<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>



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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>After many decades, physicists are still hot on the trail of a suspect in a detective story that could change our understanding of the universe: dark matter in the form of primordial black holes.</p>



<p>These are not the massive monsters formed from dying stars, but tiny black holes created in the first moments after <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-observations-disprove-big-bang-theory-universe-began-tired-light-theory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the Big Bang</a> that zoom around the universe, visiting our only solar system every ten years or so. </p>



<p>And if a new theory from MIT physicists is right, these ancient cosmic wanderers could be the missing link in the mystery of dark matter.</p>



<p>David Kaiser, a professor of physics and history of science at <a href="https://www.mit.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MIT</a>, alongside his team, believes we might soon find proof of these elusive objects right here in our solar system. </p>



<p>Their study, published in <em>Physical Review D</em>, suggests that if these primordial black holes do exist, they should zoom through our solar system at least once every decade, potentially causing a slight “wobble” in the orbit of Mars -- a wobble that today’s technology could actually detect.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dark-matter-and-primordial-black-holes">Dark matter and primordial black holes</h2>



<p>To understand why this theory is so compelling, we need to revisit what we know -- or rather, what we don't know -- <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-matter-does-not-exist-universe-27-billion-years-old-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">about dark matter</a>. </p>



<p>Most of the physical universe, around 80 percent, isn’t made up of the visible stuff we can see and touch, like stars, planets, or your kitchen sink. The rest is a mysterious substance known as dark matter. </p>



<p>This invisible matter doesn’t interact with light or other electromagnetic radiation, which makes it notoriously hard to detect. But its gravitational effects are big enough to affect the motion of stars and galaxies.</p>



<p>For decades, scientists have been setting up detectors on Earth to try to capture a glimpse of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-matter-may-consist-of-particles-that-travel-faster-than-light/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dark matter particles</a>, assuming it might be made of exotic particles that decay into detectable forms. But after countless experiments, those searches have come up empty.</p>



<p>So, if dark matter isn’t made of mysterious particles, what is it? Enter the primordial black holes -- a theory first proposed in the 1970s but largely dismissed until recent years. </p>



<p>Unlike the black holes formed from collapsing stars, primordial black holes would have originated from incredibly dense regions of the universe in the first seconds after the Big Bang. </p>



<p>They could be as small as an atom but with the mass of an asteroid. It's a wild thought, but it might just make sense.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mars-and-microscopic-black-holes">Mars and microscopic black holes</h2>



<p>Kaiser and his team began to think about what would happen if one of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-matter-may-reveal-the-origin-of-magnetic-fields/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microscopic black holes</a> passed through the solar system. Initially, the idea seemed like a joke. </p>



<p>As Tung Tran, a graduate student at <a href="https://www.stanford.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford University</a> and the lead author of the study, remembers, “Someone asked me what would happen if a primordial black hole passed through a human body.” </p>



<p>Tran did the math and found it would push a person about 20 feet away in a second if it passed within a meter. Not very comforting, but also incredibly unlikely.</p>



<p>But what if a primordial black hole flew by something much larger, like a planet? The team ran the numbers for Earth and the Moon but found the effects were too muddy -- there are just too many other factors that could create similar movements.</p>



<p>Mars, however, was a different story. "Given that scientists have been tracking Mars with incredible accuracy, to within about 10 centimeters, we realized that any wobble caused by a black hole would be much easier to detect," Kaiser explained. </p>



<p>They estimate that if a black hole were to come within a few hundred million miles of Mars, the planet's orbit would shift by about a meter over a few years -- <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gravitational-waves-dark-matter-big-bang-breakthrough/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a tiny movement</a>, but one we could measure with current technology.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-primordial-black-holes-and-mars">Primordial black holes and Mars</h2>



<p>Why does Mars, out of all the planets, offer the best chance of detection? </p>



<p>Sarah Geller, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of California at Santa Cruz (<a href="https://www.ucsc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCSC</a>) and one of the study's co-authors, explains, "Primordial black holes don’t live in the solar system. </p>



<p>They’re zipping through the universe, doing their own thing. And the probability is, they pass through the inner solar system once every 10 years or so." </p>



<p>The team <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microscopic-primordial-black-holes-may-explain-all-dark-matter-in-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">simulated different scenarios</a> where asteroid-mass black holes zoom through the solar system at speeds around 150 miles per second. Mars showed a consistent response -- a potential “wobble” in its orbit.</p>



<p>"Unlike Earth or the Moon, Mars doesn’t have a lot of interference from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-matter-influence-cosmos-galaxies-extends-much-farther-than-believed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">other gravitational forces</a>," says Geller. "It’s like a clean slate where we can see the tiny effect of a passing black hole more clearly."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-prove-this-theory">How to prove this theory</h2>



<p>Detecting a wobble in Mars' orbit would be a significant hint, but it wouldn’t immediately confirm the presence of a primordial black hole. </p>



<p>“There’s still much work needed to distinguish the push from a passing black hole from that of an asteroid or some other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/visible-matter-dark-matter-evolved-together-big-bang/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mundane space object</a>,” Kaiser points out. </p>



<p>Fortunately, scientists have been tracking these space rocks for decades, so they have a pretty good idea of what a normal orbit looks like. Comparing these known paths with the unusual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-matter-might-be-driving-force-behind-black-hole-mergers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trajectories a black hole</a> might take could help narrow things down.</p>



<p>The researchers are considering new collaborations to simulate a larger number of objects, from planets to moons and rocks, over extended periods. </p>



<p>"We want to inject close encounter scenarios and study their effects with higher precision," says Geller. The more they can refine their simulations, the better they can differentiate between ordinary objects and the extraordinary.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mars-dark-matter-and-the-future-of-cosmology">Mars, dark matter, and the future of cosmology</h2>



<p>So, what does this all mean for our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/theory-gravity-exists-without-mass-so-dark-matter-does-not-exist/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">understanding of the universe</a>? </p>



<p>If these wobbles can be detected and confirmed, it would provide strong evidence that primordial black holes make up a significant part of dark matter. </p>



<p>This would not only solve one of the biggest mysteries in physics but also open up new avenues of research into the early moments of the universe itself.</p>



<p>But even if this theory doesn’t pan out, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-matter-linked-to-supermassive-black-holes-in-early-universe-big-bang/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">search for dark matter continues</a>. "Science is like peeling an onion," says Kaiser. "Each layer we peel back leads to new questions and new possibilities. And sometimes, you find something you never expected."</p>



<p>So, keep an eye on Mars. The Red Planet might just hold the clues to unlock the universe's biggest secrets. </p>



<p>And as Kaiser and his team are proving, sometimes the answers lie not in what we can see, but in the tiny, invisible forces passing right under our noses -- forces that could help us understand what makes up most of our universe.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://journals.aps.org/prd/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevD.110.063533">Physical Review D</a></em>.</p>



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Little black holes in our solar system could finally confirm dark matter is real

After many decades, physicists are still hot on the trail...

