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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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How smell tricks the brain into tasting flavors

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

<p>Have you ever crossed paths with someone who exhausts their energy during the week and leaves all the fitness goals for the weekend? These folks are widely acknowledged as "weekend warriors." </p>



<p>A new study led by a team at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) suggests that these weekend workouts might be paying off in a big way.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-invasion-of-the-weekend-warriors">Invasion of the weekend warriors</h2>



<p>For the majority of us, keeping up with a regular <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/metamorphosis-exercise-triggers-molecular-changes-in-major-organs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">workout schedule</a> during the weekdays can be a herculean task. That's where the weekend warriors come in, condensing all their exercise into a day or two each week. </p>



<p>According to a research study conducted under the expert guidance of <a href="https://www.massgeneral.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MGH</a>, this pattern of concentrated physical activity can be just as beneficial for reducing disease risks as a more spread out workout regime.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-miracles-of-physical-movement">Miracles of physical movement</h2>



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/long-term-exercise-can-make-belly-fat-healthy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magic of physical movement</a> and its impact on our well-being is no secret. </p>



<p>Study co-senior author Dr. Shaan Khurshid is a faculty member in the Demoulas Center for Cardiac Arrhythmias at Massachusetts General Hospital.</p>



<p>"Physical activity is known to affect risk of many diseases," said Dr. Khurshid.</p>



<p>"Here, we show the potential benefits of weekend warrior activity for risk not only of cardiovascular diseases, as we've shown in the past, but also future diseases spanning the whole spectrum, ranging from conditions like chronic kidney disease to mood disorders and beyond."</p>



<p>The universal recommendation is to clock in a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise every week for overall health. Now, an intriguing question arises - does it really matter how these 150 minutes are divided throughout our weekly schedule?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-weekend-warriors-vs-regular-exercisers">Weekend warriors vs. regular exercisers</h2>



<p>The research team also included co-senior author Dr. Patrick Ellinor, the acting chief of Cardiology and the co-director of the Corrigan Minehan Heart Center at Massachusetts General Hospital.</p>



<p>The experts investigated the fitness patterns of 89,573 individuals. Based on the data logged from wrist accelerometers, participants were categorized into three sectors: weekend warriors, regular exercisers, and the inactive.</p>



<p>The results? Quite surprising, to say the least! Both the weekend warriors and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/evening-workouts-are-best-for-blood-sugar-control/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">regularly active</a> exhibited significantly lower risks of more than 200 diseases in comparison to their inactive counterparts. </p>



<p>This included not only robust links with cardiometabolic conditions like hypertension and diabetes but also an array of other disease categories.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dissecting-exercise-patterns">Dissecting exercise patterns</h2>



<p>The research team further investigated the nuances between weekend warriors and regular exercisers, exploring the intensity and duration of their activities. </p>



<p>While both parties achieved the recommended 150 minutes per week, weekend warriors leaned towards longer, intense sessions while regular exercisers displayed a more balanced distribution. </p>



<p>Interestingly, this research points to unique benefits that weekend warriors might reap such as enhanced metabolic efficiency and improved endurance. </p>



<p>However, the sudden intensity can pose injury risks, flagging the need for meticulous exercise planning and progression.</p>



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



<p>The insights from this study stretch beyond individual exercise habits and pave the way for public health recommendations. </p>



<p>The revelation that weekend warrior activities can match up to regular exercise routines might steer more people towards physical activity without the rigid confines of a strict weekly schedule. </p>



<p>Moreover, this flexibility can reduce the burden of daily routines for those with packed lifestyles, leading to a potentially more active population. </p>



<p>It is crucial to extend these studies across <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/daylight-saving-time-disrupts-diet-and-exercise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diverse groups</a> and understand the long-standing impacts, but these preliminary findings are definitely encouraging.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-total-volume-of-activity">Total volume of activity</h2>



<p>"Because there appears to be similar benefits for weekend warrior versus regular activity, it may be the total volume of activity, rather than the pattern, that matters most," said Dr. Khurshid.</p>



<p>"<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-ai-artificial-intelligence-changing-health-diet-fitness-exercise-approach/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Future interventions</a> testing the effectiveness of concentrated activity to improve public health are warranted, and patients should be encouraged to engage in guideline-adherent physical activity using any pattern that may work best for them."</p>



<p>As this study reveals, whether you choose to pack your exercise into the weekend, or spread it out through the week, the key is merely to keep moving. </p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.124.068669" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Circulation</a></em>.</p>



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



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'Weekend warrior' workouts lower the risk of 200 diseases

Have you ever crossed paths with someone who exhausts their...

<p>The International Space Station (ISS) is set to advance Earth monitoring and environmental research. An ISS National Laboratory®-sponsored payload, hosted on the Airbus-developed platform Bartolomeo, will expand access to the space station’s unparalleled vantage point.</p>



<p>This innovation will enhance Earth observation and provide unprecedented research opportunities, providing a deeper understanding of our planet.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-observation-with-bartolomeo">Earth observation with Bartolomeo</h2>



<p>“Airbus is improving our ability to observe and understand our planet as well as democratizing access to space by accommodating more research and technology demonstrations on the ISS than ever before,” said Debra Facktor, head of U.S. Space Systems for Airbus.</p>



<p>"Our ArgUS platform on Bartolomeo will accommodate smaller payloads with the same power, data regulation, and monitoring as larger projects.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advancing-global-monitoring-with-bartolomeo">Advancing global monitoring with Bartolomeo</h2>



<p>Bartolomeo offers an array of mission services, including technical support, operations, and data transfer from Earth.</p>



<p> Taking advantage of the European Columbus Module's unobstructed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astronaut-perspective-earth-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth view</a>, multiple missions related to Earth observation, robotics, materials science, and astrophysics are enabled.</p>



<p>The platform’s new ArgUS Multi-Payload Adapter supports smaller payloads within a standard Bartolomeo slot, allowing multiple experiments to co-exist.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cosmic-co-working-space">Cosmic co-working space</h2>



<p>"ArgUS is essentially a cosmic co-working space, where diverse experiments perform side by side," said Facktor.</p>



<p>Operations for the first payloads utilizing the ArgUS adaptation are already underway. Among them is Sen’s SpaceTV-1, a new 4K camera system that will provide real-time video of Earth and the ISS.</p>



<p>“We hope that our imagery will provide valuable and timely insights into environmental events, and we invite environmental agencies interested in working with our data to contact us," said Charles Black, founder and CEO of Sen.</p>



<p>"We want to ensure that our data is used to help people affected by environmental events."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-new-frontiers-with-argus">Exploring new frontiers with ArgUS</h2>



<p>BAE Systems is also utilizing ArgUS to test new hardware and software for Earth observation and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/satellite-data-could-revolutionize-weather-forecasts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weather monitoring</a>. </p>



<p>These experiments could provide crucial insights into climate change, natural disasters, and even assist future <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/contact-lost-with-chandrayaan-3-placing-the-moon-mission-in-jeopardy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lunar missions</a>. </p>



<p>“Our goal is to take concrete steps toward improving our Earth observation and data processing capabilities and to exhibit our ability to rapidly develop these technologies at low costs,” said Steve Smith, vice president of the engineering, science, and analysis unit for BAE Systems Space &amp; Mission Systems.</p>



<p>The payload features a next-generation radio frequency receiver conducting passive atmospheric sounding and a short-wavelength infrared camera that enhances low-cost environmental monitoring capabilities. </p>



<p>BAE Systems will also provide in-orbit data processing through its Linux-based software, marking significant advancements in space-based environmental monitoring.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-improving-earth-observations-with-bartolomeo">Improving Earth observations with Bartolomeo</h2>



