<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>



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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>Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is increasingly prevalent, especially among children. Experts predict that by 2050, approximately 50% of the world's population will be affected by myopia, which potentially leads to vision loss. </p>



<p>Researchers attribute this surge partly to an increase in “near work,” which involves focusing on close objects like smartphones and computer screens.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-myopia-increases-the-risk-of-vision-loss">Myopia increases the risk of vision loss</h2>



<p>While many people manage myopia with glasses or contact lenses, some develop a more severe condition called myopic maculopathy.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This condition occurs when the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oranges-lower-risk-macular-degeneration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">macula</a> - the part of the eye responsible for sharp, central vision - is stretched and damaged due to the elongation of the eyeball into a more football-like shape. The distortion leads to impaired vision and can result in severe vision loss or blindness.</p>



<p>In 2015, myopic maculopathy caused visual impairment in 10 million people. If current trends continue, more than 55 million people are expected to experience vision loss due to this condition by 2050, and approximately 18 million people worldwide could become blind from it.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-improving-early-detection-with-technology">Improving early detection with technology</h2>



<p>Because myopic maculopathy is irreversible, early detection is crucial. Catching the condition in its initial stages can improve health outcomes, especially for children. Ophthalmologists can prescribe special contact lenses or eye drops that slow the disease's progression.</p>



<p>A team of researchers at <a href="https://scai.engineering.asu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arizona State University's School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence</a> is developing new diagnostic tools that leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to more effectively screen for myopic maculopathy.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Yalin Wang, a professor of computer science and engineering at the university, emphasizes the potential of technology to provide important solutions.</p>



<p>“AI is ushering in a revolution that leverages global knowledge to improve diagnosis accuracy, especially in its earliest stage of the disease,” he said. “These advancements will reduce medical costs and improve the quality of life for entire societies.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-award-winning-ai-algorithms">Award-winning AI algorithms </h2>



<p>In response to this need, the <a href="https://miccai.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Medical Image Computing and Computer Assisted Intervention (MICCAI) Society</a> issued a challenge in 2023 to improve computer-aided screening systems for retinal images.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Currently, myopic maculopathy is diagnosed using optical coherence tomography scans that create detailed images of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/retinal-scans-provide-a-window-into-human-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">retina</a> using reflected light. These scans are often manually inspected by ophthalmologists, which is time-consuming and requires specialized expertise.</p>



<p>Professor Wang and his team, including doctoral student Wenhui Zhu and neurologist and adjunct faculty member Dr. Oana Dumitrascu, participated in the MICCAI challenge and were among the winners.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For the first part of their work, they classified myopic maculopathy into five categories according to its severity. Accurate classification helps ophthalmologists provide more tailored and effective treatments.</p>



<p>The researchers developed new AI algorithms called NN-MobileNet, designed to help software more effectively analyze retinal images and predict the correct classification of myopic maculopathy. Their research was published in the journal <a href="https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-54857-4_5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Myopic Maculopathy Analysis</em></a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crucial-insights-with-deep-neural-networks">Crucial insights with deep neural networks </h2>



<p>Next, the team focused on efforts in the scientific community to use deep neural networks - a type of AI - to predict the spherical equivalent in retinal scans. The spherical equivalent is an estimate of the eye's refractive error, crucial for prescribing corrective lenses.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By developing new AI algorithms that emphasized data quality and relevance, they achieved exceptional results while minimizing computing power requirements. This research was also published in <a href="https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-54857-4_6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Myopic Maculopathy Analysis</em></a>.</p>



<p>Additionally, Professor Wang collaborated with other winning teams from the MICCAI challenge on a third research paper, published in <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaophthalmology/article-abstract/2824092" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>JAMA Ophthalmology</em></a> in September.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers made their findings available to stimulate further advancements in the early and effective diagnosis of myopic maculopathy, aiming to improve health care outcomes globally.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-health-disparities">Addressing health disparities </h2>



<p>Professor Wang explained that one of the driving forces behind his work is addressing health disparities. “People living in rural areas find it difficult to access sophisticated imaging devices and see physicians,” he said.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Once AI-powered technology becomes available, it will significantly improve the quality of life in worldwide populations, including those who live in developing countries.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solutions-to-prevent-vision-loss">Solutions to prevent vision loss</h2>



<p>Ross Maciejewski, director of the School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence, praised Wang's project as an important example of innovative work in the medical field.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“With both myopia and myopic maculopathy increasing, solutions are needed to prevent vision loss and help health care professionals provide the best treatment options for their patients," said Maciejewski.</p>



<p>"Yalin Wang's innovative research is a principled use of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-environmental-cost-of-ai-what-are-we-willing-to-give-up-for-computing-power/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">artificial intelligence</a> to address this dire medical issue."</p>



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How AI could protect millions of people from vision loss 

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is increasingly prevalent, especially among...

<p>Doctors have long known that children who become seriously ill with certain respiratory viruses, such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), are at elevated risk of developing asthma later in life. However, the reason why this happens has remained a mystery.</p>



<p>A new study by researchers at <a href="https://medicine.washu.edu/">Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis</a> may have solved this puzzle. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-viruses-linger-in-immune-cells">Viruses linger in immune cells</h2>



<p>The study, conducted in mice, found that respiratory viruses can remain hidden in immune cells in the lungs long after the initial symptoms of an infection have disappeared. </p>



<p>This lingering presence creates a persistently inflammatory environment that promotes the development of lung diseases like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-asthma-attacks/">asthma</a>. </p>



<p>Moreover, the researchers demonstrated that eliminating these infected cells could reduce signs of chronic lung damage before they progress into full-blown chronic respiratory illnesses.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preventing-chronic-lung-diseases">Preventing chronic lung diseases </h2>



<p>The findings, published in <em>Nature Microbiology</em>, point to a potential new approach for preventing asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other chronic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/low-levels-of-air-pollution-increase-the-risk-of-heart-and-lung-disease/">lung diseases</a> by eradicating the persistent respiratory viruses that contribute to these conditions.</p>



<p>“Right now, children who have been hospitalized for a respiratory infection such as RSV are sent home once their symptoms resolve,” said senior author Carolina B. López, a professor of molecular microbiology at WashU Medicine. </p>



<p>“To reduce the risk that these children will go on to develop asthma, maybe in the future we will be able to check if all of the virus is truly gone from the lung, and eliminate all lingering virus, before we send them home.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-persistent-viruses-and-chronic-lung-disease">Persistent viruses and chronic lung disease </h2>



<p>There are about 27 million people in the U.S. living with asthma. Several factors influence a person’s likelihood of developing this chronic breathing condition, such as living in areas with poor air quality, exposure to cigarette smoke, and having been hospitalized for viral pneumonia or bronchitis as a child.</p>



<p>Some researchers - including López - had suspected that the link between severe lung infections and later asthma diagnoses might be due to lingering viruses in the lungs causing ongoing damage.</p>



<p>Until now, however, a direct connection between the persistent presence of a virus and chronic lung disease had not been established.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-common-respiratory-viruses">Studying common respiratory viruses </h2>



<p>López and first author Ítalo Araújo Castro, a postdoctoral researcher in her lab, developed a unique system using a natural mouse virus called Sendai virus and fluorescent markers to track infection. </p>



<p>Sendai virus is related to human parainfluenza virus, a common respiratory virus that has been associated with asthma in children, similar to RSV. </p>



<p>Since Sendai behaves in mice much like human parainfluenza behaves in people, it provides an excellent model for studying infections that may lead to chronic lung disease.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-viral-rna-in-lung-immune-cells">Viral RNA in lung immune cells </h2>



<p>Using the fluorescent markers, the researchers were able to observe the presence of the virus throughout the infection. </p>



<p>While the mice seemed to recover after about two weeks, the viral RNA and protein could still be detected weeks later in their lungs, where it was hiding inside immune cells.</p>



<p>“Finding persistent virus in immune cells was unexpected,” said López. “I think that's why it had been missed before." </p>



