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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

How smell tricks the brain into tasting flavors

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

<p>Imagine this: a future where the secret to youthful cognitive vibrancy lies in the sugars we consume. Sound too good to be true? Well, the latest research from Stanford Medicine suggests that there may be more to this than meets the eye. </p>



<p>Glucose, a simple sugar molecule that plays an essential role in our bodies, might just be the key to understanding the aging brain’s ability to produce new neurons.</p>



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



<p>As we grow older, our brains, like the rest of our bodies, begin to slow down. This aging decline is especially evident in the brain's ability to produce fresh neurons - a process known as neurogenesis.</p>



<p>Reduced neurogenesis impacts our minds significantly, from memory loss to the exacerbation of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/diabetes-drugs-may-protect-against-dementia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neurodegenerative diseases</a> such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. </p>



<p>But why exactly does this happen? A research team led by Dr. Anne Brunet, a genetics professor at <a href="https://www.stanford.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford</a>, embarked on a journey to investigate.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glucose-and-brain-aging">Glucose and brain aging </h2>



<p>The team used high precision CRISPR technology for extensive genetic screening. The goal was to identify any genes that could potentially get the dormant neural stem cells in aged mice back in action.</p>



<p>The results were a revelation. Of the 300 genes discovered, one emerged a standout: the Slc2a4 gene, which codes for the glucose transporter protein GLUT4.</p>



<p>“We first found 300 genes that had this ability- which is a lot,” noted Dr. Brunet. “One in particular caught our attention. It was the gene for the glucose transporter known as the GLUT4 protein, suggesting that&nbsp;elevated glucose levels&nbsp;in and around old neural stem cells could be keeping those cells inactive.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-the-lab-to-real-life">From the lab to real life</h2>



<p>The researchers then moved their study from the test tube to the animal kingdom. Using a novel in vivo screening technique, they experimented on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/junk-food-diet-triggers-lasting-changes-in-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brains</a> of aged mice. </p>



<p>The experts injected viruses carrying instructions to suppress specific genes directly into a region rich in neural stem cells. Five weeks in, the results were promising.</p>



<p>Knocking out the Slc2a4 gene increased new neuron production in the mice's olfactory bulbs by over two times. </p>



<p>Interestingly, this did not only happen in the olfactory bulbs but also in the subventricular zone - a region brimming with neural stem cells. This indicated that the treatment was stimulating the very population of stem cells.</p>



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



<p>Subsequent investigation revealed that neural stem cells from the older mice consumed twice as much glucose as those from the younger mice. </p>



<p>This increased glucose absorption seemed to push the stem cells into a more dormant state. By removing Slc2a4 and reducing glucose influx, the aged stem cells had a higher probability of activating and producing new neurons.</p>



<p>The connection to the glucose transporter unveils exciting directions for future interventions. Dr. Brunet described it as a "hopeful finding," implying that it could lead to the creation of pharmaceutical or genetic therapies that stimulate new neuron growth in aged or injured brains. </p>



<p>The research also paves the way for straightforward behavioral interventions like a low carbohydrate diet that might limit the glucose amount absorbed by old neural stem cells.</p>



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



<p>While this research has certainly taken a significant step forward in understanding brain aging and regeneration, it is important to emphasize that it was conducted in mice.</p>



<p>Further research is needed to determine if these findings hold true in humans and to investigate the long-term side effects of manipulating glucose intake.</p>



<p>However, with Dr. Brunet's research, we have promising new targets for developing therapies, specifically targeting GLUT4 and other key regulators of neural stem cells.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-therapeutic-potential-of-glucose-for-the-brain">Therapeutic potential of glucose for the brain</h2>



<p>As the research progresses, understanding the interaction between glucose and neural stem cells in humans becomes paramount. </p>



<p>The insights gained from manipulating glucose pathways in mice provide a tantalizing glimpse into future applications for enhancing human brain health. </p>



<p>Potential therapies could include precise genetic targeting of the GLUT4 pathway or dietary modifications to fine-tune glucose levels, ensuring an optimal environment for neurogenesis. </p>



<p>This approach holds promise for counteracting the cognitive decline associated with aging, and also for rehabilitating brain function following injury or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/type-2-diabetes-heightens-alzheimers-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">disease</a>.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07972-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a></em>.</p>



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



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



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



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

Glucose: The sweet secret to a younger brain?

Imagine this: a future where the secret to youthful cognitive...

<p>Bird migration is a fascinating phenomenon that's been puzzling scientists for years. It turns out, the influence of environmental conditions faced by birds in their winter homes significantly influence their spring migration and consequent breeding season survival rates.</p>



<p>This discovery, thanks to researchers at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI), paves a new direction in our understanding of bird survival and conservation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-do-we-know-about-bird-migration">What do we know about bird migration?</h2>



<p>Scientists already knew that winter habitat quality has some influence on migration timing and the breeding success of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-migration-is-influenced-by-social-relationships/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migratory birds</a>. </p>



<p>However, this latest study marks the first instance where winter conditions have been linked directly to migration survival rates - particularly for the Kirtland’s warbler and the black-throated blue warbler.</p>



<p>For both species, diminished vegetation and reduced rainfall in their Caribbean non-breeding habitats resulted in fewer birds surviving the spring migration. </p>



<p>In the case of Kirtland’s warblers, the poor quality of winter habitat also reduced survival in the following breeding season.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-birds-ability-to-survive-migration">Birds' ability to survive migration</h2>



<p>As climate change ramps up in the coming decades, Caribbean habitats are expected to become drier - causing migratory bird species to face even greater challenges. Why and how does all this matter?</p>



<p>“If winter habitat quality continues to degrade over the next half-century due to climate change, we can now say that it will reduce birds’ ability to survive spring migration," said study lead author Nathan Cooper, a research ecologist at <a href="https://nationalzoo.si.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NZCBI</a>.</p>



<p>"That knowledge can help us prioritize conservation measures on the most drought-resistant non-breeding grounds."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conditions-before-spring-migration">Conditions before spring migration</h2>



<p>Back in 2017, Cooper and his team set out to investigate how environmental conditions on non-breeding grounds affect survival during spring <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-migratory-birds-navigate-with-such-accuracy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migration</a> and on the breeding grounds. </p>



<p>The catch? GPS tags, the perfect tool to track individual birds continuously, are too heavy to attach to most songbirds. So, the researchers had to rely on lighter devices, like radio transmitters, which only reveal a bird’s location when a receiver is within 6 to 10 miles.</p>



<p>On the other hand, Kirtland’s warblers offered a distinct opportunity as nearly the entire population breeds in a relatively small part of Michigan. This allowed the researchers to track down the same individual birds tagged in their non-breeding habitat in the Bahamas.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-migratory-bird-survival-rates">Migratory bird survival rates</h2>



<p>The team analyzed three years of radio tracking data from 136 tagged Kirtland’s warblers to estimate their survival rate across their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/blackbirds-reveal-the-true-energy-costs-of-migrating/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migration</a> and its relation to environmental factors.</p>



<p>The experts also used a statistical technique developed by study co-author Scott Sillett to indirectly estimate migratory survival rates for black-throated blue warblers.</p>



<p>With 14 years of capture-recapture data from their New Hampshire breeding grounds and non-breeding grounds in Jamaica, the researchers refined Sillett’s methods.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-can-birds-survive-poor-conditions">Can birds survive poor conditions?</h2>



<p>Regardless of the methodology, both species of warblers showed lower survival rates during migration compared to birds stationary periods. </p>



<p>Poor winter habitat conditions such as drought or reduced vegetative productivity, led to lower survival rates during spring migration and sometimes in the following breeding season as well.</p>



<p>The most significant breakthrough of this study? It's the first direct evidence of this type of carry-over effect on survival during migration. </p>



<p>With this discovery, scientists can now reliably estimate survival during migration versus stationary periods. A crucial step towards figuring out when, where, and how birds are dying throughout the year, according to Cooper.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-supporting-migratory-birds">Supporting migratory birds</h2>



<p>However, Cooper emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach. It's still unclear whether deaths during migration are the leading cause of mortality or simply one of several factors.</p>



<p>Cooper and co-authors Clark Rushing from the <a href="https://www.uga.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Georgia</a> and Scott Yanco from the <a href="https://umich.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Michigan</a> have received a four-year grant from the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service’s Great Lakes Restoration Act to build full annual-cycle population models for Kirtland’s warblers. </p>



<p>This model will prove invaluable for the conservation of other declining migratory species.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2024.09.015." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.</em></p>



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



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



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



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

Birds struggle to survive spring migration after bad winters

Bird migration is a fascinating phenomenon that's been puzzling scientists...

