<p>Think about sipping a sugar-free drink that still tastes sweet. Many of us have puzzled over this illusion. Now scientists at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden reveal how our brains transform smell into taste.</p>



<p>The research, published in <em>Nature Communications</em>, shows that the brain encodes certain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-dna-may-explain-why-you-love-or-hate-certain-smells/">aromas</a> as if they were flavors themselves.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-flavor-and-smell-form">How flavor and smell form</h2>



<p>Flavor is more than taste. It comes from a combination of gustatory signals and retronasal odors, those aromas drifting from the mouth to the nose. </p>



<p>The insula, known as the taste cortex, was found to integrate these signals earlier than expected. This means the brain does not wait for higher regions to combine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-your-brain-decides-what-smells-good-or-bad/">taste</a> and smell but merges them immediately into one experience.</p>



<p>Study lead author Putu Agus Khorisantono is a researcher in the Department of Clinical Neuroscience at <a href="https://ki.se/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Karolinska Institutet</a>. </p>



<p>“We saw that the taste cortex reacts to taste-associated aromas as if they were real tastes,” explained Khorisantono. "The finding provides a possible explanation for why we sometimes experience taste from smell alone, for example in flavored waters." </p>



<p>"This underscores how strongly odors and tastes work together to make food pleasurable, potentially inducing craving and encouraging overeating of certain foods.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-brain-links-flavor-and-smell">How the brain links flavor and smell</h2>



<p>The researchers tested 25 adults. First, participants learned to identify sweet and savory flavors through combinations of taste and smell. </p>



<p>Later, inside a scanner, they received either tasteless odors or odorless tastes. Algorithms trained on brain responses to actual tastes were then tested on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/radio-waves-can-boost-our-sense-of-smell-without-contact/">odors</a> alone. The surprising outcome was that odours mimicked the brain’s taste responses.</p>



<p>The study revealed that sweet or savory odors activated the same neural patterns as the corresponding tastes.</p>



<p>This overlap was strongest in the ventral anterior insula, a region connected to olfactory areas. Importantly, the researchers ruled out simple pleasure ratings as the cause. Instead, the brain genuinely encoded odors in a way that matched taste perception.</p>



<p>“This shows that the brain does not process taste and smell separately, but rather creates a joint representation of the flavor experience in the taste cortex,” said senior researcher Janina Seubert. </p>



<p>“This mechanism may be relevant for how our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-sense-of-smell-and-different-odors-can-influence-how-we-see-colors/">taste</a> preferences and eating habits are formed and influenced.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-flavor-and-smell-matter">Why flavor and smell matter</h2>



<p>The findings highlight the insula as a hub for flavor integration. They also reveal that taste representations can drift over time. Neural patterns of taste identity were less stable across days, echoing results seen in rodent studies. </p>



<p>This suggests that our flavor experiences are dynamic, adapting with exposure, context, and internal states such as hunger, mood, or attention. </p>



<p>A flavor that feels vivid and distinct one day may blur or even shift the next, depending on what the brain has recently learned or anticipated.</p>



<p>This fluid quality points to a system designed not for rigid coding but for flexibility, helping us adjust to changing diets, environments, and cultural influences on taste.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flavor-identity-and-reward-value">Flavor identity and reward value</h2>



<p>The study also observed cross-modal decoding in other regions, such as the orbitofrontal cortex, which is known to encode the value of food. </p>



<p>The researchers propose that the insula forms a shared flavor identity, while the orbitofrontal cortex evaluates its reward value. This dual process could explain why certain odors make foods irresistible and shape long-term eating habits.</p>



<p>The team now wants to test external smells, or orthonasal odors. These are the scents we encounter before eating, like walking past bread or pastries.</p>



<p>“We want to find out whether the activation pattern in the brain’s taste cortex changes from salty to sweet when we walk from the cheese aisle to the pastries in the supermarket,” said Khorisantono. “If so, this could have a significant impact on the foods we choose to consume.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-flavor-and-smell-affect-health">How flavor and smell affect health</h2>



<p>This research reframes flavor as a deeply integrated brain process. Smell and taste are not separate streams but overlapping codes that can trick the brain into tasting without tasting.</p>



<p>Beyond solving everyday mysteries like sweet-tasting flavored water, the work raises questions about cravings, overeating, and how our diets are shaped by environments filled with powerful aromas. </p>



<p>The research also suggests that everyday exposure to food-related smells in supermarkets, restaurants, offices, and even advertising spaces may influence us more than we realize.</p>



<p>These aromas may prime the brain to expect certain tastes, creating a loop where scent alone can nudge us toward food choices we might not otherwise make. </p>



<p>Over time, this subtle influence could shape eating habits, nutritional patterns, and even health outcomes, revealing how deeply our sensory world directs behavior long before conscious decisions take place.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-63803-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.</em></p>



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



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



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



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

How smell tricks the brain into tasting flavors

Think about sipping a sugar-free drink that still tastes sweet. Many of us have puzzled over this illusion. Now scientists at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden reveal how our brains transform smell into taste. The research, published in Nature Communications, shows that the brain encodes certain aromas as if they were flavors themselves. How flavor and smell form Flavor is more than taste. It comes from a combination of gustatory signals and retronasal odors, those aromas drifting from the mouth to the nose. The insula, known as the...

<p>They say hindsight is 20/20, and while the theory of ecological speciation - the idea that new species emerge due to ecological changes - makes sense in retrospect, it has been challenging to demonstrate experimentally.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, a recent study published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.adj4478" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science</em></a> by biologists from the <a href="https://www.umass.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Massachusetts Amherst</a> has managed to achieve this. </p>



<p>The researchers identified a critical link between ecology and speciation in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/darwins-finches-reveal-how-one-species-becomes-many/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Darwin’s finches</a>, the iconic birds of the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finch-beaks-in-changing-environments-nbsp">Finch beaks in changing environments&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Previous work had established that the finches' beaks adapt to changing environments, and these changes influence how they sing. But until now, no one had experimentally shown that such adaptations could drive the formation of new species.</p>



<p>The new research demonstrates how changes in finch beaks, driven by environmental factors, also alter their songs, which in turn affects how the birds recognize their own species - a crucial factor in the speciation process.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“I started working with these birds 25 years ago,” said Jeffrey Podos, a professor of biology at UMass Amherst and the study’s senior author.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“In my very first publication on the finches, back in 2001, I showed that changes in the beaks of Darwin’s finches lead to changes in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-songs-human-speech-common-vocal-genetic-origin-syrinx/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">songs</a> they sing, and I speculated that, because Darwin’s finches use songs to attract mates, then song changes related to beak evolution could perhaps catalyze ecological speciation.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-formation-of-new-species">Formation of new species</h2>



<p>However, Podos lacked direct experimental evidence to support his hypothesis that environmentally driven changes to beak shape were pushing the finches toward the formation of new species.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The difficulty lies in the fact that speciation is a historical process, making it incredibly hard to observe in real-time. “Catching it as it happens,” Podos said, “would be like catching lightning in a bottle.”</p>



<p>To overcome this challenge, Podos devised a clever experiment based on simulations, aided by leads from decades of research on Darwin’s finches.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-closer-look-at-changing-finch-beaks-nbsp">A closer look at changing finch beaks&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Scientists already knew that finch beaks either evolve to become strong enough to crush tough seeds or remain more delicate to facilitate intricate song patterns.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“It takes serious motor performance to sing an intricate song, like that of the swamp sparrow,” Podos explained. “And a big, powerful beak is just too clunky to manage the movements required.”</p>



<p>Thanks to the wealth of data gathered by the wider biological community about how finch beaks change in response to environmental pressures, Podos realized he could model future beak changes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>He chose drought as the ecological driver for his study because droughts tend to select for finches with thicker beaks.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-simulating-songs-of-future-finches">Simulating songs of future finches</h2>



<p>Podos also knew he could predict how these thicker-beaked finches would sing after successive drought events and simulate the songs of these future finches. "Essentially, we engineered the calls of future finches,” Podos said.</p>



<p>In general, thicker beaks produce slower songs with a narrower range of frequencies. Each successive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/droughts-and-extreme-weather-events-are-escalating/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drought</a> is predicted to result in thicker beaks, which in turn would further slow down the songs and reduce their bandwidth. </p>



<p>Armed with this knowledge, Podos and his team simulated the calls of future finches based on these beak changes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-shifts-and-finch-responses">Environmental shifts and finch responses</h2>



<p>Next, the researchers played these modified calls to a specific population of Darwin’s medium ground finches to see how they responded.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We found that there were no changes in the finches’ responses to our modified calls even when the simulated songs had changed by the equivalent of three drought events,” said Katie M. Schroeder, co-author of the study and a former doctoral student of Podos.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“But by six drought events, the songs had changed so much that the finches barely responded at all.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-connection-between-finch-beaks-and-songs-nbsp">Connection between finch beaks and songs&nbsp;</h2>



<p>This result suggests that because of the connection between beak shape and song, Darwin’s medium ground finches could potentially evolve into a new species after experiencing six major droughts on the Galápagos Islands.</p>



<p>“Our research is not a conceptual revolution, but it is an empirical, experimental confirmation of ecological speciation and its plausibility,” Podos explained.</p>



<p>This study provides critical evidence that ecological factors, such as droughts that alter beak shape, can indeed drive the emergence of new species by changing how birds communicate and recognize one another.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The findings offer a compelling experimental demonstration of ecological speciation in action, shedding new light on the mechanisms that contribute to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/maps-of-bird-populations-can-help-protect-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a>, particularly in iconic species like Darwin's finches.</p>



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



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



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



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

Finch beaks and bird songs: A new story of evolution

They say hindsight is 20/20, and while the theory of...

