<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>



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



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



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



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

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>October 20th is almost here, and that's no ordinary day. International Sloth Day is headed our way, a day to cast a slow but steady spotlight on one of nature's most intriguing animals, the sloth. </p>



<p>Known for their chilled-out vibes and a love for trees, sloths aren't just the animal world's laid back lounge-lizards. They also play a crucial role in the ecosystems of Central and South America.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-marking-international-sloth-day">Marking International Sloth Day</h2>



<p>It was the year 2010 when the <a href="https://aiunau.org/en/home-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AIUNAU Foundation</a>, a non-profit based in Colombia that champions wildlife conservation, introduced us all to International Sloth Day. But why <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sloths-are-struggling-to-survive-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sloths</a>, and why a whole day just for them?</p>



<p>The idea behind dedicating a day to the sloth is to amp up awareness about these creatures, their habitats, and their role in the natural world. It's a nudge to learn more about sloths, helping conservation efforts, and marvel at their complex existence.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-getting-to-know-sloths">Getting to know sloths</h2>



<p>Dive into the rainforests of Central and South America and you'll probably spot one of the six species of sloths. They're divided into two categories: three-toed sloths and two-toed sloths. </p>



<p>But the difference isn't just about the digits on their front limbs. Size and behaviors also set the two-toed sloths (who are peppy and larger) apart from their three-toed relatives.</p>



<p>Sloths are designed to thrive in the treetops. Their long, coarse fur grows differently from most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-report-disturbing-details-about-the-state-of-earths-wildlife/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mammals</a>, acting like a nature-made brolly when it pours. </p>



<p>And there's more to their unique fur. It's a cozy home to organisms like algae, fungi, beetles, moths, and more.&nbsp;International Sloth Day&nbsp;brings attention to how these tenants help sloths blend into their green canopies and ward off predators.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-medical-marvels-of-sloths">Medical marvels of sloths</h2>



<p>Sloths produce compounds with anti-cancer and antibiotic properties. The relationship between sloths and the organisms in their fur could potentially offer useful insights for new medicines.</p>



<p>In Panama, for example, chemicals isolated from fungi in the fur of three-toed sloths were found to be active against breast cancer and parasites that cause malaria and Chagas disease.</p>



<p>Plus, the complex digestive system of sloths may improve our understanding of digestive disorders. The primarily leaf-eating sloths have a multi-compartment stomach, much like cows. International Sloth Day&nbsp;is dedicated to raising awareness about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sloths-may-hold-a-secret-weapon-against-antibiotic-resistance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">these unique traits</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-threats-faced-by-sloths">Threats faced by sloths</h2>



<p>Sloths spend most of their lives upside down, hanging around on trees, all thanks to their specialized tendons that lock their claws onto branches. They might not break any land speed records, but put them in water, and these sloths can swim three times faster than they can move on land.</p>



<p>But just like everyone else, life for sloths isn't always a picnic. The main threat they face is habitat destruction. Deforestation in Central and South America is eating away the natural habitats of sloths, pushing some species to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-wildlife-overlap-is-rapidly-rising-across-the-globe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">edge of extinction</a>. </p>



<p>Add to that the roads cutting through rainforests and urban expansion, and sloths often face dangerous, even fatal, accidents. But it's not all doom and gloom, as organizations like the AIUNAU Foundation work around the clock to reduce these risks and raise awareness on&nbsp;International Sloth Day.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-survival-strategies-of-sloths">Unique survival strategies of sloths</h2>



<p>Sloths, often perceived as the epitome of lethargy, embody a unique energy conservation strategy adapted to their niche environments.</p>



<p>Their slow movements serve as an evolutionary advantage, enabling them to avoid detection by predators while residing predominantly in high treetops. This arboreal lifestyle is complemented by their low metabolic rate, which aligns with their nutritionally sparse diet of leaves. </p>



<p>By digesting food slowly, spanning over several days, sloths maximize nutrient absorption. Furthermore, their infrequent descent to the forest floor, approximately once a week for defecation, minimizes exposure to threats. </p>



<p>Understanding these behaviors provides deeper insight into their survival tactics, emphasizing the importance of preserving their natural habitats. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pitching-in-for-international-sloth-day">Pitching in for International Sloth Day</h2>



<p>Conservation efforts for sloths need to pick up the pace. With rainforests shrinking, it’s up to us to help sloths thrive in their homes. </p>



<p>Joining in on the celebration of International Sloth Day is easy. Educate yourself and others about these gentle creatures.</p>



<p>Support conservation efforts with your time or donations. Even a simple share on social media can help raise awareness about sloth conservation.</p>



<p>On October 20th, let’s not just admire these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-animal-day-2024-building-a-legacy-of-compassion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unique animals</a> - let's embrace their slower pace of life and appreciate the art of doing nothing.</p>



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



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



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



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

International Sloth Day 2024: Embracing a slower pace of life

October 20th is almost here, and that's no ordinary day....

<p>La Niña is stirring as fall bustles with activity, and before we realize it, winter will be upon us. This season could be starkly different from last year's El Niño dominated winter, with the stage set for a more frigid season, courtesy of a weak La Niña.</p>



<p>This anticipated La Niña is set to leave its mark on temperatures, precipitation, and consequently, snowfall patterns across the United States. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-la-nina">What is La Niña?</h2>



<p>It is a natural climate pattern characterized by cooler than average ocean temperatures in the equatorial Pacific. It plays a substantial role in weather changes, with the effects being exceptionally pronounced during the Northern Hemisphere's winter months.</p>



<p>Looking back, the last winter was the warmest on record for the Lower 48 thanks to the events counterpart - El Niño.</p>



<p>This resultant prolonged warmth played a part in minimizing heavy snow events in the Northeast and Midwest, leading to a winter 'snow drought'.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arrival-of-la-nina">Arrival of La Niña</h2>



<p>La Niña isn't a certainty yet, but the odds are stacking in her favor. The Climate Prediction Center sees a 60% chance of La Niña making her presence known come November. Should she arrive, she's expected to overstay her welcome right through <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-winters-are-getting-colder-while-world-is-getting-warmer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">winter</a> and likely into the early spring of next year.</p>



<p>However, the strength of La Niña, when it does form, matters significantly. According to Emily Becker, an atmospheric scientist at the <a href="https://welcome.miami.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Miami</a>, a stronger La Niña can cause a more "consistent" impact on weather.</p>



<p>Although other weather and climate phenomena might disrupt a weaker event, La Niña, whether <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/el-nino-event-may-push-earth-towards-its-hottest-year-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">El Niño</a> or Niña, typically exerts an outsized effect on winter weather in the US.</p>



<p>The current forecasts suggest a weaker La Niña, but the situation remains fluid. Regardless, the Climate Prediction Center's recent forecast shows the classic signs of typical La Niña winters.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-embracing-the-winter-chill">Embracing the winter chill</h2>



<p>The winter we are about to receive could be anything but mundane. As Jon Gottschalck, chief of the center’s operational prediction branch, predicts, it could be one filled with frequent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-activity-is-rapidly-changing-weather-in-north-america/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weather changes</a> rather than prolonged periods of consistent weather.</p>



