<p>For half a century, black hole fireworks have lived mostly in theory. The standard picture holds that if black holes ever “explode,” it’s vanishingly rare - maybe once every 100,000 years somewhere in the universe - and far beyond our reach to witness.</p>



<p>A new analysis flips that expectation on its head. Physicists at the <a href="https://www.umass.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Massachusetts Amherst</a> argue there’s better than a nine-in-ten chance that an observable black hole outburst will occur in the next ten years. </p>



<p>The team noted that our existing array of space- and ground-based telescopes is already capable of seeing it.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-black-holes-that-can-explode">Black holes that can explode</h2>



<p>The scenario hinges on a particular class of black hole first proposed by Stephen Hawking in 1970: <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/primordial-black-holes-may-be-shifting-earths-orbit/">primordial black holes</a> (PBHs).</p>



<p>Unlike their heavyweight cousins born from the deaths of massive stars, PBHs could have formed in the first fractions of a second after the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/if-the-big-bang-theory-is-correct-what-exactly-happened/">Big Bang</a>. During that time, extreme density ripples compressed pockets of the early universe.</p>



<p>Crucially, a PBH can be far lighter than a stellar black hole. And the lighter a black hole is, the hotter it becomes, slowly bleeding energy as particles via Hawking radiation. </p>



<p>As it shrinks, it heats up even more in a runaway process that ends in a final, brilliant outburst. This outburst is a flash of particles and high-energy light that, in principle, we can detect.</p>



<p>That last part has been the sticking point. If PBHs exist, why haven’t we seen one go off? The prevailing wisdom has been that the odds are simply too small on human timescales.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-small-twist-with-big-consequences">Small twist with big consequences</h2>



<p>The UMass Amherst team revisited one of the field’s quiet assumptions: that primordial black holes carry no electric charge. </p>



<p>In their work, they explore a “dark QED” toy model - an analog of electromagnetism that includes a very heavy, hypothetical cousin of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shape-of-electrons-revealed-first-time-through-big-advance-in-quantum-physics/">electron</a>, sometimes called a dark electron.</p>



<p>If PBHs formed with even a tiny amount of this dark electric charge, the researchers show, the charge could temporarily stabilize the black hole’s evaporation. That pause delays the finale, so more PBHs would be reaching their terminal phase now. </p>



<p>With all current experimental constraints folded in, their calculations shift the expected cadence of observable PBH explosions from “about once every hundred millennia” to “roughly once per decade.”</p>



<p>“We’re not claiming it’s guaranteed, but the probability may be as high as 90% that one occurs within the next ten years," said Baker.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-catching-an-exploding-black-hole">Catching an exploding black hole</h2>



<p>If a PBH is in its endgame, it should spew a burst of Hawking radiation: a short-lived cascade of particles and photons across a broad energy range. That signature is exactly the kind of high-energy transient today’s observatories are built to chase.</p>



<p>Space telescopes sensitive to gamma rays and X-rays, wide-field optical surveyors scanning the sky nightly, and radio arrays listening for fleeting bursts could all contribute to catching - and confirming - the event. </p>



<p>Because only lightweight primordial black holes can explode today, detecting Hawking radiation would be tantamount to detecting a PBH.</p>



<p>The team’s message is simple: prepare the observing playbook now. Coordinated triggers, rapid follow-up, and cross-checks across wavelengths could turn a single flash into a definitive detection.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-detection-would-rewrite-the-textbooks">Detection would rewrite the textbooks</h2>



<p>Seeing a PBH explode would do more than check a box next to Hawking’s most famous prediction. It would provide the first direct evidence that black holes radiate and evaporate, lifting a key idea out of the realm of theory and into observation.</p>



<p>It would also prove PBHs exist at all - and that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-capture-baby-pictures-of-the-very-early-universe-cosmic-microwave-background/">infant universe</a> could seed gravitational monsters without stars. Perhaps most tantalizing, the debris of that final flash would act like a cosmic census. </p>



<p>In principle, the particle spray encodes every constituent of nature that couples to gravity and can be thermally produced. These include familiar residents like electrons and quarks, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/higgs-boson-god-particle-still-remains-quantum-mystery-after-12-years/">Higgs boson</a>, any dark matter particles if they exist, and potentially species we’ve never seen.</p>



<p>A single well-observed event could offer a once-only inventory of the universe’s building blocks, informing everything from particle physics to cosmology.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bold-claims-big-stakes">Bold claims, big stakes</h2>



<p>Extraordinary claims demand extraordinary evidence. The group’s “dark QED” setup is intentionally simple, and the true microphysics of any dark sector - if it exists - could differ.</p>



<p>Still, the work highlights how modest changes to long-held assumptions can dramatically alter expectations for what we might observe. </p>



<p>It also underscores an opportunity: even if the odds are lower than the headline number, the payoff of a detection is so immense that it makes sense to plan for it.</p>



<p>We already know how to look. We already have the tools. If nature obliges, the next decade could deliver a brief, brilliant flash that confirms Hawking radiation, reveals <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/directly-detecting-dark-matter-primordial-black-holes-simple-as-monitoring-mars-orbit/">primordial black holes</a>, and hands physicists a ledger of the universe’s particles - all in one cosmic firework.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.aps.org/prl/abstract/10.1103/nwgd-g3zl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Physical Review Letters</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Astronomers think a black hole may explode soon, and they're not going to miss it

For half a century, black hole fireworks have lived mostly in theory. The standard picture holds that if black holes ever “explode,” it’s vanishingly rare - maybe once every 100,000 years somewhere in the universe - and far beyond our reach to witness. A new analysis flips that expectation on its head. Physicists at the University of Massachusetts Amherst argue there’s better than a nine-in-ten chance that an observable black hole outburst will occur in the next ten years. The team noted that our existing array of...

<p>The nature of dark energy remains one of the biggest mysteries in modern physics. Dark energy is thought to make up about 68% of the universe. However, its true nature is still unknown.</p>



<p>To shed light on this puzzle, an ambitious mission is underway. The European Space Agency (ESA), armed with essential contributions from <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/snippet-of-euclid-missions-cosmic-atlas-released-by-esa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>, has embarked on a mission named Euclid.</p>



<p>The scientists are eager to understand why the universe is expanding at an accelerating pace - a phenomenon that is attributed to dark energy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-euclid-surveys-the-dark-universe">Euclid surveys the dark universe </h2>



<p>The Euclid mission will explore both dark energy and dark matter. To study the evolution of the “dark universe,” Euclid is creating a 3D map of the universe.</p>



<p>At the International Astronomical Congress in Milan, ESA released impressive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-batch-of-brilliant-images-from-the-euclid-mission-live-up-to-the-hype/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">images captured by the Euclid spacecraft</a>. </p>



<p>This 208-gigapixel mosaic contains 260 observations in visible and infrared light made in just two weeks from March 25 and April 8 this year.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-euclid-is-creating-a-cosmic-atlas">Euclid is creating a cosmic atlas</h2>



<p>The captured coverage is more than 500 times the area of the sky covered by a full Moon, giving us an extensive look into the vastness of the cosmos.</p>



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="Wkz4nMLlL6-3937527-12187" type="single"]</div>



<p>Remarkably, the mosaic accounts for just 1% of the extensive survey Euclid is set to conduct over six years, which will cover one-third of the universe.</p>



<p>The mission will continue to observe the shapes, distances, and motions of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/odd-galaxy-may-hold-clues-to-the-first-stars-of-the-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stars and galaxies</a>, some of which are located over 10 billion light-years away.</p>



<p>The ultimate goal is to create the largest 3D cosmic map ever made, potentially containing billions of celestial bodies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-celestial-objects-in-great-detail">Celestial objects in great detail</h2>



<p>Although the mosaic only reveals a fraction of the total survey area, the spacecraft's sensitive cameras have captured an astonishing number of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/space-snowman-arrokoth-celestial-objects-become-ice-bombs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">celestial objects</a> with great detail. </p>



<p>For example, enlarging one particular image by a factor of 600 reveals the complex structure of a spiral galaxy in the galaxy cluster Abell 3381, located 470 million light-years away.</p>



<p>Jason Rhodes is an observational cosmologist stationed at NASA's <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a> in Southern California.</p>



<p>“We have already seen&nbsp;beautiful, high-resolution images&nbsp;of individual objects and groups of objects from Euclid. This new image finally gives us a taste of the enormity of the area of sky Euclid will cover, which will enable us to take detailed measurements of billions of galaxies,” said Rhodes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tremendous-range-of-euclid-images">Tremendous range of Euclid images</h2>