<p>As global temperatures rise, scientists are increasingly studying how plants adapt to these changing conditions, paying particular attention to tiny structures known as stomata.</p>



<p>These micro-pores, located on leaf surfaces, play a vital role in regulating water loss, facilitating gas exchange, and managing carbon dioxide intake for photosynthesis and growth.</p>



<p>Stomata serve as the plant’s natural cooling system. During heatwaves, these pores respond by widening, allowing the plant to release water vapor and cool down, ensuring it survives the elevated temperatures and continues functioning effectively.</p>



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



<p>However, for more than a century, researchers have been stumped by the intricate processes behind this stomatal "breathing" and have struggled to understand the genetic and molecular mechanisms behind transpiration processes in response to heat. </p>



<p>In a new study from the <a href="https://biology.ucsd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California San Diego School of Biological Sciences</a>, led by PhD student Nattiwong Pankasem and Professor Julian Schroeder, scientists have uncovered new details about these plant mechanisms.</p>



<p>The findings, published in the journal <em>New Phytologist</em>, highlight two genetic pathways plants use to handle increasing temperatures.</p>



<p>“With <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-temperatures-increase-scientists-plan-slow-down-rising-heat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">increasing global temperatures</a>, there’s obviously a threat to agriculture with the impact of heat waves,” said Schroeder. </p>



<p>“This research describes the discovery that rising temperatures cause stomatal opening by one genetic pathway, but if the heat steps up even further, then there’s another mechanism that kicks in to increase stomatal opening.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-two-pathways-to-stomatal-opening">Two pathways to stomatal opening</h2>



<p>The researchers discovered that as temperatures rise, one genetic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-sheds-light-on-the-pathways-of-plant-regeneration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pathway</a> primarily controls stomatal opening to regulate water loss and gas exchange. </p>



<p>But as the heat intensifies beyond a certain threshold, a second, more robust pathway steps in to further increase stomatal opening, enhancing the plant's ability to cool itself under extreme conditions.</p>



<p>This discovery provides insights into how plants manage their internal temperatures, enabling them to survive even in the face of escalating global warming.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complexity-of-plant-heat-responses">Complexity of plant heat responses</h2>



<p>Deciphering these mechanisms has long been a challenge due to the complexity of separating temperature and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humidity-increases-urban-heat-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">humidity</a> responses. </p>



<p>Pankasem solved this problem by developing a novel method for clamping the vapor pressure difference (VPD) of leaves to fixed values as temperatures rise. </p>



<p>This allowed the research team to tease out the genetic mechanisms of stomatal temperature responses, including the role of blue-light sensors, drought hormones, carbon dioxide sensors, and temperature-sensitive proteins.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stomatal-responses-in-action">Stomatal responses in action</h2>



<p>Pankasem and his colleagues examined the genetic responses in two <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/thousands-of-plant-species-remain-unphotographed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant species</a>: <em>Arabidopsis thaliana</em>, a weed species, and <em>Brachypodium distachyon</em>, a flowering plant related to key grain crops such as wheat, maize, and rice. </p>



<p>The team discovered that carbon dioxide sensors play a pivotal role in the stomatal response to heat. </p>



<p>As leaves warm, these sensors trigger an increase in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/key-to-life-on-earth-photosynthesis-begins-on-the-quantum-level-with-a-single-photon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photosynthesis</a>, reducing carbon dioxide levels and causing stomatal pores to open. This allows the plant to take in more carbon dioxide and benefit from enhanced photosynthesis.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-second-heat-response-in-plants">A second heat response in plants</h2>



<p>Under extreme heat, however, photosynthesis slows and the stomatal heat response bypasses the carbon dioxide sensor system. This triggers the secondary heat response pathway to open the stomata and cool the plant.</p>



<p>“The impact of the second mechanism, in which plants open their stomata without gaining benefits from photosynthesis would result in a reduction in water use efficiency of crop plants,” said Pankasem. </p>



<p>“Based on our study, plants are likely to demand more water per unit of CO2 taken in, which could directly affect irrigation planning and hydrological cycles in response to global warming.”</p>



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



<p>“This work shows the importance of curiosity-driven, fundamental research in helping to address societal challenges, build resiliency in key areas like agriculture, and, potentially, advance the bioeconomy,” noted Richard Cyr, a program director at the U.S. National Science Foundation.</p>



<p>With these findings in hand, Pankasem and Schroeder are now turning their focus toward understanding the molecular and genetic mechanisms behind the secondary heat response system. This could lead to new strategies for reducing water consumption in agriculture amidst rising global temperatures.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/nph.20121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Phytologist</a></em>.</p>



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



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



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



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



<p></p>

Plants have a secret 'breathing' strategy in response to heat

As global temperatures rise, scientists are increasingly studying how plants...

<p>Have you ever stopped to ponder how a gecko might experience the world? For the longest time, we believed that we had a good grasp on how animals like geckos hear and feel their surroundings.</p>



<p>But recent research from the University of Maryland is challenging that notion, revealing a surprise twist in our understanding of animal hearing.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hearing-mechanism-of-geckos">Hearing mechanism of geckos</h2>



<p>The research, published in the journal <em>Current Biology</em>, uncovers a hidden "sixth sense" in geckos.</p>



<p>This sixth sense enables geckos to detect low-frequency vibrations using a part of their inner ear called the saccule, previously associated only with maintaining balance and body positioning.</p>



<p>The intriguing discovery challenges long-standing theories about animal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birds-have-regional-accents-just-like-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sensory systems</a>, suggesting that this alternate hearing mechanism may not be exclusive to geckos, and could be present in other reptilian species as well.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-geckos-detect-vibrations">Geckos detect vibrations</h2>



<p>Study co-author Catherine Carr, a professor of biology at <a href="https://umd.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UMD</a>, elaborated on the findings.</p>



<p>"The ear, as we know it, hears airborne sound. But this ancient inner pathway, which is typically linked to balance, helps geckos detect vibrations that travel through mediums like the ground or water," said Professor Carr.</p>



<p>The saccule is sensitive enough to detect vibrations ranging from 50 and 200 Hz - well below what geckos usually perceive through their ears. This suggests that the saccule serves a distinctive, yet complementary role to the geckos' regular auditory system.</p>



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



<p>Study lead author Dawei Han is a postdoctoral researcher and former graduate student at UMD.</p>



<p>"A lot of snakes and lizards were thought to be 'mute' or 'deaf' in the sense that they do not vocalize sounds or hear sounds well. But it turns out they could potentially be communicating via vibrational signals using this sensory pathway instead," explained Han.</p>



<p>This shared sensory pathway in modern reptiles provides fascinating insights into the evolutionary history of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amazon-birds-use-sophisticated-thermoregulation-strategies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vertebrate</a> sensory systems. </p>