<p>Two key factors guide the behavior of La Niña winters - temperature and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-precipitation-in-the-northeast-linked-to-human-activity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">precipitation</a> trends. The jet stream often shifts north during a La Niña winter, moving stormy weather from the South to the northern parts of the US.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-weather-forecasts-across-the-u-s">Weather forecasts across the U.S.</h2>



<p>The Climate Prediction Center's forecasts show a likelihood of the northern U.S. receiving more rainfall this winter, key in battling ongoing aridity and drought, particularly in the Midwest. In contrast to last year's wetter South and drier North, we're in for a significant flip.</p>



<p>Higher than usual precipitation doesn't necessarily mean a heavier snowfall. Temperatures must still be cold enough for snow to fall and remain on the ground. </p>



<p>A weaker La Niña often allows for increased snow in the Northeast, but stronger La Niñas can lead to more limited snowfall due to warmer temperatures creeping up the East Coast.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-la-nina-s-distinct-footprints">La Niña's distinct footprints</h2>



<p>The upcoming winter is predicted to be warmer across the southern U.S. and much of the East. While some may rejoice, snow lovers in the Northeast might not find this forecast favorable.</p>



<p>Drier and warmer conditions across the South suggests that the existing drought conditions could worsen throughout the season.</p>



<p>Midwesterners, the Plains, and the Rockies might experience standard winter temperatures. Meanwhile, the Pacific Northwest and parts of the Dakotas might have to embrace cooler climes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-upcoming-winter-of-extremes">Upcoming winter of extremes</h2>



<p>The wetter and cooler condition combination could potentially translate into more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-snow-complexity-can-improve-winter-safety/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">snow</a> for the Pacific Northwest. This would be good news for winter tourism and to ensure an adequate water supply for the warmer months.</p>



<p>Southern California, however, could expect a drier, warmer season - quite typical for a La Niña winter. The area would certainly benefit from a soaking rain period to put an end to wildfire season.</p>



<p>With a La Niña winter in the offing, we can expect a winter seasoned with a fair share of weather extremes, warns Michael Morgan, NOAA’s assistant secretary of commerce for observation and prediction. As we countdown to winter, keep an eye on the evolving forecasts to know what to expect.</p>



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



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



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



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

Winter of extremes: How will La Niña affect weather in the U.S.?

La Niña is stirring as fall bustles with activity, and...

<p>For years, the coastline of Maine has been home to an abundance of American lobsters, providing a powerhouse of economic activity through the fishing industry. </p>



<p>Our understanding of these crustaceans' preferred habitats, namely the boulder shelter regions, has shaped conservation measures for this $740 million industry. However, climate change is now influencing these habitats and lobster behavior.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lobster-habitat-and-climate-change">Lobster habitat and climate change</h2>



<p>Researchers at the University of Maine (UMaine) have discovered some intriguing changes. Between 1995 and 2021, the scientists observed a 60% decline in the lobster population in boulder habitats.</p>



<p>But, where did they go? Well, those naturally shy lobsters have made a surprising shift to sediment or featureless ledge habitats, which have increased in lobster <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-solve-lobster-farming-secrets-after-120-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">occupancy</a> by a whopping 633% and 280% respectively.</p>



<p>These areas have minimal geological features to use as shelters, yet more lobsters are calling them home.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-habitat-choices-of-lobsters">Habitat choices of lobsters</h2>



<p>Overall, the l<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hybrid-lobster-species-discovered-with-new-genetic-test/">obster</a><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hybrid-lobster-species-discovered-with-new-genetic-test/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> population</a> density across all habitats took a nosedive as it became more spread out. It's like they've taken social distancing to heart. </p>



<p>At the same time, the age group seems to have shifted as well, with more senior lobsters in the mix. Let's not forget our main culprit here – increasing water temperatures.</p>



<p>From 1995-2021, these habitats saw a nearly 3-degree Celsius (5.4-degree Fahrenheit) rise. The lobsters are no fans of the heat and it looks like this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/2024-is-likely-the-hottest-year-in-recorded-history/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> is playing a part in their habitat choices.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lobsters-hosting-changes">Lobsters hosting changes</h2>



<p>The changing environment has also seen kelp playgrounds diminish while algal turfs, those small green mats containing various algae species, have multiplied. </p>



<p>This greener landscape may be influenced by the rising temperatures, but the impact this has on our lobsters remains a fascinating enigma.</p>



<p>“These differences in the way lobsters use their habitats provide context for the lobster stock assessment that helps to determine the health of the entire lobster population,” said study lead author Robert Jarrett, a PhD student in marine biology.</p>



<p>“Some of the annual lobster surveys used in the assessment, like those from the Maine Department of Marine Resources, are restricted in the types of habitats that they can sample, so these findings about habitat help fill in some information gaps and show that over time the lobsters may be shifting between which surveys catch them better.”&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-research">Focus of the research</h2>



<p>The team's investigation involved counting and measuring lobsters and reviewing historical data dating back to the 90s.</p>



<p>While lobster population density has waned, adult lobsters have seemingly hit the gym, with greater mean sizes observed in 2021 compared to 1996. These larger lobsters could be due to a decrease in their juvenile kin residing in these habitats. </p>



<p>Despite this change in size, the lobsters are still on the smaller side, with 93% of them being under 83 millimeters - the legal minimum to be caught and sold.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-venturing-into-more-open-habitats">Venturing into more open habitats </h2>



<p>In a shocking fashion switch, lobsters are ditching their usual rocky shelters for more open areas within their habitats, and even beds of algae. </p>



<p>In fact, the number of lobsters found under rocky shelters plummeted by 34% from 2000-2019, while those preferring the open space lifestyle rose by 168%. The lobsters hiding under algae blankets have also increased by 160%.</p>



<p>These changes could very well be due to fewer baby lobsters making it to the seafloor or less competition between individual lobsters. </p>



<p>The absence of predators might also have encouraged our lobsters to say goodbye to their comfortable boulder homes and venture into more open habitats, choosing algae as their new hideouts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changing-habitats-of-lobsters">Changing habitats of lobsters</h2>



<p>This fascinating shift under the sea is just another reminder of the impacts of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/report-earth-is-headed-for-an-irreversible-climate-disaster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental changes</a> on the marine ecosystem. </p>



<p>Steneck expressed his awe at the continuous surprises from the world of lobsters, despite them being one of the best-studied commercially important marine species.</p>



<p>At UMaine, students and faculty are dedicated to preserving and propelling the state's blue economy. The findings, like this study on lobsters, provide invaluable insights into the ecological and sociological alterations affecting coastal communities and businesses.</p>



<p>Armed with this knowledge, the researchers are exploring opportunities for new sectors, markets, and resources to mitigate the impacts of climate change.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saving-lobsters-from-climate-change">Saving lobsters from climate change</h2>



<p>UMaine's Marine Aligned Research, Innovation, and nationally-recognized Education (MARINE) Initiative is at the forefront of this effort, fostering collaboration among researchers, industry, government, and communities.</p>



<p>The combined effort is working to enhance the socioeconomic well-being of people in Maine and beyond.</p>



<p>This study highlights how <a href="https://umaine.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UMaine</a> is bolstering Maine's blue economy. As the Gulf of Maine changes, the sustainable management of North America's largest fishery requires us to understand how lobsters are adapting to their habitats.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v746/p87-98/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marine Ecology Progress Series</a>.</em></p>



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



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



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



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

Lobsters are ditching their old habitats for open water

For years, the coastline of Maine has been home to...

