<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>A team of scientists led by the Wellcome Sanger Institute has developed the most detailed cellular map of the human gut to date, combining data from 1.6 million cells.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This atlas provides crucial insights into conditions like bowel cancer and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by highlighting cellular changes and interactions within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.</p>



<p>Published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07571-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature</em></a>, the study combined over 25 single-cell datasets to create a unified and freely available resource for researchers worldwide. </p>



<p>The atlas includes samples from both healthy individuals and those with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-tool-detects-changes-in-gut-health-to-help-prevent-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gut</a>-related diseases, offering a valuable tool for understanding and potentially treating these conditions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-gi-tract-and-its-illnesses">The GI tract and its illnesses</h2>



<p>The GI tract comprises organs responsible for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coffee-stimulates-digestion-and-protects-against-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">digestion</a> and nutrient absorption, including the stomach, intestines, and rectum. It also acts as a barrier against pathogens. Disorders affecting this system, such as IBD and bowel cancer, significantly impact millions of lives globally.</p>



<p>For instance, over seven million people worldwide suffer from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wolves-have-gut-bacteria-that-can-help-dogs-with-canine-ibd/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IBD</a>, which includes conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and extreme fatigue often disrupt daily life. </p>



<p>Meanwhile, bowel cancer, one of the most common cancers globally, affects nearly two million people each year and is the fourth most prevalent cancer in the UK.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-unified-picture-of-gut-cells">A unified picture of gut cells</h2>



<p>Despite extensive research, fragmented data from multiple studies with varying processes and labeling systems have complicated efforts to understand the cellular structure of the gut.&nbsp;</p>



<p>To address this, the <a href="https://www.sanger.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wellcome Sanger Institute</a> team developed a tool to harmonize these datasets, enabling researchers to see a unified picture of gut cells, their locations, and their interactions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-resource-for-gut-health-research">A new resource for gut health research</h2>



<p>The researchers merged 25 datasets to create an atlas containing spatial and single-cell data from 1.6 million cells.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This unified resource includes tissue samples from individuals with conditions like gastric and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/daily-aspirin-use-strongly-tied-to-colorectal-cancer-prevention/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">colorectal cancers</a>, celiac disease, and IBD, as well as from healthy individuals.</p>



<p>The atlas allows researchers to identify which cells are present in the gut, their precise locations, and how they communicate with their environment.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By integrating this data, the team has created a dynamic resource that can be updated with future studies, enhancing collaboration among scientists worldwide.</p>



<p>“Spatial and single-cell data provide unique information about how gut cells interact, that can be used to continue piecing together an in-depth understanding of how the human body works,” said lead author Amanda Oliver, a scientist at the Wellcome Sanger Institute.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Combining existing single-cell datasets allows us to create a more complete picture of the human gut and ensures that researchers can work together to continue to benefit human health.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Our Gut Cell Atlas is also harmonized and freely available, and we hope that people will continue to build on this, adding in data for scientists worldwide to use.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-into-gut-inflammation">Insights into gut inflammation</h2>



<p>One of the study’s significant findings involves gut metaplastic cells. Previously known for their role in healing the stomach lining, these cells were found to share genetic similarities with inflammatory cells in the gut.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Researchers suggest that in conditions like IBD, inflammation transforms these metaplastic cells, perpetuating a cycle of inflammation that contributes to pain and distress.</p>



<p>Study co-senior author Rasa Elmentaite is a scientist at <a href="https://www.ensocell.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ensocell Therapeutics</a> who previously worked at the Wellcome Sanger Institute.</p>



<p>“As the integrated atlas contains such a large amount of data, from people with and without gut conditions, we were able to uncover a pathogenic cell type that may play a role in some chronic conditions and could be a target for intervention in the future,” said Elmentaite.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This demonstrates the power of using integrated single-cell atlases in research, and I am confident that applying this approach to other tissues and organs will drive new therapeutic discoveries for a range of conditions.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>Understanding this cycle of inflammation could pave the way for innovative treatments for IBD and similar chronic conditions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-cell-atlas-initiative">Human Cell Atlas initiative</h2>



<p>This research is part of the Human Cell Atlas (HCA) initiative, which aims to map every cell type in the human body to better understand human health and disease.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The Gut Cell Atlas is among more than 40 studies recently published in <em>Nature</em> journals, representing a significant leap in cellular biology and the development of new analytical tools.</p>



<p>Professor Sarah Teichmann, co-senior author and co-founder of the HCA, highlighted the collaborative nature of the project.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“A detailed understanding of cells through the Human Cell Atlas will help explain many aspects of human health and disease and possibly illuminate new avenues for treatment,” said Teichmann.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This harmonized Gut Cell Atlas shows what can be achieved through open collaboration with scientists worldwide, and has led to an accessible combined resource that can be used by everyone to find new ways to understand and treat disease.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-tool-for-global-collaboration">A tool for global collaboration</h2>



<p>The Gut Cell Atlas not only advances gut research but also provides a framework for studying other organs.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Its harmonized data and innovative analytical tools could drive breakthroughs in understanding various conditions and developing new therapies.&nbsp;</p>



<p>With the resource freely accessible, it stands as a testament to the power of open collaboration in science.</p>



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Map of 1.6 million gut cells will reveal new ways to treat disease

A team of scientists led by the Wellcome Sanger Institute...

<p>In&nbsp;the&nbsp;modern&nbsp;world of&nbsp;convenience, plastic is&nbsp;ubiquitous.&nbsp;The evidence of our careless disposal of plastic goods, once we no longer need them, is also ever-present. Plastic waste is everywhere, even in our precious oceans. <br><br>The North Pacific Garbage Patch (NPGP) is&nbsp;witnessing&nbsp;a&nbsp;meteoric&nbsp;rise in the&nbsp;levels&nbsp;of plastic fragments, with&nbsp;centimeter-sized particles showing&nbsp;a particularly alarming spike.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-insight-into-the-research-process">An insight into the research process</h2>



<p>The study, published in <em>Environmental Research Letters</em>,&nbsp;relies&nbsp;heavily on data gathered by The Ocean Cleanup, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to removing plastic from aquatic ecosystems.</p>



<p>Their systematic surveys&nbsp;between 2015 and 2022&nbsp;provided invaluable insights into the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-plastic-pollution-has-become-a-global-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic pollution</a> crisis in the North Pacific Garbage Patch.<br><br>The Ocean Cleanup collected data from 917 manta trawl samples, 162 mega trawl samples, 74 aerial surveys, and 40 clean-up system extractions&nbsp;during a total of 50 expeditions, making this study one of the most comprehensive assessments of oceanic plastic pollution to date.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unearthing-the-plastic-problem">Unearthing the plastic problem</h2>



<p>The  key findings of the study highlight a series of concerning trends. The most striking of these is the rapid increase of plastic fragments in the NPGP - rising from 2.9kg per km² to 14.2kg per km² within just seven years.</p>



<p>Shockingly, between 74 and 96% of this surge is suspected to originate from the arrival of new plastic fragments, rather than from the gradual break-down of larger plastics that were already present. And it is likely that these new arrivals come from all over the world. </p>



<p>Furthermore, the concentration of small debris hotspots in the region magnified tenfold, from 1 million per km² in 2015 to over 10 million per km² in 2022.</p>



<p>Essentially, every size class of floating plastics has seen a significant uptick, with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hotspots-of-microplastic-pollution-found-in-the-north-sea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastics</a>, mesoplastics, and macroplastics all demonstrating concerning increases.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-severe-threats-to-the-local-ecosystem">Severe threats to the local ecosystem </h2>



<p>This plastic overload doesn't only represent an environmental eyesore; it poses severe threats to the local ecosystem, as well as to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiny-plankton-play-a-big-role-in-the-global-carbon-cycle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global carbon cycle</a>.</p>



<p>The area's endemic marine animals may ingest or become entangled in plastic waste, and some also face direct competition from invasive species that have colonized the plastic debris and drifted into the region.</p>



<p>Furthermore, grazing by zooplankton - a crucial component of the carbon cycle - is being disrupted by the presence of floating plastics.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-call-for-global-action-on-plastic-pollution">Call for global action on plastic pollution</h2>



<p>“The exponential rise in plastic fragments observed in our field studies is a direct consequence of decades of inadequate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coca-cola-pepsi-among-top-contributors-to-plastic-waste/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic waste</a> management, leading to the relentless accumulation of plastics in the marine environment," said Laurent Lebreton, lead author of the study.</p>



