<p>For a long time, the Stone Age has been painted in narrow strokes. Men hunted with stone tools, women cooked and children watched. This idea shaped research, museum displays, even the way skeletons were identified. But the ground in Latvia is telling a very different story.</p>



<p>At Zvejnieki, one of Europe’s largest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stone-tool-flint-discovery-challenges-theory-of-human-cultural-evolution/">Stone Age</a> cemeteries, archaeologists have found that tools buried with the dead were not just men’s possessions. Women had them too, so did children. </p>



<p>The way these objects were placed in graves shows they carried meaning far beyond daily work.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-graves-and-stone-tools">Ancient graves and stone tools</h2>



<p>Zvejnieki sits near Lake Burtnieks. The site has more than 330 graves, spanning over 5,000 years. Excavations began in the 1960s and continued for decades. </p>



<p>Thousands of ornaments made from animal teeth and amber came out of the ground. Red ochre stained the soil around many skeletons. These details have been studied again and again.</p>



<p>But stone tools? They were mostly ignored. Archaeologists thought of them as practical. Not decorative or symbolic. Just leftovers of everyday survival. </p>



<p>That view collapsed once Dr. Aimée Little and her team returned with new tools of their own.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-closer-at-stone">Looking closer at stone</h2>



<p>The Stone Dead Project used microscopes to search for tiny traces on the artifacts. The team studied how each tool was made, used, and finally placed in graves. </p>



<p>The results surprised everyone. Some scrapers showed wear from working animal hides. </p>



<p>Others looked fresh, almost untouched, as if they had been created only for burial. And many were broken on purpose before being laid to rest.</p>



<p>These details reveal that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-humans-traveled-long-distances-to-find-colorful-stones-for-tools/">stone</a> tools were not only about survival. They were part of rituals. Part of how people said goodbye. Part of how they thought about life and death.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tools-in-all-graves">Tools in all graves</h2>



<p>The discoveries challenged long-standing ideas about gender. Women were just as likely, sometimes even more likely, to be buried with stone artifacts. Children and older adults received them too. </p>



<p>That makes the picture clear: these objects were not reserved for hunters. They belonged to everyone.</p>



<p>“Our findings overturn the old stereotype of ‘Man the Hunter’ which has been a dominant theme in Stone Age studies, and has even influenced, on occasion, how some infants have even been sexed, on the basis that they were given lithic tools,” noted Dr. Little.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changing-traditions-over-time">Changing traditions over time</h2>



<p>Burial practices at Zvejnieki shifted. In earlier centuries, tools were rare in graves. Later, by the 4th millennium BC, deposits grew larger. Some people were buried with dozens of flint artefacts. Many had never been used. Their role was clearly symbolic.</p>



<p>This change matched wider cultural <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stone-tools-flint-created-400000-years-show-technological-advancement-of-early-humans/">shifts</a> across the Baltic. Communities began to use more red ochre. They buried people collectively. Clay death masks appeared. The inclusion of flint tools fit into this wider move toward more elaborate rituals.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-tools-reveal">What the tools reveal</h2>



<p>Micro-wear analysis showed patterns that mattered. Scrapers often carried traces of hide working, suggesting that preparing skins was a valued activity even in death. </p>



<p>Bone and butchery marks appeared on some pieces. Mineral traces, connected to ochre, turned up only in female burials. That detail hints at gender-specific ritual roles.</p>



<p>Bifacial points - long seen as hunting weapons - often showed no use at all. They were made, broken, and buried. Their meaning was symbolic, not practical. Destroying them may have been part of letting go, part of a shared tradition that stretched beyond one community.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-special-graves-with-stone-tools">Special graves with stone tools</h2>



<p>Some graves stood out. An older child was buried with more than 40 tools, many unused, alongside ornaments of amber and animal teeth.</p>



<p>Another grave, belonging to a young woman, contained primary deposits with her body and additional offerings at her feet. These were not random choices. They were deliberate acts, full of meaning for the people who stood around the grave.</p>



<p>These burials show that women and children were not peripheral. They stood at the center of ritual traditions. Their graves carried messages for the living.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breaking-old-assumptions">Breaking old assumptions</h2>



<p>The implications are clear. Tools in Stone Age burials were not simply for men. They were symbols for everyone - men, women, children, and elders. They carried social meaning and were part of rituals that bound communities together in the face of loss.</p>



<p>“This research demonstrates that we cannot make these gendered assumptions and that lithic grave goods played an important role in the mourning rituals of children and women, as well as men,” noted Dr. Anđa Petrović, from the <a href="https://www.bg.ac.rs/home/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Belgrade</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-it-matters-today">Why it matters today</h2>



<p>What might look like simple flint flakes turn out to be keys to identity, memory, and ritual. They tell us that Stone Age communities valued more than hunting. They cared about symbolism. They cared about honoring all their members.</p>



<p>“The study highlights how much more there is to learn about the lives - and deaths - of Europe’s earliest communities, and why even the seemingly simplest objects can unlock insights about our shared human past and how people responded to death,” said Dr. Little.</p>



<p>The study shows that re-examining overlooked artifacts can transform our understanding of the past. At Zvejnieki, stone tools are no longer just tools. They are stories carved in flint, carrying the voices of communities that lived, grieved, and remembered.</p>



<p>The research is published in the journal <em><a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0330623" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS One</a></em>.</p>



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;</p>



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



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

Stone Age women and children were respected members of their societies

For a long time, the Stone Age has been painted in narrow strokes. Men hunted with stone tools, women cooked and children watched. This idea shaped research, museum displays, even the way skeletons were identified. But the ground in Latvia is telling a very different story. At Zvejnieki, one of Europe’s largest Stone Age cemeteries, archaeologists have found that tools buried with the dead were not just men’s possessions. Women had them too, so did children. The way these objects were placed in graves shows they carried...

<p>In early October 2024, comet C/2023 A3 - better known as Tsuchinshan-ATLAS - made an unforgettable appearance as it passed between the Earth and the Sun, offering scientists a rare and spectacular view.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-anticipated-comet-of-2024-returns-this-weekend-after-80000-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">comet</a>, which was discovered in 2023, was captured by the <a href="https://www.nrl.navy.mil/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. Naval Research Laboratory</a>’s (NRL) Large Angle and Spectrometric Coronagraph (LASCO) aboard the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO).&nbsp;</p>



<p>For several days, LASCO tracked the comet, producing breathtaking images of its journey, especially its massive dust trail, which remained visible even after the nucleus had moved away.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comet-flyby-and-solar-space-weather">Comet flyby and solar space weather</h2>



<p>LASCO principal investigator Karl Battams described the event as “one of the most spectacular that we have seen,” with the dense dust trail coalescing in a unique formation that spanned the entire field of view.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This rare view occurred because the SOHO spacecraft crossed the comet’s orbital plane, allowing it to observe the dust trail edge-on. This phenomenon has never been seen in such detail.</p>



<p>While Tsuchinshan-ATLAS didn’t surpass the brilliance of Comet McNaught from 2007, it still earned the distinction of being the second brightest comet observed by LASCO, reaching a visual magnitude of -4.0.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The comet’s passage also presented a scientific opportunity, as its dust and gas tails likely interacted with solar outflows, potentially offering new insights into the near-Sun environment and solar space weather.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solar-ejections-and-stunning-halos">Solar ejections and stunning halos</h2>



<p>Around the same time, NRL’s Compact Coronagraph (CCOR) instrument also achieved significant milestones by collecting its first images of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strong-solar-storm-warning-issued-as-two-cmes-will-hit-earth-tomorrow/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coronal mass ejections</a> (CMEs).&nbsp;</p>



<p>Launched aboard <a href="https://www.noaa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NOAA</a>’s GOES-19 spacecraft in June 2024, CCOR is designed to observe the outer atmosphere of the Sun - known as the solar corona - by creating an artificial eclipse using an occulter to block the Sun’s glare.</p>



<p>One of the most striking observations occurred on October 3, when CCOR captured a halo CME, a type of solar ejection that appears as a near-circular shape around the Sun.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This particular CME resulted in visible northern lights across much of the northern United States, a stunning reminder of the Sun’s powerful influence on Earth.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monitoring-space-weather-in-real-time">Monitoring space weather in real time</h2>



<p>Another halo CME followed on October 10, linked to an active region on the Sun’s surface, further showcasing CCOR’s capability to monitor <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/space-weather-poses-significant-risks-to-railway-safety/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space weather</a> in real-time.</p>