<p>Beekeeping in vibrant urban cityscapes has brought bees, including nearly 4,000 native species, into the spotlight. These native bees, residing across the United States, are largely responsible for pollination in our agricultural, urban, and natural landscapes.</p>



<p>However, the narrative becomes more complex when non-native honey bees, managed and domesticated, are added to the equation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urban-beekeeping-and-native-populations">Urban beekeeping and native populations</h2>



<p>Initial concerns were that managed honey bee populations may have negative impacts on native wild bees, mainly due to potential resource competition and disease sharing.</p>



<p>However, a comprehensive study by researchers at the <a href="https://www.psu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pennsylvania State University</a> points to a different pattern - one that might not be as adverse.</p>



<p>The findings reveal that out of 33 genera of native bees studied, only a few showed any negative impact triggered by the presence of honey bees.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vulnerable-bee-species-identified">Vulnerable bee species identified </h2>



<p>The research sheds light on the groups of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bees-prefer-flowers-with-large-bullseyes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bees</a> that are potentially more vulnerable to the effects of urban beekeeping, which will aid in devising conservation strategies.</p>



<p>The researchers identified a correlation between managed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honey-bee-colonies-are-collapsing-as-climate-change-progresses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">honey bee</a> apiaries, urban land, and the reduced number of bees from six of 33 wild bee genera. The team set out to disentangle the relative influence of apiary density versus developed land.</p>



<p>The six bee genera responded differently to apiary density and urbanization. Long-horned bees in the genus Svastra were most affected by apiary density, whereas Florilegus, another breed of long-horned bees, was most negatively impacted by urbanization. </p>



<p>Other affected genera included green bees (Agapostemon and Augochlora), sweat bees (Lasioglossum) and long-horned bees (Melissodes).</p>



<p>A deeper analysis of the data revealed that the bees most disrupted by apiaries and land development share some common traits: they tend to nest in the ground, forage later in the season and, in some instances, specialize in specific seasonal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tree-of-life-created-for-flowering-plants-using-400-million-specimens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flowering plants</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urban-challenges-for-bees">Urban challenges for bees</h2>



<p>Study lead author Gabriela Quinlan is a U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) postdoctoral research fellow in Penn State’s Center for Pollinator Research and the College of Agricultural Sciences.</p>



<p>“Urban environments can be especially challenging for ground-nesting bees because the hardscaping - asphalt and concrete - can make it difficult to find bare ground for <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=1946960&amp;action=edit" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nesting</a>,” said Quinlan. </p>



<p>“Small bees can’t fly very far, so they may have trouble finding nesting and flowering resources within their flight range. Moreover, specialist bees require very specific flowers, which may be difficult to find in urban settings.”</p>



<p>Quinlan explained that some wild bees also forage later in the season, which happens to be when honey bee colonies are at their peak size and competing for limited floral resources.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solutions-for-urban-beekeeping-challenges">Solutions for urban beekeeping challenges</h2>



<p>“Planting late-season forage and leaving bare ground as nesting resources in urban gardens could help alleviate some of the stressors that developed land and urban beekeeping can put on these bee groups,” noted Quinlan.</p>



<p>For the investigation, the researchers used the locations of nearly 4,000 registered apiaries across Maryland to build a state map of apiary density. They then compared this with data on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flower-strips-can-boost-wild-bee-populations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wild bee populations</a> within the state, collected by the U.S. Geological Survey’s Bee Monitoring and Identification Lab.</p>



<p>A declining number of pollinators - linked to pesticide use, pathogens, poor nutrition, and climate change - has caused global concern in recent years. </p>



<p>There is also increased attention focused on how honey bees, carrying pathogens and heightening resource competition, might be affecting wild, native bees.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urban-beekeeping-and-wild-bee-abundance">Urban beekeeping and wild bee abundance </h2>



<p>Despite these concerns, evidence to show how honey bees affect the abundance of wild bees has been scarce. The Penn State study sought a deeper understanding of how the presence of managed honey bee populations may relate to reductions in wild bee abundance.</p>



<p>The interconnectedness highlighted by the research prompts a shift in perspective - instead of focusing on individual species, it's crucial to consider bees as communities.</p>



<p>Nonlethal, automated monitoring systems for bees are being developed by the new INSECT NET graduate training program at Penn State for future studies.</p>



<p>In the meantime, one of the best ways to support both wild and managed bees is to bolster our landscapes with more flowering plants, including city streets and backyards.</p>



<p>Beekeepers can boost honey bees' resilience to climate variation by skillfully managing pests and diseases within their colonies, consequently reducing the odds of honey bees spreading diseases to wild bees.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0048969724059394" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science of The Total Environment</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>

How does urban beekeeping affect native wild bees?

Beekeeping in vibrant urban cityscapes has brought bees, including nearly...

<p>Imagine gazing at the intricate yet beautiful map of an entire city, but the city is in fact a brain. Sounds fascinating, doesn't it? Well, scientists have now made this a reality.</p>



<p>Experts have created the first-ever wiring diagram, or "connectome," of every neuron in an adult brain along with the 50 million connections between them, marking a milestone in the field of neuroscience.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complete-wiring-diagram-of-the-brain">Complete wiring diagram of the brain</h2>



<p>The project was made possible by the FlyWire Consortium, a large international collaboration involving scientists from the <a href="https://www2.mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology</a> in Cambridge, Princeton University, the University of Vermont, and the <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cambridge</a>.</p>



<p>The research, which is published in a pair of papers in the journal <em>Nature</em>, delivers the first complete wiring diagram of all 139,255 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/zombie-neurons-shed-new-light-on-learning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neurons</a> in an adult fly brain -- an animal capable of both walking and seeing.</p>



<p>Previous studies have mapped smaller brain systems like fruit fly larva with 3,016 neurons, or the nematode worm with 302 neurons. </p>



<p>However, the current study breaks new ground by offering a full-scale neural map for a more complex organism.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-brains-vs-fly-brains">Human brains vs. fly brains</h2>



<p>Mapping every neuron in an adult fruit fly brain is a key step in understanding how brains function, including our own. </p>



<p>Fruit flies have about 140,000 neurons, which is a tiny number compared to the 86 billion in the human brain, making them much easier to study.</p>



<p>Scientists can quickly breed and tweak fruit flies, allowing them to play around with genetics and see how changes affect neural circuits and behavior. </p>



<p>This simplicity helps researchers uncover the basic principles of brain function without getting bogged down by too much complexity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-maps-provide-human-brain-insights">Brain maps provide human brain insights</h2>



<p>Interestingly, many biological processes in fruit flies are pretty similar to those in humans. The genes and pathways that control brain development, neuron communication, and learning are often conserved across species.</p>



<p>By mapping the fruit fly brain, scientists can figure out how these processes work in a simpler system and then apply those insights to more complex brains. </p>



<p>Plus, understanding how neurons connect in flies reveals general patterns of neural circuit organization and behavior, which can help us understand human behaviors and cognitive functions too.</p>



<p>Finally, the tools and techniques developed for mapping the fruit fly brain set the stage for breakthroughs in neuroscience research. Innovations in imaging, genetic manipulation, and data analysis from fruit fly studies can be adapted for studying more complex brains, including our own. </p>



<p>Also, insights from fruit flies can help model neurological diseases and developmental disorders, leading to potential therapies for humans.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ongoing-research-in-neuroscience">Ongoing research in neuroscience</h2>



<p>The findings offer valuable insights into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-screen-time-changes-the-brain-based-on-23-years-of-research/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain structure</a> and function, providing a vital comparison for ongoing research in neuroscience.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/neurons_50-largest_mapped_fruit-fly-brain_UCambridge_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/neurons_50-largest_mapped_fruit-fly-brain_UCambridge_1s.webp" alt="The 50 largest neurons of the adult fruit fly brain connectome. Credit: Tyler Sloan and Amy Sterling for FlyWire, Princeton University, (Dorkenwald et al., 2024)" class="wp-image-1946778"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>The 50 largest neurons of the adult fruit fly brain connectome. Credit: Tyler Sloan and Amy Sterling for FlyWire, Princeton University, (Dorkenwald et al., 2024)</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>"If we want to understand <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-advanced-brain-mapping-yet-reveals-how-we-think/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">how the brain works</a>, we need a mechanistic understanding of how all the neurons fit together and let you think. For most brains, we have no idea how these networks function," noted study co-author Dr. Gregory Jefferis.</p>



<p>The detailed map of the fly's brain could answer many of these questions, unlocking the intricacies of neural circuits.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-similarities-in-brain-wiring">Similarities in brain wiring</h2>



<p>One of the most remarkable revelations of the study is the substantial similarities in the wiring that were found between the current map and previous smaller-scale efforts. </p>



<p>This has led to the conclusion that individual brains share inherent similarities in their wiring - contrary to the belief that each brain is a unique structure.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-journey-to-mapping-the-brain">Journey to mapping the brain</h2>



<p>The path to this achievement involved slicing a whole fly brain, which measures less than a millimeter wide, into 7,000 thin slices.</p>



