWA7034, fondly known as Black Beauty. This tiny grain, although no larger than a grain of sand, holds secrets dating back billions of years.</p>



<p>The analysis of the 4.45 billion-year-old zircon grain revealed geochemical fingerprints of ancient water-rich fluids. These traces of the past suggest that hot water was once present on Mars.</p>



<p>Dr. Aaron Cavosie from Curtin's <a href="https://www.curtin.edu.au/about/learning-teaching/science-engineering/school-of-earth-and-planetary-sciences/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">School of Earth and Planetary Sciences</a> noted that this discovery opens new paths for understanding early Martian hydrothermal systems and the planet's past habitability.</p>



<p>"We used nano-scale geochemistry to detect elemental evidence of hot water on Mars 4.45 billion years ago," said Dr. Cavosie.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-conditions-on-mars">Early conditions on Mars</h2>



<p>Hydrothermal systems are vital for the development of life. They were crucial for life to flourish on Earth. Dr. Cavosie noted that the same essential ingredients for habitable environments were present on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/meteorite-that-struck-mars-reveals-when-the-planet-had-liquid-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars</a> during its early crust formation period. </p>



<p>The team utilized nano-scale imaging and spectroscopy to identify essential elements on the zircon grain, including iron, aluminum, yttrium, and sodium.</p>



<p>The presence and pattern of these elements, added during the zircon's formation billions of years ago, suggest that water was present during early Martian magmatic activity. </p>



<p>This intriguing discovery indicates that during the initial stages of the Red Planet's existence, conditions were conducive to the existence of water.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-resilience-of-mars-crust">Resilience of Mars' crust</h2>



<p>The study also highlighted the resilience of Mars' crust. Despite enduring massive meteorite impacts, causing upheaval of its surface, Mars still had <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-lost-most-of-its-water-but-where-did-it-go/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water</a> during the early Pre-Noachian period, which was before about 4.1 billion years ago.</p>



<p>In 2022, Curtin researchers studied the same zircon grain. They found that it had been "shocked" by a meteorite impact, marking it as the first and only known shocked zircon from Mars.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-life-on-mars">Implications for life on Mars</h2>



<p>The discovery of ancient hydrothermal activity on Mars significantly changes our understanding of the planet's potential for life. Hydrothermal systems could have created environments rich in chemical energy and nutrients vital for life.</p>



<p>The presence of warm, mineral-laden waters in Mars' crust could have served as a cradle for microbial communities, much like the hydrothermal vents on Earth harbor diverse ecosystems despite the absence of sunlight. </p>



<p>This implies that if life ever existed on early Mars, hydrothermal systems may have been havens, providing conditions to support some form of life.</p>



<p>The research offers valuable insights into planetary habitability within our solar system and beyond.</p>



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



<p>The revelations from the zircon grain continue to ignite curiosity and lay the groundwork for future Mars exploration missions. </p>



<p>Planetary scientists are eager to explore other ancient Martian rocks and meteorites that might hold additional clues about Mars' hydrothermal systems and geological history. </p>



<p>Missions equipped with advanced technology could further investigate the surface and subsurface of Mars, searching for more evidence of past water activity and potential biological markers.</p>



<p>These future efforts could significantly enhance our understanding of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-vanishing-water-mystery-new-insights-curiosity-rover/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Red Planet</a> and refine our search for life beyond Earth, spurring innovative technologies and methodologies in planetary science research.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-mars-and-its-water-activity">Early Mars and its water activity</h2>



<p>This recent study builds on previous research, taking us a step closer to understanding what early Mars was like. </p>



<p>According to Dr. Cavosie, identifying the signs of water-rich fluids from the zircon's formation period provides geochemical markers of water in the oldest known Martian crust.</p>



<p>The research was conducted by scientists from Curtin’s Space Science and Technology Centre, the John de Laeter Centre, and the <a href="https://www.adelaide.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Adelaide</a>. </p>



<p>Dr. Jack Gillespie is the lead author of the paper detailing study, which is set to be published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adq3694" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science Advances.</em></a></p>



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Discovery: Ancient Mars had hot water that could have supported life

The Red Planet has always been a subject of intrigue...

<p>Giraffes, the world's tallest animals, are facing a serious crisis. </p>



<p>From urbanization to poaching, habitat loss and climate change-induced droughts, the long-necked wonders have been encountering challenges that have sent their populations on a rapid downward spiral.</p>



<p>This alarming speed of decline has prompted US wildlife officials to step in, with a proposal targeted at securing the future of many giraffe species.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-proposal-for-giraffe-protection">Proposal for giraffe protection</h2>



<p>In a remarkable move, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has suggested classifying various giraffe species under the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-is-tracking-endangered-animal-habitats-from-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">endangered</a> or threatened groups. </p>



<p>This would mark the first time these African natives enjoy federal protections under the Endangered Species Act.</p>



<p>Being classified as "endangered" signals an immediate risk of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-may-be-enduring-its-seventh-mass-extinction-not-sixth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extinction</a>, and represents the highest level of threat under the Act.</p>



<p>On the other hand, a "threatened" tag indicates that the species is on track towards endangerment within a predictable timeframe in the future.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-federal-protections-for-giraffes">Federal protections for giraffes</h2>