<p>"Everyone had been looking for viral products in the epithelial cells that line the surface of the respiratory system, because that's where these viruses primarily replicate. But they were in the immune cells.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-persistent-inflammatory-response-to-viruses">Persistent inflammatory response to viruses</h2>



<p>Furthermore, the presence of the virus altered the behavior of the infected immune cells, causing them to become more inflammatory than the uninfected cells. </p>



<p>This persistent inflammation set the stage for the development of chronic lung disease, the researchers explained.</p>



<p>Seven weeks after the initial infection, the mice's lungs exhibited signs of chronic lung damage - even though the mice appeared to have recovered.</p>



<p>These signs included inflammation of the air sacs and blood vessels, abnormal lung cell development, and excess immune tissue - all of which indicate long-term inflammatory lung damage. When the researchers eliminated the infected immune cells, these signs of lung damage decreased.</p>



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



<p>“We use a perfectly matched virus-host pairing to prove that a common respiratory virus can be maintained in immunocompetent hosts for way longer than the acute phase of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-infection-equips-the-body-to-fight-off-the-flu/">infection</a>, and that this viral persistence can result in chronic lung conditions,” Castro said. </p>



<p>“Probably the long-term health effects we see in people who are supposed to be recovered from an acute infection are actually due to persistence of the virus in their lungs.”</p>



<p>The findings offer new insights into how chronic lung diseases might develop and provide clues for future treatments, the researchers said.</p>



<p>“Pretty much every single child gets infected with these viruses before the age of 3, and maybe 5% get serious enough disease that they could potentially develop persistent infection," said López.</p>



<p>"We’re not going to be able to prevent children from getting infected in the first place. But if we understand how these viruses persist and the effects that persistence has on the lungs, we may be able to reduce the risk of serious long-term problems."</p>



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Viruses can hide in lung cells and cause chronic disease

Doctors have long known that children who become seriously ill...

<p>The white stork has been linked to human society for centuries. Legends and fables have portrayed storks as bringing luck, children, and prosperity, and today these birds are viewed as an emblem of a healthy environment.</p>



<p>So, just how deep does this kinship between humans and white storks run? Where and how did this relationship begin?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-link-between-storks-and-humans">Link between storks and humans</h2>



<p>Addressing this puzzle required understanding the historical habitat of the stork. Dr. Ulrich Schmölcke, an esteemed archaeologist from the Leibniz-Zentrum für Archäologie in Schleswig (<a href="https://www.leiza.de" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LEIZA</a>), and ornithologist Kai-Michael Thomsen from the<a href="https://bergenhusen.nabu.de/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Michael Otto Institute within NABU</a>, set out to investigate.</p>



<p>The experts embarked on a unique quest to explore the range dynamics of the white <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/younger-storks-choose-migration-routes-that-are-social-hotspots/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stork</a> in Europe since the last ice age using archaeological evidence.</p>



<p>The exploration revealed a curious fact - the north-eastern part of Europe, today brimming with storks, only became part of their range in the recent past. The trailblazing study was recently published in the <em>Journal of Ornithology</em>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stork-s-past-with-humans">Stork's past with humans</h2>



<p>To unravel the stork’s history, Schmölcke and Thomsen evaluated previously published findings of bird bones found near prehistoric or early historic settlements. </p>



<p>A data set from 1999, for instance, provided information on over 7,500 archaeological sites with animal remains dating from the last ice age to the early modern period all over Europe. </p>



<p>The two academics also delved into current research literature, thus rounding off an extensive database to make reliable statements about the white stork's distribution over the past millennia.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-historical-puzzle-solved">Historical puzzle solved</h2>



<p>According to their findings, about 1,500 years ago, the white stork was found exclusively in southern and western Europe, notably on the Iberian Peninsula, in the Upper Rhine region, and the southern Balkans.</p>



<p>Intriguingly, the boundary of the stork's distribution at the end of antiquity matched precisely the extent of the Roman Empire. Ancient written sources validate this, showing that the white stork was closely associated with people in the Mediterranean region at the time. </p>



<p>However, beyond the borders of the Roman Empire, the white stork didn't find suitable habitats. Why? The human population density was substantially lower there, with less open spaces due to less intensive agriculture.</p>



<p>"It was only around 1,000 years ago that the white stork's range expanded rapidly to the north-east. This coincides with the medieval 'Landesausbau,' when many forests were cleared and new agricultural land was created," noted Thomsen.</p>



<p>The adaptable white stork seems to have benefitted long-term from these changes in human landscapes.</p>



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



<p>This study doesn't just shed light on a fascinating chapter of natural history. It is also instrumental in understanding species distribution and disappearance patterns over time. </p>



<p>"If we want to understand how species spread or why they disappear from some areas, we can't just look at the current pattern. We need to understand long-term developments," said Thomsen.</p>



<p>Schmölcke noted that understanding past environments and species prevalence is crucial to studying how the relationship between humans and the environment has evolved over time - something that researchers at LEIZA and the ROOTS Cluster of Excellence are already working on.</p>



<p>According to Schmölcke, the study shows the great potential of cooperation between ornithology and archaeology, especially if we include even more&nbsp;analytical methods&nbsp;such as genetics and isotope measurements in the future.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-storks-and-human-settlements">Storks and human settlements</h2>



<p>The presence of white storks near human settlements throughout history highlights a remarkable symbiosis that has persisted for centuries. </p>



<p>Storks, with their preference for open, agricultural landscapes, often chose nesting sites near human habitations, taking advantage of the structures for nesting and the agricultural practices that heightened food availability. </p>



<p>As these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/migratory-behaviors-are-shaped-by-experience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a> fed on rodents, insects, and other pests, they inadvertently provided a form of natural pest control, benefiting human communities by sustaining crops and, thereby, the food supply. </p>



<p>The gear-driven harmony between storks and humans was not only sustenance-based but also symbolic, as storks became emblematic of good fortune and prosperity in various cultural narratives.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-in-a-changing-world">Conservation in a changing world</h2>



<p>As we move further into the 21st century, the challenges posed by climate change and habitat destruction cast a shadow on the once-thriving relationship between humans and white storks. </p>



<p>Conservation strategies must be informed by the rich historical context provided by studies like that of Schmölcke and Thomsen. </p>



<p>Future conservation efforts should take an interdisciplinary approach, integrating historical data to inform sustainable land-use practices that accommodate the needs of both humans and stork <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-feeding-pollutes-local-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">populations</a>. </p>



<p>By focusing on habitat preservation and landscape management, policymakers can ensure that the white stork continues to soar across European skies, embodying the interconnectedness between species and the environments we share.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tale-of-man-and-bird">Tale of man and bird</h2>



<p>The bond between humans and the white stork is older and deeper than we thought, starting from ancient human civilizations and showing a surprising parallel with human expansion and land use changes. </p>



<p>And it is fascinating discoveries like these that underscore how interconnected we are with the natural world. </p>



<p>So, the next time you see a white stork, take a moment to appreciate not just its elegance, but also the rich, shared history it symbolizes.</p>



<p>The study is published in the <em><a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10336-024-02206-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Ornithology</a></em>.&nbsp; </p>



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White storks and humans have a long, intertwined history

The white stork has been linked to human society for...