<p>Facktor noted that Bartolomeo not only offers high data downlink rates, allowing researchers to receive critical data quickly, but also lowers the barrier to entry for space missions.</p>



<p>Researchers, institutions, and private organizations can now affordably access low Earth orbit, further enhancing scientific research results due to Bartolomeo's high data downlink rate.</p>



<p>Airbus’s collaboration with the <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/international-space-station/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Space Station</a> through the Bartolomeo platform represents a significant step forward in advancing environmental monitoring and research capabilities from space.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-into-key-environmental-issues">Insights into key environmental issues </h2>



<p>The platform’s real-time data collection capabilities provide researchers with detailed and critical insights into key environmental issues, including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-patterns-influence-coral-bleaching-on-the-great-barrier-reef/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate patterns</a>, natural disasters, and ongoing ecological changes. </p>



<p>By supporting a wide variety of compact payloads, such as the ArgUS Multi-Payload Adapter, Bartolomeo enables an expanded range of experiments and promotes deeper, more effective study of Earth’s complex systems across multiple scientific fields.</p>



<p>This continuous stream of high-quality data will play a crucial role in guiding global efforts related to disaster response, environmental conservation, and the creation of more effective sustainable solutions, while shaping future research directions and policy decisions aimed at protecting our planet.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bartolomeo-opportunities-for-earth-innovation">Bartolomeo opportunities for Earth innovation</h2>



<p>The Bartolomeo platform is driving innovation by creating new opportunities for diverse scientific research and technological development. </p>



<p>With its adaptable design, Bartolomeo accommodates a variety of payloads, from environmental monitoring tools to advanced robotics and materials science experiments. </p>



<p>This flexibility allows researchers to test cutting-edge <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasas-cold-atom-lab-is-revolutionizing-quantum-science-in-space-iss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">technologies in space</a>, accelerating the development of solutions that can be applied both in orbit and on Earth.</p>



<p>By enabling these advancements, the platform not only supports ongoing research but also opens the door to future discoveries that could reshape industries and improve global sustainability efforts.</p>



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



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Earth observation technology will transform climate monitoring

The International Space Station (ISS) is set to advance Earth...

<p>Something absolutely fascinating is headed our way. For the first time in 80,000 years, the comet C/2023 A3 -- also known as Tsuchinshan-ATLAS -- is making its grand return to our skies.</p>



<p>The last individuals to witness this celestial spectacle were our ancestors who first ventured out of Africa.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-return-of-comet-c-2023-a3">Return of comet C/2023 A3</h2>



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-comets-hidden-near-earth-ice-giants-can-be-both-friend-and-foe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">comet</a>, appearing as a faint, star-like smudge trailed by a hazy tail, should be visible just before dawn on four consecutive mornings - from Friday to Monday.</p>



<p>It's important to note that comet C/2023 A3 was only discovered last year, yet scientists have determined that it visited our planet around 80,000 years ago. This estimate is based on its elliptical trajectory.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bend-in-the-comet-s-tail">Bend in the comet's tail</h2>



<p>Matthew Dominick, a NASA astronaut currently aboard the <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/international-space-station/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Space Station</a>, shared a captivating video of the comet, giving us a unique perspective. </p>



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="pYWhSsLU5F-3876702-12187" type="single"]</div>



<p>"The comet tail is noticeably longer each day. Pause the video at about 15 seconds...you can see the tail of the comet looks like it is bending," noted Dominick.</p>



<p>"The atmosphere is more dense the&nbsp;closer you get to Earth. Changes in the density of the atmosphere change the refractive index and thus make the comet tail appear bent."</p>



<p>"I was in my crew quarters reviewing the imagery when I first saw the bend in the comet’s tail. I did not see it real time when taking the images."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-closest-approach-to-the-sun">Closest approach to the sun</h2>



<p>Comet C/2023 A3 will make it closest approach to the sun on September 27. The comet will then spin around the sun and head back toward Earth. </p>



<p>"If this comet survives its passage by the sun, and if the amount of gas and dust it gives off does not decrease significantly, this might be one of the best comets in a long time,"&nbsp;said NASA’s Gordon Johnston. </p>



<p>"If it strongly scatters sunlight towards the Earth it might even be visible in the glow of dusk just after its closest approach to Earth on October 12."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spectacular-sight-in-the-skies">Spectacular sight in the skies</h2>



<p>When the comet swings by the sun on September 27, it is expected to light up spectacularly. The comet's diameter can stretch up to 25 miles.</p>



<p>Tsuchinshan will be faintly visible with a telescope in the pre-dawn hours through October 4th across most of the United States. </p>



<p>According to Johnston, the comet will be hidden through October 11, but will reappear in the evening sky just as it makes its closest pass to Earth on October 12.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-to-look-for-comet-c-2023-a3">Where to look for comet C/2023 A3</h2>



<p>Look out for the moon in its waning crescent phase and you'll have a guide to catch the comet. Do keep in mind, the position of the comet can change in relation to the moon, depending on the date. </p>



<p>Comet C/2023 A3 is approximately 157.1 million miles away from Earth and is moving closer at about 70km per second (150,000 miles per hour).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unpredictable-comet-c-2023-a3">Unpredictable comet C/2023 A3</h2>



<p>Minjae Kim, a space expert at the <a href="https://warwick.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Warwick</a>'s astronomy department, elaborated on the comet's behavior.</p>



<p>"C/2023 A3 has an orbital period of approximately 80,000 years, classifying it as a long-period comet. This means its behavior and appearance can be unpredictable, with potential changes in brightness and tail development as it approaches the sun," Kim said.</p>



<p>"If predictions hold, it could be visible to the naked eye, appearing as a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shape-shifting-comet-has-been-zigzagging-through-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fuzzy star</a> with a tail stretching across the sky.&nbsp;Otherwise, binoculars or a small telescope may reveal more detail in the comet's structure and tail."&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dusty-snowballs-in-space">Dusty snowballs in space</h2>



<p>Comets are essentially balls of ice, dust, and rocks from the ring of icy material known as the Oort cloud that skirts our solar system's outer edge. </p>



<p>They bring along small remnants from the formation of our solar system 4.6 billion years ago, effectively making them ancient storytellers of space.</p>



<p>One of the most enchanting aspects of comets like C/2023 A3 is the artwork they create in the skies.</p>



<p>As comets approach the sun, they begin to heat up, releasing gas and dust that form a glowing coma and a tail that streams away from the sun.</p>



<p>This luminous dance is a result of solar wind and radiation pressure affecting the released particles, creating two distinct tails - one of ionized particles and another comprised of dust.</p>



<p>Observing these tails can offer a deeper understanding of a comet's composition and the solar forces at play - a true spectacle for both scientists and stargazers alike.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-most-anticipated-comet-of-the-year">Most anticipated comet of the year</h2>



<p>In the words of Starwalk, an astronomical app for stargazers, comet C/2023 A3 is the "most anticipated comet of the year." And sure enough, it's creating quite a buzz in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/asteroid-could-be-pushed-into-a-collision-course-with-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">astronomical community</a>.</p>



<p>The best viewing opportunities are expected between October 12 and October 20. During this time, Comet C/2023 A3 will climb higher in the sky each night and will slowly fade in visibility as it continues its journey out of the solar system. </p>



<p>Johnston noted that the best time to catch a glimpse of Tsuchinshan should be the evenings on and shortly after October 12 with the comet above the western horizon after sunset.</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA/ Brian Valente/ Greg Stein </p>



<p>Video Credit:&nbsp;NASA's Johnson Space Center/M. Dominick</p>



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"Most anticipated" comet of 2024 returns this weekend after 80,000 years

Something absolutely fascinating is headed our way. For the first...

