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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

<p>In the face of a rapidly globalizing world, the ever-increasing numbers around one of the most prevalent metabolic disorders are alarming. By 2022, the rate of adults worldwide living with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes had shockingly doubled compared to cases in 1990 - reaching a daunting 800 million.</p>



<p>An analysis from The Lancet reveals that about 445 million adults are currently living with diabetes that has not been adequately treated. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increasing-rate-of-diabetes">Increasing rate of diabetes</h2>



<p>The data presents a startling revelation - India bears the brunt of this health crisis, hosting over a fourth of the world’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/type-2-diabetes-heightens-alzheimers-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diabetic adults</a>.</p>



<p>A total of 212 million individuals, trailed by China's 148 million, are combating diabetes across India. This escalating issue is also prevalent in the United States, Pakistan, Indonesia, and Brazil.</p>



<p>Although this study did not distinguish between type 1 and type 2 diabetes in adults, it's widely accepted that the majority of these cases are attributed to type 2 diabetes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inequalities-in-healthcare">Inequalities in healthcare</h2>



<p>Professor Majid Ezzati of Imperial College London expressed serious concerns about global inequalities in diabetes treatment.</p>



<p>"Our study highlights widening global inequalities in diabetes, with treatment rates stagnating in many low- and middle-income countries where numbers of adults with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/diabetes-drugs-may-protect-against-dementia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diabetes</a> are drastically increasing," noted Ezzati.</p>



<p>"This is especially concerning as people with diabetes tend to be younger in low-income countries and, in the absence of effective treatment, are at risk of life-long complications - including amputation, heart disease, kidney damage or vision loss - or in some cases, premature death."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diabetes-rates-an-upward-spiral">Diabetes rates: An upward spiral</h2>



<p>Thanks to the collaborative efforts of the NCD Risk Factor Collaboration and the World Health Organization, we now have a comprehensive analysis of global diabetes rates and treatment. </p>



<p>This study, which included data from over 140 million individuals aged 18 years and older from various countries, has revealed deeply unsettling truths.</p>



<p>The numbers are a bitter pill to swallow. Since 1990, diabetes rates have doubled for both men and women (rising from 6.8% to 14.3% and from 6.9% to 13.9%, respectively). </p>



<p>This translates to around 828 million adults living with diabetes in 2022 - a drastic increase from nearly 198 million in 1990.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disparities-across-the-globe">Disparities across the globe</h2>



<p>Not all nations are equal when it comes to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deadly-snail-venom-possible-key-to-improving-diabetes-medicine/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diabetes</a> rates. Between 1990 and 2022, low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) saw the biggest increases. </p>



<p>In contrast, several high-income countries, such as Japan, Canada, and parts of Western Europe, observed no change or only minor decreases in diabetes rates.</p>



<p>In 2022, the prevalence of diabetes was particularly high in the Pacific island nations, the Caribbean, Middle East and North Africa, Pakistan, and Malaysia. On a brighter note, Western Europe, East Africa, Japan, and Canada reported the lowest rates.</p>



<p>Obesity and poor diets have largely fueled the surge in Type 2 diabetes. Areas where obesity is prevalent, or has dramatically increased, faced higher diabetes rates between 1990 to 2022.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-the-global-diabetes-rate">Addressing the global diabetes rate</h2>



<p>Dr. Ranjit Mohan Anjana, an expert at the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation in India, emphasized the need for diabetes prevention through healthier diets, exercise, and strong health policies, specifically in economically disadvantaged regions.</p>



<p>As of 2022, three out of five adults aged 30 years and older with diabetes - and total of 445 million individuals - did not receive adequate medication. The discrepancy in treatment coverage among nations is striking, with Belgium maintaining the highest rates.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coverage-for-diabetes-treatment">Coverage for diabetes treatment </h2>



<p>Despite the swelling diabetic populations, the coverage for diabetes treatment in many LMICs remains low. It’s troubling to note that over 90% of people were untreated in 1990, a figure that has not changed substantially even in 2022.</p>



<p>“Our findings suggest there is an increasing share of people with diabetes, especially with untreated diabetes, living in low- and middle-income countries," said Professor Jean Claude Mbanya, <a href="https://uy1.uninet.cm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Yaoundé 1</a>, Cameroon. </p>



<p>"In 2022, only 5-10% of adults with diabetes in some sub-Saharan Africa countries received treatment for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insufficient-sleep-increases-diabetes-risk-in-women/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diabetes</a>, leaving a huge number at risk of the serious health complications.” </p>



<p>The study is published in the journal<em> <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(24)02317-1/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Lancet</a>.</em></p>



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Global diabetes rate has doubled, reaching over 800 million

In the face of a rapidly globalizing world, the ever-increasing...

<p>Researchers recently provided the first experimental evidence that hints at a trigger for social learning in the wild, particularly in birds.</p>



<p>Their study of great tits (<em>Parus major</em>) led to the discovery that immigration can make birds pay close attention to their peers' activities, which leads to the swift adoption of useful behaviors. </p>



<p>Interestingly, it is a long-assumed theory that immigration is a fundamental factor that boosts strategic social learning in birds.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pioneers-of-social-learning">Pioneers of social learning</h2>



<p>A lot of animals learn from one another, especially in the wild. A new study has now focused on social learning in a specific bird species, the great tit.</p>



<p>These birds gained fame in the 1920s when they began to open foil milk bottle lids to feed on the cream inside them.</p>



<p>People across Europe started to find their milk bottles raided by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/female-birds-commit-to-caring-for-young-males-abandon-family-life/">bird</a><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/female-birds-commit-to-caring-for-young-males-abandon-family-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">s</a>, a behavior that spread rapidly and led scientists to speculate that these birds were learning from each other.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-secret-of-bird-learning">Secret of bird learning</h2>



<p>Research in 2015 by Lucy Aplin, then at the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a>, addressed this speculation in an experiment on a population of great tits in an English forest.</p>



<p>The results revealed that these birds learned how to free food from a puzzle box by mimicking others. This supported the theory that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birds-have-regional-accents-just-like-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a> were probably passing on this thieving behavior to the rest of their flock.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-logic-behind-social-learning-in-birds">Logic behind social learning in birds</h2>



<p>"Paying attention to what others are doing gives you the chance to see whether a new behavior is beneficial, or potentially dangerous. Copying it means that you too can reap the reward," explained study lead author and postdoctoral researcher Michael Chimento, who worked with Aplin's team.</p>



<p>This notion fits well into the framework of survival instincts present in wild <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/translocated-birds-can-learn-the-local-songs-to-survive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animals</a>, where learning and adopting advantageous behaviors could spell the difference between life and death.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-catalyst-of-learning-in-the-wild">Catalyst of learning in the wild</h2>



<p>Chimento and Aplin wanted to identify a specific trigger or component that could propel social learning. Theoretical models suggested that animals should change their social learning strategy when faced with new environments. </p>



<p>Essentially, an animal in a new habitat may be more inclined to learn from others. However, this theory had not been experimentally tested in non-human animals until the current study.</p>



<p>The team formulated an experiment, using an automated puzzle box system, to test this hypothesis. They first created experimental social groups of wild-caught great tits.</p>



<p>Each group had a tutor bird that was trained to access food from a puzzle box by pushing the door either left or right.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-immigrant-birds-adapt-to-new-methods">Immigrant birds adapt to new methods</h2>



<p>The scientists also simulated an immigration event. Birds trained to push right were transferred to aviaries where resident birds were using the left-hand solution, and vice versa. </p>



<p>Most "immigrant" birds switched their method immediately. They adopted the resident solution on their first try, suggesting social learning was at play.</p>



<p>Interestingly, these immigrant birds were not only moved to a location where residents were getting better food; their visual environment was also dramatically altered. </p>



<p>The scientists changed the foliage in the experimental aviaries, which proved to be a game-changer for learning. Immigrant birds moved to locations where the vegetation was not changed were much slower to learn the behaviors of the local birds. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-survival-strategy">Critical survival strategy</h2>



<p>This fascinating study provides the first experimental evidence showing the powerful impact of immigration on how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiny-bird-sheds-light-on-the-evolution-of-vocal-learning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animals learn</a> from one another.</p>



<p>In nature, animals are frequently moving from one environment to another, so it is advantageous to have a strategy for discerning useful and maladaptive behaviors in new places.</p>



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



<p>The implications of this research extend beyond avian social learning and touch upon ecosystem dynamics as a whole. </p>



<p>When animals, such as great tits, migrate and adapt quickly to new surroundings by learning from resident species, it affects the composition and interaction patterns within ecosystems.</p>



<p>This behavior supports biodiversity and enhances the resilience of ecosystems by enabling a variety of species to coexist, despite changes in environmental conditions or the introduction of new species.</p>



<p>Understanding these dynamics can inform conservation strategies, and highlight the role of social learning in ecosystems that are facing climate change and habitat destruction.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-learning-and-human-parallels">Social learning and human parallels</h2>



<p>Remarkably, the patterns of social learning observed in birds find parallels in human behavior, particularly in how knowledge and cultural practices are spread across communities. </p>



<p>Like the great tits, humans often adapt to new environments by observing and mimicking the behaviors of others. This capability has been crucial in our evolution, allowing communities to adapt rapidly and thrive in diverse and changing environments.</p>



<p>The study of social learning in birds, therefore, offers valuable insights into the evolutionary mechanisms that have shaped not only avian species but also human society. Such studies illustrate the interconnectedness of all life and the shared strategies that underpin survival and adaptation.</p>



<p>Our understanding of social learning in animals can contribute significantly to preserving biodiversity and ensuring species survival. </p>



<p>With such experimental evidence, we can better understand the coping mechanisms and adaptive behaviors animals employ in their constantly changing environments.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.3002699" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS Biology</a>.</em></p>



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Immigrant birds learn useful behaviors from their neighbors

Researchers recently provided the first experimental evidence that hints at...