<p>"What really strikes me about these new images is the tremendous range in physical scale. The images capture detail from clusters of stars near an individual galaxy to some of the largest structures in the universe," said JPL scientist Mike Seiffert.</p>



<p>"We are beginning to see the first hints of what the full Euclid data will look like when it reaches the completion of the prime survey."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forthcoming-cosmic-expeditions">Forthcoming cosmic expeditions</h2>



<p>While the Euclid mission continues to unravel the secrets of dark energy and the universe, we can also look forward to NASA's forthcoming <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/during-the-cosmic-dawn-of-our-universe-empty-space-looked-very-different/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nancy Grace Roman mission</a>. </p>



<p>This mission, scheduled for launch by May 2027, will provide higher-resolution images of millions of galaxies and peer deeper into the universe's past. </p>



<p>Mission planners will use Euclid's findings to shape Roman's dark energy work, providing complementary information that will help us further explore the mysteries of the dark universe.</p>



<p>With missions like Euclid, we are one step closer to unraveling some of the most perplexing mysteries of the cosmos - such as the enigma of dark energy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dark-energy-and-cosmic-evolution">Dark energy and cosmic evolution </h2>



<p>The term "dark energy" was introduced to rationalize the perplexing phenomenon driving the universe's accelerated expansion, a revelation that fundamentally altered our perception of cosmic evolution.</p>



<p>Some scientists suggest dark energy might be an inherent property of space itself, echoing ideas proposed by Albert Einstein regarding the cosmological constant. </p>



<p>Other experts speculate that dark energy could signify a new, yet enigmatic energy field or force awaiting discovery.</p>



<p>Understanding dark energy is critical for both predicting the fate of the universe and grasping the fundamental laws that underpin its structure.</p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/horsehead-nebula-captured-in-first-batch-photos-from-the-euclid-mission/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Euclid mission</a> will explore the large-scale framework of outer space and its transformation over epochs. Through precise measurements of galaxy shapes and distributions, Euclid may finally reveal how dark energy influences the expansion of the universe.</p>



<p>Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA/Euclid/Euclid Consortium/NASA/CEA Paris-Saclay</p>



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Mapping the universe may reveal secrets of dark energy

The nature of dark energy remains one of the biggest...

<p>A large-scale study has uncovered surprising insights into how lifestyle habits like playing video games and exercising influence our cognitive performance and mental health.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study, known as the Brain and Body study, is a collaboration between <a href="https://www.uwo.ca/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Western University</a> and the <a href="https://www.scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science and Industry Museum</a> for the Manchester Science Festival. </p>



<p>While <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/video-games-do-not-harm-childrens-cognitive-abilities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">video games</a> seem to enhance cognitive abilities, exercise plays a key role in improving mental well-being. However, these benefits don't seem to overlap in the way many might expect.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-video-games-and-cognitive-performance">Video games and cognitive performance </h2>



<p>More than 2,000 participants from across the globe took part in the Brain and Body study, which asked them to fill out a lifestyle survey and play Creyos online brain games designed to measure various cognitive skills like memory, attention, reasoning, and verbal ability.</p>



<p>The study, led by renowned neuroscientist Adrian Owen from Western University, involved roughly 1,000 participants who completed all of the tasks.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to Owen, the results revealed that playing video games was associated with improved cognitive abilities but not better or worse mental health.</p>



<p>The research found that playing video games for five or more hours per week significantly boosted <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lifestyle-choices-in-young-adulthood-impact-cognitive-ability-in-midlife/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive performance</a>, making players perform cognitively as though they were 13.7 years younger. Even less frequent gamers saw benefits, performing cognitively like people 5.2 years younger.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-exercise-on-mental-health">Impact of exercise on mental health</h2>



<p>While video games appeared to enhance cognition, the study found that regular <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/physical-activity-can-protect-mental-health-in-pre-teen-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">physical activity</a> had a notable impact on mental health instead. </p>



<p>Participants who met or exceeded the <a href="https://www.who.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Health Organization</a>’s (WHO) recommendation of 150 minutes of physical activity per week were 12% more likely to report having no symptoms of depression and 9% more likely to show no signs of anxiety.</p>



<p>However, similar to the findings with video games and mental health, exercise had no significant effect on cognitive abilities. “More physical activity was associated with improved mental health but not better or worse cognitive health,” Owen said.</p>



<p>The researchers also noted that the mental health benefits from physical activity were more evident among those with mild or no symptoms of depression or anxiety.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Physical activity seemed to make the greatest difference at the lower end of both scales where symptoms were either mild or completely absent.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-the-brain-body-connection">Exploring the brain-body connection</h2>



<p>While the connection between brain and body might seem intuitive - such as the effects of stress on muscle tension or how deep breathing can calm the mind - this study highlights how little is actually known about how different activities impact our cognitive and mental well-being.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The Brain and Body study aimed to provide more insight into how lifestyle choices contribute to the long-term health of the brain.</p>



<p>“The results of this study could help all of us choose activities that promote healthy cognitive aging,” said Owen, emphasizing the potential benefits for individuals seeking ways to maintain cognitive function as they age.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-manchester-science-festival-nbsp">The Manchester Science Festival&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Owen will present the detailed findings of the study at the Science and Industry Museum as part of the Manchester Science Festival, running from October 18 to 27.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The festival will also offer attendees the opportunity to participate in a pilot study that follows up on these results.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This new pilot study will focus on short-term improvements in cognition resulting from activities like video gaming and exercise, in contrast to the original study's focus on long-term effects.</p>



<p>In addition to the study presentation, Owen will also collaborate with the Squidsoup collective on an artistic installation called “State of Mind.” This exhibit, inspired by the work of Piet Mondrian, features a three-dimensional array of LED lights and an immersive soundscape.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Owen will provide commentary on how the brain processes sound and light, enriching visitors' understanding of the brain’s interaction with sensory input.</p>



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



<p>The findings from the Brain and Body study shed new light on the complex relationship between cognitive function, mental health, and lifestyle choices.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While the study confirms that video games can help sharpen the mind and exercise can enhance mental well-being, it also highlights that these benefits don’t overlap in the ways many might assume.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By continuing to explore these connections, researchers hope to better understand how different activities can be used to promote both cognitive and mental health as part of a balanced lifestyle.</p>



<p>A preprint of the study is published on <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/hdj9r" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>PsyArXiv</em></a>.</p>



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Video games can rewind the clock on cognitive performance 

A large-scale study has uncovered surprising insights into how lifestyle...

<p>Scientists have recently argued that a lack of access to salmon is the main driver of population decline of southern resident killer whales - also known as orcas - in the Pacific. However, a new study has found that such assumptions may in fact be wrong.</p>



<p>To reach these conclusions, Burak Saygili and Andrew Trites, two marine mammal scientists from the <a href="https://www.ubc.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of British Columbia</a>, have consulted with sport anglers and whale-watching crews to better understand the orcas' access to chinook salmon.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mysterious-decline-in-killer-whales">Mysterious decline in killer whales</h2>



<p>Previous studies have shown that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/southern-resident-killer-whales-endangered-by-inbreeding/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">southern resident killer whales</a> of the Pacific are declining, with both adult and offspring numbers dropping dramatically.</p>



<p>“Two populations of fish-eating killer whales (<em>Orcinus orca</em>) frequent the coastal waters of British Columbia where they preferentially consume Chinook salmon (<em>Oncorhynchus tshawytscha</em>). One of these populations, northern resident killer whales, ranges from southern British Columbia to Southeast Alaska - and has tripled to over 300 individuals since monitoring began in the early 1970s,” wrote the researchers.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“In contrast, the southern resident killer whale population, which inhabits the waters between southern British Columbia and California, has not experienced any sustained growth during this time. They have fluctuated between 66 and 98 individuals, and numbered 74 as of December 2023.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-killer-whales-struggling-in-the-pacific">Killer whales struggling in the Pacific</h2>



<p>During the warmer months, southern resident killer whales swim north, and, as winter arrives, they head south again. However, they are currently struggling to survive.</p>



<p>Strangely, they seem to be the only marine mammal species in their ecosystem facing such problems. Other species such as harbor seals, porpoises, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-flu-is-killing-thousands-of-seals-and-sea-lions-globally/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea lions</a>, and different types of whales are all thriving. </p>



<p>Some experts suggested that the most likely problem is a lack of access to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-has-unpredictable-effects-on-salmon-migration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">salmon</a>, the orcas' main source of food. However, fishermen also looking for salmon have reported no problems capturing them and have also seen southern resident whales doing the same. </p>