<p>"This pollution is inflicting harm on marine life, with impacts we are only now beginning to fully grasp. Our findings should serve as an urgent call to action for lawmakers engaged in negotiating a global treaty to end plastic pollution. Now, more than ever, decisive and unified global intervention is essential."</p>



<p>While researchers emphasize the need for upstream solutions to prevent plastic waste in the first place, organizations like The Ocean Cleanup are tackling the issue directly.</p>



<p>By deploying innovative systems to remove plastic from oceans and rivers, The Ocean Cleanup exemplifies how technological advancements can complement policy measures. </p>



<p>Since its inception, the organization has removed over 16 million kilograms of trash from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pesticides-travel-far-and-wide-endangering-aquatic-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aquatic ecosystems</a> worldwide, proving the feasibility and necessity of large-scale cleanup efforts.</p>



<p>The findings highlight not only the sheer scale of the problem but also the urgency with which it needs to be addressed. As the evidence mounts, it becomes increasingly clear - the time to act is now.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-crisis-in-the-garbage-patch">Plastic crisis in the Garbage Patch </h2>



<p>The plastics crisis in the North Pacific Garbage Patch requires not just awareness but innovative solutions and coordinated global action. The study emphasizes the potential of partnerships in scientific research, technology, and policy-making.<br><br>Programs such as The Ocean Cleanup show that targeted efforts can make a difference. </p>



<p>Their two-tier approach - preventing more plastic waste from entering the rivers and then removing that which is already accumulating in oceans stands out for combining both technological innovation and actionable clean-up strategies.<br><br>Researchers also point to the integrative approach of prevention and removal efforts. Governments and industries should consider adopting sustainable waste management systems and invest in minimizing the leakage of plastics into marine ecosystems.<br><br>Global policies, for instance, could leverage a treaty to act as a check on plastic pollution across international boundaries.</p>



<p>The fact that all of these tools and knowledge already exist to deal with the crisis speaks well for the solutions that people are already talking about.</p>



<p>Efficient&nbsp;usage&nbsp;of&nbsp;such&nbsp;resources,&nbsp;therefore,&nbsp;willdetermine&nbsp;if&nbsp;the plastic tide&nbsp;will&nbsp;ever&nbsp;be reversed&nbsp;and the&nbsp;oceans protected in the future.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/ad78ed" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Research Letters</a></em>.</p>



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<p></p>

Surging plastic levels found in the North Pacific Garbage Patch

In&nbsp;the&nbsp;modern&nbsp;world of&nbsp;convenience, plastic is&nbsp;ubiquitous.&nbsp;The evidence of our careless disposal of...

<p>Over the past few weeks, you've probably heard somewhere that Earth was going to get a second moon. Well, we can now confirm that Earth now officially has two moons after capturing asteroid 2024 PT5.</p>



<p>On Sunday, September 29, our planet captured the tiny asteroid named 2024 PT5, turning it into a temporary mini-moon.</p>



<p>This intriguing event was first spotted by astronomers at the <a href="https://www.ucm.es/english" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Complutense University</a> of Madrid. Richard Binzel, an astronomer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (<a href="https://www.mit.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MIT</a>), shared some insights about these celestial visitors.</p>



<p>“These happen with some frequency, but we rarely see them because they’re very small and very hard to detect,” Binzel said. “Only recently has our survey capability reached the point of spotting them routinely.”</p>



<p>Using a powerful telescope located in Sutherland, South Africa, the team from Complutense University detected the small space rock back in August. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-are-mini-moons">What are mini-moons?</h2>



<p>What exactly are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-new-quasi-moon-will-stick-around-for-hundreds-of-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mini-moons</a>, and how often do they visit us?</p>



<p>Mini-moons like 2024 PT5 are small asteroids that Earth's gravity grabs for a bit, letting them orbit our planet before they move on. </p>



<p>These little guys usually travel around the sun like other asteroids, but when they get close enough to Earth, our gravitational pull can pull them into a temporary orbit.</p>



<p>They don’t stick around for long -- they might hang out for a few weeks or months before breaking free and continuing their journey around the sun. </p>



<p>Scientists find mini-moons really interesting because they give us a chance to study near-Earth objects up close and learn more about how our solar system works.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-journey-of-2024-pt5">Journey of 2024 PT5</h2>



<p>According to data from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory <a href="https://ssd.jpl.nasa.gov/horizons/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horizons system</a>, this mini-moon's stay will be brief.</p>



<p>The temporary capture started at 3:54 p.m. EDT on September 29, 2024, and will end at 11:43 a.m. EDT on November 25, 2024. Which means, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/2024-pt5-mini-moon-say-goodbye-to-earths-second-moon-we-barely-got-to-know-you/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">it won't be around much longer</a>, so enjoy it while you can.</p>



<p>So, where did this little visitor come from? </p>



<p>2024 PT5 is part of the Arjuna asteroid belt -- a group of space rocks that follow orbits similar to Earth's, about 93 million miles from the sun.</p>



<p>Some Arjuna <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/asteroid-chicxulub-caused-dinosaurs-extinction-event-traced-to-origin-kuiper-belt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">asteroid belt objects</a> can approach Earth at a close range of around 2.8 million miles and at a relatively low velocity of less than 2,200 miles per hour. </p>



<p>"Asteroid 2024 PT5 will not describe a full orbit around Earth. You may say that if a true satellite is like a customer buying goods inside a store, objects like 2024 PT5 are window shoppers," Carlos de la Fuente Marcos, a professor and mini-moon expert from the Complutense University, explained to Space.com.</p>



<p>Carlos is the author of a scientific paper titled "<a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/2515-5172/ad781f" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">A Two-month Mini-moon: 2024 PT<sub>5</sub>&nbsp;Captured by Earth from September to November</a>" recently published by the by the American Astronomical Society in the journal <a href="https://www.iop.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IOPscience</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-common-are-captures-like-2024-pt5">How common are captures like 2024 PT5?</h2>



<p>Though it might sound extraordinary for Earth to gain a second moon, these gravitational captures are more common than you might think. </p>



<p>Scientists have officially documented two prior "short captures," which last about a week and are estimated to occur several times per decade. There have also been two rarer "long-capture" events.</p>



<p>After its brief visit, 2024 PT5 will continue its journey around the sun as part of the Arjuna family of asteroids. </p>



<p>It won't stick around for billions of years like our primary moon, but its fleeting presence is a reminder of the dynamic nature of our cosmic neighborhood.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-not-currently-visible">Not currently visible</h2>



<p>Now, you might be wondering if you can spot this mini-moon in the night sky. Unfortunately, it's too small and dim for most of us.</p>



<p>The object is too small and dim for typical amateur telescopes and binoculars. However, the object is well within the brightness range of typical telescopes used by professional astronomers. </p>



<p>A telescope with a diameter of at least 30 inches plus a CCD or CMOS detector is needed to observe this object; a 30-inch telescope and a human eye behind it will not be enough.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comparing-2024-pt5-to-our-moon">Comparing 2024 PT5 to our moon</h2>



<p>Scientists currently believe Earth's Moon, the big one, was formed around 4.5 billion years ago when a Mars-sized object, often called Theia, collided with our planet. </p>



<p>This massive impact blasted a huge amount of debris into space, which then came together and cooled to create the Moon we see today. </p>



<p>The giant-impact theory explains many of the Moon’s features, like its composition and orbit, making it the most widely accepted explanation among scientists.</p>



<p>To put its size into perspective, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-did-earth-get-its-moon-a-new-theory-has-emerged/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">our moon</a> is about 2,159 miles in diameter. In contrast, 2024 PT5 is believed to be just 37 feet wide. That makes our moon over 300,000 times wider than this tiny asteroid!</p>



<p>Even though we can't see it ourselves, knowing it's up there is pretty exciting. It's like having an invisible guest sharing our orbit for a little while.</p>



<p>These mini-moons might be small, but they offer big opportunities for scientists to learn more about near-Earth objects. They can provide insights into the composition of asteroids and the dynamics of our solar system.</p>



<p>“These temporary captures are natural cosmic laboratories,” Binzel mentioned. “They help us understand the small bodies that come close to Earth and could be important for future space missions.”</p>



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



<p>As 2024 PT5 continues its journey, we'll keep our eyes -- and telescopes -- on the skies. After all, who knows when the next mini-moon might drop by?</p>



<p>Perhaps future technology will allow us to study these fleeting visitors more closely. Maybe one day, we'll even send missions to them to gather samples or test new spacecraft.</p>



<p>So, for a few weeks, Earth will have a tiny companion circling around it. While it's here, let's appreciate the wonders of our ever-changing universe and the surprises it brings our way.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/2515-5172/ad781f" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">journal IOPscience</a>.</p>



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It's official: Earth now has two moons

Over the past few weeks, you've probably heard somewhere that...