<p>These slices were then meticulously scanned using high-resolution electron microscopy to extract the shapes of approximately 140,000 neurons and 50 million connections between them.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-power-of-artificial-intelligence">Power of artificial intelligence</h2>



<p>The task of analyzing this enormous amount of data was made possible using machine learning, demonstrating the potential for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-wildlife-threats-can-be-identified-using-ai-technology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI technology</a> to revolutionize neuroscience.</p>



<p>Ensuring the accuracy of the data required an estimated 33 person-years for proofreading. Despite the challenges, the outcome of this meticulous endeavor has paved the way for future revelations in neuroscience.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/neurons_140k_fruit-fly-brain_UCambridge_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/neurons_140k_fruit-fly-brain_UCambridge_1s1.webp" alt="3D rendering of all ~140k neurons in the fruit fly brain. Credit: FlyWire.ai; Rendering by Philipp Schlegel (University of Cambridge/MRC LMB)." class="wp-image-1946782"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>3D rendering of all ~140k neurons in the fruit fly brain. Credit: FlyWire.ai; Rendering by Philipp Schlegel (University of Cambridge/MRC LMB).</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>Beyond just establishing the neuronal connections, the researchers also interpreted many details of the wiring diagram - such as classifying more than 8,000 cell types across the brain.</p>



<p>"This dataset is a bit like Google Maps but for brains: the raw wiring diagram between neurons is like knowing which structures on satellite images of the Earth correspond to streets and buildings," explained Dr. Philipp Schlegel, the first author of one of the studies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-simulating-brain-function">Simulating brain function</h2>



<p>The researchers' work extends beyond mere mapping. They have also used AI image scanning technology to predict whether each synapse was inhibitory or excitatory - a crucial aspect for digitally <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/owning-a-digital-twin-of-your-brain-is-one-step-closer-to-becoming-a-reality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">simulating the brain</a>.</p>



<p>"Using our data, which has been shared online as we worked, other scientists have already started trying to simulate how the fly brain responds to the outside world," said Dr. Jefferis.</p>



<p>"This is an important start, but we will need to collect many different kinds of data to produce reliable simulations of how a brain functions."</p>



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



<p>This research has undoubtedly revolutionized our understanding of the brain, yet the journey is far from over. As we progress, future studies will explore the differences in neuronal structure between male and female fly brains.</p>



<p>"The comprehensiveness of our wiring diagram has significant benefits for brain research and enables many kinds of studies that were not previously possible using wiring diagrams of portions of the fly brain," noted the researchers.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07558-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</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>

First complete map created of every neuron in an adult brain

Imagine gazing at the intricate yet beautiful map of an...

<p>In nature, everything is connected. But have you ever considered how lightning bolts in our atmosphere might affect the weather in space?</p>



<p>Exploring this connection, a team of researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder have discovered a new link between weather on Earth and weather in space. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ripple-effect-of-lightning-strikes-on-space">Ripple effect of lightning strikes on space</h2>



<p>The weather here on Earth doesn't only result in glorious sunshine or chilly snowfall. It's far-reaching consequences stretch far beyond our blue skies, all the way to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/noaa-severe-solar-storm-expected-to-reach-earth-tomorrow-october-10-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space surrounding our planet</a>. </p>



<p>A group of researchers at the <a href="https://www.colorado.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Colorado Boulder</a> has uncovered a significant link between terrestrial and extraterrestrial weather patterns, all thanks to our common friend - lightning.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-release-of-extra-hot-electrons">Release of extra-hot electrons</h2>



<p>When lightning strikes, it's not only <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/severe-solar-storm-just-hit-earth-expect-auroras-in-southern-united-states/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">light</a> and thunder that ensues. According to the Boulder team, a kind of electron downpour begins in the inner radiation belt, a region of space around the Earth abundant in charged particles. </p>



<p>But what's so special about this downpour? These aren't your regular electrons - they're extra-hot.</p>



<p>"These particles are the scary ones or what some people call 'killer electrons,'" explains Max Feinland, lead author of this study.</p>



<p>Feinland, an Aerospace Engineering Sciences graduate from CU Boulder, warns of the danger these electrons pose. "They can penetrate the metal on satellites, hit circuit boards and can be carcinogenic if they hit a person in space."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-the-radiation-belts">Exploring the radiation belts</h2>



<p>Lauren Blum, a co-author and assistant professor at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (<a href="https://lasp.colorado.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LASP</a>) at CU Boulder, elaborated on radiation belts, which are generated by Earth’s magnetic field. </p>



<p>Blum explained that two of these regions encircle our planet: While they move a lot over time, the inner belt tends to begin more than 600 miles above the surface. </p>



<p>These radiation belts function like a barrier between Earth’s atmosphere and the rest of the solar system, trapping charged particles from the sun.</p>



<p>But the radiation belts are not completely impermeable. High-energy electrons, as it turns out, can fall towards our planet from the outer radiation belt, and a similar phenomenon comes from the inner belt, too.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lightning-and-weather-in-space">Lightning and weather in space</h2>



<p>You might be wondering, what does all this have to do with lightning? It appears that the energy from a lightning bolt on Earth can spiral radio waves deep into space.</p>



<p>When these waves encounter electrons in the radiation belts, they can jostle them free, triggering a phenomenon called “lightning-induced electron precipitation.” This process can impact the chemistry of Earth's atmosphere.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-energy-electrons-in-the-inner-belt">High-energy electrons in the inner belt </h2>



<p>While converting data from NASA's now-retired SAMPEX satellite, Feinland noticed clumps of high-energy electrons within the inner radiation belt. </p>



<p>This observation contradicted widely-accepted beliefs that there aren’t any high-energy electrons in the inner belt at all.</p>



<p>Compelled to investigate further, Feinland compared these electron surges to records of lightning strikes in North America over a decade (1996-2006). The results were astounding: spikes in electrons occurred within a second of terrestrial lightning strikes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-space-weather-after-a-lightning-strike">Space weather after a lightning strike</h2>



<p>The team's theory suggests that after a lightning strike, Earth’s radio waves kick-start an interstellar pinball game with the electrons in the inner belt.</p>



<p>These electrons then start bouncing between Earth’s northern and southern hemispheres at lightning speed (no pun intended!) - about 0.2 seconds. This bouncing knocks some electrons out of the belt and into our atmosphere. </p>



<p>"You have a big blob of electrons that bounces, and then returns and bounces again," explained Blum. These events may happen mostly during periods of high solar activity, which restocks the inner belt with high-energy electrons.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-frontiers-in-space-weather">New frontiers in space weather</h2>



<p>The exploration of lightning's impact on space weather marks a novel frontier in atmospheric and space sciences. </p>



<p>As researchers continue to uncover more about this intriguing interconnection, there is a growing emphasis on employing advanced satellite technology and computational models to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strong-solar-storm-warning-issued-as-two-cmes-will-hit-earth-tomorrow/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forecast space weather events</a> with greater precision. </p>



<p>Understanding the mechanisms of lightning-induced electron precipitation could potentially lead to the advancement of protective measures for spacecraft and astronauts, safeguarding human endeavors as we push further into space. </p>



<p>The collaboration between Earth-based meteorology and space science provides a more integrated approach to studying our planetary environment, yielding insights that can enhance the resilience of our space infrastructure.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-missions-and-satellite-design">Future missions and satellite design</h2>



<p>The revelation of high-energy electron phenomena associated with lightning has significant implications for the engineering and operation of satellites. </p>



<p>As these "killer electrons" can pierce satellite shielding and cause serious damage, the aerospace industry must prioritize the development of more robust materials and engineering solutions that can withstand such threats. </p>



<p>Future space missions might also benefit from an increased focus on monitoring lightning activity and corresponding electron fluctuations, utilizing this data as part of risk assessment and mission planning. </p>



<p>As we venture into a future where space travel becomes increasingly routine, adapting to these newfound challenges will be essential to ensure the safety and longevity of our exploratory and commercial ventures beyond the Earth’s atmosphere.</p>



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



<p>This research is not only intriguing but holds significant implications for the future. An improved understanding and ability to predict these phenomena could help avoid radiation-related dangers to people and electronic devices in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/solar-storm-warning-x-class-solar-flare-auroras-expected-lower-us-this-weekend/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space</a>.</p>



<p>Feinland, who was profoundly affected by the opportunity to engage in such research, hopes that their findings may urge all of us to reconsider how much we underestimate the interconnectedness of things in this universe.</p>



<p>So, the next time you watch a lightning storm, remember the extra-hot electrons dancing in space.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-53036-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</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>

Lightning on Earth can influence the weather in space

In nature, everything is connected. But have you ever considered...