<p>Moreover, whale-watching crews told the scientists that they often see the endangered orcas swimming among large groups of salmon.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-intense-sea-traffic-nbsp">The role of intense sea traffic&nbsp;</h2>



<p>According to the researchers, this indicates that the orcas are having trouble catching them. And that, they suggest, could be caused by the noise made by boats, particularly since the region where they live has far more sea traffic than areas farther north where northern resident orcas are thriving.</p>



<p>“Studies of southern resident killer whales carrying suction cupped sound and movement tags have found the probability of killer whales capturing prey increases as salmon abundance increases, but is negatively affected by the movements and noise of nearby vessel,” the authors explained.</p>



<p>“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humpback-whales-fail-to-respond-to-vessel-noise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vessel noise</a> can mask communication between pod members and interfere with foraging and navigation - while the physical presence of vessels can reduce the foraging effort of resident killer whales.” </p>



<p>According to the researchers, killer whales are more likely to encounter greater numbers of vessels in the Salish Sea than in the North Island Waters, which could mean that salmon are less accessible to southern residents than to northern residents despite there being a higher abundance of Chinook.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seasonal-salmon-availability">Seasonal salmon availability</h2>



<p>Another cause could be that the southern resident orcas have trouble eating at different times of the year. For instance, while they may find enough salmon during summers, the situation may be completely different in the spring. This could explain why one calf was found to have starved to death this spring.</p>



<p>“Contrary to expectations, we found that the areal densities of prey (large salmon) available to killer whales were higher in the southern habitat. Our findings suggest that southern resident killer whales are no more food limited during late summer than northern resident killer whales,” noted the study authors.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This implies that the difference in growth rates of the two populations is either due to other factors (e.g., inbreeding, disturbance, contaminants, competition) or that southern resident killer whales are experiencing a food shortage beyond the Salish Sea during winter or spring.”</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0311388" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>PLoS ONE</em></a>.</p>



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Why are killer whales struggling to survive in the Pacific?

Scientists have recently argued that a lack of access to...

<p>If you've ever found yourself reaching for another piece of candy or topping up your coffee with an extra spoonful of sugar, you are not alone. </p>



<p>The average American consumes a whopping 36,000 grams of sugar each year. That's the equivalent of 80 pounds of sugar intake - about as heavy as an entire medium-sized dog.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sugar-intake-across-the-nation">Sugar intake across the nation </h2>



<p>Talker Research conducted the study on behalf of Hint Water. The team surveyed 2,000 Americans, aiming to illuminate the nation's sugar habits and their impact on our hydration levels. </p>



<p>Guess what? On a typical day, Americans are gobbling down 99 grams of sugar. That's more than what two 12-ounce soda cans contain, even though 85% of us are consciously trying to reduce our sugar intake. Quite a paradox, isn't it?</p>



<p>For 34% of the respondents, a large chunk of daily sugar intake comes from their morning cup of joe. Another 28% report that soda forms a significant part of their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/children-are-consuming-more-sugary-drinks-than-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">liquid consumption</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-cry-for-water">A cry for water</h2>



<p>Quite interestingly, 51% of the participants believe that their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/want-to-reverse-your-age-take-sugar-out-of-your-diet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sweet tooth</a> is a cry for water from their bodies. This perspective gains weight when you consider that our daily water intake barely touches 48 ounces, falling short of the recommended levels.</p>



<p>“The study revealed that, on a regular day, the average respondent consumes more than twice the amount of sugar recommended by the <a href="https://www.heart.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Heart Association</a> and significantly less water than is recommended by the U.S. National Academy of Medicine," said Amy Calhoun Robb, chief marketing officer at Hint Water.</p>



<p>"And while it’s important to showcase how much room we have for improvement, it’s also important to understand why this is the case."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-behind-our-sugar-cravings">What's behind our sugar cravings?</h2>



<p>Now, let's take a peek at what triggers these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/glucose-the-sweet-secret-to-a-younger-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cravings</a>. Stress tops the chart (39%), followed by boredom (36%), fatigue (24%), and loneliness (17%). </p>



<p>These emotional waves churn out feelings of anxiety (23%), irritability (22%), impatience (20%), and unproductiveness (20%) among the respondents. Ever find yourself reaching for a candy bar after a stressful meeting or a long day at work?</p>



<p>Common situations sparking these cravings include watching a movie (31%), finishing a meal (31%), needing a midday energy boost (30%), and having a bad day at work (19%). The survey also pinpointed 3:12 p.m. as the peak time for sugar cravings. </p>



<p>A not-so-sweet fact: on average, we can only resist sugar cravings for 13 minutes. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sugar-crash-and-loss-of-focus">Sugar crash and loss of focus</h2>



<p>A sugar binge sometimes feels like a rollercoaster ride, and the aftermath is not any less dramatic. On average, the respondents reported a "crash" just 33 minutes post-indulgence, often feeling fatigued (42%), regretful (25%), and unfocused (21%). </p>



<p>As we grapple with our sugar shackles, there seems to be a growing consciousness about the importance of hydration. More than half of the survey respondents (51%) said they now focus on increasing their water intake to keep sugar cravings at bay.</p>



<p>“Whether you just want a post-meal treat or need a boost during your work day, you might find yourself relying more on sugar than you think you do. And from there, it can be easy to lose focus on your health goals, including healthy hydration,” said Calhoun-Robb.</p>



<p>“Fortunately, you don’t have to sacrifice your health goals and settle for bland options. It is possible to enjoy delicious-tasting foods and drinks without sugar or guilt, it simply takes a bit of intentionality and finding brands and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-sweetener-erythritol-sugar-substitute-linked-to-blood-clots-heart-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">products</a> that prioritize your health as much as you do.”&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-securing-a-healthier-future">Securing a healthier future</h2>



<p>This research is about more than just numbers and percentages of sugar intake. It is a mirror reflecting our habits - how we eat, drink, and perceive our dietary choices.</p>



<p>It is a wakeup call that forces us to consider the fine line between satisfying our sweet tooth and falling into the sugar trap.</p>



<p>Now, the ball is in our court. Will we continue our sugar-coated lifestyle, or will we step up and change our habits to secure a healthier future?</p>



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



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

The average American consumes 80 pounds of sugar per year

If you've ever found yourself reaching for another piece of...

<p>In a recent study, researchers have revealed some intriguing insights into feline cognition and language comprehension. The study shows that cats may be capable of associating certain human words with images.</p>



<p>So, how did this revelation come about? The scientists set up an experiment with the help of 31 adult house cats. The aim of this particular activity was to assess whether <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cats-mourn-the-loss-of-other-pets-similar-to-human-grief/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cats</a> could connect a spoken word to an image on a screen.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cats-connecting-to-words">Cats connecting to words</h2>



<p>Each cat was exposed to a simple word and image association test, inspired by similar tests designed to unravel word comprehension in human infants.</p>



<p>During the test, the cats were treated to short animations accompanied by nonsense words. </p>



<p>Each cat viewed two animations, one associated with the word "keraru" and the other with "parumo." The cycle of videos followed a repetitive pattern until our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cats-use-nearly-300-facial-expressions-to-communicate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cat</a> participants decided to peel their eyes away from the spectacle.</p>



<p>After an appropriate break, the cats were once again presented with the same animations. But this time, the associated words were reversed.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cats-observing-words-on-a-screen">Cats observing words on a screen</h2>



<p>While the cats were watching the videos, the researchers were busy observing the cats and their reactions. The scientists found that the cats stared for longer at the screen when they heard the reversed words compared to the original pairing.</p>



<p>Some feline participants even showed signs of pupil dilation, a classic sign of confusion and intensified focus. </p>



<p>These reactions suggested that the cats were trying to make sense of this change, in essence confirming that they had associated the initial words with the corresponding images.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-do-cats-understand-human-words">Do cats understand human words?</h2>



<p>This fascinating research was conducted under the guidance of the <a href="https://www.azabu-u.ac.jp/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Azabu University</a>'s diligent animal scientist team.</p>



<p>The study builds upon earlier research that suggested cats could discern when humans called their names, and even recognize photos of familiar people.</p>



<p>This new insight, however, stretches our understanding of feline comprehension capabilities. Believe it or not, it seems that our cats might be catching onto much of what we say to them.</p>