<p>Ever wonder about how life starts? Most of us know it has something to do with eggs, sperm, and maybe proteins, but the exact choreography that sees these partners meet and merge has remained somewhat of an enigma.</p>



<p>This fascinating tale is far from over, as researchers utilizing Google’s spectacular AlphaFold technology discovered a surprising new twist.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-egg-connecting-to-sperm">Egg connecting to sperm</h2>



<p>Typically, opposites attract. In this context, you cannot find a pair more diverse than the egg and the sperm. </p>



<p>One is a microscopic champion swimmer, always on the go, while the other is a stationary, voluminous entity, the blueprint for life. Their union forms the bedrock of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stress-enhances-sperm-performance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sexual reproduction</a>, spanning across every species on planet Earth.</p>



<p>The "how" behind this vital fusion has always remained shrouded in mystery, until now. A breakthrough study enlightens us; an interlocked trio of proteins opens the doors to this bond, making the sperm and egg recognize and stick together.</p>



<p>Evidently, this threesome protein bundle is a shared heritage across species - from fish to mammals, and most definitely humans too.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genesis-of-sperm-egg-and-protein">Genesis of sperm, egg and protein</h2>



<p>Picture life's opening scene - a sperm navigating its way to an awaiting egg. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/semen-has-its-own-microbiome-and-it-may-be-the-cause-of-infertility/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sperm</a> and egg then create a bond, recognizing each other almost instantly. </p>



<p>Within fractions of a second, the head of the sperm plunges into the egg, like stepping through an open doorway. This fusion brings to life a zygote, the starting point of a new creature.</p>



<p>Past studies had identified four "star" proteins on the sperm - with memberships in both mammalian and fish sperm clubs - that are crucial for fertilization. Yet, the exact nature of their teamwork and their modus operandi remained elusive.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-egg-sperm-and-proteins">Egg, sperm, and proteins</h2>



<p>Taking up this challenge, Andrea Pauli, a renowned molecular and developmental biologist at the Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (<a href="https://www.imp.ac.at" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IMP</a>) in Vienna, alongside her brilliant team, questioned how these sperm proteins might collaborate during the crucial fertilization process.</p>



<p>For this mission, they enlisted the prowess of AlphaFold, an artificial intelligence tech prodigy that bagged the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. AlphaFold can predict the shape of a protein, an essential attribute when dealing with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-testicles-created-in-a-lab-will-eventually-produce-sperm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cellular functions</a>. </p>



<p>Armed with this AI, the researchers compared the four sperm proteins common to mammals and fish to about 1,400 other proteins on the zebrafish's testes' cell surfaces. They were hoping to find potential allies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-proteins-on-the-super-team">Proteins on the super team</h2>



<p>“We wanted to find something that we knew would be at the right place and at the right time,” said Victoria Deneke, a postdoctoral researcher in Dr. Pauli’s lab. It took weeks of analyzing and crunching data to finally predict which proteins might form this super team.</p>



<p>The results were remarkable. AlphaFold proposed two of the original proteins would bind with each other and a third, previously unknown protein. The trio, together, would form the team they were looking for.</p>



<p>Subsequent testing confirmed AlphaFold's prediction. In both zebrafishes and mice missing the newfound third protein, the males were infertile. </p>



<p>Their sperm, even though mobile, couldn't fuse with an egg without the protein. Further evidence revealed that this trio of sperm proteins worked as a unit in both zebrafish and humans.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-and-lock-mechanism">Key and lock mechanism</h2>



<p>Think of the trio of proteins as a "key" that opens a "lock" on the egg cell. For fish, this lock is a protein appropriately named 'Bouncer.' Without the Bouncer protein, the sperm cannot gain entry into the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-body-prevents-multiple-sperm-from-fertilizing-an-egg/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">egg</a>.</p>



<p>Interestingly, though, the mammalian lock in this story is not Bouncer; it's an unrelated protein named Juno. </p>



<p>This suggests that at some point in our evolutionary journey, different egg proteins evolved to bind with the sperm protein bundle. The mystery that baffles Dr. Pauli's team is how the lock changed while the key on the sperm remained the same.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-exciting-step-forward">An exciting step forward </h2>



<p>Amber Krauchunas, a reproductive biologist at the <a href="https://www.udel.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Delaware</a>, views this research as exciting and a big step forward. </p>



<p>Earlier in the year, another research group independently used AlphaFold, and they predicted the existence of the same three-protein bundle in mammals. The fact that two groups arrived at the same conclusion significantly boosts confidence in the findings.</p>



<p>Yet, the curtain hasn't completely lifted on the mystery of egg, sperm, protein and eventual fertilization. Some sperm proteins, known to be common across mammals and fish, are not part of this trio. It raises the question - what roles do they play?</p>



<p>“This is such a fundamental question with so few molecular answers,” Dr. Pauli said. “It’s amazing.” For now, we can relish the fact that we are a bit closer to understanding one of life's greatest mysteries.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(24)01093-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Cell</em></a>.</p>



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



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



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



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

How life begins: Egg, sperm, and a covert team of proteins

Ever wonder about how life starts? Most of us know...

<p>Severe space weather can leave a lasting mark in tree rings, offering clues that might help scientists prepare for future disruptive events that threaten communication satellites and astronauts.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Amy Hessl, a geography professor at <a href="https://www.wvu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">West Virginia University</a>’s Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, is leading research that examines how ancient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-largest-ever-solar-storm-discovered-through-tree-rings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree rings</a> record evidence of extreme space weather, such as geomagnetic storms and solar radiation bursts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracing-space-weather-through-tree-rings">Tracing space weather through tree rings</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/space-weather-poses-significant-risks-to-railway-safety/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Space weather</a> includes a range of phenomena, such as the geomagnetic storms that produce auroras near the poles. These events can sometimes be intense enough to disrupt modern technology. According to Hessl, ancient tree rings have provided evidence of such extreme occurrences in the distant past.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“If one of these events were to happen today and you were on a high latitude flight flying to Norway, you’d probably receive your lifetime dose of radiation on the plane,” Hessl explained. “And if you were in space, it potentially could kill you.”</p>



<p>Hessl recently received over $202,000 in funding from the <a href="https://www.nsf.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Science Foundation</a> to further investigate the connection between tree rings and space weather. Her research focuses on how solar energetic particles interact with the Earth’s atmosphere, producing radiocarbon that is absorbed by trees.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As trees grow, they use carbon from the atmosphere to form their rings, effectively preserving a record of past solar activity. By analyzing these tree rings, researchers can trace back significant events, such as the rare and severe “Miyake events.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-solar-storms-recorded-in-trees">Extreme solar storms recorded in trees</h2>



<p>Miyake events are characterized by rapid increases in atmospheric radiocarbon and have been detected in tree rings dating back centuries. The first of these events, occurring in 774 AD and 993 AD, was identified 12 years ago. Since then, scientists have discovered seven more events over the past 14,000 years.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Some of these events were really extreme and would be incredibly disruptive to our telecommunications system now,” Hessl said. “It’s a very rare event, but it’s not out of the question. We’re dependent on satellites, and if it did happen again, it would probably wipe out most of our telecommunications, taking 15 years to recover. It’s that powerful.”</p>