<p>Liquefied natural gas (LNG) might not live up to its reputation as a cleaner energy alternative as many people believe.</p>



<p>A new study discloses that, taking into account factors like processing and shipping, LNG's greenhouse gas emissions are 33 percent more harmful than those of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coal-use-is-not-declining-fast-enough-to-slow-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coal</a>.</p>



<p>This finding questions the long-standing belief that liquefied natural gas is a climate-friendlier option, revealing its significant ecological impact.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-truth-about-liquefied-natural-gas">Hidden truth about liquefied natural gas</h2>



<p>This new evidence emerged in a study recently published in the journal <em>Energy Science &amp; Engineering</em>.</p>



<p>"Natural gas and shale gas are all bad for the climate. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is worse," noted the researchers.</p>



<p>The team was led by Robert Howarth, a professor of ecology and environmental biology at <a href="https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2024/10/liquefied-natural-gas-carbon-footprint-worse-coal" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cornell University</a>. The researchers set out to uncover the true environmental cost of LNG by examining its entire lifecycle, from extraction to transportation.</p>



<p>The findings, published in a paper titled "The Greenhouse Gas Footprint of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Exported from the United States," reveal some striking new insights.</p>



<p>The team discovered that about half of LNG’s total greenhouse gas emissions come from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-methane-emissions-threaten-earths-habitability/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">methane</a> and carbon dioxide released during its extraction, processing, transportation, and storage.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coal-vs-liquefied-natural-gas">Coal vs. liquefied natural gas</h2>



<p>The research suggests that over a 20-year period, when measured against the global warming potential, LNG's carbon footprint is a third larger than that of coal.</p>



<p>This measurement evaluates the atmospheric impact of various greenhouse gases, and shockingly, even on a 100-year timescale, the carbon footprint of liquefied natural gas either matches or exceeds that of coal.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-liquefied-natural-gas-in-the-u-s">Liquefied natural gas in the U.S.</h2>



<p>As the world’s largest exporter of LNG, the U.S. finds itself in an unsettling position considering its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/circular-economy-needed-to-reduce-americas-carbon-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon footprint</a>.</p>



<p>The study highlights that the majority of the increase in natural gas production in the U.S. since 2005 stems from shale gas, primarily sourced from Texas and Louisiana.</p>



<p>But, LNG is more than just natural gas. It's cooled to a frigid minus 260 degrees Fahrenheit, enabling easier transport but at an alarming environmental cost.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-emissions-from-natural-gas">Hidden emissions from natural gas</h2>



<p>The experts report that even the seemingly harmless tasks of transporting and storing LNG hide an environmental threat.</p>



<p>Contemporary LNG tankers powered by two- or four-stroke engines might have lower carbon dioxide <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-carbon-dioxide-emissions-hit-a-record-high-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emissions</a> than older steam-powered ships, but they inadvertently discharge methane into the atmosphere during the transportation and storage of natural gas.</p>



<p>Given the potency of methane, which is over 80 times more impactful than carbon dioxide, even these minute emissions can severely affect our climate.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-methane-the-invisible-enemy">Methane: The invisible enemy</h2>



<p>The research discloses that significant methane emissions arise during the natural gas liquefaction process - nearly 8.8% of the total when evaluated against global warming potential. Depending on the ship, methane emissions from tankers range from 3.9 to 8.1 percent.</p>



<p>"Almost all the methane emissions occur upstream when you're extracting the shale gas and liquefying it," noted the study authors.</p>



<p>"Liquefied natural gas will always have a bigger climate footprint than natural gas, regardless of the assumptions of being a bridge fuel. It still ends up markedly worse than coal."</p>



<p>Given these startling findings, it's essential for us to reconsider the role of natural gas in our energy systems and its environmental repercussions. The choices we make today will have lasting impacts for generations to come.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifting-our-perspective">Shifting our perspective </h2>



<p>These revelations about LNG should drastically shift our perspective. It has often been considered a "bridge fuel" in the transition to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bamboo-plants-shows-great-potential-to-become-the-next-big-renewable-energy-source/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">renewable energy</a>, but this recent research forces us to question that notion as the environmental cost seems too high.</p>



<p>As we plan our future, our focus must shift towards truly sustainable energy solutions without concealed climate costs or long-term damage.</p>



<p>The choices we make, from our energy sources to our policies, will shape the future. As we move forward, we should take responsibility and strive for a cleaner, greener planet. Liquefied natural gas might have brought us this far, but it's not the path forward we need.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://scijournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ese3.1934">Energy Science &amp; Engineer</a><a href="https://scijournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ese3.1934" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">in</a><a href="https://scijournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ese3.1934">g</a></em>.</p>



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



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Natural gas isn’t as clean as we think

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) might not live up to its...

Eurasian,Pygmy,Shrew,(sorex,Minutus),Mouse,In,Natural,Habitat.,This

<p>Do you ever stop to marvel at the tireless beating of your heart, rhythmically pulsating at an average pace of 60 to 100 beats per minute? Now, try to imagine an organism, considerably tinier than our species, whose heart goes on a racing spree at around 1,020 beats per minute. Nope, this isn't a hyperbole; it's the humble shrew, a creature no bigger than your index finger with incredible hearts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enigma-of-nature-s-artistry">Enigma of nature's artistry</h2>



<p>The resting heart rate of a shrew reaches up to 17 beats per second, making it about 10-17 times faster than that of us humans. </p>



<p>This biological marvel has intrigued scientists for years - how does such a tiny creature manage to maintain a heart rate that would be lethal for most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/where-mammals-live-depends-more-on-climate-than-human-activities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a>?</p>



<p>This question has finally found an answer in a recent study published in the prestigious journal, Science.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mystery-of-shrew-s-heart">Mystery of shrew's heart</h2>



<p>An international team of researchers, led by postdoc William Joyce during his time at Aarhus University (<a href="https://international.au.dk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AU</a>), and his colleague, Professor Kevin Campbell, previously of AU and currently with the <a href="https://umanitoba.ca" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Manitoba</a> (Canada), embarked on this mission to decode the shrew's heart. </p>



<p>It was during this investigation that they discovered the secret lay in the heart protein called "cardiac troponin I."</p>



<p>"We discovered that a crucial part of the heart protein that regulates heart relaxation time is missing in shrews and closely related moles," explains Joyce, who has shifted his base to The Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (CNIC) in Spain.</p>



<p>"This evolutionary loss permanently removes the brakes on heart relaxation, allowing their hearts to beat much faster."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-missing-link-in-the-protein-chain">Missing link in the protein chain</h2>



<p>The protein cardiac troponin I is integral to the way a heart works. It binds to calcium ions during contraction, a process pivotal for the heart muscle's function. </p>



<p>In most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-mammals-play-a-vital-role-in-maintaining-forest-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mammals</a>, this protein contains two specific serine amino acids that are temporarily modified when the heart gets a burst of adrenaline from stress or physical activity. </p>



<p>This modification allows the heart to relax faster between beats, providing more time for blood refill, thus setting the pace for the next contraction.</p>



<p>But a remarkable deviation occurs in the case of shrews.</p>



<p>"In an early ancestor of shrews, the DNA region encoding the two serines became inactivated. This means the protein always functions as if it were activated by adrenaline, even when the animal is at rest, allowing shrews to achieve their extreme heart rates," explains Campbell.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shrews-bats-and-their-heart-rates">Shrews, bats and their heart rates</h2>



<p>To understand how this evolution towards high heart rates has unfolded, the research team studied the heart protein in bats. Like shrews, bats also boast heart rates exceeding 1,000 beats per minute.</p>



<p>"Our analysis shows that some bat species can skip over the part of the gene that codes for the two serine amino acids when the protein is formed," Campbell continued.</p>



<p>Ancient shrews and moles likely had the same ability, and evolution gradually favored their troponin I proteins to completely lose this region. This permitted them to evolve even higher heart rates.</p>



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



<p>The findings about the shrew's cardiac adaptations provide intriguing insights into the potential avenues for advancing human health and medicine. </p>



<p>Understanding how the removal of the regulatory serine amino acids leads to enhanced heart rate capabilities in shrews could inspire new therapeutic strategies aimed at treating heart conditions in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/we-know-far-less-about-four-footed-animals-than-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">humans</a>. </p>



<p>For instance, manipulating similar pathways could help develop treatments that ameliorate conditions marked by slowed or inefficient heartbeats. </p>



<p>By revealing how nature adapts efficiently under high metabolic demands, these discoveries might pave the way for medical innovations that can mimic these natural developments for human benefit.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-on-shrew-s-heart">Future research on shrew's heart</h2>



<p>This research not only elucidates the evolutionary paths taken by shrews and bats but also opens new frontiers in cardiovascular research. </p>



<p>Future studies could delve deeper into the genetic and molecular underpinnings that enable such high heart rates, potentially harnessing these mechanisms for translational applications. </p>