<p>It suggests that the transition from aquatic to terrestrial environments likely involved more intricate and gradual changes in hearing mechanisms than previously assumed.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hearing-and-balance-in-humans">Hearing and balance in humans</h2>



<p>While these findings may not directly relate to humans, the researchers emphasize the potential for hidden complexities. </p>



<p>“Think about when you’re at a live rock concert,” said Carr. “It’s so loud that you can feel your whole head and body vibrate in the sound field."</p>



<p>"You can feel the music, rather than just hearing it. That feeling suggests that the human vestibular system may be stimulated during those loud concerts, meaning our sense of hearing and balance may also be linked closely.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>Carr and Han hope that their findings will trigger further research into mammalian hearing, especially in relation to this sensory pathway.</p>



<p>The researchers believe that recognizing the link between hearing and balance can lead to a better understanding of disorders related to human hearing and balance.</p>



<p>"The implications of this research extend beyond the world of reptiles," said Han. "As we uncover these hidden mechanisms, we’re also gaining a richer and more nuanced picture of how animals perceive and interact with their environments - and potentially, new insights into our own sensory experiences."</p>



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



<p>The research also has significant implications for conservation efforts and the study of animal hearing and behavior. Understanding the gecko's unconventional sensory capabilities can lead to better strategies for conserving reptilian habitats.</p>



<p>By recognizing the importance of vibrational communication, researchers and conservationists can ensure that environments are preserved or restored with these sensory experiences in mind. </p>



<p>This knowledge could also influence the way we interpret interactions within ecosystems, offering new insights into how reptiles engage with their surroundings, potentially altering our approach to studying their behavior.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expanding-sensory-research">Expanding sensory research</h2>



<p>The discovery prompts a widespread reconsideration of sensory research across various species. By exploring the evolutionary roots and biological functions of unique sensory pathways, scientists can uncover new dimensions of perception that may have been previously overlooked. </p>



<p>The research broadens the scientific community’s understanding of animal physiology. It also encourages interdisciplinary research, bringing together experts in biology, ecology, and physiology to further explore how these systems have evolved.</p>



<p>The hope is that such collaborations may inspire innovative applications in technology and medicine, simulating vibrational sensors for use in prosthetics or robotics.</p>



<p>Who would have thought that the humble gecko could teach us so much about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mammals-evolved-similar-inner-ears-despite-different-ancestry/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animal hearing</a> and sensory perception? This could be just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to our understanding of animal hearing.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0960982224012272" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.</em></p>



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



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



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



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

Geckos have a hidden 'sixth sense' linked to hearing

Have you ever stopped to ponder how a gecko might...

<p>With a maximum depth of 925 feet, the expansive waters of Lake Michigan have always held a sense of mystery and intrigue. Recent research expeditions have revealed a new puzzling surprise: a series of huge craters scattered across the bottom of the lake, which were first noticed in 2022.</p>



<p>The craters were initially discovered during a mission to map the lakebed inside of a protected sanctuary that has been the site of many shipwrecks.&nbsp;These peculiar circles appeared on the sonar images, hinting at natural formations rather than anything human-made.</p>



<p>"Any kind of new discovery in the Great Lakes is exciting<em>,"</em>&nbsp;said Russ Green, who led the mapping project. "But these features really stand out - they are in deeper water and weren't known before, as far as we can tell."</p>



<p>Brendon Baillod, a dedicated shipwreck hunter, also spotted the circles while searching for a sunken freighter. He was convinced the circles were craters.</p>



<p>"There were dozens of them in our search grid," said Baillod. "Most were 500 to 1,000 feet in diameter and of irregular shapes."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-craters-in-lake-michigan">Hidden craters in Lake Michigan</h2>



<p>After processing data from the initial mapping project, Green and Baillod reached out to scientists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (<a href="https://www.noaa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NOAA</a>) Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL) for expertise.</p>



<p>The teams joined forces to investigate the mysterious circles further. In 2022, they conducted a detailed survey using a remotely operated vehicle, establishing each circle as a natural, enormous crater. </p>



<p>Their tally reached approximately 40, with all of the craters extending southwards from a point southeast of Sheboygan, Wisconsin towards Port Washington.</p>



<p>Steve Ruberg, a GLERL researcher, described the craters as "perfect, little circles" on the lakebed. The team, however, believes that there may be more&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/freya-castle-rock-with-black-and-white-stripes-found-on-mars-has-nasa-excited/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">craters</a>&nbsp;hidden in the depths of Lake Michigan.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sinkholes-or-craters">Sinkholes or craters?</h2>



<p>These formations bear a striking resemblance to sinkholes previously found at the bottom of Lake Huron, which borders Michigan and Canada.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Sinkholes typically form when groundwater dissolves bedrock, causing the top layer to collapse.&nbsp;Given Lake Michigan's limestone base, which is susceptible to dissolution, the consensus leans towards these features being sinkholes.</p>



<p>However, some researchers, such as Baillod, prefer the term craters until more empirical evidence surfaces. </p>



<p>"I think they might be more accurately called craters, which have formed in the deep bottom sediment due either to water upwelling from below or trapped hydrocarbon offgassing," said Baillod.</p>



<p>The recent survey did not show any signs of water escaping from the holes. This suggests that&nbsp;groundwater&nbsp;is circulating beneath the lakebed.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>Submerged life thrives in these craters, with small fish, freshwater shrimp, and invasive quagga mussels "doing their thing in the dark down there," said Ruberg.</p>



<p>The exact implications of these craters for Lake Michigan and its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/monetary-value-ecosystems-nature-conservation-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystem</a>&nbsp;are not yet clear. Nonetheless, there is an air of anticipation and curiosity among the researchers.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"We'll be exploring them for years to come to learn more, and sort out how they got there and what role they play in Lake Michigan's ecosystem," said Green.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-lake-michigan">Significance of Lake Michigan</h2>



<p>Lake Michigan is the only&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/video/the-great-lakes-of-north-america/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Great Lake</a>&nbsp;entirely within U.S. borders, and stands as a vital pillar of North America’s environmental and cultural heritage.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Spanning over 22,000 square miles, it touches four states - Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan - and nurtures a rich and complex ecosystem.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Native species such as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/invasive-species-can-drastically-alter-food-webs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lake trout</a>&nbsp;and whitefish thrive here, while invasive quagga mussels challenge the lake's ecological balance.</p>



<p>Shaped by glaciers some 10,000 years ago, the lake's limestone basin tells the story of a dynamic geological past.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-exploration-of-the-great-lakes">Future exploration of the Great Lakes</h2>



<p>The recent Lake Michigan discoveries, including large craters on its lakebed, are shedding new light on its ancient formation and evolution and offering exciting clues about how this massive&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/freshwater-habitats-help-to-protect-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">freshwater</a>&nbsp;body came to be.</p>



<p>Lake Michigan's importance extends beyond its geology. It serves as a lifeline for millions, supporting recreation, commerce, and acting as a crucial source of freshwater.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The mysteries hidden in the depths of Lake Michigan highlight its dynamic and ever-changing nature, and there is still much more to learn. In fact, across all five Great Lakes collectively, only about 15 percent of the lakebed has been mapped in high resolution. </p>



<p>Scientists have said that we know more about the surface of Mars than the floor of the Great Lakes.</p>



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



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



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



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

Mysterious craters found in the bottom of Lake Michigan

With a maximum depth of 925 feet, the expansive waters...