<p>While most solar energetic particle events originate from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/second-strongest-solar-flare-since-2019-prompts-geomagnetic-storm-alert/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar flares</a>, some particles also come from galactic cosmic rays outside the solar system, often triggered by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-explosions-could-damage-distant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernova explosions</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Although the sun is considered the primary source of Miyake events, Hessl hopes that tree ring data from around the world can help the scientific community pinpoint the exact causes and assess the severity of these occurrences.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interpreting-tree-ring-data">Interpreting tree ring data</h2>



<p>Interpreting radiocarbon levels in tree rings is not always straightforward. “Until recently, scientists have assumed that trees take up radiocarbon evenly,” Hessl noted. “We’ve been treating trees as if they’re scientific instruments. But they’re not. They’re potentially very biased in the way they take up the radiocarbon.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>To improve the accuracy of the data, Hessl and her team are investigating why different species of trees, or trees in different locations, might absorb radiocarbon differently. Understanding these variations can help scientists better assess how reliable these natural recorders are.</p>



<p>Research into Miyake events also suggests that some trees store carbon and allocate it at a later time, making them less consistent as recorders of past atmospheric conditions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>To address these inconsistencies, Hessl is collaborating with Maria Carbone from <a href="https://nau.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northern Arizona University</a> and Rachael Filwett from <a href="http://v/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Montana State University</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Together, they are studying how different tree species record atmospheric radiocarbon on an annual basis, focusing on three locations in the U.S. with wood that dates back to the last three major Miyake events.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comparing-tree-species-for-consistency">Comparing tree species for consistency</h2>



<p>Hessl’s team is comparing three species with different strategies for wood production: the long-lived bristlecone pine from Utah, the deciduous bald cypress in North Carolina, and oak trees preserved in the riverbeds of Missouri.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The bristlecone pine, the longest-living tree species in the world, has been particularly important in constructing a timeline of past radiocarbon levels. “They live for several thousand years and they’re the backbone of what we know about past radiocarbon in the atmosphere,” Hessl explained.</p>



<p>The research involves taking core samples the size of a pencil - or cross sections if the tree is dead - and using a technique called cross-dating to confirm the year each ring formed.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By matching tree rings with known Miyake events, the team can examine how different species record these extreme events. However, Hessl expects variations in how well different trees capture the details of these episodes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preparing-for-future-space-weather-events">Preparing for future space weather events</h2>



<p>The goal of this research is to better understand the magnitude and timing of past space weather events and to assess the reliability of trees as recorders of atmospheric radiocarbon.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We’re trying to define how extreme those events were,” Hessl said. “When did they occur, exactly? How long did the radiocarbon last in the atmosphere? We need to be sure we’re using reliable recorders, so that’s what we’re trying to figure out.”</p>



<p>By studying how different trees record past events and how they respond to radiocarbon changes today, Hessl hopes to prepare for potential future space weather events that could threaten critical infrastructure, including communication networks.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rare-extreme-solar-storms">Rare, extreme solar storms</h2>



<p>While a Miyake event is considered rare and unlikely, Hessl emphasizes the importance of preparation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Some stuff gets a little overblown, but we saw what happened during the pandemic in terms of initial panic,” she noted.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“So it’s very reasonable to try and figure out what the upper end bookmark of these things are, and then communicate that to the IT community so our technologies can be protected.”</p>



<p>In conclusion, Hessl’s research into tree rings and their ability to record severe space weather provides a window into understanding rare but potentially catastrophic solar events.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By looking to the past, scientists hope to better prepare for the future, ensuring that modern technology is more resilient to the powerful forces of space weather.</p>



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



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



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



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

Ancient tree rings help predict extreme solar storms

Severe space weather can leave a lasting mark in tree...

<p>By now, you've heard of dark matter, but have you heard of dark comets? Probably not. "Dark comets" are comets that don't reflect much light, making them potential hazards for our planet because they are very difficult to detect with Earth-based telescopes.</p>



<p>According to new research, roughly 60% of all near-Earth objects are "dark" comets.</p>



<p>These mysterious celestial bodies orbit our sun and might have been key sources of water as Earth was forming billions of years ago.</p>



<p>These dark comets likely hold or used to hold ice, which raises some intriguing questions about their role in forming our planet and how water came to be on Earth.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-dark-comets">Studying dark comets</h2>



<p>Important new findings from a study led by Aster Taylor from the <a href="https://umich.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Michigan</a> have backed up this fascinating theory. Taylor's curiosity drove his team to explore the chilly mysteries of the asteroid belt, a region full of potential.</p>



<p>For those unfamiliar, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/10-billion-mile-long-dust-belt-found-in-the-beta-pictoris-planetary-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">asteroid belt</a> is located deep in our solar system between Jupiter and Mars. It’s home to a bunch of rocky asteroids, each with its own unique story.</p>



<p>Taylor's discoveries support a long-held suspicion that has been around since the 1980s: these asteroids might just have subsurface ice.</p>



<p>The implications of these findings are huge, not just for our understanding of the solar system but also for exploring potential resources for future space missions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dark-comets-connected-to-earth-s-water">Dark comets connected to Earth's water?</h2>



<p>Taylor, through their study, could not confirm if these dark comets indeed delivered <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-did-earth-get-its-water-new-clues-discovered-in-an-asteroid-sample/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water to Earth</a> but highlighted that this could be another path to bring ice from other parts of the solar system to Earth.</p>



<p>"We don't know if these dark comets delivered water to Earth. We can't say that. But we can say that there is still debate over how exactly the Earth's water got here," Taylor said. </p>



<p>"The work we've done has shown that this is another pathway to get ice from somewhere in the rest of the solar system to the Earth's environment."</p>



<p>Despite dozens of studies, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-other-planets-collected-first-water-from-unexpected-source-planetesimals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">some very recent</a>, it boggles the mind that to this day, scientists are still unravelling how Earth got its water?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dark-comets-vs-normal-comets">Dark comets vs. normal comets</h2>



<p>Dark comets, somewhat enigmatic bodies, unite features of both asteroids and comets. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/god-of-darkness-asteroid-apophis-prepares-for-visit-from-osiris-apex/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Asteroids</a> are close enough to the Sun to vaporize any ice they might carry in a process called sublimation, thus categorizing them as rocky bodies sans ice.</p>



<p>They tend to have more stable and predictable orbits and lack the characteristic cometary coma or tail.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/did-a-cosmic-airburst-set-the-world-on-fire-12800-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Comets</a>, on the other hand, display a distinctive fuzzy cloud enveloping them, known as a coma, which is created as the sublimating ice carries along dust.</p>



<p>This gives them a characteristic glowing appearance when viewed through telescopes or even to the naked eye in some cases. They generally have more elongated orbits that can take them far from the Sun and then close again.</p>



<p>Fun fact, they exhibit slight accelerations not due to gravity, but courtesy of this sublimation process! These non-gravitational forces can cause changes in their orbits over time.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cracking-the-code">Cracking the code</h2>



<p>Taylor's study took a detailed look at seven dark comets and estimated that anywhere between 0.5 and 60% of all near-Earth objects could be these unique bodies.</p>