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



<p>What does this mean for you and your cat? Well, it certainly adds <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/are-cat-people-really-more-crazy-than-dog-lovers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">depth to your bond</a>. The fact that our furry pals may associate words with objects in their surroundings has profound implications.</p>



<p>It could enhance the way we interact with our pets, paving the way for further research in pet communication and ultimately fostering stronger human-pet relationships.</p>



<p>But, it's not just about having more meaningful heart-to-hearts with your feline friend. This discovery could also help to advance our understanding of animal cognition.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-possibilities-and-practical-applications">Possibilities and practical applications</h2>



<p>The newfound insights into feline cognition open up intriguing possibilities for practical applications. </p>



<p>For pet owners, this research provides a foundation for developing more engaging and effective methods of communication with their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/would-you-trust-a-robot-to-look-after-your-cat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">feline companions</a>. </p>



<p>By leveraging the understanding that cats can associate words with objects, training programs could be designed to facilitate better cooperation during routine activities such as feeding, grooming, and even medical treatment.</p>



<p>Additionally, this knowledge could aid in creating more enriching environments for cats in shelters, enhancing their well-being while awaiting adoption. </p>



<p>As we explore deeper into this field, the potential applications for both domestic and professional settings become increasingly vast, inviting a future where human-animal interaction is more harmonious and rewarding.</p>



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



<p>While cats have been the focal point of this study, the implications extend beyond our feline friends. This research paves the way for similar investigations in other domestic animals, potentially reshaping how we perceive and communicate with a variety of species. </p>



<p>If dogs, birds, or even ferrets demonstrate similar associative capabilities, we could witness a paradigm shift in our approach to animal training and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cats-have-a-better-quality-of-life-if-you-play-with-them/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">care</a>.</p>



<p>Such findings would not only revolutionize pet ownership for millions but would also enrich our understanding of animal behavior and intelligence.</p>



<p>While more exploration into this area of research is required, one thing is for sure: cats are not just passive observers in our homes. They may be connected to us in deeper ways than we ever imagined.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-74006-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a></em>.</p>



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



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

Cats can associate human words with images

In a recent study, researchers have revealed some intriguing insights...

<p>Deep in the tropics where sunlight filters through the leafy canopy above, the brain of an extraordinary butterfly is puzzling scientists. It's the Heliconius butterfly, a species that not only indulges in nectar but has a refined taste for pollen too.</p>



<p>This peculiar feeding habit has sparked a series of fascinating studies. The findings were recently published in the journal <em>Current Biology</em>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-butterfly-with-a-sharp-brain">Butterfly with a sharp brain</h2>



<p>Who would think a butterfly, a creature so tiny and seemingly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/national-butterfly-and-hummingbird-day-celebrating-the-beauty-of-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">delicate</a>, would possess cognitive abilities that support complex spatial learning and memory retention?</p>



<p>We're talking about a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/butterflys-rapid-expansion-led-to-lower-genetic-diversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">butterfly</a> not much bigger than a human thumb, yet capable of remembering where its food sources are and adeptly navigating its way to them.</p>



<p>This ability, researchers believe, is intricately tied to the Heliconius butterfly's unusually developed brain structure known as the mushroom bodies. This brain structure is responsible for learning and memory.</p>



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



<p>Study lead author Dr. Max Farnworth is a senior research associate in the <a href="http://www.bristol.ac.uk/biology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">School of Biological Sciences</a> at the University of Bristol.</p>



<p>"There is huge interest in how bigger brains may support enhanced cognition, behavioral precision or flexibility. But during brain expansion, it's often difficult to disentangle effects of increases in overall size from changes in internal structure," explained Dr. Farnworth. </p>



<p>To unravel this complex twist, the research team meticulously examined the changes that unfolded in this butterfly's neural circuits.</p>



<p>These circuits, much like those found in an electrical system, are composed of cells - the Kenyon cells - that connect in distinct patterns to create a functioning network.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mosaic-brain-evolution">Mosaic brain evolution</h2>



<p>The investigation has revealed an unusual growth pattern in these Kenyon cells. Unlike uniform growth in line with the brain's expansion, these cells have grown at different rates, creating a mosaic of sizes within the brain structure.</p>



<p>This phenomenon, aptly called mosaic brain evolution, paints a vivid picture of a brain's internal landscape that’s continually changing, with some areas growing while others stay the same.</p>



<p>"We predict that because we see these mosaic patterns of neural changes, these will relate to specific shifts in behavioral performance - in line with the range of learning experiments which show that Heliconius outperform their closest relatives in only very specific contexts, such as long-term visual memory and pattern learning," said Dr. Farnworth.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-memory-and-planning-skills">Memory and planning skills</h2>



<p>To optimize their pollen diet, Heliconius butterflies have evolved a unique foraging pattern. Instead of fluttering aimlessly, they zip along fixed routes between floral resources, much like following a bus route. </p>



<p>Yes - butterflies on a bus route. This unexpected behavior requires planning and memory, so it's no surprise that the brain circuits underpinning these skills are the hot topic of the study on Heliconius butterflies.</p>



<p>"Rather than having a random route of foraging, these butterflies apparently choose fixed routes between floral resources - akin to a bus route," said study co-author Dr. Stephen Montgomery. </p>



<p>"The planning and memory processes needed for this behavior are fulfilled by the assemblies of neurons inside the mushroom bodies, hence why we're fascinated by the internal circuitry throughout."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-of-the-butterfly-brain">Implications of the butterfly brain</h2>



<p>The story of the Heliconius butterfly adds intriguing depth to our understanding of evolution and cognitive development in small-brained species. </p>



<p>Insights gained from these butterflies challenge traditional assumptions regarding the correlation between brain size and cognitive capabilities across species. </p>



<p>Despite their small statures, the intricate brain structures of Heliconius showcase immense cognitive prowess, suggesting that evolutionary pressures have profoundly influenced their neural development to optimize for specific ecological challenges. </p>



<p>This raises questions about the adaptive value of these cognitive traits and how they might vary among Heliconius species spread across diverse environments. </p>



<p>Such comparative studies between different species or even colonies of Heliconius can shed light on the evolutionary mechanisms driving brain complexity and its connection to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/national-learn-about-butterflies-day-an-enchanting-world-awaits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">adaptive behaviors</a>.</p>



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



<p>The discoveries surrounding the Heliconius butterfly's neurological and behavioral adaptations present an exciting avenue for future research endeavors. </p>



<p>A key area of interest lies in the potential genetic underpinnings that contribute to the unique development of the butterfly's brain. Further genetic and molecular analyses could provide a comprehensive understanding of how specific genetic expressions are linked to the observed cognitive feats. </p>



<p>Additionally, advances in neuroimaging and electrophysiological techniques open new possibilities for tracing neural activity in real-time, offering a more dynamic understanding of cognitive processing during foraging activities. </p>



<p>These future studies not only promise to unveil the mysteries behind the Heliconius butterfly's remarkable capabilities but also hold broader implications for the field of neurobiology.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-investigation-of-the-butterfly-brain">Further investigation of the butterfly brain</h2>



<p>With this study adding significantly to our understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/butterflies-create-silk-seatbelts-to-strap-in-for-metamorphosis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive innovation</a> in the neural circuits, the research team is set to delve further into the butterfly brain, exploring beyond the memory centers and mapping the brain at an even higher resolution.</p>



<p>"I was really fascinated by the fact that we see such high degrees of conservation in brain anatomy and evolution, but then very prominent but distinct changes," said Dr. Farnworth.</p>



<p>"This is a really fascinating and beautiful example of a layer of biodiversity we don't usually see, the diversity of brain and sensory systems, and the ways in which animals are processing and using the information provided by the environment around them," concluded Dr. Montgomery.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(24)01337-X" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a></em>.</p>



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



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

Extraordinary memory skills discovered in a small-brained butterfly

Deep in the tropics where sunlight filters through the leafy...