<p>Satellite data has unveiled a captivating geological phenomenon beneath the Central Anatolian Plateau of Türkiye -- the Konya Basin, shaped by dripping of Earth's crust.</p>



<p>This hidden geological marvel has intrigued scientists for years, prompting further investigation into its underlying causes. </p>



<p>After extensive analysis and data collection, a comprehensive study has finally revealed the secrets of the basin’s mysterious subsidence. </p>



<p>The research, led by a team of dedicated earth scientists from the <a href="https://www.utoronto.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Toronto</a>, is casting new light on the fascinating dynamics of our planet's plate tectonics.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dripping-of-earth-s-crust">Dripping of Earth's crust</h2>



<p>The scientists have successfully combined experimental simulations with extensive geological, geophysical, and geodetic data. </p>



<p>This comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approach has allowed them to explore more deeply the complex forces shaping the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/volcanic-magma-traced-to-melting-in-earths-crust/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth’s crust</a>.</p>



<p>By using cutting-edge technologies and data from various sources, the experts were able to piece together the puzzle of the basin’s puzzling subsidence within the plateau’s rising interior.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plate-tectonics-understanding-the-basics">Plate tectonics: Understanding the basics</h2>



<p>Plate tectonics is the theory that explains how Earth's outer layer, known as the lithosphere, is split into several big and small plates. </p>



<p>These tectonic plates float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere below and move slowly but steadily because of convection currents created by heat from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-inner-core-rotation-has-begun-moving-backwards/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's core</a>. </p>



<p>This movement shapes the planet’s surface and is responsible for creating continents, mountains, and ocean basins.</p>



<p>At the edges where these plates meet, some pretty significant geological events happen. When plates pull apart, they create space for magma to rise and form new crust, leading to mid-ocean ridges and rift valleys. </p>



<p>When plates come together, one can be pushed beneath another in a process called subduction, which can create deep <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/citizen-scientists-uncover-microplastics-in-the-remote-arctic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean trenches</a> and volcanic activity. At transform boundaries, plates slide past each other, causing friction that triggers earthquakes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changing-tectonic-plate-system">Changing tectonic plate system</h2>



<p>This fresh perspective not only sheds light on the dynamics at play in Türkiye but also provides invaluable insights into a new category of plate tectonics. </p>



<p>These findings have far-reaching implications, particularly for planets that lack Earth’s familiar tectonic plate system, such as Mars and Venus.</p>



<p>Understanding how similar processes may occur on other celestial bodies opens the door to future planetary studies, expanding the scope of geological research beyond Earth.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stages-of-the-crust-dripping">Stages of the crust dripping</h2>



<p>The research, published in the journal <em>Nature Communications</em>, reveals that the basin's subsidence is primarily driven by a novel process known as multi-stage lithospheric dripping.</p>



<p>This term refers to the instability within the rocky material that makes up Earth’s crust and upper mantle, which causes dense rock fragments beneath the surface to gradually detach and sink into the more fluid layer of the planet’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mantle-heat-shaped-earths-crust-3-billion-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mantle</a>. </p>



<p>The instability not only reshapes the subsurface but also triggers the formation of significant surface features, including major landforms such as basins and mountainous folds.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-satellite-observations">Satellite observations</h2>



<p>“Looking at the satellite data, we observed a circular feature at the Konya Basin where the crust is subsiding or the basin is deepening," noted Julia Andersen, who led the research.</p>



<p>"This prompted us to look at other geophysical data beneath the surface where we saw a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-map-shows-75-percent-of-the-u-s-at-risk-of-damaging-earthquakes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seismic</a> anomaly in the upper mantle and a thickened crust, telling us there is high-density material there and indicating a likely mantle lithospheric drip.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-turkiye-s-plateau">Beyond Türkiye's plateau</h2>



<p>Reflecting on their study, the scientists found parallels to their investigation in the formation of the Arizaro Basin in the Andes Mountains of South America.</p>



<p>This indicates that the phenomenon of lithospheric dripping is not localized but can occur anywhere on Earth, elucidating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/major-volcanic-events-linked-to-the-slowing-of-tectonic-plates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tectonic processes</a> usually found in mountain plateau regions.</p>



<p>The Central Anatolian Plateau has risen by approximately one kilometer over the last 10 million years due to lithospheric dripping, according to past studies.</p>



<p>As the thickened lithosphere dripped below the region, it formed a basin at the surface, which later rose when the weight below detached and sank further into the mantle's depths.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lab-investigations-on-the-dripping-crust">Lab investigations on the dripping crust</h2>



<p>In their quest to better understand these processes, the researchers recreated the dripping process in laboratory experiments. They designed analogue models that imitated the potential evolution of the process. </p>



<p>Filling a plexiglass tank with a silicone polymer fluid to represent Earth’s fluid lower mantle, they added a mixture of this fluid with clay to replicate the upper-most solid section of the mantle, and finally a layer of ceramic and silica spheres to act as Earth’s crust.</p>



<p>Researchers noted that these experiments, in tandem with their geophysical and geological data collection, have been instrumental in understanding the complex mechanisms shaping our earth's terrain.</p>



<p>“The findings show these major tectonic events are linked, with one lithospheric drip potentially triggering a host of further activity deep in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-interior-is-cooling-faster-than-previously-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planetary interior</a>,” Andersen concluded.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advancing-geological-research">Advancing geological research</h2>



<p>Türkiye's unique geological features, such as the Central Anatolian Plateau and the Konya Basin, provide scientists with unparalleled opportunities to study tectonic processes that shape not only our planet but others as well. </p>



<p>The country's dynamic landscape is becoming a focal point for research into phenomena like dripping of Earth's crust, helping researchers better understand Earth's crustal evolution.</p>



<p>The findings from Türkiye may also serve as a model for investigating similar processes on planets like Mars and Venus, where tectonics differ but share underlying mechanisms of mantle dynamics.</p>



<p>The study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-52126-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a></em>.</p>



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



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

Earth's crust is 'dripping' under Turkey

Satellite data has unveiled a captivating geological phenomenon beneath the...

<p>The brain's ability to effortlessly link pronouns to the correct person in a sentence is remarkable. </p>



<p>Imagine reading: “Donald Trump and Kamala Harris walked into the bar, she sat down at a table.” Instantly, you know it was Kamala Harris who sat, not Donald Trump. </p>



<p>But how does the brain make that connection so easily, especially when multiple interpretations are possible?</p>



<p>An international team of neurosurgeons, neuroscientists, and neurologists set out to uncover the mechanisms behind this process, focusing on how the brain links pronouns to specific individuals.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brilliance-of-the-brain-s-hippocampus">Brilliance of the brain's hippocampus</h2>



<p>The research was led by Pieter R. Roelfsema,&nbsp;director of the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience in Amsterdam.</p>



<p>The experts were particularly interested in the role of the hippocampus - the brain area responsible for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/zombie-neurons-shed-new-light-on-learning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">learning</a> and memory.</p>



<p>Thr study was focused on patients undergoing treatment for epilepsy. To manage their condition, each of these patients had depth electrodes implanted within their hippocampus.</p>



<p>“We can measure the activity of individual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brain-cells-communicate-to-support-decision-making/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain cells</a> in the hippocampus while the patient performs a task,” explained study co-author Matthew Self.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The team observed that "concept cells" within the hippocampus would respond to specific individuals. </p>



<p>For instance, a "Jennifer Aniston cell" would become active upon seeing her photo, hearing her name or reading "Jennifer Aniston." Could these cells activate upon reading pronouns?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-reaction-to-pronouns">Brain reaction to pronouns</h2>



<p>Doris Dijksterhuis, another researcher from the team, elaborated on their experimental approach. </p>



<p>“To test this, we first showed the patients many photos until we found a cell that responded to one particular image," said Dijksterhuis.</p>