<p>Wrinkles are not just reflections of aging or evidence of a life lived in smiles, frowns, and expressions of surprise. They are also a biological phenomena that stretch beyond the skin's surface.</p>



<p>Wrinkles are characteristic of many organs and tissues. The brain and stomach - intestines included - have distinctive wrinkle patterns.</p>



<p>These complex structures play a pivotal role in governing cellular states and differentiation, facilitating each organ's physiological functions.</p>



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



<p>Going beneath the skin's surface - literally - we explore a breakthrough study unlocking insights on the formation of these biological wrinkle structures.</p>



<p>At <a href="https://international.postech.ac.kr/user/index.do" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pohang University of Science and Technology</a> (POSTECH), a team of researchers led by Professor Dong Sung Kim has achieved a significant breakthrough.</p>



<p>The experts have not only recreated the structure of wrinkles in biological tissues in a lab, but also shed light on the mechanisms behind wrinkle formation.</p>



<p>Until now, the formation of wrinkles in living tissue was shrouded in mystery. Most studies relied heavily on animal models - from fruit flies, mice to chickens - due to constraints in replicating wrinkle formation in a lab setting.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-replicating-wrinkles-in-the-lab">Replicating wrinkles in the lab</h2>



<p>The POSTECH team developed an epithelial tissue model composed solely of human epithelial cells and extracellular matrix (ECM).</p>



<p>Armed with this model and a device to apply precise compressive forces, the experts have successfully replicated and observed wrinkle structures usually seen in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-tool-detects-changes-in-gut-health-to-help-prevent-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gut</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-does-skin-become-leathery-after-too-much-uv-light-from-sun-exposure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">skin</a>, and other tissues.</p>



<p>This breakthrough made it possible for the team to replicate the hierarchical deformation of a single deep wrinkle caused by a strong compressive force and the formation of numerous small wrinkles under lighter compression.</p>



<p>The researchers also identified key determinants of the wrinkle formation process. They discovered that the ECM's porous structure, dehydration, and the compressive force applied to the epithelial layer are crucial contributors to this complex process.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dehydration-and-aging">Dehydration and aging</h2>



<p>In a particularly insightful finding, the POSTECH team observed that the dehydration of the ECM layer was a significant factor in the wrinkle formation process. </p>



<p>This mirrored the effects seen in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/t-cells-could-be-used-to-slow-down-or-even-reverse-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aging</a> skin, where the dehydration of the underlying tissue layer leads to wrinkle development, offering a mechanobiological model for understanding wrinkle formation.</p>



<p>"We have developed a platform that can replicate various wrinkle structures in living tissue without the need for animal testing," noted Professor Dong Sung Kim.</p>



<p>"This platform enables real-time imaging and detailed observation of cellular and tissue-level wrinkle formation. It has wide-ranging applications in fields such as embryology, biomedical engineering, cosmetics, and more."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biological-processes-beneath-the-surface">Biological processes beneath the surface</h2>



<p>So, it seems wrinkles are more than mere markers of age or expressions etched onto our faces. They are telling structures, revealing the intricacies of biological processes beneath the surface. </p>



<p>From skincare enthusiasts to biomedical engineers, the impact of this knowledge unfolds far and wide, offering profound implications for understanding the complexity of living organisms and advancing research in regenerative therapies, embryology, and beyond.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wrinkle-research-beyond-aging">Wrinkle research beyond aging</h2>



<p>The discoveries made by the POSTECH research team could extend well beyond understanding wrinkles in skin and other tissues. </p>



<p>By developing a detailed mechanobiological model of wrinkle formation, this platform paves the way for innovative applications across various fields. </p>



<p>In regenerative medicine, understanding how tissue responds to compressive forces could enhance efforts to engineer artificial tissues or organs. These insights may improve tissue scaffolding for skin grafts, wound healing, and even the development of bioengineered organs for transplantation.</p>



<p>In cosmetics, the research could lead to the development of novel anti-aging treatments. By targeting the underlying extracellular matrix (ECM) structures and their dehydration processes, new products could potentially delay or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/harvard-scientists-fountain-of-youth-pill-sparks-controversy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">minimize visible signs of aging</a>.</p>



<p>As researchers continue to explore the interaction between biological tissue mechanics and structural changes, the future promises significant advancements not just in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fish-guts-contain-anti-wrinkle-compounds-for-skincare-products/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">skincare</a>, but in broader biomedical applications.</p>



<p>With these breakthroughs, what we see on the surface becomes a window into understanding deeper biological processes, driving innovation across healthcare and cosmetic industries.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-51437-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a></em>.</p>



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Cellular secrets of wrinkle formation revealed

Wrinkles are not just reflections of aging or evidence of...

<p>In our shared world of humans and apes, there is a bridge that extends far beyond our physical similarities. This connection lies in the realm of communication and gestures, a domain we've long believed to be a unique aspect of our humanhood. </p>



<p>But could it be that our primate cousins understand the nuances of communicative intention as we do?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ape-communication-using-gestures">Ape communication using gestures</h2>



<p>The communication skills of great apes - like gorillas, orangutans, and chimpanzees - are fascinating and complex.</p>



<p>In the 1960s, renowned primatologist Jane Goodall observed apes using gestures to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bonobos-group-cohesion-common-enemy-effect-do-not-kill-inside-their-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">communicate</a>. This marked the beginning of an ongoing discussion about primate communication.</p>



<p>A recent study has added a fresh layer to this dialogue. Researchers from the University of Warwick propose that apes understand the communicative goals behind each other’s actions - an ability which was thought to be unique to humans. </p>



<p>The findings mark a significant milestone in our understanding of ape communication.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-silent-chatter">Understanding the silent chatter</h2>



<p>Just as we humans use body language along with words to communicate, apes too <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chimpanzees-use-rapid-gestures-in-conversations-like-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">utilize body language to convey their intentions</a>. </p>



<p>For instance, a baby chimp, reaching out its arms towards its mother’s back, communicates its desire to be carried. After all, the mother understands that her back is used for carrying.</p>



<p>But what's the science behind this silent chatter? The researchers call it the "Recruitment View." This term might sound complex, but its essence is simple: apes know what different parts of their bodies do and recruit these body parts to use as gestures for communication.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-debate-over-ape-gestures">The debate over ape gestures</h2>