<p>In a remarkable encounter off the coast of Alaska, human scientists had what they describe as a "conversation" with a humpback whale named Twain. Dr. Brenda McCowan from the University of California Davis was at the heart of this unexpected exchange.</p>



<p>Dr. McCowan and her team, known as Whale-SETI, have been studying how humpback whales communicate. They're aiming to understand whale <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/language-like-patterns-decoded-in-sperm-whale-communication/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">communication systems</a> to help in the search for life beyond Earth.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-whale-responds-to-a-human-greeting">Whale responds to a human greeting</h2>



<p>Using an underwater speaker, the team played a recorded humpback "contact" call into the ocean. To their astonishment, Twain approached their boat and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/conversation-with-humpback-whale-gives-seti-team-ideas-on-how-to-talk-to-aliens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">began responding</a>. </p>



<p>For about 20 minutes, the whale circled them, matching the intervals between each call they played.</p>



<p>"We believe this is the first such communicative exchange between humans and humpback whales in the humpback 'language,'" said Dr. McCowan. </p>



<p>The researchers were thrilled to see such direct interaction using the whale's own signals.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-science-behind-the-encounter">Science behind the encounter</h2>



<p>The <a href="https://www.projectceti.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Whale-SETI team</a> is working on developing filters to detect intelligent signals, which could be used in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. </p>



<p>By studying how whales communicate, they hope to find patterns that could apply to signals from outer space.</p>



<p>Dr. Fred Sharpe from the Alaska Whale Foundation emphasized just how intelligent humpback whales are. He pointed out their complex social systems and unique behaviors. </p>



<p>"They create tools such as nets made of bubbles to catch fish and extensively communicate through songs and social calls," Dr. Sharpe explained.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-humans-whales-and-extraterrestrial-life">Humans, whales and extraterrestrial life</h2>



<p>The behavior they observed in Twain supports an important idea in the search for life beyond Earth. </p>



<p>"Because of current limitations on technology, an important assumption of the search for extraterrestrial intelligence is that extraterrestrials will be interested in making contact and so target human receivers," noted Dr. Laurance Doyle of the SETI Institute.</p>



<p>"This important assumption is certainly supported by the behavior of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-a-warming-climate-will-change-the-humpback-whales-diet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">humpback whales</a>."</p>



<p>By engaging with whales, the team believes they can learn how to detect and understand intelligent signals, whether they come from the depths of the ocean or the far reaches of space.</p>



<p>The details of this extraordinary encounter are published in the journal <em>Peer J</em>, in an article titled "Interactive Bioacoustic Playback as a Tool for Detecting and Exploring Nonhuman Intelligence: 'Conversing' with an Alaskan Humpback Whale."</p>



<p>The researchers plan to use mathematics and various forms of artificial intelligence (AI), specifically information theory and machine learning, to measure how complex the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/acoustic-tagging-helps-decode-whale-communication/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whale's communication</a> is. They want to understand the rules and structures in the messages they receive.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-humans-and-whales-talking-what-s-next">Humans and whales talking -- what's next?</h2>



<p>The Whale-SETI team isn't stopping there. They're preparing another paper focusing on the non-audio ways humpback whales might communicate, like the bubble rings they make around humans. </p>



<p>Co-authors Dr. Josie Hubbard, Lisa Walker, and Jodi Frediani bring expertise in animal intelligence, whale song analysis, and whale behavior to the project.</p>



<p>The team acknowledges the financial support from the <a href="https://www.templetonworldcharity.org/our-priorities/diverse-intelligences" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Templeton Foundation Diverse Intelligences Program</a>, which helped make their research possible.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-whale-seti">What Is Whale-SETI?</h2>



<p>Whale-SETI, short for Whale Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence, is a unique project that combines marine biology with the quest to find life beyond Earth. </p>



<p>The researchers are trying to decode whale communication, working under the idea that these sounds might contain complex messages similar to human languages -- or even those of extraterrestrial beings.</p>



<p>Using advanced technology like sophisticated underwater microphones and artificial intelligence, they record and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/noise-pollution-is-increasingly-disrupting-whale-migration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">analyze whale sounds</a>. </p>



<p>The AI looks for patterns that might indicate language-like structures. This not only helps us understand whales better but also could improve how we search for intelligent life elsewhere.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-humans-should-care-about-humpback-whales">Why humans should care about humpback whales</h2>



<p>Humpback whales are fascinating creatures. They can grow up to 60 feet long and weigh as much as 40 tons. </p>



<p>Known scientifically as <em>Megaptera novaeangliae</em>, these whales are easily recognized by their long pectoral fins and knobbly heads.</p>



<p>They travel great distances, migrating up to 5,000 miles between feeding and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-whales-epic-voyage-exposes-perils-of-the-mediterranean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">breeding grounds</a>. </p>



<p>Their songs are complex and melodious, playing a crucial role in how they interact socially, especially during breeding season.</p>



<p>Once hunted nearly to extinction, humpback whale populations have been recovering thanks to international protections. </p>



<p>However, they <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sustainable-benefits-of-whale-remains-and-their-proper-disposal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">still face threats</a> like getting caught in fishing gear, collisions with ships, and changes to their environment caused by climate change.</p>



<p>Understanding their communication and social structures can help in conservation efforts, ensuring these majestic creatures continue to thrive in our oceans.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seti-institute-s-role">SETI Institute's role</h2>



<p>The SETI Institute, founded in 1984, is dedicated to exploring life beyond Earth. Using cutting-edge technology, their team of scientists scans the skies for radio signals and other potential indicators of extraterrestrial civilizations. </p>



<p>Their main job is to analyze data from space, hoping to uncover patterns or messages that could reveal we're not alone in the universe. </p>



<p>By studying signals from space and striving to understand how life may evolve beyond Earth, they aim to answer the profound question: Are we alone in the universe?</p>



<p>But SETI Institute isn’t all about the hunt for aliens -- they’re also committed to inspiring and educating the public. </p>



<p>They host cool workshops, engaging lectures, and interactive programs designed to spark curiosity and nurture the next generation of scientists. </p>



<p>In addition to space, their research contributes to breakthroughs in fields like astrobiology and planetary science, answering some of the biggest questions about life and our place in the universe. </p>



<p>Their work with Whale-SETI is an exciting intersection of this quest and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/whale-sharks-move-into-dangerous-territory-as-the-climate-warms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study of intelligent life</a> on our own planet.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-does-it-all-mean">What does it all mean?</h2>



<p>To sum it all up, this encounter with Twain isn't just a fascinating story about humans and a whale. It's a step toward understanding intelligence in all its forms. </p>



<p>By learning how to communicate with humpback whales, scientists hope to develop tools that could one day help us recognize and understand messages from extraterrestrial beings.</p>



<p>What does this mean for us? It highlights the importance of looking closely at the intelligent life we share our planet with. </p>



<p>Perhaps by understanding the minds of whales, we can better prepare ourselves for encounters with life beyond Earth.</p>



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



<p>The group behind this research includes scientists from the <a href="https://www.seti.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SETI Institute</a>, <a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Davis</a>, and the <a href="https://www.alaskawhalefoundation.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alaska Whale Foundation</a>. </p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://peerj.com/articles/16349/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PeerJ</a></em>.</p>



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



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AI helps humans have a 20-minute "conversation" with a humpback whale named Twain

In a remarkable encounter off the coast of Alaska, human...

