<p>In Uganda’s Kibale National Park, scientists have spent years doing the slow, unglamorous work of catching tiny wasps. The payoff is big: a clearer map of “dark biodiversity” - the vast share of species that are poorly known or not yet described - and practical clues for how to protect it before it disappears.</p>



<p>Most of Earth’s species have never been formally documented, making them easy to overlook in conservation plans. Biologists call these overlooked lineages “dark taxa.” They are especially abundant in tropical forests, where species, habitats, and ecological roles remain thinly studied.</p>



<p>The Biodiversity Unit at the <a href="https://www.utu.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Turku</a> has made a specialty of unveiling this hidden diversity, describing new species each year, and building tools to slow global biodiversity loss.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-living-lab-for-biodiversity">A living lab for biodiversity</h2>



<p>Kibale National Park offers a mosaic of habitats. These include tracts of largely undisturbed forest, areas recovering from past logging, and nearby farmland. That patchwork allowed researchers to ask a simple but powerful question: where, exactly, is the unknown diversity concentrated?</p>



<p>The team focused on ichneumonid <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/invasive-parasitic-wasps-quietly-crossed-oceans-now-thriving-in-u-s-oak-trees/">wasps</a> - one of the most diverse animal groups on the planet - and, within it, the subfamily Pimplinae.</p>



<p>These wasps don’t just buzz around flowers. They regulate other species by parasitizing the immature stages of insects and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossil-with-spiders-brain-suggests-arachnids-originated-in-the-sea/">spiders</a>, linking them tightly to the health of entire food webs.</p>



<p>“Ichneumonids are a very poorly known taxon in Africa - we estimate that over half of the species we found are new to science,” said doctoral researcher Emil Österman. </p>



<p>With so little baseline knowledge for tropical ichneumonids, the team used long-term, standardized sampling to see how Pimplinae diversity is distributed across Kibale’s different habitats.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wasps-link-species-and-ecosystems">Wasps link species and ecosystems</h2>



<p>Because parasitoid wasps sit high in food webs, they are sensitive to disruptions below them. If the insects and spiders they rely on decline, parasitoids tend to follow. </p>



<p>That sensitivity makes Pimplinae useful indicators: shifts in their richness and abundance often mirror broader changes in biodiversity. The new work confirms what many ecologists have suspected but struggled to quantify in tropical Africa. </p>



<p>“Many of our finds weren't unexpected, but we didn't have data based on long-term collecting in the field," said Tapani Hopkins, a researcher with the Biodiversity Unit. </p>



<p>"Now we can tell in greater detail how many more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-owl-species-discovered-in-africa/">species</a> there are in natural forest, and to what extent disturbed or logged tropical forest can harbor species.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-farmland-cannot-match-forest-life">Farmland cannot match forest life</h2>



<p>The headline result is encouraging for conservation: intact forest in Kibale harbors especially rich Pimplinae communities. Secondary forest that is regrowing after logging also supports far more species than adjacent farmland.</p>



<p>In other words, protecting remaining forest is essential, and letting disturbed forest recover pays real biodiversity dividends.</p>



<p>“Our results clearly show that African forest, including forest that is recovering from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rainforests-replanted-seedlings-after-logging-do-not-recover-well/">logging</a>, maintains a species-rich Pimplinae fauna compared to, say, nearby farmland," Österman said. "Species-rich habitats can be considered especially valuable in conserving unknown dark biodiversity.” </p>



<p>That matters for policy and on-the-ground management. If you want to safeguard the most unknown species, prioritize forests - and don’t write off recovering stands. They’re already doing important work.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-forests-store-hidden-diversity">Global forests store hidden diversity</h2>



<p>The team also asked a bigger biogeographic question: how does African tropical diversity stack up against the New World? </p>



<p>Drawing on their parallel long-term collections in western Amazonia and Brazil’s coastal forests, the researchers found hints that South American rainforests may host even higher Pimplinae richness than Africa. However, African forests still harbor a rich fauna.</p>



<p>“Conserving dark taxa effectively requires a detailed knowledge of how biodiversity is distributed, both locally and at a global scale,” said Professor Ilari E. Sääksjärvi, who leads the Biodiversity Unit.</p>



<p>The comparison underscores a simple lesson: tropical forests on multiple continents are irreplaceable reservoirs of poorly known life.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forest-biodiversity-loss-accelerates">Forest biodiversity loss accelerates</h2>



<p>Parasitoid wasps are only one window into dark biodiversity. But they tell a familiar story: clearing or simplifying forests causes losses to ripple upward. Protecting or allowing forests to recover lets complex communities rebound - including species we haven’t named yet.</p>



<p>The Kibale study shows <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biodiversity-leaks-conservation-efforts-may-shift-harm-elsewhere/">conservation</a> can succeed despite limited taxonomy: protect habitats that concentrate hidden diversity. It also highlights the value of patient, long-term fieldwork in places where biodiversity is vanishing fastest.</p>



<p>“We will continue our field studies at different tropical forest sites, because that is where biodiversity is disappearing especially quickly. It is a fight against time. When a rainforest is destroyed, we lose countless species which we know nothing about,” Sääksjärvi concluded.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://resjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/icad.70017" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Insect Conservation and Diversity</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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



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Wasps shine a light on 'dark biodiversity' in rainforests

In Uganda’s Kibale National Park, scientists have spent years doing the slow, unglamorous work of catching tiny wasps. The payoff is big: a clearer map of “dark biodiversity” - the vast share of species that are poorly known or not yet described - and practical clues for how to protect it before it disappears. Most of Earth’s species have never been formally documented, making them easy to overlook in conservation plans. Biologists call these overlooked lineages “dark taxa.” They are especially abundant in tropical forests, where species,...

<p>5D memory crystals may hold the key to humanity’s future, offering a second chance for species on the brink of extinction. Thanks to new research, this concept has moved beyond science fiction, taking a revolutionary leap into the real world of data storage technology.</p>



<p>Scientists have developed a 5D 'memory crystal' capable of storing the entire human genome. Virtually indestructible, this crystal opens up thrilling possibilities for preserving and potentially restoring life far into the future.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-memory-crystals-change-the-game">Memory crystals change the game</h2>



<p>The 5D memory crystal is a brainchild developed by the <a href="https://www.southampton.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Southampton</a>'s Optoelectronics Research Center (<a href="https://www.southampton.ac.uk/about/faculties-schools-departments/optoelectronics-research-centre" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ORC</a>).</p>



<p>The university's researchers worked tirelessly to develop a data storage format so durable that it could withstand the test of time and endure the most extreme environmental conditions.</p>



<p>By harnessing the hardness and thermal durability of fused quartz, they created a memory crystal capable of surviving for billions of years, even when exposed to high temperatures or other harsh elements.</p>



<p>This breakthrough has resulted in a storage medium unlike any other, with the ability to preserve an astounding 360 terabytes of data without any degradation over time. </p>



<p>It stands as the most durable data storage material ever created, earning recognition as a Guinness World Record holder.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-encoding-information">Encoding information </h2>



<p>Unlike conventional storage methods like 2D paper or magnetic tape, which are susceptible to wear and data loss, the 5D memory crystal encodes information in a revolutionary three-dimensional manner.<strong> </strong></p>



<p>This innovative approach allows data to be etched into multiple layers within the crystal, providing not only immense storage capacity but also resilience. </p>



<p>The multidimensional etching process is what gives the crystal its "5D" designation, symbolizing its ability to preserve information across time and space.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-one-genome-at-a-time">One genome at a time</h2>



<p>If you're wondering how this technology serves the purpose of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biobanking-historic-initiative-aims-to-genetically-rescue-endangered-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species preservation</a>, here's how it works.</p>



<p>The 5D memory crystals, immune to temporal degradation and the ravages of time, will outlast humans and countless other species, safeguarding their genetic information for future use. </p>



<p>Even though we have yet to develop the capability to synthetically recreate complex <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cannibalism-cellular-level-common-across-various-life-forms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life forms</a>, recent breakthroughs in synthetic biology hint at a promising future where this may be possible.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eternal-archive">Eternal archive</h2>



<p>Think of these memory crystals as an eternal archive, a pantheon that holds the blueprint of life itself, preserving it for generations to come.</p>