<p>For decades, amphibians around the world, especially frogs, have been facing a crisis of epic proportions, with entire species vanishing faster than we can say "ribbit." The solution? Would you believe frog saunas?</p>



<p>A team of innovative researchers has hopped onto the scene with a surprisingly simple solution they have named "frog saunas," that might just turn the tide in this ecological disaster.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meet-the-villain-chytridiomycosis">Meet the villain: Chytridiomycosis</h2>



<p>Chytridiomycosis refers to a devastating fungal disease that's been wreaking havoc on amphibian <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/frogs-have-a-third-eye-for-direct-light-sensing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">populations</a> globally.</p>



<p>Dr. Anthony Waddle, a Schmidt Science Fellow at <a href="https://www.mq.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Macquarie University</a>'s Applied BioSciences, emphasized the significance of his team's research.</p>



<p>"In the 25 years since chytrid was identified as a major cause of the global collapse of amphibian populations, our results are the first to provide a simple, inexpensive and widely applicable strategy to buffer frogs against this disease," said Dr. Waddle.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-frog-population-declines">Global frog population declines </h2>



<p>The numbers are alarming. Chytridiomycosis has already driven at least six <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-frog-day-addressing-environmental-threats-to-frogs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">frog species</a> to extinction in Australia alone and threatens dozens more worldwide.</p>



<p>Globally, the damage is even more severe as 90 species have gone extinct or are presumed extinct in the wild and another 124 species have declined in number by more than 90 percent.</p>



<p>Take the green and golden bell frog (Litoria aurea), for instance. This striking amphibian has disappeared from more than 90 percent of its former native range in Australia. </p>



<p>It is clear that without intervention, we might be looking at a future where these fascinating creatures exist only in picture books.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-frog-saunas-to-the-rescue">Frog saunas to the rescue</h2>



<p>Now, here's where things get interesting. In a collaboration with researchers from the <a href="https://www.unimelb.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Melbourne</a>, the Macquarie team has unveiled a surprisingly simple yet effective weapon in the fight against chytridiomycosis: heat.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/frog-sauna_warmer-environment_UArkansas_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/frog-sauna_warmer-environment_UArkansas_1s.webp" alt="The frog sauna, which provides an artificially warmer hangout for frogs. Credit: Anthony Waddle/University of Arkansas" class="wp-image-1946491"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>The frog sauna, which provides an artificially warmer hangout for frogs. Credit: Anthony Waddle/University of Arkansas</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>"The whole thing is like a mini med spa for frogs," said Dr. Waddle, painting a vivid picture of their innovative solution. But what exactly are these amphibian wellness centers?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-science-behind-the-sauna">Science behind the sauna</h2>



<p>The researchers developed artificial 'hotspot' shelters using readily available materials like bricks and PVC greenhouses. </p>



<p>These structures create warm environments where frogs can raise their body temperature to levels that are uncomfortable for the chytrid fungus.</p>



<p>"In these simple little hotspots, frogs can go and heat up their bodies to a temperature that destroys the infections," explained Dr. Waddle. </p>



<p>It's like a natural antibiotic treatment, but instead of popping pills, the frogs just need to bask in their personal saunas.</p>



<p>The results were remarkable. When frogs shifted to these hotspot shelters, chytrid infections were reduced significantly. </p>



<p>This simple intervention could have far-reaching benefits for amphibian conservation efforts worldwide.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implementing-the-solution">Implementing the solution</h2>



<p>One of the most exciting aspects of this discovery is its potential for widespread application. </p>



<p>"Chytrid isn't going away, but our behavioral ecology intervention can help endangered amphibians co-exist with chytridiomycosis in their ecosystems," noted Professor Rick Shine from Macquarie University's <a href="https://www.mq.edu.au/faculty-of-science-and-engineering/departments-and-schools/school-of-natural-sciences" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">School of Natural Sciences</a>.</p>



<p>The beauty of this solution lies in its simplicity. These 'hotspot' shelters are easy to reproduce and can be scaled up with community involvement. </p>



<p>It's not often that a conservation strategy comes along that's both highly effective and easily implementable, but the frog sauna ticks both boxes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-acquired-immunity-after-frog-saunas">Acquired immunity after frog saunas</h2>



<p>The study revealed another fascinating aspect of this heat treatment. Frogs who survive a chytrid infection can develop a form of acquired immunity, making them more resistant to future infections.</p>



<p>"Lowering mortality rates and boosting their immunity to chytrid is the key to protecting amphibians from this disease, which is now endemic around the world," said Dr. Waddle.</p>



<p>It's like a natural vaccination program, with the frogs' own immune systems learning to fight off the fungal invader.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-you-can-help">How you can help</h2>



<p>The good news is that this solution is perfect for community involvement. Here are a few ideas:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-volunteer-with-local-conservation-groups">Volunteer with local conservation groups</h3>



<p>Get involved with local conservation organizations to build and maintain frog saunas in your area. </p>



<p>These are specially designed habitats that help protect frogs from the deadly chytrid fungus by creating warm, humid environments that inhibit the fungus's growth. </p>



<p>Your hands-on work can make a significant difference in creating safe havens for these amphibians.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-educate-others-about-frog-saunas">Educate others about frog saunas</h3>



<p>Spread awareness about the chytrid fungus and the importance of amphibian conservation. Host workshops, give talks at schools or community centers, or use social media to share information. </p>



<p>The more people know about the threats frogs face and the solutions available, the greater the collective impact.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-create-frog-friendly-spaces">Create frog-friendly spaces</h3>



<p>Transform your own backyard into a sanctuary for frogs by creating shallow ponds and planting native vegetation. </p>



<p>Shallow ponds provide breeding grounds and habitats, while native plants offer shelter and food. This small-scale conservation effort can support local frog populations and contribute to biodiversity.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-support-research-and-conservation-efforts">Support research and conservation efforts</h3>



<p>Donate to organizations dedicated to amphibian research and conservation. Financial support helps fund critical research, habitat restoration projects, and conservation initiatives. </p>



<p>Additionally, participate in citizen science projects where you can collect data on local frog populations, helping scientists monitor and protect these species.</p>



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



<p>While the frog sauna is a significant breakthrough, it's important to remember that it's not a silver bullet. </p>



<p>"This research has great potential to be extrapolated to other endangered frog species threatened by chytridiomycosis, and demonstrates the value of cross-disciplinary and cross-institutional collaboration in tackling this global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/puddle-frogs-have-a-secret-weapon-against-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">problem</a>," noted Professor Lee Skerratt.</p>



<p>The fight against chytridiomycosis is far from over, but for the first time in decades, we have a real reason to be hopeful. </p>



<p>As we continue to develop and implement innovative solutions like the frog sauna, we inch closer to a future where the chorus of frogs remains a vibrant part of our global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wood-frogs-achieved-significant-biological-evolution-25-years-salt-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystem</a>.</p>



<p>So the next time you hear a frog croak, remember: it might just be thanking you for its spa day. Who knew saving the world could be so... ribbiting?</p>



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



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



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



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

'Frog saunas' are a hot solution to the global amphibian apocalypse

For decades, amphibians around the world, especially frogs, have been...