<p>Over the years, two major perspectives have shaped our understanding of ape gestures. The "Leipzig View" proposes that apes learn gestures through repeated interactions, leading to differences in gestures between groups. </p>



<p>The "St Andrews View," on the other hand, posits that these gestures are universal across all great apes, and thus they don't need to be learned.</p>



<p>Now, enter the "Recruitment View." This recent proposal suggests that apes use different parts of their bodies or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wild-bird-uses-wing-gestures-to-politely-say-after-you/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">familiar actions to convey messages</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ape-gestures-are-not-random">Ape gestures are not random</h2>



<p>"These gestures aren't random - they're using what they already know about their bodies to get a message across," explained Dr. Richard Moore, associate professor at <a href="https://warwick.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The University of Warwick</a>.</p>



<p>Unlike us humans, apes heavily rely on clear physical cues to understand intentions. They use body movements or gestures to interpret the intentions of others. For example, apes may show a shoulder to be groomed or beckon another to move closer.</p>



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



<p>The capabilities of apes go beyond simple gestural communication; they also shed light on the evolution of human language. </p>



<p>"We see a link between the gestures apes use and the early forms of communication that may have eventually developed into human language," said Dr. Moore.</p>



<p>However, there are differences too. Humans, unlike apes, can express complex ideas without needing such obvious physical cues.</p>



<p>The exploration of ape communication transcends mere academic curiosity; it opens doors to understanding cognitive processes in non-human species. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-and-primate-cognitive-development">Human and primate cognitive development </h2>



<p>By recognizing how apes use gestures with deliberate intention, researchers can draw parallels between human and primate cognitive development. </p>



<p>This comparative analysis offers insights into the neurological underpinnings of communication, suggesting that the cognitive abilities required for such interactions may be more widespread across species than previously acknowledged. </p>



<p>The findings compel us to reconsider the boundaries of cognitive science, prompting new questions about the evolutionary pathways that have shaped the minds of primates and humans alike.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-in-studying-primate-communication">Challenges in studying primate communication </h2>



<p>Despite these advancements, studying primate communication is fraught with challenges that necessitate careful scientific scrutiny. </p>



<p>Variations in research methodologies, environmental conditions, and even researchers' interpretations can impact findings. </p>



<p>Future research must aim for greater consistency and rigorous cross-species comparisons to validate existing models of communication. </p>



<p>Additionally, exploring the communicative capacities of a broader range of primate species could further illuminate the evolutionary trajectory of language. </p>



<p>By embracing technological advancements, such as brain imaging and AI analysis, scientists can deepen their understanding of primate cognition, paving the way for breakthroughs in unraveling the enigmatic origins of human language.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gestures-shared-across-ape-species">Gestures shared across ape species</h2>



<p>One question that scientists have grappled with for years is why apes across different species and groups use similar gestures? </p>



<p>The researchers propose that the answer lies in shared actions and body parts. Since all apes have similar bodies and engage in similar activities, these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/experts-unlock-the-mysteries-of-orangutan-communication/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gestures</a> are easily understood across species.</p>



<p>In the end, it all boils down to this: the world of apes seems eerily similar to our own - at least in terms of communication.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/brv.13136" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biological Reviews</a></em>.</p>



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Apes use gestures similar to human body language

In our shared world of humans and apes, there is...

<p>When you think of antidepressants, treating aggressive brain tumors might not be the first thing that comes to mind, as these medications are typically associated with mental health conditions like depression or anxiety.</p>



<p>Yet, a recent study led by Switzerland’s renowned ETH Zurich has uncovered a unique and hopeful approach to battling one of the deadliest forms of brain cancer: glioblastoma.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-navigating-the-blood-brain-barrier">Navigating the blood-brain barrier</h2>



<p>Glioblastoma is a particularly aggressive and devastating brain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/holy-grail-molecule-can-kill-all-types-of-solid-cancer-tumors/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tumor</a> that is notorious for its resistance to conventional treatment methods and its rapid progression.</p>



<p>Despite the best efforts of medical professionals, current treatments - such as surgery, radiation, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cancer-cells-hibernate-like-bears-to-survive-chemotherapy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chemotherapy</a> - can only extend life expectancy for a limited time, with half of the patients tragically succumbing to the disease within just twelve months of diagnosis.</p>



<p>One of the greatest challenges in treating glioblastoma lies in finding drugs that can effectively cross the blood-brain barrier.</p>



<p>This barrier is a highly selective filtering mechanism that protects the brain from harmful substances, but also prevents many cancer drugs from reaching their target. The blood-brain barrier significantly limits the number of therapeutic options available for brain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-anti-aging-drug-interleukin-11-boosts-lifespan-prevents-cancer-gray-hair/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer</a>.</p>



<p>Consequently, neuro-oncologists have been searching for innovative treatments capable of breaching this barrier and directly targeting the tumor, offering hope for improved outcomes in the battle against this deadly disease.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexpected-role-of-an-antidepressant">Unexpected role of an antidepressant </h2>



<p>Researchers led by Professor Berend Snijder at <a href="https://ethz.ch/en.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ETH Zurich</a>, in collaboration with neurologists Michael Weller and Tobias Weiss at the University Hospital Zurich (USZ), have discovered that an antidepressant known as Vortioxetine could play an unexpected role in this battle. </p>



<p>Using a novel screening platform called pharmacoscopy, lead author Sohyon Lee found that Vortioxetine, a widely available and FDA-approved antidepressant, was remarkably effective in targeting glioblastoma cells. "Vortioxetine proved to be the most effective antidepressant,” said Lee.</p>



<p>The pharmacoscopy platform allowed researchers to test hundreds of active substances on living tumor cells from 40 glioblastoma patients, offering unprecedented insight into how drugs interact with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unique-fingerprint-of-cancer-cells-revealed-in-hydrogen-atoms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer cells</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-suppressing-cell-division-in-the-tumor">Suppressing cell division in the tumor</h2>



<p>Through the meticulous screening of 130 different agents, researchers were surprised to discover that certain antidepressants demonstrated significant effectiveness against brain tumor cells.</p>



<p>These neuroactive drugs, traditionally used to treat mental health conditions, triggered a unique signaling cascade shared by both neurons and cancer cells, effectively suppressing cell division within the tumor. </p>



<p>This unexpected mechanism of action opened new doors in the search for alternative <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-is-the-next-frontier-in-cancer-treatment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer treatments</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-testing-a-million-substances">Testing a million substances</h2>