<p>If you found the weather last month to be unusually mild, you were not alone in your observation. Climate scientists have warned that the globe is on track to overturn a big climate record due to the temperature of the second-hottest October ever recorded.</p>



<p>The excessive heat affected ecosystems, intensified weather events, and highlighted the urgency for climate action at international forums like COP29</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-october-tipping-the-temperature-scales">October tipping the temperature scales</h2>



<p>The worldwide mean temperature for October was a toasty 59.58°F (15.32°C), as reported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).</p>



<p>This temperature puts October 2024 just a fraction cooler, at 0.09°F (0.05°C), than the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/2024-is-likely-the-hottest-year-in-recorded-history/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">record-breaking</a> October of the previous year.</p>



<p>Shockingly, last month's temperature was an unsettling 2.38°F (1.32°C) above the 20th-century average of 57.2°F (14.0°C).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-driving-this-change">What's driving this change?</h2>



<p>Taking a deep dive into the factors behind this temperature "anomaly," experts point towards human-caused greenhouse gas emissions as the prime suspect.</p>



<p>The UK Met office has voiced that British <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/september-2024-was-the-second-hottest-month-ever-recorded/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperatures</a> last month were notably above average, although this newly released data addresses the global average.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-headed-for-a-new-record">Headed for a new record</h2>



<p>NOAA is predicting that 2024 will almost certainly become Earth's warmest year on record, surpassing the title currently held by 2023.</p>



<p>The U.S. agency leans on temperature sensors stationed around the world, fixed on floating buoys and satellites, to gather its data. <a href="https://www.noaa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NOAA'</a>s findings resonate with those published by the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), the EU's weather and climate program.</p>



<p>Although C3S's global average was slightly lower at 59.45°F (15.25°C), the agency has echoed the prediction that 2024 is on track to set a new record as the planet's hottest year.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-temperature-highs-in-october">Temperature highs in October</h2>



<p>NOAA recently announced that an astonishing 12% of the world's surface experienced a record-high temperature during October.</p>



<p>This widespread heat anomaly highlights the intensifying effects of global warming, exacerbated by El Niño and ongoing human-driven climate changes.</p>



<p>Global temperatures were mostly above average, barring a few regions like Greenland, parts of Africa and central Asia, and much of eastern Antarctica.</p>



<p>North America recorded its warmest October, while South America and Oceania claimed the second warmest.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smallest-sea-ice-extent-on-record">Smallest sea ice extent on record</h2>



<p>A troubling record set in October concerns the extent of sea ice (frozen seawater) covering the globe. Its disappearance is associated with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-records-shatter-2024-set-to-be-hottest-year-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global warming</a> and could potentially threaten habitats for penguins, seals, and other Antarctic life.</p>



<p>A decrease in sea ice also boosts the rise in global sea levels, a growing worry for coastal cities prone to flooding.</p>



<p>October's global sea ice extent was the smallest in a 46-year record, coming in 1.25 million square miles below the average for the period from 1991 to 2020.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-disasters-an-unintended-side-effect">Natural disasters: An unintended side effect?</h2>



<p>NOAA connects rising October temperatures to severe weather events globally, exemplified by Hurricane Milton, which tragically took 35 lives across the US and Mexico. </p>



<p>As the climate warms, air can hold more water vapor, leading to intensified rainfall during storms. This increased moisture results in more severe damage, affecting communities and infrastructure alike. </p>



<p>The interplay between higher temperatures and extreme weather highlights the urgent need for climate action to mitigate these impacts. Understanding this relationship is crucial for preparedness and resilience in facing future natural disasters caused by climate change.</p>



<p>The Atlantic basin experienced five tropical cyclones throughout October, including Hurricane Milton, which peaked at Category 5 and made landfall just south of Tampa Bay.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impacts-of-human-caused-climate-change">Impacts of human-caused climate change </h2>



<p>In 2016, the Paris Agreement was signed by 195 countries, pledging to keep global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scorching-summer-of-2024-could-make-it-the-hottest-year-on-record/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperature</a> increases below 1.5°C. The goal is to mitigate the impacts of human-caused climate change and prevent irreparable environmental damage.</p>



<p>However, C3S now forecasts that 2024 is almost certain to hit a fever pitch of 1.55°C above the pre-industrial average.</p>



<p>Given these reports, it's clear we are on a precipice. Are we doing enough? Are we too late? </p>



<p>Mike Childs, head of science, policy, and research at Friends of the Earth, noted that "the time for world leaders to dither and delay is long gone."</p>



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



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

October 2024 recorded the second-highest global temperature ever

If you found the weather last month to be unusually...

<p>Every day, we share our cities with an array of wildlife. From birds and insects to squirrels and raccoons, these creatures navigate the concrete jungles alongside us. </p>



<p>But in Los Angeles, a global city of over 18 million people, there's another species sharing the living space - the elusive mountain lion. </p>



<p>A recent study from the University of California (UC), Davis, Cal Poly Pomona, and the National Park Service highlights an intriguing aspect of urban wildlife. </p>



<p>The researchers found that mountain lions of Los Angeles are shifting their activities, avoiding typically human-frequented spaces to maintain a safe distance.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changing-habits-of-mountain-lions">Changing habits of mountain lions</h2>



<p>As urban centers grow, wildlife is increasingly adapting to human proximity. The study revealed that mountain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honoring-the-king-of-the-jungle-on-world-lion-day/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lions</a> in areas with higher levels of human recreation were more nocturnal than their counterparts in secluded regions.</p>



<p>The cats in more remote places preferred being more active during dawn and dusk, showing a stark contrast in their activity patterns.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flexibility-in-mountain-lion-activity">Flexibility in mountain lion activity</h2>



<p>Ellie Bolas is Ph.D. candidate in the <a href="https://www.wfcb.ucdavis.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Davis</a> Department of Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology and the study's lead author.</p>



<p>"This flexibility we see in mountain lion activity is what allows us to share these natural areas together. Mountain lions are doing the work so that coexistence can happen," said Bolas.</p>



<p>From 2011 to 2018, the research team monitored 22 mountain lions living in the Santa Monica Mountains and the surrounding region. </p>



<p>These mountain lions, captured and fitted with GPS and accelerometer collars, provided crucial data that was analyzed alongside a global database of GPS-tracked human activities.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-impact-on-mountain-lions">Human impact on mountain lions</h2>



<p>"The study shows how humans may be affecting wildlife in less obvious ways than killing them with vehicles," noted Seth Riley, branch chief for wildlife at Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.</p>



<p>According to Riley, it is remarkable that a large felid predator still persists in one of the world's largest urban areas.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mountain-lions-responding-to-humans">Mountain lions responding to humans</h2>



<p>In the most active recreational area, Griffith Park, mountain lions acted differently compared to those in the lesser active Santa Susana Mountains and Los Padres National Forest. </p>



<p>Generally, female lions were more active closer to sunrise and during daylight hours, likely to strategically avoid male lions who posed threats to them and their kittens.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nocturnal-mountain-lions">Nocturnal mountain lions</h2>



<p>Two male mountain lions living in small, isolated natural areas with many trails and high levels of human recreation were found to be the most nocturnal. </p>



<p>Both of these cats occupied two of the smallest home ranges ever recorded for male adult lions. P41, the study's most nocturnal lion, lived in the Verdugo Mountains, a small range spanning several cities.</p>



<p>P22, known as the "Hollywood Cat," preferred to keep a low profile despite the fame he earned after crossing two busy freeways to find a home in active Griffith Park. He was the second most nocturnal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/steller-sea-lions-threatened-by-rising-mercury-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lion</a> in the study.</p>



<p>P22's story demonstrates how, when faced with increased human activity, mountain lions actively avoid human contact.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-humans-can-help-these-big-cats">How humans can help these big cats</h2>



<p>While mountain lions show remarkable adaptability, coexistence isn't a one-way street. We can contribute by understanding that dawn or dusk is prime time for mountain lion activity, and by being extra cautious when driving at night.</p>



<p>Urban areas pose various challenges for mountain lions, including busy roadways, wildfires, rodenticide exposure, low genetic diversity, and fragmented habitats.</p>



<p>"Even something as innocuous as recreation can add to these other stressors, potentially altering the amount of energy they have to expend for hunting and other needs," said Bolas.</p>



<p>"Coexistence is happening, and it’s in large part because of what mountain lions are doing."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-peaceful-human-wildlife-coexistence">Peaceful human-wildlife coexistence </h2>



<p>In the quest for peaceful human-wildlife <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-wildlife-overlap-is-rapidly-rising-across-the-globe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coexistence</a>, this research offers a ray of hope. It's impressive how mountain lions, magnificent creatures who are integral to the ecosystem, are making changes to their behavior for a shared existence with humans.</p>



<p>Their adaptation serves as a gentle reminder of the resilience of nature and the potential for coexistence if both humans and wildlife are willing to adjust.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006320724003744" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biological Conservation</a>.</em></p>



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



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

Mountain lions cleverly change their habits to avoid humans

Every day, we share our cities with an array of...

<p>PanoRadar marks a breakthrough in the ever-advancing world of robotics, addressing the challenge of providing effective perception systems for robots that can function in severe weather and unfavorable conditions. </p>



<p>Unlike traditional sensors, PanoRadar uses radio waves to penetrate smoke, fog, and even certain materials, offering a robust alternative to light-based systems. </p>



<p>This innovative approach paves the way for more resilient robotic applications, from autonomous vehicles to rescue missions in hazardous environments.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-limitations-of-traditional-sensors">Limitations of traditional sensors</h2>



<p>Current sensor systems, such as cameras or LiDAR, rely on light, which limits their effectiveness in conditions like heavy smoke or fog. Alternatively, they may rely on traditional radar which can 'see' through walls and other obstacles, but which produce images lacking in detail.</p>



<p>Nature, however, shows us that perception need not rely solely on light. Bats use <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soundwaves-can-be-used-to-move-objects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sound wave</a> echoes for navigation, while sharks detect electrical fields from their prey's movements. </p>



<p>These examples highlight alternative perception methods that can inform technological innovations, like radio wave-based sensing.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-radio-waves-disrupt-the-magnetic-compass-of-migratory-birds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Radio waves</a>, with their longer wavelengths, can penetrate challenging conditions and even certain materials, surpassing the limitations of human vision and conventional sensors. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-panoradar-a-new-era-of-robot-vision">PanoRadar: A new era of robot vision</h2>



<p>Enter researchers from the <a href="https://www.upenn.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Pennsylvania</a> School of Engineering and Applied Science (Penn Engineering). They have initiated a new era in robot vision with their creation, the PanoRadar.</p>



<p>This novel invention enables robots to perceive their surroundings in three dimensions with incredible detail, by transforming simple radio waves into detailed, 3-D images of the environment.</p>



<p>"Our initial question was whether we could combine the best of both sensing modalities - the robustness of radio signals, which is resilient to fog and other challenging conditions, and the high resolution of visual sensors," explained Mingmin Zhao, assistant professor of computer and information science.</p>



<p>The birth of PanoRadar is the novel answer to this complex challenge. It has opened new possibilities for robotic perception in environments where traditional systems fail.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-does-panoradar-work">How does PanoRadar work?</h2>



<p>Think about how a lighthouse works. It sweeps its beam in a circle, scanning the entire horizon, revealing the presence of ships and coastal features. That's how the PanoRadar operates. </p>



<p>It consists of a rotating vertical array of antennae that scan the surroundings. These antennae send out radio waves and listen for their reflections from the environment.</p>



<p>But PanoRadar is not just a simple scanner. It intelligently combines measurements from all rotation angles, enhancing its imaging resolution. </p>



<p>"The key innovation is in how we process these radio wave measurements. Our signal processing and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/machine-learning-reveals-how-to-prevent-covid-19-from-ever-returning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">machine learning</a> algorithms are able to extract rich 3D information from the environment," explained Zhao.</p>



<p>This novel approach allows PanoRadar to achieve imaging resolution comparable to that of LiDAR, but at a fraction of the cost.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comprehending-and-interpreting-complex-data">Comprehending and interpreting complex data</h2>