<p>Plants often struggle to grow when they are dealing with stress from environmental changes, such as the unpredictable climate shifts we are now experiencing, and this affects our food supply.</p>



<p>But a recent study has revealed a surprising twist - plants are not just surviving; they are finding ways to thrive. The research highlights how plants make a special anti-stress compound that helps them withstand harsh conditions.</p>



<p>In a big step forward, researchers from University of East Anglia (<a href="https://www.uea.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UEA</a>) have pinpointed the genes that enable plants to produce this compound, known as dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP).</p>



<p>This discovery opens up exciting possibilities for creating crops that can better handle the stresses of a changing world.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plants-anti-stress-molecule">Plants' anti-stress molecule</h2>



<p>Interestingly, though most plants produce DMSP, those with high-level DMSP production demonstrate an extraordinary capacity to thrive even in challenging environments, like coastal areas with high salt content. </p>



<p>In addition, the study shows that plants can be grown in other stressful conditions, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-drought-has-caused-crisis-levels-of-food-and-water-scarcity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drought</a>, by supplementing them with DMSP or engineering plants that can produce their own DMSP.</p>



<p>This approach could prove especially helpful in improving agricultural productivity in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/genetic-variants-help-plants-adapt-to-nitrogen-deficiency/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nitrogen-deficient soils</a>.</p>



<p>“Excitingly, our study shows that most plants make the anti-stress compound DMSP, but that the saltmarsh grass Spartina is special due to the high levels it accumulates," said Professor Jon Todd, a faculty member in UEA’s School of Biological Sciences.</p>



<p>"This is important because Spartina <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mangroves-and-saltmarshes-are-much-better-at-storing-carbon-than-previously-believed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">saltmarshes</a> are global hotspots for DMSP production and for generation of the climate-cooling gas dimethylsulfide through the action of microbes that breakdown DMSP.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-avenues-for-plants-stress-tolerance">New avenues for plants stress tolerance</h2>



<p>“This discovery provides fundamental understanding about how plants tolerate stress and offers promising avenues for improving the tolerance of crops to salinity and drought, which is important for enhancing agricultural sustainability in the face of global climate change,” said study lead author Dr. Ben Miller.</p>



<p>The research team included scientists not only from UEA’s School of Chemistry, Pharmacy, and Pharmacology, as well as experts from the Ocean University of China.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plants-thriving-in-challenging-conditions">Plants thriving in challenging conditions </h2>



<p>The team studied Spartina anglica, a species of saltmarsh cordgrass known for its highlevel of DMSP production.</p>



<p>They compared its genes with those of other plants that also produce DMSP, albeit mainly at low concentrations. Barley and wheat, staple crops that cover vast tracts in the UK, belong to this category.</p>



<p>This comprehensive comparison led the researchers to identify three enzymes crucial for the high-level production of DMSP in Spartina anglica. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-era-of-sustainable-agriculture">New era of sustainable agriculture </h2>



<p>In addition to stress protection, DMSP plays critical roles in global carbon and sulfur cycling, as well as the production of climate-active gases.</p>



<p>In a world grappling with climate change and its ramifications, these findings offer a glimmer of hope. </p>



<p>By harnessing the power of DMSP and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-genes-identified-to-protect-crops-from-drought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant genes</a> that produce it, we can usher in a new era of sustainable agriculture that not only survives but thrives under challenging conditions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-stress-resilient-agriculture">Future of stress-resilient agriculture</h2>



<p>This breakthrough in our understanding of the relationship between plants and DMSP unfolds a new world of fascinating potentials for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soil-footprint-a-new-frontier-in-sustainable-farming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">farming</a>, especially in light of the ever-increasing stress presented by climate change.</p>



<p>Picture cultivating crops that not only withstand harsh conditions but bloom in them. These fresh perspectives may enable scientists to guide plants in managing arid soil conditions or drought, without the necessity for excessive water or fertilisers.</p>



<p>The researchers at UEA will continue to examine how we could increase DMSP production in various plant species and exploring the implications for global food cultivation.</p>



<p>If successful, we could witness not only a spike in farm productivity but also a leap towards more environmentally-friendly farming practices. </p>



<p>Moreover, given that DMSP is associated with climate-active gases, this study could provide innovative solutions to pressing climate-change issues.</p>



<p>As this pivotal research continues, we can envision a future where our plants are equipped to stand resilient against any stressors that nature might throw at them, ensuring a secure food supply in an ever-rapidly evolving world.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em>Nature Communications</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>



<p></p>

Plants have a secret weapon for surviving stress

Plants often struggle to grow when they are dealing with...

<p>On a crisp fall morning, a team of scientists ventured into a Danish forest with an unusual mission: to "vacuum" animal DNA straight from the air. Among them was Christina Lynggaard, a dedicated researcher intrigued by the invisible clues floating around us.</p>



<p>Carrying plastic boxes equipped with DNA air samplers, the researchers carefully attached them to tree trunks. </p>



<p>Once powered on, these devices began to hum softly, pulling in air through filters designed to capture tiny particles. </p>



<p>Over the next three days, the team from the Globe Institute at the <a href="https://www.ku.dk/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Copenhagen</a> made several trips back to the forest to replace the filters, each time eager to see what secrets the air had given up.</p>



<p>"We saw relatively few animals in the short time we spent in the forest when we changed the air filters. A squirrel, the sound of a woodpecker, a pheasant squawking, and a white-tailed eagle flying above us one day," Lynggaard recounted</p>



<p>Despite the serene and seemingly quiet woods, the DNA they collected painted a picture of a bustling ecosystem.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vacuum-dna-reveals-hidden-world">Vacuum DNA reveals hidden world</h2>



<p>By sequencing the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/international-day-of-forests-2024-new-solutions-for-a-better-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deep forest</a> DNA particles trapped in the filters, the team identified traces from 64 different animal species in an area roughly the size of a football field. </p>



<p>Domestic animals like cows, pigs, sheep, chickens, and dogs made the list, as did exotic pets such as parakeets and peacocks. </p>



<p>More remarkably, they detected DNA from about 50 wild species, including red deer, roe deer, Eurasian badgers, red foxes, various vole species, Eurasian red squirrels, common toads, smooth newts, cranes, great spotted woodpeckers, nuthatches, grey herons, marsh tits, woodcocks, and more.</p>



<p>This wasn't the first time the team experimented with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-can-now-collect-human-dna-from-water-air-and-basically-everywhere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">airborne DNA</a>. Earlier, they had successfully detected animal DNA in the air at a zoo, mapping out many of its inhabitants. </p>



<p>"In a zoo, the animals are present in large numbers in a relatively small area, while in nature they are much less concentrated," Professor Kristine Bohmann pointed out. </p>



<p>"Therefore, we were unsure how well we could make the method work in nature. And that is where we have to get it to work if we want to use it to monitor biodiversity." </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biodiversity-monitoring-with-vacuum-dna">Biodiversity monitoring with vacuum DNA</h2>



<p>The ability to detect so many species without direct observation is a game-changer. </p>



<p>"We are in a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-climate-change-and-biodiversity-loss-are-one-indivisible-global-health-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity crisis</a>, and tools are needed to understand how ecosystems change as a result of human impacts, to guide management strategies and to assess the risk of the spread of diseases in areas where animals can come into contact with people," Lynggaard explained. </p>



<p>This method offers a non-invasive way to monitor wildlife populations and could be crucial for conservation efforts.</p>



<p>Working with airborne environmental DNA isn't without its challenges. The team had to ensure that their findings were accurate, especially when unexpected results appeared. </p>



<p>When the DNA of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/peacock-feathers-evade-predators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">peacocks</a> showed up in their samples, they questioned whether it was a mistake. </p>



<p>However, further investigation revealed that local residents occasionally spotted peacocks during their walks, confirming the DNA results. This validation emphasized the method's sensitivity and accuracy.</p>



<p>"It's absolutely crazy! Although we have worked hard to optimize the method, we did not dare to hope for such good results. We didn't think we would succeed so well in the very first attempt in nature," exclaimed Professor Bohmann. </p>



<p>Their enthusiasm reflects the potential this technique has for future research.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-science-behind-environmental-dna-edna">Science behind environmental DNA (eDNA)</h2>



<p>Animals constantly shed DNA into their environment through hair, feathers, skin cells, and other biological materials. These tiny fragments become part of the surrounding ecosystem, including the air. </p>



<p>By capturing and analyzing these particles, scientists can identify the species present in an area without needing to see or disturb the animals themselves. </p>



<p>This approach is particularly valuable for studying elusive or nocturnal species that are hard to observe directly.</p>



<p>The success of this method highlights the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in tackling environmental challenges. </p>



<p>By combining expertise in genetics, ecology, and technology, the team has developed a tool that could revolutionize how we <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-wildlife-day-using-technology-to-protect-our-natural-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">monitor and protect wildlife</a>. It emphasizes that innovation often comes from thinking outside traditional boundaries.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-engaging-communities-and-citizen-science">Engaging communities and citizen science</h2>



<p>There's also potential for this technique to involve local communities in scientific research. Imagine hikers or nature enthusiasts equipped with portable air samplers, contributing to a global database of biodiversity. </p>



<p>This citizen science approach could vastly expand the reach of environmental DNA sampling and foster a greater connection between people and nature.</p>



<p>As habitats shrink and species face increasing threats, understanding the dynamics of ecosystems becomes ever more critical. </p>



<p>Traditional methods of wildlife monitoring can be time-consuming, expensive, and sometimes disruptive to the animals themselves. </p>



<p>Airborne DNA sampling offers a less invasive alternative that can provide comprehensive data more efficiently.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-next-for-vacuum-dna">What's next for vacuum DNA?</h2>



<p>The team plans to test the method in different environments and refine the technology to detect even more species. </p>



<p>They are exploring the possibilities of scaling up the approach, potentially using drones to collect air samples over larger areas. This could transform conservation efforts on a global scale.</p>



<p>The idea that we can "vacuum" the air to uncover the hidden tapestry of life is both astonishing and inspiring. It reminds us that innovation can come from the simplest observations -- like realizing that the air itself holds the secrets of the forest. </p>



<p>As we look to the future, methods like this give us hope that we can rise to the challenges facing our planet.</p>



<p>So, the next time you take a deep breath of fresh air, consider the invisible connections it carries. The air isn't just empty space; it's a living library of the world around us.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(23)00515-8">Current Biology</a></em>.</p>



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



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



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



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

Vacuuming animal DNA from the air in a forest yields surprising results

On a crisp fall morning, a team of scientists ventured...