<p>A recent study sheds light on how supermassive black holes - each with a mass billions of times that of our Sun - formed so quickly within the first billion years after the Big Bang.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Led by researchers from the <a href="http://www.inaf.it/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Institute for Astrophysics</a> (INAF) in Italy, the team analyzed 21 of the most distant quasars ever discovered. The quasars were observed in the X-ray spectrum by the XMM-Newton and Chandra space telescopes. </p>



<p>The findings suggest that the colossal black holes at the center of these quasars grew to their extraordinary sizes through extremely rapid and intense accretion, offering a plausible explanation for their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lonely-quasars-in-the-early-universe-cannot-be-explained/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">early existence</a> in the Universe.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-quasars-and-their-significance">Understanding quasars and their significance</h2>



<p>Quasars are incredibly luminous and distant active galaxies powered by central <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/largest-map-of-supermassive-black-holes-unveiled/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supermassive black holes</a>, also known as active galactic nuclei.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As these black holes attract matter, they emit enormous amounts of energy. The quasars examined in this study are among the oldest known objects, dating back to a time when the Universe was less than a billion years old.</p>



<p>In analyzing the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/x-ray-radiation-from-black-holes-explained-after-50-year-struggle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X-ray emissions</a> from these quasars, the researchers discovered an unexpected behavior of the supermassive black holes at their centers.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The experts found a connection between the shape of the X-ray emissions and the speed of the winds of matter being ejected by the quasars.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This relationship links wind speeds - reaching thousands of kilometers per second - to the temperature of the gas in the corona, the region closest to the black hole that emits X-rays.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenging-the-limits-of-physics-nbsp">Challenging the limits of physics&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study revealed that quasars with low-energy X-ray emissions, indicating a lower temperature in the corona, exhibited faster winds. This suggests a phase of highly rapid growth that exceeds a physical limit known as the Eddington limit for the accretion of matter.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This phase is referred to as “super-Eddington.” In contrast, quasars with higher-energy X-ray emissions tended to have slower winds.</p>



<p>“Our work suggests that the supermassive black holes at the center of the first quasars formed within the first billion years of the Universe's life may have actually increased their mass very rapidly, challenging the limits of physics,” said Alessia Tortosa, lead author of the study and researcher at INAF in Rome.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The discovery of this connection between X-ray emission and winds is crucial for understanding how such large black holes could have formed in such a short time, thus providing a concrete clue to solve one of the greatest mysteries of modern astrophysics.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observation-of-quasars-from-the-cosmic-dawn">Observation of quasars from the cosmic dawn </h2>



<p>The results were primarily achieved by analyzing data collected with the <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Space Agency</a>'s XMM-Newton space telescope, which provided approximately 700 hours of quasar observations. Most of this data, gathered between 2021 and 2023 as part of the Multi-Year XMM-Newton Heritage Program, falls under the <a href="https://indico.ict.inaf.it/event/2019/contributions/11690/attachments/5713/11564/HSC_Zappacosta_May2022_audizioniINAF.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HYPERION project</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Directed by Luca Zappacosta, a researcher at INAF in Rome, the HYPERION project aims to study hyper-luminous quasars during the cosmic dawn of the Universe.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Supported by INAF funding, the extensive observation campaign enabled cutting-edge research into the early evolutionary dynamics of the Universe's structures.</p>



<p>“In the HYPERION program, we focused on two key factors: on one hand, the careful selection of quasars to observe, choosing the titans, meaning those that had accumulated as much mass as possible, and on the other hand, the in-depth study of their properties in X-rays, something never attempted before on such a large number of objects from the cosmic dawn,” Zappacosta said.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We hit the jackpot! The results we're getting are genuinely unexpected, and they all point to a super-Eddington growth mechanism of the black holes.”</p>



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



<p>This study offers valuable insights for upcoming X-ray missions like ATHENA (ESA), AXIS, and Lynx (NASA), scheduled for launch between 2030 and 2040. </p>



<p>The results will aid in refining next-generation observational instruments and developing better strategies for investigating black holes and active galactic nuclei in X-rays at even more distant cosmic epochs.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Understanding these elements is crucial for unraveling the formation of the first galactic structures in the primordial Universe.</p>



<p>By providing a plausible explanation for the rapid growth of early supermassive black holes, this research addresses one of modern astrophysics' greatest mysteries.&nbsp;</p>



<p>It opens new avenues for exploring how such massive entities could form so swiftly after the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/if-the-big-bang-theory-is-correct-what-exactly-happened/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Big Bang</a>, enhancing our comprehension of the Universe's earliest stages.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/202449662" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Astronomy &amp; Astrophysics </em></a>.</p>



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



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Early quasars defied the laws of physics with rapid growth 

A recent study sheds light on how supermassive black holes...

<p>An asteroid impact on Mars about 11 million years ago, sending fragments of the Red Planet hurtling through space. One of these pieces eventually crashed into Earth and somehow made its way into a drawer of an old desk at Purdue University. </p>



<p>This rare find, now known as the Lafayette Meteorite, has been instrumental in unlocking secrets of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/manganese-discovery-ancient-mars-earth-like-water-lake-habitable/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars</a>’ watery past, with new research recently published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.7185/geochemlet.2443" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Geochemical Perspective Letters</em></a> that provides insight into the timing and nature of Mars’ ancient water activity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracing-mars-watery-past">Tracing Mars’ watery past</h2>



<p>Scientists have long known that the Lafayette Meteorite interacted with liquid water on Mars, but the exact timing of this event was uncertain.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Dr. Marissa Tremblay, an assistant professor at Purdue University’s <a href="https://www.eaps.purdue.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences</a> (EAPS), led an international research team to determine the age of the water-altered minerals in the meteorite, pinpointing it to 742 million years ago.</p>



<p>“Dating these minerals can therefore tell us when there was liquid water at or near the surface of Mars in the planet's geologic past,” Tremblay explained.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The findings suggest that while liquid water wasn’t abundant on the surface at this time, it likely came from melting subsurface ice, or permafrost, caused by intermittent volcanic activity -- a phenomenon still observed on Mars today.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preserving-a-moment-in-mars-geological-timeline">Preserving a moment in Mars’ geological timeline</h2>



<p>The study not only identified when water interacted with the meteorite but also established that the dating was unaffected by events after the meteorite left Mars.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The age could have been affected by the impact that ejected the Lafayette Meteorite from Mars, the heating it experienced during the 11 million years it was floating in space, or the heating when it fell to Earth,” Tremblay said.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, the team confirmed that none of these factors altered the age, validating the timeline of <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> interaction.</p>



<p>Study co-author and Purdue EAPS researcher Ryan Ickert applied heavy isotope analysis to further verify that previous data on the meteorite’s water-rock interaction had likely been skewed by other geological processes.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This meteorite uniquely has evidence that it has reacted with water. The exact date of this was controversial, and our publication dates when water was present,” said Ickert.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mysterious-journey-of-the-meteorite">Mysterious journey of the meteorite </h2>



<p>The Lafayette Meteorite’s journey to Purdue is something of a mystery. It was found in a university drawer in 1931, though how it got there remains unknown.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In previous research, Tremblay and her team used crop disease markers from organic contaminants found on the meteorite to narrow down when it might have fallen to Earth.</p>



<p>Once the meteorite was ejected from Mars, it endured constant cosmic ray bombardment in space, which produced certain isotopes, offering clues to its time of impact on Earth.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Many meteoroids are produced by impacts on Mars and other planetary bodies, but only a handful will eventually fall to Earth,” Tremblay said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-planetary-time-capsules">Planetary time capsules</h2>



<p>Meteorites like Lafayette serve as planetary time capsules, offering invaluable data on the geological and environmental history of their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-meteorites-can-be-traced-to-three-asteroid-families/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">home worlds</a>. With their dense structure, metallic content, and magnetic properties, meteorites are often distinguishable from Earth rocks.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We can identify meteorites by studying what minerals are present in them, their mineral relationships, and by checking for a fusion crust formed during entry into Earth’s atmosphere,” Tremblay explained.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By analyzing these traits and their chemical signatures, scientists can often determine a meteorite’s planetary origin.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-history-of-meteorites">Complex history of meteorites</h2>



<p>This research marks a significant milestone for the team, which included scientists from institutions across the globe, such as the Scottish Universities Environmental Research Center (SUERC), the University of St. Andrews, the University of Glasgow, the University of Bristol, and London’s <a href="https://www.nhm.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Natural History Museum</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Before moving to Purdue, Ryan and I were both based at SUERC, where the argon-argon isotopic analyses of the alteration minerals in Lafayette took place,” Tremblay said.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Their partners at SUERC and the Natural History Museum have long contributed to studying Lafayette’s complex history.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dating-minerals-in-meteorites">Dating minerals in meteorites</h2>