<p>"Federal protections for giraffes will help protect a vulnerable species, foster <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-climate-change-and-biodiversity-loss-are-one-indivisible-global-health-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a>, support ecosystem health, combat wildlife trafficking, and promote sustainable economic practices," explained Martha Williams, the director of <a href="https://www.fws.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">US Fish and Wildlife Service</a>. </p>



<p>"This action supports <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-giraffe-day-2024-a-towering-celebration-of-the-gentle-giants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">giraffe conservation</a> while ensuring the United States does not contribute further to their decline." </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-endangered-and-threatened-sub-species">Endangered and threatened sub-species</h2>



<p>The officials have proposed to include three subspecies of the Northern giraffe under the endangered category.</p>



<p>This includes the West African, Kordofan, and Nubian subspecies, which have seen a dramatic reduction of about 77% in their populations since 1985. Their numbers have decreased from 25,653 individuals to just 5,919.</p>



<p>Moreover, in East Africa, two subspecies, commonly known as the reticulated and Masai giraffes, are up for consideration to be listed as "threatened."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-america-s-role-in-the-giraffe-trade">America's role in the giraffe trade</h2>



<p>America has emerged as a significant market for giraffe parts and products, with 40,000 being imported in a decade, according to a 2018 report.</p>



<p>In addition, American hunters traveling to Africa for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/does-hunting-fishing-connect-humans-with-nature-or-reinforce-superiority-complex/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hunting</a> and the acquisition of a trophy means that the imported giraffe body parts have also contributed to the crisis.</p>



<p>“These gentle giants are suffering a silent extinction, and Endangered Species Act safeguards will curb US imports of giraffe skins and other body parts,” said Tanya Sanerib, international legal director at the Center for Biological Diversity. </p>



<p>Recent data, from 2022, “shows everything coming into the US, from giraffe tails and skulls to lots of skins, leather products, bones, bone carvings, of course hunting trophies, giraffe feet, giraffe rugs and giraffe jewelery,” stated Sanerib.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pressures-on-stressed-populations">Pressures on stressed populations </h2>



<p>Meanwhile in Africa, the home of these gentle giants, frequent droughts have been causing havoc, leading to crop failures, livestock losses, and a dire need for food and water.</p>



<p>This has been putting additional pressure on the already stressed populations of giraffes.</p>



<p>Should this proposed rule come into action, it would curb illegal hunting and trade of giraffes by mandating a permit for importing the animal's body parts into the US. </p>



<p>Fees from the permits will provide funding for research and giraffe conservation efforts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-conservation-efforts-for-giraffes">Global conservation efforts for giraffes</h2>



<p>Since 2017, several environmental groups have been urging federal officials to introduce protections for the species. </p>



<p>The agency will now collect public comments on the proposal until February 19, 2025, and hopes to finalize the action plan within a year, paving the way for better and brighter days for the world's tallest animals.</p>



<p>While the U.S. proposal to classify giraffes under the Endangered Species Act is a milepost, conservation work for these beautiful animals is underway across the globe.</p>



<p>In various parts of Africa, governments and conservation organizations have instigated anti-poaching patrols, community-led habitat restoration initiatives, and educational campaigns in an effort to reduce human-wildlife conflict.</p>



<p>The protection strategy of Giraffe Conservation, for example, works with local communities to monitor giraffe populations and create protected corridors that allow these animals to move freely across fragmented landscapes.</p>



<p>Collaborative international efforts are crucial, as giraffes cross multiple boarders and face varied threats across their vast ranges. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-role-of-giraffes">Ecological role of giraffes</h2>



<p>Beyond their iconic status as the world’s tallest animals, the giraffe has a major ecological role to play in its ecosystems.</p>



<p>Giraffes function as browsers and thus keep African savannas and woodlands in balance by restricting overgrowth and spreading seeds via their droppings. They are also sometimes prey to top predators.</p>



<p>Their decline could be devastating for other wildlife species and plant life throughout the ecosystems.</p>



<p>The giraffes are a focus of ecotourism, which also represents a source of income for local people. </p>



<p>Saving giraffes does not only mean saving a single species; rather, it involves conserving the sensitive balance of ecosystems in which they live. </p>



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Giraffes are suffering a 'silent extinction' and need more protection

Giraffes, the world's tallest animals, are facing a serious crisis....

<p>The magnetic North Pole, a vital navigational anchor for our planet, is far from stationary. Most of us remain blissfully unaware that it shifts constantly under the influence of dynamic forces beneath the Earth’s crust. </p>



<p>However, recent movements have been more extreme than usual, making people take notice. Once steady, this silent sentinel has recently been speeding erratically toward Russia at an unprecedented pace.</p>



<p>Such rapid shifts could have dramatic consequences, disrupting modern navigation systems and, by extension, the way we navigate our daily lives.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-exactly-is-the-magnetic-north-pole">What exactly is the magnetic North Pole?</h2>



<p>First, let's make it clear what exactly we're talking about. The magnetic North Pole is the point on Earth where the <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/earths-magnetic-field-origin-structure-and-impact-on-humanity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planet’s magnetic field</a> points directly downward. This is the direction that your compass needle aligns with when you’re navigating outdoors. </p>