<p>A remarkable proof of this concept was demonstrated when the entire <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dna-mystery-50000-knots-found-in-the-human-genome/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human genome</a> was inscribed into a 5D memory crystal. </p>



<p>Each of the roughly 3 billion letters of our DNA sequence was meticulously encoded 150 times within the crystal, ensuring its durability and accuracy for future decoding. </p>



<p>This extraordinary achievement was made possible through a collaboration with <a href="https://www.helix.works/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Helixworks Technologies</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-data-capsule-beyond-time">Data capsule beyond time</h2>



<p>The team from the University of Southampton secured this astonishing creation in the <a href="https://www.memory-of-mankind.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Memory of Mankind archive</a>, a unique time capsule in a salt cave in Hallstatt, Austria.</p>



<p>In this futuristic crystal, they also embedded visual clues to guide future <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/species-suffer-a-second-extinction-when-society-forgets-about-them/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> or intelligences in retrieving the stored data.</p>



<p>The key to unlocking this reservoir lies right above the dense planes of data. It displays universal elements, the four bases of the DNA molecule, their arrangement in the double helix structure, and the gene positions within a chromosome. </p>



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



<p>The crystal even includes a tribute to NASA's Pioneer spacecraft plaques, providing a clue about the species the crystal relates to.</p>



<p>The 5D memory crystal, a remarkable achievement of human ingenuity, is a pillar of hope for the present and a survival kit for the future. </p>



<p>"The 5D memory crystal opens up possibilities for researchers to build an everlasting repository of genomic information from which complex organisms might be restored should future science allow," Prof. Kazansky optimistically put it.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5d-memory-crystals-and-the-future">5D memory crystals and the future</h2>



<p>As technology continues to evolve, the 5D memory crystal may pave the way for future breakthroughs beyond just <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-of-things-tech-will-transform-ocean-data-collection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">data storage</a>. </p>



<p>Its ability to endure the harshest conditions and maintain vast amounts of information positions it as a tool that could revolutionize space exploration, medical research, and species conservation. </p>



<p>Whether used as a repository of knowledge for future civilizations or as a blueprint for restoring life, the 5D memory crystal offers endless possibilities for scientific advancements yet to be imagined.</p>



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



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New 'memory crystal' data storage will preserve information for billions of years

5D memory crystals may hold the key to humanity’s future,...

<p>The summer of 2024 was the hottest on record, an expected outcome given the rising global temperatures.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In the Northern Hemisphere, hotter and drier summers have led to severe droughts and intense heat waves, particularly in North America and Europe, posing significant threats to society, such as wildfires, crop failures, and serious health risks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-weakening-of-earth-s-air-circulation-nbsp">Weakening of Earth's air circulation&nbsp;</h2>



<p>A contributing factor to these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/droughts-and-extreme-weather-events-are-escalating/">extreme weather events</a> is the weakening of Earth's air circulation systems, which normally help distribute moisture and heat across the globe. The exact reasons behind this weakening, however, had remained unclear - until now.</p>



<p>In two new studies led by Rei Chemke, an expert in climate dynamics at the <a href="https://www.weizmann.ac.il/pages/">Weizmann Institute of Science</a>, researchers have identified human activity as the cause behind the weakening of these critical air circulation systems.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vital-network-of-wind-patterns-nbsp">Vital network of wind patterns&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The studies focused on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-method-developed-to-measure-the-wind/">wind</a> patterns that form a vital network for transporting wind-borne heat and moisture around the world. Central to this network are storm tracks, which are high- and low-pressure weather systems that move from west to east.</p>



<p>These storm systems play a crucial role in transferring heat, moisture, and air flow momentum within the atmosphere, which in turn shapes the various climate zones on Earth.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Another key component is the Hadley circulation, a process in which warm air rises near the equator, moves toward the poles, descends in the subtropics, and flows back toward the equator, creating a continuous cycle.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-human-activities-nbsp">The role of human activities&nbsp;</h2>



<p>While scientists had long known that both storm tracks and the Hadley circulation have been weakening since at least 1980, only the weakening of the Hadley circulation had been clearly linked to human-induced emissions.</p>



<p>The research was conducted in collaboration with Professor Dim Coumou of Amsterdam’s Institute for Environmental Studies&nbsp;</p>



<p>The first study, published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41612-024-00640-2"><em>npj Climate and Atmospheric Science</em></a>, demonstrated that the weakening of storm tracks is also due to man-made emissions of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenhouse-gas-emissions-reach-another-all-time-high/">greenhouse gasses</a>, such as CO₂, and aerosols.</p>



<p>“These emissions warm the air more at the high latitudes than at the low latitudes,” said Chemke. This reduction in the temperature difference between northern and southern latitudes, which drives the storm tracks, has caused the storm tracks to weaken.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-buildup-of-warm-temperatures-nbsp">Buildup of warm temperatures&nbsp;</h2>



<p>To reach these conclusions, the researchers analyzed vast amounts of climate data from both observations and advanced climate models.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The experts found that the weakening of storm tracks could only be explained when historical emissions were factored into the climate models.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Chemke pointed out the significance of these storm systems in cooling landmasses.</p>



<p>“The storms in summertime play an important role in bringing cool air from the ocean to the land. If you reduce the intensity of these storms, you bring in less of this cool air. This leads to a buildup of warm temperatures on the continent, which can lead to increasingly extreme heat events.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impacts-on-air-circulation-nbsp">Impacts on air circulation&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Man-made emissions have also been found to impact the Hadley circulation in an unprecedented way.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While natural factors have historically influenced this circulation, human activity has reversed the direction of these effects - weakening the circulation rather than strengthening it.</p>



<p>In the second study, published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-48316-y"><em>Nature Communications</em></a>, Chemke and his student Or Hess explored the role of natural forces, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-research-enhances-predictions-on-volcanic-eruptions/">volcanic eruptions</a> and solar fluxes, in shaping the Hadley circulation over the past millennium.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Using climate models that encapsulate the physics, biology, and chemistry of the climate system, they simulated how natural factors altered the Hadley circulation in previous centuries.</p>



<p>The findings revealed that natural forces had generally acted to strengthen the Hadley circulation in the past - quite the opposite of what is happening today. Man-made emissions, in contrast, are weakening this vital circulation.</p>



<p>“In the previous millennium, natural factors were dominant, whereas now, man-made emissions play a more dominant role,” Hess said. </p>



<p>“In the past, we had a cooling climate that acted to strengthen the Hadley circulation. Today, we have a warming climate that acts to weaken this circulation.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-changes-in-earth-s-air-circulation-nbsp">Natural changes in Earth's air circulation&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Chemke and his team emphasize the need for climate models to account more thoroughly for natural factors, which are often overshadowed by the focus on human-induced emissions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While human activity undoubtedly plays a larger role in today’s climate changes, natural forces have historically had a significant impact.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-influence-on-climate-systems">Human influence on climate systems</h2>



<p>“Our research field mainly deals with man-made emissions and warming climates. Less attention is given to the impact of natural factors such as volcanic eruptions, solar fluctuations, or natural sources of greenhouse gasses," Chemke explained.</p>



<p>“Yet we found that natural factors can have a major effect on climate, although smaller in magnitude relative to the impact of man-made emissions.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>“In particular, they seem to affect the Hadley circulation in a way that's opposite to that of human activity. This was really surprising for us, and it's something that should be taken into consideration.”</p>



<p>The findings highlight the importance of understanding both natural and human influences on climate systems, especially as the world grapples with increasingly extreme weather events. </p>



<p>By factoring in both, scientists can develop more accurate models and strategies for addressing climate change.</p>



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



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

Human activities are weakening Earth's air circulation

The summer of 2024 was the hottest on record, an...