<p>“By creating an artificial eclipse, the CCOR allows scientists to study the Sun's corona, which can produce powerful solar storms that can disrupt Earth-based technologies,” said Arnaud Thernisien, a research physicist at NRL.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These observations are critical as they provide early warnings for solar storms that have the potential to interfere with satellites, communications, and even power grids on Earth.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-comets-and-solar-activity-nbsp">Understanding comets and solar activity&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The recent data collected from Tsuchinshan-ATLAS and CMEs illustrate the vital role of NRL’s instruments in advancing our understanding of both comets and solar activity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The LASCO instrument, which has been operational for nearly 30 years, continues to be instrumental in studying the Sun and its surroundings. It also contributes to the Sungrazer Project, a citizen science initiative responsible for discovering over half of all documented comets.</p>



<p>Meanwhile, CCOR-1, the first operational coronagraph in the United States, represents a breakthrough in solar observation. It provides near real-time data crucial for space weather forecasting, allowing scientists to predict and mitigate the effects of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/solar-storm-triggered-stunning-auroras-worldwide-october-11-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar storms</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This success is only the beginning, with CCOR-2 slated for launch in 2025 and a compact coronagraph planned for the European Space Agency’s Vigil mission in 2031.</p>



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



<p>As these cutting-edge instruments continue to push the boundaries of space observation, researchers are already looking to the future.&nbsp;</p>



<p>With CCOR’s successful observations of CMEs and LASCO’s continued monitoring of celestial objects like Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, scientists are gaining unprecedented insights into the interactions between comets, solar activity, and space weather.</p>



<p>“NRL’s instruments are providing a wealth of information that helps us understand the dynamics of space weather and the broader solar environment,” said Thernisien.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The collaboration between <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>, NOAA, and international partners promises to enhance our ability to predict solar storms and understand the fundamental processes shaping our solar system.</p>



<p>As comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS continues its journey back to the Oort Cloud and beyond, and as CCOR-1 and LASCO maintain their vigilant watch on the Sun, the data gathered will be invaluable for future missions and discoveries in the ever-evolving field of space science.</p>



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



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

What can comets tell us about solar activity and space weather?

In early October 2024, comet C/2023 A3 - better known...

<p>Ever wondered why a hunch often leaves you feeling more satisfied than a calculated decision? The modern world, with all its complexities and unpredictability, often demands that we rely on the analytical abilities of our brain. But when it comes to making everyday decisions, your gut instinct might just be your best option.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trusting-your-gut-instinct">Trusting your gut instinct</h2>



<p>We are all familiar with the advice to trust our gut. Surprisingly, there may be more truth to this than we may think. A recent study reveals that not only does this shorthand piece of wisdom hold water, but it could also be the secret to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleeping-on-it-is-the-best-way-to-make-a-rational-decision/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">boosting our mood</a>.</p>



<p>The research was led by experts at <a href="https://www.uni-potsdam.de/en/faculties/faculty-of-health-sciences" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HMU Health and Medical University</a> in Potsdam, Germany. For the investigation, the team evaluated the personal experiences of 256 participants.</p>



<p>Their mission? To determine whether our decision-making approach - analytical or instinctive - influences our mood.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-power-of-gut-instinct-for-decisions">Power of gut instinct for decisions</h2>



<p>Over the span of two weeks, participants were instructed to note their decision-making process for everyday choices. </p>



<p>Should they opt for pizza or salad for lunch? Should they binge-watch their favorite series or go out with friends? In an ever-evolving world full of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/optimal-decision-making-is-a-balance-of-experience-and-knowledge/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">endless choices</a>, our decision-making style plays a crucial role.</p>



<p>"This is the first empirical demonstration showing that using one’s gut has beneficial effects in everyday life," noted the researchers.</p>



<p>Their findings, published in the journal <em>Emotion</em>, were profound. Whether a decision was made analytically or intuitively, there was an improvement in mood.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-greatest-mood-booster">Greatest mood booster</h2>



<p>But here's the truly intriguing part. Going with their gut instinct, as the study participants found, offered the greatest mood uplift. </p>



<p>This isn't to say that analytical decisions were wrong. They didn’t feel any less "right" than decisions made out of instinct. </p>



<p>However, the intuitive decisions were easier to make, resulting in an increased mood boost. Furthermore, the participants reported more satisfaction with their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fungi-can-think-and-make-smart-decisions-without-a-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">instinctual decisions</a> and found them more appealing.</p>



<p>But what's the science behind this? Why do we get a morale boost when we choose to trust our instincts? </p>



<p>It might have to do with the fact that fast and easy mental processing feels good. It is as if our decisions are flowing seamlessly, rather than being painfully calculated, weighed, and measured.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gut-instinct-or-analysis">Gut instinct or analysis?</h2>



<p>So, what about you? Do you trust your gut when you make everyday decisions or lean towards a more analytical approach?</p>



<p>As the study suggests, following our gut can truly lift our spirits. But remember, there's no one-size-fits-all solution to this, and some decisions require more time than others. It's all about striking that perfect balance.</p>



<p>In a world that often values the rationality of the brain over the intuition of the gut, it's fascinating to see a study that challenges this traditional dichotomy.</p>



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



<p>The findings of the study have profound implications for mental health management. Trusting one's instincts may offer a simple yet effective tool to counteract the stresses of modern life.</p>



<p>Mental health professionals might consider incorporating intuitive decision-making <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-brain-has-a-simulator-that-imagines-scenarios-while-planning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">strategies</a> into cognitive behavioral therapies. By encouraging individuals to harness their gut instincts alongside conventional problem-solving methods, therapeutic outcomes could potentially be enriched. </p>



<p>This complementary approach not only simplifies decision-making processes but also enhances self-trust, promoting an overall sense of well-being and emotional resilience.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glimpse-into-future">Glimpse into future</h2>



<p>While the study presents compelling evidence for the mood-enhancing benefits of instinctive decision-making, it also opens the door to a myriad of research opportunities.</p>



<p>Future investigations could explore how diverse factors like age, personality traits, or cultural backgrounds affect one's preference for intuitive versus analytical approaches. </p>



<p>Additionally, examining the long-term psychological effects of predominantly relying on gut feelings might provide valuable insights. </p>



<p>As experts continue to unravel the intricacies of decision-making, we may learn how to harness both our gut instincts and analytical faculties to achieve greater <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trust-your-instincts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">personal satisfaction</a>.</p>



<p>For now, it seems that the debate between gut instincts and analytical thinking might be a moot point. When it comes to everyday decisions, the path leading to a better mood might just be a gut instinct away.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/emo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Emotion</a></em>.</p>



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/">Er</a><a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">i</a><a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/">c Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



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

Trusting your gut instinct can make you happier

Ever wondered why a hunch often leaves you feeling more...

<p>A new camera system is making it possible for humans to see colors in the way animals do, opening up a vivid new perspective on the natural world.</p>



<p>Led by researcher Vera Vasas, who has spent years studying animal vision, this innovative project is changing how we understand what animals actually see. </p>



<p>In collaboration with colleagues from the Hanley Color Lab at <a href="https://www.gmu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">George Mason University</a>, Vasas has developed a tool that lets us experience the world through the eyes of different species.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-animals-see-color">How animals see color</h2>



<p>Animals perceive color through photoreceptor cells in their eyes, and the number and type of these cells can vary widely among species.</p>



<p>While humans have three types of cone cells sensitive to red, green, and blue light, many animals have additional types that allow them to see colors <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/imaging-system-inspired-by-butterfly-vision-can-detect-cancer-cells/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">beyond our visible spectrum</a>.</p>



<p>Birds, for instance, often have superior color vision compared to humans. They possess tetrachromatic vision, which includes the ability to see ultraviolet light. </p>



<p>This extra range is crucial for behaviors like selecting mates and finding food. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bee-vision-reveals-a-hidden-world-that-we-cannot-see/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Many insects, like bees</a>, also see ultraviolet light, helping them detect patterns on flowers that are invisible to us.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reds-greens-and-colors-different-animals-see">Reds, greens, and colors different animals see</h2>



<p>On the other hand, mammals such as dogs and cats have dichromatic vision. They can't distinguish between red and green, much like humans with red-green color blindness. </p>



<p>This reduced color perception limits their ability to see the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rare-retinal-cells-explain-complex-color-perception/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">full spectrum of colors that we can</a>, affecting how they interact with their surroundings.</p>



<p>Understanding these differences isn't just fascinating trivia -- it's essential for studying animal behavior and ecology. But until now, visualizing how animals see the world has been a significant challenge.</p>



<p>False color imaging has offered glimpses into animal vision but comes with drawbacks. It's time-consuming, requires specific lighting conditions, and can't capture movement effectively.</p>



<p>These limitations have made it tough for scientists and filmmakers to represent animal vision accurately.</p>



<p>Addressing these hurdles, Vasas's team developed a <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article/figure/image?size=large&amp;download=&amp;id=10.1371/journal.pbio.3002444.g004" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cutting-edge camera</a> and software system capable of recording and processing videos under natural lighting conditions. This means we can now see colors just as animals do, in real time.</p>