<p>To further explore these findings, the research team employed advanced computer modeling to test over a million different substances, aiming to deepen their understanding of the interaction between neuroactive drugs and cancer cells. </p>



<p>This extensive modeling revealed crucial insights into why some antidepressants worked so effectively against glioblastoma, while others did not.</p>



<p>The promising laboratory results encouraged the researchers to move their discovery from the lab to animal trials. </p>



<p>When tested on mice with glioblastomas, Vortioxetine - the most effective antidepressant in the screening - produced encouraging results.</p>



<p>Notably, its effectiveness was amplified when combined with standard treatments like chemotherapy and radiation, suggesting its potential as a complementary therapy in glioblastoma treatment protocols.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-antidepressants-and-brain-tumors">Antidepressants and brain tumors</h2>



<p>The team at ETH Zurich is now preparing for two clinical trials at the University Hospital Zurich, where glioblastoma patients will receive Vortioxetine in addition to standard treatments. </p>



<p>“The advantage of Vortioxetine is that it is safe and very cost-effective,” noted Professor Michael Weller. "As the drug has already been approved, it could soon supplement the standard therapy for this deadly brain tumor."</p>



<p>However, Weller urges caution, noting that clinical trials are essential before Vortioxetine can be widely prescribed for glioblastoma. </p>



<p>“We don’t yet know whether the drug works in humans and what dose is required to combat the tumor, which is why clinical trials are necessary. Self-medicating would be an incalculable risk,” said Professor Weller.</p>



<p>“So far, it’s only been proven effective in cell cultures and in mice," said Professor Snijder. Still, he believes this research represents an ideal outcome: “We started with this terrible tumor and found existing drugs that fight against it. We show how and why they work, and soon we’ll be able to test them on patients.”</p>



<p>If successful, this will mark the first time in decades that a new active substance has been found to improve the treatment of glioblastoma, offering newfound hope to patients around the world.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-024-03224-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Medicine</a></em>.</p>



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



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How antidepressants could help treat brain tumors

When you think of antidepressants, treating aggressive brain tumors might...

<p>Researchers from Japan and Thailand have found that microplastics are invading all three parts of coral anatomy - the exterior mucus, tissue, and skeleton. This alarming discovery may offer new clues about the "missing plastic problem."</p>



<p>A whopping 70% of the plastic litter that has entered the oceans has vanished without a trace. The researchers propose that corals may be the unsuspecting culprits, absorbing microplastics from the oceans, acting as a "plastic sink."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enormous-issue-of-plastic-pollution">Enormous issue of plastic pollution</h2>



<p>We can’t deny, plastics have made our lives easier. But <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-are-infiltrating-the-human-body-even-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">at what cost</a>? The repercussions of our reliance on plastics are becoming evident, damaging ecosystems in ways that are still being unearthed. </p>



<p>Picture this - an estimated total of 4.8 to 12.7 million tons of plastics make their way into marine environments each year.</p>



<p>Study lead author Suppakarn Jandang is a professor at <a href="https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kyushu University</a>’s Research Institute for Applied Mechanics (<a href="https://www.riam.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/index-e.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RIAM</a>) in Japan.</p>



<p>“In Southeast Asia, plastic pollution has become a significant issue. Collectively, nearly 10 million tons of plastic waste are dumped annually, equivalent to 1/3 of the world’s total,” said Professor Jandang.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extracting-microplastics-from-corals">Extracting microplastics from corals</h2>



<p>To battle plastic pollution, RIAM partnered with Thailand's <a href="https://www.chula.ac.th/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chulalongkorn University</a> in 2022, initiating the Center for Ocean Plastic Studies. </p>



<p>Led by Professor Atsuhiko Isobe from RIAM, the research team set out to explore the impact of microplastics on local coral reefs. The experts focused on the coast of Si Chang Island in the Gulf of Thailand, known for its reef flats and anthropological study potential.</p>



<p>Each coral has three anatomical parts: surface mucus on the outside, tissue on the inside, and a skeleton made of calcium carbonate deposits. The researchers developed a simple yet effective way to extract and identify microplastics from corals.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-identifying-microplastics-in-corals">Identifying microplastics in corals</h2>



<p>The team collected 27 coral samples, discovering 174 microplastic particles which were mostly the width of a human hair.</p>



<p>Among these particles, 38% were found in the surface mucus, 25% in the tissue, and a shocking 37% in the coral skeleton. </p>



<p>The most common microplastics were nylon, polyacetylene, and PET. The findings suggest that corals might be playing a role in the missing plastic problem. </p>



<p>“Since coral skeletons remain intact after they die, these deposited microplastics can potentially be preserved for hundreds of years. Similar to mosquitos in amber,” explained Professor Jandang.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-threat-to-marine-life">Threat to marine life</h2>



<p>The infiltration of microplastics into coral anatomy represents a grave threat to marine biodiversity. As primary ecosystems in tropical waters, coral reefs support a vast array of organisms. </p>



<p>However, when microplastics invade these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-seeding-increases-resistance-to-extreme-heatwaves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">corals</a>, the repercussions ripple through the food chain. Fish that depend on coral for shelter and sustenance may inadvertently consume these plastics, leading to bioaccumulation. </p>



<p>This process not only adversely affects marine health but also poses a threat to human populations reliant on seafood. The delicate balance of these ecosystems is at risk, highlighting the urgency for targeted interventions aimed at mitigating plastic pollution.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-action-is-needed">Global action is needed</h2>



<p>Recognizing the profound implications of their findings, the research team advocates for stronger global initiatives to combat the proliferation of microplastics. </p>



<p>Efforts to reduce plastic production and enhance waste management systems are imperative. On this front, international cooperation is essential for enacting regulations and fostering sustainable practices. </p>



<p>Innovations in biodegradable materials and increased recycling rates could curtail further environmental degradation.</p>



<p>By emphasizing education and awareness campaigns, the scientific community can rally public support for policies aimed at <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-process-converts-microplastics-into-valuable-graphene-wonder-material/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">preserving our oceans</a>. Continued research will be pivotal in devising sustainable solutions to safeguard marine biodiversity.</p>



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



<p>While the results are eye-opening, the team agrees that more global studies on an array of coral species are needed for a comprehensive understanding. </p>



<p>“We also do not know the health effects of microplastics on coral and the larger reef community. There is still much to be done to accurately evaluate the impact of microplastics on our ecosystem,” said Professor Isobe.</p>



<p>The story of plastic's invasion in the oceans is still unfolding, and the role of corals in this narrative is just beginning to be understood.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969724063666?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science of The Total Environment</a>.</em></p>



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Microplastics found in the tissue and skeletons of corals

Researchers from Japan and Thailand have found that microplastics are...