<p>Continued exploration into the genetic coding of cardiac proteins across different species may uncover more evolutionary strategies that have yet to be understood, shedding light on the diversity and adaptability of life on Earth. </p>



<p>By investigating these natural adaptations, scientists may unlock new strategies for improving heart function, offering unprecedented insights into both human health and evolutionary biology.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-implications-for-biomedicine">Potential implications for biomedicine</h2>



<p>The findings from this study are not just fascinating trivia about tiny mammals like shrews and their heart rate. They may have far-reaching implications for the field of biomedicine. </p>



<p>"Our goal is to translate our findings into biomedicine. This means replicating the splicing of troponin I, as observed in bats, in model organisms and potentially -- eventually -- in human hearts to mimic the beneficial effects," Joyce comments.</p>



<p>Indeed, the implications of this research stretch far and wide, from a deeper understanding of the heart's mechanics to possibly revolutionizing biomedical strategies. </p>



<p>It’s a stark reminder of how much we can learn from the smallest creatures whose hearts have <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mammal-evolution-kicked-off-with-daring-experiments/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lessons</a> to teach us far beyond our own human pace.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adi8146" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a></em>.</p>



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How shrews and other tiny creatures have superfast heartbeats

Do you ever stop to marvel at the tireless beating...

<p>Long before the skies of the Mesozoic era (252 - 66 million years ago) became the domain of some of history’s most remarkable flyers, pterosaurs were already captivating creatures. These winged vertebrates didn’t just rule the skies; they also thrived on land in unexpected ways.</p>



<p>Yes, you read that right - pterosaurs were adept at terrestrial living. A new study sheds light on a fascinating twist in their evolutionary journey.</p>



<p>The ability of pterosaurs to adapt to life on land was instrumental in their transformation into massive aerial giants, with wingspans reaching up to 10 meters.</p>



<p>This research, carried out by paleontologists at the <a href="https://le.ac.uk/research/centres/cpbe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Leicester’s Centre for Palaeobiology and Biosphere Evolution</a>, closely examines the structure of pterosaurs’ hands and feet to unravel their surprising story.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-it-all-started-with-tree-climbing">It all started with tree climbing</h2>



<p>"Early pterosaurs were highly specialized for climbing, with extreme modifications in their hands and feet, similar to those found in climbing lizards and birds like woodpeckers today," said lead researcher Robert Smyth from the University of Leicester.</p>



<p>"Clinging to vertical surfaces by your fingertips for long periods is hard work - it’s a lot easier for small, lightweight animals.” </p>



<p>Consequently, these early pterosaurs were likely restricted to arboreal habitats and consequently, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiny-pterosaurs-were-fierce-competitors-in-the-late-cretaceous/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">small body sizes</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-of-pterosaurs-on-land">Life of pterosaurs on land</h2>



<p>Everything changed during the Middle Jurassic period. The hands and feet of pterosaurs underwent a drastic transformation, resembling more those of ground-dwelling animals.</p>



<p>This shift opened up a whole new world of ecological opportunities, empowering them with a range of feeding strategies.</p>



<p>"These findings underscore the need to examine all aspects of pterosaur locomotion, not just flight, to fully understand their evolution. That <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jurassic-park-was-wrong-about-how-fast-pterosaurs-could-fly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pterosaurs could fly</a> is only one part of their story," said Smyth.</p>



<p>"By exploring how they lived in the trees or on the ground, we can begin to understand the roles that they played in ancient ecosystems."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-of-pterosaur-bones">Evolution of pterosaur bones</h2>



<p>Details of the pterosaur's hands and feet were crucial to this transformative process. Early pterosaurs had short bones at the base of their fingers and toes, ideal for climbing trees.</p>



<p>However, as evolution spun its web, their structural pattern reversed - base bones grew longer, while the farther ones shortened. Their claws also became flatter and less curved, suggesting better adaptation for walking.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pterosaurs-mobility-on-land">Pterosaurs' mobility on land</h2>



<p>With the ground already brimming with dinosaurs and other reptiles, it was a clever game of competition avoidance that led pterosaurs to exploit ecological niches that required both <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cracking-the-code-of-pterosaur-flight-soaring-vs-flapping/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flying</a> and walking abilities. </p>



<p>"In early pterosaurs the hind limbs were connected by a flight membrane which severely impeded walking and running. In later, more advanced pterosaurs, this membrane became separated along the midline, allowing each hind limb to move independently," noted Dr. David Unwin from the University of Leicester.</p>



<p>"This was a key innovation that, combined with changes to their hands and feet, greatly improved pterosaurs’ mobility on the ground."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diverse-ways-of-life">Diverse ways of life</h2>



<p>The ability to adapt ultimately freed pterosaurs from the constraints of climbing, allowing them to grow into massive sky creatures.</p>



<p>At the same time, such evolution brought forth some bizarre feeding strategies. One such feature resulted in hundreds of fine, needle-like teeth for filter-feeding - resembling the feeding method of modern flamingos, a good 120 million years prior to the first flamingos' evolution.</p>



<p>All in all, this exciting discovery provides a more complete picture of the diverse ways of life that pterosaurs enjoyed, from tree-top dwellers to ground explorers and eventually, giants of the sky.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-pterosaur-evolution">Rethinking pterosaur evolution</h2>



<p>This new understanding of pterosaur terrestrial locomotion sheds light on the broader factors behind their evolutionary success. </p>



<p>Moving beyond their aerial abilities, it becomes clear that these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-species-of-jurassic-pterosaur-found-on-the-isle-of-skye/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ancient reptiles</a> adapted to diverse ecosystems, mastering both the skies and the ground. This dual capability likely contributed to their remarkable resilience and longevity throughout the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dinosaurs-were-not-the-only-animals-that-grew-fast-during-the-mesozoic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mesozoic era</a>.</p>



<p>By exploring how pterosaurs thrived across various environments, researchers are beginning to see a more complete picture of their evolutionary journey. </p>



<p>Such findings also inspire further investigation into other prehistoric creatures that might have displayed similarly unexpected adaptations. </p>



<p>As we uncover more about these ancient worlds, it’s clear that evolution often involves surprising strategies that help species overcome the challenges of their time.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0960982224012260" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a></em>.</p>



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



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Pterosaurs mastered land before dominating the sky

Long before the skies of the Mesozoic era (252 -...

<p>It's commonly acknowledged that Mother Nature has her own rules, proving time and again that she plays by her own playbook. And today, we're diving into one such fascinating realm, which presents an opportunity to revise long-held scientific viewpoints on plants and fungi.</p>



<p>We often think of plants as stationary fixtures, hinged to the ground by their roots, twirling their leaves in sync to the rhythm of the wind. But plants, it seems, are silent movers and shakers, involved in a vast annual movement of carbon. </p>



<p>Remarkably, each year, they shift a whopping 3.58 gigatons of carbon to mycorrhizal fungi - their partners in the underground realms. For visualization's sake, were this carbon a solid mass like ice, it would suffice to lay a slick sheet over 112 million NHL hockey rinks.</p>



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



<p>Previously, scientists, akin to economists, have viewed this hefty carbon transfer as a kind of marketplace transaction. The understanding was fairly straightforward - in this unique marketplace, carbon was traded for essential nutrients delivered by those fungi residing underground.</p>



<p>It seemed like an equitable exchange, neatly governed by market principles of trade. But, as it happens in the world of science, not everything is as it seems. </p>



<p>A team of researchers, including Professor Justine Karst of the University of Alberta, suggest we need to reassess how these eco-critical systems function.</p>



<p>The experts argue that market principles are not universally applicable, particularly not in the case of this unique plant-fungi relationship. "We found no evidence of trade," said Professor Karst.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-link-between-plants-and-fungi">Link between plants and fungi</h2>



<p>Mycorrhizas are essentially symbiotic relationships between plants and fungi that operate underground. The constant shuttling of resources between plants and fungi, seen as a hallmark in biological market models, is well established. </p>



<p>Herein, mycorrhizal fungi happily accept carbon in the form of lipids and sugars from their botanical partners, reciprocating with a supply of essential nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen.</p>