<p>"Our system records in four color channels: blue, green, red, and UV," explains Vasas. "It then converts this data into 'perceptual units' -- essentially translating it into a format that replicates animal vision based on known photoreceptor data."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-accuracy-and-practical-use">High accuracy and practical use</h2>



<p>Impressively, when compared to traditional spectrophotometry methods, this new system boasts over 92% accuracy in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-and-monkeys-probably-see-color-differently/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">predicting the colors</a> that animals perceive. </p>



<p>That's a significant improvement, making the technology not just innovative but also reliable.</p>



<p>This opens up unprecedented avenues for scientific research. Scientists can now explore the dynamic, colorful world as seen by various species, leading to deeper insights into animal behavior and ecology.</p>



<p>Filmmakers stand to benefit immensely from this technology. They can create more accurate and engaging representations of animal vision, bringing audiences closer to understanding the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bull-ants-use-moonlight-for-nighttime-navigation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural world</a>. </p>



<p>Imagine documentaries where viewers can experience the ultraviolet patterns that guide bees or the limited color palette seen by dogs.</p>



<p>"This technology bridges the <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article/figure/image?size=large&amp;download=&amp;id=10.1371/journal.pbio.3002444.g001" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gap between human and animal perception</a>," says Vasas. "It allows us to not only study animals more effectively but also to educate and inspire people by showing them a world they've never seen before."</p>



<p>One of the most impressive aspects of this system is its practicality. It's constructed from readily available commercial cameras, housed in a modular, 3D-printed casing. This makes it accessible for researchers and filmmakers without requiring specialized, expensive equipment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-colorful-spectrum-seen-through-animal-eyes">Colorful spectrum seen through animal eyes</h2>



<p>The way animals see and perceive color is more than just a scientific curiosity -- it's a key to understanding their survival strategies. </p>



<p>For instance, the mantis shrimp has one of the most complex vision systems known, with twelve to sixteen types of photoreceptor cells. </p>



<p>This allows them to detect polarized light and <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article/figure/image?size=large&amp;download=&amp;id=10.1371/journal.pbio.3002444.g002" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">see a spectrum far beyond human capability</a>, helping them spot prey and predators in the intricate underwater world.</p>



<p>Snakes use infrared vision to hunt warm-blooded prey in the dark, while reindeer see ultraviolet light to spot predators against the snowy landscape. </p>



<p>These abilities aren't just interesting facts; they're essential adaptations that have evolved over millions of years.</p>



<p>Evolution has tailored the vision of each species to meet its specific needs. Animals develop unique color vision abilities based on their environment and survival challenges. This results in a rich diversity of visual capabilities across the animal kingdom.</p>



<p>"Understanding how animals see the world helps us make better decisions about conservation and habitat management," notes Vasas. "It can inform how we design buildings, roads, and even lighting to minimize negative impacts on wildlife."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-lens-on-the-natural-world">New lens on the natural world</h2>



<p>To sum it all up, this new camera technology allows us to step into the shoes -- or rather, the eyes -- of other creatures. It's a tool that brings us closer to the natural world, fostering empathy and understanding. </p>



<p>As we continue to explore these new perspectives, we gain not just knowledge but also a deeper connection to the diverse creatures that share our planet.</p>



<p>The possibilities are vast. From academic research to immersive educational experiences, this technology is set to transform how we see and interact with the animal kingdom. </p>



<p>It's a reminder that even in our high-tech world, there's still so much to discover when we look through a different lens.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal&nbsp;<em><a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.3002444" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLoS Biology</a></em>.</p>



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



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



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

New camera lets us see the colors of the world through the eyes of animals

A new camera system is making it possible for humans...

<p>Parents often turn to screens to entertain their kids, but a new study uncovered how this might be affecting children's development in unexpected ways.</p>



<p>Dr. Karen Heffler, an associate professor of Psychiatry, has been exploring the impact of screen time on the youngest minds. </p>



<p>Her recent findings suggest that babies and toddlers who spend time in front of televisions or videos may develop unusual sensory behaviors.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kids-screens-and-sensory-behaviors">Kids, screens, and sensory behaviors</h2>



<p>By the time children reach 33 months old, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/children-under-two-should-not-be-exposed-to-tv-or-screen-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">those exposed</a> to screens before age two show signs of "sensation seeking," "sensation avoiding," and "low registration," meaning they might be less responsive or slower to react to stimuli.</p>



<p>"This association could have important implications for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism, as atypical sensory processing is much more prevalent in these populations," explained Dr. Heffler, hailing from <a href="https://drexel.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Drexel University</a>.</p>



<p>Conducted using data from the National Children's Study between 2011 and 2014, the research analyzed information from 1,471 children across the country. </p>



<p>The team looked at how much time kids spent watching screens at 12, 18, and 24 months, based on what caregivers reported.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-atypical-sensory-behaviors">Understanding atypical sensory behaviors</h2>



<p>Atypical sensory behavior happens when someone experiences their senses -- like sight, sound, touch, taste, or smell -- in ways that are a bit different. </p>



<p>They might find certain noises way too loud or lights way too bright, even if others don’t seem to notice. </p>



<p>Some folks can’t stand the feel of clothing tags or certain textures in food. On the flip side, they might crave strong sensations, like wanting to touch everything or enjoying tight hugs. </p>



<p>These differences in how they process sensory info can impact daily life and social interactions, making some situations feel challenging or overwhelming.</p>



<p>These behaviors were assessed using the <a href="https://www.pearsonassessments.com/store/usassessments/en/Store/Professional-Assessments/Motor-Sensory/Infant-Toddler-Sensory-Profile/p/100000389.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Infant/Toddler Sensory Profile</a>, a tool that helps identify how children respond to sensory experiences.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-worrisome-stats-on-kids-and-screens">Worrisome stats on kids and screens</h2>



<p>The study's statistics are eye-opening:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>At 12 months, any screen exposure was linked to a 105% greater chance of high sensory behaviors related to low registration by 33 months.</li>
</ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>At 18 months, each extra hour of daily screen time increased the odds of high sensory behaviors related to sensation avoiding and low registration by 23%.</li>
</ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>By 24 months, every additional hour of screen time was associated with a 20% increase in high sensation seeking, sensory sensitivity, and sensation avoiding behaviors at 33 months.</li>
</ul>



<p><a href="https://drexel.edu/medicine/faculty/profiles/karen-heffler/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Heffler</a> pointed out that repetitive behavior, such as that seen in autism spectrum disorder, is highly correlated with atypical sensory processing.</p>



<p>"Future work may determine whether early life screen time could fuel the sensory brain hyperconnectivity seen in autism spectrum disorders, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-screen-time-changes-the-brain-based-on-23-years-of-research/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heightened brain responses</a> to sensory stimulation," Heffler explained.</p>



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



<p>These findings add to growing concerns about screen time's role in developmental challenges like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/kids-with-too-much-screen-time-struggle-to-gain-language-skills/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">language delays</a>, behavioral issues, sleep problems, attention difficulties, and delays in problem-solving skills.</p>



<p>"Considering this link between high screen time and a growing list of developmental and behavioral problems, it may be beneficial for toddlers exhibiting these symptoms to undergo a period of screen time reduction, along with sensory processing practices delivered by occupational therapists," advised Dr. Heffler.</p>



<p><a href="https://drexel.edu/medicine/faculty/profiles/david-bennett/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">David Bennett, PhD</a>, a professor of Psychiatry, emphasized the importance of guidance for parents. "Parent training and education are key to minimizing, or hopefully even avoiding, screen time in children younger than two years," he said.</p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.aap.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Academy of Pediatrics</a> recommends that children under 18 to 24 months avoid screen time altogether. For kids aged 2 to 5 years, digital media use should be limited and carefully managed.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-harsh-reality-of-kids-and-screens">Harsh reality of kids and screens</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/negative-effects-of-screen-time-offset-by-outdoor-play/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Despite these recommendations</a>, many young children are spending more time with screens than ever before. </p>



<p>In 2014, children under two years old in the U.S. watched screens for an average of 3 hours and 3 minutes daily, up from 1 hour and 19 minutes per day in 1997.</p>



<p>Some parents <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-screen-time-affect-preteens-mental-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">resort to screen time</a> out of sheer exhaustion and a lack of affordable alternatives for keeping their kids occupied. It's a challenge that many families face in today's fast-paced world.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-supporting-children-with-sensory-differences">Supporting children with sensory differences</h2>



<p>Atypical sensory behaviors can significantly impact a child's daily life, affecting everything from learning to social interactions. Recognizing and accommodating these needs is crucial.</p>