<p>They are devoid of comae (or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/devil-comet-is-visible-in-the-northern-hemisphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cometary dust clouds</a>) but endowed with nongravitational accelerations, likely resulting from minor amounts of sublimating ice.</p>



<p>According to their findings, these dark comets probably originate from the asteroid belt.</p>



<p>"We think these objects came from the inner and/or outer main asteroid belt, and the implication of that is that this is another mechanism for getting some ice into the inner solar system," Taylor said.</p>



<p>"There may be more ice in the inner main belt than we thought. There may be more objects like this out there. This could be a significant fraction of the nearest population. We don't really know, but we have many more questions because of these findings."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cosmic-carousel">Cosmic carousel</h2>



<p>Taylor explained that our near-Earth environment is a chaotic place, dynamically evolving over a mere ten million years. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/27500-hidden-near-earth-asteroids-discovered-using-google-cloud/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Near-Earth objects</a> don’t maintain their orbits very long and are continuously replenished by a larger extraneous source.</p>



<p>To figure out the home of these mysterious dark comets, Taylor's research team developed dynamical models and followed their path for a whopping 100,000 years. </p>



<p>Most ended up right where dark comets are today, with the main asteroid belt being their most probable birthplace.</p>



<p>"Near-Earth objects don't stay on their current orbits very long because the near-Earth environment is messy," they said. </p>



<p>"They only stay in the near-Earth environment for around 10 million years. Because the solar system is much older than that, that means near-Earth objects are coming from somewhere -- that we're constantly being fed near-Earth objects from another, much larger source."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-origins-and-destinies-of-dark-comets">Origins and destinies of dark comets</h2>



<p>One of the observed dark comets, 2003 RM, likely came from Jupiter's family of comets by being drawn inward from its orbit. </p>



<p>The rest possibly emerged from the inner band of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-carbon-ices-discovered-objects-beyond-neptune-kuiper-belt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">asteroid belt</a>, suggesting that ice is likely present in the inner main belt.</p>



<p>But why are these dark comets so tiny and rapidly spinning? Taylor explains that an acceleration-inducing off-gassing process occurs when comets get bumped within the ice line. This, added with continuous ice loss, results in even smaller, quickly rotating bodies.</p>



<p>"These pieces will also have ice on them, so they will also spin out faster and faster until they break into more pieces," Taylor said.</p>



<p>"You can just keep doing this as you get smaller and smaller and smaller. What we suggest is that the way you get these small, fast rotating objects is you take a few bigger objects and break them into pieces."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-dark-comets-shape-our-solar-system">How dark comets shape our solar system</h2>



<p>To sum it all up, dark comets are still a mystery, but the work of Aster Taylor has uncovered more details that could help us spot them in the future, while providing more clues to the origin of Earth's water.</p>



<p>Dark comets are potentially very dangerous because their low reflectivity (or albedo) makes them harder to spot, yet they could still pose a significant impact threat to Earth.</p>



<p>By utilizing advanced telescopes and cutting-edge technology, they have uncovered crucial information about these mysterious objects, their origins, and their impact on our cosmic neighborhood. It's a reminder that our knowledge of the universe is still expanding, just like the universe itself.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0019103524002677" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Icarus</a></em>.</p>



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



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



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



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

Invisible "dark comets" account for 60% of all near-Earth objects

By now, you've heard of dark matter, but have you...

Wake up in your dreams: Exploring the world of lucid dreaming

Have you ever realized you’re dreaming while still asleep? That’s...

<p>On the perpetual quest to understand Alzheimer’s, an unexpected breakthrough has been made, shedding light on ithe elusive nature and phases of the disease.</p>



<p>New research has led to the intriguing hypothesis that Alzheimer’s disease may wreak havoc on the brain in two distinct and destructive phases, fundamentally altering our understanding of its progression.</p>



<p>This fascinating and potentially game-changing discovery was funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and made possible through advanced brain mapping tools.</p>



<p>The research could revolutionize the way we perceive, diagnose, and ultimately treat Alzheimer’s disease, offering renewed hope for patients and caregivers alike.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alzheimer-s-first-phase">Alzheimer’s first phase</h2>



<p>The preliminary phase of Alzheimer’s disease sneaks in subtly. Before anyone detects <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/memory-clutter-speeds-up-aging-in-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">memory lapses</a> or disorientation, this quiet intruder is already at work, silently assaulting a select few cell types.</p>



<p>This silent destruction is the prelude, setting the stage for more noticeable and widespread damage.</p>



<p>“One of the challenges to diagnosing and treating Alzheimer’s is that much of the damage to the brain happens well before <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-why-some-brains-resist-alzheimers-disease-symptoms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">symptoms</a> occur," noted Dr. Richard J. Hodes, director of NIH National Institute on Aging.</p>



<p>"The ability to detect these early changes means that, for the first time, we can see what is happening to a person’s brain during the earliest periods of the disease."</p>



<p>It is this early detection that provides a glimmer of hope. The ability to glimpse into the initial stages of the disease provides a time window of potential intervention. It empowers scientists to comprehend and, possibly, influence the progression of this devastating disorder.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-second-phase-of-alzheimer-s">Second phase of Alzheimer's</h2>



<p>The second phase is where the disease truly flexes its muscle. This phase encapsulates most of the changes traditionally seen during the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.</p>



<p>It is during the second phase that symptoms become evident, and the brain experiences rapid accumulation of Alzheimer's hallmarks - plaques and tangles.</p>



<p>In this study, researchers analyzed 84 brains in fine detail, focusing on the middle temporal gyrus - a region responsible for language, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-brains-create-three-copies-of-every-memory-we-make/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">memory</a>, and vision. This area is highly vulnerable to Alzheimer's disease.</p>



<p>By comparing data from regular donors with data from Alzheimer’s patients, an enlightening genetic and cellular timeline of the disease emerged.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-targets-of-alzheimer-s-phases">Targets of Alzheimer's phases</h2>



<p>Alzheimer's transformation of the brain was found to occur in two "epochs." The first phase, gradual and quiet, includes the slow accumulation of plaques, activation of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alcohol-use-affects-the-brains-immune-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain's immune system</a>, and damage to cellular insulation which aids neuron signal transmission.</p>



<p>Most surprising was the discovery that the disease targets a particular kind of cells called SST inhibitory neurons during this phase, contradicting the traditional belief that Alzheimer’s primarily damages excitatory neurons.</p>



<p>This finding was unexpected because inhibitory neurons are responsible for sending calming signals to other cells, while excitatory neurons send activating signals.</p>



<p>The researchers hypothesize that the loss of these calming SST inhibitory neurons may set off a domino effect leading to disorders in the brain's neural circuitry, igniting the onset of the disease.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-resilience-against-alzheimer-s">Potential resilience against Alzheimer's </h2>



<p>Parallel to this study, another NIH-funded research project at <a href="https://www.mit.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MIT</a> suggested there is a potential protective factor.</p>



<p>A gene named REELIN, found in star-shaped brain cells called astrocytes, may offer some resilience against Alzheimer's disease. Astrocytes might be capable of resisting the harm inflicted by the disease.</p>



<p>These findings resulted from studying over 3.4 million <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brain-cells-communicate-to-support-decision-making/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain cells</a> from donors at various stages of Alzheimer's disease, utilizing tools developed by the NIH's BRAIN Initiative - Cell Census Network (BICCN). </p>



<p>The tissue samples were obtained from the Adult Changes in Thought study and the University of Washington Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center.</p>



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



<p>“This research demonstrates how powerful new technologies provided by the NIH’s BRAIN Initiative are changing the way we understand diseases like Alzheimer’s," stated Dr. John Ngai, director of The BRAIN Initiative.</p>



<p>As the fight against Alzheimer's phases and other dementias continues, the findings offer a new lens to look at the disease, potentially guiding the development of targeted diagnostic tools and treatments for specific stages of Alzheimer's.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41593-024-01774-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Neuroscience</a></em>.</p>



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



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



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



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

Alzheimer’s disease attacks the brain in two separate phases

On the perpetual quest to understand Alzheimer’s, an unexpected breakthrough...