<p>The low gravity conditions of space may cause significant damage to heart tissue, according to a new study. Cardiac tissues exposed to a low-gravity environment showed signs of mitochondrial impairment and oxidative stress, which are key features of heart failure. </p>



<p>For the investigation, experts at <a href="https://www.jhu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Johns Hopkins University</a> arranged for 48 human bioengineered heart tissue samples to spend 30 days aboard the International Space Station.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heart-tissue-in-a-low-gravity-environment-nbsp">Heart tissue in a low-gravity environment&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Upon analysis, the experts observed that the low-gravity environment weakened the heart tissues and disrupted their normal rhythmic beats compared to control samples kept on Earth.</p>



<p>According to the scientists, the heart tissues “really don’t fare well in space.” Over time, the tissues on the space station beat with only about half the strength of their Earth-bound counterparts.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impacts-of-long-duration-spaceflight">Impacts of long-duration spaceflight</h2>



<p>“With current plans for manned missions to Mars and beyond, the need to better understand, prevent, and counteract the harmful effects of long-duration spaceflight on the body is becoming increasingly important,” noted the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Previous research has shown that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/space-travel-takes-a-greater-toll-on-astronauts-brains-than-previously-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">astronauts</a> returning to Earth often experience age-related conditions such as reduced heart muscle function and arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), some of which dissipate after their return.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, scientists have been seeking ways to study these effects at a cellular and molecular level in order to develop strategies to keep astronauts safe on long-duration space flights, explained project leader Professor Deok-Ho Kim.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bioengineered-heart-tissues-nbsp">Bioengineered heart tissues&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The project used heart muscle cells (cardiomyocytes) derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) - a process developed by Jonathan Tsui, a former PhD student in Kim's lab at the <a href="https://www.washington.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Washington</a>. </p>



<p>Tsui later continued the space biology research with Professor Kim at Johns Hopkins University.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The bioengineered heart tissues were placed in a miniaturized tissue chip that mimicked the environment of an adult human heart. </p>



<p>The tissue chip was designed to string the cells between two posts, allowing the researchers to collect data on how the tissues contracted.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sending-heart-tissues-to-space">Sending heart tissues to space</h2>



<p>To send the cardiac tissues aboard the SpaceX CRS-20 mission, which launched in March 2020, Tsui personally hand-carried the tissue chambers to Florida, where he cared for them for a month at the <a href="https://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kennedy Space Center</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Once aboard the space station, real-time data was collected every 30 minutes for 10 seconds, measuring the strength of the tissue contractions, known as twitch forces, and detecting any irregular beating patterns.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Astronaut Jessica Meir helped maintain the experiment by changing the liquid nutrients surrounding the tissues weekly and preserving samples at specific intervals for later gene and imaging analysis.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-the-viability-of-the-tissues">Protecting the viability of the tissues</h2>



<p>On Earth, a second set of heart tissues (developed the same way) was housed in identical chambers to serve as a control. When the space-bound tissue chambers returned to Earth, Tsui resumed collecting data from the tissues.</p>



<p>“An incredible amount of cutting-edge technology in the areas of stem cell and tissue engineering, biosensors and bioelectronics, and microfabrication went into ensuring the viability of these tissues in space,” said Professor Kim, whose team developed the tissue chip used for this project and future studies.</p>



<p>Devin Mair, a former PhD student in Kim’s lab and now a postdoctoral fellow at Johns Hopkins, analyzed the tissues' ability to contract.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-weakened-tissues-and-potential-heart-disease">Weakened tissues and potential heart disease</h2>



<p>The heart muscle tissues in space not only lost strength but also developed irregular beating patterns, known as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/medical-cannabis-increases-risk-of-heart-arrhythmia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">arrhythmias</a> - disruptions that could potentially lead to heart failure.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Typically, the time between one beat and the next is about one second, but in the space-bound tissues, this time increased nearly fivefold. However, when the tissues were returned to Earth, their beating rhythm gradually returned to near-normal levels.</p>



<p>The researchers also discovered that sarcomeres - the protein bundles in muscle cells that facilitate contraction - became shorter and more disordered in the space-bound tissues, a hallmark of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-diet-may-save-your-life-six-key-foods-lower-the-risk-of-heart-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart disease</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Additionally, the mitochondria, which are responsible for producing energy in cells, became larger, rounder, and lost their characteristic folds, further indicating impaired energy production.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inflammation-and-oxidative-damage-nbsp">Inflammation and oxidative damage&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Finally, Mair, along with assistant research professor Eun Hyun Ahn, and PhD student Zhipeng Dong, analyzed gene activity in the tissues.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The heart tissues that had spent time in space showed increased expression of genes associated with inflammation and oxidative damage, both of which are common markers of heart disease and are consistently observed in post-flight health checks of astronauts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shielding-the-heart-from-damage-in-space">Shielding the heart from damage in space</h2>



<p>Professor Kim’s team sent a second batch of 3D-engineered heart tissues to the space station in 2023 to screen for drugs that might protect the cells from the harmful effects of low gravity. </p>



<p>This ongoing research may lead to therapies that not only help astronauts maintain heart function during spaceflight but could also benefit people on Earth as they age.</p>



<p>The team is also continuing to refine their “tissue on a chip” system while exploring the effects of radiation on heart tissues at the <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/mission/nasa-space-radiation-lab/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Space Radiation Laboratory</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The space station orbits within the Earth's magnetic field, which shields its occupants from most space radiation, but further research is needed to understand the impact of cosmic radiation on astronauts’ cardiovascular health during longer missions outside this protective zone.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2404644121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</em></a>.</p>



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



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Low gravity conditions in space cause heart damage

The low gravity conditions of space may cause significant damage...

Great,Barrier,Reef.,Heart,Reef.,Whitsundays.,Queensland,Australia

<p>Exciting new research brings hope for the future of our precious coral reefs. Scientists discovered something quite extraordinary in the waters of Australia's Great Barrier Reef -- unforeseen variations in coral heat tolerance.</p>



<p>Could this be the key to the recovery and adaptation of these threatened ecosystems?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coral-heat-tolerance">Coral heat tolerance</h2>



<p>Within the calming depths, where table coral, <em>Acropora hyacinthus</em>, lives across 17 reefs, scientists meticulously measured the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-worlds-largest-coral-bleaching-event-is-now-underway/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bleaching</a> thresholds of more than 500 colonies using a portable experimental system.</p>



<p>The efforts of a diverse team of researchers, led by <a href="https://www.scu.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southern Cross University</a> PhD candidate Melissa Naugle, bore surprising fruit.</p>



<p>“We found heat-tolerant corals at almost all the reefs that we studied, highlighting how corals across the entire <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/great-barrier-reef-is-on-the-brink-of-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Great Barrier Reef</a> may hold genetic resources that are important for protection and restoration,” said lead researcher Melissa Naugle.</p>



<p>What they discovered was a remarkable diversity in heat tolerance among the colonies. </p>



<p>This finding suggests that the natural genetic resources of corals may hold the key to their own survival and restoration. </p>



<p>As reefs face the 4th <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/60-percent-global-coral-reefs-face-bleaching-rising-temperatures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global mass bleaching event</a> and unprecedented summer sea temperatures, this discovery offers hope.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fuel-for-natural-selection">Fuel for natural selection</h2>



<p>The study was part of the <a href="https://gbrrestoration.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reef Restoration and Adaptation Program (RRAP)</a>, involving scientists from across the globe.</p>



<p>Dr. Line Bay, Senior Principal Research Scientist and Research Program Director at AIMS, emphasized the importance of these findings for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/monetary-value-ecosystems-nature-conservation-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystem conservation</a>.</p>



<p>“Differences between individual corals are the fuel for natural selection to produce future generations of more tolerant corals,” said Dr. Bay. </p>



<p>“Developing a solid understanding of this variation is crucial to understanding how corals will adapt to climate warming.”</p>



<p>The study’s implications for large-scale reef restoration and conservation efforts are significant. Dr. Cedric Robillot, Executive Director of RRAP, noted that naturally heat-tolerant corals can be strategically used in such programs. </p>



<p>“This work highlights the availability of naturally heat-tolerant corals that can be targeted by RRAP to protect this critical ecosystem from warming ocean temperatures that are already locked in from climate change,” Dr. Robillot stated.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-embracing-heat-tolerant-corals">Embracing heat-tolerant corals</h2>



<p>While environmental factors such as thermal history, nutrient concentrations, and symbiotic algae living within coral tissues influenced heat tolerance, genetic differences played a key role.</p>



<p>“The most heat-tolerant corals identified in this study are currently being used for a selective breeding trial,” said Dr. Emily Howells, Senior Research Fellow at Southern Cross University. </p>



<p>“Though, this outcome depends on how much of the heat tolerance variation we observe is tied to heritable gene variants.”</p>