<p>Supporting kids with sensory differences means understanding their unique experiences and adjusting to meet their needs.</p>



<p>By paying attention to how they respond to sounds, textures, lights, and other stimuli, we can make small changes that help them feel more comfortable.</p>



<p>Simple adjustments like dimming bright lights or creating quiet spaces can really enhance their daily lives. </p>



<p>Collaborating with professionals like occupational therapists gives us the tools and strategies to help these kids navigate their world with confidence and ease.</p>



<p>Occupational therapists often help by using techniques like sensory integration therapy. Strategies might include creating sensory-friendly environments or using tools like noise-canceling headphones.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kids-screentime-and-the-future">Kids, screentime, and the future</h2>



<p>To sum it all up, the connection between early screen time and sensory processing issues is a complex one that we're just beginning to understand. </p>



<p>As parents and caregivers, being <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/swedish-pediatricians-no-screen-time-for-children-under-two/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mindful of screen use</a> and staying informed can make a significant difference in our children's development.</p>



<p>Finding alternatives to screen time can be a fun and rewarding challenge. Simple activities like reading together, playing outside, or engaging in imaginative play can provide enriching experiences that support healthy development.</p>



<p>Have you noticed how screen time affects your little one? Share your thoughts and experiences -- your insights could help other parents navigate this important topic.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2023.5923" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>JAMA Pediatrics</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



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



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

Autism and ADHD disorders directly linked amount of time kids spend on screens

Parents often turn to screens to entertain their kids, but...

<p>We share, we like, we comment, and we connect. This is the digital age, and for many young people, social media has become inescapable. Now that it's such a big part of everyday life, it is important to consider how social media affects our mood.</p>



<p>As technological interaction permeates youth culture, societal concerns about its impact on social and emotional health emerge.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-than-just-a-like">More than just a "like"</h2>



<p>The heart icon on social media <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/kids-who-are-active-on-social-media-are-just-as-active-offline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">platforms</a> represents more than just a "like." It signals validation, acceptance and, in some cases, triggers a rush of dopamine.</p>



<p>A group of investigators from the <a href="https://www.uva.nl/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Amsterdam</a> believes that youth might indeed have a heightened sensitivity to this feedback, affecting their engagement levels and overall mood. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-media-likes-and-anxiety">Social media "likes" and anxiety</h2>



<p>You might think, what's the harm in "likes"? However, the research team highlights a potential downslide. The pursuit of "likes" could amplify anxiety levels among youngsters, pushing them to use the apps far more than they wish to.</p>



<p>"Adolescence is a developmental period during which both reward and rejection sensitivity are particularly strong, and these have, respectively, been linked to increased impulsive behavior and depressive symptoms," said study co-author Wouter van den Bos.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emotional-responses-among-youth">Emotional responses among youth</h2>



<p>Taking a unique three-step approach, the team examined real Instagram posts, created a computational model to gauge "like" sensitivity, and conducted an experimental study simulating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gen-ai-and-social-media-divert-peoples-attention-from-climate-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social media</a> features.</p>



<p>The third leg involved neuroimaging, revealing that social media feedback sensitivity links to individual variations in amygdala volume. </p>



<p>These complementary studies provide strong evidence that young people may indeed be more responsive to social media feedback than adults.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mood-shifts-due-to-social-media">Mood shifts due to social media</h2>



<p>This heightened sensitivity presents an intriguing predicament. While receiving "likes" can boost a sense of connectivity and improve mood among youth, it could also create an addictive pull, leading to excessive app usage.</p>



<p>On the flip side, given their sensitivity to social media feedback, young people might abandon the platforms quicker than adults when the "likes" dwindle, potentially leading to negative mood shifts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-redefining-social-media-engagement">Redefining social media engagement</h2>



<p>As the team's results suggest, the design of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-media-use-increases-smoking-vaping-risks-among-youth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social media platforms</a> may have both positive and negative effects on youth. The researchers propose that the platforms should alter incentive mechanisms, shifting the emphasis from "likes" to more meaningful engagement.</p>



<p>Furthermore, the focus should not only be on developing the digital literacy of young people but also on promoting effective emotional regulation in online environments.</p>



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



<p>As discussions around social media's impact continue to evolve, educators, parents, and policymakers face the challenge of mitigating negative effects while harnessing positive potentials.</p>



<p>Strengthening digital literacy programs can empower young people to critically evaluate online content, enhancing their resilience against the allure of superficial validations such as "likes."</p>



<p>Moreover, having open dialogues about mental health and digital well-being can give young people the tools they need to navigate the complexities of digital interactions.</p>



<p>By promoting an environment of awareness and understanding, stakeholders can guide young individuals towards a balanced approach to online engagement.</p>



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



<p>The technological landscape is ever-changing, and as we look to the future, adapting to these shifts is imperative. </p>



<p>Researchers and platform developers need to collaborate to continuously assess the impact of social media on mental health, creating features that prioritize <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spending-less-time-on-social-media-improves-your-mental-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">user well-being</a>.</p>



<p>Future research could explore interventions to support those negatively affected by social media's powerful draw. Engaging young people in the conversation and allowing their voices to shape both platforms and policies will be crucial.</p>



<p>Bridging generational divides in digital comprehension can redefine how social media is perceived and utilized, creating a healthier relationship between youth and technology.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mood-changes-and-social-media-likes">Mood changes and social media "likes"</h2>



<p>"While social media plays an important role in fostering some aspects of youth development, such as identity formation and social connection, our study reveals that it may also present challenges, particularly relating to young people’s moods," said Ana da Silva Pinho, lead author of the study.</p>



<p>"Given the growing concerns about the impact of social media on mental health, it is crucial that we further understand how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fomo-what-are-we-afraid-of-missing-out-on/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">young people</a> engage with and respond to social media, while also addressing the unique aspects of their developmental stages."</p>



<p>With increasing worries about social media's impact on mood and mental health, Pinho emphasizes the need for a deeper understanding of young people's interaction with and responses to social media, bearing in mind the unique characteristics of their developmental stages.</p>



<p>While our digital footsteps continue to deepen, it's essential to remember that every "like" counts - in more ways than one.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adp8775" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.</em></p>



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/">Er</a><a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">i</a><a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/">c Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



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

Social media 'likes' have a strong emotional effect on young people

We share, we like, we comment, and we connect. This...

<p>Scientists often wonder how their ancestors took their first shaky steps from the watery realms onto the dry earth. A unique, interdisciplinary team of researchers led by the University of Cambridge used an innovative approach to explore this mystery. Their research involves studying fossils with the help of robots.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-embracing-innovation">Embracing innovation</h2>



<p>The best mysteries tend to have incomplete clues. The evolution of life from water to land is one of those mysteries. Our primary puzzle pieces? Limited fossil evidence.</p>



<p>This sparse evidence leaves researchers with an incomplete picture of how life transitioned from living in the water to thriving on land.</p>



<p>“Since fossil evidence is limited, we have an incomplete picture of how ancient life made the transition to land,” said lead author&nbsp;Dr. Michael Ishida&nbsp;from Cambridge’s <a href="https://www.eng.cam.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Engineering</a>.</p>



<p>“Palaeontologists examine ancient fossils for clues about the structure of hip and pelvic joints, but there are limits to what we can learn from fossils alone. That’s where robots can come in, helping us fill gaps in the research, particularly when <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-creatures-of-the-past-inspire-the-future-of-soft-robots/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">studying major shifts</a> in how vertebrates moved.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-robots-and-fossils">Robots and fossils</h2>



<p>How do researchers fill in the gaps of an incomplete puzzle? Enter paleo-inspired robots and the modern-day "walking fish."</p>



<p>Nature inspired the works of scientists at the Bio-Inspired Robotics Laboratory at Cambridge, led by Professor Fumiya Iida.</p>



<p>Using a combination of modern creatures like the mudskipper and ancient fossil evidence, scientists designed robotic models to test the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-soft-robot-crawls-moves-like-origami-folds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">theories</a> of early land movement mechanics.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-robots-expand-on-fossil-evidence">Robots expand on fossil evidence</h2>



<p>The primary challenge these researchers face? The lack of comprehensive fossil records. </p>



<p>“In some cases, we’re just guessing how certain bones connected or functioned,” said Ishida. “That’s why robots are so useful - they help us confirm these guesses and provide new evidence to support or rebut them.”</p>



<p>That's the beauty of using robots in this context. Robots don't need complete, perfectly preserved fossil evidence.</p>



<p>They support and validate those educated guesses about the missing pieces, offering evidence that either affirms or challenges <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/robosapiens-ai-project-making-industrial-robots-more-free-thinking-adaptable/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">existing theories</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-of-robots-in-paleontology">Potential of robots in paleontology </h2>