<p>"For example, we found a cell that responded to an image of ‘Shrek’ but not to other images. We call this cell a ‘Shrek concept cell.'"</p>



<p>"When patients later read a sentence like: 'Shrek and Fiona were having dinner. He poured out some wine,' the ‘Shrek’ cell indeed responded to the word Shrek, but also to the pronoun ‘He.’"</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-cells-track-the-pronouns">Brain cells track the pronouns</h2>



<p>Dijksterhuis found this fascinating as a pronoun can mean something entirely different in another sentence. </p>



<p>For example, in the sentence "Donald Trump and Kamala Harris were having dinner. He poured out some wine," the same pronoun (he) refers to Donald Trump and hence, the Shrek cell did not react.</p>



<p>It became apparent that cells in the hippocampus track the individual a pronoun refers to in a dynamic, flexible manner.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-activity-and-pronoun-processing">Brain activity and pronoun processing</h2>



<p>The researchers asked the participants to answer a question at the end of each sentence regarding who performed the action. They could predict the correct answer based on the activity of the individual concept cells.</p>



<p>“We observed that patients tended to choose the person that evoked the most activity in the hippocampus at the start of the sentence," noted Self.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-memory-and-pronouns">Brain, memory, and pronouns</h2>



<p>"The hippocampus is important for learning and memory, but it remains unclear how the hippocampus is involved in the interaction between memory and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/native-language-is-specially-stored-in-the-brain-for-easy-access/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">language</a>. Ultimately, we want to know how an entire memory is formed and represented in the brain,” explained Dijksterhuis.</p>



<p>“It is of great value that this group of patients has given their permission to participate in our research."</p>



<p>"We can only very rarely measure the activity of single brain cells in people who are reading and it is impossible to study these processes in animals. When we get the chance, we try to get as much out of it as possible."</p>



<p>The recent findings bring scientists closer to unraveling the complexities of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-learning-how-the-brain-stores-new-information/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">memory</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-provide-insight-into-human-cognition-and-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognition</a>, ultimately leading to a better understanding of the human brain.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pronoun-perception-in-the-hippocampus">Pronoun perception in the hippocampus</h2>



<p>As the research progressed, the team further explored how the hippocampus could distinguish between multiple pronoun references in real time.</p>



<p>Their experiment with concept cells, like those reacting to Shrek or Jennifer Aniston, showed that the hippocampus doesn’t just store memories - it dynamically tracks language cues.</p>



<p>This breakthrough suggests that the brain’s memory and language centers work together more intricately than previously thought, particularly when processing ambiguous information like pronouns. </p>



<p>The study offers a new perspective on how we form coherent memories from fragmented linguistic inputs.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adr2813" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a></em>.</p>



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



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How the brain links pronouns to memory

The brain's ability to effortlessly link pronouns to the correct...

<p>Peering into the dynamic frontier where the ocean and the atmosphere meet, we uncover a unique and delicate micro-environment known as the sea surface microlayer. </p>



<p>This thin, yet vital, boundary is teeming with complex interactions that govern the delicate balance between the air and sea.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sea-surface-microlayer">Sea surface microlayer</h2>



<p>Crucially, the sea surface microlayer has enormous implications for nutrient exchange, pollutant migration, and the transport of organic matter between the ocean and the atmosphere. It plays a pivotal role in both local ecosystems and global climate regulation.</p>



<p>A dedicated team of researchers from the University of Delaware (UD) and the University of Georgia (UGA) set out to better understand the fine nuances of this oceanic phenomenon and its role in climate regulation and carbon cycles</p>



<p>The research team faced setbacks on two previous cruises due to stormy weather and the COVID-19 pandemic. However, they remained undeterred, embarking on their third attempt aboard UD's Research Vessel Hugh R. Sharp.</p>



<p>The goal was to unlock the mysteries of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/monitoring-the-dynamic-shape-of-the-sea-surface/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea surface</a> microlayer in the North Atlantic Ocean.</p>



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



<p>Andrew Wozniak, an associate professor in UD’s <a href="https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/ceoe/departments/smsp/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">School of Marine Science and Policy</a> (SMSP), emphasized the significance of this ocean layer. He said the sea surface microlayer is a unique micro-environment.</p>



<p>"It accumulates organic material of a certain kind and then reaches the air-sea interface and accumulates there, creating interesting physical properties that influence the exchange of materials back and forth,” said Wozniak. </p>



<p>This delicate balance of materials between air and sea could reshape our understanding of gas exchange and the emission of particles into the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-atmosphere-is-expanding-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmosphere</a>, explained Wozniak.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surfactants-and-atmospheric-chemistry">Surfactants and atmospheric chemistry</h2>



<p>A key focus of the team’s research involved surfactants - compounds that reduce the surface tension of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiny-time-capsules-seawater-holds-secrets-of-ancient-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seawater</a>.</p>



<p>“We want to understand what surfactants are in the ocean, how they partition to the microlayer, and what affects their concentration and their composition,” said Amanda Frossard, an associate professor in UGA’s Department of Chemistry.</p>



<p>The research is crucial for understanding how surfactants influence air-sea gas exchange and atmospheric chemistry.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-samples-from-the-sea-surface-microlayer">Samples from the sea surface microlayer</h2>



<p>Studying the sea surface microlayer presents a host of technical challenges, largely due to its incredibly thin structure, measuring only 100 micrometers -approximately the thickness of a piece of copy paper.</p>



<p>To collect enough samples, the research team repurposed a Rosette sampler, which is traditionally used for deep water sampling.</p>



<p>“We extend the sampler off the back of the boat, dip it in, lift it up and bring it back on board, and then scrape the glass,” explained Wozniak.</p>



<p>This technique allowed the researchers to collect the surfactant molecules clinging to the glass plate as it emerged from the water.</p>



<p>The significance of these surfactants, said Wozniak, lies in their ability to reduce surface tension, which directly impacts turbulence at the air-water interface. "That <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-ocean-turbulence-impacts-carbon-storage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">turbulence</a> is a key factor in how gases can go back and forth."</p>



<p>Although wind speed has traditionally been the key factor in quantifying gas exchange, Wozniak and his team believe that surfactants play a significant role in influencing these models, which currently have large margins of error.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-sea-and-oceanic-research">Future of sea and oceanic research</h2>



<p>Once the samples were collected, the team conducted detailed analyses both onboard and back at their respective universities. </p>



<p>Students, including doctoral candidates Felix Agblemanyo and Tia Ouyang from UD, as well as undergraduates Audrey Tong and Ava Grove, contributed to the research, gaining hands-on experience in cutting-edge climate science.</p>



<p>“This was our solution to study the sea-surface microlayer, and it really is a great example of collaboration between the ship crew and the scientists to solve a real challenge,” said Wozniak.</p>



<p>With this foundational research, the team hopes to refine climate models and further our understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-spray-releases-water-pollution-into-the-air/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air-sea</a> interactions, paving the way for more accurate predictions of carbon cycles and climate regulation.</p>



<p>As we continue to strive for a deeper understanding of our oceans and the complex processes at play, this oceanographic research stands as a powerful example of the perseverance and collaborative efforts required in the face of such intricate environmental challenges.</p>



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Sea surface microlayer has a hidden impact on climate

Peering into the dynamic frontier where the ocean and the...