<p>We all love a good mystery, don't we? But when it comes to the mysteries of our vast oceanic realm, they may not always have a comforting conclusion. A recent conundrum involving the disappearance of sperm whales has been puzzling marine scientists.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disappearing-act-of-gulf-sperm-whales">Disappearing act of Gulf sperm whales</h2>



<p>A study in the acclaimed scientific journal <em>PeerJ Life and Environment</em> has uncovered a strange occurrence; the sperm whales (<em>Physeter macrocephalus</em>) are making a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/blue-whales-continue-their-battle-for-survival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">swift exit</a> from the central part of the Gulf of California.</p>



<p>So what's driving them away, you might wonder? It seems the jumbo squid (<em>Dosidicus gigas</em>) population collapse has a part to play in this aquatic drama.</p>



<p>Msc. Héctor Pérez-Puig from <a href="https://prescott.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Prescott College</a> and Dr. Alejandro Arias Del Razo from Universidad de las Américas Puebla (<a href="https://www.udlap.mx/web/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UDLAP</a>) are the dynamic duo leading the investigation, unravelling this marine mystery.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-survey-of-sperm-whales-in-the-gulf">Survey of sperm whales in the Gulf</h2>



<p>Over 9 years, these committed researchers scoured the eastern Midriff Islands Region of the Gulf of California, using a combination of survey data and photo-identification techniques to follow the trail of the disappearing sperm whales. </p>



<p>Their findings? A strong link between the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jumbo-squid-declines/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vanishing jumbo squid</a> and the sperm whales' departure. The whales were nowhere to be seen from 2016 to 2018.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-jumbo-squid">Understanding jumbo squid</h2>



<p>Jumbo squid, or Humboldt squid, are remarkable and formidable marine creatures inhabiting the deep waters of the Pacific Ocean, particularly along the coasts of Mexico and Peru. </p>



<p>Growing up to seven feet in length and weighing as much as 100 pounds, they rank among the largest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/octopus-suckers-the-future-of-underwater-adhesives/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">squid species known</a>. </p>



<p>Equipped with sharp beaks and strong tentacles lined with serrated suckers, these squids are adept hunters, preying on fish, shrimp, and even smaller squid. </p>



<p>They often hunt in large, coordinated groups, referred to as "squid squads." When they detect prey, their quick reflexes allow them to ambush and overpower it, showcasing a surprising level of intelligence.</p>



<p>In addition to their size and aggressive hunting tactics, jumbo squids possess a fascinating ability to communicate through color. By flashing different hues, such as red and white, across their skin, they signal to one another or deter potential threats. </p>



<p>Their increasing prevalence in recent years, including sightings along the California coast, raises intriguing questions about ecological shifts. Scientists hypothesize that this migration may be influenced by changes in ocean temperatures and fishing pressures.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sperm-whale-population">Sperm whale population</h2>



<p>From 2009 to 2015, the sperm whale population in the central Gulf fluctuated between a modest 20 to a whopping 167, with a "super population" peaking at 354. </p>



<p>But between 2016 to 2018, things took a downturn; no sightings of sperm whales were recorded at all. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-we-are-what-we-eat">We are what we eat</h2>



<p>There's a positive relationship between squid landings and whale sightings (R² = 0.644). Essentially, this means as the squid population dwindled, so did the presence of sperm <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flexible-diets-are-key-to-killer-whale-survival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whales</a> in the Gulf.</p>



<p>And what's the culprit behind this calamity? </p>



<p>Well, it's none other than environmental changes. Sustained ocean warming and intense El Niño events have thrown the Gulf's ecosystem balance off-kilter.</p>



<p>And this is bad news for the jumbo squid, which shows a shift towards smaller sizes, possibly too scrawny to feed our large predator friends, the sperm whales.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bigger-picture">Bigger picture</h2>



<p>Let's take a step back and look at the bigger picture. Sperm whales, as the top-dogs of the ocean food chain, control the energy flow within marine ecosystems. </p>



<p>Their exit from the Gulf of California paints a distressing image of wider environmental changes and raises alarm bells about the region's long-term health.</p>



<p>"The departure of sperm whales from the Gulf of California serves as a sentinel signal, reflecting significant shifts in marine ecosystems. As the environment changes, so too does the delicate balance between predators and prey," noted Héctor Pérez-Puig, the lead investigator.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-call-to-action">A call to action</h2>



<p>So where do we go from here? This study urges for a more detailed analysis to fully grasp the movement patterns of sperm whales and their prey. </p>



<p>Especially considering the ongoing "tropicalization" of the Gulf of California, it's crucial to keep monitoring these changes and evaluate their impact on marine life and overall <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/first-ever-footage-of-a-blue-whale-nursing-its-calf-captured/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystem health</a>.</p>



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



<p>Natural phenomena are important for ecosystem dynamics, but human activities also greatly affect marine life. </p>



<p>Overfishing, especially of jumbo squid, along with pollution and boat traffic, puts extra stress on fragile ecosystems. These actions disturb sperm whales and threaten their food sources. </p>



<p>To create effective conservation strategies, we need to understand our impact. By adopting sustainable fishing practices and cutting down on pollution, we can help restore balance in the Gulf of California’s marine environment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ripple-effect">Ripple effect</h2>



<p>This isn't just a whale of a tale. The research plays a key part in the field of marine biology and ecology, with potential repercussions for conserving both the sperm whales and the broader marine environment in the Gulf of California. </p>



<p>It underscores the crucial role long-term data collection plays in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/language-like-patterns-decoded-in-sperm-whale-communication/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">understanding population trends</a> and the effects of climate change on marine species.</p>



<p>In conclusion, the story of the vanishing sperm whales is an eerie reminder of how our actions can tip the balance of nature. While we've taken a glimpse into this marine mystery, it's clear there's still much to uncover. </p>



<p>Will we be able to turn the tide in time? Or will the tale of the sperm whales become a cautionary echo in our oceanic depths? The future of the Gulf of California hangs in the balance, and we hold the scales.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://peerj.com/articles/18117/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PeerJ</a>.</em></p>



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



<p>Like what you 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.&nbsp;</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 Earth.com.</p>



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

Where have all the sperm whales gone? Scientists think they know

We all love a good mystery, don't we? But when...

<p>We all have dealt with party crashers, the uninvited guests who somehow find their way into our festivities and then refuse to leave. Well, COVID-19 and its proteins appear to be behaving similarly, but with far more serious consequences. </p>



<p>This inconsiderate guest has become the topic of a recent study by researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, who are trying to understand why it is intent on overstaying its welcome.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-covid-and-blood-proteins">Long COVID and blood proteins</h2>



<p>The in-depth research has shed light on an intriguing, yet wholly unanticipated connection between lingering COVID-induced symptoms and certain proteins in the blood.</p>



<p>The key takeaway? Those experiencing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/millions-struggle-to-return-to-work-amid-long-covid-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">persistent symptoms</a>, what we now refer to as "long COVID," are twice as likely to have SARS-CoV-2 proteins in their blood than those who managed to give the virus a swift kick out the door.</p>



<p>The study was focused on a meticulous analysis of blood samples from over 700 individuals, including participants from the RECOVER Initiative, sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-all-is-not-as-it-appears">All is not as it appears</h2>



<p>Just when we thought we had a grasp on COVID-19, it pivots and displays another facet. </p>



<p>According to Dr. Zoe Swank, a postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Pathology at Brigham and Women's Hospital, the underlying cause of enduring symptoms <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/long-covid-remains-an-elusive-condition-with-no-reliable-diagnosis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">may be a lasting viral infection</a>.</p>



<p>“If we can identify a subset of people who have persistent viral symptoms because of a reservoir of virus in the body, we may be able to treat them with antivirals to alleviate their symptoms,” said Dr. Swank.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-surprises-from-covid-proteins">More surprises from COVID proteins</h2>



<p>Deepening the intrigue, the plot thickens with the discovery that approximately 43% of those reporting long COVID symptoms tested positive for viral proteins - up to 14 months after their initial positive COVID test.</p>



<p>Compare this to a mere 21% of those who escaped the clutches of long COVID having these biomarkers. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-covid-and-its-proteins">Long COVID and its proteins</h2>



<p>It appears that long COVID is not a straightforward issue. Dr. David Walt, a professor of pathology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and principal investigator on the study, elaborated on the discovery.</p>



<p>“This finding suggests there is likely more than one cause of long COVID.” noted Dr. Walt. “For example, another possible cause of long-COVID symptoms could be that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/identifying-new-targets-to-prevent-severe-covid-19/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">virus harms the immune system</a>, causing immune dysfunction to continue after the virus is cleared.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-journey-into-long-covid">Journey into long COVID</h2>



<p>Long COVID research seems akin to traversing uncharted territory with new discoveries at every turn. </p>



<p>“There is still a lot that we don’t know about how this virus affects people,” said&nbsp;Dr. David C. Goff, director of the Division of Cardiovascular Sciences at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). </p>



<p>“These types of studies are critical to help investigators better understand the mechanisms underlying long COVID - which will help bring us closer to identifying the right targets for treatment.”</p>