<p>You might think that flying is a no-brainer for birds. It seems like a natural, instinctive behavior. And for the most part, it is. But intriguingly, researchers have discovered that young golden eagles need to learn how to utilize certain aspects to their advantage as they fly.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flying-skills-of-eagles">Flying skills of eagles</h2>



<p>At the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, researchers set out to investigate how juvenile golden eagles hone their flying skills as they grow. </p>



<p>The researchers teamed up with experts at the <a href="https://www.vogelwarte.ch/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Swiss Ornithological Institute</a> and the <a href="https://www.univie.ac.at/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Vienna</a> for a fascinating journey into the heart of the European Alps.</p>



<p>The study's findings, published in the journal eLife, unwrap a whole <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/blackbirds-reveal-the-true-energy-costs-of-migrating/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new dynamic of avian development</a>. </p>



<p>The research sheds light on the progressive flight skills of golden eagles, and how these skills expand their explorative frontiers in the Alps. This goes against our standard notion of instinctive behaviors being inbuilt and unchangeable.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-science-of-soaring">The science of soaring</h2>



<p>Golden eagles are not just any birds, they are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-amur-falcons-fuel-their-2000-mile-flights/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soaring specialists</a>. They have a unique method of travel - riding on upward-moving air currents, known in layman's terms as uplifts.</p>



<p>These uplifts help them conserve energy while flying large distances, an essential survival strategy in the expansive Alps.</p>



<p>Learning to identify these invisible uplifts, and positioning their bodies efficiently within these currents, is a skill that's honed over time. </p>



<p>"The eagles literally need to learn to fly, at least when it comes to using uplifts," noted Elham Nourani, lead author of the study.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-golden-eagles">Tracking golden eagles</h2>



<p>Using GPS tracking technology, the scientists monitored 55 juvenile golden eagles that had nested in Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Slovenia, and Austria.</p>



<p>The experts followed the birds for up to three years after they left their parents' territories and began their individual journey across the central European Alps.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-young-golden-eagles-at-flight-school">Young golden eagles at flight school</h2>



<p>This journey was essentially the golden eagles' flight school. Initially, the young eagles preferred to fly close to mountain ridges, where the upward winds are predictable and reliable. </p>



<p>Over time, however, they began exploring more open areas where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insect-flight-is-powered-by-an-extraordinary-structure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">uplifts</a> are less predictable.</p>



<p>This shift in strategy was a clear indication of their growing confidence and improved ability to locate and use the unpredictable air currents more competently over time.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-experience-expands-the-eagles-territory">Experience expands the eagles' territory</h2>



<p>Kamran Safi, a research group leader at the Max Planck Institute in Konstanz, elaborated on these behaviors.</p>



<p>"Flying is an eagle's defining behavioral trait and you would think that when they fledged they should take to it like fish to water. But apparently, they need experience and learning to extract energy from the atmospheric flows, shaping and changing how they move and where they go," noted Safi.</p>



<p>The areas where the eagles could safely and effectively cover for food, shelter, and breeding multiplied exponentially as they aged.</p>



<p>After three years, the flyable area expanded more than 2,000-fold, demonstrating the impact of their learned skills on their habitat use.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-in-the-avian-environment">Challenges in the avian environment </h2>



<p>Despite their innate potential as apex aerial hunters, juvenile golden eagles face numerous hurdles in mastering their flight skills. Environmental factors play a significant role in this learning process. </p>



<p>The Alps, with their unpredictable weather patterns and dynamic air currents, pose complex challenges for these birds. </p>



<p>Eagles must adapt to ever-changing conditions, which requires not only instinct but also critical thinking and adaptability. </p>



<p>This adaptation extends beyond merely finding uplifts. The birds must learn to fly in harsh winds, heavy rains, and varying thermal patterns.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-of-golden-eagles">Conservation of golden eagles </h2>



<p>The insights from this study have implications for avian conservation strategies. Understanding the learning curve and the developmental needs of golden eagles allows for more informed conservation plans.</p>



<p>By identifying critical habitats and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-vultures-fly-faster-in-thin-air-at-high-altitudes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flight training areas</a> essential for eagle maturation, conservationists can focus efforts on preserving these regions.</p>



<p>Additionally, the data collected aids in predicting how these majestic birds might respond to climate change, which could alter the distribution of reliable air currents across mountainous terrains. </p>



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



<p>As Elham Nourani noted, understanding the dynamic relationship between the aging eagles and their changing use of the landscape is crucial.</p>



<p>"Our study suggests that such maps should be viewed as dynamic, changing across various factors, including age," said Nourani.</p>



<p>Such insights can lead to more accurate predictions of potential overlaps between human activities and eagle behavior, particularly their landscape use at different stages of development.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://elifesciences.org/reviewed-preprints/98818v2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eLife</a></em>.</p>



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Golden eagles go to 'flight school' to master soaring skills

You might think that flying is a no-brainer for birds....

<p>Gravity keeps our feet on the ground and the planets in orbit, but when it comes to the tiniest particles, things get a bit fuzzy. Physicists have long grappled with understanding how gravity works at the quantum level.</p>



<p>Johanna Erdmenger, a professor of theoretical physics, is tackling this challenge head-on. </p>



<p>"To explain the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-observations-disprove-big-bang-theory-universe-began-tired-light-theory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Big Bang</a> or the interior of black holes, we have to understand the quantum properties of gravity," she says.</p>



<p>At very high energies, the classical laws we're familiar with start to break down. </p>



<p>"Our goal is to contribute to the development of new theories that can explain gravity at all scales, including at the quantum level," Erdmenger explains.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-connecting-the-dots">Connecting the dots</h2>



<p>Working with her team at the <a href="https://www.uni-wuerzburg.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Würzburg</a> in Germany, Erdmenger is exploring a theory called the AdS/CFT correspondence. </p>



<p>This theory suggests that complex gravitational ideas in a higher-dimensional space can be understood through simpler quantum theories on the boundary of that space.</p>



<p>AdS stands for Anti-de-Sitter, a type of spacetime that's curved inward, much like a funnel. CFT refers to conformal field theory, which deals with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/traditional-computers-verify-errors-made-by-quantum-computers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum systems</a> that look the same at all scales.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breaking-down-quantum-gravity-into-math">Breaking down quantum gravity into math</h2>



<p>"This sounds very complicated at first, but it's easy to explain," says Erdmenger. </p>



<p>She notes that the AdS/CFT correspondence helps us understand complex gravitational processes in the quantum world using simpler mathematical models. </p>