<p>For years scientists have puzzled over the purpose of the unique ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) produced by rats. Many of them have assumed these sounds to be a form of rats social communication, a subtle courtship ritual, much similar to the exquisite songs rendered by birds.</p>



<p>This comparison, however, might not be entirely accurate, as a new perspective suggests rodents could be using these sounds to enhance their olfactory world.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unconventional-proposal">Unconventional proposal</h2>



<p>An innovative proposition from an expert in bioacoustics from the <a href="https://www.buffalo.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University at Buffalo</a> presents a new perspective. </p>



<p>The study, published in the journal <em>Neuroscience &amp; Biobehavioral Reviews</em>, indicates that rats might not be communicating through these sounds as we assumed but are using them to stir their environment.</p>



<p>This stirring affects how tiny particles are inhaled into their noses, implying that sound could be an essential tool in enhancing their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-nose-is-a-clever-smell-prediction-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sense of smell</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-controlling-molecular-interactions-of-particles">Controlling molecular interactions of particles</h2>



<p>"This phenomenon has never been observed before, or I believe even suspected, in any animal," said Dr. Eduardo Mercado III, a professor of psychology in the UB College of Arts and Sciences. "They're creating new pathways of information by manipulating their environment and controlling the molecular interactions of particles around them."</p>



<p>This means that these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-that-rats-have-an-imagination/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rats</a> might not be flirting but surveying their surroundings using a process that could revolutionize our understanding. </p>



<p>"It's so far off the scale of what we know that it's like we're observing 'Jedi' rats," said Mercado. "It almost seems like magic."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rats-identify-others-through-sound">Rats identify others through sound</h2>



<p>Rodent exploration involves stroking surfaces with their whiskers, visually scanning, and perpetually <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animals-sniff-the-air-and-ground-to-track-the-source-of-a-scent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sniffing</a>. </p>



<p>Mercado discovered that rodents consistently sniffed right after producing each USV. This observation led to the hypothesis that ultrasound could be used to manipulate particles, a technique known in the field of vibroacoustics.</p>



<p>Artificially produced ultrasonic vibrations, or vibroacoustics, cause airborne particles to cluster. With this in mind, rodents might be using USVs to create "<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tricking-animals-with-odor-could-save-plants-from-browsing-damage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">odor</a> clusters," thereby enhancing the reception of pheromones.</p>



<p>This indicates that the rats' sounds are making it easier for them to detect and identify friends, strangers, and competitors in their surroundings.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-manipulating-nanoparticles-with-sound">Manipulating nanoparticles with sound</h2>



<p>Rodent vocalizations have critical implications in research related to various human disorders, especially those relating to communication, social behavior, and emotional processing. These include conditions such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease, and autism. </p>



<p>But, if this new hypothesis stands the test, it will necessitate a reevaluation of findings from these studies.</p>



<p>"Rodents, especially rats and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mummified-mice-found-on-volcano-summits-were-extreme-mountaineers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mice</a>, are the unsung heroes of the scientific world," said Jessica Zhou, a student researcher at Harvard University and co-author of the paper.</p>



<p>From an evolutionary perspective, there is evidence to suggest that the use of smell in exploration drove the evolution of attention and memory. This new understanding can also potentially lead to groundbreaking technologies. </p>



<p>"The fact that we were oblivious to anything like this being possible means we don't have the understanding yet for how nanoparticles might be sonically manipulated for complex uses," said Mercado. But, if nature has already solved the problem for us, it could give us a significant head start.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rats-using-ultrasonic-sound">Rats using ultrasonic sound</h2>



<p>The discovery of rodents using ultrasonic vocalizations to manipulate their environment could pave the way for groundbreaking innovations in both biology and engineering.</p>



<p>This newfound mechanism has the potential to inspire the development of technologies in fields such as particle manipulation, nanotechnology, and even air filtration systems.</p>



<p>The ability of rats to influence particles through ultrasonic sound waves suggests that similar principles could be applied in designing devices to control or cluster particles.</p>



<p>This could lead to advancements in areas like air quality monitoring, where precise manipulation of particles is crucial, or in developing odor detection technologies for security or medical applications.</p>



<p>Additionally, the findings open the door for further exploration of how other animals might use sound in unexpected ways to interact with their surroundings. </p>



<p>Future research may reveal similar phenomena in other species, prompting a reevaluation of how animals engage with their environments and the role of sound in sensory processing.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0149763424003774" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neuroscience &amp; Biobehavioral Reviews</a></em>.</p>



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



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



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



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

'Jedi rats' manipulate sound to supercharge their sense of smell

For years scientists have puzzled over the purpose of the...

<p>Atmospheric rivers form worldwide as narrow bands of moisture that bring heavy rain and storms. Notably, these rivers are moving toward higher latitudes, which is changing weather patterns globally.</p>



<p>Over the past four decades, atmospheric rivers have moved about 6 to 10 degrees towards both poles. When these systems reach the Arctic, the melted sea ice impacts the climate across the entire globe.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-atmospheric-rivers-impact-our-world">How atmospheric rivers impact our world</h2>



<p>From the fertile lands of California and Southeast Asia to the coasts of Spain and Portugal, atmospheric rivers supply over half of the yearly runoff. In California, they can deliver up to 50% of the annual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rainfall-is-increasingly-unpredictable-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rainfall</a>.</p>



<p>A series of <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/winter-storm-triggers-deadly-flooding-in-brazil/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">winter storms</a> from these rivers can bring enough rain and snow to end a drought, as seen in parts of the region in 2023. These rivers draw moisture from the tropics, curving toward the poles due to shifts in the jet stream.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-behavior-of-atmospheric-rivers">Behavior of atmospheric rivers</h2>



<p>As with all natural phenomena, no two atmospheric rivers are identical. However, their collective behavior greatly interests climate scientists who study these patterns closely.</p>



<p>These systems are often observed in the extratropics, a region that sits between 30 and 50 degrees latitude in both the northern and southern hemispheres.</p>



<p>Over the past four decades, river activity has shifted away from 30 degrees, with more intense activity now seen along 50 degrees latitude. </p>



<p>Notably, this shift means more atmospheric rivers bringing heavy rain to places like British Columbia and Alaska, increasing the risk of flooding and changing local weather patterns.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifting-atmospheric-rivers">Shifting atmospheric rivers </h2>