<p>The instrumental role of the SARS-CoV-2 blood test, developed by Brigham and Women’s researchers, in a national study called RECOVER-VITAL, emphasizes this point. This study aims to evaluate the impact of antiviral treatment on long COVID recovery.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-covid-and-the-immune-system">Long COVID and the immune system</h2>



<p>One specific area of focus is the role of the immune system in perpetuating long COVID symptoms. The interplay between an overactive or dysfunctional immune response and the virus might be an important piece of the long COVID puzzle. </p>



<p>This knowledge may lead to the development of specific therapeutic interventions designed to regulate the immune response.</p>



<p>The research into long COVID may be complex, but it's also paving the way for the future. With studies emphasizing the presence of viral proteins and possible immune dysfunction, there's a strong foundation for more in-depth exploration. </p>



<p>Researchers are optimistic that these pieces of the puzzle will gradually come together, steering us toward effective treatments.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uninvited-covid-19-proteins">Uninvited COVID-19 proteins</h2>



<p>Being a persistent party crasher is not unique to the COVID-19 virus. “Other viruses are associated with similar post-acute syndromes," said Dr. Swank, pointing to Ebola and Zika as previous offenders.</p>



<p>We may not have won the war against COVID-19 just yet, but each discovery brings us closer to victory. The mystery of long COVID is slowly being unraveled.</p>



<p>We can only hope <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-infection-equips-the-body-to-fight-off-the-flu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">this uninvited guest</a> decides to leave sooner rather than later, especially for the millions worldwide enduring the trials of long COVID.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1198743X24004324" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Clinical Microbiology and Infection</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>

Long COVID linked to leftover proteins in the blood

We all have dealt with party crashers, the uninvited guests...

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-update-october-11-2024-8-34-am-eastern-time">Update: October 11, 2024, 8:34 AM Eastern Time</h2>



<p>The Sun has been unusually active lately, unleashing several solar storms, continuing to cause disruptions in Earth's magnetic field as of 8:34 AM Eastern Time on October 11, 2024.</p>



<p>Yesterday was a moderately active day for our Sun. The highlight of the event was an M3.0 flare, which erupted from Region 3842, just outside of the Sun's southwest limb. This represents one of the more intense eruptions recently.</p>



<p>Now, according to the Space Weather Prediction Center (<a href="https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SWPC</a>), different regions of the Sun are experiencing this activity in different ways. </p>



<p>Region 3848 is showing some signs of decay, while Region 3854 is blooming like a sunflower. Regions 3849, 3850, and 3852 are stable, just like that cool old uncle who never loses his temper. </p>



<p>We're yet to see any new Earth-bound <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/severe-solar-storm-just-hit-earth-expect-auroras-in-southern-united-states/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs)</a> today, huge explosions of solar wind and magnetic fields that can give our planet a bit of a rough time.</p>



<p>The coming days will be interesting, as scientists predict an X-class flare might be on the cards between October 11 and October 13. </p>



<p>Sounds like a Hollywood flick, right? But these flares could disrupt our communications and power grids, particularly in high-latitude regions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solar-particles-from-solar-storms">Solar particles from solar storms</h2>



<p>The movement of electrons and protons, the little busy bees of solar particles, has also seen some action. The electron flux, or flow of electrons, is currently stable. But as our Sun gets busier, we might see this activity on the rise over the next few days.</p>



<p>The real show-stealers, however, have been the protons. A proton event kicked off on October 9, peaking the following day before slowly starting to back off. </p>



<p>High proton levels can cause harm to satellites, astronauts, and space missions. But, knock on wood, if no new solar eruptions occur, the forecast predicts we'll avoid a proton hike.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solar-wind-forecast">Solar wind forecast</h2>



<p>This is where things get swifter. On October 10, a solar wind speed of 506 miles per second was clocked. This speed was detected when a shockwave, associated with the arrival of a CME from October 9, was picked up by the <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/ace/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACE spacecraft</a>.</p>



<p>Though experts predict a slowdown in these wind speeds, a new increase is expected due to an approaching Coronal Hole High-Speed Stream (CH HSS). So, buckle up folks, because things are going to remain lively until October 13.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-geomagnetic-storms-ahead">Geomagnetic storms ahead</h2>



<p>Geomagnetic storms have shot up to "Strong-Severe" levels, all thanks to the CME that hit us on October 9. These storms can goof up our GPS systems, communications, and even power grids. </p>



<p>There's a chance we might encounter more "Minor to Strong" geomagnetic storms today, depending on how our planet's magnetic field reacts to the solar wind.</p>



<p>By October 12, we can expect some calm, though a little disturbance might linger until October 13.</p>



<p>Stay tuned to Earth.com and the SWPC for updates.</p>



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



<p>Over the past 24 hours, scientists observed several moderate solar flares, the most significant being an M3.0 flare on October 10 at 6:46 p.m. Eastern Time. </p>



<p>According to the Space Weather Prediction Center (<a href="https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SWPC</a>), these flares originated from a region labeled 3842, situated in the southern hemisphere of the Sun.</p>



<p>Solar flares are bursts of radiation caused by the release of magnetic energy. They're categorized by their strength, with M-class flares being moderate but capable of causing brief radio blackouts at the poles and minor radiation storms.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-elevated-radiation-levels">Elevated radiation levels</h2>



<p>Following these flares, there's been an increase in energetic particles hitting Earth's atmosphere. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/noaa-severe-solar-storm-expected-to-reach-earth-tomorrow-october-10-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">On October 9</a>, proton levels soared, reaching what's known as an S3 (Strong) radiation storm. </p>



<p>While these particles don't pose a direct threat to humans on the ground, they can affect satellites and high-frequency radio communications.</p>



<p>Interestingly, the usual increase in electron levels we see during such events has been suppressed. </p>



<p>This is likely due to the arrival of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strong-solar-storm-warning-issued-as-two-cmes-will-hit-earth-tomorrow/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coronal mass ejection (CME)</a> on October 10, which is a massive burst of solar wind and magnetic fields rising above the solar corona or being released into space.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solar-wind-picks-up-speed">Solar wind picks up speed</h2>



<p>Data from the <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/ace/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACE</a> (Advanced Composition Explorer) spacecraft showed that solar wind speeds jumped from about 400 kilometers per second to over 750 kilometers per second after the CME hit. </p>



<p>That's a significant increase! This surge can lead to disturbances in Earth's magnetosphere, the protective magnetic bubble around our planet.</p>



<p>The magnetic field carried by the solar wind also intensified. When the southward component of this field aligns with Earth's magnetic field, it can create openings that allow solar particles to enter our atmosphere more easily.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-geomagnetic-storms-on-the-horizon">Geomagnetic storms on the horizon</h2>



<p>Due to these changes, we're experiencing strong geomagnetic storms. Experts predict that conditions could reach <a href="https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/noaa-scales-explanation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">G3 to G4 levels</a>, which are classified as strong to severe storms, through today. </p>



<p>This could result in visible auroras -- those beautiful Northern and Southern Lights -- being seen at lower latitudes than usual.</p>



<p>But it's not just about the light show. Such storms can impact power grids, navigation systems, and even pipeline operations. </p>



<p>Airlines might reroute flights that usually pass over the poles to avoid communication blackouts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-should-you-care">Why should you care?</h2>



<p>You might wonder, "Should I be worried?" For most people, these solar events won't have a noticeable impact on daily life. </p>



<p>However, if you're an amateur radio operator or rely on GPS for precise timing and navigation, you might experience some disruptions.</p>



<p>Satellite TV and internet services could face brief interruptions. </p>



<p>If the skies are clear, people as far south as Alabama and northern California might catch a glimpse of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/noaa-severe-solar-storm-expected-to-reach-earth-tomorrow-october-10-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northern Lights</a> tonight.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/steve-phenomenon-not-aurora-has-dawn-side-twin-swarm-satellites-discovery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Auroras occur</a> when charged particles from the sun interact with Earth’s magnetic field, causing atoms in our atmosphere to emit light.</p>



<p>These natural light displays are usually confined to polar regions, but strong geomagnetic activity can push them toward the equator.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-will-the-solar-storms-calm-down">When will the solar storms calm down?</h2>



<p>Scientists expect the solar wind and geomagnetic activity to remain elevated through October 11. By October 12, conditions should start to mellow out, with minor storms possible in the early hours. </p>



<p>By October 13, things are predicted to settle further, though we might still see some unsettled conditions due to lingering effects.</p>



<p>It's also worth noting that there's a chance for more moderate flares in the coming days, with a smaller possibility of another strong flare. The Sun is keeping us on our toes!</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>

Auroras and "Severe" solar storms will continue through tomorrow

Update: October 11, 2024, 8:34 AM Eastern Time The Sun...