<p>Unlike the geographic North Pole, which is fixed in the Arctic, the magnetic north pole is constantly on the move, drifting several kilometers each year due to changes in Earth’s molten core. </p>



<p>This movement can sometimes throw off navigation systems, requiring updates to maps and compasses to stay accurate.</p>



<p>What makes the magnetic North Pole even more interesting is how it affects both technology and nature. </p>



<p>For example, airplanes and ships rely on accurate magnetic readings for safe travel, while some animals use Earth’s magnetic field to migrate across vast distances. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-northern-odyssey-from-canada-to-siberia">The northern odyssey: From Canada to Siberia</h2>



<p>Ever since we started tracking it, the magnetic North Pole has been on the move. However, its recent behavior is quite out of the ordinary. </p>



<p>Once comfortably located in northern Canada, the pole kicked into high gear in the late 20th century, making its way across the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-ocean-warming-four-times-faster-than-global-average/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic Ocean</a> by the 1990s.</p>



<p>From there, the pace has increased progressively , peaking at an astonishing 55 kilometers per year during the 2010s.</p>



<p>Presently, it's hurtling at a slightly reduced but still impressive speed of 25 kilometers per year towards Siberia.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-steering-the-magnetic-north-pole">What's steering the magnetic North Pole?</h2>



<p>Intellectually stimulating debates have arisen among scientists trying to decipher the underlying cause of this unusual phenomenon.</p>



<p>Dr. William Brown, a renowned geomagnetic field analyst, identifies three possible culprits behind the magnetic North Pole's unusual behavior. </p>



<p>First, changes in the flow of molten iron beneath the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-crust-is-dripping-under-turkey/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth’s crust</a> could be altering the magnetic field’s strength and direction, as the planet's outer core dynamics play a crucial role in generating the field in the first place.</p>



<p>Second, high-energy solar particles interacting with the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-solar-shockwave-has-cracked-earths-magnetosphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth’s magnetosphere</a>, such as during solar storms and winds, might be causing fluctuations in the magnetic field. </p>



<p>Finally, the phenomenon may be linked to the Earth's history of magnetic pole reversals, which have occurred nearly 200 times over the past 100 million years. The most recent of these reversals occurred approximately 800,000 years ago.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-navigating-without-a-north-star">Navigating without a North Star</h2>



<p>The potential chaos that the moving magnetic pole can cause is not abstract or confined to scholarly concern. </p>



<p>Our technology is deeply intertwined with magnetic orientations, and any abrupt changes can cause significant turmoil. </p>



<p>Devices like smartphones, cars, and military equipment rely on the World Magnetic Model (WMM), which is designed by the British Geological Survey and NOAA. </p>



<p>This model tracks the pole’s movements and ensures accurate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-magnetic-field-is-shifting-and-putting-navigation-at-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">navigation</a>. If the pole's movement outpaces updates to the WMM, our devices could miscalculate locations and throw our wayfinding abilities into disarray.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preparing-for-the-polar-paradox">Preparing for the polar paradox</h2>



<p>Mitigating the potential risks of such a change involves a three-pronged approach: frequent updates to the WMM, expanding research to continue monitoring the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-inner-core-rotation-has-begun-moving-backwards/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth’s core</a> dynamics, and raising public awareness. </p>



<p>Through these efforts, industries that rely heavily on magnetic field-based navigation are being prepped for any potential upcoming disruptions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gearing-up-for-a-world-upside-down">Gearing up for a world upside down?</h2>



<p>While the pole's movement is no longer as rapid, it remains a crucial area of research.</p>



<p>Scientists from <a href="https://www.noaa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NOAA</a> and other organizations are keeping a close eye on its shifting trajectory, ensuring our technological world is prepared for any seismic shifts in Earth's magnetic nature. </p>



<p>In the face of a potential world where the poles flip, these insights and precautionary measures could prove indispensable.</p>



<p>So, the magnetic North Pole's flight towards Russia isn't just an intriguing natural occurrence. Its implications for our global navigation systems and technologies could be profound and far-reaching. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-magnetic-north-pole-and-earth-s-future">Magnetic North Pole and Earth’s future</h2>



<p>Rapid movement of the magnetic North Pole&nbsp;is&nbsp;not&nbsp;just&nbsp;an&nbsp;issue&nbsp;for&nbsp;technology&nbsp;and navigation but&nbsp;also&nbsp;offers&nbsp;insight&nbsp;into the inner workings&nbsp;of the Earth.<br><br>The&nbsp;erratic&nbsp;behavior of the&nbsp;pole&nbsp;reflects&nbsp;what is happening in&nbsp;the dynamic processes&nbsp;deep within our&nbsp;outer core, where molten iron generates&nbsp;a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/doughnut-shaped-region-discovered-in-earths-liquid-core-impacts-our-magnetic-field/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnetic field</a>.<br><br>By studying this phenomenon, scientists can gain a better understanding of Earth's geodynamo,&nbsp;which is&nbsp;the engine behind the magnetic field that shields us from harmful solar radiation.<br><br>The&nbsp;shifting&nbsp;pole&nbsp;also&nbsp;raises questions over the possibility of a full magnetic reversal - a natural process&nbsp;in&nbsp;which&nbsp;the North and South magnetic poles swap places.<br><br>While such reversals have happened thousands of times in&nbsp;the&nbsp;Earth's history, their effects&nbsp;cannot&nbsp;be predicted.</p>