Artist’s impression of a sub-Earth-mass planet orbiting Barnar

<p>Peering through the window of the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope (ESO’s VLT), astronomers have spotted an exoplanet orbiting around Barnard's Star, the closest solo star to our Sun.</p>



<p>This celestial find, half the mass of Venus, completes an orbital ballet in just over three Earth days. The observation not only confirms the existence of this exoplanet but also suggests potential candidates prancing around the star.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-barnard-s-star">Understanding Barnard's Star?</h2>



<p>One of our Solar System's closest neighbors, Barnard's Star is located only about six light-years away in the constellation Ophiuchus. </p>



<p>It's a red dwarf star, classified as an M-type, and it doesn’t shine nearly as brightly as our Sun. This star's light is so faint that you can't see it with the naked eye, even though it is so relatively close to us.</p>



<p>Astronomers have been fascinated by Barnard's Star for a long time, especially because it moves across the sky faster than any other star relative to the Sun. </p>



<p>Also, because Barnard's Star is stable and has a long lifespan, it’s a great subject for further study. It also acts as a handy reference point for astronomers, helping them fine-tune their measurements of how stars move and the dynamics of our galaxy.</p>



<p>Previous attempts to affirm the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/super-jupiter-discovered-in-the-great-bear-constellation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">existence of exoplanets</a> around this star remained unfruitful until now.</p>



<p>Jonay González Hernández, a researcher at the <a href="https://www.iac.es/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias</a> in Spain, took the lead of a 5-year observation study that ultimately resulted in this exoplanet discovery.</p>



<p>Despite the extended wait, the team's confidence and optimism never dwindled, reminiscent of the never-fading light from the stars.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-barnard-b-exoplanet">The Barnard b exoplanet</h2>



<p>So, what do we know about the newly discovered planet? Known as Barnard b, it's placed a whopping twenty times closer to its star than <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/layer-diamonds-nine-miles-thick-discovered-on-planet-mercury-surface/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planet Mercury</a> is to our Sun.</p>



<p>With a scorching temperature of around 257 degrees Fahrenheit (125 degrees Celsius) on the surface, it whirls around its star every 3.15 days. However, it's no place for a holiday.</p>



<p>“Barnard b is one of the lowest-mass <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exoplanet-discovery-nasa-identifies-over-5500-distant-worlds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exoplanets</a> known and one of the few known with a mass less than that of Earth. But the planet is too close to the host star, closer than the habitable zone,”&nbsp;explains González Hernández. </p>



<p>“Even if the star is about 2500 degrees cooler than our Sun, it is too hot there to maintain liquid water on the surface,” As intriguing as it is, Barnard b is too close for comfort!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hunt-continues-around-barnard-s-star">Hunt continues around Barnard's star</h2>



<p>But the cosmic sleuthing didn't stop with Barnard b. The international team of astronomers also caught whiffs of three more potential exoplanets around Barnard's Star. </p>



<p>“We now need to continue observing this star to confirm the other candidate signals,” says Alejandro Suárez Mascareño, a researcher also at the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias and co-author of the study.</p>



<p>“But the discovery of this planet, along with other previous discoveries such as&nbsp;Proxima b and d, shows that our cosmic backyard is full of low-mass planets.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-low-mass-planets">Low-mass planets </h2>



<p>The discovery of Barnard b underscores the abundance of low-mass planets in our cosmic backyard, with several similar discoveries in the recent past. </p>



<p>However, the real game-changer is expected to be ESO's Extremely Large Telescope (<a href="https://elt.eso.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ELT</a>), presently under construction. </p>



<p>With its <a href="https://elt.eso.org/instrument/ANDES/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ANDES instrument</a>, this behemoth will propel the exoplanet research to new frontiers, detecting and studying small, rocky planets beyond the reach of current telescopes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-instruments-pushing-the-limits">Instruments pushing the limits</h2>



<p>The advancing technology in astronomical instruments has transformed our understanding of the cosmos, allowing scientists to discern the faint whispers of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planet-k2-18-b-studied-again-confirm-presence-dms-gas-only-produced-by-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">distant worlds</a>. </p>



<p>New-generation telescopes like ESO’s ELT, with its advanced adaptive optics and state-of-the-art spectrographs, stray far beyond the capabilities of their predecessors. </p>



<p>These instruments have equipped astronomers with the precision needed to identify exoplanets, making possible the discovery of elusive low-mass planets orbiting faint, distant stars such as Barnard's. </p>



<p>By continually refining these tools, astronomers are not merely glimpsing at our universe but engaging in a comprehensive dialogue with it, expanding our vast celestial lexicon with each rotation of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sulfur-dioxide-found-on-distant-exoplanet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exoplanetary orbits</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-barnard-s-star-and-future-exploration">Barnard's Star and future exploration</h2>



<p>The discovery of Barnard b orbiting the Barnard's Star and the anticipation of further findings present significant implications for the future of astronomical exploration.</p>



<p>As new discoveries amass, they illuminate pathways for subsequent investigations into planetary formation, atmospheric composition, and potential habitability. </p>



<p>The knowledge gleaned from these extraterrestrial chronicles aids not only in mapping our neighboring galactic territories but also in refining our understanding of the Earth’s place in the universe.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.aanda.org/articles/aa/full_html/2024/10/aa51311-24/aa51311-24.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Astronomy and Astrophysics</a>.</em></p>



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



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



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



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

Exoplanet found orbiting the closest star to our Sun, Barnard’s Star

Peering through the window of the European Southern Observatory’s Very...

<p>Picture this for a moment - a wind that sweeps across southern Africa, picking up tiny particles of dust and hurling them across the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean.</p>



<p>This seemingly common act of nature had surprising and unexpected effects in 2019, causing the largest phytoplankton bloom in two decades, and at a time of year when these blooms are rarely seen.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-traveling-nutrient-buffet">Traveling nutrient buffet</h2>



<p>Dust, though often regarded as nothing more than a household nuisance, has hidden virtues. Dust clouds can <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saharan-dust-supports-ocean-life-far-from-the-desert/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">voyage great distances</a>, even crossing oceans. </p>



<p>A significant example of this is the Sahara Desert's dust which frequently voyages across the Atlantic Ocean to the Americas. </p>



<p>As these minute particles settle on land or water, they deliver essential nutrients which spur plant growth and enhance ocean productivity - a much-needed buffet for marine phytoplankton.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-dust-deserts-and-oceans-connect">How dust, deserts, and oceans connect</h2>



<p>Despite recognizing the voyages of dust and its potential effects, the intricate relationship between desertification, dust emissions, and ocean fertilisation still remains somewhat of a mystery. </p>



<p>A research paper recently published in the journal <em>PNAS Nexus</em>, however, marks notable progress in unlocking these complex links.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rare-and-remarkable-bloom">Rare and remarkable bloom</h2>



<p>A team of scientists from ESA's Living Planet Fellowships Poseidon and Pyroplankton traced an exceptional phytoplankton bloom off the eastern coast of southern Africa.</p>



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="Drhl62eyp0-3891132-12187" type="single"]</div>



<p>This proliferation, triggered by "dust wet deposition" (or rain), occurred in the nutrient-scarce waters southeast of Madagascar.</p>



<p>The study was led by Dr. John Gittings from the <a href="https://en.uoa.gr" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Athens</a>. The research has contributed immensely in shedding light on this extraordinary event.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trail-of-dust-to-the-ocean">Trail of dust to the ocean</h2>



<p>Dr. Gittings and his team employed an array of satellite data from multiple projects led by ESA, including the Climate Change Initiative Ocean Colour project, the Climate Change Initiative Soil Moisture project, and the Science for Society Biological Pump and Carbon Exchange Processes project.</p>



<p>Further contributing to the research were the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service and the Copernicus Marine Service. </p>



<p>This rich pool of satellite data enabled the team to accurately trace the expanse of this colossal bloom and identify the dust events that caused it.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dust-anomalies-oceans-and-climate-change">Dust anomalies, oceans and climate change</h2>



<p>Dr. Gittings noted that although this extensive phytoplankton bloom was highly unusual, recent trends of increasing air temperatures, aridity, and dust emissions in southern Africa could signify that such events may become more common in the future.</p>



<p>Together with recent discoveries of ocean fertilization caused by mega-fire induced droughts in Australia, these findings hint at a possible link between climate change, drought, aerosols, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/zinc-plays-an-overlooked-role-in-ocean-processes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean blooms</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dual-role-of-dust-in-ecosystems">Dual role of dust in ecosystems</h2>