<p>"At its heart is a curved spacetime, which can be thought of as a funnel," she adds. </p>



<p>The correspondence suggests that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-entanglement-laws-thermodynamics-follow-entropy-rule/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum dynamics</a> at the edge of this funnel match the more complex dynamics inside, much like how a hologram on a banknote creates a three-dimensional image from a two-dimensional surface.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-electric-circuit-mimicking-spacetime">An electric circuit mimicking spacetime</h2>



<p>Erdmenger and her team have come up with a way to test the AdS/CFT correspondence experimentally. They've designed a branched electrical circuit that mimics curved spacetime. </p>



<p>In this setup, the electrical signals at different points in the circuit correspond to gravitational dynamics at various <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/matter-spacetime-gravitational-waves-fabric-of-the-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">points in spacetime</a>.</p>



<p>Their theoretical calculations indicate that in this circuit, the dynamics at the edge match those inside, aligning with a key prediction of the AdS/CFT correspondence. </p>



<p>This work has been published in the journal <em>Physical Review Letters</em>.</p>



<p>The team plans to bring this experimental setup to life. Not only could this advance our understanding of gravity, but it might also lead to new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/impossibility-paradox-calculating-incalculable-quantum-realm-particles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">technological breakthroughs</a>.</p>



<p>"Our circuits also open up new technological applications. Based on quantum technology, they are expected to transmit electrical signals with reduced loss, since the simulated curvature of space bundles and stabilizes the signals," Erdmenger explains.</p>



<p>"This would be a breakthrough for signal transmission in neural networks used for artificial intelligence, for example."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-quantum-gravity-matter">Why does quantum gravity matter?</h2>



<p>Understanding gravity at the quantum level isn't just an academic exercise. It has implications for how we comprehend the universe's origins and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-entanglement-a-simple-way-to-grasp-this-impossible-concept-carl-kocher/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fundamental laws that govern everything</a>.</p>



<p>Imagine the potential advancements in technology and science if we could unify the laws of the very big with the very small. It's like finding the missing piece of a giant puzzle that has stumped scientists for decades.</p>



<p>This research not only pushes the boundaries of physics but also inspires future scientists. Questions like "How does the universe really work?" and "What happens inside a black hole?" ignite curiosity.</p>



<p>If Erdmenger's work succeeds, it could open doors to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-quantum-revolution-will-impact-all-aspects-of-society/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new fields of study and innovation</a>. Who knows what young mind might take this foundation and build the next big discovery?</p>



<p>To sum it all up, the journey to understand gravity at all scales is a challenging one, but with innovative approaches like those of Professor Erdmenger and her team, we're taking meaningful steps forward.</p>



<p>As we continue to explore these fundamental questions, each discovery brings us closer to a more complete picture of the universe, and a unified theory of physics.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://link.aps.org/doi/10.1103/PhysRevLett.133.061603" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Physical Review Letters</a></em>.</p>



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



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Central theory of quantum gravity is modeled in the laboratory

Gravity keeps our feet on the ground and the planets...

<p>A recent study presents a new curve of global mean surface temperature, revealing that Earth's temperature has varied more than previously thought over much of the Phanerozoic Eon -- a period marked by the diversification of life, colonization of land, and multiple mass extinctions. </p>



<p>The curve also confirms that Earth's temperature is strongly correlated with the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-the-temperature-of-earth-s-past">Studying the temperature of Earth's past</h2>



<p>The Phanerozoic Eon began approximately 540 million years ago with the Cambrian Explosion, a time when complex, hard-shelled organisms first appeared in the fossil record.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Although researchers can create simulations dating back to this era, the temperature curve in the study focuses on the last 485 million years due to limited geological temperature data from earlier periods.</p>



<p>“It's hard to find rocks that are that old and have temperature indicators preserved in them - even at 485 million years ago we don't have that many. We were limited with how far back we could go,” said study co-author Jessica Tierney, a paleoclimatologist at the <a href="https://www.arizona.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Arizona</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-developing-the-temperature-curve">Developing the temperature curve</h2>



<p>The researchers developed the temperature curve using an approach called data assimilation. This method allowed them to combine data from the geologic record and climate models to create a more cohesive understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-climate-change-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ancient climates</a>.</p>



<p>“This method was originally developed for weather forecasting,” said Emily Judd, lead author of the paper and a former postdoctoral researcher at the <a href="https://naturalhistory.si.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History</a> and the University of Arizona. </p>



<p>“Instead of using it to forecast future weather, here we're using it to hindcast ancient climates.”</p>



<p>Refining scientists' understanding of how Earth's temperature has fluctuated over time provides crucial context for understanding modern climate change.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-way-back-to-predict-the-future">Looking way back to predict the future</h2>



<p>Study co-author Scott Wing is a co-author on the paper and a curator of paleobotany at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“If you're studying the last couple of million years, you won't find anything that looks like what we expect in 2100 or 2500,” said Wing.</p>



<p>“You need to go back even further to periods when the Earth was really warm, because that's the only way we're going to get a better understanding of how the climate might change in the future.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-co2-is-the-biggest-driver-of-temperature-nbsp">CO2 is the biggest driver of temperature&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The new curve reveals that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-global-temperature-exceeded-2c-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperatures</a> varied more significantly during the past 485 million years than previously thought.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Over this period, global temperatures ranged from 52 to 97 degrees Fahrenheit. Periods of extreme heat were most often linked to elevated levels of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.</p>



<p>“This research illustrates clearly that carbon dioxide is the dominant control on global temperatures across geological time,” Tierney said. “When CO₂ is low, the temperature is cold; when CO₂ is high, the temperature is warm.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapidly-warming-temperatures-on-earth">Rapidly warming temperatures on Earth</h2>



<p>The findings also show that Earth's current global temperature of 59 degrees Fahrenheit is cooler than it has been over much of the Phanerozoic.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, greenhouse gas emissions from human-caused climate change are currently warming the planet at a much faster rate than even the fastest warming events of that eon, the researchers say.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This rapid warming poses risks to species and ecosystems worldwide and is causing a swift rise in sea levels. Some other episodes of rapid climate change during the Phanerozoic have sparked mass <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greater-temperature-changes-linked-to-worse-extinction-events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extinctions</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-humans-evolved-in-a-colder-climate">Humans evolved in a colder climate</h2>



<p>Rapidly moving toward a warmer climate could spell danger for humans, who have mostly lived within a 10-degree Fahrenheit range for global temperatures, compared to the 45-degree span over the last 485 million years.</p>



<p>“Our entire species evolved to an 'ice house' climate, which doesn't reflect most of geological history,” noted Tierney. </p>