<p>Did you ever think a raging storm could mimic a stress ball? Well, on Jupiter it can. NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has captured intriguing images of Jupiter's iconic storm, the Great Red Spot (GRS), which is big enough to engulf our entire planet.</p>



<p>The Hubble images reveal that the Great Red Spot is not as stable as it may seem. The elliptical storm is constantly shifting and changing its dimensions, behaving much like a stress ball.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mystery-of-jupiter-s-great-red-spot">Mystery of Jupiter's Great Red Spot</h2>



<p>According to NASA, the Great Red Spot looks like a bloodshot cycloptic eye staring back at Earth. It is a massive storm, unique for its captivating crimson hue, that has been churning along Jupiter's southern mid-latitude cloud belt for at least 150 years.</p>



<p>Traditionally, Hubble shifted its focus to this monster storm just once per year. But in the universe, a year can bring about tremendous changes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-the-great-red-spot">Tracking the Great Red Spot </h2>



<p>A new program enabled Hubble to capture eight views of the spot over a 90-day period between December 2023 and March 2024.</p>



<p>Here's where the plot thickens. Carefully studied by Amy Simon of NASA's <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Goddard Space Flight Center</a> in Maryland, these new observations reveal that the Great Red Spot is a shape-shifting enigma.</p>



<p>This crimson ball, it turns out, can become slightly skinnier or fatter. Think of it as an elliptical stress ball, squeezed and released, morphing into different shapes. But why does it do this?</p>



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="oOaM9Vtb0O-3905522-12187" type="single"]</div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oscillation-of-the-great-red-spot">Oscillation of the Great Red Spot </h2>



<p>Surprisingly, science doesn't yet have a concrete explanation for the shape shifting of Jupiter's Great Red Spot. It's like trying to predict the exact swirls of cream in your coffee - there are just too many dynamic factors at play.</p>



<p>And this isn't just a spectacle to watch. The storm's behavior offers valuable lessons about <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jupiter's</a> atmosphere and potentially the meteorology of giant planets around other star systems.</p>



<p>"While we knew its motion varies slightly in its longitude, we didn't expect to see the size oscillate as well. As far as we know, it's not been identified before," said Simon.</p>



<p>"This is really the first time we've had the proper imaging cadence of the GRS. With Hubble's high resolution we can say that the GRS is definitively squeezing in and out at the same time as it moves faster and slower. That was very unexpected, and at present there are no hydrodynamic explanations."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-atmospheric-dynamics-of-other-planets">Atmospheric dynamics of other planets </h2>



<p>So what's in store for the Great Red Spot? Will it continue to oscillate? Simon and her team predict that eventually, the GRS will stabilize, becoming less elongated and fitting snugly within its latitude band. </p>



<p>What happens next is something only time - and Hubble - can tell.</p>



<p>The study of the Great Red Spot not only illuminates the mysteries of Jupiter but also serves as a benchmark for our broader understanding of atmospheric dynamics across different celestial bodies. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/jupiter_great-red-spot_hubble_time-lapse-montage_nasa_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/jupiter_great-red-spot_hubble_time-lapse-montage_nasa_1s.webp" alt="Using Hubble Space Telescope data spanning approximately 90 days (between December 2023 and March 2024) when the giant planet Jupiter ranged from 391 million to 512 million miles from the Sun, astronomers measured the Great Red Spot's size, shape, brightness, color, and vorticity over one full oscillation cycle.  Credit: NASA" class="wp-image-1947009"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Using Hubble Space Telescope data spanning approximately 90 days (between December 2023 and March 2024) when the giant planet Jupiter ranged from 391 million to 512 million miles from the Sun, astronomers measured the Great Red Spot's size, shape, brightness, color, and vorticity over one full oscillation cycle.  Credit: NASA</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>By observing such phenomena, scientists gather critical data that can be applied to the study of exoplanets, particularly those orbiting other stars with significant atmospheric forces. </p>



<p>As exploration advances, the lessons learned from Jupiter's fierce maelstrom provide insights into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/juice-spacecraft-is-zooming-by-earth-today-on-its-way-to-jupiter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmospheric behaviors</a> that might arise elsewhere in the universe.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-space-observation-missions">Future space observation missions</h2>



<p>The progress witnessed in the study of Jupiter's Great Red Spot is a evidence of the synergy between technological innovation and scientific inquiry. </p>



<p>The <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/hubble/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hubble Space Telescope</a> plays a pivotal role in uncovering these celestial secrets, but advancements don't stop there. </p>



<p>Future missions, such as those planned with the James Webb Space Telescope, promise to deepen our understanding with their advanced observational capabilities. </p>



<p>Furthermore, international collaboration among space agencies and scientific institutions worldwide has propelled our investigation into these cosmic wonders. </p>



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



<p>Studying Jupiter's Great Red Spot is not solely about understanding this particular storm, but also about gaining insights into weather patterns and atmospheric dynamics across the solar system.</p>



<p>By comparing the atmospheric behaviors of Jupiter with those of planets like Saturn or even Earth, scientists are able to detect universal principles that might govern planetary atmospheres. </p>



<p>These studies not only enhance our comprehension of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/europa-clipper-mission-set-to-search-for-life-on-jupiters-ocean-moon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">our neighboring planets</a> but also sharpen predictive models that could apply to other celestial formations and potentially habitable worlds. </p>



<p>The research will be presented at the 56th annual meeting of the American Astronomical Society Division for Planetary Sciences, in Boise, Idaho.</p>



<p>The study is published in &nbsp;<em><a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/issue/2632-3338/5/10">The Planetary Science Journal</a>. </em></p>



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



<p>Like what you 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.&nbsp;</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 Earth.com.</p>



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

Jupiter's Great Red Spot grows and shrinks like a stress ball

Did you ever think a raging storm could mimic a...

<p>Sleep has long been seen as a time when our brains disconnect from the world -- a period of rest where our minds take a break from what's happening around us. But what if sleep isn't as cut off as we thought? </p>



<p>A recent study suggests that our brains might be more in tune with our surroundings during sleep than we ever imagined.</p>



<p>Led by researchers Delphine Oudiette, Isabelle Arnulf, and Lionel Naccache, this study reveals that people can detect and respond to verbal cues while asleep. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sleep-and-the-human-brain">Sleep and the human brain</h2>



<p>These scientists, experts in neurology and neuroscience, are shedding new light on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/parasomnia-awake-dream-exploring-sleepwalking-deep-mind/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mysterious world of sleep</a>.</p>



<p>Their findings show that during certain sleep stages, individuals can "communicate" by recognizing spoken words and responding through subtle facial muscle movements. </p>



<p>This suggests there are "windows of connection" to the outside world even when we're fast asleep. Conducted at the <a href="https://sante.sorbonne-universite.fr/en/structures-de-recherche/paris-brain-institute" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paris Brain Institute</a>, the research opens up fascinating possibilities. </p>



<p>For instance, interacting with someone during sleep or understanding the mental activities that occur in different sleep phases could become a reality.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-listening-while-fast-asleep">Listening while fast asleep</h2>



<p>To explore this phenomenon, the team recruited both regular sleepers and people with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mdma-and-methamphetamine-spark-human-connections-that-prove-beneficial-in-therapy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">narcolepsy</a> -- a condition that causes excessive daytime sleepiness and frequent transitions into REM sleep. </p>



<p>Narcoleptics often experience lucid dreams, making them ideal participants for this study.</p>



<p>Participants were asked to take a nap while their brain activity was monitored using polysomnography, a tool that tracks various <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-reboots-the-brain-making-room-for-new-memories/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">physiological signals</a> during sleep. </p>



<p>During their slumber, a human voice played real and made-up words. The sleepers were instructed to react to these words using facial expressions.</p>



<p>The results were astonishing. "Most of the participants, whether narcoleptic or not, responded correctly to verbal stimuli while remaining asleep," notes Isabelle Arnulf. </p>



<p>This means that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-resets-brain-connections-for-a-few-hours-but-then-what-happens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">even in sleep</a>, our brains are processing external information and can respond appropriately.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predicting-windows-of-connection">Predicting windows of connection</h2>



<p>The researchers discovered they could predict when these "windows of connection" would occur. These moments were marked by increased brain activity and other signs associated with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/changing-sleep-patterns-reveal-insights-about-your-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rich cognitive processes</a>.</p>



<p>"Our research has taught us that wakefulness and sleep are not stable states: on the contrary, we can describe them as a mosaic of conscious and seemingly unconscious moments," explains Lionel Naccache. </p>



<p>This challenges the traditional view of sleep as a uniform state of unconsciousness.</p>



<p>Understanding these intermediate states is crucial, especially for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleeping-less-than-seven-hours-high-blood-pressure-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sleep-related disorders</a>. Conditions like sleepwalking, sleep paralysis, and hallucinations may be linked to these windows of connection. </p>



<p>As Arnulf points out, these insights could help us better comprehend and treat such disorders.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monitoring-the-brain-during-sleep">Monitoring the brain during sleep</h2>



<p>The study also highlights the limitations of traditional sleep monitoring tools like electroencephalography (EEG). </p>



<p>While EEG provides valuable data on brainwaves, it doesn't always capture the full picture of a sleeper's mental state. </p>



<p>By using more precise <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-may-be-the-best-strategy-to-boost-your-immune-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">physiological measures</a>, the researchers gained deeper insights into the sleeping mind.</p>



<p>Delphine Oudiette emphasizes the need for advanced techniques in future studies. </p>



<p>She envisions using neuroimaging tools like magnetoencephalography and intracranial brain activity recording to further explore these phenomena.</p>



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



<p>These findings open the door to numerous possibilities. </p>



<p>Could we develop standardized communication methods with sleepers? Might this help us understand how learning and memory work during sleep? </p>



<p>There's even potential for therapeutic applications in treating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melatonin-receptor-is-a-new-target-for-treating-sleep-disorders/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sleep disorders</a>.</p>