<p>Melissa Naugle further explained the importance of genetic research. </p>



<p>“Next, we’ll analyze DNA-sequencing data from these individuals to identify gene variants associated with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pacific-coral-reefs-have-naturally-increased-their-heat-tolerance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heat tolerance</a>. This can help us understand the adaptation potential of natural coral populations and inform selective breeding work,” noted Naugle.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-symbiotic-algae-and-heat-tolerance">Symbiotic algae and heat tolerance</h2>



<p>One key factor contributing to heat tolerance is the relationship between corals and their symbiotic algae, known as zooxanthellae. </p>



<p>These algae reside within coral tissues, providing essential nutrients through photosynthesis and, in turn, helping corals build reefs. </p>



<p>However, under stress conditions like rising sea temperatures, corals may expel their symbiotic algae, leading to bleaching and leaving them vulnerable.</p>



<p>Research has shown that the types of symbiotic algae present can influence heat tolerance. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-significance">Study significance</h2>



<p>Understanding the different algae species that live within corals may provide additional strategies for enhancing resilience. This relationship is considered a key factor in efforts to breed heat-tolerant corals.</p>



<p>The next step for researchers is to determine which algae strains offer the best protection under increasing heat stress. </p>



<p>Exploring if selective breeding can strengthen this symbiosis could be crucial in supporting coral survival, even as climate change continues to warm the oceans.</p>



<p>By examining both genetic factors within corals and their partnership with symbiotic algae, this research provides a more holistic understanding of what may be necessary to protect the world’s remaining reefs.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-024-01649-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Earth &amp; Environment</a></em>.</p>



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Some corals can survive high ocean heat, which could save reefs

Exciting new research brings hope for the future of our...

<p>Humans aren't the only animals affected by the increasing proliferation of artificial light at night (ALAN). Recent studies found that light pollution, especially the blue spectrum, dramatically impacts fish behavior, even influencing their offspring.</p>



<p>Our planet at night, once a canvas of star-studded obsidian, has been illuminated to such lengths that darkness seems a thing of the past. </p>



<p>This phenomenon, dubbed as ALAN, is the primary culprit for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/light-pollution-increases-the-risk-of-alzheimers-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global light pollution</a>. The constant glow from street-lights, buildings and our personal devices create a world that never truly sees nightfall. </p>



<p>It's no wonder then that our sleep schedules are in disarray, and it turns out, so are the zebrafish's.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-anxious-fish-and-unnatural-light">Anxious fish and unnatural light</h2>



<p>The team of scientific scholars from the <a href="https://www.hbu.cas.cz/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute of Hydrobiology</a> Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Max Planck <a href="https://www.ab.mpg.de/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute of Animal Behavior</a>, led by Wei Wei Li, delved into how ALAN affects the behavior of zebrafish.</p>



<p>They found that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/blue-light-increases-risk-of-bird-collisions-with-buildings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">constant exposure to light</a> resulted in the zebrafish displaying anxiety-like behaviors -- they swam less, spent more time near the aquarium walls, and congregated in closer groups.</p>



<p>The team discovered that while all wavelengths of light induced these changes, the blue spectrum triggered the most immediate and intense responses. </p>



<p>These findings might make you reconsider your next late-night Netflix binge. After all, it's not only your sleep that's getting compromised.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-negative-impact-of-alan">Negative impact of ALAN</h2>



<p>Wei Wei Li brings to our attention an unsettling fact -- the impact of ALAN isn't exclusive to us humans. </p>



<p>The illumination levels used in their study were similar to the amount of light filtering into animal habitats from our outdoor sources.</p>



<p>“Sleep is one of the main processes of animals that is disrupted by ALAN, so we were curious to know what that means for their ability to navigate their lives. In other words, what does it mean for their behavior?” explains Wei Wei Li.</p>



<p>“The light levels that we used in our study matched what is already shining into the homes of animals at night through the many sources we place outdoors. And we found extremely strong and clear negative effects on the behavior of fish and their offspring after only a few bright nights.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-blue-light-and-fish-offspring">Blue light and fish offspring</h2>



<p>It's no secret that blue light disrupts the human sleep cycle. But the research team wanted to uncover whether different wavelengths affected fish behavior differently. </p>



<p>After exposing female zebrafish to various light regimes for eight nights, they recorded behaviors such as decreased swimming and wall-hugging. </p>



<p>The impact of blue light, however, was discernible much sooner - after just five nights of exposure.</p>



<p>"This is consistent with what is known in humans, that exposure to the blue light of our electronic displays has the biggest effect on our sleep and possibly other physiological cycles," co-author Aneesh Bose observes. </p>



<p>While the study did not aim to uncover a mechanism, the authors speculate that the observed behavioral patterns could stem from sleep deprivation.</p>



<p>“The fish could pull a few all-nighters, but after too many nights of disrupted sleep it eventually caught up to them,” explains Bose.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-effects-linger">Effects linger</h2>



<p>The effects of ALAN appear to be more than just fleeting. The study found that these behavioral changes in zebrafish didn't cease with the individual but extended to their offspring. </p>



<p>"We found that light pollution disrupted the natural behavior of fish, and this disruption may have fitness and performance consequences," Ming Duan from the <a href="https://english.cas.cn" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chinese Academy of Sciences</a> elaborates.</p>



<p>While we can't entirely eliminate artificial light, we can certainly be more mindful of its repercussions. It's not just about turning off the lights when not in use but also about reconsidering the type of light we emit near animal habitats. </p>



<p>"The best thing we can do is minimize the use of blue wavelength light sources where animals are trying to sleep," Duan suggests.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saving-fish-from-light-pollution">Saving fish from light pollution</h2>



<p>What we have been lights-out about is how the light we cast influences more than just our sleep patterns. </p>



<p>From anxiety-like behaviors to progeny impact, the findings of this study shine a light (pun intended) on the unintended consequences of our illuminated existence. </p>



<p>It's high time we dimmed our luminescent lifestyles <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/city-moths-develop-smaller-wings-survive-light-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">for a brighter future</a>, for us and our aquatic pals.</p>



<p>So, the next time you leave a light on, remember -- it's not just you, but also your finned neighbors who might be kept awake.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969724064921?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science of The Total Environment</a>.</em></p>



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Light at night permanently changes fish behavior and harms offspring

Humans aren't the only animals affected by the increasing proliferation...

Close-up,Muzzle,Of,A,Dwarf,Liberian,Hippo,,Portrait.,,,A

<p>The extinction of dwarf elephants and hippos during the Late Pleistocene remains one of the most intriguing prehistoric mysteries.</p>



<p>In the sprawling Mediterranean landscape of Cyprus, these were the only two species of megafauna to inhabit the island. </p>



<p>The 500-kg dwarf elephant (<em>Palaeoloxodon cypriotes</em>, approximately 1,102 lbs) and the 130-kg dwarf hippo (<em>Phanourios minor</em>, approximately 287 lbs) roamed the island, but their presence was short-lived.</p>



<p>Both species mysteriously disappeared around the time humans arrived roughly 14,000 years ago.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This rapid extinction has long puzzled scholars, as previous theories argued that the introduction of a small human population on Cyprus couldn’t have caused such swift extinctions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, recent research, led by Professor Corey Bradshaw from <a href="https://www.flinders.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Flinders University</a>, suggests a different story, offering new insights into this prehistoric puzzle.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-perspective-on-dwarf-elephant-extinction">New perspective on dwarf elephant extinction</h2>



<p>The study, funded by the European Regional Development Fund and the Republic of Cyprus through the Research and Innovation Foundation for <a href="https://www.ucy.ac.cy/migrate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">project MIGRATE</a>, found that Paleolithic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-hunter-gatherer-ancestors-did-much-more-gathering-than-hunting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hunter-gatherers</a> likely played a pivotal role in the extinction of these dwarf species. </p>



<p>Through mathematical models that combine paleontological and archaeological data, the research team examined how human hunting practices, diet composition, and prey selection could have driven the dwarf elephants and hippos to extinction in less than 1,000 years.</p>



<p>“Our results provide strong evidence that Paleolithic peoples in Cyprus were at least partially responsible for megafauna extinctions during the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-were-likely-the-leading-cause-of-megafauna-extinctions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Late Pleistocene</a> and early Holocene,” explains lead author Professor Corey Bradshaw. </p>



<p>“The main determinant of extinction risk for both species was the proportion of edible meat they provided to the first people on the island,” he adds.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unveiling-the-role-of-hunter-gatherers">Unveiling the role of hunter-gatherers</h2>