<p>For decades, physicists have grappled with a puzzling question: How can we reconcile the two different pictures we have of the atomic nucleus? </p>



<p>On one hand, we see nuclei as collections of protons and neutrons. On the other, at higher energies, they appear as a sea of quarks and gluons. </p>



<p>This disparity has been a sticking point in nuclear physics, but a recent development might just have the answer.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-tech-innovative-approach">High-tech, innovative approach</h2>



<p>One physicist determined to solve this mystery is Dr. Aleksander Kusina, a theoretician from the Nuclear Physics Institute of the <a href="https://pasific.pan.pl/polish-academy-of-sciences/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Polish Academy of Sciences</a>. </p>



<p>He's part of an international team that's been working tirelessly to bring these two worlds together. With over 20 years in the field, Dr. Kusina has dedicated his career to understanding the fundamental aspects of matter.</p>



<p>Alongside fellow scientists from the international nCTEQ collaboration on quark-gluon distributions, Dr. Kusina and his colleagues have achieved something remarkable. </p>



<p>They've managed to reproduce the properties of atomic nuclei using <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gluons-quarks-and-mystery-what-makes-proton-spin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quark-gluon models</a>, something that had eluded physicists for years. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mystery-of-atomic-nuclei">Mystery of atomic nuclei</h2>



<p>But why has this been such a tough nut to crack? At low energies, atomic nuclei behave as if they're made up of protons and neutrons -- particles we can detect and study. </p>



<p>These particles were discovered almost a century ago and were once thought to be indivisible. However, as scientists probed deeper, they realized there was more to the story.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protons-neutrons-quarks-and-gluons">Protons, neutrons, quarks, and gluons</h2>



<p>Back in the 1960s, scientists proposed that protons and neutrons weren't indivisible after all. They suggested that inside these particles were even smaller components -- <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-entanglement-spooky-action-at-a-distance-persists-between-top-quarks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quarks</a> held together by gluons. </p>



<p>This idea was confirmed through high-energy experiments, where particles were smashed together at incredible speeds. </p>



<p>At these energies, the internal structure of protons and neutrons becomes apparent, revealing the quarks and gluons within.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-combining-two-models">Combining two models</h2>



<p>Despite knowing about quarks and gluons for decades, integrating them fully into our understanding of atomic nuclei proved challenging. </p>



<p>Models based on protons and neutrons worked well at low energies, while <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strong-magnetic-fields-leave-marks-on-nuclear-matter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quark-gluon models</a> were effective at high energies. </p>



<p>But bringing the two together into a single, coherent picture was like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole.</p>



<p>"Until now, there have been two parallel descriptions of atomic nuclei, one based on protons and neutrons which we can see at low energies, and another, for high energies, based on quarks and gluons," says Dr. Kusina. "In our work, we have managed to bring these two so far separated worlds together."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-parton-distribution-functions">Role of parton distribution functions</h2>



<p>The team's approach was to extend parton distribution functions (PDFs), which are used to describe how quarks and gluons are distributed inside protons and neutrons. </p>



<p>They drew inspiration from nuclear models used for low-energy collisions, where protons and neutrons form strongly interacting pairs.</p>



<p>Parton distribution functions are essential tools in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/higgs-boson-god-particle-still-remains-quantum-mystery-after-12-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">high-energy physics</a>. They provide a probabilistic description of the momentum and spin of quarks and gluons inside a proton or neutron. </p>



<p>By adjusting these functions, physicists can predict the outcomes of high-energy collisions, like those occurring in particle accelerators.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nucleon-pairing-at-the-parton-level">Nucleon pairing at the parton level</h2>



<p>From a theoretical standpoint, the team's innovation was to simulate the phenomenon of nucleon pairing at the parton level. </p>



<p>In low-energy nuclear physics, it's well-known that protons and neutrons can pair up, affecting the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-wobble-how-scientists-manipulated-the-nucleus-of-a-single-titanium-atom/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">behavior of the nucleus</a>. </p>



<p>By incorporating this effect into the PDFs, the team was able to bridge the gap between the two models.</p>



<p>"In our model, we made improvements to simulate the phenomenon of pairing of certain nucleons," explains Dr. Kusina. "This is because we recognized that this effect could also be relevant at the parton level."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-better-atomic-nucleus-alignment">Better atomic nucleus alignment</h2>



<p>This novel approach allowed the researchers to determine, for 18 different atomic nuclei, the parton distribution functions in atomic nuclei, parton distributions in correlated nucleon pairs, and even the numbers of such correlated pairs. </p>



<p>Their results confirmed that most correlated pairs are proton-neutron pairs, which is particularly interesting for heavy nuclei like gold or lead.</p>



<p>Another advantage of their method is that it provides a better description of experimental data than traditional models. By aligning theoretical predictions with actual observations, the team has strengthened the validity of their approach.</p>



<p>"Interestingly, this allowed for a conceptual simplification of the theoretical description, which should in future enable us to study parton distributions for individual atomic nuclei more precisely," says Dr. Kusina.</p>



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



<p>So, what does all this mean for the field of nuclear physics? By successfully combining the two models, the team has opened the door to a unified understanding of atomic nuclei. </p>



<p>This could have far-reaching implications, from refining our knowledge of fundamental forces to impacting practical applications like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-designs-nuclear-fission-reactor-to-provide-electricity-on-the-moon-and-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nuclear energy</a>.</p>



<p>Understanding the structure of atomic nuclei is crucial for many areas of science and technology. It influences how we model nuclear reactions, how we develop medical imaging techniques, and even how we approach the search for new materials.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unified-picture-of-the-atomic-nucleus">Unified picture of the atomic nucleus</h2>



<p>This breakthrough isn't just a win for theoretical physics. It sets the stage for future research that could delve even deeper into the mysteries of matter. </p>



<p>With this new approach, scientists can explore the nuances of nucleon interactions and parton distributions in ways that were previously out of reach.</p>



<p>Moreover, it could help in interpreting data from current and future particle accelerators. As we push the boundaries of high-energy physics, having a unified model of atomic nuclei becomes increasingly important.</p>



<p>"Science is a team effort," says Dr. Kusina. "By working together, we can achieve things that would be impossible alone."</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://journals.aps.org/prl/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevLett.133.152502">Physical Review Letters</a></em>.</p>



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Atomic nucleus made of quarks and gluons reproduced for the first time

For decades, physicists have grappled with a puzzling question: How...

<p>An international team of scientists has completely transformed our understanding of meteorites and their origins.</p>



<p>The experts have successfully demonstrated that 70% of all known meteorite falls originate from just three young asteroid families.</p>



<p>The study was led by researchers from the CNRS, the European Southern Observatory (ESO, Europe), and <a href="https://cuni.cz/UKEN-1.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Charles University</a> (Czech Republic).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mysterious-origins-of-meteorites">Mysterious origins of meteorites</h2>



<p>Traditionally, meteorites have fueled our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/two-meteor-showers-delta-aquarids-alpha-capricornids-light-up-night-skies-august-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">curiosity about the cosmos</a>. They serve as tangible pieces of the universe that we can observe, analyze, and learn from without leaving our home planet.</p>



<p>The international research team concluded that of all known meteorite falls, the majority can be traced back to three young <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/two-large-asteroids-will-pass-near-earth-this-week/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">asteroid</a> families - Karin, Koronis, and Massalia.</p>



<p>These families were born from collisions in the main asteroid belt about 5.8, 7.5, and roughly 40 million years ago. Most noteworthy among these families, the Massalia family has been identified as the source of 37% of known meteorites.</p>



<p>While it's true that we have records of more than 70,000 meteorites, only 6% had been clearly identified by their composition. These "achondrites" are known to come from the Moon, Mars, or Vesta (one of the largest asteroids in the main belt).</p>



<p>The origin of the other 94% of meteorites, the majority of which are ordinary "chondrites," had remained a puzzle.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-cycle-of-asteroid-families">Life cycle of asteroid families</h2>



<p>But why are the three young asteroid families such prolific contributors to meteorite falls? The answer lies in the life cycle of asteroid families.</p>



<p>Young families are defined by an abundance of small fragments left over from collisions. This abundance, coupled with the fragments' high mobility, increases the risk of collisions that can lead to escape from the belt, possibly hurtling towards Earth. </p>



<p>In contrast, asteroid families produced by older collisions are "depleted" sources of meteorites. Over time, the abundance of small fragments naturally erodes and eventually disappears, paving the way for new sources of meteorites from more recent collisions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breakthrough-in-meteorite-origins">Breakthrough in meteorite origins</h2>



<p>The monumental discovery was made possible by a telescopic survey of the composition of all the major asteroid families in the main belt, bolstered by state-of-the-art computer simulations.</p>



<p>This method was extended to all meteorite families, unveiling the primary sources of carbonaceous chondrites and achondrites, adding to those from the Moon, Mars, and Vesta. </p>



<p>Consequently, the origin of more than 90% of meteorites has now been identified - a significant leap in our understanding.</p>



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



<p>This research has also enabled scientists to trace the origin of asteroids that are large enough to pose a threat to life on Earth. </p>