<p>However, this economic analogy has shrouded our understanding of mycorrhizas, according to the researchers. They argue that it might have made us blind to other possible functions of mycorrhizas.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-alternative-perspective">An alternative perspective</h2>



<p>An alternative theory titled the "Surplus C" hypothesis recently surfaced, proposing that plants often manufacture more sugars than they require for growth. </p>



<p>As per this theory, the excess carbon simply finds a home in the mycorrhizal fungi. This implies the volume of carbon handed over to a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fungi-fusion-turning-food-waste-into-culinary-delights/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fungus</a> isn't dependent on the delivery of nutrients to the plant.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-leaning-toward-the-new-theory">Leaning toward the new theory</h2>



<p>The team's comprehensive review of multiple scientific studies failed to produce convincing support for the biological market models.</p>



<p>The experts found no empirical evidence of a direct regulatory function and hence dissed the idea of "prices" - the ratio of carbon units to nutrient units - controlling the carbon handover to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-fungi-diversity-can-be-pulled-out-of-thin-air/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fungi</a>.</p>



<p>Delving further into the mycorrhizal link, they discovered that plant growth was associated with nutrient uptake, not carbon transfer. Interestingly, what curtails plant growth is not the quantum of carbon sent to mycorrhizal fungi but the volume of nutrients delivered by the fungi.</p>



<p>It appears that the carbon handed over to mycorrhizal fungi is not costly for the plant. The research findings leaned more towards backing the Surplus C theory rather than the market models.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-relationships-between-plants-and-fungi">Rethinking relationships between plants and fungi</h2>



<p>The researchers' observations encourage us to set aside narrow economic models and explore the essential interactions between plants and mycorrhizal fungi. </p>



<p>According to Professor Karst, the key is in understanding the carbon flow from plants to fungi, given its potential in benefiting the environment - especially with respect to carbon sequestration.</p>



<p>The review also highlights the need for more targeted research to get to the heart of what determines the carbon transfer from plants to mycorrhizal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/symbiotic-relationship-plant-roots-underground-mycorrhizal-fungi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fungi</a>.</p>



<p>Finally, while a direct link between carbon and nutrient transfer may still be waiting in the wings to be discovered, the researchers caution against over-reliance on economic models to make sense of it all.</p>



<p>"The idea of markets is familiar to us, but the inner workings of mycorrhizas are not, so we need to stay open to other ways of understanding how these systems work," said Professor Karst.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/nph.20145" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Phytologist</a></em>.</p>



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Plants transfer massive amounts of carbon to fungi

It's commonly acknowledged that Mother Nature has her own rules,...

<p>Dogs are justly famous for their ability to melt the hearts of even the most hardened individuals. This feat is achieved, in a part, through the patented "puppy dog eyes" - an irresistible and expressive manipulation of the eyebrows that can convey an incredible range of emotions. But new research from Baylor University has found that coyotes, wild relatives of man's best friend, share the ability to make "puppy dog eyes."</p>



<p>This revelation rocks the boat of the hypothesis that this expressive facial feature was an evolutionary outcome of dog domestication.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coyotes-and-their-eye-muscles">Coyotes and their eye muscles</h2>



<p>The research, conducted at <a href="https://www.baylor.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Baylor University</a>, highlights an interesting find in the animal kingdom. The team behind this fascinating discovery was led by Patrick Cunningham, a Ph.D. research scholar in Baylor's Department of Biology.</p>



<p>The focus of the study? A tiny little muscle - the levator anguli oculi medialis (LAOM). This muscle plays a key role in producing those expressive "puppy dog <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dog-and-human-brains-sync-up-during-eye-contact/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eyes</a>," by raising the inner eyebrow.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coyotes-making-puppy-dog-eyes">Coyotes making puppy dog eyes</h2>



<p>Contrary to pre-existing beliefs, Cunningham and his team discovered that coyotes have a well-developed LAOM, similar to that found in dogs.</p>



<p>This challenges the long-standing notion that the LAOM muscle in dogs evolved exclusively for communication with humans during the process of domestication.</p>



<p>"Our findings suggest that the ability to produce 'puppy dog eyes' is not a unique product of dog domestication but rather an ancestral trait shared by multiple species in the Canis genus," said Cunningham. </p>



<p>"This raises fascinating questions about the role of facial expressions in communication and survival among wild canids."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coyotes-dogs-and-gray-wolves">Coyotes, dogs, and gray wolves </h2>



<p>Cunningham's team didn't stop at coyotes. They extended their research to encompass facial muscle comparisons between coyotes, dogs, and gray wolves. They found marked differences among these species. While dogs and coyotes share a similarly well-developed LAOM, the situation is quite different in gray wolves.</p>



<p>The gray wolf's LAOM muscle is either modified or altogether absent. This intriguing difference casts doubt on the previous hypothesis that focused entirely on human-driven selection as the be-all-end-all for the development of the inner brow raiser in dogs. </p>



<p>Instead, the study proposes that the LAOM likely existed in a common ancestor of dogs, coyotes, and gray wolves, but was later lost or reduced in gray wolves.</p>



<p>The study also documented considerable individual variation within coyotes when it comes to facial muscles, particularly those involved in brow and lip movements. </p>



<p>The experts ruled out significant dog ancestry in their coyote specimens through genetic analysis. This confirms that these traits are not due to crossbreeding.</p>



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



<p>The findings indicate a need for a re-examination of evolutionary paradigms concerning canine facial expressions.</p>



<p>The presence of "the LAOM muscle"puppy dog eyes" in both domesticated and wild canids like coyotes suggests that adaptive pressures influencing facial musculature might have been more complex than previously assumed. </p>



<p>The ability for subtle emotional expression could have been an evolutionary advantage in group living and survival for species like coyotes. Consequently, this compels a broader inquiry into the ecological and behavioral factors that could have preserved this trait across different members of the Canis genus. </p>



<p>Moreover, it implies a need to reassess how such traits contribute to intraspecies communication and interactions with humans and other species, potentially offering novel insights into the evolutionary biology of canids.</p>



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



<p>The revelations from this research offer numerous avenues for further exploration. For one, it would be valuable to investigate whether environmental or social factors in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coyotes-move-into-towns-to-avoid-predators-only-to-be-killed-by-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wild canids</a> contribute to the retention or modification of facial muscles like the LAOM. </p>



<p>Comparative studies across a broader range of canid species could illuminate how these expressions have evolved and diversified. </p>



<p>Additionally, integrating genetic research could provide deeper insights into the genetic mechanisms underpinning these anatomical traits. </p>



<p>Understanding the potential haptic and communicative functions that facial musculature serves in various canid communities could offer exciting revelations about the evolution of non-verbal communication in the animal kingdom. </p>



<p>Transformative research like Cunningham's lays the groundwork for future scientific exploration, making it imperative to continue unraveling these complex evolutionary stories.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-of-puppy-dog-eyes-in-coyotes">Implications of puppy dog eyes in coyotes</h2>



<p>"Our work reveals that&nbsp;coyotes&nbsp;and dogs share not just behavioral similarities, but also a fascinating evolutionary history that includes the ability to make expressions that we once thought were unique to domesticated animals," said Cunningham.</p>



<p>This transformative discovery gives us more to think about in terms of the evolution of facial expressions in mammals. The LAOM may not have come into being as a tool of communication with humans, as was previously thought. It may have originally evolved for vision-related functions and eye movements.</p>



<p>Looking ahead, Cunningham's team is excited about the prospect of future studies involving other species within the Canidae family, such as red wolves and African wild dogs. </p>



<p>These studies could shed new light on the role of facial expressions in survival and communication among these species.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.241046" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Society Open Science</a></em>.</p>



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Coyotes can make puppy dog eyes too

Dogs are justly famous for their ability to melt the...