<p>Using data-driven approaches, the research team, including Drs. Theodora Moutsiou, Christian Reepmeyer, Frédérik Saltré, and Stefani Crabtree, analyzed the impact of human populations ranging from 3,000 to 7,000 individuals.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The findings show that even relatively small groups of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stone-age-hunter-gatherers-had-a-very-organized-domestic-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hunter-gatherers</a> could have hunted the island’s megafauna to extinction within a short timeframe. </p>



<p>This challenges the earlier belief that such extinctions would have required a much larger human presence.</p>



<p>“Cyprus is the perfect location to test our models because the island offers an ideal set of conditions to examine whether the arrival of populations of humans ultimately led to the extinction of its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tracing-the-disappearance-of-north-americas-megafauna/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">megafauna species</a>,” says Dr. Theodora Moutsiou. </p>



<p>“The island’s insular environment provides a window back in time through our data, enabling us to better understand how human activities can disrupt ecosystems and drive species to extinction.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chronology-of-dwarf-elephant-extinction">Chronology of dwarf elephant extinction</h2>



<p>The study’s predictions align with the documented chronology of megafauna extinctions in paleontological records, further supporting the theory that human arrival marked a turning point for the island’s ecosystems. </p>



<p>Previous findings by Professor Bradshaw, Dr. Moutsiou, and collaborators have also shown that large groups of humans may have arrived on Cyprus in two to three main migration waves, further contributing to the rapid disappearance of these remarkable animals.</p>



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



<p>This research not only provides insights into the specific case of Cyprus but also highlights broader patterns of human-driven extinctions across the globe.&nbsp;</p>



<p>During the Late Pleistocene, as hunter-gatherer populations spread, many islands and isolated ecosystems experienced the extinction of their native megafauna.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Similar events unfolded in regions like Madagascar and New Zealand, where human arrival led to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-were-likely-the-leading-cause-of-megafauna-extinctions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rapid disappearance</a> of unique species that had previously thrived without human predators.</p>



<p>The extinction of Cyprus' megafauna illustrates how even small human populations can drastically affect biodiversity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Understanding these past events is critical for informing modern conservation strategies, helping to prevent today’s endangered species from facing similar outcomes.</p>



<p>Additionally, the study emphasizes the significance of islands as vital locations for examining extinction patterns beyond dwarf elephants. Isolated environments like Cyprus provide a controlled system where human impacts on ecosystems can be closely observed.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These findings highlight the need for careful conservation efforts to maintain the balance of species survival in such fragile ecosystems as human activity continues to expand.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2024.0967" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences</em></a>.</p>



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Extinction of dwarf elephants and hippos directly linked to humans

The extinction of dwarf elephants and hippos during the Late...

<p>NASA is preparing to launch a spacecraft on a epic journey to an ocean moon orbiting Jupiter named Europa. The Europa Clipper mission, hoping to launch on October 10, 2024, will travel an astonishing 1.8 billion miles from Earth to search for extraterrestrial life.</p>



<p>One among Jupiter's 79 known moons, Europa has stirred up a whirlwind of excitement and curiosity among scientists and space lovers alike. </p>



<p>You may wonder, what's all the buzz about a chilly celestial object orbiting a gas giant nearly 480 million miles from Earth? The answer is simple: This distant moon <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extraterrestrial-life-moons-planets-detected-single-grain-ice-floating/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">could potentially host life</a> beyond our planet.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-peeking-under-europa-s-icy-shell">Peeking under Europa's icy shell</h2>



<p>NASA's research suggests that beneath Europa's frozen crust, a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-evidence-jupiter-moon-europa-deep-ocean-shifting-icy-shell/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vast salty ocean</a> awaits exploration. This ocean is believed to harbor twice the water volume of all Earth’s oceans combined. </p>



<p>Here's another twist: apart from an ocean, Europa might be home to organic compounds and energy sources -- <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-solves-an-intriguing-mystery-about-jupiters-icy-moon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">essentials for life</a> as we understand it.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-for-europa-clipper">Challenges for Europa Clipper</h2>



<p>Sending a spacecraft to Europa is no child's play. Jupiter, the host planet, emits a magnetic field that's a whopping 20,000 times stronger than that of Earth. </p>



<p>This strong magnetic field captures and accelerates charged particles, creating radiation belts that pose a significant threat to any spacecraft intending to explore Jupiter or its moons.</p>



<p>The upcoming <a href="https://europa.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Europa Clipper mission</a>, however, is designed to brave these challenges. Engineers have built a special vault to shield the spacecraft's sensitive electronics from radiation. </p>



<p>Plus, a meticulously planned route will minimize the time the spacecraft will spend in the perilous radiation zones. It's akin to threading a needle through a storm!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-europa-clipper-s-bold-strategy">Europa Clipper's bold strategy</h2>



<p>The Europa Clipper isn't intended to orbit Europa directly. Instead, the spacecraft is designed to orbit Jupiter and make 49 close flybys of Europa. </p>



<p>This approach ensures the spacecraft <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/iron-snow-brings-hope-for-finding-life-on-jupiters-moon-europa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gathers crucial data</a> while keeping radiation exposure to a minimum. </p>



<p>With each orbit, the spacecraft will spend less than a day in the most dangerous zones before swiftly exiting to safer spaces.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-powerful-instruments-onboard">Powerful instruments onboard</h2>



<p>Stowed aboard the spacecraft are NASA's latest suite of nine advanced science instruments and a gravity experiment using the telecommunications system. </p>



<p>These instruments will work in harmony during each flyby, collecting detailed data to unravel the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jupiters-moon-europa-creates-enormous-amount-of-oxygen/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mysteries of Europa</a>. </p>



<p>Layering data from these tools, scientists hope to determine the thickness of Europa's icy shell, explore its composition, and decipher its geology.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-europa-clipper-spacecraft-is-huge">Europa Clipper spacecraft is huge</h2>



<p>The Europa Clipper is a giant of a spacecraft, stretching about 100 feet from end to end, mainly due to its large solar arrays. </p>



<p>These arrays are intended to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hydrothermal-vents-could-support-life-on-jupiters-moons/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">collect enough sunlight</a> near Jupiter to power the instrument suite and electronics on board. </p>



<p>Bigger than a basketball court, the spacecraft is the largest NASA has ever developed for a planetary mission.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5½-year-journey">5½ year journey</h2>



<p>The Europa Clipper's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-jupiters-radiation-revealed-by-juno/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">journey to Jupiter</a> covers a colossal distance of approximately 1.8 billion miles and is expected to span over 5½ years. </p>



<p>A clever route has been planned where the spacecraft will use the gravity of Mars and then Earth to gain speed, reducing the overall time and the fuel required for the journey. The proposed arrival year is 2030.</p>



<p>The Europa Clipper mission isn't a sole NASA project; it's a global endeavor involving institutions across the US and Europe. </p>



<p>Currently, around a thousand people are contributing to the mission, including over 220 scientists from both sides of the Atlantic, showcasing the worldwide interest in unraveling the secrets Europa holds.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carrying-messages-to-the-universe">Carrying messages to the universe</h2>



<p>The Europa Clipper carries with it a poem by U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/europa-clipper-will-deliver-a-message-to-one-of-jupiters-moons/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">co-signed by over 2.6 million people</a> from nearly every country in the world. </p>



<p>Their names are etched onto a microchip attached to a metal plate sealing the spacecraft's electronics vault. </p>



<p>The plate also bears waveforms of humans expressing the word "water" in over 100 languages. It signifies our shared curiosity and the hope of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbial-life-may-exist-on-one-of-jupiters-moons/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">path-breaking discovery</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exciting-possibilities">Exciting possibilities</h2>



<p>The mission's goals are ambitious yet straightforward. Scientists aim to study Europa's interior, composition, and geology to evaluate its habitability potential. </p>



<p>If Europa is found to be habitable, it opens new frontiers to our understanding of where life could exist in the universe.</p>



<p>As we patiently wait for the Europa Clipper's launch and its eventual arrival at Jupiter, there's a sense of mounting and palpable sense of excitement.</p>



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Europa Clipper mission set to search for life on Jupiter's ocean moon

NASA is preparing to launch a spacecraft on a epic...