<p>Dating the water-altered minerals in Lafayette, and others in its class of Martian meteorites called nakhlites, has been a central focus in planetary science, as they uniquely capture moments when liquid water was present on Mars.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Due to complex alterations over time, previous attempts to date these minerals were plagued with uncertainties.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, the team has now developed a robust dating method that could be applied to other meteorites, enhancing our understanding of when water might have been present on Mars and other planetary bodies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-planetary-science">The future of planetary science</h2>



<p>Thanks to the Stahura Undergraduate Meteorite Fund, Tremblay and Ickert’s research on the Lafayette Meteorite will continue, with the involvement of undergraduate students in Purdue EAPS.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This opportunity allows students to engage in real-world planetary science, helping to reveal the intricate histories of meteoritic samples.</p>



<p>Tremblay and her team’s work on the Lafayette Meteorite highlights its scientific significance, revealing a complex history that ties it to Mars’ geological past.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Their findings not only deepen our understanding of Mars but also set a precedent for future studies that might unveil even more about the red planet’s climate history, water activity, and potential for supporting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-mars-rocks-contain-signs-of-life-scientists-call-to-bring-them-back-to-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life</a>.</p>



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



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<p></p>

Meteorite found in an old desk shows Mars had water about 700 million years ago

An asteroid impact on Mars about 11 million years ago,...

<p>Have you ever wondered how your internet and browsing habits impact your mental health? The relationship between internet use and happiness, it turns out, isn't as simple as you might think. </p>



<p>For those crossing the 50-year mark, the internet could be a portal to a more contented life. However, for the younger crowd, losing themselves in the world of online activities might not be so rosy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mental-health-and-internet-use">Mental health and internet use</h2>



<p>An intriguing new study reveals that people over 50 who regularly navigate the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/internet-addiction-impairs-brain-function-in-teenagers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">digital landscape</a> of emails, online shopping, or information seeking tend to feel happier and less blue. Eugenia Cheng of the <a href="https://www.hku.hk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Hong Kong</a> led the team behind this research.</p>



<p>The experts classified 87,000 people aged 50 and older from 23 countries into four groups based on their internet usage: non-users, sporadic users (those using the internet less than once a week), weekly users, and daily users.</p>



<p>Over six years, these "silver surfers" painted a picture showing that more internet use correlated with more life satisfaction and improved health.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dark-side-of-the-internet">Dark side of the internet</h2>



<p>Before anyone decides to glue themselves to their screens, it's important to remember that the internet can be a source of poor mental health and distress for our younger counterparts.</p>



<p>Earlier research suggested that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-shocking-reality-of-website-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">internet</a> use among those under 50 could exacerbate anxiety, self-esteem issues, eating disorders, and exposure to online harassment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-geography-and-age">Geography and age</h2>



<p>Turning to England, the researchers discovered that only daily <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-the-internet-is-not-bad-for-your-mental-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">internet</a> users reported fewer depressive symptoms compared to the other groups.</p>



<p>The difference in happiness seems more pronounced for those aged 65 and above - especially for those who were unmarried, physically inactive, and not as financially comfortable.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sociability-and-support">Sociability and support</h2>



<p>Cheng's team believes that for those aged 50 and above, the internet could promote social interaction and help combat loneliness.</p>



<p>Beyond the social aspect, it lends a helping hand in accessing valuable information and services that offer emotional support and medical advice. But while the internet may be a tool for boosting mental health, it's not without its perils.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-internet-and-mental-health-connection">Internet and mental health connection</h2>



<p>Remember that old saying about having too much of a good thing? It perfectly applies to the internet, especially for older populations. </p>



<p>Excessive internet use could cut into time for sleep, physical activity, and face-to-face socializing - the very factors important for good mental health. Moreover, there's the tricky business of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/internet-addiction-impairs-brain-function-in-teenagers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">online</a> fraud and misinformation. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-internet-boosts-mental-health">Internet boosts mental health</h2>



<p>According to the researchers, their study highlights the potential of internet use as an effective strategy to bolster overall mental health in middle-aged and older populations.</p>



<p>After all, the internet serves as a lifeline for people in their twilight years, allowing them to access health-related information, build social connections, and find entertainment - all contributing positively to their mental health.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-little-internet-goes-a-long-way">Little internet goes a long way</h2>



<p>Let's not forget another noteworthy finding. "Silver surfers" who keep using the internet cut their risk of developing dementia in half compared to their less digital savvy peers.</p>



<p>"Online engagement may help to develop and maintain cognitive reserve, which can in turn compensate for brain aging and reduce the risk of dementia," explained Dr. Virginia Chang, a professor at NYU School of Global Public Health.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-informed-decisions-about-our-digital-habits">Informed decisions about our digital habits</h2>



<p>The internet, like many things in life, can be a boon or a bane for mental health, depending on how we use it and, interestingly, how old we are. </p>



<p>While older adults surf their way towards a healthier and happier life, our younger generations might need to tread the online waters more carefully. Either way, it seems clear that the world wide web continues to weave its complex threads into the fabric of our lives.</p>



<p>Within this digital maze we <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-brain-literally-changes-based-on-daily-activities-and-lifestyle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">navigate</a> daily, let's continue to explore and learn the best ways to use it for our advantage.</p>



<p>As our lives become increasingly entwined with technology, studies like these offer valuable insights. They help us to question, reflect, and make informed decisions about our digital habits. In what ways can we all strike a balance in our internet use to improve our quality of life?</p>



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



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Mental health and the internet: Who benefits and who suffers?

Have you ever wondered how your internet and browsing habits...

<p>The Northern Lights have been visible much farther south than usual this year, filing social media with stunning images of colorful skies. Now, imagine an aurora so intense that it would instantly render smartphones useless as particles from the sun overwhelm electronic devices.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Such <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-tree-rings-help-predict-extreme-solar-storms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme solar storms</a> are incredibly rare - only six have left their traces on Earth in the past 14,500 years, and none have been observed since the height of the Assyrian Empire nearly 2,700 years ago.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-cosmic-event-from-664-b-c">A cosmic event from 664 B.C.</h2>



<p>A research team led by Irina Panyushkina of the <a href="https://www.arizona.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Arizona</a>'s Laboratory for Tree-Ring Research and Timothy Jull from the Department of Geosciences has identified the last time Earth experienced such a powerful burst of cosmic radiation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Their findings, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s43247-024-01618-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Communications Earth &amp; Environment</em></a>, reveal a spike in carbon-14 dating to the year 664 B.C., pinpointing the timing of this elusive extreme solar storm.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-are-solar-storms">What are solar storms?</h2>



<p>Solar storms occur when the Sun releases massive amounts of energy in the form of solar flares or coronal mass ejections (CMEs). These events send high-energy particles and magnetic fields hurtling toward Earth at incredible speeds.</p>



<p>When these charged particles interact with Earth's magnetic field, they can create dramatic and far-reaching effects.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracing-solar-storms-through-carbon-14">Tracing solar storms through carbon-14</h2>



<p>“After a few months, carbon-14 will have traveled from the stratosphere to the lower atmosphere, where it is taken up by trees and becomes part of the wood as they grow,” Panyushkina said.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By analyzing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-largest-ever-solar-storm-discovered-through-tree-rings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree rings</a> for carbon-14, a naturally occurring radioactive variant of carbon, the team detected this ancient solar storm.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Determining the precise timing of such massive solar eruptions provides important data for scientists who study and develop models of the sun's activity over time.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-signature-of-extreme-solar-storms">Signature of extreme solar storms</h2>



<p>It wasn't until 2012 that scientists recognized extreme solar storms known as Miyake events. </p>



<p>That year, Fusa Miyake, a Japanese physicist and collaborator with Panyushkina's team, published a paper reporting the storms' telltale signature: spikes in radioactive carbon isotopes in the growth rings of trees. </p>



<p>Miyake events occur when the sun's electromagnetic field weakens, allowing plasma from the sun's surface to escape into space.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Increased <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sunspot-sketches-from-1607-unlock-secrets-of-solar-activity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar activity</a> leads to protons bombarding Earth's atmosphere, triggering chemical reactions that result in spikes of radioactive isotopes.</p>