<p>A reversal could temporarily weaken Earth's magnetic field,&nbsp;meaning that&nbsp;the planet would be exposed to&nbsp;more intense and damaging cosmic radiation,&nbsp;which would affect living organisms, ecosystems and infrastructure.<br><br>Monitoring&nbsp;changes&nbsp;in&nbsp;this&nbsp;manner&nbsp;helps researchers&nbsp;keep&nbsp;an eye on&nbsp;the Earth's interior and also&nbsp;prepares&nbsp;humanity for potential future challenges.</p>



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Magnetic North Pole is moving and changing faster than ever, surprising scientists

The magnetic North Pole, a vital navigational anchor for our...

<p>Uranus has long captivated scientists with its mysteries, particularly those that remain hidden within our solar system. </p>



<p>Decades-old data from Voyager 2, a NASA spacecraft, has now breathed new life into our understanding of this distant, enigmatic planet, settling age-old questions that have puzzled researchers for years.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-basics-of-planet-uranus">Basics of planet Uranus</h2>



<p>Uranus is the seventh planet from the Sun, and it has this wild tilt -- it's basically spinning on its side with an axis tilt of about 98 degrees. </p>



<p>This unique tilt leads to some extreme seasons that last over 20 Earth years each. The planet's blue-green hue comes from methane in its atmosphere, which absorbs red light and reflects blue, giving it that cool color.</p>



<p>Uranus has a set of rings and 27 known moons, most of which are named after characters from Shakespeare's plays. While its rings aren't as flashy as Saturn's, they're still pretty interesting.</p>



<p> And talk about cold -- Uranus has the coldest planetary atmosphere in the solar system, dipping down to -224 degrees Celsius (-371 Fahrenheit). </p>



<p>Finally, it takes about 84 Earth years to complete one orbit around the Sun, so a single year on Uranus is basically a lifetime for the average human.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-voyager-2-meets-uranus">Voyager 2 meets Uranus</h2>



<p>In 1986, Voyager 2 embarked on a momentous journey that brought it into close proximity with Uranus, providing the first -- and so far, only -- detailed examination of this unique, sideways-rotating planet.</p>



<p>This flyby not only unveiled new moons and rings but also introduced perplexing enigmas that challenged the scientific community. </p>



<p>Solving these mysteries and understanding their broader implications is akin to piecing together a cosmic puzzle.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexplained-oddities-of-uranus">Unexplained oddities of Uranus</h2>



<p>The presence of energized particles around Uranus was a conundrum. Here was a planet, rotating on its side and challenging the established understanding of how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-way-galaxy-is-surrounded-by-massive-magnetic-fields/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnetic fields</a> trap particle radiation. </p>



<p>Uranus, known for its unusual properties, was once again surprising the experts.</p>



<p>Scientists re-analyzed data from the notable flyby a few decades ago and, in an exciting twist, identified that an unexpected, cosmic occurrence had thrown this distant planet a curveball.</p>



<p>The experts discovered that, just before the spacecraft’s flyby, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/space-weather-poses-significant-risks-to-railway-safety/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space weather</a> had peculiarly squashed the planet’s magnetic field, leading to a dramatic compression of Uranus' magnetosphere.</p>



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



<p>“The spacecraft saw Uranus in conditions that only occur about 4% of the time,” stated Jamie Jasinski, a scientist based at <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a> in Southern California and the lead author of a new study published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41550-024-02389-3"><em>Nature Astronomy</em></a>.</p>



<p>Imagine the odds. Had Voyager 2 arrived just a few days earlier, it would have recorded a completely different magnetosphere around Uranus.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mysteries-of-the-magnetosphere">Mysteries of the magnetosphere</h2>



<p>Earth's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-solar-shockwave-has-cracked-earths-magnetosphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnetosphere</a> plays a crucial role in maintaining life on our planet by protecting us from the ionized gas jets that the Sun releases.</p>



<p>Comprehending how magnetospheres operate carries immense significance not just for us, but for understanding the distant, less-explored planets in our solar system.</p>



<p>In their quest to understand Uranus' magnetosphere, scientists were confused by what they witnessed in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-lost-contact-with-voyager-2-spacecraft-12-billion-miles-away/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Voyager 2</a> data. </p>



<p>Despite a marked absence of plasma, the planet's magnetosphere boasted electron radiation belts with an intensity second only to the notorious radiation belts of Jupiter. </p>



<p>This posed an enigma, as the Uranian moons, which should have been a significant source of water ions, were believed to be inactive.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexpected-solar-wind-event">Unexpected solar wind event</h2>



<p>The latest data analysis suggests that the solar wind, a flow of charged particles released from the Sun's upper atmosphere, could be the key to solving this puzzle.</p>



<p>It is possible that, as the solar wind compressed the planet's magnetosphere, it also drove the plasma out of the system.</p>