<p>Implementing high-resolution imaging while the robot is moving presented a significant challenge. The team needed to combine measurements from various positions with sub-millimeter accuracy.</p>



<p>"Even small motion errors can significantly impact the imaging quality," said Haowen Lai, lead author of the paper.</p>



<p>In addition, they had to train their system rigorously to comprehend and interpret the complex data it receives, to ensure that it could accurately identify and understand various objects and environmental features in real time.</p>



<p>"Indoor environments have consistent patterns and geometries. We leveraged these patterns to help our AI system interpret the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/radar-imaging-will-help-protect-polar-bears-from-human-disturbances/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">radar</a> signals, similar to how humans learn to make sense of what they see," explained Gaoxiang Luo.</p>



<p>Thanks to machine learning algorithms, the model was able to improve its understanding against reality using LiDAR data.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-radio-waves-and-robot-vision">Radio waves and robot vision</h2>



<p>PanoRadar’s capabilities extend beyond what traditional sensors can perceive.</p>



<p>"Our field tests across different buildings showed how radio sensing can excel where traditional sensors struggle," said Liu. "The system maintains precise tracking through smoke and can even map spaces with glass walls."</p>



<p>This advantage comes from the ability of radio waves to pass through airborne particles with ease, allowing the system to detect elements that LiDAR often misses, such as glass surfaces. </p>



<p>Additionally, PanoRadar's high resolution enables it to identify people accurately, an essential capability for applications like autonomous vehicles and rescue operations in challenging environments.</p>



<p>These attributes make PanoRadar a game-changer for robots operating in difficult conditions, where reliability and precision are paramount.</p>



<p>The research will be presented at the 2024 International Conference on Mobile Computing and Networking (<a href="https://www.sigmobile.org/mobicom/2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MobiCom</a>).</p>



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



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<p></p>

Giving robots 'superhuman' vision through radio waves

PanoRadar marks a breakthrough in the ever-advancing world of robotics,...

<p>In a refreshing attempt to understanding animal consciousness and emotions, a group of researchers from various disciplines have come together to share their thoughts.</p>



<p>The research team was led by Dr. Marcela Benítez, assistant professor of anthropology at Emory University. </p>



<p>"As far as we know, this is the first assessment of how animal behavior researchers across a range of disciplines think about emotions and consciousness in non-human animals," said Professor Benítez.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quantifying-animal-emotions">Quantifying animal emotions</h2>



<p>The research shows that a majority of the researchers ascribed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-emotions-evoke-different-responses-in-dogs-and-pigs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emotions</a> to non-human primates (98%), mammals (89%), birds (78%), and even to octopus, squids, and cuttlefish (72%), and fish (53%). </p>



<p>Incredibly, sentiments are even expressed towards invertebrates (71%) and insects (67%).</p>



<p>Anthromorphism - projecting human experiences onto <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-can-feel-our-emotions-through-our-heart-rate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animals</a> - and anthropodenial - the denial of any human characteristics in animals - were identified as hazards in animal behavioral research.</p>



<p>Surprisingly, 89% of the respondents thought anthropodenial was more problematic compared to only 49% who thought anthromorphism posed a risk. "That seems like a significant shift," said Professor Benítez.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-history-of-animal-emotion-studies">History of animal emotion studies</h2>



<p>The question of whether animals experience emotions has kept thinkers busy since Aristotle and Descartes. </p>



<p>Charles Darwin also addressed this topic, writing that “the lower animals, like man, manifestly feel pleasure and pain, happiness and misery.” </p>



<p>However, mid-20th-century behavioral theorists dismissed the study of animal emotions since these feelings were seen as scientifically unquantifiable.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-study-of-animal-cognition">The study of animal cognition</h2>



<p>The late primatologist Frans de Waal, an emeritus professor of psychology at Emory, revolutionized the study of animal cognition through his profound studies. </p>



<p>"Frans de Waal definitely helped kick open the door," said Benítez, crediting him for enabling new scientists to question the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chick-emotions-shed-new-light-on-animal-welfare/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">inner lives of animals</a>.</p>



<p>Matthew Zipple, a neurobiologist at <a href="https://www.cornell.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cornell University</a>’s Laboratory for Animal Social Evolution and Recognition, is the paper's first author. Emory postdoctoral fellow Mackenzie Webster and philosopher Caleb Hazelwood were also part of the team.</p>



<p>Professor Benítez, whose research focuses on cooperation and other social behaviors in capuchin monkeys, recognizes the influence of de Waal's work in her career.</p>



<p>"A key component of cooperation often involves forming <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/recognizing-emotions-in-horses-can-improve-their-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emotional bonds</a> with one another. So, I can’t shy away from considering emotions in my research," she said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-survey-on-animal-emotions">Survey on animal emotions</h2>



<p>To examine researchers' perceptions on animal emotions, Professor Benítez and her team developed a meticulous survey that was distributed to graduate school programs in animal behavior research across various disciplines.</p>



<p>The respondents included several specialities - behavioral ecologists, evolutionary biologists, neuroscientists, cognitive psychologists, biological psychologists, and more.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-in-defining-emotion-in-animals">Challenges in defining emotion in animals</h2>



<p>Towards the end of the survey, respondents were asked to define "emotion."</p>



<p>“I don’t have a clear definition either,” said Benítez. “I see emotions as a sort of internal process in responding to external stimuli that has an impact on how a situation is perceived. I go to the most basic definition because that allows us to explore that capacity in non-human primates.”</p>



<p>Animal studies present unique challenges. A key issue in lab experiments is replicating the animal's natural environment. In the wild, it's difficult to design and control the experiment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-innovative-solutions-for-age-old-challenges">Innovative solutions for age-old challenges</h2>



<p>Professor Benítez is pioneering a new approach to bridge this gap. She co-directs the Capuchins de Taboga Costa Rica project, which studies both captive and wild capuchins.</p>



<p>Her team is using AI techniques, facial recognition software, and touch screen computers on presentation platforms in the wild to better understand capuchin monkey behavior.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ethical-implications-of-animal-studies">Ethical implications of animal studies</h2>



<p>The exploration of animal consciousness and emotions extends beyond the realms of science and ethics, challenging the moral considerations and treatment of animals across various settings. </p>



<p>Researchers must navigate complex ethical terrains, balancing scientific inquiry with the welfare and respectful treatment of the animals involved. </p>



<p>The understanding that animals might possess emotions akin to humans necessitates humane treatment protocols and raises questions about the ethical implications of using animals in research, entertainment, and agriculture. </p>



<p>As research in this field progresses, there remains an ongoing dialogue regarding the responsibility of scientists to advocate for policies that protect animal rights while advancing scientific knowledge.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-animal-emotion-research">The future of animal emotion research</h2>



<p>Looking ahead, the future of animal emotion research promises to integrate even more advanced methodologies and cross-disciplinary collaborations that push the boundaries of our understanding. </p>



<p>As AI and machine learning continue to evolve, these technologies offer new ways of analyzing and interpreting animal behaviors at unprecedented scales, providing deeper insights into their emotional lives. </p>



<p>Additionally, promoting collaborations between behavioral scientists, technologists, ethicists, and policymakers can help develop innovative approaches that are scientifically rigorous and ethically sound. </p>



<p>Embracing these future directions can drive the field toward more holistic understandings of non-human animals, ultimately transforming how society views and interacts with the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-animal-day-2024-building-a-legacy-of-compassion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animal kingdom</a>.</p>



<p>“We’ve only scratched the surface of exploring what animals are capable of experiencing,” said Professor Benítez.</p>



<p>“Understanding the evolution of emotions is integral to understanding our own ancestry. In what ways are we a unique species? It’s an exciting time as new methods may help us better understand how an animal may be feeling and how that links to the decisions they make.”</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.241255" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Society Open Science</a>.</em></p>



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



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

Animals, possibly even insects, have emotions

In a refreshing attempt to understanding animal consciousness and emotions,...

<p>The planet keeps surprising us with its hidden wonders, even in a time when we thought we had seen it all. The latest surprise is a gigantic coral organism, so immense that it can be seen from space, concealed below the waters of the Solomon Islands.</p>



<p>This colossal coral has a staggering circumference of 183 meters. It's not a simple, singular life form, but an intricate collection of individual coral polyps. </p>



<p>The massive coral system is estimated to have been growing and expanding for the past three to five centuries.</p>



<p>The location of this underwater marvel? The region of the western <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pacific-coral-reefs-have-naturally-increased-their-heat-tolerance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pacific</a>, often referred to as the "coral triangle." </p>



<p>The scientists who have brought this hidden gem to light are members of the National Geographic Pristine Seas team.</p>



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



<p>As active as a bustling city, yet as quiet as a vast desert, this formation is a haven teeming with an array of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/1-8-million-species-are-yet-to-be-identified-in-the-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine species</a>, including various fish, crabs, and shrimps.</p>



<p>It isn't just a large rock but a living, pulsating ecosystem that's mostly brown with splashes of vivid yellows, blues, and reds. This magnificent coral is lovingly referred to as the "Pavona clavus."</p>



<p>According to Enric Sala, a marine ecologist and explorer in residence for <a href="https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nationalgeographic.com%2F&amp;utm_campaign=aga&amp;utm_source=agsadl2%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Geographic</a>, the discovery of this coral is as monumental as finding the world's tallest tree.</p>



<p>"Just when we think there is nothing left to discover on planet Earth, we find a massive coral made of nearly 1bn little polyps, pulsing with life and color," said Sala.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-millions-of-connected-organisms">Millions of connected organisms</h2>



<p>The colossal coral stands in stark contrast to a traditional <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healthy-coral-reefs-crackle-with-the-sounds-of-busy-inhabitants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral reef</a>. The latter is a complex network of many coral colonies, whereas this discovery is a standalone entity.</p>



<p>It has grown nonstop with polyps originating from larvae that settled on the seabed and then multiplied into millions of other genetically identical polyps over the centuries.</p>



<p>When the team initially spotted this organism, which is 34 meters wide, 32 meters long, and more than 5 meters high, they mistook it for a shipwreck. </p>



<p>The expedition’s underwater cinematographer took the plunge more than 12 meters down to the coral and discovered it was, in fact, a Pavona clavus.</p>



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



<p>Ronnie Posala, an officer for the Solomon Islands fisheries ministry, commented on the significance of the discovery. </p>



<p>“For the people of the Solomon Islands, this mega coral discovery is monumental. It reinforces the importance of our ocean, which sustains our communities, traditions, and future," said Posala.</p>



<p>He emphasizes how such discoveries remind us of our duty to safeguard these natural wonders for their ecological value and the livelihoods and cultural identity they provide.</p>



<p>Eric Brown, a coral scientist for the Pristine Seas expedition, views the giant coral system as an encouraging sign. </p>



<p>“While the nearby shallow reefs were degraded due to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/in-warmer-seas-cold-spells-are-vanishing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warmer seas</a>, witnessing this large healthy coral oasis in slightly deeper waters is a beacon of hope," said Brown. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coral-resilience-and-threats">Coral resilience and threats</h2>