<p>Have you ever wondered about what happens in the universe's more lively neighborhoods? A recent discovery showcases how a jet beam from a black hole may be causing astral fireworks.</p>



<p>What if, in the heart of a gigantic galaxy, a supermassive black hole's blowtorch-like jet was the catalyst for stars to erupt along its trajectory? </p>



<p>Well, that's what astronomers using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope have recently discovered.</p>



<p>These erupting stars, known as novae, aren't caught right inside the jet. Instead, they seem to reside in a dangerous vicinity of the jet.</p>



<p>"We don't know what's going on, but it's just a very exciting finding. This means there's something missing from our understanding of how black hole <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-hole-jets-are-like-million-light-year-long-jedi-lightsabers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">jets</a> interact with their surroundings," explained Alec Lessing of <a href="https://www.stanford.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford University</a>, lead author of the study.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-a-nova-erupts-near-black-hole-jet">How a nova erupts near black hole jet</h2>



<p>To better understand this complex process, think of it as a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mini-neptune-toi-4633c-habitable-zone-binary-star-system-puzzles-astronomers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">double-star</a> system, where a normal star, now aged and swollen, spills hydrogen onto a companion star -- a white dwarf that has burned out.</p>



<p>Now, when this dwarf fills up with a mile-deep surface layer of this hydrogen, it detonates in a colossal nuclear explosion. </p>



<p>Interestingly, the dwarf remains unharmed, and the cycle just starts all over again.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-galactic-inferno-in-action">Galactic inferno in action</h2>



<p>Hubble's study revealed twice as many novae erupting near the black hole’s jet than elsewhere in the galaxy. </p>



<p>At the center of this phenomenon is a 6.5-billion-solar-mass black hole, surrounded by swirling matter. </p>



<p>As the black hole engulfs infalling material, it launches a 3,000-light-year-long jet of plasma at nearly the speed of light. </p>



<p>The jet's powerful beam could fry anything directly in its path, but even the nearby regions are hazardous, as shown by the increased <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/one-novae-star-explosion-may-be-origin-phosphorus-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nova activity</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-are-novae-birthed-near-the-jet">Why are novae birthed near the jet?</h2>



<p>The discovery suggests that either there are more double-star systems capable of forming novae near the jet or that these systems erupt more frequently.</p>



<p>"Maybe the jet somehow snowplows hydrogen fuel onto the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/white-dwarf-stars-may-be-billions-of-years-older-than-estimated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">white dwarfs</a>, causing them to erupt more frequently. But it's not clear that it's a physical pushing," Lessing pondered.</p>



<p>It could be the effect of the pressure of the light emanating from the jet. When you deliver hydrogen faster, you get eruptions faster. Something might be doubling the mass transfer rate onto the white dwarfs near the jet.</p>



<p>"We're not the first people who've said that it looks like there's more activity going on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-hole-jets-are-like-million-light-year-long-jedi-lightsabers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">around the M87 jet</a>," added Michael Shara, co-investigator from the <a href="https://www.amnh.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Museum of Natural History</a> in New York City.</p>



<p>"But Hubble has shown this enhanced activity with far more examples and statistical significance than we ever had before."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stars-and-black-hole-jets-align-for-hubble">Stars and black hole jets align for Hubble</h2>



<p>In fact, the <a href="https://hubblesite.org/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hubble Space Telescope</a> has managed to shed more light on this cosmic phenomena with far more examples and statistical significance than previously possible.</p>



<p>A vital part of this exciting discovery was revisiting a region every five days to count the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/t-coronae-borealis-nova-explosion-nearby-star-light-up-earths-skies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">erupting novae</a>, which culminated in the deepest images of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/highest-resolution-eht-black-hole-images-ever-taken-usher-in-new-era/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy M87</a> ever taken.</p>



<p>The Hubble discovered 94 novae in just one-third of M87 that its camera can encompass. </p>



<p>"Once you plotted all known novae on top of M87, you didn't need statistics to convince yourself that there is an excess of novae along the jet," the scientists explained.</p>



<p>"This discovery was made simply by looking at the images. Our statistical analyses of the data confirmed what we clearly saw."</p>



<p>Lastly, let's acknowledge that these novae are no rare event. In <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/echo-of-gravitational-waves-heard-for-the-first-time-finally-confirming-their-existence/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy M87</a> alone, one nova erupts every single day.</p>



<p>With around 100 billion galaxies throughout the visible universe, there's a dazzling light show with around 1 million novae erupting every second somewhere out there.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-black-hole-jets-as-cosmic-catalysts">Black hole jets as cosmic catalysts</h2>



<p>Beyond their immense gravitational pull, black holes exert influence through their powerful jets of plasma, which can stretch for thousands of light-years. </p>



<p>In the case of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/monster-black-hole-is-spinning-in-the-nearby-galaxy-m87-study-confurms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">M87’s 6.5-billion-solar-mass</a> supermassive black hole, the jet appears to play an unexpected role in stellar behavior.</p>



<p>Rather than merely ejecting matter at nearly the speed of light, this jet seems to be increasing the frequency of nova eruptions in nearby double-star systems.</p>



<p>The exact mechanism behind this phenomenon is still unclear, but researchers suspect that the energetic outflow from the black hole could be altering the environment in a way that accelerates mass transfer between stars in these systems. </p>



<p>This newfound connection between black hole jets and stellar eruptions adds another layer of complexity to our understanding of how black holes interact with their surroundings.</p>



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



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Black hole jets cause stars to erupt as they pass through galaxies

Have you ever wondered about what happens in the universe's...

<p>You know those ants you see scuttling around your garden? Have you ever thought about how they look when they are sick? </p>



<p>A research team led by the University of Oxford has unveiled a startling discovery about these industrious insects. Queen ants, instead of nursing their sick young, opt for a rather grim alternative.</p>



<p>The moment they notice an offspring showing signs of illness, they chow down on them. Yes, they eat their ailing larvae, transforming them into energy to produce new eggs. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cannibalism-for-ant-colony-survival">Cannibalism for ant colony survival</h2>



<p>But why such a seemingly harsh measure? Well, ant queens are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ants-employ-safeguards-social-distancing-to-prevent-spread-of-diseases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">typically lone wolves</a> when it comes to setting up new colonies. </p>



<p>During these early stages, the brood is extremely prone to diseases, posing a serious threat to the colony's survival. </p>



<p>To combat this, the queen puts on her chef's hat and whips up a meal out of the sick larvae before they become infectious.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-presenting-ant-queens-with-sick-larvae">Presenting ant queens with sick larvae </h2>



<p>How was this discovered? Well, <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oxford</a>'s Department of Biology presented the queens of the black garden ant with larvae infected with a lethal fungal pathogen. </p>



<p>The infection was deadly, but not yet contagious when the queens were introduced. And then, what a feast it was. The queens devoured 92% of the uninfected larvae, leaving no trace behind.</p>



<p>"We observed the queens get to work immediately as they find a sick larva in their pile. They spend several hours making sure every piece is consumed," noted Dr. Chris Pull, the lead researcher and a member of Oxford's <a href="https://www.biology.ox.ac.uk/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Biology</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-do-the-queens-avoid-illness">How do the queens avoid illness?</h2>



<p>Interestingly, all queens survived the feast despite the potential risk of contagion. </p>



<p>The scientists believe that the queens shield themselves by swallowing an antimicrobial venom that they produce in a unique gland at their abdomen's tail end.</p>



<p>Some queen ants were even witnessed massaging this gland during their mealting sessions. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cannibalism-gives-ants-a-reproductive-boost">Cannibalism gives ants a reproductive boost</h2>



<p>And that's not all, the queens who consumed their infected larvae saw a 55% hike in their egg production compared to their non-cannibalizing counterparts. </p>



<p>This suggests that the ingested offspring's nutrients are recycled for reproduction - a process we could term, quite appropriately, 'recycling life.'</p>



<p>"The queens start their colonies alone, sacrificing a lot of their own sustenance to raise their first batch of workers. The queens who churn out the most workers stand a greater chance at survival," explained study co-author Flynn Bizzell.</p>



<p>"By eating and recycling infected larvae into brood production, invaluable resources are not lost."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ants-control-disease-through-cannibalism">Ants control disease through cannibalism</h2>