<p>The intensity of the solar wind event could have increased the magnetosphere's dynamics, thereby providing a source for the radiation belts.</p>



<p>This discovery has led researchers to speculate that the five major moons of Uranus might be geologically active, contradicting previous beliefs. </p>



<p>They suggest that these moons could have been continually spewing ions into the surrounding magnetosphere.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-renewed-focus-on-uranus-and-future-exploration">Renewed focus on Uranus and future exploration</h2>



<p>The National Academies’ 2023 Planetary Science and Astrobiology Decadal Survey has highlighted the study of Uranus as a key objective for future NASA missions.</p>



<p>Linda Spilker from the JPL, who was involved in the Voyager 2 mission, elaborated on the findings.</p>



<p>“The flyby was packed with surprises, and we were searching for an explanation of its unusual behavior. The magnetosphere Voyager 2 measured was only a snapshot in time," said Spilker.</p>



<p>"This new work explains some of the apparent contradictions and will once again change our view of Uranus." </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-legacy-of-voyager-2">The legacy of Voyager 2</h2>



<p>Despite being billions of miles away, Voyager 2 continues to communicate with Earth using NASA's Deep Space Network, specifically via the antenna in Canberra, Australia. </p>



<p>It is still operational, collecting data on the interstellar medium and is expected to continue transmitting data until at least 2025​​​​​​.</p>



<p>Decades after it was launched, Voyager 2 continues to serve as a cornerstone for scientific discovery, offering invaluable insights into the mysteries of our solar system.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41550-024-02389-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Astronomy</a></em>.</p>



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



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<p></p>

Uranus mystery finally solved almost 40 years after flyby from Voyager 2 spacecraft

Uranus has long captivated scientists with its mysteries, particularly those...

<p>Speech often betrays us at the most inconvenient moments: we grasp for a word, knowing exactly what we mean to say, but are unable to retrieve that elusive term.</p>



<p>This experience, known as "lethologica," is a common symptom of aging but, in some cases, may also signal the early stages of Alzheimer's Disease, long before more obvious signs appear.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-brain-health-through-speech">Tracking brain health through speech</h2>



<p>Recently, a fascinating analysis sprang from the research halls of the <a href="https://learn.utoronto.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Toronto</a>. </p>



<p>Contrary to popular belief, they found that the speed of speech is more diagnostic of neurological health than the inability to retrieve words.  </p>



<p>Studying a group of 125 adults - aged 18 to 85 - the researchers asked them to describe a scene in as much detail as they could.</p>



<p>The responses were recorded and then examined by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-intelligence-boosts-creativity-but-reduces-variety/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">artificial intelligence</a> software, which measured their speech speed, the length of their pauses, and the diversity in their vocabulary.</p>



<p>In addition, all participants completed a range of tests aiming to evaluate their focus, thinking speed, and task management abilities. </p>



<p>Notably, the researchers found a correlation between a participant's everyday speech pace and age-related cognitive decline in these "executive" skills, indicating a broader decline than just difficulty in finding the right word.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-lens-for-analysis">A new lens for analysis</h2>



<p>Especially noteworthy was the introduction of a unique "picture-word interference task." This method requires participants to first identify an object and then instruct their mouths to form the words.</p>



<p>Further exploring the rich tapestry of cognitive and linguistic changes that come with age, the study demonstrated a correlation between a person’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neurons-can-predict-human-speech-before-we-say-a-word/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural speech</a> speed and their ability to name images quickly .</p>



<p>However, to paint a more accurate picture of our verbal adaptability, it would be beneficial to combine the results of picture-naming tests with "verbal fluency tasks" that require participants to produce as many words as possible within a short time from a given category or starting with a specific letter.</p>



<p>Such tasks are better indicators of everyday conversations as they involve active retrieval and production of words from one's vocabulary.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-speech-and-cognitive-decline">Speech and cognitive decline</h2>



<p>Verbal fluency tasks have another crucial function: they serve as markers of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/food-for-the-aging-brain-mediterranean-diet-protects-cognitive-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive health</a>. </p>



<p>Age-related changes in word retrieval ability are perfectly normal, but struggling disproportionately on these tests may be an early sign of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.</p>



<p>To take their research even further, the Toronto team might consider gauging participants' personal experiences of word-finding difficulties in addition to the objective measures like speech pauses. </p>



<p>These personal narratives could give added perspective on the cognitive processes at play.</p>



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



<p>This study is a significant stride forward, and reveals that our cognitive health can be gauged not just by what we say, but also by how quickly we say it.</p>



<p>By harnessing our ever-advancing natural <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/caregiver-speech-shapes-infant-language-development/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">language</a> processing technologies to detect changes in speech rate, we can identify people at risk before more severe symptoms appear.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monitoring-brain-health-through-speech">Monitoring brain health through speech </h2>



<p>The study highlights the growing importance of speech as a marker for understanding how the brain changes with age. </p>



<p>Unlike traditional cognitive tests that rely on deliberate responses, natural speech offers an organic reflection of underlying cognitive processes.</p>



<p>The researchers found that everyday <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/songbirds-and-humans-use-similar-speech-patterns/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">speech patterns</a> - such as the speed of delivery, the length of pauses, and the diversity of vocabulary - provide valuable clues about a person's executive functioning and processing ability.</p>