<p>The discovery of this giant coral serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of our complex marine ecosystems, but also highlights the ongoing threats they face.</p>



<p>Coral reefs worldwide are increasingly impacted by climate change, pollution, and unsustainable fishing practices. </p>



<p>The Solomon Islands' Pavona clavus, flourishing in slightly deeper waters, may highlight a potential adaptation strategy against warming seas, demonstrating that some corals may survive where others cannot.</p>



<p>Scientists hope that this remarkable find will prompt further research into how deeper-water corals manage to thrive despite changing conditions, potentially offering insights into preserving and protecting more vulnerable shallow reef systems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-are-the-biggest-threats-to-coral-reefs">What are the biggest threats to coral reefs?</h2>



<p>Coral reefs are under significant threat due to a combination of natural and human-induced factors. </p>



<p>Climate change plays a major role, as rising ocean temperatures cause coral <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-heatwave-led-to-massive-coral-bleaching-event/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bleaching</a> - a process where corals lose their vibrant colors and vital symbiotic algae, often leading to death.</p>



<p>Additionally, increasing levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere contribute to ocean acidification, which weakens coral skeletons and hinders their growth.</p>



<p>Human activities such as overfishing disrupt the delicate balance of reef ecosystems by removing key species that help maintain the health of the coral. </p>



<p>Pollution further exacerbates the problem, with agricultural runoff introducing excessive nutrients into the water, leading to algal blooms that outcompete corals for sunlight and space. </p>



<p>Efforts to protect coral reefs focus on addressing these threats through global and local actions, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, implementing sustainable practices, and restoring damaged reef areas.</p>



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



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Largest coral in the world found in the Solomon islands

The planet keeps surprising us with its hidden wonders, even...

<p>In a quiet and picturesque corner of southern Brazil known as Paraíso do Sul, an extraordinary treasure was uncovered -- a fossil so ancient and well-preserved that it may potentially rewrite the narrative of dinosaur evolution.</p>



<p>This remarkable fossil belonged to a dog-sized reptile named <em>Gondwanax paraisensis</em> that roamed the region approximately 237 million years ago. </p>



<p>This was during the Triassic period -- a time when Earth’s ecosystems were teeming with evolutionary experiments.</p>



<p>As a newly identified species, this fossil holds tremendous potential as a key to unraveling the mysteries surrounding the origin and early development of the oldest dinosaurs.</p>



<p>Although this fascinating discovery has sparked significant intrigue and excitement among paleontologists, the exact position of the fossil in the complex evolutionary tree of life still remains a subject of debate and careful scientific scrutiny.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dinosaur-history-written-in-stone">Dinosaur history written in stone</h2>



<p>In the realms of science, every fossil discovery is like a puzzle piece that can help us better understand our past. And when it comes to the world of paleontology, there are still many puzzles waiting to be solved.</p>



<p><em>Gondwanax paraisensis</em> walked on four legs and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gondwanax#/media/File:Gondwanax_paraisensis.png" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">was 39 inches in length</a>, with a long tail. It belonged to an extinct group of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/past-climate-change-drove-the-rapid-evolution-of-reptiles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reptiles</a> known as silesaurids. These were not true dinosaurs, but are considered a closely related sister group to the dinosaurs.</p>



<p>However, this newly discovered fossil is one of the oldest silesaurids found anywhere in the world, and it may lead scientists to challenge currently accepted theories about the lineage and early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dinosaurs-may-have-become-warm-blooded-180-million-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution of dinosaurs</a>.</p>



<p>"The most important part of this finding is its age,” said Rodrigo Temp Müller, the sole author of the study and a paleontologist at <a href="https://www.ufsm.br/orgaos-de-apoio/sai/welcome-to-ufsm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Federal University of Santa Maria</a> in Brazil. “Because it's so old, it gives us clues as to how dinosaurs came to be."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-currently-accepted-dinosaur-evolution-theory">Currently accepted dinosaur evolution theory</h2>



<p>Scientists think dinosaurs first appeared about 230 million years ago during the Triassic period. They evolved from earlier reptiles and quickly diversified into a bunch of different species. </p>



<p>Over time, dinosaurs became the dominant land animals, filling all sorts of ecological roles. Some grew to massive sizes like the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/qunkasaura-pintiquiniestra-new-sauropod-dinosaur-discovered-in-spain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sauropods</a>, while others became fierce predators like the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/t-rex-was-about-70-percent-bigger-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tyrannosaurus rex</a>. </p>



<p>It's wild to consider how they adapted and evolved unique features like horns, armor, and even feathers over millions of years.</p>



<p>One of the coolest things we've learned is that not all dinosaurs went extinct -- birds are actually their modern descendants. </p>



<p>Birds evolved from small, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dinosaurs-evolved-feathers-for-much-more-than-just-flying/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">feathered theropods</a>, meaning every time you see a pigeon or a hawk, you're looking at a living dinosaur. </p>



<p>This evolutionary link is supported by numerous fossil discoveries that show similarities in skeletal structures, feather patterns, and nesting behaviors. </p>



<p>Additionally, ongoing research continues to uncover how dinosaurs interacted with their environments and each other, shedding light on their complex social behaviors and survival strategies.</p>



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



<p>There is an ongoing debate among paleontologists about where silesaurids fit in terms of dinosaur evolution. Were they actual dinosaurs or were they just closely related ancestors?</p>



<p>The answer to this question is not straightforward. Some scientists believe that silesaurids are a sister group to dinosaurs, implying that they share a common ancestor but evolved separately.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Gondwanax-paraisensis_history-of-dinosaurs_illustration_credit-Gondwana-research_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Gondwanax-paraisensis_history-of-dinosaurs_illustration_credit-Gondwana-research_1s.webp" alt="Illustration showing the evolution of dinosaurs on the Gondwana continent of ancient Earth. Credit: Gondwana research" class="wp-image-1950311"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Illustration showing the evolution of dinosaurs on the Gondwana continent of ancient Earth. Credit: Gondwana research</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>Others, however, hypothesize that some silesaurids may have evolved into ornithischians -- <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/isle-of-wight-fossils-suggest-that-europe-had-unique-plant-eating-dinosaurs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">herbivorous dinosaurs</a>, such as the <em><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/armor-was-a-boomerang-trait-in-the-story-of-dinosaur-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stegosaurus</a></em> and <em><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/triceratops-dinosaurs-seem-to-have-developed-complex-social-structures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Triceratops</a></em>, that possessed a bird-like pelvic structure.</p>



<p>Understanding silesaurids could potentially lead to a better understanding of what physical traits contributed to the success of early dinosaurs.</p>



<p>However, solving this puzzle has not been an easy task as many fossils of silesaurids are found incomplete or fragmented, making it difficult for scientists to reach consensus regarding the position of silesaurids in the evolutionary tree of dinosaurs. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-clues-about-the-history-of-dinosaurs">New clues about the history of dinosaurs </h2>



<p>Physician Pedro Lucas Porcela Aurélio, who discovered the new fossil in 2014, was hit by an indescribable feeling. "Being the first human to touch something from 237 million years ago is extraordinary," he remarked.</p>



<p>When Aurélio handed over the fossil to the paleontologists in 2021, it was encased in hard rock with only the vertebrae visible. </p>



<p>Surprisingly, <em>Gondwanax</em> was found to have three vertebrae in its hips, unlike its relatives who only had two. This difference suggested that this reptile may have been more dinosaur-like than previously assumed.</p>



<p>If this hypothesis is confirmed, it would not only extend the history of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-did-bird-hipped-dinosaurs-evolve/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ornithischians</a> (bird-like dinosaurs) by up to ten million years, but it would also significantly alter our understanding of dinosaur origin.</p>



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



<p>Despite the enthusiasm around the discovery, scientists still need more fossil evidence to confirm this theory. </p>



<p>Steve Brusatte, a paleontologist from the <a href="https://www.ed.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Edinburgh</a>, highlighted this need for further exploration. </p>



<p>"I wish I could say that this new silesaurid fossil solves the riddle once and for all," he said. "But for me, it is still an open question."</p>



<p>We will be waiting eagerly for more pieces of this ancient puzzle to surface. Until then, the mystery of the dog-sized reptile continues to linger.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal<em> <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1342937X24002764" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gondwana Research</a></em>.</p>



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Rare Triassic fossil discovery may rewrite the history of dinosaurs

In a quiet and picturesque corner of southern Brazil known...

<p>Roughly 233 million years ago, Earth's continents were fused into one massive landmass, and life as we know it was on the brink of transformation due to a one-million-year period of rain called the Carnian Pluvial Episode (CPE).</p>



<p>An international team of scientists has found evidence of this significant extinction event, which appears to have paved the way for dinosaurs to become the dominant creatures on Earth.</p>



<p>Involved in this important research are Dr. Jacopo Dal Corso from the <a href="https://en.cug.edu.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">China University of Geosciences</a> at Wuhan and Professor Mike Benton from the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a>. </p>



<p>Their collaborative efforts have pieced together a pivotal moment in our planet's history that reshaped life both on land and in the oceans.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carnian-pluvial-episode">Carnian Pluvial Episode</h2>



<p>Back in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-dinosaurs-benefited-from-changes-in-global-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Late Triassic period</a>, all the continents were joined together in a supercontinent known as Pangea, surrounded by the vast Panthalassa Ocean. The interior of <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/supercontinents-101-pannotia-gondwana-and-pangea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pangea</a> was mostly dry and arid, with rainfall occurring mainly near the coastal regions. </p>



<p>This dry spell took a dramatic turn when a layer of dark gray rock was discovered in Austria's Northern Limestone Alps in the 1970s by geologists Schlager and Schollnberger. </p>



<p>This layer indicated wet conditions sandwiched between arid periods, suggesting a global climate event -- the Carnian Pluvial Episode.</p>



<p>So, what caused this sudden shift to a wetter climate? The main culprit appears to be massive volcanic eruptions in the Wrangellia Province, an area that now includes parts of Alaska and British Columbia. </p>



<p>These eruptions released enormous amounts of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jurassic-rocks-reveal-new-details-about-earths-climate-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon dioxide</a> into the atmosphere. </p>



<p>"The eruptions peaked in the Carnian," notes Dr. Jacopo Dal Corso. "They were so huge, they pumped vast amounts of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, leading to spikes of global warming."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pangea-biodiversity-and-evolution">Pangea, biodiversity, and evolution</h2>



<p>The supercontinent known as Pangea joined together almost all of Earth's landmasses into one massive landmass. </p>



<p>Imagine all the continents we know today -- North America, South America, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Antarctica -- snapped together like pieces of a giant puzzle. </p>



<p>Pangea formed around 335 million years ago during the late Paleozoic era and dominated the planet until it began to break apart about 175 million years ago. </p>



<p>This massive gathering of land had a huge impact on the climate, sea levels, and the distribution of plants and animals across the globe.</p>



<p>As Pangea started to split apart, it set the stage for the continents to drift to their current positions through the process of plate tectonics. </p>