<p>This blend of robotics and paleontology is a novelty in scientific circles. "There are only a few groups doing this kind of work,” said Ishida.</p>



<p>Robots provide insights into the mechanics of extinct animals that neither fossils nor modern species can achieve. They could hold the key to unlocking the secrets of long-extinct creatures' biomechanics.</p>



<p>As the researchers continue their work actively building their paleo-robots, they anticipate results within the coming year.</p>



<p>It's not just about deepening the understanding of evolutionary biology. They see potential for fostering collaborations between engineers and researchers from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mushroom-is-given-a-robot-body-and-runs-wild-in-fascinating-video/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diverse f</a><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mushroom-is-given-a-robot-body-and-runs-wild-in-fascinating-video/">ields</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-technology-and-evolutionary-biology">Technology and evolutionary biology</h2>



<p>The interdisciplinary approach undertaken by the Cambridge team highlights the synergy between technology and evolutionary biology. By synthesizing insights from both fields, researchers explore ancient evolutionary paths with unprecedented precision.</p>



<p>Robots serve as proxies for extinct organisms. This allows scientists to experimentally validate hypotheses regarding limb functions and terrestrial locomotion in early vertebrates.</p>



<p>The dynamic interaction propels the understanding of evolution and advances the capabilities of robotic design by infusing them with adaptable, nature-inspired mechanisms.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-science-and-beyond">Modern science and beyond</h2>



<p>The implications of this research extend far beyond historical inquiry. As robotic technology evolves, its applications may expand into diverse fields such as medicine and environmental science.</p>



<p>Developing agile, efficient robots with adaptive traits derived from ancient life forms could revolutionize prosthetic designs or lead to innovative exploration tools for extreme environments on Earth and other planets.</p>



<p>By learning from the evolutionary past, scientists can address contemporary challenges and set the stage for future technological advancements guided by natural principles.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-robots-unraveling-fossil-evidence">Robots unraveling fossil evidence</h2>



<p>This research offers a fresh perspective on how ancient life transitioned from water to land.</p>



<p>By bridging the gap between the past and the present with robotics, researchers provide a unique approach to studying evolution, one step at a time.</p>



<p>Professor Iida is a fellow of Corpus Christi College and Dr. Ishida is a postdoctoral research associate at <a href="https://www.cai.cam.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gonville and Caius College</a>, Cambridge.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/scirobotics.adn1125" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science Robotics.</em></a></p>



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;</p>



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



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

When fossil evidence is limited, robots can help

Scientists often wonder how their ancestors took their first shaky...

<p>Sparrows experience a dwindling social circle as they grow older, just as most humans do. It appears that sparrow friends tend to drift apart over time. But why does this happen?</p>



<p>A dedicated team of researchers has sought to decipher this intriguing phenomenon through a fascinating study that lends fresh insights into the social dynamics - not only of birds - but of aging individuals across species.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changes-in-sociability-with-age">Changes in sociability with age</h2>



<p>Older adults may reduce their social interaction due to being selective or because there are fewer companions of the same age. Here's the puzzling question though, are these same factors at play in the avian world?</p>



<p>To investigate, researchers from <a href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Imperial College London</a> set out to study an isolated population of sparrows on Lundy Island in the Bristol Channel.</p>



<p>Unlike humans, with complicated, multifaceted social lives, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hundreds-of-bird-species-face-extinction-risks-in-the-neotropics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird population</a> offers a simpler way to unravel the reasons behind the changes in sociability that come with age.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-lives-of-sparrows">Social lives of sparrows</h2>



<p>The researchers studied the social networks of the sparrows on the island. The findings revealed that like humans, older sparrows showed a reduced number of friends.</p>



<p>The reason for this could be the lack of evolutionary pressure to maintain sociability. While friendliness helps younger birds survive and breed more successfully, the same isn't true for older <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-feeding-pollutes-local-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a>.</p>



<p>"This evolutionary mechanism may also be at work in humans – it could be that older people are less inclined to new friends as they age," said lead researcher&nbsp;Dr. Julia Schroeder, an expert in the Department of Life Sciences at Imperial.</p>



<p>"Combined with fewer same-age potential friends available, this could be a factor in the loneliness crisis among older people.” </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aging-and-evolution">Aging and evolution</h2>



<p>Dr. Schroeder suggests that this evolutionary mechanism might operate similarly in humans, leading to fewer social interactions as they age.</p>



<p>Combined with the decreasing number of potential friends of the same age, this factor heavily contributes to the increasing loneliness among the elderly.</p>



<p>“Our study is one of the first to suggest that birds, like mammals, also reduce the size of their social network as they age. Specifically, the number of friendships, and how central a bird is to the wider social network, declined with age,” said study co-author&nbsp;Dr. Jamie Dunning, now at the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Leeds</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sparrows-and-their-friends">Sparrows and their friends</h2>



<p>Lundy Island is home to a closed population of sparrows, meaning that no individual arrives or leaves the island.</p>



<p>This unique characteristic enabled the research team to collect comprehensive and accurate data on the local sparrow population, including their ages, breeding success, and social networks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-lives-of-aging-sparrows">Social lives of aging sparrows </h2>



<p>Previous research by the team had shown that a good social network proved beneficial to sparrows in successfully breeding. </p>



<p>However, the current research focuses on whether friendliness continues to be advantageous at the other end of the life span. It seems that with age, not being friendly doesn't have a cost.</p>



<p>“’Friendliness’, at least for sparrows, may change with age. When they’re young, it helps them to make friends, giving them an evolutionary ‘benefit,'" noted Dr. Schroeder.</p>



<p>"But once they’ve reproduced, it seems like being unfriendly has no evolutionary ‘cost’ - there are no downsides that mean those genes wouldn’t be passed on."</p>



<p>The findings from this study might help us understand similar age-related conditions in humans.</p>



<p>“Ultimately, the study of friendliness with age - whether it be in sparrows or humans - may help us understand how to help older people make new friends, and reduce the burden of loneliness,” noted Dr. Schroeder.</p>



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



<p>The insights derived from studying the sparrows on Lundy Island extend beyond <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birds-have-regional-accents-just-like-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">avian social dynamics</a>, offering broader implications for conservation efforts. </p>



<p>Understanding the natural social structures and how they change with age can inform conservationists about the needs of older individuals in small, isolated populations. </p>



<p>This knowledge is vital in making decisions about habitat management and the social environments necessary to support diverse age groups in conservation programs. </p>



<p>Considering age-specific social requirements may improve efforts to maintain biodiversity and ensure the well-being of aging wildlife in their natural habitats.</p>



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



<p>The study on Lundy Island paves the way for future research to explore additional factors influencing social behavior in aging populations.</p>



<p>One promising avenue is to examine the role of environmental variables, such as changes in food availability or climate conditions, that might shape these social patterns. </p>



<p>Additionally, extending similar studies to different species and ecosystems could unveil further correlations and differences, enriching our understanding of the evolutionary and ecological dimensions of aging across the animal kingdom. </p>



<p>Ultimately, the study brings us a step closer to understanding the mechanisms at play in the evolution of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/female-birds-commit-to-caring-for-young-males-abandon-family-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social behavior</a> with age.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/toc/rstb/2024/379/1916" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences</a>.</em></p>



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;</p>



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



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

Sparrows have fewer friends as they age, just like people

Sparrows experience a dwindling social circle as they grow older,...

<p>A team of paleontologists has made a significant discovery near Rangely, Colorado - unearthing a new species of fossil mammal about the size of a muskrat that lived during the age of dinosaurs.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Led by paleontologist Jaelyn Eberle from the <a href="https://www.colorado.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Colorado Boulder</a>, the researchers published their findings in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0310948" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>PLoS ONE</em></a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-small-mammal-among-colorado-dinosaurs">Small mammal among Colorado dinosaurs</h2>



<p>The fossil, identified from a jawbone fragment and three molar teeth, has been named <em>Heleocola piceanus</em>, which means “swamp dweller” in Latin.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This small mammal roamed Colorado roughly 70 to 75 million years ago, during a period when much of the American West was submerged under a vast inland sea.</p>



<p>“Colorado is a great place to find fossils, but <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-mammals-had-slower-growth-rates-and-lived-longer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mammals</a> from this time period tend to be pretty rare,” said Eberle, who is also the curator of fossil vertebrates at the <a href="https://www.colorado.edu/cumuseum/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CU Museum of Natural History</a>. “So it’s really neat to see this slice of time preserved in Colorado.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rare-find-in-a-familiar-fossil-landscape">Rare find in a familiar fossil landscape</h2>