<p>“Thanks to radiocarbon in tree-rings, we now know that six Miyake events happened over the last 14,500 years,” Panyushkina said. “If they happened today, they would have cataclysmic effects on communication technology.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-methodology-tree-rings-and-ice-cores">Methodology: Tree rings and ice cores</h2>



<p>The research team used surgical knives to dissect individual tree rings from ancient wood samples, including those from dead trees buried in riverbanks and timbers excavated during archaeological digs.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Next, the researchers burned the cellulose - the main component of wood - to determine the radiocarbon content.&nbsp;</p>



<p>To confirm whether solar storms caused the radiocarbon spikes, the researchers compared their tree ring data to spikes found in a different isotope, beryllium-10, locked in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ice-cores-from-highest-tropical-peak-reveal-new-climate-clues/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice cores</a> from glaciers and ice sheets.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Like carbon-14, beryllium-10 forms in the atmosphere due to solar particles and becomes trapped in ice through rain and snow.</p>



<p>“If ice cores from both the North Pole and South Pole show a spike in the isotope beryllium-10 for a particular year corresponding to increased radiocarbon in tree rings, we know there was a solar storm,” Panyushkina said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-can-we-predict-extreme-solar-storms">Can we predict extreme solar storms?</h2>



<p>Although tree rings act as “archivists” recording Miyake events, researchers have not yet found evidence of a pattern in these occurrences.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to Panyushkina, tree rings give us an idea of the magnitude of these massive storms, but we can't detect any type of pattern, so it is unlikely we will ever be able to predict when such an event is going to happen.</p>



<p>“Still, we believe our paper will transform how we search and understand the carbon-14 spike signal of extreme solar proton events in tree rings,” said Panyushkina.</p>



<p>“The energy from this type of event not only changes the atmosphere's radiocarbon content but also the atmosphere's chemistry. We are trying to figure out how those short-lived and powerful events affect the Earth system as a whole.”</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA/SDO and the AIA, EVE, and HMI science teams</p>



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



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Trees hold evidence of one of Earth's most extreme solar storms

The Northern Lights have been visible much farther south than...

<p>Rivers and streams act as vital lifelines, weaving through diverse landscapes, from secluded headwaters to vast oceans.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-amount-of-water-do-earths-rivers-hold/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">waterways</a> play an essential role in human and environmental health, agriculture, and energy production, providing two-thirds of the United States’ drinking water.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Yet, compared to larger water bodies like oceans and lakes, the microbiology of rivers has remained largely underexplored.</p>



<p>A team of scientists led by <a href="https://www.colostate.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colorado State University</a> (CSU) has changed that. For the first time, they have cataloged the microorganisms present in rivers spanning 90% of the watersheds in the continental U.S., detailing their roles and functions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The findings, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-08240-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature</em></a>, highlight how river microbes influence nutrient flow, water quality, and even environmental health, opening a new frontier in microbiome research.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-essential-role-of-river-microbes">The essential role of river microbes</h2>



<p>The study underscores the critical role of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbes-laid-the-foundation-for-early-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbes</a> in maintaining river health. According to the research, these microorganisms act as “master orchestrators of nutrient and energy flows,” playing a significant role in determining water quality under current and future conditions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study also revealed how river microbes interact with contaminants like antibiotics, fertilizers, microplastics, and disinfection byproducts.</p>



<p>Notably, river microbes can degrade <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/major-plastic-pollution-lurks-beneath-the-surface-of-rivers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastics</a> into smaller carbon compounds. However, near wastewater treatment plants, they exhibit high levels of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/river-plastics-may-harbor-antimicrobial-resistance-genes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antibiotic resistance genes</a>, pointing to human impacts on these ecosystems.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“People used to think of rivers almost just as pipes, a way to move water from one place to another,” said CSU research professor Mikayla Borton, the study’s lead author.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“But rivers are much more than that - they’re performing all kinds of activities. And there’s a pattern to it; those activities can be predicted. Now, we know what microbes are performing some of those activities.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rivers-as-integrated-systems-nbsp">Rivers as integrated systems&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The research also lends new support to the River Continuum Concept, a decades-old theory that views rivers as integrated systems where changes upstream directly affect downstream ecosystems.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For instance, the health of a fish population at one point in a river depends on what happens upstream. The researchers found this interconnectedness also applies to microorganisms.</p>



<p>“One of the key ideas from the paper was that this tied back to river theory - how rivers change from small creeks to really large rivers. This work aligns quite well with these old theories," said co-author Matt Ross, an associate professor at CSU.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mapping-river-microbiomes-across-the-u-s">Mapping river microbiomes across the U.S.</h2>



<p>To catalog river microorganisms, the researchers analyzed over 2,000 microbial genomes from about 100 rivers across North America.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The project relied heavily on community participation, with local volunteers collecting water samples through a program run by the <a href="https://www.pnnl.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pacific Northwest National Laboratory</a> (PNNL). These samples were then analyzed for microbial content.</p>



<p>Kelly Wrighton is a professor in CSU’s College of Agricultural Sciences and a co-author of the study. </p>



<p>“When we look at how the land around a river is managed, we can see the processing of certain kinds of anthropogenic contaminants or chemicals through the microbes in their DNA,” said Professor Wrighton.</p>



<p>“There’s a very strong relationship - it suggests there’s a signal in the microbiome of how we’re living on and managing the land that is perpetuated into the river system and then downstream.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microbes-as-indicators-of-river-health">Microbes as indicators of river health</h2>



<p>Microbiome science is an emerging field with promising implications for environmental health. River microbes could serve as early-warning indicators of ecosystem changes, much like a canary in a coal mine.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Our hope is that this information can eventually be used to develop new diagnostics that are indicators of a healthy river versus an unhealthy river,” Wrighton explained.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These insights could help scientists and policymakers better manage river systems and the landscapes surrounding them.</p>



<p>The research also uncovered six core microorganisms present in all rivers studied. These microbes, which use light as an energy source, were found to be active and predictable across the continental U.S.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Microbes are active in these systems in such a way that is predictable across the continental U.S.,” said Borton. “That’s very cool, and I think it says a lot about the robustness of the science that was done prior to our work.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tackling-the-world-s-biggest-problems">Tackling the world's biggest problems</h2>



<p>The study not only revealed new insights into river microbes but also showcased the potential of large-scale participatory science.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The project began in 2018 when Wrighton met James Stegen, a PNNL earth scientist, who was already leading a global river sampling initiative.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Wrighton realized that the samples collected for chemical analysis could also be studied for microbial data, launching a groundbreaking collaboration.</p>



<p>“There’s a lot of interest in mapping microbiomes, and there was this huge absence of microbial river data,” Wrighton said.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“But I was also thinking, ‘Can we do this science at scale?’ Because if we can do science like this, if we can demonstrate that it works, we can tackle the world’s big problems like climate change. We could take this and apply it everywhere.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-user-friendly-database-of-river-microbiomes">User-friendly database of river microbiomes</h2>



<p>One of the project’s key achievements was creating a searchable, user-friendly database of river microbiome data.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Ross, an ecosystem scientist specializing in data analytics, helped build this platform and contextualize the findings for the study’s final analysis. “I’m really proud of the data accessibility part of this project,” Borton noted.</p>



<p>Borton hopes that the data infrastructure will inspire non-microbiome scientists to incorporate microbial processes into broader ecosystem models. “We need to be better at studying across landscapes, and better understanding rivers can help us do that,” Borton said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-frontier-for-environmental-science">New frontier for environmental science</h2>



<p>This study opens the door to new research and practical applications. From tackling <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rivers-at-risk-climate-change-is-diminishing-global-water-quality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> to improving ecosystem modeling, the insights gained from river microbiomes could inform solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This is new frontier kind of stuff; we’re really opening the doors to a deeply under-characterized part of the Earth,” Stegen said. “It is extremely gratifying to have built something that will benefit a lot of folks beyond our team.”</p>



<p>By revealing the hidden dynamics of river microbes, this research redefines how we understand rivers - not as mere conduits for water but as vibrant, interconnected ecosystems shaped by the smallest forms of life.</p>



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Microbes play a big role in shaping the health of rivers

Rivers and streams act as vital lifelines, weaving through diverse...