<p>What if our Earth, about 800 million years ago, was home to an abundance of diverse lineages of life -- far more than the conventional evolution theories suggested?</p>



<p>This is the conclusion of a group of dedicated Brazilian researchers who meticulously reconstructed the tree of life from amoebozoans, the ancestors of algae, fungi, plants, and animals.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diverse-life-forms-and-evolution">Diverse life forms and evolution</h2>



<p>Sometimes, you uncover a tale so unexpected, so contrary to what you've always believed that it reshuffles your perception of the world. </p>



<p>The researchers, in their engaging endeavor, focused on eukaryotes -- organisms made of one or more cells in which the DNA is enclosed within a distinct nucleus.</p>



<p>This encompasses all <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-evolution-was-shaped-by-environmental-crises-land-and-sea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life on Earth</a> except bacteria and archaea. The cornerstone of their study was the intriguing insight that these eukaryotes emerged around 1.5 billion years ago, and established themselves during the Neoproterozoic oxygenation event (850-540 mya). </p>



<p>This was a point in time when the oxygen levels in the planet's atmosphere and oceans spiked due to changes in Earth's geochemistry.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-against-all-odds">Against all odds</h2>



<p>Unraveling the story further, the researchers also shed light on the resilience of these organisms. These ancestors of plants, algae, fungi, and animals withstood not one but two glaciations of the Cryogenian period (790-635 mya). </p>



<p>This period, smack in the middle of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/when-did-the-first-animals-appear-on-earth-we-are-now-one-step-closer-to-knowing-the-answer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neoproterozoic Era</a>, was marked by the Earth's chilling transformation into a 'snowball', with polar ice blanketing the entire planet for around a cool 100 million years.</p>



<p>Now, that's survival on a whole new level!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-legacy-of-the-neoproterozoic-era">Legacy of the Neoproterozoic Era</h2>



<p>Daniel Lahr, the professor at the University of São Paulo’s Institute of Biosciences (<a href="https://ww3.icb.usp.br/ing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IB-USP</a>) and the last author of the study, gives us a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unraveling-the-story-of-early-animal-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quick reality check</a> on the classical paradigm surrounding the Neoproterozoic Era.</p>



<p>“The classical paradigm for the Neoproterozoic was that there was practically no life on the planet apart from one or two species of bacteria and protists,” he explains. </p>



<p>However, the last 15 years witnessed the identification of fossils of unicellular, eukaryotic, and heterotrophic organisms, taking us back to about 800 mya.</p>



<p>The study effectively pivots the mass diversification of life on Earth back by a game-changing 260 million years, much before the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worm-youti-yuanshi-lived-520-million-years-ago-explains-insect-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cambrian explosion</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-and-tree-of-life">Evolution and tree of life</h2>



<p>Lahr goes on to explain how this research serves as a foundation for further paleoclimate reconstruction research. </p>



<p>He elaborates on the stark transformation of Arcellinid amoebae, which were originally marine but now inhabit freshwater bodies. The adaptive nature of these organisms is awe-inspiring to say the least!</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/thecamoebians_fossils_800-million-years-old_credit-Luana-Morais_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/thecamoebians_fossils_800-million-years-old_credit-Luana-Morais_1s.webp" alt="Left, a fossilized thecamoebian believed to have lived 720-635 mya. Right, a specimen from a group of modern amoebozoan testate amoebae. Credit: Luana Morais" class="wp-image-1946688" style="width:302px;height:auto"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Left, a fossilized thecamoebian believed to have lived 720-635 mya. Right, a specimen from a group of modern amoebozoan testate amoebae. Credit: Luana Morais</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>The research hinged on the evolutionary history of amoebozoans, specifically Thecamoebae. </p>



<p>By reconstructing the phylogenetic tree (a record of the organism's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jaw-dropping-mammal-evolution-discovery-fills-in-more-blanks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolutionary history</a>) of this genus, the researchers could then build up the tree of life from there.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-and-tree-of-life-0">Evolution and tree of life</h2>



<p>The research sheds light on an evolutionary leap that defied expectations. These findings propose that the diverse array of life forms we see today stemmed from a rich pool of single-celled organisms, thriving even in the face of harsh climatic conditions. </p>



<p>This view challenges the traditional narrative of life's history on Earth, which often suggests that significant diversity only emerged post-Cambrian explosion. </p>



<p>By tapping into the genetic and fossil records, these scientists offer a broader understanding of how primitive life navigated and adapted through ancient Earth's climate upheavals, suggesting that the seeds of complexity were sown much earlier than previously thought.</p>



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



<p>The ramifications of this study reach far beyond understanding past life; they provide a crucial framework for modern scientific inquiry. </p>



<p>This elucidation of ancient climate resilience holds valuable lessons for contemporary climate science, particularly in terms of understanding and predicting how current ecosystems might adapt to ongoing environmental changes. </p>



<p>Moreover, reconceptualizing the timeline of evolutionary history invites further interdisciplinary research, combining paleontology, geology, and molecular biology to explore <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossil-hotspots-may-skew-our-view-of-human-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life's profound adaptability</a>. </p>



<p>Through this lens, the study serves as a testament to the complexity and tenacity of life, motivating a re-examination of other periods marked by climatic shifts and the potential for undiscovered diversity within them.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-big-picture">Big picture</h2>



<p>In simple terms, this research is about connecting the dots -- lots and lots of them. By drawing upon previous discoveries and using advanced techniques like single-cell transcriptomics, the researchers have unearthed a treasure of information about life 800 mya.</p>



<p>Under the aegis of the São Paulo Research Foundation (<a href="https://fapesp.br/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FAPESP</a>), this research has opened new doors in our understanding of Earth's history, specifically the Neoproterozoic Era. </p>



<p>“Our analysis of the data showed that a great diversity of lineages began to emerge in the period, one of which was animals and another fungi, possibly alongside plants,” Lahr concludes.</p>



<p>Such important research is proof of humanity's insatiable quest for knowledge, our endless fascination with life, its origins and evolution.</p>



<p>The story of Earth's past continues to be written, pieced together from fragments of data and fossils, a proof of the extraordinary journey of life. Who knows what we may unravel next?</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.pnas.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.</em></p>



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

Diverse life forms from 800 million years ago redefine evolution

What if our Earth, about 800 million years ago, was...

<p>Imagine a cosmic creature that blurs the lines between comets and distant icy objects. NASA has named these objects found roaming the outer reaches of our solar system "centaurs." </p>



<p>Astronomers are beginning to learn more about these mysterious bodies thanks to observations from NASA's James Webb Space Telescope.</p>



<p>Leading a recent study is Sara Faggi, a researcher at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. She's part of a team exploring one such object: <a href="https://youtu.be/SkDxFy3ri4M" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Centaur 29P/Schwassmann-Wachmann 1</a>, or simply 29P.</p>



<p>Using the powerful instruments aboard the <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/webb/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Webb Telescope</a>, Faggi and her colleagues have made discoveries that could change our understanding of these hybrid celestial bodies. </p>



<p>Their findings are helping scientists piece together the puzzle of our solar system's formation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-centaur-29p-a-cosmic-enigma">Centaur 29P: A cosmic enigma</h2>



<p>Centaurs in astronomy are named after the mythological creatures that are half-human, half-horse, symbolizing their hybrid nature. </p>



<p>Orbiting the Sun between Jupiter and Neptune, these objects are thought to be former <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rogue-star-zoomed-by-our-solar-system-disrupted-planetary-orbits-stretched-edges/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trans-Neptunian</a> bodies nudged inward by gravitational influences over the last few million years. </p>



<p>They're in a transitional phase, sharing characteristics with both the distant Kuiper Belt objects and short-period comets.</p>



<p>What's particularly fascinating about 29P is its highly active behavior. It experiences outbursts every six to eight weeks, making it one of the most active objects in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-carbon-ices-discovered-objects-beyond-neptune-kuiper-belt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">outer solar system</a>. </p>



<p>"Centaurs can be considered as some of the leftovers of our planetary system’s formation. Because they are stored at very cold temperatures, they preserve information about volatiles in the early stages of the solar system," explains Faggi, from <a href="https://www.american.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American University</a> in Washington, D.C</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-jets-found-on-centaur-29p">New jets found on Centaur 29P</h2>