<p>While the fossils of massive Late Cretaceous dinosaurs like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-change-their-minds-about-tyrannosaurus-rex-dinosaur-intelligence/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tyrannosaurus</a> and Triceratops ancestors dominate the era's narrative, the discovery of <em>H. piceanus</em> reveals that smaller creatures also thrived alongside these giants.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Despite its modest size compared to dinosaurs, <em>H. piceanus</em> was relatively large for mammals of that era, according to Eberle.</p>



<p>Eberle is particularly pleased to see this discovery come from Rangely, a small town in northwest Colorado near the Dinosaur National Monument.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“It’s a small town, but, in my experience as a paleontologist, a lot of cool things come out of rural environments,” she said. “It’s nice to see western Colorado have an exciting discovery.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-snapshot-of-colorado-s-ancient-ecosystem">Snapshot of Colorado's ancient ecosystem</h2>



<p>The discovery helps to reconstruct a picture of Colorado's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-river-landscape-lies-beneath-the-east-antarctic-ice-sheet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ancient landscape</a>, one that would be barely recognizable today.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Study co-authors John Foster and ReBecca Hunt-Foster have been exploring this part of Colorado for about 15 years. </p>



<p>They describe the region from 70 million years ago as a boundary where land met water - teeming with life such as turtles, duck-billed dinosaurs, and large crocodiles in wetlands and estuaries.</p>



<p>“The region might have looked kind of like Louisiana,” said Hunt-Foster, a paleontologist at Dinosaur National Monument. “We see a lot of animals that were living in the water quite happily like sharks, rays, and guitarfish.”</p>



<p>Foster recalls the excitement of spotting the mammal jaw fragment within a slab of sandstone collected in 2016. </p>



<p>“I said, ‘Holy cow, that’s huge,’” said Foster, a scientist at the <a href="https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/utah-field-house/">Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum</a> in Vernal, Utah.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-giant-among-its-peers">A giant among its peers</h2>



<p>Before the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nuclear-winter-dinosaurs-were-likely-killed-by-dust/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extinction</a> event that wiped out non-avian dinosaurs around 66 million years ago, most mammals were relatively small, about the size of modern mice or rats.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Eberle, who typically identifies these ancient mammals by their tiny teeth, noted that <em>H. piceanus</em> was an outlier - likely weighing over two pounds, much larger than most other mammals from the same period. Its teeth suggest a diet of plants, supplemented by insects or other small animals.</p>



<p>While much attention is focused on dinosaurs, this discovery emphasizes the importance of ancient mammals in understanding ecosystems of the Late Cretaceous.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“They’re not all tiny,” Eberle said. “There are a few animals emerging from the Late Cretaceous that are bigger than what we anticipated 20 years ago.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preserving-invertebrate-fossils">Preserving invertebrate fossils </h2>



<p>Hunt-Foster highlighted the importance of the Mountain West for fossil enthusiasts and researchers, urging visitors to respect these historical treasures.&nbsp;</p>



<p>She advised people who come across vertebrate fossils, such as those of dinosaurs, to refrain from collecting them and instead document the location with a photo and inform a museum or public land agency.</p>



<p>“We have scientists that come from all over the world specifically to study our fossils,” she said. “We really are lucky.”</p>



<p>The discovery of <em>Heleocola piceanus</em> not only enriches our understanding of prehistoric Colorado but also serves as a reminder of the region's rich paleontological heritage and the need to protect it for future generations.</p>



<p>Image Credit: Brian Engh -LivingRelicProductions.com, courtesy of Utah Field House of Natural History</p>



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



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

‘Swamp dweller’ found in Colorado lived among the dinosaurs

A team of paleontologists has made a significant discovery near...

<p>After a successful seven-month expedition on the International Space Station (ISS), Crew-8 astronauts have safely returned to Earth, landing off the Florida coast. Their journey exemplifies the boundless possibilities of space exploration.</p>



<p>The Crew-8 astronauts devoted their energy to an array of research investigations, all sponsored by the ISS National Laboratory.</p>



<p>The scope of these investigations was impressively broad, covering a diverse range of fields including in-space production applications (InSPA), advancements in life and physical sciences, and the development of cutting-edge technologies aimed at enhancing future space missions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-on-in-space-production">Focus on in-space production</h2>



<p>A significant portion of their mission focused on in-space production applications, a key area of interest for both the <a href="https://issnationallab.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ISS National Laboratory</a> and NASA.</p>



<p>Moreover, the team contributed to many ongoing projects during their expedition, all of which have the potential to revolutionize diverse areas of our lives on Earth.</p>



<p>For instance, there was a fascinating collaboration involving the Cedars Sinai Medical Center, geared towards developing techniques that facilitate the in-space production of stem cells.</p>



<p>This project may ultimately have a significant impact on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-is-the-next-frontier-in-cancer-treatment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">future treatment</a> of heart diseases, neurodegenerative conditions, and other diseases.</p>



<p>Simultaneously, Redwire Corporation, in partnership with Eli Lilly and Company along with Butler University, led projects that utilized the Pharmaceutical In-space Laboratory (PIL-BOX) to crystallize organic molecules in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microgravity-causes-big-problems-with-human-gene-expression/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microgravity</a>. </p>



<p>The knowledge derived from this research could lead to the development of novel therapeutics to treat a multitude of conditions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enhancing-diagnostics-and-imaging-in-space">Enhancing diagnostics and imaging in space</h2>



<p>Another intriguing project supported by the astronauts was from the University of Notre Dame, aiming to enhance ultra-sensitive biosensors. </p>



<p>This research, funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation, could revolutionize early and asymptomatic cancer detection among other medical diagnostics.</p>



<p>Adding a technological flavor to their mission, the astronauts conducted testing on Big Sky, a high-resolution single-sensor camera developed by Sphere Entertainment. </p>



<p>The successful trials of Big Sky in the microgravity environment could be the start of a new era in entertainment and content capture for Sphere, a next-generation medium based in Las Vegas.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crew-8-research-supports-future-missions">Crew-8 research supports future missions</h2>



<p>In the last part of their mission, the Crew-8 astronauts began laying the groundwork for the future, supporting projects set to launch on NASA's upcoming Crew-9 mission.</p>



<p>One such project was led by Isabel Jiang, a recent high school graduate from California who is now a freshman at Yale.</p>



<p>Jiang's experiment aims at understanding the effects of radiation on gene editing mechanisms - the results could provide insight into genetic risks for certain diseases during <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cosmonaut-brains-are-rewired-during-long-spaceflights/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">long spaceflights</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-production-in-space">Plant production in space</h2>



<p>Simultaneously, another investigation from the U.S. Air Force Academy and Rhodium Scientific aimed to compare the growth of Arabidopsis plants at two different orbital altitudes. </p>



<p>The implications of this research could be invaluable, particularly in the realm of crop production for long-duration <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-astronaut-sets-record-for-longest-space-mission-by-an-american/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space missions</a> and in high-radiation environments.</p>



<p>Thus, the successful conclusion of the Crew-8 mission is a testament to the incredible potential of human ingenuity in the unique environment of space.</p>



<p>The Crew-8 endeavors help to support future space missions and also advancements here on Earth.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-legacy-of-crew-8-astronauts">The legacy of Crew-8 astronauts </h2>



<p>The achievements of the Crew-8 mission extend far beyond <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/top-ten-scientific-breakthroughs-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scientific breakthroughs</a> aboard the ISS, encompassing advancements that could reshape various fields and industries.</p>



<p>By conducting pioneering experiments and technological demonstrations, these astronauts have laid essential groundwork for future space endeavors.</p>



<p>Their work has not only advanced our understanding of microgravity effects on biological systems and material sciences but also opened new avenues for space-based manufacturing and technology development.</p>



<p>Moreover, the mission's collaborative projects - spanning educational institutions, private enterprises, and international partnerships - highlight the importance of global cooperation in space exploration.</p>



<p>With Crew-8’s successful return, NASA and its partners are already looking ahead to how these insights can support longer missions, including potential journeys to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. </p>



<p>The legacy of Crew-8 is a testament to how human ingenuity, when paired with the unique environment of space, can propel innovation that benefits life on Earth and prepares us for the next frontier.</p>



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/">Er</a><a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">i</a><a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/">c Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



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

Crew-8 astronauts have blazed a trail for future space missions

After a successful seven-month expedition on the International Space Station...