<p>Interestingly, the queens did not consume larvae that had reached the infectious stage. Instead, they sprayed the larvae with their antimicrobial venom, seemingly attempting to control the infection.</p>



<p>However, the majority (80%) contracted the disease and later died, emphasizing the importance of nipping the problem in the bud.</p>



<p>The ability of ant queens to selectively consume larvae before they become infectious and to utilize antimicrobial venom as a line of defense highlights a sophisticated evolutionary strategy for disease management. </p>



<p>This dual approach ensures that resources are not wasted on doomed individuals while simultaneously fortifying the remaining larvae against threats. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-maintaining-the-health-of-the-colony">Maintaining the health of the colony</h2>



<p>The venom, believed to contain potent antimicrobial compounds, plays a critical role in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/white-ants-have-dual-roles-as-builders-and-decomposers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">maintaining the health of the colony</a> at its most vulnerable stage. </p>



<p>By employing this venom to spray infected larvae, queens attempt to curb disease spread and protect their investment in future generations. </p>



<p>The chemical composition of this venom is now a subject of rigorous inquiry, as it may offer insights into developing new biocontrol agents and therapeutic compounds in broader biological applications.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-optimal-use-of-limited-resources">Optimal use of limited resources </h2>



<p>This intriguing cannibalism behavior unveils the complex calculus of reproductive strategy in ants, where every action is directed towards <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ants-are-now-using-cars-to-travel-spread-to-new-locations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">maximizing the colony's success</a>. </p>



<p>The queens' decision to consume their sick offspring not only enhances their immediate reproductive output but also secures the long-term viability of the colony. </p>



<p>By effectively 'recycling' the nutrients, queens ensure the optimal use of limited resources, particularly during the crucial phase of colony establishment. </p>



<p>Viewing this behavior through an evolutionary lens, it becomes clear that such extreme measures are the products of natural selection, fine-tuned over millennia to increase the likelihood of survival in harsh environments. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hygienic-cannibalism-of-ants">"Hygienic cannibalism" of ants</h2>



<p>The survival strategy of ant queens, known as "hygienic cannibalism," has only been witnessed among queens and never among <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/larger-ant-colonies-drove-the-evolution-of-worker-castes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mature worker ants</a>.</p>



<p>Unlike queens that seal themselves into the nest, worker ants can dispose of infected larvae by carrying them out of the nest. </p>



<p>Ant queens, on the other hand, have found a way to turn a potential disaster into a means of long-term survival using cannibalism.</p>



<p>"Our findings show that cannibalism addresses disease containment and corpse disposal in the queens' underground bunker while ensuring valuable nutrients are not wasted," said Dr. Pull. "This significantly improves their odds of successfully establishing a colony."</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(24)01001-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a></em>.</p>



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Ant queens turn to cannibalism for controlling disease in their colonies

You know those ants you see scuttling around your garden?...

<p>Imagine a world where the ice that has held our planet's deep secrets for millenia begins to melt. Permafrost, a thick layer of frozen soil that blankets the Arctic and Subarctic regions, is under threat from global warming.</p>



<p>Aided by warmer climates, this icy ground is now thawing at an unprecedented rate with a ripple effect of repercussions including dangerous wildfires.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-permafrost-thaw-and-wildfires">Permafrost thaw and wildfires</h2>



<p>In a recent publication, a team of international climate scientists and permafrost experts unravel the chilling consequences of the accelerating permafrost thaw.</p>



<p>The study is yet another confirmation that greenhouse gas emissions are setting us on an irreversible course of climate change.</p>



<p>Guided by a new breed of climate computer models, the research presents an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-arctic-ice-weakens-the-strength-of-el-nino-events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">alarming scenario</a> - thawing permafrost could trigger a surge in wildfires in the Subarctic and Arctic regions of northern Canada and Siberia.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sowing-the-seeds-of-destruction">Sowing the seeds of destruction</h2>



<p>As our planet heats up and permafrost thaws, the soil loses its moisture content. This one-two punch of increased warmth and dryness paves the way for wildfires to thrive.</p>



<p>And this isn't just a theory. Observations already point to the fact that warm and unusually dry conditions have intensified wildfires in the Arctic region.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-permafrost-thaw-wildfires-and-climate-change">Permafrost thaw, wildfires, and climate change</h2>



<p>Previously, climate models skimmed over the complex interplay between global warming, permafrost thawing, soil water, and wildfires. </p>



<p>However, this new study takes a giant leap forward by incorporating these factors into the <a href="https://www.cesm.ucar.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Community Earth System Model</a>, a comprehensive earth system model that dovetails the interactions between soil water, permafrost, and wildfires.</p>



<p>Understanding and simulating future <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shrinking-arctic-ice-changing-global-climate-warm-arctic-cold-eurasia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">anthropogenic warm</a><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shrinking-arctic-ice-changing-global-climate-warm-arctic-cold-eurasia/">ing</a> and its impact on wildfire occurrence is no small feat. The role of accelerated permafrost thawing must be taken into consideration.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-trip-through-time">A trip through time</h2>



<p>In their quest to separate the human-induced increase in greenhouse gas emissions from naturally occurring variations in climate, the research team turned to a sophisticated ensemble of 50 past-to-future simulations. </p>



<p>The experts journeyed through time, spanning from 1850 to the projected future of 2100 CE under a specific greenhouse gas emission scenario.</p>



<p>This time-traveling exercise was conducted by scientists from the <a href="https://ibsclimate.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IBS Center for Climate Physics</a> in Busan, South Korea, and the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado.</p>



<p>The simulations, generated on the IBS supercomputer Aleph, revealed a chilling reality.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tipping-point-of-fire-and-ice">Tipping point of fire and ice</h2>



<p>According to the simulations, anthropogenic permafrost thawing in the Subarctic and Arctic regions will intensify by the mid to late 21st century. </p>



<p>Excess soil water will drain quickly in many areas, resulting in a steep decline in soil moisture, and a subsequent rise in surface warming and atmospheric drying.</p>



<p>"These conditions will intensify wildfires," said Dr. In-Won Kim, lead author of the study and postdoctoral researcher at the IBS Center for Climate Physics, South Korea.</p>



<p>Dr. Kim warns of drastic transitions from virtually no fires to very intense wildfires in just a matter of years in the second half of the 21st century.</p>



<p>Vegetation biomass, a significant player in fire propagation, is predicted to increase in high-latitude areas due to rising atmospheric CO2 concentrations. This so-called CO2 fertilization effect acts as an accelerant to the already burgeoning fire crisis.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-permafrost-thaw-and-wildfire-intensification">Permafrost thaw and wildfire intensification </h2>



<p>Professor Hanna Lee, co-author of the study at the <a href="https://www.ntnu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Norwegian University of Science and Technology</a>, emphasized the importance of improving our understanding of small-scale hydrological processes in climate models.</p>



<p>Permafrost thaw and wildfire intensification dynamics are not merely isolated phenomena, but they are components of a complex feedback loop.</p>



<p>"Wildfires release carbon dioxide, and black and organic carbon into the atmosphere, which can affect climate and feed back to the permafrost thawing processes in the Arctic," noted study co-author Professor Axel Timmermann, director of the ICCP.</p>



<p>The next step calls for the integration of fire emissions and atmospheric processes into earth system models. </p>



<p>Our understanding of the great thaw and its repercussions continues to evolve. The question is - can we adapt swiftly enough to prevent the flames of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildly-unexpected-consequences-polar-ice-melt-earth-rotation-spin-day-length/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate chan</a><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildly-unexpected-consequences-polar-ice-melt-earth-rotation-spin-day-length/">ge</a> from consuming our future?</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-51471-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a></em>.</p>



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Arctic wildfires will drastically intensify as permafrost thaws

Imagine a world where the ice that has held our...