<p>The team utilized Webb's Near-Infrared Spectrograph (<a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/webb/nirspec/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NIRSpec</a>) to gather data on 29P. They discovered a new jet of carbon monoxide (CO) and previously unseen jets of carbon dioxide (CO₂) gas. These observations offer new clues about the centaur's nucleus and its composition.</p>



<p>"Webb really opened the door to a resolution and sensitivity that was impressive to us -- when we saw the data for the first time, we were excited. We had never seen anything like this," Faggi says. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/centaur_29P-Schwassmann-Wachmann_outgassing_illustration_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/centaur_29P-Schwassmann-Wachmann_outgassing_illustration_1s.webp" alt="An artist’s concept of Centaur 29P/Schwassmann-Wachmann 1’s outgassing activity as seen from the side. While prior radio-wavelength observations showed a jet of gas pointed toward Earth, astronomers used NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope to gather additional insight on the front jet’s composition and noted three more jets of gas spewing from Centaur 29P’s surface. Credit: NASA" class="wp-image-1946681"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>An artist’s concept of Centaur 29P/Schwassmann-Wachmann 1’s outgassing activity as seen from the side. While prior radio-wavelength observations showed a jet of gas pointed toward Earth, astronomers used NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope to gather additional insight on the front jet’s composition and noted three more jets of gas spewing from Centaur 29P’s surface. Credit: NASA</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>The telescope's unique imaging and spectral capabilities revealed two jets of CO₂ emanating in the north and south directions, and another jet of CO pointing toward the north.</p>



<p>Interestingly, while they detected CO and CO₂, there was no indication of water vapor in the atmosphere of 29P. This absence could be related to the extremely cold temperatures present in this body, making it too chilly for water ice to sublimate.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-do-the-jets-tell-us">What do the jets tell us?</h2>



<p>Based on the data, the team created a 3D model of the jets to understand their orientation and origin. They found that the jets were emitted from different regions on the centaur's nucleus, even though the nucleus itself cannot be resolved by Webb.</p>



<p>"The fact that Centaur 29P has such dramatic differences in the abundance of CO and CO₂ across its surface suggests that 29P may be made of several pieces," says Geronimo Villanueva, co-author of the study at <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA's Goddard</a>. </p>



<p>"Maybe two pieces coalesced together and made this centaur, which is a mixture between very different bodies that underwent separate formation pathways."</p>



<p>This possibility challenges existing ideas about how primordial objects are created and stored in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-objects-spotted-in-the-outer-solar-system-beyond-pluto/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kuiper Belt</a>. </p>



<p>It suggests that 29P might be an aggregate of distinct objects with different compositions, adding another layer of complexity to our understanding.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-outbursts-and-outgassing">Outbursts and outgassing</h2>



<p>Understanding why 29P exhibits these bursts in brightness and outgassing activity is a key area of interest. In comets, jets are often driven by the outgassing of water. </p>



<p>However, centaurs are too cold for water ice to sublimate, which means the nature of their activity differs. This raises questions about the mechanisms driving their behavior.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/centaur_29P-Schwassmann-Wachmann_outgassing-diagram_Webb-telescope_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/centaur_29P-Schwassmann-Wachmann_outgassing-diagram_Webb-telescope_1s.webp" alt="A team of scientists used NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope’s spectrographic capabilities to gather data on Centaur 29P/Schwassmann-Wachmann 1, one of the most active objects in the outer solar system. The Webb data revealed never-before-seen features: two jets of carbon dioxide spewing in the north and south directions, and a jet of carbon monoxide pointing toward north. Credit: NASA" class="wp-image-1946683"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>A team of scientists used NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope’s spectrographic capabilities to gather data on Centaur 29P/Schwassmann-Wachmann 1, one of the most active objects in the outer solar system. The Webb data revealed never-before-seen features: two jets of carbon dioxide spewing in the north and south directions, and a jet of carbon monoxide pointing toward north. Credit: NASA</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>"We only had time to look at this object once, like a snapshot in time," notes Adam McKay, a co-author of the study at <a href="https://www.appstate.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Appalachian State University</a> in Boone, North Carolina. </p>



<p>"I’d like to go back and look at Centaur 29P over a much longer period of time. Do the jets always have that orientation? Is there perhaps another carbon monoxide jet that turns on at a different point in the rotation period?"</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-study-centaurs-and-29p">Why study centaurs and 29P?</h2>



<p>You might wonder, what's the big deal about these icy bodies floating way out there? Studying centaurs like 29P isn't just about satisfying curiosity. </p>



<p>These objects act like time capsules, preserving the conditions and materials from the early solar system. By understanding them, we can gain insights into how the planets, including Earth, came to be.</p>



<p>As scientists continue to study centaurs like 29P, they're hopeful that these findings will enhance our understanding of how the solar system formed and evolved. </p>



<p>The team is optimistic that applying these techniques to other centaurs will expand the astronomical community's knowledge.</p>



<p>By peering into these distant objects, we're essentially looking back in time to the early stages of our cosmic neighborhood. Each discovery brings us one step closer to unraveling the complex history of our solar system.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41550-024-02319-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a></em>.</p>



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Deep-space objects called 'centaurs continue to perplex NASA

Imagine a cosmic creature that blurs the lines between comets...

<p>Time is a fascinating concept, isn't it? If you ever got the feeling that days are getting longer, well, your instincts are spot-on. People in countries such as Australia will soon be switching to daylight saving time.</p>



<p>Just as Australia sets its clocks forward by an hour for summer, the United States will be rolling the clock back for fall.</p>



<p>The switch will not apply to everyone. Only around 70% of Aussies will be setting their clocks forward, embracing those extra hours of sunshine. In America, states including Arizona and Hawaii do not observe daylight saving time.</p>



<p>But why do we have longer days in summer and shorter days in winter?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tilted-earth-and-daylight-saving-time">Tilted Earth and daylight saving time</h2>



<p>Earth goes around the sun in an almost circular orbit. However, there's a tiny catch. The axis of our beloved Earth is tilted by 23.44 degrees in relation to its orbit around the sun.</p>



<p>As Earth makes its merry way around the sun, this tilt remains as is. So, regardless of Earth's position, the celestial stick stays at the same angle, unwavering in its tilted determination. This peculiar tilt is the reason behind our longer summer days and those cozy, shorter winter <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/daylight-saving-time-disrupts-diet-and-exercise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">days</a>.</p>



<p>The scenario gets interesting when you think about how this tilt affects each hemisphere differently. On one side of our orbit around the sun, the top of our metaphorical stick points towards the sun. This initiates summer in the Northern Hemisphere and winter in the Southern Hemisphere.</p>



<p>However, when Earth gets tired of this position and swaps sides, the bottom of the stick gets its time to shine (literally!) as it points towards the sun - ringing in winter for the North and summer for the South.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-winter-and-summer-solstice">Winter and summer solstice </h2>



<p>Remember the extremes we talked about when Earth is on either side of the sun? Those distinct points are known as the solstices. On June 21, Australians experience their shortest day of the year, while their longest day is on December 21.</p>



<p>In the time between these solstices lie the equinoxes, when day and night play fair and square, sharing the hours equally. </p>



<p>This equilibrium occurs when our celestial stick is perfectly "side-on" to the sun. In 2024, Australians can witness this balance on March 20 and September 22.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-length-of-a-day-on-earth">Length of a day on Earth</h2>



<p>Daylight <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/daylight-saving-time-has-little-influence-on-heart-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">saving</a> does a lot more than just rob us of an hour's sleep (and add to our coffee intake). It rearranges our hours to give us more daylight in the evenings, which works wonders for night owls but isn't the best news for morning larks.</p>



<p>This tilt of the Earth hasn't always been at 23.44 degrees. Our intelligent planet cycles its tilt from a minimum of 22.1 degrees to a maximum of 24.5 degrees every 41,000 years or so.</p>



<p>Additionally, our day length hasn't always been a precise 24 hours. The day duration shifts continually by minute amounts, tracked closely by a system of telescopes and satellites. </p>