<p>For instance, it turns out that the asteroids Ryugu and Bennu - recently sampled by the Hayabusa2 (Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency JAXA) and OSIRIS-REx (NASA) missions and studied in laboratories around the world - are derived from the same parent asteroid as the Polana family.</p>



<p>Even after this remarkable breakthrough, the origin of the remaining 10 percent of known meteorites remains uncharted. Undeterred, the team is already gearing up for their next mission - to characterize all young families formed less than 50 million years ago.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-meteorite-origins-research">Significance of meteorite origins research</h2>



<p>As we advance our comprehension of meteorite origins, the implications for both scientific inquiry and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dart-mission-debris-will-create-a-human-made-meteor-shower/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">practical applications</a> become increasingly compelling. </p>



<p>Future research prospects include a more detailed analysis of less-studied asteroid families, potentially identifying their contribution to the remaining 10% of uncharted meteorite origins. </p>



<p>The emphasis on innovative observational methods and computational models holds the promise of refining our understanding of the cosmic processes that govern the distribution and descent of meteorites. </p>



<p>These efforts are supported by ongoing and future space missions tasked with bringing back direct samples from asteroids.</p>



<p>Further research will improve our understanding of the meteorites themselves, as well as the formation and evolution of our solar system.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intersection-of-space-research">Intersection of space research</h2>



<p>The knowledge gained from meteorite studies extends beyond academic curiosity, offering valuable applications in fields ranging from geology to planetary defense.</p>



<p>Understanding the composition and behavior of meteorites can help experts draw parallels with Earth's geological history, providing clues to the early conditions and processes of our planet.</p>



<p>This research also helps to inform the development of planetary defense strategies, as the ability to predict and mitigate potential impacts from space debris is enhanced.</p>



<p>Moreover, meteorite-oriented discoveries fuel advancements in material science, potentially leading to the development of novel materials or understanding natural occurrences in extreme environments. </p>



<p>As our grasp of these cosmic visitors strengthens, we stand better equipped not only to unravel the mysteries of our own planet but also to anticipate and navigate the challenges of space exploration and habitation.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.aanda.org/articles/aa/full_html/2024/09/aa50532-24/aa50532-24.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Astronomy and Astrophysics</a>.</em></p>



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Most meteorites that reach Earth can be traced to three locations

An international team of scientists has completely transformed our understanding...

<p>An incredible adventure under the volcanic ridges off South America has led to an amazing discovery. A variety of creatures, from tiny worms and snails to giant tubeworms and even more surprising life forms, are thriving in the dark waters of hydrothermal vents.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-beneath-hydrothermal-vents">Life beneath hydrothermal vents</h2>



<p>Hydrothermal vents, the source of these hot springs, have long been the subject of research and study. </p>



<p>These underwater chimneys of heat and energy are hubs of activity, attracting a wide variety of fauna that thrives in their immediate vicinity.</p>



<p>It was largely thought that the only life forms that could survive beneath these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-sea-hydrothermal-vents-provide-clues-about-the-origin-of-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vents</a> would be microbes and viruses. </p>



<p>However, our understanding of these habitats took an about-turn when a curious underwater robot, in the summer of last year, disturbed volcanic slabs to reveal a surprisingly diverse ecosystem beneath.</p>



<p>“This was totally unexpected,” said study co-author Sabine Gollner with the <a href="https://www.nioz.nl/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unseen-ecosystem">Unseen ecosystem</h2>



<p>Researchers propose that young creatures from the surface could be utilizing these vents for travel, eventually settling in the depths, creating a dynamic and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/five-new-hydrothermal-vents-discovered-in-the-pacific-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">interconnected ecosystem</a>. </p>



<p>Future exploration will hopefully shed more light on whether similar colonies of animal life exist beneath other hydrothermal vents across the globe.</p>



<p>“This is an initial discovery that’s really promising,” said Jason Sylvan, a microbiologist at <a href="https://www.tamu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Texas A&amp;M University</a> who was not involved with the research.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-clusters-around-hydrothermal-vents">Life clusters around hydrothermal vents</h2>



<p>The expedition lasted 30 days and took place on the research vessel "Falkor (too)" from the Schmidt Ocean Institute. </p>



<p>The team set out on an incredible adventure to explore an undersea volcano that’s part of the East Pacific Rise, just off the coast of Central America.</p>



<p>This volcanic ridge, a product of the meeting of tectonic plates on the Pacific seabed, is peppered with hydrothermal vents. </p>



<p>A variety of unique sea life clusters around these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/knipovich-ridge-new-hydrothermal-field-arctic-intense-geological-activity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vents</a>, known to spew out elements essential for their survival at such extreme depths.</p>



<p>Many of these areas beneath the vents, however, have remained largely unexplored until now.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-under-rocks">Life under rocks</h2>



<p>Using a remotely operated vehicle, SuBastian, the researchers were able to flip over portions of the seafloor, revealing caves connected to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-giant-riftia-tubeworms-survive-on-deep-sea-hydrothermal-vents/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hydrothermal vents</a>. </p>



<p>These caves were teeming with life, including giant tube worms and other fascinating creatures. </p>



<p>The discovery suggests a strong connection and interaction between the ecosystems of the seafloor and its underworld, allowing for the possibility of life thriving in unexpected places beneath the ocean floor.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-underworld-of-the-seafloor">"Underworld" of the seafloor</h2>



<p>Hydrothermal vents have been an area of interest for scientists for the past 50 years, with unique ecosystems developing around these heat sources.</p>



<p>It has been observed that shifting tectonic plates give rise to new hydrothermal vents over time, and certain foundational seafloor animals like tube worms have been known to colonize these new vents within a few years.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-perspective-on-earth-s-lifeforms">New perspective on Earth's lifeforms</h2>



<p>This discovery provides a new perspective on deep-sea hydrothermal vents and their endemic animal life. </p>



<p>It suggests a symbiotic relationship between the vent animals above and below the surface, reliant on the vent fluid from beneath and oxygen in the seawater from above.</p>



<p>The discovery of life in this previously unknown sub-habitat suggests that the ocean depths and its floor may host many more organisms than documented earlier.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-next-steps-in-hydrothermal-life-studies">Next steps in hydrothermal life studies</h2>



<p>Going forward, the team is keen on investigating the possibility of life beneath all deep-sea hydrothermal vents and exploring the extent of these underground caves.</p>



<p>However, extreme care must be taken when studying these delicate ecosystems. The researchers are conscious of minimizing disturbance, with the recent study only involving the lifting of six small squares of the seafloor, each measuring about 20 by 20 inches. </p>



<p>There is concern that any major disruption, such as large-scale drilling or deep-sea mining, could potentially alter the course of the hydrothermal vents and disrupt the connected ecosystems, posing a threat to the life forms dwelling there.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-life-under-hydrothermal-vents-is-important">Why life under hydrothermal vents is important</h2>



<p>Hydrothermal vent ecosystems are fascinating and hold important lessons for both marine biology and the search for life beyond Earth. </p>



<p>These vibrant communities thrive in extreme conditions that seem unwelcoming, pushing us to rethink what we know about where life can survive. </p>



<p>One of the coolest aspects is how these habitats rely on chemosynthesis instead of photosynthesis, using chemical energy from minerals released by the vents. </p>



<p>This unique survival strategy not only captivates marine ecologists but also sparks our imagination about the possibility of life on other planets, where sunlight might be hard to come by, but chemical energy could be plentiful.</p>



<p>This research not only sheds light on the mysterious <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ringwoodite-mineral-confirms-vast-ocean-exists-400-miles-under-earths-crust/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">underworld of the ocean</a> but also highlights the importance of attentive and responsible exploration. It is a testimony to the fact that there is still much to be learned about our planet, often in the places we least expect.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-52631-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Communications</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Strange creatures found living under the seafloor near hydrothermal vents

An incredible adventure under the volcanic ridges off South America...