<p>When we think of medications, we mainly envision relief from ailments or protection against diseases. However, a recent study has revealed an unforeseen impact of these beneficial drugs – they're winding up in our coral reefs.</p>



<p>A team of researchers from Tel Aviv University and the Steinhardt Museum of Natural History have discovered traces of 10 prevalent pharmaceuticals in coral samples.</p>



<p>These samples were not just from some random shallow locales, but from both shallow and deep sites in the Gulf of Eilat. Even Sulfamethoxazole, an antibiotic we humans use for respiratory and urinary tract infections, marked its presence in a staggering 93% of the tested <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-found-in-the-tissue-and-skeletons-of-corals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">corals</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-drugs-in-coral-reefs">Human drugs in coral reefs</h2>



<p>The study was led by Professor Noa Shenkar from <a href="https://english.tau.ac.il" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TAU</a>'s <a href="https://en-lifesci.tau.ac.il/zoology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">School of Zoology</a> and PhD student Gal Navon.</p>



<p>The researchers collaborated with the Hydrochemistry laboratory, which is led by Professor Dror Avisar at TAU's Porter School of Environment and Earth Sciences. </p>



<p>"In this first-of-its-kind study, we conducted a large-scale investigation for detection of pharmaceuticals in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-seeding-increases-resistance-to-extreme-heatwaves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">corals</a>," said Professor Shenkar.</p>



<p>The team sampled 96 reef-building stony corals of the Acropora sp. and Favites sp. varieties. They were picked from shallow sites (5–12 meters) and deeper sites beyond the reach of casual divers (30–40 meters).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-medications-in-deep-water-corals">Medications in deep-water corals</h2>



<p>The alarming presence of medications was found even in the deep-water corals, which are generally spared from the contaminants that affect their shallow-dwelling <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reef-sharks-are-abandoning-their-homes-due-to-ocean-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">counterparts</a>.</p>



<p>So, how did these medications end up in the corals? The researchers focused on the most commonly used pharmaceuticals in Israel, courtesy of Clalit Health Services.</p>



<p>Out of 18 common medications, the team detected traces of 10 different drugs in the coral samples. Not one sample, from either shallow or deep water, was found to be drug-free.</p>



<p>"What does the presence of pharmaceuticals in corals actually mean? Clearly, the corals did not receive a prescription for antibiotics from their doctor," said Professor Shenkar.</p>



<p>"These medications are taken by humans to affect a certain receptor or biological pathway, and they can also impact other organisms."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impacts-of-drugs-in-corals">Impacts of drugs in corals</h2>



<p>If you thought the problem ends with antibiotics, brace yourselves. The 10 medications detected spanned diverse categories, from blood pressure and antiplatelet agents to antidepressants and laxatives.</p>



<p>So, what do these pharmaceuticals do to the corals? Well, the reality is as shocking as it is peculiar.</p>



<p>"Previous studies, conducted by both our lab and others, have revealed many examples of this negative impact: estrogen from birth control contraceptive pills induces female features in male fish, impairing reproduction in certain species; Prozac makes some crabs aggressive and reckless; and antidepressants damage the memory and learning abilities of squids," said Professor Shenkar.</p>



<p>"There is no reason to believe that corals should be immune to such effects. For instance, if our pharmaceuticals should disrupt the spawning synchrony of coral populations, it would take us a long time to notice the problem, and when we do, it might be too late."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reverberations-in-the-ecosystem">Reverberations in the ecosystem</h2>



<p>"Coral reefs are a cornerstone of marine biodiversity," noted Gal Navon, drawing attention to the importance of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/great-barrier-reef-is-on-the-brink-of-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">underwater structures</a>.</p>



<p>"They provide food, shelter, and spawning sites to numerous species, and support the human fishing and tourism industries. The presence of pharmaceuticals in coral tissues adds another layer of concern, indicating that human activities even contaminate faraway marine environments."</p>



<p>What is the solution? Professor Shenkar said that new sewage treatment methods must be developed that can effectively handle pharmaceutical compounds.</p>



<p>"Also, each of us must dispose of old medications in ways that do not harm the environment."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cycle-of-contamination">Cycle of contamination</h2>



<p>In a chilling revelation, Professor Shenkar warns about how these medications in coral reefs might find their way back to us.</p>



<p>"Ultimately, these drugs come back to us. I know people who avoid medications, but when they eat a fish, they might unknowingly consume a 'cocktail' of drug residues absorbed by the fish from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-illuminates-fish-interactions-in-coral-reefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine environment</a>."</p>



<p>In essence, what we put into the environment has a way of coming back to haunt us - a grim reminder to strive for a more sustainable and responsible future.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S026974912401412X?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Pollution</a></em>.</p>



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

Corals are absorbing human drugs, and not just in shallow water

When we think of medications, we mainly envision relief from...

<p>The Colorado River, a vital life-sustaining artery in the Western United States, is increasingly threatened by climate change, prolonged drought, and growing water demands.</p>



<p>Providing drinking water for homes, supporting wildlife, and irrigation for farms across seven states, the basin is under significant pressure to adapt to an uncertain and challenging future.</p>



<p>In response to these growing concerns, a team of dedicated researchers led by Penn State University has developed a state-of-the-art computational tool aimed at helping the region's decision-makers navigate these complex uncertainties.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-guide-for-colorado-river-planning">Guide for Colorado River planning</h2>



<p>The novel tool, the Framework for Narrative Storylines and Impact Classification (FRNSIC), can help decision-makers explore various plausible futures and identify consequential scenario storylines - thoughtfully crafted descriptions of critical futures.</p>



<p>This can better equip planners to address the impacts and uncertainties of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rivers-at-risk-climate-change-is-diminishing-global-water-quality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>. The team reported their findings in the journal <em>Earth’s Future</em>.</p>



<p>"One of the ways states like Colorado are preparing for the future is by making plans for how things might evolve based on the available science and inputs from various stakeholders," said lead author Antonia Hadjimichael, assistant professor of geosciences at <a href="https://www.psu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Penn State</a>.</p>



<p>"This scenario planning process recognizes that planning for the future comes with many uncertainties about climate and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/water-supply-from-icy-mountains-will-become-less-reliable/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water</a> needs. So, planners have to consider different possibilities, such as a high-warming or a low-warming scenario."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-science-and-decision-making">Science and decision-making</h2>



<p>In the past, decision-makers typically relied on scenario planning approaches or exploratory modeling to anticipate future challenges in Colorado river planning.</p>



<p>Scenario planning is based on a small number of simplified scenarios and often overlooks the complexity of all the interrelated factors involved, leading to a limited view of possible outcomes.</p>



<p>Exploratory modeling, on the other hand, simulates millions of potential futures, offering a more comprehensive analysis, but it can be overwhelming and impractical for policymakers to interpret due to its sheer complexity.</p>



<p>"We wanted to provide something in the middle," explained Hadjimichael. "We wanted to create something that bridges the two - that considers the complexities but also boils it down to something that's a little more actionable and a little less daunting."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-two-step-process-for-colorado-river-planning">Two-step process for Colorado River planning</h2>



<p>The Framework for Narrative Storylines and Impact Classification follows a two-step process. First, it uses exploratory modeling to investigate a vast array of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/major-changes-ahead-for-the-colorado-river-basin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hypothesized future conditions</a>. Then, it classifies and identifies relevant and locally meaningful storylines, tailored to the needs of specific stakeholders.</p>



<p>"Our approach essentially explores plausible future impacts and then says, 'for this stakeholder, this is the storyline that would matter the most - and then for this other stakeholder, there is a different storyline they should be worried about," said Hadjimichael.</p>



<p>"It's adding more pluralism and nuance into how planning scenarios are established."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-a-complex-network-of-factors">Addressing a complex network of factors </h2>



<p>In the Colorado River basin, decision-makers grapple with a complex network of factors, including balancing water needs for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-population-will-peak-at-10-3-billion-by-2085/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">growing populations</a> and farmers while ensuring compliance with water-sharing agreements.</p>



<p>"The problem is there is not a single criterion that captures everybody and what they care about," noted Hadjimichael. </p>



<p>"Maybe you have a very large farm, and maybe I have a very small farm. And maybe we grow different things. It's hard to use a single factor to find out scenarios that would make us all happy, or make us all unhappy."</p>



<p>The storylines generated by FRNSIC can help policymakers explore various drought scenarios, shedding light on potential consequences when populations adapt and make changes. </p>



<p>"These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-drought-crisis-un-warns-of-unprecedented-emergency/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drought</a> scenarios can be used to illuminate potential consequences, and therefore be used in negotiations or when asking stakeholders for their input," Hadjimichael added.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-collaborative-effort">A collaborative effort</h2>



<p>This latest study on Colorado river planning involved contributions from several notable institutions.</p>



<p>Co-authors include Patrick Reed, professor at <a href="https://www.cornell.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cornell University</a>; Julianne Quinn, assistant professor at the <a href="https://www.virginia.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Virginia</a>; and Chris Vernon, geospatial scientist, and Travis Thurber, software engineer, both at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. </p>



<p>Together, they strive to provide practical solutions to the daunting challenges posed by climate change and uncertainty.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2023EF004252" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's Future</a></em>.</p>



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Planning for an uncertain future in the Colorado River basin

The Colorado River, a vital life-sustaining artery in the Western...