<p>We all know that the winds bring in rain, but have you ever heard of them bringing in microbes? In a significant scientific discovery, a team of atmospheric, health, and climate specialists from Spain and Japan have found a diverse range of fungi, bacteria, and viruses riding on the winds high up in Earth's atmosphere.</p>



<p>By collecting and testing air samples from 1,000 to 3,000 meters up in the sky, these researchers have assessed the possibility of these microorganisms surviving in extreme atmospheric conditions and hitching a ride on winds across continents.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-journey-of-winds-dust-and-microbes">Journey of winds, dust and microbes</h2>



<p>Dust, as we know, isn't a homebody. It loves to travel. Scientists have known for a while that dust can journey thousands of miles in the atmosphere. </p>



<p>Dust from Africa finds its way to both North and South America. But what's new and even more intriguing is the fuller picture of what this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbes-laid-the-foundation-for-early-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dust</a> carries with it.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inside-the-airborne-microbial-world">Inside the airborne microbial world</h2>



<p>Researchers took to the skies over Japan in a small charter plane to collect wind samples, hoping to discover the heights at which <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbes-have-emerged-as-major-source-of-methane-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbes</a> could survive.</p>



<p>The samples were then brought down to Earth for some lab-based sleuthing. A detailed DNA analysis of the samples revealed that these high-altitude hitchhikers were quite diverse, including a range of fungi, bacteria, and viruses.</p>



<p>And the little creatures weren't just surviving; they were thriving. In lab dishes, many of the microbes were still viable, which means that they could reproduce and continue to grow.</p>



<p>In total, the air samples contained 266 different types of fungi and 305 types of bacteria. Many of these microorganisms are commonly found in soil or plants, which clearly indicates their likely origins.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-atmospheric-pathways-the-invisible-highways">Atmospheric pathways: The invisible highways</h2>



<p>Now, where did these microbes come from? The researchers believe that most of them came from China, which means they had traveled at least 2,000 kilometers.</p>



<p>The high-altitude winds, it seems, can carry these microbes over significant distances.</p>



<p>This has fascinating implications because, if microorganisms can travel thousands of kilometers and survive high up in the atmosphere, they could potentially spread diseases worldwide. This is exactly what the current research proposes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pathogens-high-in-the-sky">Pathogens high in the sky</h2>



<p>The thought of airborne pathogens crossing continents is quite unsettling. While we knew that winds and dust particles could carry microbes over long distances, this study takes things up a notch.</p>



<p>The researchers found many airborne microbes that are known to inhabit the human body, particularly in the mouth and intestines.</p>



<p>While they caution that this doesn't necessarily prove a direct link between these microbes and health effects, it does open up the possibility of a new route for disease transmission.</p>



<p>Intriguingly, some of these sky-high microbes could be linked to soil or plants, suggesting that they might have been swept up into the atmosphere from land sources. Does this mean that poor sewage or waste disposal could supply pathogens for such a skyward journey?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-blowing-microbes-in-the-wind">Blowing microbes in the wind</h2>



<p>The study shows that microbes can be lifted by pressure systems, such as the Siberian High, and transported from agricultural regions in northeast China to other parts of the world. This also highlights the potential for insects to spread over large areas through these atmospheric conveyer belts.</p>



<p>But it's not just about human health. Think about the potential impact on ecosystems worldwide. Pathogens that are known to us, like <em>E. coli</em> and various <em>Staphylococcus</em> species, could be floating up there in the sky, ready to descend on unsuspecting habitats.</p>



<p>So where do we go from here?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-directions-on-wind-and-microbes">Future directions on wind and microbes</h2>



<p>Understanding how these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-are-walking-ecosystems-and-microbes-rule-their-evolution/">microorganisms</a> endure and prosper in such harsh conditions could help scientists develop better strategies for mitigating disease spread.</p>



<p>There's a whole new field of research now focusing on the upper atmosphere and how it might harbor and transport microbes across different regions and seasons.</p>



<p>"This study confirms the long-distance transport of microbial pathogens, which has important implications for public health, and environmental protection," said study co-author Xavier Rodó.</p>



<p>So, the next time you look up at the sky, just remember - there is more up there than meets the eye. And while this reality might seem a little unsettling, it also represents a vast new field of scientific discovery.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2404191121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a></em>.</p>



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Microbes hitch rides on winds across continents

We all know that the winds bring in rain, but...

Front,View,Of,The,Terminus,Of,Hisinger,Glacier,,Dickson,Fiord,

<p>Tsunamis are powerful natural phenomena capable of reshaping entire coastlines. Modern technology is now capable of helping scientists to study them in remarkable detail.  </p>



<p>The ability to monitor and analyze these massive waves in real-time has revolutionized our understanding of their behavior and impact, providing invaluable data that can inform safety protocols and predictive models.</p>



<p>This technological prowess recently helped unravel the nine-day-old reverberations of a tsunami in Greenland, a rare and complex event captured by the International SWOT Satellite. </p>



<p>The satellite's advanced imaging capabilities revealed unprecedented insights into how the tsunami waves moved and persisted within the steep walls of Dickson Fjord, thereby contributing significantly to the field of oceanography.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-first-things-first-what-s-a-tsunami">First things first -- what's a tsunami?</h2>



<p>Tsunamis are a massive series of ocean waves that can cause a whole lot of trouble when they hit land. </p>



<p>These waves aren't like the regular ones you surf on -- they're much bigger and can travel very fast across the ocean. </p>



<p>When they reach the shore, they can flood coastal areas and cause serious damage.</p>



<p>Now, what causes tsunamis? Well, they're usually triggered by underwater disturbances like earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or even landslides. </p>



<p>When the ocean floor suddenly moves, it displaces a huge amount of water, and that energy creates waves that spread out in all directions. Essentially, it's the sudden movement under the sea that sets off these giant waves.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-swot-satellite-tsunami-discovery">SWOT satellite tsunami discovery</h2>



<p>At the core of this investigation were scientists from <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a> in Southern California and France’s CNES (Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales).</p>



<p>These dedicated professionals collaborated on the international Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite mission. </p>



<p>Their joint efforts led to the discovery of unique shapes formed by tsunamis trapped within the steep walls of Greenland's Dickson Fjord.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-picture-paints-a-thousand-words">A picture paints a thousand words</h2>



<p>On September 17, 2023, the day following a massive rockslide, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/nasa-launches-revolutionary-satellite-to-monitor-earths-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SWOT satellite</a> was at the right place at the right time, collecting water elevation measurements in the Dickson Fjord. </p>



<p>By comparing these measurements with those recorded a few weeks prior, the scientists got a clear image of the aftermath of the tsunami.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/greenland-tsunami_SWOT-satellite_NASA_1m.webp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/greenland-tsunami_SWOT-satellite_NASA_1s.webp" alt="A SWOT data visualization shows water on the northern side of Greenland’s Dickson Fjord at higher levels than on the southern side on Sept. 17, 2023. A huge rockslide into the fjord the previous day led to a tsunami lasting nine days that caused seismic rumbling around the world. Credit: NASA Earth Observatory" class="wp-image-1950872"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>A SWOT data visualization shows water on the northern side of Greenland’s Dickson Fjord at higher levels than on the southern side on Sept. 17, 2023. A huge rockslide into the fjord the previous day led to a tsunami lasting nine days that caused seismic rumbling around the world. Credit: NASA Earth Observatory</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>The SWOT satellite captured a colored data visualization, indicating higher water levels with lighter colors and lower levels with darker tones. </p>



<p>The findings suggested that the northern side of the fjord reached certain points where water levels were almost 4 feet (1.2 meters) higher than on the southern side.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-milestone-in-the-field-of-research">Milestone in the field of research</h2>



<p>Astoundingly, this was the first instance where the SWOT satellite had the opportunity to examine the shape of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tsunami-wave-from-tonga-eruption-was-90-meters-tall/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tsunami wave</a>. </p>



<p>“SWOT happened to fly over at a time when the water had piled up pretty high against the north wall of the fjord,” said Josh Willis, a sea level researcher at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. </p>



<p>“Seeing the shape of the wave - that’s something we could never do before SWOT."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracing-the-origins-of-the-tsunami">Tracing the origins of the tsunami</h2>



<p>A paper published recently in <em>Science</em> traced the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-map-shows-75-percent-of-the-u-s-at-risk-of-damaging-earthquakes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seismic</a> signals of the tsunami back to its roots.</p>



<p>More than 880 million cubic feet of rock and ice, equivalent to 25 million cubic meters, had plummeted into Dickson Fjord, triggering the tsunami that sloshed around within the fjord.</p>