<p>So, why are atmospheric rivers moving poleward? The primary reason is the cooling tendency of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-are-substantially-changing-the-seasons-of-the-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea surface temperatures</a> in the eastern tropical Pacific since 2000.</p>



<p>Associated with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/australian-bushfires-triggered-rare-multi-year-la-nina/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">La Niña</a> conditions, this cooling effect influences atmospheric circulation worldwide, pushing the rivers towards the poles.</p>



<p>As atmospheric rivers drift poleward, they impact local climates significantly. In the subtropics, where these rivers are becoming less common, more prolonged droughts and water scarcity might become the norm.</p>



<p>Simultaneously, higher latitudes might experience more extreme rainfall and flooding. If atmospheric rivers frequent the Arctic more often, we might witness a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/79-n-glacier-northeast-greenland-melting-rapidly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rapid melting of sea ice</a>, exacerbating global warming and affecting arctic fauna.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preparing-for-what-s-to-come">Preparing for what's to come</h2>



<p>While the shifts so far largely reflect natural phenomena, human-induced global warming also plays a role.</p>



<p>As the world gets warmer, the atmosphere can hold more moisture, which makes atmospheric rivers happen more often and with greater intensity.</p>



<p>Predicting these future changes is challenging, mostly because it’s hard to predict the swings between El Niño and La Niña, which greatly influence where these atmospherric rivers go.</p>



<p>At the University of California, Santa Barbara, scientists like Qinghua Ding have been closely studying the poleward shift of atmospheric rivers. By understanding these changes, they hope to improve climate models and better predict future rainfall and water supplies.</p>



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



<p>The poleward shift of atmospheric rivers doesn’t just impact people - it also affects ecosystems and wildlife.</p>



<p>As more rain moves into northern regions, plants and animals that aren’t used to such heavy rain might face big challenges. </p>



<p>For example, in Arctic areas, changes in rain can alter plant growth, which may disrupt the local balance of nature. This shift could also threaten animals like migratory birds, which need stable habitats for nesting and feeding.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unpredictable-ecosystem-changes">Unpredictable ecosystem changes </h2>



<p>In areas where atmospheric rivers are becoming less frequent, ecosystems that rely on steady rain might experience longer dry spells. </p>



<p>Forests in warmer regions, for example, could face more drought, increasing the chances of wildfires and harming biodiversity. Aquatic habitats could suffer too, as less reliable water sources make it harder for fish and other creatures to thrive.</p>



<p>To help protect nature, conservation efforts must adjust to these changes. Protecting vulnerable plants and animals in areas experiencing shifts is essential to maintaining biodiversity. </p>



<p>Ongoing research will play a key role in understanding these impacts and guiding strategies to help ecosystems cope with a changing climate.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adq0604" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a></em>.</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory </p>



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



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



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



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

Atmospheric rivers are shifting, with global climate impacts

Atmospheric rivers form worldwide as narrow bands of moisture that...

<p>Music might be the secret key to easing patients' recoveries after surgery. According to research presented at the American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress 2024, the soothing influence of music extends beyond the soul and eases physical discomfort too.</p>



<p>Researchers at the <a href="https://medicine.cnsu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">California Northstate University College of Medicine</a> have found compelling connections between music and post-operative recovery.</p>



<p>Where did this fascinating theory come from? It started with a meticulous examination of 3,736 studies on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/music-has-the-power-to-change-the-mood-of-our-memories/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">music</a>'s role in post-surgery recovery. </p>



<p>From this massive repository, 35 research papers were narrowed down - each revealing a unique narrative about patient outcomes such as pain, anxiety, heart rate, and opioid use.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-benefits-of-music-post-surgery">Benefits of music post surgery</h2>



<p>So, how does listening to music impact a recovering patient? The results of the collective studies provide some interesting insights.</p>



<p>There was a noticeable decrease in self-reported pain levels among patients who tuned into music after surgery. The Numeric Rating Scale and Visual Analogue Scale showed 19% and 7% reductions in pain respectively.</p>



<p>The analysis also revealed a 3% decrease in patient-reported anxiety levels. Furthermore, an intriguing reversal was observed in the use of morphine. Patients who listened to music used less than 50% of the painkiller on the first day after surgery.</p>



<p>A decrease in heart rate (around 4.5 fewer beats per minute) was noted among the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/similar-patterns-music-language-found-across-all-cultures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">music-listening</a> patients, promoting effective circulation of oxygen and nutrients, which aids in recovery. Besides, a lower heart rate means a reduced risk of tachycardia, a condition that can lead to dangerous heart rhythms.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-music-reduces-stress-after-surgery">Music reduces stress after surgery</h2>



<p>“When patients wake up after surgery, sometimes they feel really scared and don’t know where they are,” said Dr.<strong>&nbsp;</strong>Eldo Frezza, senior author of the study and a professor of surgery at California Northstate University College of Medicine.</p>



<p>“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/live-music-evokes-stronger-emotions-than-streamed-music/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Music</a> can help ease the transition from the waking up stage to a return to normalcy and may help reduce stress around that transition.”</p>



<p>Another interesting observation was made at this juncture. Unlike other therapies like meditation or Pilates, which require considerable effort and concentration, listening to music is a passive experience. It can be adopted instantly after surgery without any cost or extra effort.</p>



<p>“Although we can’t specifically say they’re in less pain, the studies revealed that patients perceive they are in less pain, and we think that is just as important,” said Shehzaib Raees, first author of the study and a third-year medical student.</p>



<p>“When listening to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/classical-music-orchestrates-a-mood-lifting-dance-in-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">music</a>, you can disassociate and relax. In that way, there’s not much you have to do or focus on, and you can calm yourself down.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-music-in-surgeries">Future of music in surgeries</h2>



<p>As we look to the future, the intersection of music and medicine holds the promise of groundbreaking advancements. </p>



<p>Emerging technologies, such as personalized music therapy playlists and AI-curated sessions, are on the horizon, offering tailored treatments based on an individual's specific conditions and preferences. </p>



<p>The growing body of empirical evidence supporting music's efficacy in healthcare settings is likely to pave the way for more comprehensive clinical guidelines that incorporate music as a non-invasive, cost-effective therapeutic option. </p>



<p>This innovative approach could revolutionize patient care, positioning music not merely as an adjunctive therapy but as an integral part of holistic, patient-centered treatment strategies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-listening-to-music-to-promote-recovery">Listening to music to promote recovery</h2>



<p>The researchers discovered that the hormone cortisol could be the invisible maestro orchestrating this therapeutic effect. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/music-can-boost-brainpower-and-productivity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Listening to music</a> reduces cortisol levels, aiding recovery. However, some variables, like the duration of music-listening, were not controlled in the analysis.</p>



<p>Moving forward, a pilot program is being planned to scrutinize the application of music in the surgical setting and intensive care unit.</p>



<p>So, the next time you are heading for surgery, don't forget to pack your favorite playlist alongside your essentials. Remember Dr. Frezza's advice - listen to whatever music you enjoy.</p>



<p>The researchers are not advocating for one type of music over another. They believe that different tunes may help different people post-surgery, as music can comfort and provide a sense of familiarity.</p>



<p>The study is published in the <em><a href="https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/jicm.2022.0803" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine</a>.</em></p>



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



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



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



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

Music can reduce pain and anxiety after surgery

Music might be the secret key to easing patients' recoveries...