<p>Scientists have taken us on an incredible journey by extracting and analyzing DNA from the world’s oldest cheese samples, discovered alongside the ancient Tarim Basin mummies in Northwestern China. It's fascinating to think about how our ancestors enjoyed cheese thousands of years ago.</p>



<p>These findings, dating back about 3,600 years, are revealing new information about the origins of kefir cheese and probiotic bacteria.</p>



<p>The research, published in the journal <em>Cell</em>, represents a significant step forward in understanding ancient dietary practices and microbial evolution.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-dairy-delicacy">Ancient dairy delicacy</h2>



<p>The quest for these gastronomic answers began nearly two decades ago when a team of archaeologists uncovered curious white substances smeared on the heads and necks of several&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cocaine-use-detected-in-the-brains-of-17th-century-mummies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mummies</a>&nbsp;in the Xiaohe cemetery of the Tarim Basin.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These ancient mummies, dating back about 3,300 to 3,600 years, have fascinated scientists for ages. They have wondered if the mysterious white substance found on them could be a type of fermented dairy product. </p>



<p>“This is the oldest known cheese sample ever discovered in the world,” said Qiaomei Fu, the study’s corresponding author at the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology,&nbsp;<a href="https://english.cas.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chinese Academy of Sciences</a>.</p>



<p>“Food items like cheese are extremely difficult to preserve over thousands of years, making this a rare and valuable opportunity. Studying the ancient cheese in great detail can help us better understand our ancestors’ diet and culture.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-composition-of-the-ancient-cheese">Composition of the ancient cheese</h2>



<p>Fast-forward to recent years, and advancements in ancient&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dna-analysis-can-predict-which-animals-are-at-risk-of-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DNA analysis</a>&nbsp;have finally allowed Fu and her team to unravel this ancient enigma.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers successfully extracted mitochondrial DNA from the samples found in three different tombs in the Xiaohe cemetery.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The team identified both cow and goat DNA in the cheese samples, revealing that the ancient Xiaohe people made cheese in separate batches using different sources of animal milk - an intriguing deviation from the mixed-milk methods used in Middle Eastern and Greek cheesemaking.</p>



<p>Most remarkably, Fu and her colleagues recovered the DNA of microorganisms from the dairy samples, confirming that the white substances were indeed kefir cheese.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The samples contained bacterial and fungal species such as&nbsp;<em>Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens</em>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<em>Pichia kudriavzevii</em>, both commonly found in present-day kefir grains.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glimpse-into-probiotic-evolution">Glimpse into probiotic evolution</h2>



<p>Kefir grains, much like a sourdough starter, are symbiotic cultures of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/probiotics-could-be-part-of-the-solution-to-childhood-obesity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">probiotic bacteria</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/elusive-ancestor-of-lager-yeast-found-in-ireland/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">yeast</a>&nbsp;used to ferment milk into kefir cheese.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By analyzing bacterial genes from ancient samples, Fu’s team has traced the evolution of probiotic bacteria over the last 3,600 years.</p>



<p>The experts compared the ancient <em>Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens</em> to its modern-day counterparts, unveiling key evolutionary changes.</p>



<p>Today, there are two dominant groups of&nbsp;<em>Lactobacillus</em> - one originating in Russia and another from Tibet.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The Russian variety is the most common for making yogurt and cheese. However, the ancient <em>Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens</em> in kefir cheese is more similar to the Tibetan group, questioning the belief that kefir only came from Russia's North Caucasus region.</p>



<p>“Our observation suggests kefir culture has been maintained in Northwestern China’s Xinjiang region since the Bronze Age,” noted Fu.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-exchange-and-trade">Cultural exchange and trade</h2>



<p>This remarkable discovery also provides insight into the cultural and economic exchanges occurring during the Bronze Age. </p>



<p>The presence of kefir cheese in the Xiaohe region suggests that there was a significant transfer of culinary knowledge and techniques across vast distances. The adaptation of kefir culture from Tibet to Northwestern China hints at a rich tapestry of interaction among different peoples and societies. </p>



<p>Such exchanges were likely not limited to culinary practices but may have encompassed other aspects of life, leading to the development of complex trade networks. </p>



<p>These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the interconnected nature of ancient civilizations and their shared histories.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-investigation-of-ancient-cheese">Investigation of ancient cheese</h2>



<p>As researchers continue to parse the data from this study, there are several avenues for future exploration. </p>



<p>One promising direction is the investigation of other ancient cheese samples in different archeological contexts to compare methods of production and ingredients used by various cultures.</p>



<p>The study also reveals that <em>Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens</em> exchanged genetic material with related strains, enhancing its genetic stability and milk fermentation capabilities over time. </p>



<p>The genetic exchanges likely helped <em>Lactobacillus</em> adapt to human hosts, making modern-day bacteria less likely to trigger immune responses in the human intestine than their ancient counterparts. </p>



<p>This co-evolution between humans and bacteria highlights the depth of our ancient relationship with food and the environment.</p>



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



<p>“This is an unprecedented study, allowing us to observe how a bacterium evolved over the past 3,000 years,” said Fu.</p>



<p>“Moreover, by examining&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cheese-may-contain-nutrients-that-prevent-cognitive-decline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dairy products</a>, we’ve gained a clearer picture of ancient human life and their interactions with the world. This is just the beginning, and with this technology, we hope to explore other previously unknown artifacts.”</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0092867424008997" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Cell</em></a>.</p>



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World's oldest cheese discovered alongside ancient mummies

Scientists have taken us on an incredible journey by extracting...

<p>In a thrilling revelation that challenges existing theories about the structure of Earth's interior, scientists have uncovered evidence of an ancient seafloor that sank deep into the Earth during the age of dinosaurs.</p>



<p>This previously unstudied tract of seafloor, located in the East Pacific Rise, has opened a window into how the planet’s surface has evolved over millions of years.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-seafloor-in-earth-s-mantle">Ancient seafloor in Earth's mantle</h2>



<p>Led by researchers from the <a href="https://umd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Maryland</a>, the study changes our understanding of Earth's mantle transition zone, located between the upper and lower mantles.</p>



<p>At the helm of this research was postdoctoral researcher Jingchuan Wang, who led the team using advanced seismic imaging technologies.</p>



<p>By peering into the mantle - 410 to 660 kilometers below Earth's surface - the researchers discovered a peculiarly thick zone.</p>



<p>“This thickened area is like a fossilized fingerprint of an ancient piece of seafloor that subducted into the Earth approximately 250 million years ago,” said Wang. “It’s giving us a glimpse into Earth’s past that we’ve never had before.”</p>



<p>The discovery challenges existing models of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/major-volcanic-events-linked-to-the-slowing-of-tectonic-plates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tectonic plate</a> movement and mantle dynamics.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-geological-time-machine">Geological time machine</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-the-atlantic-ocean-may-ultimately-vanish/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subduction</a>, where one tectonic plate slides beneath another, often leaves traces in the form of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/volcanoes-stabilize-temperatures-at-earths-surface/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcanoes</a>, earthquakes, and marine trenches.</p>



<p>Typically, researchers study subduction by examining rock samples, but Wang and his colleagues took a different approach.</p>



<p>Working with Professor&nbsp;Vedran Lekic and Professor&nbsp;Nicholas Schmerr, Wang used seismic waves to analyze the structure of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mystery-deepens-over-origin-of-thousands-of-massive-holes-on-the-ocean-floor/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean floor</a>.</p>



<p>“You can think of seismic imaging as something similar to a CT scan. It’s basically allowed us to have a cross-sectional view of our planet’s insides,” said Wang. </p>