<p>The fjord is a part of a network of channels on Greenland's eastern coast, with the depth of about 1,772 feet (540 meters) and width of 1.7 miles (2.7 kilometers), while its walls tower over 6,000 feet (1,830 meters) high.</p>



<p>Interestingly, because the fjord is far from the open ocean and confined, the energy from the tsunami's motion had limited opportunities to dissipate. </p>



<p>This resulted in the wave moving back and forth approximately every 90 seconds for a surprising duration of nine days.</p>



<p>These findings demonstrate how modern technology can help us unravel nature’s mysteries. The international SWOT satellite, through its unique capabilities, has managed to provide us with a fresh  understanding of tsunamis and their prolonged effects.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-satellite-technology-and-monitoring-tsunamis">Satellite technology and monitoring tsunamis</h2>



<p>The SWOT satellite's ability to capture and analyze detailed water elevation data showcases the immense potential of satellite technology in monitoring <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natural-disasters-are-on-the-rise-but-hazard-plans-are-inadequate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural disasters</a>.</p>



<p>Unlike traditional, on-ground sensors, satellites offer a comprehensive view of remote locations, like Greenland’s fjords. This capability is crucial for capturing disaster impacts and building predictive models for better preparedness.</p>



<p>The September 2023 event in Dickson Fjord demonstrated how satellite imaging has evolved to reveal the movement of tsunami waves over nine days, offering insights that were previously unattainable.</p>



<p>Such data enhance our understanding of energy dynamics within confined areas, informing disaster response and risk mitigation efforts.</p>



<p>Beyond <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/machine-learning-may-help-with-earlier-tsunami-detection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tsunami monitoring</a>, satellites like SWOT play a vital role in observing storm surges, flooding, and sea-level rise. </p>



<p>Integrating satellite data with real-time analytics paves the way for quicker, more effective responses to natural disasters, thereby contributing to safer and more resilient communities.</p>



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



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

NASA records a 650-foot tsunami in Greenland that shook the Earth for 9 days

Tsunamis are powerful natural phenomena capable of reshaping entire coastlines....

Color,Laser,Beams,Fantail,In,A,Haze

<p>Can light itself, perhaps from a laser, cast a shadow? It might seem like a trick, but under certain conditions, the answer to this paradoxical question is "yes." </p>



<p>Researchers have discovered that a laser beam can act like an opaque object, blocking another beam of light and creating a visible shadow. </p>



<p>This finding challenges our traditional understanding of how light behaves.</p>



<p>"Laser light casting a shadow was previously thought impossible since light usually passes through other light without interacting," said Raphael A. Abrahao, the research team leader from <a href="https://www.bnl.gov/world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brookhaven National Laboratory</a> and the <a href="https://www.uottawa.ca/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Ottawa</a>.</p>



<p>His team has opened the door to new ways of thinking about light and its interactions, pushing the boundaries of optics and could lead to innovative technologies that harness light in unexpected ways.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lasers-lights-and-lunch">Lasers, lights, and lunch</h2>



<p>The idea started over a lunch conversation. </p>



<p>Some scientists noticed that experimental schematics made with 3D visualization software depicted the shadow of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-received-laser-communication-from-10-million-miles-away/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">laser beam</a>, treating it as a solid cylinder rather than accounting for the physics of light. </p>



<p>This sparked a lively discussion. </p>



<p>"What started as a funny discussion over lunch led to a conversation on the physics of lasers and the nonlinear optical response of materials," remembered Abrahao. </p>



<p>"From there, we decided to conduct an experiment to demonstrate the shadow of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/impossible-quantum-effects-observed-atoms-positioned-closely-together/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">laser beam</a>."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-making-laser-light-cast-a-shadow">Making laser light cast a shadow</h2>



<p>To explore this curious idea, the team set up an experiment using a high-power green laser directed through a cube made of standard ruby crystal. </p>



<p>At the same time, they illuminated the cube with a blue laser from the side. When the green laser entered the ruby, it changed the material's response to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/long-term-effects-of-artificial-blue-light-remain-unknown/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blue wavelength</a>. </p>



<p>The interaction between the two light sources created a shadow on a screen -- a dark area where the green laser blocked the blue light.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/laser-beam-light_casing-shadow_credit-Optica_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/laser-beam-light_casing-shadow_credit-Optica_1s.webp" alt="Researchers showed that a laser beam can sometimes act like a solid object and cast a shadow that is visible to the naked eye. In the picture, the shadow appears as the horizontal line traversing the blue background. Credit: R. A. Abrahao, H. P. N. Morin, J. T. R. Pagé, A. Safari, R. W. Boyd, J. S. Lundeen" class="wp-image-1950880"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Researchers showed that a laser beam can sometimes act like a solid object and cast a shadow that is visible to the naked eye. In the picture, the shadow appears as the horizontal line traversing the blue background. Credit: R. A. Abrahao, H. P. N. Morin, J. T. R. Pagé, A. Safari, R. W. Boyd, J. S. Lundeen</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>The effect occurs due to a nonlinear optical process. Nonlinear optics involves light interacting with a material in an intensity-dependent way, allowing one light beam to influence another. </p>



<p>"Our demonstration of a very counter-intuitive optical effect invites us to reconsider our notion of shadow," Abrahao explained. </p>



<p>In this case, the green laser increased the optical absorption of the blue laser in the ruby crystal, creating a region where less blue light passed through -- essentially, a shadow.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-very-cool-but-why-does-it-matter">Very cool, but why does it matter?</h2>



<p>Nonlinear optics is a field that studies how light behaves in materials under high-intensity conditions. </p>



<p>When light is intense enough, it can change the properties of the material it passes through, affecting how other light waves move through that material. </p>



<p>This is different from linear optics, where light beams pass through each other without interaction.</p>



<p>"Our understanding of shadows has developed hand-in-hand with our understanding of light and optics," Abrahao noted. </p>



<p>This new finding could prove useful in various applications such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bose-einstein-condensate-bec-rare-form-quantum-matter-created-with-molecules/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">optical switching</a> -- devices in which light controls the presence of another light -- or technologies that require precise control of light transmission, like high-power lasers. </p>



<p>It could also impact the development of optical computing, where light is used instead of electricity to process information.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measuring-laser-light-s-shadow">Measuring laser light's shadow</h2>



<p>The researchers measured the shadow's contrast based on the laser beam's power, finding a maximum contrast of approximately 22%. </p>



<p>That's similar to the contrast of a tree's shadow on a sunny day. They also developed a theoretical model that accurately predicted the shadow contrast. </p>



<p>This alignment between experiment and theory strengthens the validity of their findings.</p>



<p>The ability to control one light beam with another could lead to advances in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-data-transmission-speed-record-set-by-scientists-using-optical-cables/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">optical communication</a> and signal processing. </p>



<p>For instance, optical switches that use light instead of electronic signals could operate at much higher speeds and with less energy loss. </p>



<p>This discovery might also contribute to the development of new types of lasers with adjustable properties for use in medicine, manufacturing, or scientific research.</p>



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



<p>"This discovery expands our understanding of light-matter interactions and opens up new possibilities for utilizing light in ways we hadn’t considered before," Abrahao concluded. </p>



<p>The team plans to investigate other materials and laser wavelengths that can produce similar effects. They are curious to see how different combinations might enhance or alter the shadow effect.</p>



<p>The notion that light can cast a shadow on light challenges fundamental ideas in physics. It invites scientists and engineers to rethink how we can manipulate light for advanced technologies. </p>



<p>This discovery is a reminder that even well-established concepts can be revisited and that curiosity can lead to surprising insights.</p>



<p>From a casual conversation to a laboratory breakthrough, the journey of this discovery highlights the importance of questioning assumptions. The shadow of a laser beam is just one example of how much more there is to learn.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://opg.optica.org/optica/fulltext.cfm?uri=optica-11-11-1549&amp;id=563468" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Optica</a></em>.</p>



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

Laser beam stuns scientists by casting a shadow, something it shouldn't be able to do

Can light itself, perhaps from a laser, cast a shadow?...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<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>



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<p>—–</p>

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<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>



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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>



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>

Social modeling affects our food choices

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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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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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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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>



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Retired professor claims he solved time travel

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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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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<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>



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



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



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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>

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



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



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



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



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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>



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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>

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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