<p>The analysis of wastewater, or "wastewater surveillance" as it is commonly known, was first used in the 1940s as a tool to monitor polio. In more recent years, wastewater surveillance has become a comprehensive disease monitoring tool.</p>



<p>In fact, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) saw its potential and established the National Wastewater Surveillance System in September 2020, primarily to support monitoring efforts related to SARS-CoV-2.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-detecting-foodborne-pathogens">Detecting foodborne pathogens</h2>



<p>Now, researchers from <a href="https://www.psu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Penn State University</a> and the Pennsylvania Department of Health have demonstrated another promising application for this surveillance tool. </p>



<p>The research, published in the <em>Journal of Clinical Microbiology</em>, shows that wastewater monitoring can detect foodborne pathogens such as <em>Salmonella enterica</em>.</p>



<p>This discovery stems from samples collected at two wastewater treatment plants in Central Pennsylvania in June 2022.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-polio-to-salmonella">From polio to salmonella</h2>



<p>"Non-typhoidal <em><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wild-birds-do-not-carry-antibiotic-resistant-salmonella/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Salmonella</a></em> is a common cause of gastroenteritis worldwide, but current surveillance for the disease is suboptimal," explained Nkuchia M'ikanatha, lead epidemiologist at the Pennsylvania Department of Health.</p>



<p>"In this research, we evaluated the utility of wastewater monitoring to enhance surveillance for this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strong-winds-help-pathogens-spread-on-poultry-farms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">foodborne pathogen</a>."</p>



<p>Wastewater testing can detect traces of infectious diseases circulating in a community, even in asymptomatic individuals, offering an early warning system for potential outbreaks. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ineffective-detection-of-salmonella-outbreaks">Ineffective detection of Salmonella outbreaks</h2>



<p>Although healthcare providers are required to report cases of salmonellosis, many go unreported.</p>



<p>"In the United States, reporting relies heavily on healthcare professionals and laboratories, yet underreporting, incomplete data, and limited resources hinder the effective detection of outbreaks," noted the researchers.</p>



<p>Statistically, the CDC estimates that <em>Salmonella</em> causes around 1.35 million infections, 26,500 hospitalizations, and 420 deaths annually in the U.S. - primarily through contaminated food.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-power-of-wastewater-surveillance">The power of wastewater surveillance</h2>



<p>The study involved testing sewage samples collected twice weekly from two treatment plants for non-typhoidal <em>Salmonella</em>. Using whole genome sequencing, the researchers recovered 43 <em>Salmonella</em> isolates, grouped into seven serovars.</p>



<p>Notably, 20% of these isolates belonged to a rare type of <em>Salmonella</em> called Baildon, which had been associated with a local outbreak in the same period.</p>



<p>"Using whole genome sequencing, we showed that isolates of variant <em>Salmonella</em> Baildon clustered with those from an outbreak that occurred in a similar time frame," M'ikanatha noted. </p>



<p>The study revealed a genetic match between the <em>Salmonella</em> found in the wastewater and isolates from a patient involved in the outbreak, highlighting the potential for wastewater monitoring to supplement traditional surveillance methods.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-potential-of-wastewater-monitoring">The potential of wastewater monitoring </h2>



<p>Ed Dudley, senior author of the study and professor of food science at Penn State University, emphasized the significance of the research.  </p>



<p>"These results demonstrate the potential of wastewater monitoring as an early warning system for foodborne <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/changes-in-forest-cover-linked-to-disease-outbreaks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">disease outbreaks</a>, possibly even before physicians or labs report cases."</p>



<p>Dudley, who also directs Penn State’s E. coli Reference Center, envisions a future where most wastewater treatment plants regularly contribute samples to monitor a variety of illnesses.</p>



<p>"While it may not happen overnight, I foresee collaboration among public health agencies, academia, and federal entities, much like in our pilot study. This is one of the many crucial lessons we've learned from the pandemic," said Dudley.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-salmonella-detection">Beyond salmonella detection</h2>



<p>While the current study highlights <em>Salmonella</em> detection, wastewater surveillance holds promise for identifying a wide range of pathogens beyond foodborne illnesses. </p>



<p>This technology could be applied to track other infectious diseases, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and even emerging <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/viruses-have-eyes-and-ears-on-their-hosts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">viruses</a>. </p>



<p>Wastewater monitoring has already proven effective during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing early signals of viral spikes within communities. </p>



<p>As the approach continues to develop, its applications are likely to extend to various health concerns, including antibiotic resistance and seasonal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/universal-influenza-vaccine-could-offer-lifetime-immunity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">influenza</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-additional-applications-of-wastewater-surveillance">Additional applications of wastewater surveillance </h2>



<p>The infrastructure used for wastewater monitoring could also be adapted for environmental applications.</p>



<p>For example, this method could potentially be used to detect industrial pollutants, pharmaceutical residues, or environmental contaminants like PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances).</p>



<p>As the scope of wastewater surveillance widens, collaboration between public health agencies, research institutions, and industry becomes increasingly essential. </p>



<p>By leveraging data from sewage samples, scientists could help inform public health responses, food safety protocols, and environmental protection efforts.</p>



<p>The study is published in the <em><a href="https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/jcm.00825-24" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Clinical Microbiology</a></em>.</p>



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Wastewater holds the key to early disease detection

The analysis of wastewater, or "wastewater surveillance" as it is...

<p>The age-old debate around the role of homework in student success has recently witnessed a shift. Reseach from Ireland provides new evidence that could be used to inform and influence educational policies worldwide.</p>



<p>Experts in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at <a href="https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Maynooth University</a> have thoroughly investigated the impact of homework on students.</p>



<p>“Much of the research on homework indicates a modest yet positive impact on academic outcomes. However, this assertion demands critical examination,” noted the researchers.</p>



<p>“Notably, there is a growing awareness of the need to scrutinize how homework is distributed throughout the week, how its effects may differ by subject, and how students from different socioeconomic backgrounds can be impacted by homework.”</p>



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



<p>Using an innovative <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-intelligence-boosts-creativity-but-reduces-variety/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">artificial intelligence</a> (AI) model, the team dissected and scrutinized data from the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS 2019).</p>



<p>The researchers meticulously evaluated the outcomes of differing homework patterns on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/board-games-help-children-improve-their-math-skills/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mathematics</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/child-care-quality-has-direct-impact-on-later-success-in-science-and-math/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">science performance</a> among 4,118 students in the eighth grade.</p>



<p>"Only a limited number of studies have ventured into determining the optimal amount of time students should dedicate to homework," the experts noted. </p>



<p>"The precise identification of a threshold, beyond which additional homework yields no discernible benefit, holds substantial value."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-homework-frequency-over-duration">Homework frequency over duration</h2>



<p>According to the researchers, the results of the analysis revealed a clear positive effect of increasing homework frequency, but not homework duration.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We therefore recommend that frequent homework assignments of short duration may be most effective for improving student outcomes. This strategy can help to promote academic achievement whilst avoiding the potential drawbacks associated with many hours spent on homework,” noted the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In particular, the researchers found that daily homework assignments had the most potent impact on improving mathematics achievement.</p>



<p>Conversely, optimal science performance was achieved when homework was assigned three to four times a week.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-power-of-short-homework-assignments">Power of short homework assignments</h2>