<p>This breakup led to the formation of the Atlantic Ocean and reshaped ecosystems, creating new environments for species to evolve and adapt. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mass-extinction-and-new-beginnings">Mass extinction and new beginnings</h2>



<p>The surge in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/report-earth-is-headed-for-an-irreversible-climate-disaster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gases</a> caused global temperatures to rise by about 5 to 7 degrees Fahrenheit, amplifying evaporation from the seas and triggering increased rainfall worldwide. </p>



<p>This climate chaos led to significant biodiversity loss. Many species couldn't adapt to the rapid environmental changes, resulting in a mass extinction event. But nature abhors a vacuum. </p>



<p>As some species disappeared, new ones emerged to fill the gaps, leading to ecosystems that began to resemble those we see today.</p>



<p>"The new floras probably provided slim pickings for the surviving <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animals-with-high-body-temperatures-often-become-herbivores/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">herbivorous reptiles</a>," says Professor Mike Benton. </p>



<p>"We now know that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rare-triassic-fossil-gondwanax-paraisensis-may-rewrite-history-of-dinosaurs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dinosaurs originated</a> some 20 million years before this event, but they remained quite rare and unimportant until the Carnian Pluvial Episode hit. It was the sudden arid conditions after the humid episode that gave dinosaurs their chance."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dinosaurs-emerge-from-the-carnian-pluvial">Dinosaurs emerge from the Carnian Pluvial</h2>



<p>As the climate shifted back to drier conditions, dinosaurs seized the opportunity to thrive. This period also saw the rise of the first turtles, crocodiles, lizards, and even the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/incredible-discovery-some-mammals-attacked-dinosaurs-and-they-often-won-the-battle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">earliest mammals</a>. </p>



<p>The expansion of conifer forests created new habitats, and these emerging animal groups diversified life on land in remarkable ways.</p>



<p>The oceans weren't spared from the upheaval. The Carnian Pluvial Episode marks the beginning of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-save-coral-reefs-with-selective-breeding/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">modern coral reefs</a> and the appearance of many groups of plankton. </p>



<p>These changes indicate significant shifts in ocean chemistry and the carbonate cycle, affecting the entire marine food chain and leading to new forms of marine life.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recognizing-a-sixth-mass-extinction">Recognizing a sixth mass extinction</h2>



<p>Until now, scientists had identified five <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-was-the-cause-of-earths-largest-mass-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">major mass extinctions</a> over the past half-billion years. These events dramatically reshaped life's trajectory on Earth. </p>



<p>"So far, paleontologists had identified five 'big' mass extinctions in the past 500 million years of the history of life," says Dr. Dal Corso. </p>



<p>"We have identified another great extinction event, and it evidently had a major role in helping to reset life on land and in the oceans, marking the origins of modern ecosystems."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lessons-from-this-carnian-pluvial">Lessons from this Carnian Pluvial</h2>



<p>The Carnian Pluvial Episode offers valuable insights into how massive volcanic eruptions and the resulting climate shifts can have far-reaching consequences. </p>



<p>The release of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide led to global warming, increased rainfall, and environmental upheaval. </p>



<p>In our current era, human activities are raising <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/2023-climate-change-report-record-high-temperatures-greenhouse-gases-sea-level-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gas levels</a>, leading to climate change. Studying events like the CPE can help us understand how ecosystems respond to rapid environmental changes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-massive-volcanic-events">Massive volcanic events</h2>



<p>Dr. Dal Corso emphasizes the scale of these ancient volcanic events, saying, "The eruptions were so huge, they pumped vast amounts of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, and there were spikes of global warming." </p>



<p>His observations highlight how natural events can dramatically alter our planet's climate.</p>



<p>"I had noted a floral switch and ecological catastrophe among the herbivores back in 1983 when I completed my PhD," Professor Benton notes.</p>



<p>His decades of work illustrate how scientific understanding evolves, building on clues from various fields to piece together Earth's complex history.</p>



<p>Learning about events from millions of years ago requires collaboration across multiple scientific disciplines, including geology, paleontology, and climate science. </p>



<p>Discoveries like the Carnian Pluvial Episode showcase the importance of interdisciplinary research in deepening our understanding of Earth's past.</p>



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



<p>As we face our own environmental challenges today, looking back at events like the Carnian Pluvial Episode can inform our actions. </p>



<p>If natural volcanic activity could cause such drastic changes, it raises questions about the impact of human-induced climate change. </p>



<p>How might life on Earth adapt -- or struggle to adapt -- in the face of current environmental shifts?</p>



<p>The story of the Carnian Pluvial Episode demonstrates Earth's resilience and ability to recover and evolve after catastrophic events. </p>



<p>A period of massive volcanic eruptions and climate upheaval set the stage for the rise of dinosaurs and the formation of ecosystems that continue to influence life today. </p>



<p>As we continue to explore our planet's history, each discovery offers a new perspective on the resilience and adaptability of life on Earth.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.2109895118" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>PNAS</em></a>.</p>



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One million years of heavy rain triggered Earth's era of dinosaur dominance

Roughly 233 million years ago, Earth's continents were fused into...

<p>Have you ever looked back and felt like the years just vanished overnight? You're not the only one. Many of us notice that as we age, our perception of time changes. </p>



<p>Days and years seem to speed by, leaving us wondering what changed. Is it just our busy lives, or is there something deeper happening in our brains?</p>



<p>Scientists are diving into this age-old mystery to uncover why time feels like it's racing against us. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-perception-of-time">Human perception of time</h2>



<p>From changes in how our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nature-experiences-alter-time-perception/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">minds process information</a> to the routines that shape our daily lives, there's a lot going on behind the scenes.</p>



<p>Adrian Bejan, a researcher at <a href="https://www.duke.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Duke University</a> with decades of experience, offers a fascinating perspective on this phenomenon. </p>



<p>He suggests that our perception of time changes due to physical alterations in our brains and bodies as we age.</p>



<p>But let's unpack this idea step by step. Why do some days feel longer or shorter than others? And why does time seem to fly by as we get older?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clock-time-vs-mind-time">"Clock time" vs. "mind time"</h2>



<p>According to Bejan, there's a distinction between measurable clock time and the time <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/slow-motion-exercise-changes-our-perception-of-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">perceived by our minds</a>. </p>



<p>He explains, "The measurable ‘clock time’ is not the same as the time perceived by the human mind. The ‘mind time’ is a sequence of images, i.e., reflections of nature that are fed by stimuli from sensory organs."</p>



<p>In simpler terms, our brains process a series of mental images based on what we see, hear, and experience. </p>



<p>When we're young, our brains receive and process these images more rapidly. As we age, this processing slows down due to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heart-rate-influences-our-perception-of-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">physical changes</a> like the degradation of neural pathways.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-some-days-feel-longer">Why some days feel longer</h2>



<p>Have you noticed that days filled with new experiences or productivity seem longer? That's because your mind is processing more information and creating more mental images. </p>



<p>When you're well-rested, your <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-brains-bend-time-to-adapt-to-lifes-rhythm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain operates</a> more efficiently, allowing you to take in more of the world around you.</p>



<p>Think about athletes who perform best when they're rested. "Lack of rest makes you miss plays, unable to anticipate, unable to see the ball before it arrives," Bejan notes. </p>



<p>The same goes for students taking exams; a well-rested mind can work through problems more thoroughly, making the exam period feel longer.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-perception-of-time-based-on-routine">Perception of time based on routine</h2>



<p>Cindy Lustig, a psychology professor at the <a href="https://umich.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Michigan</a>, offers another angle. She points out that as we age, our lives often become more routine. </p>



<p>"When we are older, we tend to have lives that are more structured around routines, and fewer of the big landmark events that we use to demarcate different epochs of the ‘time of our lives,’" says Lustig.</p>



<p>With fewer new experiences, our brains lump similar days and weeks together. This can make time feel like it's passing more quickly because there are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/children-and-adults-perceive-time-differently/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fewer memorable events</a> to distinguish one period from another.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-media-s-impact-on-time-perception">Social media's impact on time perception</h2>



<p>In today's digital age, excessive use of social media can also distort our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astrophysicist-says-hes-cracked-the-equation-for-time-travel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sense of time</a>. When we dive into our favorite apps, we're met with an endless stream of posts, videos, and updates that continuously stimulate our senses. </p>



<p>This constant engagement can make minutes turn into hours without us noticing. The design of these platforms often encourages prolonged usage through features like infinite scrolling and autoplay videos, which can trap us in a loop where we lose track of how much time has actually passed.</p>



<p>Moreover, excessive use of social media can lead to sleep deprivation, especially when we stay up late scrolling through our feeds. </p>



<p>Lack of adequate sleep affects our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/time-cells-in-the-brain-are-key-to-complex-learning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive functions</a>, making it harder for us to process information efficiently. This can further alter our perception of time, making days feel shorter and less memorable.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-physical-changes-in-the-aging-brain">Physical changes in the aging brain</h2>



<p>Bejan emphasizes that physical changes in our brains contribute significantly to this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/meditation-reveals-common-altered-states-of-consciousness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">altered perception</a>. </p>



<p>"The rate at which changes in mental images are perceived decreases with age because of several physical features that change with age: saccades frequency, body size, pathways degradation, etc.," he explains.</p>



<p>As our neural pathways degrade over time, our brains take longer to process new information. </p>



<p>This slower processing speed means we're generating fewer mental images in the same amount of clock time, making time seem to pass faster.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-friendly-debate-among-experts">Friendly debate among experts</h2>



<p>While Bejan's theory is compelling, Lustig isn't entirely convinced it tells the whole story. </p>



<p>She challenges some of his points, especially regarding physical changes like head size affecting perception. </p>



<p>"He makes some argument about the length of the optic nerve related to head size, and I will let you judge whether an 80-year-old has a substantially larger head than a 25-year-old," Lustig remarks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-really-going-on-with-time">What's really going on with time?</h2>



<p>The truth might be a blend of both perspectives. Our perception of time likely changes due to a combination of physical changes in our brains and the way we experience life as we age. </p>



<p>With fewer novel experiences and a slower processing speed, time seems to accelerate.</p>



<p>But here's something to ponder: Can we slow down our perception of time by actively seeking new experiences and staying mentally engaged? It's worth considering.</p>



<p>Perhaps the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mindfulness-can-lead-to-altered-states-of-consciousness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">key lies in mindfulness</a> and breaking out of routines. By introducing variety into our lives and challenging our minds, we might recapture that youthful sense of time stretching out before us.</p>



<p>Have you tried picking up a new hobby or exploring a new place recently? How did it affect your perception of time?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-time-perception-and-the-human-experience">Time, perception, and the human experience</h2>



<p>To sum it all up, our sense that time speeds up as we age seems to stem from both physical changes in our brains and the routines we fall into over the years.</p>



<p>As we get older, our brains process new information more slowly due to the degradation of neural pathways.</p>



<p>This slower processing means we perceive fewer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-dreams-influence-our-perceptions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mental images</a> in the same amount of clock time, making days and years feel like they pass more quickly.</p>



<p>Meanwhile, as we get older, we tend to have more structured lives filled with routines and fewer novel experiences. </p>



<p>This lack of new events makes it harder for our brains to distinguish one day from the next, contributing to the sensation that time is slipping away.</p>



<p>While scientists like Bejan and Lustig continue to explore this intriguing topic, one thing is clear: our perception of time is deeply personal and influenced by many factors.</p>



<p>By actively seeking new experiences and staying mentally engaged, we might just slow down our perception of time and make each moment count a little more.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/european-review/article/why-the-days-seem-shorter-as-we-get-older/2CB8EC9B0B30537230C7442B826E42F1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Review</a></em>.</p>



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Time flies by much faster as we get older, and now we know why

Have you ever looked back and felt like the years...