<p>While dust plays a pivotal role in natural fertilization processes, it also poses challenges to both terrestrial and marine ecosystems. </p>



<p>On the one hand, nutrient-rich dust contributes to plant growth on land and supports plankton blooms, which form the foundation of the marine food web. </p>



<p>On the other hand, excessive dust can lead to oppressive air pollution, impacting human health and reducing visibility. </p>



<p>Recognizing this dual role of dust is crucial in understanding its comprehensive impact on ecosystems and developing strategies to mitigate the adverse effects while leveraging its benefits.</p>



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



<p>The study by Dr. Gittings and his team marks significant progress in understanding the complex interactions between dust, climate change, and oceanic ecosystems.</p>



<p>However, more research is needed to investigate the long-term implications of dust-related events and their potential to alter ecological and climatic dynamics.</p>



<p>Expanding international collaboration, enhancing satellite monitoring capabilities, and incorporating more sophisticated climate models will be vital to unraveling the intricacies of dust's influence on our planet's future. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interconnectedness-of-our-world">Interconnectedness of our world </h2>



<p>Marie-Helene Rio of ESA emphasized the critical role of our oceans. Covering two-thirds of our planet, oceans are integral to the health of our ecosystems.</p>



<p>Unraveling how climate change is altering their biological processes is not a mere scientific curiosity - it's a matter of survival for life on Earth.</p>



<p>"Having access to such rich satellite datasets enabled us to clearly track the extent of this massive bloom and pinpoint the dust events responsible for it," said Dr. Gittings.</p>



<p>This research highlights the interconnectedness of our world, reminding us that even the smallest of particles can have massive, <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-brilliant-sombrero-galaxy-hints-at-an-expanding-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">surprising effect</a><a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-brilliant-sombrero-galaxy-hints-at-an-expanding-universe/">s</a> in the grand scheme of things.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/article/3/10/pgae386/7795948?login=false" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PNAS Nexus</a></em>.</p>



<p>Video Credit: ESA</p>



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



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



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



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

Dust from Africa sparked a massive phytoplankton bloom

Picture this for a moment - a wind that sweeps...

<p>The captivating, brilliantly green night parrot, <em>Pezoporus occidentalis</em>, was once a common sight in the outback across the Australian continent.</p>



<p>However, due to external factors such as the arrival of colonists and pervading feral predators, the once thriving species witnessed a near-catastrophic decline by the late 19th century.</p>



<p>This decline was so drastic that for about a century, this vibrant parrot was thought to have been completely wiped out. It was only in 1990 when a dead specimen was found in western Queensland that hope was rekindled. </p>



<p>However, it wasn't until 2013 that we got to witness the first living population of the elusive night parrot.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pezoporus-occidentalis-in-the-great-sandy-desert"><em>Pezoporus occidentalis</em> in the Great Sandy Desert</h2>



<p>Fast forward to the present, a dedicated team of Indigenous rangers and scientists, after intensive observation and research, have discovered as many as 50 night parrots. </p>



<p>This discovery took place on the land managed by the Ngururrpa people in Western Australia’s Great Sandy Desert. </p>



<p>The project received support from the Indigenous Desert Alliance and funding from the Australian National Environmental Science Program’s <a href="https://nesplandscapes.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Resilient Landscapes Hub</a>.</p>



<p>Why is this discovery monumental? </p>



<p>Well, because this population is the largest known gathering of night parrots in the world, making it a significant step in the continued conservation efforts for this endangered species.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-night-parrot-s-frequency">Night parrot's frequency </h2>



<p>The key to this discovery was sound-data. The team used sound recorders to listen for the bird's distinctive calls in 31 potential roosting areas. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/bird_night-parrot_Pezoporus-occidentalis_credit-Arianna-Urso_Western-Australian-Museum_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/bird_night-parrot_Pezoporus-occidentalis_credit-Arianna-Urso_Western-Australian-Museum_1s.webp" alt="Specimen of the green night parrot, Pezoporus occidentalis, long thought to be extinct. This is the best-preserved on display in the world, is now open to public viewing at the WA Museum. Credit: Arianna Urso / Western Australian Museum" class="wp-image-1946480"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Specimen of the green night parrot,  Pezoporus occidentalis, long thought to be extinct. This is the best-preserved on display in the world, is now open to public viewing at the WA Museum. Credit:  Arianna Urso / Western Australian Museum</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>After the data was acquired, it was analyzed meticulously, sifting through countless sounds at the night parrot's frequency range. </p>



<p>This precision and tenacity paid off when they identified night parrot calls in 17 of the 31 sites.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-night-parrot-s-secret-habits">Night parrot's secret habits</h2>



<p>Nick Leseberg, an ecologist at the <a href="https://www.uq.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Queensland</a> and a co-author of the study, shared insights into the unique vocalizations of the night <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birds-have-regional-accents-just-like-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">parrot</a>. </p>



<p>"One of the night parrot’s&nbsp;diverse array of calls&nbsp;sounded like “didly dip, didly dip,” like a telephone, explains <a href="https://cbcs.centre.uq.edu.au/profile/954/nick-leseberg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leseberg</a>. Another sounded like “dink dink,” resembling a bell.</p>



<p>Beyond just tracking these elusive birds, the study also revealed intriguing data on predators and threats to the species. </p>



<p>For instance, camera traps revealed dingoes as the most visible predators. Interestingly, they were caught in the act of preying on feral cats, which are suspected to be the actual threat to the night parrots.</p>



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



<p>The Great Sandy Desert, being one of the world’s most uninfluenced ecosystems, plays a crucial role in harboring and protecting the night parrot. </p>



<p>This unspoiled environment allows species such as the night <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-migratory-birds-navigate-with-such-accuracy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">parrot</a> to adapt to a changing climate, facilitating their survival and keeping their populations healthy, states James Watson, a biogeographer at the University of Queensland.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community-stewardship">Community stewardship</h2>



<p>Community involvement proves to be a cornerstone in the conservation of the night parrot. The collaboration between Indigenous communities and scientific teams exemplifies a successful model of custodianship and biodiversity preservation. </p>



<p>The Ngururrpa people, with their profound traditional knowledge and intrinsic connection to the land, have contributed invaluable insights into the night parrot's ecological patterns. </p>



<p>This partnership not only enhances conservation outcomes but also supports the sustainability of local customs and livelihoods, fostering a shared responsibility for protecting Australia's unique natural heritage.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-night-parrot-conservation">Night parrot conservation</h2>



<p>Looking ahead, several innovative strategies could bolster the conservation of night parrots. Expanding the use of technology, such as drones and advanced acoustic monitoring systems, could offer more precise tracking of parrot populations and their movements. </p>



<p>Additionally, implementing predator control measures to safeguard these birds from feral cats remains a priority. </p>



<p>Increased funding and international collaborations could facilitate these efforts, ensuring that conservation actions are grounded in cutting-edge science while respecting Indigenous knowledge systems. </p>



<p>Ultimately, a concerted approach that blends tradition with innovation can sustain night parrot populations for future generations to appreciate.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-road-ahead-for-pezoporus-occidentalis">Road ahead for <em>Pezoporus occidentalis</em></h2>



<p>The rediscovery of the parrot is only the first step. Now, we must act urgently to protect this newly discovered population. </p>



<p>The scientists express their fervent hope that, with continuous <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/the-12-endangered-birds-most-at-risk-of-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation efforts</a>, the night parrot doesn’t slip back into obscurity a second time. </p>



<p>This tale of resilience and rediscovery shows us just how much we still have to learn about our planet and its incredible inhabitants. Isn't it our responsibility to preserve it for generations to come?</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.publish.csiro.au/WR/WR24083" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wildlife Research</a></em>.</p>



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



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



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



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

Beautiful and elusive bird thought to be long-extinct recently rediscovered

The captivating, brilliantly green night parrot, Pezoporus occidentalis, was once...