<p>“Usually, oceanic slabs of material are consumed by the Earth completely, leaving no discernible traces on the surface. But seeing the ancient subduction slab through this perspective gave us new insights into the relationship between very deep Earth structures and surface geology, which were not obvious before.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-s-mantle-influences-the-surface">Earth's mantle influences the surface</h2>



<p>The team's findings suggest that material in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/record-breaking-hole-drilled-into-earths-mantle-scientific-goldmine-magma-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mantle</a> moves much slower than previously thought. </p>



<p>Wang believes the unusual thickness in the mantle transition zone is caused by colder material, indicating that some oceanic slabs may be getting stuck mid-way as they descend. </p>



<p>This discovery challenges the assumption that subducted material always moves smoothly through the mantle, raising new questions about how these stalled slabs affect long-term tectonic activity, volcanic hotspots, and even the planet’s magnetic field.</p>



<p>“We found that in this region, the material was sinking at about half the speed we expected, which suggests that the mantle transition zone can act like a barrier and slow down the movement of material through the Earth,” Wang explained. </p>



<p>“Our discovery opens up new questions about how the deep Earth influences what we see on the surface across vast distances and timescales.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-and-mantle-dynamics">Climate and mantle dynamics</h2>



<p>The research may also reshape our understanding of the mantle's thermal and compositional structure.</p>



<p>The subduction of ancient seafloor slabs plays a critical role in Earth's carbon cycle and mantle dynamics. </p>



<p>As these slabs descend, they transport surface materials, including carbon, deep into the mantle, influencing long-term carbon storage and release through volcanic activity. </p>



<p>This process also affects mantle convection, with thicker slabs slowing down heat transfer and altering tectonic and volcanic behavior. </p>



<p>The discovery of these ancient slabs reshapes our understanding of how Earth's interior processes impact surface climate and geodynamics over time.</p>



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



<p>Looking ahead, the team plans to expand their research across the Pacific Ocean and beyond, mapping ancient subduction zones and their impact on Earth's surface and deep structures.</p>



<p>The researchers aim to gather more seismic data to create a detailed global map of these hidden formations, helping scientists better understand how tectonic movements have shaped the planet over millions of years.</p>



<p>The research could also have practical applications for geohazard prediction, improving early warning systems for earthquakes and volcanic activity in high-risk areas.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-about-earth-and-other-planets">Insights about Earth and other planets</h2>



<p>In addition, the methods and insights developed in this study could be applied to the exploration of other planets. </p>



<p>Similar geological processes may be at work beneath the surfaces of Mars and Venus, offering clues to their histories and internal structures.</p>



<p>“This is just the beginning,” Wang said. “We believe that there are many more ancient structures waiting to be discovered in Earth’s deep interior."</p>



<p>"Each one has the potential to reveal many new insights about our planet’s complex past - and even lead to a better understanding of other planets beyond ours.”</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.ado1219." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a></em>.</p>



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Ancient seafloor re-emerges, giving us a new look at Earth's past

In a thrilling revelation that challenges existing theories about the...

<p>Scientists have seemingly stumbled upon a "pause button" that has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of early human life development and reproductive technologies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pausing-embryonic-development">Pausing embryonic development</h2>



<p>Among the realms of mammals, some possess the ability to control their embryonic development timing to enhance survival probabilities for both the mother and the embryo.  </p>



<p>In scientific terms, this phenomenon is dubbed "embryonic diapause." This intriguing event usually happens at the blastocyst stage right before the embryo implants itself into the uterus.</p>



<p>As a result, the embryo remains free-floating, extending the pregnancy period. This dormant condition can last from weeks to months before development starts all over again when the conditions are optimal. </p>



<p>However, whether <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/will-men-disappear-the-y-chromosome-is-constantly-shrinking/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human cells</a> can respond to these diapause triggers has remained a mystery - until now.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pause-button-for-human-cell-development">Pause button for human cell development</h2>



<p>In a new study, experts have discovered that the molecular mechanisms which control embryonic diapause are also actionable in human cells.</p>



<p>The research was conducted in the labs of Aydan Bulut-Karslıoğlu at the <a href="https://www.molgen.mpg.de/2168/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics</a> and Nicolas Rivron at the Institute of Molecular Biotechnology (IMBA) at the Austrian Academy of Sciences. </p>



<p>The scientists did not experiment on human embryos. Instead, they made use of stem cells and stem cell-based blastocyst models named blastoids.</p>



<p>Safe, scientific, and ethical - this alternative means of research led to the discovery that the mTOR signaling pathway could induce a state comparable to diapause upon modulation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-regulator-of-human-growth-and-development">Regulator of human growth and development</h2>



<p>"The mTOR pathway is a major regulator of growth and developmental progression in mouse embryos," explained Bulut-Karslioglu.</p>



<p>"When we treated human stem cells and blastoids with an mTOR inhibitor, we observed a developmental delay, indicating human cells can elicit a diapause-like response." </p>



<p>The dormant condition is marked by reduced cell division and slower development, also decreasing the ability to attach to the uterine lining. </p>



<p>However, the capability to enter this dormant stage seems to be restricted to a brief developmental period.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-reproductive-technologies">Future reproductive technologies</h2>



<p>The discovery of inducing diapause-like states in human cells opens new avenues for reproductive technology advancements. </p>



<p>By harnessing the mTOR pathway, scientists might potentially regulate the timing of embryo implantation, which could prove invaluable for assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). </p>



<p>This capability could increase implantation success rates by ensuring embryos implant at the most favorable time, thus enhancing pregnancy outcomes. </p>



<p>Moreover, this insight into controlling embryonic development could lead to groundbreaking methods in preserving fertility, particularly in cancer patients who may require treatments that impact their reproductive health. </p>



<p>The implications of manipulating this "pause button" for human development could indeed transform reproductive medicine, paving the way for tailored therapeutic interventions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ethical-considerations-of-modifying-development">Ethical considerations of modifying development </h2>



<p>As with many scientific advancements, the ability to modulate embryonic development raises important ethical questions that need thorough exploration. </p>



<p>While the potential benefits are significant, the conversation about how these technologies are employed and regulated is crucial. Ethical considerations must encompass the safety and long-term consequences of manipulating developmental stages. </p>



<p>Future research will need to address these concerns, ensuring that technological advancements align with societal values and ethical standards. </p>



<p>Moving forward, interdisciplinary collaboration between scientists, ethicists, and policymakers will be pivotal in navigating the challenges and opportunities stemming from this discovery. </p>



<p>This breakthrough in human development not only highlights the potential of scientific innovation but also highlights the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/knowing-which-fish-to-eat-during-pregnancy-is-very-important/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">responsibility that accompanies it</a>.</p>



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



<p>The ability to control the timing of embryonic development might possess significant implications for IVF. </p>



<p>"Undergoing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-pregnancy-changes-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">faster development</a> increases the success rate of IVF, and enhancing mTOR activity could achieve this," said Rivron.</p>



<p>"Conversely, triggering a dormant state during an IVF procedure could provide a larger time window to assess embryo health and to synchronize it with the mother for better implantation inside the uterus."</p>



<p>Thus, the research not only opens up new possibilities of understanding how cells perceive various signals during their developmental journey but also highlights the importance of collaborative research in advancing science.</p>



<p>What's the final take? These remarkable findings could be our ticket to enhancing reproductive health and improving our understanding of the earliest stages of human development.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(24)00977-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cell</a></em>.</p>



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Human development has a 'pause button'

Scientists have seemingly stumbled upon a "pause button" that has...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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<p>—–</p>

Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<p>—–</p>

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What caused the planet's longest ice age

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<p>—–</p>

Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>

Social modeling affects our food choices

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists discover we age in bursts

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists solve the mystery of tickling

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>



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



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

Retired professor claims he solved time travel

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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