<p>Just below the surface of our vast oceans, there exists a a tiny layer less than 2 millimeters deep. This ultra-thin layer, termed "ocean skin," is ever so slightly cooler than the water directly beneath it.</p>



<p>This subtle temperature difference might not seem like much, but it acts as an efficient gatekeeper for one of the world's most notorious greenhouse gases - carbon dioxide (CO2).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-temperature-of-ocean-skin">Temperature of ocean skin</h2>



<p>According to new research, the slightly cooler temperature of the ocean skin increases the amount of CO2 the ocean can absorb. </p>



<p>The theory is not new – it has been suggested by lab work and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-arctic-is-melting-fast-but-a-slowing-ocean-current-could-help/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">theoretical studies</a> but had not been observed successfully in the open seas.</p>



<p>A team of researchers from the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a>'s Penryn Campus in Cornwall used advanced measurements to confirm that the ocean skin's temperature indeed aids in carbon absorption.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-co2-absorbed-in-the-atlantic">CO2 absorbed in the Atlantic</h2>



<p>The team conducted its study in the Atlantic Ocean. Their findings suggest that the Atlantic absorbs roughly 7% more CO2 each year than was previously estimated. </p>



<p>While 7% might sound like a trivial increase, when applied across all oceans, this additional carbon absorption equates to one and a half times the carbon captured annually by the vast Amazon rainforest.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-skin-and-climate-change">Ocean skin and climate change</h2>



<p>The global ocean acts as a massive sink, absorbing about a quarter of our carbon emissions. This process helps to slow down climate change. However, it also harms the ocean. The new study takes us a step closer to understanding these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-mitigate-climate-change-with-deep-ocean-storage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">complex dynamics</a>.</p>



<p>"Our findings provide measurements that confirm our theoretical understanding about CO2 fluxes at the ocean surface," said lead author Dr. Daniel Ford, a biological and physical oceanographer at the University of Exeter.</p>



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



<p>As we approach the COP29 climate change conference next month, the significance of this research is amplified. </p>



<p>Understanding the role of oceans in absorbing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-makes-metals-in-the-ocean-more-toxic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon emissions</a> helps to improve global carbon assessments, which in turn can guide efforts to reduce emissions.</p>



<p>The ocean skin discovery has been included in the team's data submission to this year's Global Carbon Budget assessment, contributing to our collective understanding of carbon fluxes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-analyzing-ocean-skin">Analyzing ocean skin</h2>



<p>The team's research was focused on ship observations gathered during two European Space Agency projects.</p>



<p>State-of-the-art CO2 flux systems measured tiny differences in CO2 in the air swirling towards the ocean surface and away again, complemented by high-resolution temperature measurements.</p>



<p>“This work is the culmination of many years of effort from an international team of scientists," said Dr. Ian Ashton, also from the University of Exeter.</p>



<p>"The European Space Agency’s support for science was instrumental in putting together such a high-quality measurement campaign across an entire ocean.” </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-climate-models">Future climate models</h2>



<p>As scientists refine our understanding of the oceans’ carbon absorption capabilities, the implications for climate models are substantial. </p>



<p>Accurately accounting for the increased CO2 uptake by the ocean skin layer can transform predictive models, offering more precise future climate scenarios.</p>



<p>Moreover, this knowledge empowers policymakers to craft more informed environmental strategies, leveraging marine-based carbon sequestration as a cornerstone for mitigation efforts. </p>



<p>As these models become more robust, they will inform international policy and funding decisions, further driving innovation in climate solutions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bridging-science-and-policy">Bridging science and policy</h2>



<p>The intersection of scientific discovery and policy formulation is critical in addressing the global climate crisis. </p>



<p>The ocean skin research underscores the importance of integrating scientific insights into actionable policy, thus bridging the gap between theoretical understanding and real-world implementation. </p>



<p>Organizations and governments must work in concert to translate these findings into tangible actions, such as investing in ocean preservation initiatives and incorporating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pacific-sea-levels-are-rising-faster-than-anywhere-in-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean health</a> into climate action frameworks. </p>



<p>As nations prepare for the upcoming COP29 conference, this research crystallizes the role the oceans play, advocating for marine ecosystems’ inclusion in the global climate agenda as they serve as essential buffers against rising CO2 levels.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-skin-and-climate-regulation">Ocean skin and climate regulation</h2>



<p>Dr. Gavin Tilstone, an expert in the Plymouth Marine Laboratory (<a href="https://pml.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PML</a>), emphasized the importance of the findings.</p>



<p>"This discovery highlights the intricacy of the ocean’s water column structure and how it can influence CO₂ draw-down from the atmosphere," said Dr. Tilstone.</p>



<p>"Understanding these subtle mechanisms is crucial as we continue to refine our climate models and predictions. It underscores the ocean's vital role in regulating the planet's carbon cycle and climate."</p>



<p>With these new insights on ocean skin, we can better appreciate how even the subtlest mechanisms in our oceans have profound implications for Earth's climate. </p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-024-01570-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Geoscience</a>.</em></p>



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;</p>



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



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

Ocean’s hidden 'skin' could protect us from climate change

Just below the surface of our vast oceans, there exists...

<p>Have you ever had that gnawing feeling, that sense of unease when everyone you know seems to be at an exciting event, but you're not? That sense of dread is known as "fear of missing out," or FOMO, and it's a growing phenomenon in our interconnected digital world.</p>



<p>FOMO is the perception that others are living better lives, having more fun, and just generally experiencing more than you. It's a feeling that has intensified with the rise of social media platforms.</p>



<p>In fact, a survey by OnePoll revealed that as many as 69% of Americans have experienced FOMO at some point in their lives. The question is, why do we feel this way?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-roots-of-fomo">The roots of FOMO</h2>



<p>New <a href="https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2024/10/what-fuels-our-fear-missing-out" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research</a> from the <a href="https://business.cornell.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cornell SC Johnson College of Business</a> has discovered that FOMO is driven much more by the potential impact on our future relationships than by missing out on the actual events themselves.</p>



<p>Essentially, we fear that missing out on group activities with friends could lead them to exclude us in the future.</p>



<p>Interestingly, the same study found that people who already have some level of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/daily-social-media-use-makes-teens-more-likely-to-start-smoking/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social anxiety</a> are more prone to experiencing FOMO.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-real-source-of-fomo-social-bonding">Real source of FOMO: Social bonding</h2>



<p>What makes FOMO even more interesting is that it's not about missing out on events with strangers or unimportant social groups. Rather, it's about fearing the loss of opportunities to bond with close-knit social groups.</p>



<p>Study co-author Jacqueline Rifkin is an assistant professor in the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management.</p>



<p>"FOMO is not about the missed event per se: If we miss a group dinner at a restaurant, we're not really upset about the missed food and drink," said Rifkin.</p>



<p>"What we're upset about is the fact that we missed the chance to bond, connect and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-have-figured-out-why-people-like-to-take-selfies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">make memories</a>."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-events-and-fear-of-missing-out">Social events and fear of missing out</h2>



<p>Rifkin's co-authors include Cindy Chan, an assistant professor at the Rotman School of Management, <a href="https://www.utoronto.ca" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Toronto</a>; and Barbara Kahn, a professor at the Wharton School.</p>



<p>Together, they conducted a series of seven experiments involving more than 5,000 individuals. The team studied real, recalled, and imagined FOMO when people missed out on social events such as concerts, retreats, or general social gatherings.</p>



<p>One of the experiments indicated that missing a major concert of your favorite performer can trigger some FOMO, but not too much. However, if your <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-expectations-of-men-are-bad-for-their-heart-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social group</a> was at the concert and you weren’t, the FOMO is greatly amplified.</p>



<p>Similarly, if your social group attended a special event without much social bonding, like a solo meditation session, this also didn't trigger much FOMO. On the flip side, missing out on stressful events that involve a lot of social bonding can spark significant levels of FOMO.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-combat-fomo">How to combat FOMO</h2>



<p>The research provides valuable insights into ways to combat FOMO. For example, the researchers found that after seeing social media posts of missed social events, those who took a moment to reflect on past bonding experiences felt less FOMO.</p>



<p>"This suggests that reminding oneself of the meaningful relationships we already have can help mitigate the anxiety surrounding missing out," Rifkin said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-who-s-most-prone-to-fomo">Who's most prone to FOMO?</h2>



<p>Individuals who have a greater need for social connection, or who suffer from social anxiety, are more likely to experience FOMO. </p>



<p>These folks are also more likely to worry excessively about the social cost of missing events and might find themselves compulsively checking social media for updates.</p>



<p>"FOMO has significant implications for mental health. It has been linked to reduced well-being, compulsive smartphone use, and even distracted driving," Rifkin said. </p>



<p>She noted that addressing FOMO is crucial in the context of the ongoing&nbsp;mental health&nbsp;crisis and the so-called "loneliness epidemic."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-on-mindfulness-and-strong-bonds">Focus on mindfulness and strong bonds</h2>



<p>This research calls for a broader understanding of FOMO. It's not just a phenomenon impacting young social media users, but anyone in a valued social group. It's an essential insight that underscores the importance of social bonding.</p>



<p>Plus, identifying these specific triggers of FOMO paves the way for future research to design and test coping techniques and strategies. </p>



<p>"Developing strategies that help us challenge our beliefs about the negative consequences of missing out could potentially help," Rifkin said. </p>



<p>"For instance, based on our results, encouraging individuals to engage in mindfulness practices and focus on the strong relationships we currently have could be one way to stave off FOMO. Ultimately, reminding ourselves that we belong, and not getting carried away with what could happen to us, can help."</p>



<p>So, the next time you feel FOMO creeping up on you, remember: that unease is less about the event you're missing, and more about the fear of missing out on meaningful <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gen-ai-and-social-media-divert-peoples-attention-from-climate-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social bonding</a>.</p>



<p>The study is published in the <em><a href="https://psycnet.apa.org/fulltext/2025-36987-001.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Personality and Social Psychology</a></em>.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;</p>



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



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

FOMO: What are we really afraid of missing out on?