<p>After a seemingly endless pandemic, we've all become a tad obsessed with scrubbing, sanitizing, and disinfecting our urban environments. But as we buckle up and venture into the new normal, a lingering question remains - are we inadvertently rearranging the microbes in cities?</p>



<p>In an intriguing new study, scientists have unveiled some fascinating insights into how our daily behaviors are altering the microbial ecosystem in our homes, offices, and public spaces.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-city-zone-of-microbes">City zone of microbes</h2>



<p>"Built environments offer distinct conditions that set them apart from natural and engineered habitats,” said Dr. Xinzhao Tong, an assistant professor at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (<a href="https://www.xjtlu.edu.cn/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">XJTLU</a>), China, and lead author of the study.</p>



<p>“Areas with many buildings are low in the traditional nutrients and essential resources microbes need for survival, so these built environments have a unique <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbes-laid-the-foundation-for-early-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbiome</a>."</p>



<p>Dr. Tong explained that our use of cleaning and other manufactured products creates a unique setting that puts selective pressures on microbes, which they must adapt to or be eliminated.</p>



<p>However, noted Dr. Tong, the mechanisms by which microbes adapt and survive in built environments are poorly understood.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-census-of-city-microbes">Unique census of city microbes </h2>



<p>Our cities teem with life that's invisible to the naked eye, notably within the urban microbiome. Dr. Tong and her team performed a unique census of these unseen citizens. </p>



<p>The researchers collected 738 samples from a range of built environments in Hong Kong - from public facilities and residences to subways, piers, and even human skin.</p>



<p>The analysis yielded astounding results - 363 never-before-identified microbial strains <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbes-found-alive-inside-a-rock-after-2-billion-years-beneath-earth-surface/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">co-habiting our skin and surroundings</a>. Some of them even possessed genes that allow them to consume city-specific products as a source of energy. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-city-microbes-utilizing-limited-resources">City microbes utilizing limited resources </h2>



<p>One resilient strain was originally spotted in the harsh desert soils of Antarctica and can now be found chomping down ammonium ions in cleaning products.</p>



<p>“The genome of this novel strain of Eremiobacterota enables it to metabolize ammonium ions found in cleaning products. The strain also has genes for alcohol and aldehyde dehydrogenases to break down residual alcohol found in common disinfectants," said Dr. Tong.</p>



<p>“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wastewater-bacteria-break-down-plastic-waste-for-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microbes</a> possessing enhanced capabilities to utilize limited resources and tolerate manufactured products, such as disinfectants and metals, out-compete non-resistant strains, enhancing their survival and even evolution within built environments. They could, therefore, pose health risks if they are pathogenic.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diverse-strains-of-city-microbes">Diverse strains of city microbes </h2>



<p>Not all of our microscopic co-dwellers are welcome guests. Among the newly identified strains were 11 unique incarnations of Micrococcus luteus. This type of bacteria is typically harmless to humans, but capable of causing adverse reactions in individuals with weakened immune systems.</p>



<p>While some bacteria adapt to become resistant to our cleaning practices, others have taken a different survival route. </p>



<p>Meet the "nanobacteria" - tiny, enigmatic bacteria with minuscule genomes that lack the resources to fend for themselves.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-symbiotic-relationship-with-humans">Symbiotic relationship with humans</h2>



<p>Within these, the researchers found a strain that had evolved a symbiotic relationship with its human host, producing vital antioxidant compounds in return for shelter and sustenance.</p>



<p>“Some strains of Patescibacteria are considered parasitic as they rely on bacterial hosts to supply their nutrients. However, in this study, the researchers found that one of the nanobacteria strains, recovered from human skin, contains genes for the biosynthesis of carotenoids and ubiquinone," noted Dr. Tong.</p>



<p>"These antioxidant compounds are vital to humans, and we typically acquire them, especially carotenoids, through our diets, suggesting a possible mutualistic relationship between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/balancing-gut-microbes-could-protect-us-from-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacteria</a> and us as their hosts.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dynamic-changes-in-city-microbes">Dynamic changes in city microbes </h2>



<p>An insightful exploration into the microbial compositions of urban environments reveals a symphony of interactions that extend beyond mere existence. These tiny organisms are constantly communicating, competing, and cooperating in ways that intricately influence their surroundings. </p>



<p>The cityscape acts as both an orchestra and a battleground where genetic exchanges enhance survival capabilities amidst diverse conditions. By analyzing microbial DNA, researchers can trace these interactions, shedding light on how urban ecosystems foster microbial coexistence and resilience. </p>



<p>This evolving knowledge not only enriches our understanding of microbial ecology but also holds the potential to inform public health strategies by recognizing microbial patterns that could influence epidemic dynamics.</p>



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



<p>Despite remarkable scientific advancements, significant gaps remain in our comprehension of urban microbiomes and their broader implications on human health and environmental stability. </p>



<p>Dr. Tong and her colleagues emphasize the need for cross-disciplinary collaboration, blending fields like microbiology, urban planning, and public health to create a cohesive landscape of understanding. </p>



<p>By aligning scientific inquiry with public education initiatives, we can empower communities to make informed decisions that support both microbial diversity and human health. </p>



<p>As researchers know more on the microbes of our cities, they envisage a future where urban living can harmoniously integrate with a flourishing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/toxic-microbes-aerosols-can-travel-thousands-of-miles-through-the-air/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbial biosphere</a>, ultimately promoting a healthier, more sustainable coexistence.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-a-microbial-blueprint">Building a microbial blueprint</h2>



<p>This expansive study, exploring how microbes adapt and thrive in our built environments, could help devise better strategies for cultivating a beneficial microbial ecosystem indoors. </p>



<p>The research team is now investigating the evolution of resistance in pathogenic microbes within intensive care units, with the aim of enhancing infection control practices and safeguarding the health of healthcare workers and patients.</p>



<p>In essence, it's about striking a balance, where we can co-exist with our microbial friends in our cityscapes, learning from each other, and evolving together for a healthier future. </p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://microbiomejournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40168-024-01926-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Microbiome</em></a>.</p>



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City microbes are finding surprising new ways to survive

After a seemingly endless pandemic, we've all become a tad...

<p>A recent study on aquaculture reveals that the journey from ocean to oven might be more complex and increasingly unsustainable.</p>



<p>Do you ever wonder how salmon or trout makes it to your dinner plate? While you might be thinking of a quaint fishing boat bobbing peacefully in the ocean, the reality could be quite different.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-side-of-aquaculture">Hidden side of aquaculture</h2>



<p>The study reveals that our global aquaculture industry, commonly known as fish farming, potentially relies on much more wild-caught fish than we had previously anticipated. </p>



<p>This revelation shakes the long-standing belief of a sustainable aquaculture industry and proposes a range of plausible estimates on its actual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aquaculture-now-produces-more-food-than-wild-fishing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">impact on wild fish</a> populations.</p>



<p>The new insights are the result of rigorous research conducted by an international team of scientists from the University of Miami <a href="https://www.earth.miami.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science</a>, Oceana, and New York University.</p>



<p>The team has reconsidered the "fish-in:fish-out" (FI:FO) ratio – a significant metric used to judge the efficiency and sustainability of aquaculture.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ratio-of-wild-caught-fish">Ratio of wild-caught fish</h2>



<p>The study suggests that the ratio of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/90-percent-of-the-worlds-aquaculture-faces-substantial-risk-from-human-induced-environmental-changes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wild-caught fish</a> used as input to farmed fish yielded as output is somewhere between 27% and 307% higher than previous estimates.</p>



<p>This could mean that for every farmed fish reaching our tables, up to 1.78 wild fish might have been used in the process, a far cry from the earlier estimate of only 0.28. Particularly for carnivorous farmed species like salmon, trout, and eel, the wild fish used might be double the farmed fish produced.</p>



<p>"Our study reveals that the aquaculture industry relies more heavily on wild fish extraction than previous research has suggested,” said lead author Spencer Roberts, a doctoral student at the Rosenstiel School in the Department of Environmental Science and Policy.</p>



<p>“This demonstrates the scale at which aquaculture could be impacting marine ecosystems."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overlooked-reliance-on-wild-fish">Overlooked reliance on wild fish </h2>



<p>The research team dug deep and brought to light previously overlooked sources of wild fish in aquaculture feed, such as trimmings and by-products from wild-caught fish. </p>



<p>The experts also factored in collateral fishing mortality, like the practice of "slipping" where unwanted catch is released, but most don't survive.</p>



<p>Jennifer Jacquet is a co-author of the study and a professor in the Department of Environmental Science and Policy at the Rosenstiel School.</p>



<p>"This research shows that the assumptions we have made about carnivorous aquaculture have been too optimistic, and is another reason to think strategically about the kinds of aquatic species it makes the most sense to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sustainable-fishing-gets-a-boost-from-genomics-roadmap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mass produce</a>,” said Professor Jacquet.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trade-offs-in-the-aquaculture-industry">Trade-offs in the aquaculture industry </h2>



<p>The study also casts light on the environmental trade-offs made in attempts to reduce wild fish use in aquaculture feed. The decline in wild fish use would require a five-fold increase in the use of terrestrial crops instead. </p>