<p>Have you ever heard tales of the full moon's mysterious power, casting a spell over everything from werewolves to mischievous spirits? Well, there's a new story in town, and it has its roots in reality. New research suggests that moonlight deeply impacts the behavior of tropical animals.</p>



<p>The new findings reveal a startling truth: around half of the mammal species in tropical forests alter their behaviors in sync with the moon's phases and the resulting changes in light levels.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-habitat-degradation-and-tropical-animals">Habitat degradation and tropical animals</h2>



<p>The study was led by Lydia Beaudrot, an ecologist at Michigan State University (<a href="https://msu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MSU</a>) who specializes in tropical ecology and conservation. Beaudrot was part of a global team of researchers taking part in this enlightening study.</p>



<p>With human development aggressively intruding on some of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/where-mammals-live-depends-more-on-climate-than-human-activities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">darkest corners of our planet</a> - including the shadowy underbellies of tropical forests - scientists are hustling to understand what's happening in these ecosystems when the sun goes down.</p>



<p>“This research has implications for how habitat degradation may impact some tropical animals,” Beaudrot said.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>To grasp how tropical animals respond to natural moonlight changes, the research team had a look at over 2.1 million photos. These snapshots were captured by automatic wildlife cameras installed across 17 protected forests spread over three continents.</p>



<p>The bulk of these images were sourced from the Tropical Ecology &amp; Assessment and Monitoring network (TEAM), which Beaudrot describes as an "incredible resource for the scientific community."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moonlight-impact-on-tropical-animals">Moonlight impact on tropical animals</h2>



<p>By pouring over these images, the researchers teased out how 86 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mammal-evolution-kicked-off-with-daring-experiments/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mammal species</a> altered their nocturnal habits based on changing nighttime light levels. What they found was that around half of the species examined changed their activity levels, timing, or both in response to fluctuations in light levels.</p>



<p>Among the 86 species studied, 12 remarkably avoided moonlight, while three were more likely to come out when the moon was lighting up the night.</p>



<p>Richard Bischof, a professor at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (<a href="https://www.nmbu.no/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NMBU</a>) and a first author on the paper, said these species exhibited the most pronounced reactions. </p>



<p>"For tropical forest animals that are awake at night, not all nights are the same. In fact, which species are active depends a lot on the moon,” explained Professor Bischof. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-responses-to-lunar-phases">Responses to lunar phases</h2>



<p>Interestingly, about half of the species studied showed some change in behavior in response to lunar phases. Overall, 30% of species steered clear of the moonlight, while around 20% seemed attracted to it.</p>



<p>Increased illumination might make food easier to find and terrain simpler to navigate. But it also makes an animal more visible - a disadvantage for species that rely on the cover of night to move around undetected.</p>



<p>The startling impact of light even in the dim forest understory raises concerns about how habitat degradation and fragmentation might reshape forest communities.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moonlight-and-mammal-evolution">Moonlight and mammal evolution </h2>



<p>As we hunt deeper into the moon's impact on tropical mammals, it's important to consider the evolutionary adaptations that may have shaped these responses. </p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/its-official-earth-now-has-two-moons-captured-asteroid-2024-pt5/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moon</a> has been a consistent presence over millennia, casting its glow upon the earth and subtly influencing the survival strategies of nocturnal creatures. </p>



<p>Animals that have evolved under these conditions may possess heightened sensitivities to changes in lunar luminosity, enabling them to make crucial decisions about movement and activity. </p>



<p>Such adaptations could confer advantages in predator avoidance and resource acquisition, but they also underscore the delicate balance these species maintain with their environment. </p>



<p>Understanding these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-mammals-have-evolved-over-66-million-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolutionary nuances</a> provides invaluable insight into the intricate web of life within tropical ecosystems.</p>



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



<p>With the compelling evidence of the moon's role in shaping nocturnal behaviors, it becomes imperative for conservation efforts to consider lunar influences when devising strategies to protect tropical wildlife. </p>



<p>As human encroachment continues to fragment these delicate ecosystems, safeguarding areas that preserve natural light cycles is crucial. </p>



<p>Effective conservation plans must address the dual threats of habitat degradation and artificial light pollution, which can further disrupt these natural patterns. </p>



<p>Collaborating with local communities to enhance awareness and involvement is key to promoting sustainable practices that harmonize human activities with ecological preservation. </p>



<p>Only through concerted global efforts can we ensure that the moon's timeless dance with the tropical night continues to guide the rhythms of its inhabitants.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moon-mammals-and-mankind">Moon, mammals, and mankind</h2>



<p>As human activity continues to degrade and fragment habitats, biodiversity may hang in the balance. With forests cleared and natural resources plundered, pollution poses ominous threats to soil, water, and air. </p>



<p>Even our nocturnal animal friends, relying on darkness for safety and stealth, find their sacred night disrupted.</p>



<p>In these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-geographic-isolation-shaped-global-species-habitat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">transformed environments</a>, thinned forest canopies provide less cover from natural light, and artificial light sources throw natural cycles off balance.</p>



<p>The result of these changes? Some animals may miss crucial opportunities to find food or explore new locations. Consequently, many species might struggle to adapt, and entire ecological communities could suffer a loss.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2024.0683" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences</a>.</em></p>



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



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



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



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

Tropical animals change their behavior in response to moonlight

Have you ever heard tales of the full moon's mysterious...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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



<p>—–</p>



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



<p>—–</p>

Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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



<p>—–</p>



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



<p>—–</p>

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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



<p>—–</p>



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



<p>—–</p>

What caused the planet's longest ice age

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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



<p>—–</p>



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



<p>—–</p>

Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>

Social modeling affects our food choices

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists discover we age in bursts

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists solve the mystery of tickling

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>



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



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



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



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

Retired professor claims he solved time travel

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="iuA5mpp3jv-1641775-12187" type="single"]</div>



<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Kainji Lake, a reservoir on the Niger River.</p>



<p>In 1968, Kainji Lake was created by the construction of the Kainji Dam. The Niger River, the third longest in Africa, enters the lake in the north.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rivers-in-the-american-west-are-a-lifesaving-resource-for-birds/">ESA</a>, the creation of the lake submerged Foge Island and the town of Bussa and permanently flooded other riverine settlements, leaving around 50,000 people displaced.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Large parts of Foge Island are temporarily exposed during low water tides, and the land is often used by migrating fishermen. Kainji Dam is a dam across the Niger River in Niger State of Central Nigeria. </p>



<p>Wild mammals occur at relatively low densities due to illegal hunting. Lake Kainji has suffered a dramatic decline as a fishery due to the high numbers of artisanal and subsistence fisherfolk using the lake. It has been suggested that a period of closure, together with controlled fishing rights may help improve fish stocks.</p>



<p>Kainji Lake National Park is the oldest of its kind in Nigeria. The park contains three distinct areas: a part of the Kainji Lake, the Borgu Game Reserve to the west of the lake, and the Zugurma Game Reserve to the southeast. The park is home to around 65 mammal species, 350 bird species, and 30 species of reptiles and amphibians. </p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;</em></p>



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



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

[sendtonews key="iuA5mpp3jv-1641775-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

News coming your way