Have you ever had that gnawing feeling, that sense of...

<p>The Burmese python is a creature that can swallow prey you wouldn’t even dare to imagine. These snakes aren’t native to your backyard unless you live in Southern Florida, where they have largely replaced raccoons, foxes, and bobcats in their diet.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extraordinary-python-diet">Extraordinary python diet</h2>



<p>Pythons are known for their ability to make a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/python-gut-regeneration-offers-clues-for-treating-human-diseases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hearty meal</a> out of deer, alligators, and other large creatures.</p>



<p>They consume these animals entirely, with jaws stretchy enough to accommodate a feast seemingly too large for their size.</p>



<p>This extraordinary ability to chow down on such big game is related to the snake's "gape," and guess what? Scientists have recently discovered that this gape is even more spacious than initially thought.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evaluating-the-burmese-python-gape">Evaluating the Burmese python gape</h2>



<p>Professor Bruce Jayne from the <a href="https://www.uc.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cincinnati</a> said measurements of snakes captured in and around Everglades National Park show that the biggest pythons have an even bigger gape than mathematical models would suggest.</p>



<p>Collaborating with researchers Ian Easterling and Ian Bartoszek from the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, Professor Jayne has evaluated some of these mammoth snakes measuring 15, 17, and 19 feet long.</p>



<p>The information unveiled was nothing short of startling. The most sizable python had a gape of 26 centimeters (or 10.2 inches), which is significantly larger than the previously recorded 22 centimeters (or 8.7 inches).</p>



<p>Professor Jayne said that at first, this doesn't sound like a significant change - just 18% larger. But the total area of the gape increased by a whopping 40%, he noted.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The largest pythons had a gape circumference of more than 81 centimeters, which is the equivalent of a 32-inch waist on a pair of pants.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unbelievable-feasts">Unbelievable feasts </h2>



<p>So, what's the big deal with some extra room? Well, it means <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pythons-can-make-their-heart-stronger-and-we-need-to-know-how/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pythons</a> can devour even larger prey than we realized.</p>



<p>Their astounding ability to swallow is backed by some eye-opening evidence. The researchers found one audacious snake gobbling down a deer weighing 77 pounds - about two-thirds of the snake's weight.</p>



<p>According to Bartoszek, observing this apex invader swallowing a full-sized deer is an unforgettable sight and serves as a stark reminder of the ecological impact of Burmese pythons.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-asian-rainforests-to-florida">From Asian rainforests to Florida</h2>



<p>Interestingly, Burmese pythons aren't native to Florida but hail from the southeast Asian rainforests. They ended up in the Sunshine State due to the pet trade and the irresponsible practices of owners.</p>



<p>The unique anatomical structure of pythons, with a jawbone that's not fused at the front and super-stretchy skin, blesses them with a gobbling power six times that of other similar-sized snakes.</p>



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



<p>One of the fascinating aspects of studying pythons is the size range within the species; they vary from 24 inches long and 4 ounces at hatching to nearly 20 feet and 200 pounds as adults.</p>



<p>This diverse size range has influenced the researchers to understand better the correlation between the snake's gape, its cranial anatomy, and overall size, thereby getting a grasp of its predatory prowess.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consequences-of-python-invasion">Consequences of python invasion</h2>



<p>Although Burmese pythons of more than 16 feet are rare, their broader gape and increasing presence are alarming. The collective removal of 770 pythons, all more than 6.5 feet long, weighed over 33,000 pounds. </p>



<p>If each snake were to consume just one deer as big as they could swallow, that would equal an astonishing 13,000 pounds of prey.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-python-population-control">Python population control</h2>



<p>In response to the burgeoning <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/python-meat-is-a-more-sustainable-food-than-chicken-or-beef/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">python population</a>, various innovative control techniques are being tested. One promising approach involves the use of specially trained detector dogs that excel in identifying and tracking the scent of these elusive snakes. </p>



<p>These canine companions have already proven effective in uncovering hidden pythons in the wild, supporting conservation efforts in restoring the balance of Florida's delicate ecosystems. </p>



<p>Similarly, advanced technological solutions, including motion-activated trap systems and thermal imaging, are being deployed to further bolster efforts in managing and reducing python numbers. </p>



<p>These creative methods highlight the increasing necessity of multidisciplinary approaches in battling invasive species.</p>



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



<p>Looking ahead, the future of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/diverse-group-of-snakes-has-a-new-evolutionary-tree/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">python research</a> is expected to delve deeper into understanding their ecological impact and finding sustainable solutions to mitigate their spread. </p>



<p>Continued collaboration between scientists, conservationists, and local communities will be vital in crafting strategies that are both effective and respectful of biological diversity. </p>



<p>The insights gained from studying Burmese pythons in Florida not only enhance our understanding of invasive species but also inform broader ecological and conservation principles applicable worldwide. </p>



<p>Ultimately, as research progresses, the balance between preserving local wildlife and managing invasive predators such as pythons will define the success of these conservation efforts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-threat-from-burmese-pythons">Threat from Burmese pythons</h2>



<p>These realities pose significant concerns about the Burmese python's ecological impact, particularly if they spread to other parts of Florida and, potentially, the rest of the American Southeast. </p>



<p>Their increasing prevalence in various regions across Florida is a glaring testimony to their phenomenal (and frightening) impact on prey populations. </p>



<p>"That's the tip of the iceberg of this phenomenal impact on prey <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/universal-antivenom-to-heal-all-snakebites-is-closer-to-reality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">populations</a> in Florida," Jayne said. "Researchers are trying to get a handle on where the spread might stop."</p>



<p>This leaves us all with some questions - will the Burmese Pythons continue their reign of terror? How can we manage the growing python problem in Florida?</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.17161/randa.v31i1.21867">Reptiles &amp; Amphibians</a></em>.</p>



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;</p>



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



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

Burmese pythons are eating larger animals whole

The Burmese python is a creature that can swallow prey...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



<p>Like what you saw and read?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a>&nbsp;for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>—–</p>



<p>Check us out on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth.com</a>.</p>



<p>—–</p>

Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



<p>Like what you saw and read?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a>&nbsp;for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>—–</p>



<p>Check us out on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth.com</a>.</p>



<p>—–</p>

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



<p>Like what you saw and read?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a>&nbsp;for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>—–</p>



<p>Check us out on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth.com</a>.</p>



<p>—–</p>

What caused the planet's longest ice age

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



<p>Like what you saw and read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>—–</p>



<p>Check us out on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth.com</a>.</p>



<p>—–</p>

Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p id="block-eff5dea3-a9bb-40b5-a923-e5a9978bc0e2">Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p id="block-43e218f4-0391-477c-8396-eb777c8c80a3">Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



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



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

Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



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



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



<p></p>

Social modeling affects our food choices

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



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



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

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



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



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

Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



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



<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>



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



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



<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>



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



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



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

Scientists solve the mystery of tickling

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



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



<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>



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



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



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

The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"]</div>



<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Nushagak Bay, a large estuary in southwest Alaska. Nushagak runs mainly north to south and exits in Bristol Bay, a large body of water in the Bering Sea.</p>



<p>"The bay is primarily fed by the Nushagak River, which begins in the Alaska Range and flows southwest approximately 450 km. The bay is also fed by several additional rivers including the Wood, Igushik, Snake and Weary rivers," says ESA.</p>



<p>"The dark colors of the Nushagak River are most likely due to tannins or lignins (chemical substances found in plants). Tannins and lignins from roots, leaves, seeds, bark and soil can leach into the water and give it a brown or even black colour. The sediments then flow southwards where it is mixed with the bluer waters of the bay."</p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: ESA</em></p>



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



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="G9bUoxcjr4-2511624-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" type="single"]</div>



<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

[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="iuA5mpp3jv-1641775-12187" type="single"]</div>



<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

[sendtonews key="iuA5mpp3jv-1641775-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

News coming your way