<p>The study ominously suggests that the aquaculture industry's rapidly increasing reliance on by-products and trimmings hasn't phased out the capture and use of whole wild fish for feed.</p>



<p>Dr. Patricia Majluf is a senior scientist with <a href="https://oceana.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oceana</a> in Peru, home to the world's largest fishmeal fishery.</p>



<p>"The offshore aquaculture industry is growing so rapidly that the wild-caught fish are not being replaced in their feed. Instead, other feed sources are merely supplementing wild fish use," explained Dr. Majluf.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dependency-of-aquaculture-on-wild-fish">Dependency of aquaculture on wild fish</h2>



<p>The research exposes the need to reevaluate current aquaculture practices under the lens of sustainability.</p>



<p>It's becoming increasingly clear that merely supplementing diets with terrestrial crops or leveraging by-products will not suffice in mitigating the environmental impacts highlighted by this research. </p>



<p>An interdisciplinary approach involving marine biologists, ecologists, and economists could guide the development of innovative solutions to reduce dependency on wild fish. </p>



<p>We must explore alternatives not only for feed but for the aquaculture production process as a whole to strike a balance between meeting global food demands and preserving marine ecosystems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sustainable-seafood-strategies">Sustainable seafood strategies </h2>



<p>As aquaculture remains a critical component of global food security, we must turn our attention towards pioneering technology and sustainable methodologies.</p>



<p>Industry leaders are called to invest in research and development aiming at alternative protein sources, such as insect-based feeds or lab-grown alternatives, which show promise in reducing reliance on wild fish. </p>



<p>Meanwhile, consumer awareness regarding sustainable seafood choices can drive demand for responsibly farmed species.</p>



<p>The future of aquaculture depends on our collective commitment to innovate and comprehensive policies to promote sustainability.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-need-for-transparency-and-accountability">Need for transparency and accountability</h2>



<p>This eye-opening study raises important questions for policy-makers, investors, and consumers alike. </p>



<p>The need for comprehensive and transparent reporting of feed ingredients in the aquaculture industry has never been more important.</p>



<p>"It's crucial that we have a more complete understanding of the industry's impact on both marine and terrestrial ecosystems and reduce these uncertainties,” said study co-author Professor Matthew Hayek of New York University.</p>



<p>As our global demand for seafood continues to balloon, these findings emphasize the urgent need for more transparency in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-illuminates-fish-interactions-in-coral-reefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish</a> farming.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adn9698" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.</em></p>



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Aquaculture impacts wild fish much more than we thought

A recent study on aquaculture reveals that the journey from...

<p>We are all familiar with terrestrial volcanoes, including their magnificent eruptions and lava flows. But how about we skip the Earthly encounters and dive deep into the cosmos? We are talking about stellar volcanoes - a spectacle that is truly out of this world.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-symbiotic-binary-star-system">Symbiotic binary star system</h2>



<p>Imagine a pinprick of light, about 700 light-years away - not just any light, but a binary star system named R Aquarii. This celestial pair is known to exhibit mind-boggling eruptions that eject colossal amounts of nuclear matter into the encompassing space. </p>



<p>Part of the 150 known variable stars, R Aquarii is classified as a "symbiotic system." Think of it as a stellar tag-team featuring a cool red giant star and a small white dwarf companion.</p>



<p>These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-moon-had-active-volcanoes-just-120-million-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stellar</a> buddies are cozily ensconced within a neon nebula, a byproduct of escaping gas from the red giant.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-two-stars-and-a-stellar-volcano">Two stars and a stellar volcano</h2>



<p>These two stars aren't just idly hanging out. In fact, they are engaged in a complex dance sequence that at times gets a bit...explosive.</p>



<p>As the dwarf star makes its close approach to the red giant, it "borrows" some hydrogen and then - kaboom! The dwarf star's surface goes through a thermonuclear explosion akin to a stellar volcano.</p>



<p>And the fallout? Twisted, vibrant filaments of gas that travel as far as the eye can see - or rather, as far as the <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/hubble/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hubble Space Telescope</a> can see.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-galactic-graffiti-by-hubble">Galactic graffiti by Hubble</h2>



<p>The Hubble Space Telescope has kept a watchful eye on R Aquarii since 1990. The most recent images reveal an artistic display of colorful filaments reaching far beyond the binary star system.</p>



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="DFU3jR2rvW-3935093-12187" type="single"]</div>



<p>Enter Dr. Edwin Hubble, the man whose foresight led to the discovery of this nebula's expansion back in 1939. This revelation was later substantiated in the 1970s when astronomers found jets of matter streaking out in various directions.</p>



<p>In more recent times, we've come to understand that R Aquarii has been through a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/volcanic-exoplanet-glows-with-red-hot-molten-lava/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">series of violent eruptions</a>, with the most recent one probably taking place in the late 1970s.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-explosive-power-of-the-stellar-volcano">Explosive power of the stellar volcano</h2>



<p>The white dwarf star makes its closest approach to the red giant, pilfers some hydrogen, and then the dwarf star's surface experiences the mother of all eruptions. Think of it as a stellar hydrogen bomb going off.</p>



<p>The result? A geyser-like ejection of filaments shooting out from the core, forming fascinating loops and trails. These filaments glow in visible light, powered by the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/volcanic-magma-traced-to-melting-in-earths-crust/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">harsh radiation</a> emanating from the stellar duo.</p>



<p>And just how fast are these filaments shooting out? Try a mind-bending one million miles per hour. That's like saying, "Hold my beer, I'll be back from the Moon in 15 minutes."</p>



<p>In astronomical terms, the scale of this event is nothing short of astronomical. The materials ejected through these eruptions can be traced at least 248 billion miles from the stars. That's about 24 times the diameter of our solar system.</p>



<p>These phenomenal observations have made the Hubble Space Telescope an indispensable tool in our cosmic journey, redefining our understanding of the universe, one stellar volcano at a time.</p>



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



<p>The ongoing exploration of R Aquarii not only mesmerizes with its visual splendor but also offers profound implications for the field of astrophysics. </p>



<p>By examining the patterns of ejection and analyzing the composition of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/city-sized-devil-comet-set-to-erupt-again-tomorrow/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">expelled gases</a>, astrophysicists can gain insights into the lifecycle of symbiotic star systems. It expands our knowledge of how stars evolve, interact, and ultimately influence their surroundings. </p>



<p>Learning more about how these explosions affect the ambient environment can also provide clues about the role of similar phenomena in galactic evolution.</p>



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



<p>R Aquarii serves as a cosmic laboratory where theoretical models meet real-world phenomena, challenging and refining our understanding of the universe.</p>



<p>With Hubble's continued operation of over three decades, we can expect many more revelations about these fascinating cosmic pyrotechnics. </p>



<p>The project is part of an international collaboration between <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a> and the European Space Agency (<a href="https://www.esa.int" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>).</p>



<p>Video/ Image Credit: NASA/ ESA/ Hubble</p>



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Stellar volcano: Hubble captures the explosive dance of two stars

We are all familiar with terrestrial volcanoes, including their magnificent...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<p>—–</p>

Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<p>—–</p>

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What caused the planet's longest ice age

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>

Social modeling affects our food choices

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists discover we age in bursts

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists solve the mystery of tickling

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>



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



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

Retired professor claims he solved time travel

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Kainji Lake, a reservoir on the Niger River.</p>



<p>In 1968, Kainji Lake was created by the construction of the Kainji Dam. The Niger River, the third longest in Africa, enters the lake in the north.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rivers-in-the-american-west-are-a-lifesaving-resource-for-birds/">ESA</a>, the creation of the lake submerged Foge Island and the town of Bussa and permanently flooded other riverine settlements, leaving around 50,000 people displaced.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Large parts of Foge Island are temporarily exposed during low water tides, and the land is often used by migrating fishermen. Kainji Dam is a dam across the Niger River in Niger State of Central Nigeria. </p>



<p>Wild mammals occur at relatively low densities due to illegal hunting. Lake Kainji has suffered a dramatic decline as a fishery due to the high numbers of artisanal and subsistence fisherfolk using the lake. It has been suggested that a period of closure, together with controlled fishing rights may help improve fish stocks.</p>



<p>Kainji Lake National Park is the oldest of its kind in Nigeria. The park contains three distinct areas: a part of the Kainji Lake, the Borgu Game Reserve to the west of the lake, and the Zugurma Game Reserve to the southeast. The park is home to around 65 mammal species, 350 bird species, and 30 species of reptiles and amphibians. </p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;</em></p>



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



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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