<p>“We are changing the climate into a place that is really out of context for humans. The planet has been and can be warmer - but humans and animals can't adapt that fast.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-s-global-temperature-across-the-phanerozoic-nbsp">Earth's global temperature across the Phanerozoic&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The collaboration between Tierney and researchers at the Smithsonian began in 2018. </p>



<p>The team aimed to provide museum visitors with a curve that charted Earth's global temperature across the Phanerozoic, which began around 540 million years ago and continues into the present day.</p>



<p>The researchers collected more than 150,000 estimates of ancient temperatures calculated from five different chemical indicators preserved in fossilized shells and other types of ancient organic matter.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Their colleagues at the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a> created over 850 model simulations of what Earth's climate could have looked like at different periods in the distant past, based on continental positions and atmospheric composition.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-accurate-curve-of-earth-s-temperature-variation">Accurate curve of Earth's temperature variation</h2>



<p>By combining these two lines of evidence, the team created the most accurate curve of how Earth's temperature has varied over the past 485 million years.</p>



<p>Another significant finding from the study pertains to climate sensitivity, a metric of how much the climate warms with the doubling of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/good-news-plants-are-absorbing-more-human-produced-co2-than-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon dioxide</a>.</p>



<p>“We found that carbon dioxide and temperature are not only really closely related, but related in the same way across 485 million years. We don't see that the climate is more sensitive when it's hot or cold,” Tierney concluded.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.adk3705" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science</em></a>.</p>



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How Earth’s temperature has changed over the past 500 million years

A recent study presents a new curve of global mean...

<p>Few things are more frustrating for parents than dealing with children who are picky eaters, especially when mealtime turns into a daily battle. </p>



<p>The reluctance to try new foods, the constant refusal of vegetables, or even an unwavering preference for just a few meals can leave parents desperate for solutions.</p>



<p>But what if the root of this problem isn't solely about parenting strategies or the types of food offered at home? What if it's largely about something parents have no control over - genetics?</p>



<p>A breakthrough study, conducted by three prestigious institutions - <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University College London</a> (UCL), <a href="https://www.kcl.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">King’s College London</a>, and the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Leeds</a> - has shed new light on the subject of food fussiness in children.</p>



<p>The research reveals that genetic factors play a much more critical role in picky eating than previously thought.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-research-backed-by-twin-studies">Research backed by twin studies</h2>



<p>The research focused on twin children in England and Wales, ranging in age from 16 months to 13 years, allowing the team to track <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/picky-eating-habits-in-childhood-have-lingering-effects-in-adulthood/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eating habits</a> over time.</p>



<p>This large-scale examination, funded by MQ Mental Health Research, offers a unique window into how eating habits develop and persist.</p>



<p>Surprisingly, the researchers found that food fussiness levels remained fairly constant over the years, with a notable peak around the age of seven.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-factors-influencing-picky-eaters">Key factors influencing picky eaters</h2>



<p>The genetic links to picky eating turned out to be even stronger than expected. At just 16 months, genetic differences accounted for 60% of the variation in food fussiness.</p>



<p>This number increased to over 74% between the ages of three and 13, suggesting that as children grow older, genetics become an even more dominant factor.</p>



<p>Environmental factors, such as the types of food offered at home, had a significant impact during toddlerhood but became less influential as unique experiences - like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/co-workers-influence-our-healthy-and-unhealthy-food-choices/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social interactions</a> and school environments - began to shape children’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-behavior-is-influenced-by-the-unconscious-mind/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eating behaviors</a> in later years.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-picky-eating-is-not-a-choice">Picky eating is not a choice</h2>



<p>Dr. Zeynep Nas, an expert in UCL's Behavioural Science &amp; Health department, emphasized that food fussiness is not just a phase that children outgrow.</p>



<p>“Our study shows that fussy eating is largely innate and may follow a persistent trajectory," noted Dr. Nas.</p>



<p>This finding offers reassurance to parents who might otherwise blame themselves for their child’s picky eating habits, highlighting that fussiness is, in many cases, a natural part of a child’s development.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-food-preferences">Understanding food preferences</h2>



<p>The research team used data from the UCL-led Gemini study, which involved 2,400 sets of twins. </p>



<p>By comparing fussy eating behaviors between identical twins, who share 100% of their genes, and non-identical twins, who share only 50%, the researchers found a much stronger genetic influence in identical twins. </p>



<p>The findings highlight how deeply ingrained food preferences can be, as they are shaped significantly by genetic factors.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-influence-on-picky-eaters">Environmental influence on picky eaters </h2>



<p>Professor Clare Llewellyn from UCL noted that while genetics play the largest role, the environment, particularly during the toddler years, should not be disregarded.</p>



<p>Shared environmental factors - such as eating together as a family - were influential in the early years but became less impactful as children grew older and began forming their own <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/food-choices-have-a-major-impact-on-your-mental-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food preferences</a> based on individual experiences and peer interactions.</p>



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



<p>Although the study had some limitations, including a lack of ethnic and socio-economic diversity, it provides critical insights into how food fussiness develops.</p>



<p>Dr. Alison Fildes from the University of Leeds reminded parents that although <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vegetarians-have-different-health-outcomes-due-to-genetics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genetics</a> strongly influence food fussiness, it doesn’t mean these eating habits are permanent. </p>



<p>Parents can continue to offer a variety of foods throughout their children’s development, though peers and social settings may have a greater influence as they grow into adolescence.</p>



<p>The revelation that food fussiness is largely genetic could offer some comfort to parents who have long wondered whether their child’s picky eating is a result of their actions. </p>



<p>However, despite the genetic predispositions, encouraging a wide range of food remains important in helping children develop healthier and more diverse eating habits.</p>



<p>The study is published in the <em><a href="https://acamh.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jcpp.14053" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry</a></em>.</p>



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Don't blame the picky eater - food fussiness is mainly genetic

Few things are more frustrating for parents than dealing with...