<p>Researchers recently revealed a stunning new species of sea slug glowing in the ocean's darkest depths. Known as the "mystery mollusk" or&nbsp;<em>Bathydevius caudactylus</em>, this nudibranch inhabits the ocean's midnight zone, one of Earth's least-explored realms.</p>



<p>This discovery is more than just a new name on a species list - it's an illuminating dive into our planet's vast, hidden ecosystems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mystery-mollusk-in-the-midnight-zone">Mystery mollusk in the midnight zone</h2>



<p>The "mystery mollusk," <em>Bathydevius caudactylus</em> as the scientists officially named it, inhabits the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/highly-unusual-bacteria-discovered-in-deep-sea-corals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean's deep abyss</a>, also known as the midnight zone.</p>



<p>But this isn't just about a new species - it's about an exciting lifeline into understanding our planet's largest habitat in more depth.</p>



<p>Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (<a href="https://www.mbari.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MBARI</a>) Senior Scientist Bruce Robison steered this explorative venture.</p>



<p>“Thanks to MBARI’s advanced underwater technology, we were able to prepare the most comprehensive description of a deep-sea animal ever made," noted Robison.</p>



<p>"We've invested more than 20 years in understanding the natural history of this fascinating species of nudibranch. Our discovery is a new piece of the puzzle that can help better understand the largest habitat on Earth."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-identifying-the-mystery-mollusk">Identifying the mystery mollusk</h2>



<p>This unusual sea creature was first spotted in the year 2000, during an expedition using the institute's remotely operated vehicle (ROV) named Tiburon. It was found gliding through the waters offshore of Monterey Bay at a depth of 2,614 meters (8,576 feet).</p>



<p>Confusion arose when the team initially struggled to identify this creature due to its anomalous appearance - a voluminous hood, a flat tail fringed with numerous, finger-like projections, and a set of colorful internal organs.</p>



<p>But after years of research and countless ROV sightings, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-pigs-unicumbers-strange-stunning-creatures-discovered-abyssal-plains-ccz/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mystery</a> was solved - this strange creature is, in fact, a nudibranch or sea slug.</p>



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="rLItWTv9qr-4019991-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



<p>The mystery mollusk isn't your ordinary nudibranch. It's the first of its kind known to dwell in the immense open waters of the bathypelagic zone, a region 1,000 to 4,000 meters (3,300 to 13,100 feet) below the ocean surface.</p>



<p>Also, the sightings of this fascinating creature span the Pacific coast of North America, from Oregon to as far south as Southern California. Plus, similar creatures spotted by NOAA researchers in the Mariana Trench hint at the mollusk's potentially widespread existence.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-survival-techniques-of-the-sea-slug">Survival techniques of the sea slug</h2>



<p>Surviving in such harsh environments is no easy feat. How does the mystery mollusk manage? Interestingly, it has evolved unique survival strategies.</p>



<p>For instance, unlike most sea slugs that feed by rasping prey off the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-life-100-new-sea-creatures-found-in-chile/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seafloor</a>, it uses its cavernous hood to trap crustaceans, much like a Venus flytrap plant would do.</p>



<p>Moreover, to avoid predators, it has a clear body that blends with the surrounding waters and can emit a bright bioluminescence to deter and distract hungry predators. </p>



<p>“When we first filmed it glowing with the ROV, everyone in the control room let out a loud ‘Oooooh!’ at the same time. We were all enchanted by the sight,” said MBARI senior scientist Steven Haddock.</p>



<p>“Only recently have cameras become capable of filming bioluminescence in high-resolution and in full color. MBARI is one of the only places in the world where we have taken this new technology into the deep ocean, allowing us to study the luminous behavior of deep-sea animals in their natural habitat.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nudibranch-family-tree-expands">Nudibranch family tree expands</h2>



<p>Beyond its captivating appearance and survival tactics, what really stood out during the research was the mollusc's genetic uniqueness. </p>



<p>Detailed examination of specific gene sequences emphasized that the mystery mollusk is distinct enough from other known nudibranchs to merit the creation of a new family, Bathydeviidae.</p>



<p>"What is exciting to me about the mystery mollusk is that it exemplifies how much we are learning as we spend more time in the deep sea, particularly below 2,000 meters," said Haddock.</p>



<p>"For there to be a relatively large, unique, and glowing animal that is in a previously unknown family really underscores the importance of using new technology to catalog this vast environment. The more we learn about deep-sea communities, the better we will be at ocean decision-making and stewardship.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wealth-of-deep-sea-discoveries">Wealth of deep-sea discoveries</h2>



<p>This discovery is just one exciting piece in the puzzle of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-species-of-deep-sea-squid-discovered-that-broods-giant-eggs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deep-sea exploration</a>. MBARI's state-of-the-art technology has unveiled over 250 previously unknown deep-sea species to date, encouraging us to plunge deeper into these fascinating, otherworldly realms.</p>



<p>“Deep-sea animals capture the imagination. These are our neighbors that share our blue planet. Each new discovery is an opportunity to raise awareness about the deep sea and inspire the public to protect the amazing animals and environments found deep beneath the surface,” said Robison.</p>



<p>Indeed, each new discovery brings us one step closer to fully understanding and protecting our fascinating blue planet. And with this latest revelation of the mystery mollusk, we get to marvel at another fascinating dweller of the deep.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0967063724001845?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Deep Sea Research</a>.</em></p>



<p>Image/ Video Credit: MBARI</p>



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Mystery mollusk: Glowing creature found in the deep ocean

Researchers recently revealed a stunning new species of sea slug...

<p>Across the globe, approximately 8.7 million different plant species exist, with around a quarter of them dwelling in the ocean.</p>



<p>For centuries, our understanding of these species, particularly those on land, has been largely shaped by their physical characteristics. </p>



<p>The process of identifying species based on their morphological characteristics was first established by 18th-century scientist Carl Linnaeus.</p>



<p>However, new findings suggest that this method may not be as comprehensive as we once thought. The research suggests that DNA holds the key to uncovering the identities of plants. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-using-dna-to-identify-plant-species">Using DNA to identify plant species</h2>



<p>While Linnaeus's method has guided our identification of species for centuries, advancements in technology have ushered in a new era of species identification - through <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/largest-ever-ocean-dna-study-uncovers-mysteries-of-marine-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DNA sequencing</a>. </p>



<p>Over the last decade, biologists have begun to depend heavily on DNA sequencing to distinguish between species more accurately. This approach typically involves analyzing a single, species-specific site in the DNA, but it's not foolproof.</p>



<p>"There are times when different plant species are difficult to characterize from a small DNA sequence. But now DNA sequencing has taken several steps forward and we have been able to identify completely new species by analyzing a larger part of the genome," explained Zaynab Shaik, author of a doctoral thesis at the <a href="https://www.gu.se/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Gothenburg</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-case-of-the-cryptic-daisies">The case of the cryptic daisies</h2>



<p>Shaik's research zeroes in on a group of daisies in the Cape Province of her native South Africa. This collection comprises 66 recognized species, and the first of these species was described in 1753.</p>



<p>Despite their prevalence and commonality, some daisies in the region have puzzled botanists. These "cryptic" plants appear identical in leaf and flower structure, growth habit, and distribution, yet they boast significant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/just-a-few-genetic-differences-tailor-flowers-to-specific-pollinators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genetic differences</a>.</p>



<p>"It is important that we have a better understanding of plant relationships and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animal-tracking-is-crucial-for-preserving-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a> on Earth. It is easy to imagine how wrong it could be if we discover that a plant is suitable for use as a base in a drug, and then we pick another, similar, species instead, which may not have the same properties at all," said Shaik.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dna-reveals-new-plant-species">DNA reveals new plant species </h2>



<p>Shaik's DNA analyses of these cryptic daisies have led to the unmasking of four new species. She noted that these species aren't new creations hidden in unexplored terrains. </p>



<p>"When I'm asked about this, there's a bit of an anti-climax when I explain that it's not that I've found a new daisy in a remote location that no one has seen before. But these have been admired for a long time, but they have been mistaken for another species."</p>



<p>Shaik's identification method, known as integrative taxonomy, merges traditional observational techniques with modern DNA sequencing. </p>



<p>This combination enhances our knowledge of species boundaries and is expected to ramp up the rate of new species discovery.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-many-more-discoveries-to-be-made">Many more discoveries to be made</h2>



<p>Shaik hints at a possible underestimation of the biodiversity in the Cape region and, by extension, other parts of the world. </p>



<p>"In the Cape, it has been thought that only 1 percent of biodiversity remains to be discovered. My results suggest that it could be much more than that. And the same should reasonably apply to other areas of the globe."</p>



<p>Thus, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saving-parrots-in-the-illegal-wildlife-trade-with-dna-technology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DNA technology</a>, progressing hand in hand with traditional methods, is undeniably reshaping our understanding of Earth's biodiversity. </p>



<p>As we continue to unravel more secrets within the realm of genetics, the question arises: how much more of nature's mysteries are waiting to be unveiled?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-technology-and-plant-species-discovery">Technology and plant species discovery</h2>



<p>The integration of DNA sequencing with traditional taxonomy, known as integrative taxonomy, is becoming the cornerstone of modern biodiversity studies. </p>



<p>Unlike conventional methods that rely solely on observable physical traits, this approach combines morphological analysis with molecular data, offering a multi-dimensional view of species identification. </p>



<p>This hybrid method addresses limitations found in singular approaches and helps clarify ambiguities, particularly in species with minimal visible differences.</p>



<p>Integrative taxonomy is not only accelerating the pace of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mushroom-magic-new-species-discovered-in-africa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species discovery</a> but also refining conservation strategies.</p>



<p>By identifying genetic differences that aren't apparent through morphology alone, researchers can better understand which populations may be at risk and develop more effective protection measures. </p>



<p>This evolving field highlights the importance of embracing modern technology alongside traditional scientific practices to enrich our understanding of life on Earth.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S025462992400320X?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">South African Journal of Botany</a></em>.</p>



<p>Image Credit: Zaynab Shaik</p>



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<p></p>

DNA technology will accelerate the pace of plant species discovery

Across the globe, approximately 8.7 million different plant species exist,...