<p>What makes speech analysis particularly compelling is its accessibility, as conversations are a part of daily life. Analysis of speech is thus a low-cost, non-invasive method for monitoring brain health.</p>



<p>This approach not only reduces the barriers to early detection but also opens the door for widespread use in community health settings. </p>



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



<p>By leveraging speech, healthcare providers may identify early signs of cognitive decline in aging populations without the need for specialized equipment.</p>



<p>Furthermore, speech-based assessments have the potential to complement other diagnostic tools. When paired with imaging techniques or genetic testing, they can provide a more complete picture of an individual's cognitive trajectory.</p>



<p>This multi-faceted approach ensures a more personalized understanding of aging and neurological health, and may lay the groundwork for proactive care strategies in the fight against Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13825585.2024.2315774" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Taylor and Francis online</a></em>.</p>



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



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<p></p>

How speech speed can signal brain health

Speech often betrays us at the most inconvenient moments: we...

<p>A recent capture by the powerful European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope Interferometer (ESO’s VLTI) has enabled researchers to view the scene of a lifetime -- a first-ever close-up image of a dying star outside of our galaxy.</p>



<p>This celestial spectacle details the dramatic death throes of a giant star, named WOH G64, that is situated in a galaxy beyond our Milky Way. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dying-star-s-last-breath">Dying star's last breath</h2>



<p>Keiichi Ohnaka, an astrophysicist at <a href="https://www.unab.cl/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Universidad Andrés Bello</a> in Chile, shared the exciting news.</p>



<p>Ohnaka and his team found an egg-shaped shell of dust and gas surrounding WOH G64 -- a dying star about 160,000 light-years away from us.</p>



<p>“We are excited because this may be related to the drastic ejection of material from the dying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-dandelion-year-1181-leaves-behind-zombie-star-defying-death/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star</a> before a supernova explosion,” said Ohnaka.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tale-of-the-behemoth-star">Tale of the "behemoth star"</h2>



<p>For decades, astronomers referred to WOH G64 as the "behemoth star."</p>



<p>It is located in the Large Magellanic Cloud, a small galaxy that orbits our Milky Way. With its humongous size, around 2,000 times that of our own sun, WOH G64 is a red supergiant star.</p>



<p>Viewing such stars that are hidden in far-off galaxies has been a challenge until now, but ESO’s VLTI’s sharpness has brought WOH G64 to our virtual doorstep.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observing-a-dying-star">Observing a dying star</h2>



<p>Ohnaka and his team at Universidad Andrés Bello have long been intrigued by WOH G64. The researchers first used observations from ESO's VLTI in 2005 and 2007 in Chile's Atacama Desert.</p>



<p>Despite their persistent efforts, the actual image of the star remained elusive until the development of one of VLTI's second-generation instruments known as GRAVITY.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significant-changes-in-woh-g64">Significant changes in WOH G64 </h2>



<p>GRAVITY allowed the team to examine WOH G64 with a fresh pair of eyes, leading them to a surprising discovery. Over the last decade, the star has dimmed considerably.</p>



<p>Study co-author Gerd Weigelt is an astronomy professor at the Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy in Bonn, Germany.</p>



<p>"We have found that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-earth-will-meet-its-demise-astronomers-witness-a-star-devour-a-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star</a> has been experiencing a significant change in the last 10 years, providing us with a rare opportunity to witness a star’s life in real-time,” said Weigelt.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shedding-layers-of-gas-and-dust">Shedding layers of gas and dust</h2>



<p>Red supergiants like WOH G64 are known to discard their outer layers of gas and dust in a process that spans thousands of years. </p>



<p>The team suspects that the dimming of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/binary-systems-with-living-and-dead-stars-reveal-stellar-secrets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star</a> and the unexpected egg-like shape of the dust cocoon surrounding it could be due to this shedding.</p>



<p>"This star is one of the most extreme of its kind, and any drastic change may bring it closer to an explosive end," noted study co-author Jacco van Loon, director of Keele Observatory at Keele University, UK.</p>



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



<p>As the star continues to fade, capturing detailed images of it becomes increasingly challenging, even for the VLTI. </p>



<p>However, with planned upgrades like GRAVITY+, we can expect to get even better insights into the life of this far-off stellar giant.</p>



<p>“Similar follow-up observations with ESO instruments will be important for understanding what is going on in the star,” said Ohnaka, who is the lead author of the study. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eso-s-very-large-telescope-interferometer">ESO’s Very Large Telescope Interferometer</h2>



<p>The VLTI is an impressive piece of technology that combines light collected by ESO’s Very Large Telescope array to create detailed cosmic images.</p>



<p>The process is highly complex and needs instruments specifically dedicated to this task. In 2005 and 2007, Ohnaka’s team had access to the first generation of these instruments, MIDI. </p>



<p>However, it was the second-generation instrument, GRAVITY, that made the image of WOH G64 possible. But this is just the beginning. With imminent upgrades like GRAVITY+, we're set to witness cosmic phenomena like never before.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-capturing-a-dying-star">Significance of capturing a dying star</h2>