<p>The study also showed that shorter assignments, barely lasting up to 15 minutes, enhanced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/zombie-neurons-shed-new-light-on-learning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">learning</a> as much as longer homework assignments.</p>



<p>"Short-duration assignments proved equally as effective as longer ones in both subjects," noted the researchers.</p>



<p>This compelling evidence suggests that routine, concise homework can galvanize learning without drowning students in a sea of work.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-benefiting-students-across-the-board">Benefiting students across the board</h2>



<p>The research goes against the grain by demonstrating that homework equally benefits all students, irrespective of their socioeconomic background.</p>



<p>This provides a paradigm shift, indicating uniform benefits across a diverse spectrum of student populations.</p>



<p>"Our study provides strong evidence that regular homework can significantly enhance <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/school-field-trips-linked-to-better-student-performance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">student performance</a>, especially when given 'little and often,'" said study lead author Nathan McJames.</p>



<p>"By avoiding very long homework assignments, this also allows students to balance schoolwork with other important activities outside of school."</p>



<p>Professor Andrew Parnell noted that the team's use of advanced causal inference methods ensures the reliability of our findings.</p>



<p>"This research provides valuable insights that can guide evidence-based policy changes in education, ultimately benefiting students across the board," said Professor Parnell. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-maximizing-student-engagement">Maximizing student engagement </h2>



<p>Ultimately, the findings promote regular, short-duration assignments as the optimal strategy for maximizing student engagement and academic success without inducing distress.</p>



<p>The results of the study not only challenge traditional views on homework but also offer actionable recommendations for educators and policymakers.</p>



<p>By shifting the focus from long, time-consuming assignments to shorter, more frequent tasks, schools can improve engagement and academic outcomes without overwhelming students.</p>



<p>The results highlight the potential for a more balanced approach to homework, where quality and consistency take precedence over quantity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-little-and-often-approach-to-homework">The "little and often" approach  to homework </h2>



<p>Furthermore, this study could influence future curriculum development, guiding teachers to design homework that reinforces learning while giving students ample time for extracurricular activities and personal growth.</p>



<p>As educational institutions continue to adapt, the "little and often" approach may become a cornerstone of effective student learning strategies, ensuring that homework serves its intended purpose without contributing to burnout.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959475224000951?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Learning and Instruction</a></em>.</p>



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

Students benefit the most from shorter homework assignments

The age-old debate around the role of homework in student...

<p>Many of us, when thinking about volcanic eruptions or lava streams, envision Earth's mantle as a mysterious source feeding these fiery displays.</p>



<p>Often, we associate volcanic hotspots with distinct characteristics and varied compositions, influenced by their unique locations.</p>



<p>However, recent findings published in <em>Nature Geoscience</em> suggest that this belief may not align with the actual processes occurring deep within the Earth.</p>



<p>In a dynamic shift from conventional thinking, the research reveals that hotspot lavas, despite their surface differences, may all originate from a relatively uniform <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/record-breaking-hole-drilled-into-earths-mantle-scientific-goldmine-magma-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reservoir in the mantle</a>.</p>



<p>The implications of this discovery? The mantle may be far more chemically homogeneous than scientists ever contemplated, reshaping our understanding of its role in volcanic activity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-homogeneous-volcanic-origins-global-mantle-reservoir">Homogeneous volcanic origins: Global mantle reservoir</h2>



<p>Lavas from these hotspots -- whether erupting in Hawaii, Samoa, or Iceland -- may all originate from a relatively uniform reservoir in Earth’s mantle. </p>



<p>This is according to a study led by Dr. Matthijs Smit, associate professor and Canada Research Chair at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ubc.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of British Columbia</a>, which challenges the traditional view that the mantle contains distinct, isolated reservoirs.</p>



<p>“The discovery literally turns our view of hotspot lavas and the mantle upside down,” Dr. Smit explained. </p>



<p>“In a way, Earth’s lavas are much like humankind itself -- a beautifully diverse population with a common ancestor, which developed differently wherever it went.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lava-s-unique-chemical-flavours">Lava’s unique chemical ‘flavours’</h2>



<p>So, how do we reconcile the stark differences between these lavas? According to the research, lavas acquire their unique chemical ‘flavors’ as they journey from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ringwoodite-mineral-confirms-vast-ocean-exists-400-miles-under-earths-crust/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mantle to the surface</a>, interacting with various rocks along the way.</p>



<p>“By looking at a specific set of elements, we were able to discern the chemical effects of various processes that act on magma melts on their way to the surface to discover that all hotspot lavas actually share the same starting composition,” said Dr. Smit. </p>



<p>“The lavas only come out differently because the magmas interact with different types of rocks as they ascend.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-mantle-and-volcanic-hotspots">Study mantle and volcanic hotspots</h2>



<p>Studying Earth's mantle is no easy task, as it cannot be sampled directly.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Scientists, including Dr. Smit and co-author Dr. Kooijman from the <a href="https://www.nrm.se/engelska/in-english" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Swedish Museum of Natural History</a>, have to rely on trace-element and isotope analysis of erupted lavas. </p>



<p>These methods have led to the previous belief that the mantle contains distinct reservoirs of different ages, formed by unique processes. However, this new research turns that assumption on its head.</p>



<p>“The discovery is a game-changer when it comes to models for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-mantle-may-contain-a-wealth-of-green-metals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth’s chemical evolution</a> and how we look at global element cycles,” Dr. Smit added. </p>



<p>“Not only is the mantle much more homogeneous than previously thought, it likely also no longer contains 'primordial reservoirs' -- entities that were once needed to explain the data, but could never really be reconciled with the concept of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-ancient-breath-study-links-atmospheric-oxygen-and-mantle-chemistry/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mantle convection</a>.”</p>



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



<p>The revelation of a chemically uniform mantle reservoir necessitates a re-evaluation of existing geological and geochemical models. </p>



<p>Conventional theories posited that variations in erupted lava compositions were indicative of a heterogeneous mantle, with distinct refractory processes involved. </p>



<p>However, with the understanding that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-earths-mantle-shapes-surface-topography/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">surface diversity</a> arises during magma transit rather than at its origin, models of mantle convection and differentiation must be reimagined.</p>



<p>This has broader implications for our comprehension of tectonic plate dynamics, the formation of the Earth's crust, and the driving forces behind seismic activity. </p>



<p>By refining these models, scientists can enhance predictive capabilities regarding volcanic eruptions and improve the safety and preparedness for populations living in volcanic regions of mantle.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environment-and-science-policy">Environment and science policy</h2>



<p>The discovery of a homogeneous mantle reservoir also extends beyond the academic world, influencing policy and decision-making in environmental science. </p>



<p>This research underscores the importance of international collaboration in advancing our comprehension of volcanic processes and the Earth's internal chemistry. </p>



<p>By promoting collaborative research initiatives and sharing data, scientists can collectively deepen our understanding, influencing not only academic discourse but also informing policies related to disaster preparedness and mitigation. </p>



<p>As we attempt to address climate-related challenges, a refined understanding of the Earth's mantle provides a crucial foundation for developing informed strategies that can mitigate the impact of natural events on societies worldwide.</p>



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



<p>The newfound understanding of a chemically homogenous mantle not only reshapes how scientists view volcanic activity but also opens new avenues in the study of plate tectonics and mantle convection.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Traditionally, geologists believed that distinct reservoirs within the mantle were responsible for driving the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mantle-heat-shaped-earths-crust-3-billion-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">movement of tectonic plates</a>, influencing volcanic and seismic activity in different regions.</p>



<p>However, the discovery of a uniform mantle suggests that the processes driving these tectonic shifts may be more interconnected and global than previously thought.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This insight could prompt further investigation into how mantle material circulates and how chemical interactions between the mantle and crust contribute to volcanic diversity.</p>



<p>This new perspective may lead to refined models of mantle convection and magma transport, potentially influencing how scientists predict volcanic activity in geologically active areas, such as the Pacific Ring of Fire.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Additionally, it could offer a more comprehensive understanding of how Earth's internal heat and material movements shape surface processes like earthquakes and mountain formation over millions of years.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-024-01538-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Geoscience</em></a>.</p>



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How volcanic hotspots are all connected to Earth's interior mantle

Many of us, when thinking about volcanic eruptions or lava...

<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>



<p>—–</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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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>



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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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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>



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



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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