<p>The role of lucid dreamers is particularly intriguing. </p>



<p>According to Naccache, such individuals might have enhanced awareness of both their inner and outer worlds during sleep. This could provide unique opportunities to study consciousness and cognition.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sleep-the-brain-and-the-subconscious-mind">Sleep, the brain, and the subconscious mind</h2>



<p>So, what does this mean for our understanding of sleep? It suggests that sleep is not just a passive state but an active phase where our brains remain connected to the world around us. </p>



<p>This challenges long-held beliefs and invites us to rethink the boundaries between being awake and asleep.</p>



<p>Sleep remains one of the most mysterious <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/popular-teens-especially-girls-struggle-with-sleep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aspects of human biology</a>. </p>



<p>We cycle through various stages, from light sleep to deep sleep and REM sleep, each serving different functions. This study adds another layer to that complexity, showing that even in sleep, our brains are hard at work.</p>



<p>It's fascinating to consider how this knowledge might impact our daily lives. </p>



<p>Could listening to educational material while we sleep enhance learning? Might we one day communicate important information to someone who is asleep? The possibilities are vast.</p>



<p>As we continue to explore the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/light-color-has-no-impact-on-our-internal-clocks-or-sleep-patterns/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">depths of the sleeping mind</a>, studies like this remind us there's still so much to learn. Sleep isn't just about rest; it's a dynamic state that holds secrets about consciousness, cognition, and our connection to the world.</p>



<p>In the future, we may find that the line between sleep and wakefulness is not as clear-cut as we once thought. By peering into these windows of connection, we might uncover new ways to enhance our well-being and unlock the mysteries of the mind.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal&nbsp;<em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41593-023-01449-7" 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.</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>

Humans can subconsciously respond to verbal communication while sleeping

Sleep has long been seen as a time when our...

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-update-october-10-2024-7-37-pm-eastern-time">Update -- October 10, 2024, 7:37 PM Eastern Time</h2>



<p>A coronal mass ejection (CME) from October 9 made its way to Earth today, resulting in G4 (Severe) level storms. This CME was associated with an X1.8 flare -- a strong burst that sent a massive cloud of solar plasma speeding through space. </p>



<p>When the CME reached our planet, instruments recorded a sudden jump in solar wind speed from about 400 kilometers per second to over 800 kilometers per second. </p>



<p>The magnetic field carried by the solar wind also intensified, which can have significant effects on Earth's own magnetic field. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-geomagnetic-storms-and-their-impact">Geomagnetic storms and their impact</h2>



<p>The impact of the CME led to strong geomagnetic storms, classified as G3 to G4 levels. These storms can cause vivid auroras, sometimes visible much farther south than usual. </p>



<p>While these natural light shows are breathtaking, geomagnetic storms can also disrupt satellite operations, affect power grids, and interfere with high-frequency radio communications. </p>



<p>Airlines and other industries that rely on these systems often keep a close eye on space weather forecasts during such events.</p>



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



<p>According to forecasts, the Sun's activity is expected to remain elevated at G4 (Severe) levels through October 12, with a chance of elevation to G5 (Extreme) levels. </p>



<p>There's also a chance we could see more moderate-level flares and possibly even another powerful X-Class flare. </p>



<p>Solar radiation levels are also expected to stay high but should begin a slow decline after October 11. This means that while the peak of the storm has passed, we're not entirely out of the woods yet.</p>



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



<p>The sun has been particularly active lately, and a significant solar storm is now making its presence felt here on Earth. </p>



<p>At 11:15 a.m. EDT, a coronal mass ejection (CME) traveling at nearly 1.5 million miles per hour hit our planet. </p>



<p>The Space Weather Prediction Center (<a href="https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SWPC</a>) reports that a G4-level "severe" geomagnetic storming was observed as of 11:12 AM Eastern Time.</p>



<p>But what does all this mean for us? Let's break it down.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solar-storms-solar-flares-and-cmes">Solar storms, solar flares, and CMEs</h2>



<p>First off, let's get a handle on what happened on the sun. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/noaa-severe-solar-storm-expected-to-reach-earth-tomorrow-october-10-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">On October 9</a>, two significant solar flares erupted from its surface. </p>



<p>The first was an X1.8 flare from a sunspot labeled Region 3848, followed shortly by an X1.4 flare from Region 3842. </p>



<p>Solar flares are sudden bursts of energy caused by the tangling, crossing, or reorganizing of magnetic field lines near sunspots. The "X" classification indicates these are among the most intense types of flares.</p>



<p>When these flares occur, they can release <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strong-solar-storm-warning-issued-as-two-cmes-will-hit-earth-tomorrow/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coronal mass ejections (CMEs)</a> -- huge bubbles of gas threaded with magnetic field lines that are ejected from the sun over the course of several hours. </p>



<p>Think of it as the sun throwing a massive cloud of charged particles into space. One of these CMEs is now heading our way.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-impact-of-solar-storm">Potential impact of solar storm</h2>



<p>The CME that just arrived is interacting with <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/earths-magnetic-field-origin-structure-and-impact-on-humanity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's magnetic field</a>, potentially triggering a geomagnetic storm. These storms are disturbances in Earth's magnetosphere caused by changes in the solar wind. </p>



<p>The storm we're facing has been classified as a G4, but given the CME's strength, it could escalate to a G5. The scale goes from <a href="https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/noaa-scales-explanation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">G1 (Minor) to G5 (Extreme)</a>, so we're looking at a significant event.</p>



<p>So, why should we care? Geomagnetic storms can have real-world effects:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Power Grids</strong>: They can induce currents in power lines, which may overload transformers and substations. This is especially concerning for areas already dealing with power issues.<br></li>



<li><strong>Communication Systems</strong>: Satellite operations might be disrupted, affecting GPS navigation and communication networks.<br></li>



<li><strong>Navigation</strong>: GPS systems could become less accurate, which is crucial for aviation, maritime activities, and even your smartphone's map app.<br></li>



<li><strong>Radio Communications</strong>: High-frequency radio signals used by aircraft, ships, and even ham radio operators might experience interference.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-for-hurricane-recovery-efforts">Challenges for hurricane recovery efforts</h2>



<p>The timing isn't great. Recovery operations for Hurricanes Helene and Milton are still underway. This solar storm could complicate those efforts in several ways:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Communication Disruptions</strong>: Emergency services rely heavily on satellite and radio communications. Any interference could hamper coordination and response times.<br></li>



<li><strong>Power Grid Strain</strong>: The affected regions are already dealing with power outages. Additional stress on the grid could slow down restoration efforts.<br></li>



<li><strong>Navigation Difficulties</strong>: Relief teams using GPS for navigation might find their systems less reliable, potentially delaying aid delivery.</li>
</ul>



<p>The Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) has already informed FEMA and state agencies involved in the recovery, so they're preparing for these potential hurdles.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-auroras-should-be-visible-in-lower-u-s">Auroras should be visible in lower U.S.</h2>



<p>On the brighter side -- literally -- the geomagnetic storm could produce spectacular auroras far beyond their usual ranges. </p>



<p>If the skies are clear, people as far south as Alabama and northern California might catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights tonight.</p>



<p>Auroras occur when charged particles from the sun interact with Earth's magnetic field, causing atoms in our atmosphere to emit light. </p>



<p>These natural light displays are usually confined to polar regions, but strong geomagnetic activity can push them toward the equator.</p>



<p>If you're interested in trying to see this rare sight:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Find a Dark Spot</strong>: Get away from city lights to improve your chances.<br></li>



<li><strong>Look North</strong>: That's where the auroras will appear for those in the Northern Hemisphere.<br></li>



<li><strong>Be Patient</strong>: Auroras can be fleeting, so give yourself plenty of time.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stay-informed-and-prepared">Stay informed and prepared</h2>



<p>While the idea of a solar storm might sound alarming, there's no need to panic. Organizations like the SWPC monitor space weather closely and provide updates as conditions change. </p>



<p>Here are some steps you can take:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Keep Devices Charged</strong>: In case of power fluctuations, it's a good idea to have your essential devices fully charged.<br></li>



<li><strong>Follow Official Updates</strong>: Check reliable sources for the latest information. The SWPC website offers real-time updates on solar activity.<br></li>



<li><strong>Limit Unnecessary Electrical Usage</strong>: Reducing the load on the power grid can help mitigate potential issues.<br></li>



<li><strong>Backup Important Data</strong>: Just as a precaution, ensure your important files are backed up.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bigger-picture-our-dynamic-sun">Bigger picture: Our dynamic Sun</h2>



<p>Events like this serve as a reminder of the dynamic relationship between Earth and the Sun. </p>



<p>While we've become accustomed to the sun as a constant in our lives, it's a star with its own cycles and behaviors that can have direct effects on our planet.</p>



<p>Scientists study solar activity not just to predict and mitigate these impacts but also to understand the fundamental processes at work in our solar system. </p>



<p>Advancements in space weather forecasting have improved our ability to prepare for such events, reducing potential risks.</p>



<p>To sum it all up, life on Earth is deeply connected to the sun, and occasionally, it sends us more than just light and warmth. </p>



<p>While a geomagnetic storm can pose challenges, especially for technology-dependent systems, it also offers a unique opportunity to witness one of nature's most beautiful phenomena -- the aurora.</p>



<p>So, keep an eye on the sky tonight, stay informed through Earth.com and the SWPC, and rest assured that experts are monitoring the situation closely.</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>

NOAA Warning: "Severe" solar storms will continue this weekend

Update -- October 10, 2024, 7:37 PM Eastern Time A...

<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