<p>The wondrous universe is always ready to surprise and inspire us. Today, it is the unique image of a dying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/six-rogue-worlds-discovered-inside-a-young-star-forming-nebula/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star</a> beyond our galaxy, courtesy of ESO’s VLTI and the relentless curiosity of scientists like Keiichi Ohnaka.</p>



<p>In the ever-evolving field of astronomy, this is just one of the countless wonders that await us. With each star we scrutinize, each galaxy we explore, we inch closer to understanding the cosmos and our place in it. </p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.aanda.org/articles/aa/full_html/2024/11/aa51820-24/aa51820-24.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Astronomy and Astrophysics</a>.</em></p>



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

Astronomers reveal the first detailed image of a dying star in another galaxy

A recent capture by the powerful European Southern Observatory’s Very...

<p>Warming is rewriting the story of our world, and every region has its unique chapter in this global narrative.</p>



<p>Recent research reveals that in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, which is already infamous for its scorching deserts and extreme summer temperatures, the pace of warming is accelerating faster than previously expected. This paints a stark picture for the future.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-fast-forward-button-on-warming">The fast-forward button on warming</h2>



<p>According to a recent study, the MENA region is being fast-tracked into a future of accelerated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ignoring-climate-change-will-lead-to-ultra-extreme-heatwaves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>. </p>



<p>The region's warming thresholds could be crossed two to three decades earlier than in other parts of the world.</p>



<p>By the time we welcome the 22nd century, parts of the Arabian Peninsula could be grappling with a whopping 9 degrees Celsius (16.2 degrees Fahrenheit) increase in temperature.</p>



<p>The MENA region, already notorious for its record-breaking <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-summer-of-2023-was-the-hottest-in-2000-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">summer temperatures</a>, is teetering on the verge of exceeding 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) of warming on average. </p>



<p>This figure is compared to pre-industrial temperatures. Without necessary adaption measures, this additional warmth could render some areas uninhabitable.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warming-across-the-world">Warming across the world</h2>



<p>Abdul Malik is a climate scientist at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology and the study's lead author.</p>



<p>"When we talk about the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/paris-agreement-which-countries-are-honoring-their-pledges/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paris Agreement</a>, we say that we should try to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, and that we should not exceed two degrees Celsius," warned Malik. </p>



<p>"But in parts of the Middle East and North Africa, warming has already surpassed 1.5 and 2 degrees Celsius."</p>



<p>Taking into account the need for more precise data, the climate researchers at <a href="https://www.kaust.edu.sa/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">King Abdullah University of Science and Technology</a> conducted analysis using highly-sophisticated models.</p>



<p>The CMIP5 and CMIP6 were utilized to analyse the region's warming details meticulously.</p>



<p>"Although previous studies have shown that the region is warming much faster than other areas, we have shown that the warming rate is not consistent across the region," Malik added. "And this warming rate could vary between 1.5 and 3.5 times faster than the global average."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-desert-dilemma-the-heat-gets-turned-up">Desert dilemma: The heat gets turned up</h2>



<p>The MENA region's dry, arid <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/floods-are-becoming-more-deadly-in-the-desert/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deserts</a> have a unique challenge. Unlike their humid counterparts nearer the equator, these deserts can't easily cool down by soil moisture evaporation.</p>



<p>This factor accelerates the warming, making it nearly as fast as the polar regions.</p>



<p>By the turn of this century, the Arabian Peninsula could experience a heat increase ranging from 2.6 degrees Celsius (4.7 degrees Fahrenheit) under low emission scenarios to 7.6 degrees Celsius (13.7 degrees Fahrenheit) under <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-co2-emissions-expected-to-reach-a-new-high-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">high emission</a> scenarios.</p>



<p>"But you can develop artificial environments in regions with high populations," said Georgiy Stenchikov, a retired climate scientist and one of the study’s coauthors, highlighting the importance of adaptation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-world-adapting-to-a-warming-climate">A world adapting to a warming climate</h2>



<p>If the world meets low-emissions targets, the rate of warming in the Middle East and North Africa could be curtailed by up to 38%. </p>



<p>Cities across the region can also explore urban greening and architecture-based solutions to cope with the extreme heat.</p>



<p>"Global warming is a global problem, so you cannot prevent it in just one place. Adaptation will be necessary, and these adaptation measures could be tested and developed in the Middle East and North Africa," said Stenchikov.</p>



<p>The scorching temperatures in the MENA region are a stark reminder that climate change is a reality we must confront now, not later. </p>



<p>Taking measures to adapt and slow down this process could ensure a viable future for the region and ultimately, our world.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-human-toll-of-extreme-heat">The human toll of extreme heat</h2>



<p>Rising temperatures in the MENA region bring more than environmental challenges; they pose severe threats to public health and socioeconomic stability.</p>



<p>The long heatwaves can compound water shortages, leading to a heightened risk of heat-related illness, and can result in productivity losses in outdoor, labor-intensive industries like agriculture and construction, among others.</p>



<p>Vulnerable populations, including the the elderly, children, and low-income communities, are at the highest risk.</p>



<p>These conditions could also unleash a wave of climate migration, as some areas would become too hot for human habitation.</p>



<p>According to the researchers, addressing these impacts not only requires global reductions in emissions but also localized solutions like developing cooling infrastructure and heat-resilient building designs, as well as advancing public campaigns regarding heat safety.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2024JD041625" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres</a>.</p>



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



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Some of the hottest places in the world are warming the fastest

Warming is rewriting the story of our world, and every...