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What caused the planet's longest ice age

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<p>—–</p>

Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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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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Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>

Social modeling affects our food choices

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y4eLFNYrKE On the unforgiving landscape of North Greenland, temperatures drop...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow3JH03PqEQ
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">New York is the site of the world's oldest forest.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-385-million-year-old-trees-discovered">385-million-year-old trees discovered</h2>



<p>Scientists have uncovered something extraordinary just two hours north of New York City. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-oldest-forest-discovered-close-to-new-york-city/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">world's oldest forest</a>, dating back 385 million years, offers a window into how Earth's first complex forests shaped our planet's atmosphere.</p>



<p>Located near <a href="https://townofcairo.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cairo, New York</a>, in Greene County, these weren't merely primitive plants struggling to survive. These were sophisticated trees with root systems remarkably similar to modern forests. This ancient woodland predates dinosaurs by 140 million years.</p>



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



<p>385 million years ago, upstate New York was a tropical paradise near the equator. Thanks to continental drift, this ancient forest has traveled thousands of miles to its current location.</p>



<p>The fossil forest sits in an abandoned quarry, roughly half the size of a football field. This represents just a slice of what was likely a massive forest system stretching from New York into Pennsylvania.</p>



<p>Charles Ver Straeten, curator of sedimentary rocks at the <a href="https://www.nysm.nysed.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York State Museum</a>, made the discovery in 2009. While scouting the former highway department property, his trained eye spotted wandering patterns in the stone that looked like marine features.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-revolutionary-age-and-preservation">Revolutionary age and preservation</h2>



<p>The site contains 385-million-year-old rocks with fossilized woody roots forming horizontal patterns up to 18 feet (5.5 meters) wide. As Christopher Berry, a paleobotanist at Cardiff University, explains: "You are walking through the roots of ancient trees."</p>



<p>This discovery pushes back advanced tree evolution by millions of years. The research, published in <em><a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a></em> in December 2019, fundamentally changes our understanding of when complex forests first emerged.</p>



<p>Researchers believe a massive flood buried the forest floor, creating perfect fossilization conditions. Over millions of years, sediment hardened into rock, preserving these root patterns like nature's time capsule.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meet-archaeopteris-the-first-modern-tree">Meet <em>Archaeopteris</em>: the first modern tree</h2>



<p>The star of this ancient forest is <em>Archaeopteris</em> – not to be confused with the feathered dinosaur <em>Archaeopteryx</em>. This tree was far older and more revolutionary.</p>



<p>William Stein from <a href="https://www.binghamton.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Binghamton University</a> describes the roots as "strikingly modern, essentially what you'd see outside in my yard right now." These weren't simple root systems you'd expect from ancient plants.</p>



<p>Some fossilized roots are six inches (15 centimeters) in diameter, forming 36-foot-wide (11-meter) patterns. These giants grew up to 65 feet (20 meters) tall with five-foot-diameter (1.5-meter) trunks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-changing-impact">Climate-changing impact</h2>



<p>These trees fundamentally changed Earth's environment. Kevin Boyce, a Stanford University geoscientist, explains how their deep roots triggered "weathering," chemical reactions that pulled carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.</p>



<p>This process dropped atmospheric CO2 levels from 10-15 times higher than today to roughly modern concentrations. These ancient trees helped create atmospheric conditions that made complex life possible.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-forest-ecosystem">Ancient forest ecosystem</h2>



<p>The forest was remarkably diverse. Scientists identified <em>Eospermatopteris</em>, palm tree-like plants with short roots that reached 30 feet (9 meters) tall but lacked woody structure. The forest also housed cladoxylopsids and a mysterious third species still being studied.</p>



<p>All reproduced through spores rather than seeds – millions of years before seeds evolved. This tropical environment had no grass, flowers, or flying insects, just towering trees creating Earth's first complex forest canopy.</p>



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



<p>Before this finding, the Gilboa forest, located 25 miles (40 kilometers) away, held the "oldest forest" title. Cairo's trees are 2-3 million years older, showing that complex forest ecosystems developed much faster than scientists believed possible.</p>



<p>Patricia Gensel, a <a href="https://www.unc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of North Carolina</a> paleobotanist, notes: "The size of those root systems is really changing the picture. Even 20 years ago, researchers assumed trees with such complex root systems didn't evolve so early."</p>



<p>The Cairo site presents three unique root systems, suggesting Devonian period forests were diverse ecosystems with different trees occupying different environmental niches, much like today's forests.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-preservation-efforts">Modern preservation efforts</h2>



<p>In 2022, New York State Senator Michelle Hinchey secured a $170,000 grant for the town of Cairo to construct specialized fencing around the fossil forest site. The town plans to conduct a feasibility study exploring the possibility of creating an educational center and working lab on-site.</p>



<p>Joe Hasenkopf, chair of the Cairo Planning Board, hopes to partner with educational institutions to create a research facility serving scientists, students, and the public.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lessons-for-today-s-climate">Lessons for today's climate</h2>



<p>Why does a 385-million-year-old forest matter today? It shows how dramatically forests can change Earth's climate. These ancient woodlands created the atmospheric conditions supporting complex life.</p>



<p>Understanding how prehistoric forests transformed the planet helps us appreciate modern forests' critical role in addressing climate change. Forests remain Earth's most effective carbon capture systems.</p>



<p>These prehistoric trees changed Earth's atmosphere by pulling massive amounts of carbon dioxide from the air. As we face modern climate challenges, this ancient forest reminds us of trees' incredible power to transform our planet's environment.</p>



<p>The next time you walk through a forest, remember you're experiencing an ecosystem whose blueprint was established 385 million years ago in upstate New York. These ancient pioneers didn't just survive – they thrived and changed the world forever.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em>Current Biology</em>.</p>



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



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

Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow3JH03PqEQ New York is the site of the world's oldest...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Veg4HmmRVZY
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Our bodies hits two 'aging cliffs' at these ages.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scientists-map-exact-ages-when-your-body-rapidly-ages">Scientists Map Exact Ages When Your Body Rapidly Ages</h2>



<p>Scientists have <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-bodies-begin-breaking-down-two-very-precise-ages/#google_vignette">discovered that aging</a> isn't the gradual, steady process many assume it to be. Instead, researchers from Stanford Medicine have found that our bodies undergo dramatic molecular changes at two specific ages: 44 and 60. This research, published in Nature Aging, reveals that aging happens in sudden bursts rather than smooth transitions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-two-waves-of-rapid-aging">Two waves of rapid aging</h2>



<p>The Stanford study tracked over 135,000 different molecules and microbes in 108 participants aged 25 to 75 over several years. Results showed that 81% of all molecules studied exhibited non-linear changes, meaning they shifted dramatically at certain ages rather than changing gradually over time.</p>



<p>Michael Snyder, chair of genetics at Stanford School of Medicine and the study's senior author, noted significant findings. "We're not just changing gradually over time; there are some really dramatic changes. It turns out the mid-40s is a time of dramatic change, as is the early 60s. And that's true no matter what class of molecules you look at."</p>



<p>The first wave of changes occurs around age 44, affecting molecules related to alcohol metabolism, caffeine processing, lipid <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/age-related-changes-in-metabolism-dont-match-our-expectations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">metabolism</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heart-disease-remains-the-leading-cause-of-death-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiovascular disease</a>, and skin and muscle function. The second wave hits around age 60, involving changes in carbohydrate metabolism, immune regulation, kidney function, and again cardiovascular and muscle health.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-happens-during-these-aging-bursts">What happens during these aging bursts</h2>



<p>During the mid-40s transformation, researchers observed significant changes in how the body processes alcohol and fats. This period often coincides with increased stress levels in many people's lives, potentially contributing to lifestyle factors that accelerate these molecular shifts.</p>



<p>"It's possible some of these changes could be tied to lifestyle or behavioral factors that cluster at these age groups, rather than being driven by biological factors," Snyder explained. For instance, alcohol metabolism dysfunction might result from increased consumption during the typically stressful mid-40s period.</p>



<p>The changes at age 60 are perhaps less surprising, as this is when many age-related diseases begin to manifest more prominently. The molecular shifts affect immune function and kidney health, both critical for maintaining overall wellness as we enter our senior years.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-latest-research-confirms-aging-patterns">Latest research confirms aging patterns</h2>



<p>Recent 2025 studies have validated these findings. Research examining tissue samples from 76 people found similar aging patterns, noting an "inflection point" between ages 45 and 55.</p>



<p>Scientists discovered that blood vessels, particularly the aorta, age fastest among all body tissues. This vascular aging may drive aging in other body parts, highlighting cardiovascular health's central role in the aging process.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cellular-changes-and-microbiome-shifts">Cellular changes and microbiome shifts</h2>



<p>The Stanford research revealed that these aging bursts affect our microbiome – the trillions of bacteria, viruses, and fungi living in and on our bodies. These microbial communities undergo substantial shifts during both aging periods, potentially affecting everything from digestion to immune function.</p>



<p>Additionally, researchers found that protein production and gene expression begin to fall out of sync as we age. This breakdown in cellular communication becomes especially pronounced during the two aging waves, contributing to the accumulation of damaged proteins associated with diseases such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alzheimers-may-not-be-brain-disorder-important-data-was-fabricated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alzheimer's</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-implications-and-longevity-considerations">Health implications and longevity considerations</h2>



<p>Understanding these aging patterns has important implications for healthcare strategies. Research suggests that people should pay particular attention to their health during their 40s and 60s, when these dramatic molecular changes occur.</p>



<p>Snyder emphasized the importance of proactive health measures. "I'm a big believer that we should try to adjust our lifestyles while we're still healthy," he noted. This might include increasing exercise to protect heart health and maintain muscle mass, or reducing alcohol consumption in the 40s as the body's ability to metabolize it declines.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-approaches-to-anti-aging-treatment">New approaches to anti-aging treatment</h2>



<p>Aging research has seen notable advances in 2025. Harvard Medical School scientists developed chemical cocktails that reverse cellular aging without genetic modification. These six combinations restored aged cells to youthfulness in under a week, offering safer alternatives to gene therapy.</p>



<p>Researchers identified new biomarkers like "InflammAge," a saliva-based test measuring chronic inflammation associated with aging. This non-invasive approach could change how we monitor aging and intervention.</p>



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



<p>Emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, cellular reprogramming, and senolytic therapies, are opening new possibilities for extending healthspan. Companies develop treatments targeting aging's fundamental mechanisms rather than just managing age-related diseases.</p>



<p>The Stanford findings provide a roadmap for implementing preventive measures. Rather than waiting for symptoms, people can prepare for and potentially mitigate these predictable aging waves.</p>



<p>As aging understanding evolves, one thing becomes clear: aging isn't inevitable decline, but specific biological events we may learn to prevent or reverse. The key is recognizing when these transitions occur and taking proactive health steps during vulnerable periods.</p>



<p>The study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/nataging" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Aging</a></em>.</p>



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



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

Scientists discover we age in bursts

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Veg4HmmRVZY Our bodies hits two 'aging cliffs' at these ages....