<p>Researchers have revealed fascinating new information about the extinct Caribbean monkey, <em>Antillothrix bernensis</em>, thanks to the discovery of rare, well-preserved fossils in the Dominican Republic. </p>



<p>The fossils were analyzed by a team of experts at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. </p>



<p>The research offers a deeper understanding of the anatomy and ecological history of these long-extinct primates.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extraordinary-monkey-fossils">Extraordinary monkey fossils</h2>



<p>This extraordinary find at the Cueva Macho fossil site has made it the most significant source of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-earliest-relatives-from-the-arctic-have-been-discovered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">primate fossils</a> on Hispaniola, the Caribbean island shared by Haiti and the Dominican Republic.</p>



<p>Dr. Siobhán Cooke is an associate professor of functional anatomy and evolution at <a href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/som" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine</a>.</p>



<p>“These fossils help us to better understand the anatomy of Antillothrix, which can help us identify ecological factors that might have predisposed it to extinction," said Dr. Cooke. </p>



<p>"These data can ultimately guide policy for preserving the remaining mammalian diversity on the Caribbean islands and elsewhere.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-into-the-caribbean-monkey-s-past">Looking into the Caribbean monkey's past</h2>



<p>The study, published in the <em>Journal of Human Evolution</em>, suggests that <em>Antillothrix bernensis</em> likely went extinct within the last 10,000 years.</p>



<p>Dr. Cooke and her team first uncovered the fossils in 2009, with additional discoveries made in collaboration with the Dominican Republic Speleological Society.</p>



<p>By 2018, the latest fossil findings were unearthed, providing a rare opportunity to study a larger collection of South American and Caribbean <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/primates-who-are-facially-expressive-make-the-best-leaders/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">primates</a>. These fossils are now housed at the National Museum of Natural History in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.</p>



<p>“The number and quality of the Antillothrix crania outlined in this paper allow us to describe the skull completely and understand variation between individuals. This can tell us about the diet and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/females-wield-more-power-in-primate-societies-than-previously-believed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social systems</a> of these animals," said Dr. Cooke.</p>



<p>She further note that obtaining a large collection of South American and Caribbean monkey fossils is rare. The only other recorded instance of a comparably large sample is the extinct <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/south-american-monkeys-face-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">South American monkey</a>, <em>Homunculus patagonicus</em> (an animal that lived in Patagonia).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lifestyle-of-the-extinct-monkey">Lifestyle of the extinct monkey</h2>



<p>Using virtual three-dimensional models, the experts were able to thoroughly study the fossils. <em>Antillothrix bernensis</em> was monomorphic, meaning the males and females were about the same size, weighing up to five pounds.</p>



<p>"This indicates that there was little competition for mates among males. They may have lived in small family groups consisting of a female, male, and dependent offspring," noted Dr. Cooke.</p>



<p>The research suggests that their diet consisted mainly of fruits, inferred from the rounded teeth and relatively small canines.</p>



<p>Interestingly, <em>Antillothrix</em> might have a contemporary relative, the South American Titi monkey. With its short canine teeth and weighing just over two pounds, this monkey offers the closest glimpse of what the extinct Hispaniolan monkey may have looked like in the wild.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-did-the-monkeys-end-up-in-a-cave">How did the monkeys end up in a cave?</h2>



<p>The mystery remains as to how several of these tree-dwelling primates ended up at the bottom of a cave approximately 10,000 years ago. </p>



<p>Dr. Cooke offers a potential explanation: predation by a now-extinct owl. Injuries evident in the jaw fossils of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/monkeys-use-names-for-each-other-in-their-communication-systems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">monkeys</a> suggest owl attacks.</p>



<p>Fossils missing portions of their jaws align with owls’ preference to consume the masseter, a major muscle attached to the jaw, leading to the theory of owls transporting monkeys back to caves. </p>



<p>“When owls feed, they will sometimes preferentially consume the masseter, a major muscle attached to the jaw, and these injuries are consistent with that," explained Dr. Cooke. </p>



<p>"It could be possible that a now extinct owl, which would have been quite large, caught these monkeys and brought them into the cave where it was living - rather than the monkeys falling in at random.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-window-into-the-past">Unique window into the past</h2>



<p>Ultimately, this study unlocks a unique window into the past, offering invaluable information about the extinct species that once called the Dominican Republic and Haiti home.</p>



<p>"These new specimens, in combination with those previously described, will allow for a detailed study of population- and species-level variation, an exceedingly rare opportunity for any fossil primate," said the researchers.</p>



<p>The study is published in the <em><a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhevol.2024.103589" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Human Evolution</a></em>.</p>



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



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



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



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



<p></p>

Fossils reveal the lifestyle of an extinct Caribbean monkey

Researchers have revealed fascinating new information about the extinct Caribbean...

<p>Has it ever hit you that the far-reaching grip of COVID-19 was more than just terrestrial? Well, a recent study has stirred quite the scientific debate, suggesting that our moon felt the ripples of the lockdown. The twists and turns of this tale are as exciting as they are perplexing.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-lockdown-and-the-moon-s-surface">Global lockdown and the moon's surface</h2>



<p>In a world where shutdowns became the norm, researchers were left scratching their heads over a peculiar discovery. The moon's surface, it seems, was chilling out in response to our global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/we-can-prevent-future-pandemics-by-protecting-nature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lockdown</a> during April-May 2020. The nighttime temperatures, science sleuths found, had taken an unexpected nosedive.</p>



<p>What's the connection? Our collective pause on activities, resulting in a dramatic drop in greenhouse gas emissions, could be the invisible hand tinkering with the lunar thermostat, so to speak.</p>



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



<p>Experts in the Physical Research Laboratory in Ahmedabad, India, turned their focus to six different sites on the moon's nearside - the side always facing Earth.</p>



<p>They found, to their surprise, that the nighttime temperatures at these six spots during the lockdown period had become significantly cooler.</p>



<p>The ever-watchful eyes of NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) served as their guide. This spacecraft, launched in 2009, comes equipped with a thermal temperature mapping instrument, ready to capture the lunar surface's hot and cold secrets.</p>



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



<p>The researchers dissected the temperatures recorded from 2017 to 2023, and stumbled upon something strange in the April-May 2020 data.</p>



<p>All six sites showed an unusual dip in temperatures, dropping by 8 to 10 degrees Kelvin (or about 14 to 18 degrees Fahrenheit). This curious chill seemed to align with our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-makes-a-virus-capable-of-causing-a-pandemic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global lockdown</a>.</p>



<p>The most significant drop was recorded in Oceanus Procellarum - a dark plain on the moon's nearside - where temperatures plummeted to as low as 96.2 K (-286 F).</p>



<p>To put these numbers into perspective, the same spot registered as high as 131.7 K (-222 F) in 2022. Do the math, and you'll see it's quite the drop.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-lockdown-on-the-moon">Impact of lockdown on the moon</h2>



<p>The scientists couldn't shake off the thought: could the sudden dip in lunar temperatures be connected to the global lockdown that brought human activity to a grinding halt? This pause resulted in less radiation being emitted from Earth - less heat escaping our atmosphere.</p>



<p>Of course, such a conclusion needed backstory. And so, we travel back to March 2020, when the first wave of COVID-19 made landfall around the world. </p>



<p>With no vaccines in sight, governments across the world decided to hit the pause button on normal life. By April, approximately half of the human race was indoors, and our planet was less busy radiating heat.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ripple-effects-of-the-global-lockdown">Ripple effects of the global lockdown </h2>