<p>Interestingly, due to the moon's gravitational pull, the <a href="https://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEcat5/secular.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">length of our day</a> is increasing by about 2.3 milliseconds every century.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-daylight-saving-time">Impact of daylight saving time</h2>



<p>The cyclical changes in daylight and seasons have profound implications on human activities, affecting societal rhythms, agriculture, and even mood. </p>



<p>Historically, longer daylight hours helped farmers maximize their crops by increasing the time available for tending to fields. Similarly, industries that rely on natural light benefit from reduced energy costs during these extended periods. </p>



<p>Psychologically, the abundance of sunlight in the summer months is linked to elevated levels of vitamin D and enhanced mood, often resulting in increased productivity and well-being. </p>



<p>Conversely, the shorter days of winter can lead to seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in some individuals, a testament to the powerful influence of natural light on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/daylight-saving-time-causes-unhealthy-lifestyle-choices/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human health and behavior</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-daylight-saving-time">Future of daylight saving time</h2>



<p>Debates continue regarding the efficacy and relevance of daylight saving time (DST) in today's world. </p>



<p>Proponents argue that DST conserves energy by reducing the need for artificial lighting in the evenings, consequently lowering electricity consumption. </p>



<p>However, critics question its practical benefits, citing disruptions to human circadian rhythms and the limited energy savings in modern societies that operate less on solar time. Globally, the stance on DST remains divided, with some countries abandoning the practice altogether. </p>



<p>As technology advances and societies evolve, the future of daylight saving time may rest upon weighing its traditional purposes against the realities of contemporary life.</p>



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Do we actually benefit from daylight saving time?

Time is a fascinating concept, isn't it? If you ever...

<p>We often discuss the environmental and economic impacts of climate change, but rarely do we explore its social repercussions.</p>



<p>In a recent study, researchers have uncovered a chilling link between climate change and increased violence against women.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intimate-partner-violence">Intimate partner violence </h2>



<p>The study sought to understand how various climate shocks, including storms, landslides and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-outrun-the-flood-risks-of-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">floods</a>, might contribute to an escalation in intimate partner violence (IPV) in the two years following the event. </p>



<p>The team analyzed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/maternal-mortality-the-overlooked-needs-of-mothers-after-childbirth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">intimate partner violence</a> data from thousands of surveys conducted across 156 countries over a span of 26 years. Intimate partner violence is defined as any physical and/or sexual violence within the past year.</p>



<p>The shocking conclusion? There is a significant correlation between certain climate shocks and increased instances of intimate partner violence.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lack-of-consistent-data">Lack of consistent data</h2>



<p>Interestingly, not all types of climate shocks showed a clear connection to IPV. For example, earthquakes and wildfires did not seem to have the same effect. </p>



<p>The reasons for these different impacts remain unclear. The research team suggested the possibility of varying timeframes for the impacts of different types of climate shocks on violence levels. </p>



<p>However, a lack of available data for a period longer than two years posed a challenge in investigating this theory.</p>



<p>The lack of consistent data prompted a strong recommendation from the researchers for more regular data collection concerning <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/severe-weather-will-increase-violence-against-women/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">violence against women</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-shocks-and-increased-violence">Climate shocks and increased violence</h2>



<p>Study lead author Professor Jenevieve Mannell from <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/global-health" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCL Institute for Global Health</a> highlighted the urgency of the matter. </p>



<p>"Existing evidence has found that when a woman experiences a climate-related event, she is more likely to experience violence in some countries and for some types of violence, but not others," said Professor Mannell.</p>



<p>"We set out to explore what was happening at a national level to help inform international climate change policy."</p>



<p>The study, which was a collaborative effort with researchers from the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a>, South African Medical Research Council, and the <a href="https://www.unc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill</a>, also revealed that countries with a higher GDP showed lower rates of intimate partner violence.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-than-just-an-environmental-crisis">More than just an environmental crisis</h2>



<p>According to Professor Mannell, a cascade of triggers may be responsible for escalating violence in the aftermath of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/thunderstorms-are-becoming-more-intense-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate shocks</a>. </p>



<p>Increased <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stress-eats-away-our-brains-cognitive-defenses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stress</a>, food insecurity, overload of social services, and inadequate disaster relief shelters can all contribute to an environment where violence against women becomes more likely.</p>



<p>The frequency and severity of these events are heightened in countries with patriarchal gender norms, where violence against women is often normalized.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-and-women-s-protection">Climate change and women's protection</h2>



<p>Despite the grim findings, the researchers believe that appropriate climate mitigation and adaptation efforts can play a significant role in reducing violence against women. </p>



<p>They recommended including "violence against women" in the climate change commitments of countries and allocating finances to address it.</p>



<p>Samoa and Fiji are cited as examples, having already developed Climate Change Gender Action Plans. </p>



<p>The experts also suggested that the potential for increased violence against women should be considered in countries' disaster planning processes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-is-a-human-crisis">Climate change is a human crisis</h2>



<p>This research highlights the pressing need for a comprehensive approach to combat climate change - one that addresses its environmental, economic, societal, and now the emerging gendered impacts. It serves as a call for us to treat climate change not just as an environmental crisis but a human crisis.</p>



<p>Governments and international organizations must collaborate to ensure that climate adaptation and mitigation strategies are inclusive of gender-specific concerns.</p>



<p>Global initiatives such as the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which emphasize gender equality and climate action, offer an ideal platform for integrating these findings into policy discussions. </p>



<p>By incorporating climate change’s gendered effects into disaster risk management, countries can better protect vulnerable populations from cascading risks such as food insecurity, economic instability, and intimate partner violence.</p>



<p>This is not just a call for immediate relief efforts but a long-term vision where gender-responsive climate policies become the norm. Addressing climate change and violence against women is critical to creating resilient, equitable societies.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://journals.plos.org/climate/article?id=10.1371/journal.pclm.0000478" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS Climate</a></em>.</p>



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Climate change linked to increased violence against women

We often discuss the environmental and economic impacts of climate...

<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>



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<p>—–</p>

Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<p>—–</p>

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What caused the planet's longest ice age

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<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>



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<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>



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



<p></p>

Social modeling affects our food choices

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists discover we age in bursts

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists solve the mystery of tickling

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>



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



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

Retired professor claims he solved time travel

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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



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



<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...

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



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



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



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



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



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> describes a new self-powered nanosensor that can instantly detect mercury contamination with the tap of a finger.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The oxidized form of mercury can be harmful when it is ingested through contaminated water or food. This makes it necessary for experts to develop sensors that can quickly and accurately detect the presence of mercury.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Zong-Hong Lin and colleagues have now created a triboelectric nanosensor (TENS) that can detect mercury by simply by touching a sample. According to the researchers, their TENS could serve as the basis for similar devices to safely and remotely monitor other pollutants.</p>



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



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



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Kainji Lake, a reservoir on the Niger River.</p>



<p>In 1968, Kainji Lake was created by the construction of the Kainji Dam. The Niger River, the third longest in Africa, enters the lake in the north.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rivers-in-the-american-west-are-a-lifesaving-resource-for-birds/">ESA</a>, the creation of the lake submerged Foge Island and the town of Bussa and permanently flooded other riverine settlements, leaving around 50,000 people displaced.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Large parts of Foge Island are temporarily exposed during low water tides, and the land is often used by migrating fishermen. Kainji Dam is a dam across the Niger River in Niger State of Central Nigeria. </p>



<p>Wild mammals occur at relatively low densities due to illegal hunting. Lake Kainji has suffered a dramatic decline as a fishery due to the high numbers of artisanal and subsistence fisherfolk using the lake. It has been suggested that a period of closure, together with controlled fishing rights may help improve fish stocks.</p>



<p>Kainji Lake National Park is the oldest of its kind in Nigeria. The park contains three distinct areas: a part of the Kainji Lake, the Borgu Game Reserve to the west of the lake, and the Zugurma Game Reserve to the southeast. The park is home to around 65 mammal species, 350 bird species, and 30 species of reptiles and amphibians. </p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;</em></p>



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



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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