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqlF0XKzHY4
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The hidden science behind tickling.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scientists-discover-the-brain-s-tickling-command-center">Scientists discover the brain's 'tickling command center'</h2>



<p>Researchers have finally solved one of humanity's most enduring mysteries: why we can't <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/after-centuries-of-debate-we-still-dont-know-how-tickling-works/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tickle</a> ourselves and what makes some people incredibly ticklish while others barely react? Recent scientific discoveries are revolutionizing our understanding of this peculiar human behavior.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breakthrough-discovery-in-the-brain">Breakthrough discovery in the brain</h2>



<p>In 2023, Dr. Michael Brecht's team at <a href="https://www.hu-berlin.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Humboldt University</a>-<a href="https://www.hu-berlin.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Berlin</a> made a major discovery published in the <a href="https://www.cell.com/iscience/fulltext/S2589-0042(22)01991-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">journal <em>Neuron</em></a>. They identified the brain's actual "tickling command center" – specific neurons in a region called the periaqueductal gray that control both tickling responses and play behavior.</p>



<p>When researchers used cutting-edge optogenetic technology to shut down these neurons in laboratory rats, something remarkable happened. The animals completely lost their ability to be tickled or engage in playful behavior.</p>



<p>"We found that global blockade of the rat periaqueductal gray with either muscimol or lidocaine interfered with ticklishness and play," the research team reported in their study.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-two-types-of-tickling-revealed">Two types of tickling revealed</h2>



<p>What we call "tickling" is two completely different phenomena, according to the latest research. Light tickling – that feathery sensation that makes you want to scratch – is essentially your body's sophisticated bug detection system. This alerts you to potential insects or parasites on your skin.</p>



<p>Deep tickling – the kind that makes you laugh uncontrollably – involves complex brain circuits and is fundamentally social. You literally cannot tickle yourself with this type of stimulation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-self-tickling-is-impossible">Why self-tickling is impossible</h2>



<p>Your cerebellum acts like a prediction machine, recent findings show. When you move your own hand to touch yourself, your brain generates precise predictions about what you will feel and then cancels out the tickling sensation through neural inhibition.</p>



<p>When someone else tickles you, your brain can't predict their movements, so the full tickling response activates. It's like your brain's way of distinguishing between self and others.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-individual-differences-explained">Individual differences explained</h2>



<p>Individual differences in ticklishness depend on genetics, psychology, and even trust. Dr. Xinzhong Dong at <a href="https://www.jhu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Johns Hopkins University</a> notes that people with denser nerve endings tend to be more sensitive.</p>



<p>Psychological factors matter just as much. You respond more strongly when tickled by people you trust, and anxiety completely shuts down tickling responses. This explains why the same physical stimulus can produce completely different reactions depending on who's doing the tickling.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-controlling-your-ticklishness">Controlling your ticklishness</h2>



<p>Science offers answers for controlling your ticklishness. You can reduce tickling sensitivity through systematic desensitization – gradual exposure in controlled settings.</p>



<p>Dr. Konstantina Kilteni's 2025 research, published in <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adt0350" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a></em>, reveals another technique: place your hand on the tickler's hand. This allows your brain to partially predict the sensations, reducing the tickling response by up to 90 percent.</p>



<p>"Your brain is essentially learning to override its own reflexes," Kilteni explained in her review of tickling research.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-purpose-discovered">Evolutionary purpose discovered</h2>



<p>From an evolutionary perspective, tickling serves vital functions according to <a href="https://www.umd.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Maryland</a> researcher Dr. Robert Provine's extensive studies. It trains our defense reflexes for vulnerable body areas and facilitates social bonding between family members.</p>



<p>Tickling-induced laughter is actually one of the first forms of communication between infants and caregivers. "Tickle involves a neurological self/nonself discrimination, providing the most primitive social scenario," Provine noted in his research.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clinical-applications-emerge">Clinical applications emerge</h2>



<p>Research shows people with autism spectrum disorder perceive touches as more ticklish than people without the condition. Investigating this difference could provide insight into brain differences and help advance autism research.</p>



<p>People with schizophrenia tend to experience self-touches similarly to external tickles, allowing them to essentially tickle themselves. This suggests altered sensory prediction mechanisms in the condition.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-animal-research-reveals-universal-nature">Animal research reveals universal nature</h2>



<p>Scientists have discovered that many species beyond humans are ticklish. Rats emit ultrasonic "laughs" when tickled, while chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans all respond to tickling stimulation.</p>



<p>This widespread occurrence across species suggests that tickling serves fundamental biological and social functions that evolved long before humans developed complex language and culture.</p>



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



<p>Dr. Kilteni argues that tickling research deserves more scientific attention. "It is a complex interplay of motor, social, neurological, developmental, and evolutionary aspects," she stated in her recent review.</p>



<p>New haptic technologies and advanced research methodologies now permit scientists to investigate tickle sensation with unprecedented precision. Standardized experimental methods using mechanical tickling devices ensure consistent results across studies.</p>



<p>Recent findings published in <em>Science Advances</em> show that tickling research is opening new doors in neuroscience, potentially leading to a better understanding of social behavior, sensory processing, and neurological conditions.</p>



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



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

Scientists solve the mystery of tickling

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqlF0XKzHY4 The hidden science behind tickling. Scientists discover the brain's...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elr4948_uOU
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dr. Ronald Mallett from the University of Connecticut reveals secret mission to create working time travel device.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-could-an-equation-truly-bend-time-a-physicist-s-decades-long-quest-to-rewrite-reality">Could an equation truly bend time? A physicist's decades-long quest to rewrite reality</h2>



<p>Imagine the impossible: stepping back through time in a time machine, not in fantasy, but through a scientific endeavor driven by profound personal loss. For <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astrophysicist-says-hes-cracked-the-equation-for-time-travel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Ronald Mallett</a>, a distinguished astrophysicist and professor emeritus at the <a href="https://uconn.edu/">University of Connecticut</a>, this deeply human longing has fueled a lifelong mission. He claims to have discovered the equation that could unlock temporal displacement, pushing boundaries once deemed purely science fiction.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-profound-grief-that-forged-a-vision">A profound grief that forged a vision</h2>



<p>Mallett's extraordinary pursuit began with devastating tragedy in 1955. At merely 10 years old, he endured his father Boyd's sudden death—a television repairman whose passion for science had ignited a similar spark in his young son. Boyd Mallett, only 33, succumbed to a heart attack, leaving behind a grief-stricken child searching for solace.</p>



<p>That solace came through H.G. Wells' <em>The Time Machine</em>. Within its pages, Mallett found a captivating concept: "Time is only a kind of Space." These words transformed from a literary phrase into a guiding principle, becoming the driving force behind his unwavering commitment to unraveling time's fundamental mysteries.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-humble-beginnings-to-academic-heights">From humble beginnings to academic heights</h2>



<p>Mallett's journey was far from straightforward. After serving in the Air Force during the Vietnam War era, he utilized the GI Bill for higher education, earning his Ph.D. in physics from Pennsylvania State University in 1973 at the age of 28.</p>



<p>In 1975, he made history as the first African American professor in the University of Connecticut's physics department, achieving full professorship in 1987 before retiring in 2024 as professor emeritus.</p>



<p>Throughout these successful academic years, Mallett harbored his radical ambition as a closely guarded secret. "I kept my time travel goal a secret," he confessed. "I worried people would think I was nuts." His public research centered on black holes, serving as a "cover story" while he quietly developed his revolutionary time travel theory.</p>



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



<p>His pivotal insight arrived while hospitalized for a heart condition—a profound irony given his father's heart attack started this journey. The breakthrough was elegantly simple yet revolutionary: "If gravity can bend time, and light can create gravity, then light can bend time."</p>



<p>"It turns out that black holes can create a gravitational field that could lead to the creation of time loops that could allow us to go back in time," he explained.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-blueprint-for-a-temporal-vortex">The blueprint for a temporal vortex</h2>



<p>Mallett's vision for a functioning time machine replicates spacetime-warping phenomena around black holes. He offers a compelling analogy: "Picture a cup of coffee. Stir it with a spoon, and the coffee swirls. A spinning black hole does the same to spacetime."</p>



<p>In Einstein's general relativity, the universe is a dynamic fabric woven from space and time. Massive objects like black holes warp this fabric—an effect we perceive as gravity. Mallett theorizes that an intense, continuous, circulating beam of light from a ring of powerful lasers could replicate this gravitational torsion, effectively twisting time into a loop.</p>



<p>This "time loop" would theoretically allow information—or perhaps matter—to travel backward in time. He detailed this mathematical concept in his 2006 autobiography, <em>Time Traveler: A Scientist's Personal Mission to Make Time Travel a Reality</em>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-published-research-and-recognition">Published research and recognition</h2>



<p>His work, published in respected journals including <em><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/physics-letters-a" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Physics Letters A</a></em> and <em><a href="https://link.springer.com/journal/10701" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Foundations of Physics</a></em>, suggests circulating laser light could generate gravitational fields potent enough to create closed timelike curves, enabling time travel for data.</p>



<p>Mallett's research has gained worldwide media attention, featured on <a href="https://www.thisamericanlife.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Public Radio's <em>This American Life</em></a>, the <a href="https://www.history.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">History Channel</a>, and <a href="https://www.today.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBC's <em>Today Show</em></a>. The widespread interest reflects both his compelling personal story and rigorous scientific approach.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-galactic-hurdles-and-persistent-skepticism">The galactic hurdles and persistent skepticism</h2>



<p>While Mallett's equations captivate imagination, the path to reality faces immense obstacles. The energy requirement is staggering—Mallett acknowledges needing "galactic amounts of energy," far beyond current technological capabilities.</p>



<p>There's also a poignant limitation: even if realized, his machine could only send information back to when it was first activated, meaning it couldn't transport him to 1955 to prevent his father's death.</p>



<p>The scientific community remains skeptical. Physicists Ken Olum and Allen Everett argue that Mallett's proposed laser ring would need to be larger than the observable universe to achieve the necessary spacetime distortion. They invoke Stephen Hawking's chronology protection conjecture, suggesting physics may prevent macroscopic time travel.</p>



<p>Astrophysicist Paul Sutter has voiced doubts about Mallett's underlying mathematics, while science writer Brian Clegg finds the concept intriguing enough to warrant experimental investigation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-legacy-that-transcends-time">A legacy that transcends time</h2>



<p>Now approaching 80, Dr. Mallett remains steadfast. "I believe my work will show time travel is possible," he asserts. "Future generations will build on it in ways we can't yet imagine."</p>



<p>His equations, though yet to physically bend time, have bent our collective imagination. Ongoing public interest, evidenced by his continued media appearances and Spike Lee's film adaptation of his memoir, underscores his ideas' profound impact.</p>



<p>More than a scientific pursuit, Mallett's story testifies to human resilience, intellectual courage, and hope's enduring power. Whether his theoretical time machine ever materializes, his legacy is immeasurable—inspiring countless individuals to challenge conventional limits and perceive time not as an unyielding barrier, but as a boundless frontier awaiting exploration.</p>



<p></p>



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

Retired professor claims he solved time travel

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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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>



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



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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