<p>Lockdowns equal less commuting, less industrial activity, and less mining. The result was a significant drop in greenhouse gases and, consequently, less terrestrial radiation. Research suggests that daily global CO2 emissions fell around 17 percent by early April 2020 compared to 2019 levels.</p>



<p>When the sun showers Earth with sunlight, our planet absorbs part of this radiation, heating up to create terrestrial infrared radiation.</p>



<p>However, during the lockdown, the lack of emissions led to less cloud cover and atmospheric pollutants - meaning less heat radiated from Earth.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-casting-shadows-on-theories">Casting shadows on theories</h2>



<p>The notion that terrestrial changes could extend their impact to the moon is a profound implication for our understanding of planetary systems. </p>



<p>If lockdown or human activity on Earth can indeed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/moons-entire-surface-is-covered-with-water-and-hydroxyl-not-just-the-poles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">affect moon temperatures</a>, it raises questions about the interconnectedness of celestial bodies. This fascinating link urges a reevaluation of atmospheric and environmental models, potentially opening up new avenues for research. </p>



<p>Some scientists offer alternative explanations, pointing to natural lunar events or solar activities as potential factors. The debate remains open, and further exploration is essential to unravel the complexity of this interplanetary relationship.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-far-reaching-impacts-of-human-activity">Far-reaching impacts of human activity</h2>



<p>Scientific pursuit takes time and precision, and as researchers go deeper, their quest remains to validate or refute this extraordinary hypothesis. </p>



<p>The ongoing research offers a unique opportunity for interdisciplinary collaboration among climatologists, astronomers, and environmental scientists. Future missions to the moon could incorporate instruments designed specifically to study its thermal dynamics.</p>



<p>Meanwhile, the phenomenon serves as a poignant reminder of the vast impact human behavior can have, even beyond Earth, encouraging a global dialogue on sustainable practices and their cosmic consequences.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gauging-the-impact-of-lockdown-on-the-moon">Gauging the impact of lockdown on the moon</h2>



<p>This tale of earthly lockdown and the moon's temperature is not just about answering a "what happened?" It's also about exploring the "why?" and "how?" of this intricate cosmic dance.</p>



<p>Our world's emitted heat does seem to have an impact on the lunar surface, warming it up a notch. So, it stands to reason that when Earth's emissions decreased, the moon felt the chill.</p>



<p>The findings pose an intriguing question: Could the moon's surface temperatures offer a novel way to study Earth's climate change impacts?</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a class="" href="https://academic.oup.com/mnrasl/article/535/1/L18/7760380" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society: Letters</a>.</em></p>



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



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



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



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

COVID-19 lockdown linked to dramatic changes on the moon

Has it ever hit you that the far-reaching grip of...

<p>The moment someone steps into a new environment - whether it's walking into a restaurant, attending an event, or settling in to watch TV - the brain essentially starts a new “chapter” in their day.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These mental shifts happen all day long, with the brain constantly dividing experiences into individual events that we can later understand and remember.&nbsp;</p>



<p>But what exactly causes the brain to mark these moments as new “chapters”? This is what a new study published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2024.09.013" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Current Biology</em></a> set out to explore.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mental-chapters-in-the-brain">Mental chapters in the brain</h2>



<p>The research was led by Christopher Baldassano, an associate professor of psychology at <a href="https://www.columbia.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Columbia University</a>, and Alexandra De Soares, a former member of his lab.</p>



<p>The team sought to understand what prompts the brain to form boundaries around experiences, organizing them as distinct events in our day.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers explored two main possibilities: one being that these mental chapters are triggered by big changes in our surroundings, such as moving from the outdoors into a restaurant.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The other possibility is that our brain might be guided more by internal scripts based on past experience and goals, so even significant changes in the environment might be ignored if they aren't relevant to our current focus.</p>



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



<p>To test their hypothesis, the researchers created a set of 16 audio narratives, each about three to four minutes long.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The stories took place in one of four locations (a restaurant, an airport, a grocery store, or a lecture hall) and dealt with one of four social situations (a breakup, a proposal, a business deal, and a romantic meeting).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-chapters-shaped-by-focus">Brain chapters shaped by focus</h2>



<p>The researchers discovered that the way the brain organizes experiences into distinct events is shaped by what a person is currently focused on.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For instance, when participants listened to a story about a marriage proposal at a restaurant, their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/prefrontal-cortex-treating-alcoholism/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prefrontal cortex</a> typically grouped the story around the progression of the proposal, leading up to the hopeful “yes.” </p>



<p>However, when participants were asked to focus on other aspects - such as the couple’s dinner orders - their brains began dividing the experience into new chapters based on those details.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-passive-response-of-the-brain-nbsp">The passive response of the brain&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“We wanted to challenge the theory that the sudden shifts in brain activity when we start a new chapter of our day are only being caused by sudden shifts in the world - that the brain isn’t really ‘doing’ anything interesting when it creates new chapters, it’s just responding passively to a change in sensory inputs,” Baldassano said.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Our research found that isn’t the case: the brain is, in fact, actively organizing our life experiences into chunks that are meaningful to us.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measuring-chapters-in-the-brain">Measuring chapters in the brain</h2>



<p>The experts measured how the brain created these chapters by examining MRI scans to track brain activity, and by asking a separate group of participants to press a button when they felt a new part of the story had begun.</p>



<p>They found that depending on the perspective participants were told to adopt, the brain divided the story differently.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For instance, a person listening to a breakup story at an airport might register new chapters when they passed through security or arrived at the gate if they were asked to focus on airport-specific details.&nbsp;</p>



<p>But if their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/information-overflow-attention-spans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">attention</a> was directed toward the emotional side of the breakup, the brain might register new chapters based on the unfolding of the relationship. </p>



<p>Similarly, in a story about a business deal happening in a grocery store, participants could either focus on the stages of the business deal or the steps of grocery shopping, which influenced what their brain perceived as new chapters.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-experiences-and-memories">Life experiences and memories</h2>



<p>The researchers are also interested in how these shifting perspectives affect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-our-brain-form-long-term-memories/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">long-term memory</a>. They asked participants to recall as much as they could about each story, and they are still analyzing that data to understand how different perspectives shape memory. </p>



<p>More broadly, this study contributes to an ongoing effort to build a comprehensive theory of how real-life experiences are divided into event memories, suggesting that prior knowledge and expectations play a crucial role in how our brains organize and recall these events.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meaningful-stories-and-mathematical-models-nbsp">Meaningful stories and mathematical models&nbsp;</h2>



<p>For Baldassano, this project has been a rewarding journey. “Tracking activity patterns in the brain over time is a big challenge that requires using complex analysis tools,” he said.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Using meaningful stories and mathematical models to discover something new about cognition is exactly the kind of unconventional research in my lab that I am most proud of and excited about.”</p>



<p>The findings provide insight into the way the brain processes and organizes our experiences, highlighting that it's not just changes in the external world that shape how we perceive new events, but also our internal focus, expectations, and goals.</p>



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



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



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



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

How does our brain divide the day into different ‘chapters'?

The moment someone steps into a new environment - whether...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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



<p>—–</p>



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



<p>—–</p>

Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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



<p>—–</p>



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



<p>—–</p>

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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



<p>—–</p>



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



<p>—–</p>

What caused the planet's longest ice age

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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



<p>—–</p>



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



<p>—–</p>

Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>

Social modeling affects our food choices

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists discover we age in bursts

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists solve the mystery of tickling

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>



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



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



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



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

Retired professor claims he solved time travel

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="iuA5mpp3jv-1641775-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

[sendtonews key="iuA5mpp3jv-1641775-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

News coming your way