<p>Click, scroll, sigh. We all do it, don't we? Lying in bed, letting our thoughts run wild as we mindlessly scroll across negative news and social media content on our cell phones. </p>



<p>This habit, known as "doomscrolling," pulls us deeper into the internet - intent on finding answers, solutions, or distractions that weigh on our mental well-being.</p>



<p>More often than not, we find ourselves immersed in an abyss of negativity, bathing in bad news and distressing content. But have you ever stopped to question the impact of this habit on your mental health?</p>



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



<p>The term "doomscrolling" describes this exact pattern of digital consumption - continuously trawling through negative information, seemingly addicted to heart-wrenching news and gloomy content. Despite triggering <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/doomscrolling-threatens-our-mental-well-being/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">negative emotions</a>, we seem incapable of escaping this pull.</p>



<p>But why? What's causing this? Has doomscrolling become unwittingly intertwined with our attempts to make sense of an increasingly chaotic world?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-doomscrolling-and-mental-health">Doomscrolling and mental health</h2>



<p>A team of researchers from University College London (<a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCL</a>) set out to investigate. The results of their exploratory study paint a rather <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gen-ai-and-social-media-divert-peoples-attention-from-climate-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">disconcerting picture</a>.</p>



<p>It appeared that people with poor mental health not only gravitated toward negative content online, but this habit seemed to amplify their depressive symptoms.</p>



<p>The UCL team assessed the mental health of over 1,000 participants who were then asked to browse the internet for thirty minutes. A subsequent mental health evaluation and examination of their search history revealed a stark pattern. </p>



<p>Those with the lowest mental health scores sought out the most substantial amount of websites with negative themes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-it-s-a-two-way-street">It's a two-way street</h2>



<p>A subsequent experiment aimed to discern if doomscrolling was a product of our mental and emotional state or the internet's influence. </p>



<p>In short, were the participants driven to melancholy content because they were already feeling low, or did their foreboding mood result from their online activity?</p>



<p>Tali Sharot is a professor of cognitive neuroscience at UCL, who contributed significantly to this debate.</p>



<p>"Lots of people are saying that there is a correlation between poor mental health and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/panic-driven-doom-gloom-climate-change-messages-do-not-work/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">internet use</a>," said Sharot. "We spend many hours online, and as humans, we only just started doing so in the last few years. Is it causing problems?"</p>



<p>And the irony isn't lost on us. We are willingly choosing to foray into these murky waters, fully aware that it's going to leave us feeling down. Isn't it time we reconsider our digital habits?</p>



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



<p>Our insatiable appetite for distressing news isn't merely a quirky habit; it has serious implications for public health. This subject is particularly relevant as digital consumption has skyrocketed more than ever.</p>



<p>Health experts and policymakers are advocating for comprehensive digital literacy, aiming to educate individuals about the link between their internet habits and emotional well-being.</p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mental-health-and-the-internet-who-benefits-and-who-suffers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ideal scenario</a>? People would learn how to identify their negative online behavior, helping them to put an end to the negative spiral of doomscrolling.</p>



<p>Furthermore, experts are calling for breaks from screen time. They are promoting environments that are conducive to mental well-being in an effort to offset the harmful effects of excessive digital consumption.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mindful-digital-consumption">Mindful digital consumption </h2>



<p>How can we navigate this digital labyrinth without getting consumed by the darkness it often breeds? Mindful digital consumption may be the answer.</p>



<p>We can counter the anxiety that often accompanies continual exposure to gloomy information by adopting a balanced media diet, moderating our screen time, and using mindfulness techniques like meditation.</p>



<p>In short, we must reframe our relationship with technology. It's about ensuring that technology serves us - not the other way round.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-change-your-scrolling-habits">Change your scrolling habits</h2>



<p>A recent UK study highlighted the potential adverse effects of smartphone obsession, especially among adolescents. </p>



<p>Teens who reported troubled relationships with their smartphones were found to be three times more likely to be anxious, depressed, or suffer from insomnia.</p>



<p>Our digital habits hold a sizeable sway over our mental health. While the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/internet-access-should-be-a-basic-human-right/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">internet</a> carries the potential to be a marvelous resource, harnessing its full power lies in our hands. </p>



<p>If we consciously choose to satiate our minds with positive content, we stand a chance at protecting - if not boosting - our mental well-being.</p>



<p>So, the next time you find yourself doomscrolling, remember this: Your mental health is worth far more than any viral tweet, incendiary post, or alarming news article.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-024-02065-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Human Behaviour</a></em>. </p>



<p>—–</p>



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<p>—–</p>

'Doomscrolling' is silently ruining our mental health

Click, scroll, sigh. We all do it, don't we? Lying...

<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>



<p>—–</p>



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<p>—–</p>

What caused the planet's longest ice age

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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<p>—–</p>

Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<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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