<p>Iron is a crucial micronutrient for life, playing an essential role in processes such as respiration, photosynthesis, and DNA synthesis. </p>



<p>In modern oceans, iron availability is often limited, meaning that increasing the supply of iron can boost carbon fixation by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/phytoplankton-resilient-nutrient-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phytoplankton</a>, which in turn influences the global climate.</p>



<p>Iron enters oceans and land ecosystems through rivers, melting glaciers, hydrothermal vents, and especially wind. However, not all iron forms are “bioreactive,” meaning not all forms are readily available for organisms to absorb.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bioreactive-iron-in-saharan-dust-nbsp">Bioreactive iron in Saharan dust&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“Here we show that iron bound to dust from the Sahara blown westward over the Atlantic has properties that change with the distance traveled: the greater this distance, the more bioreactive the iron,” said co-author Jeremy Owens, an associate professor at <a href="https://www.fsu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida State University</a>. </p>



<p>“This relationship suggests that chemical processes in the atmosphere convert less bioreactive iron to more accessible forms.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-cores-from-the-atlantic-seafloor">Studying cores from the Atlantic seafloor</h2>



<p>Owens and his team analyzed bioreactive and total iron content from drill cores collected at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean by the <a href="https://www.iodp.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Ocean Discovery Program</a> (IODP) and its predecessors. </p>



<p>The mission of this program is to deepen our understanding of climate change, oceanic conditions, geological processes, and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-clues-about-the-origins-of-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">origin of life</a>. </p>



<p>The researchers selected four cores, varying in their proximity to the Sahara-Sahel Dust Corridor, which stretches from Mauritania to Chad and is a significant source of dust-bound iron.</p>



<p>The two closest cores were located approximately 200 km and 500 km west of northwestern Mauritania. The third was from the mid-Atlantic, while the fourth was around 500 km east of Florida.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-iron-levels-over-120-000-years">Iron levels over 120,000 years</h2>



<p>The experts studied the upper 60 to 200 meters of these cores, which represent deposits spanning the last 120,000 years, covering the period since the previous interglacial.</p>



<p>Using a plasma-mass spectrometer, the team measured total iron concentrations and iron isotope levels in the cores. These isotope readings matched the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saharan-dust-can-intensify-hurricanes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dust</a> originating from the Sahara.</p>



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



<p>Additionally, the researchers used chemical reactions to identify iron present in the form of various minerals, such as iron carbonate, goethite, hematite, magnetite, and pyrite. </p>



<p>While these minerals are not bioreactive, they likely formed from more bioreactive iron through geochemical processes on the seafloor.</p>



<p>“Rather than focusing on the total iron content as previous studies had done, we measured iron that can dissolve easily in the ocean, and which can be accessed by marine organisms for their metabolic pathways,” said Owens.</p>



<p>“Only a fraction of total iron in sediment is bioavailable, but that fraction could change during transport of the iron away from its original source. We aimed to explore those relationships.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saharan-dust-and-ocean-life">Saharan dust and ocean life</h2>



<p>The study’s results revealed that the proportion of bioreactive iron was lower in the westernmost cores compared to the easternmost ones.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This indicated that a significant amount of bioreactive iron had been lost during transport, presumably consumed by organisms in the water before reaching the seafloor.</p>



<p>“Our results suggest that during long-distance atmospheric transport, the mineral properties of originally non-bioreactive dust-bound iron change, making it more bioreactive. This iron then gets taken up by phytoplankton, before it can reach the bottom,” said senior author Timothy Lyons, a professor at the <a href="https://www.ucr.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California at Riverside</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dust-bound-iron-supports-ocean-life">Dust-bound iron supports ocean life</h2>



<p>According to Professor Lyons, the team concluded that Saharan dust which reaches regions like the Amazonian basin and the Bahamas may contain iron that is particularly soluble and available to ocean life</p>



<p>This is due to the great distance from North Africa, and thus a longer exposure to atmospheric chemical processes.</p>



<p>“The transported iron seems to be stimulating biological processes much in the same way that iron fertilization can impact life in the oceans and on continents,” said Professor Lyons.</p>



<p>“This study is a proof of concept confirming that dust-bound iron can have a major impact on life at vast distances from its source.”</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2024.1428621" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Frontiers in Marine Science</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Saharan dust supports ocean life far from the desert

Iron is a crucial micronutrient for life, playing an essential...

<p>A new study suggests that residing in under-resourced neighborhoods with limited access to affordable and nutritious foods during critical periods, such as pregnancy or early childhood, significantly raises the risk of developing obesity.</p>



<p>Childhood obesity is not just a short-term issue; it often has far-reaching consequences, contributing to a higher likelihood of obesity in adulthood and increasing the risk for chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.</p>



<p>Limited access to healthy foods in early childhood often lead to severe obesity that persists into adolescence - a stage where lifestyle habits become more ingrained and harder to change.</p>



<p>Addressing this issue early on could be key to reducing the overall prevalence of obesity later in life.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overlooked-early-stages-of-life">Overlooked early stages of life</h2>



<p>While previous research has established a clear connection between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/food-insecurity-increases-cognitive-decline-in-older-adults/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food insecurity</a> and obesity in adults, early life stages have often been overlooked despite their crucial role in shaping long-term health trajectories.</p>



<p>The study, led by investigators from the <a href="https://www.harvardpilgrim.org/public/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute</a>, sheds light on how early life stages can shape health outcomes for children.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-impact-of-food-insecurity">The impact of food insecurity</h2>



<p>Study lead author Dr. Izzuddin Aris is an assistant professor of population medicine at Harvard Medical School.</p>



<p>“Understanding how experiencing food insecurity during these formative years impacts subsequent child obesity is essential," said Dr. Aris.</p>



<p>"By unraveling the mechanisms and identifying risk factors linking neighborhood <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healthy-diets-linked-to-education-and-food-access/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food access</a> and obesity in children, we can develop targeted preventive strategies that may mitigate chronic conditions in the future.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-neighborhoods-and-childhood-obesity-risk">Neighborhoods and childhood obesity risk</h2>



<p>The research team examined data from over 28,000 children across the U.S., drawn from 55 birth cohorts participating in the NIH’s Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) program. </p>



<p>This comprehensive dataset allowed the researchers to explore the complex relationships between neighborhood environments and childhood health outcomes on a national scale.</p>



<p>The experts found that neighborhoods classified as low-income-low-food-access - where the nearest supermarket is more than half a mile away in urban areas or over 10 miles away in rural regions - present significant barriers to accessing healthy and affordable food options.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-powerful-influence-of-environmental-factors">Powerful influence of environmental factors</h2>



<p>Limited access to nutritious food in these areas can make it challenging for families to provide <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/feeding-children-healthy-diets-can-be-very-challenging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">balanced diets</a>, contributing to poor health outcomes.</p>



<p>The study revealed a striking correlation: residing in these under-resourced areas during pregnancy was associated with a more than 50% higher risk of obesity and severe obesity from childhood to adolescence. </p>



<p>The findings are concerning. The research emphasizes the powerful influence that early environmental factors, like food access, can have on a child’s long-term health trajectory, setting the stage for future health risks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strategic-interventions-are-needed">Strategic interventions are needed</h2>



<p>Dr. Aris emphasized the importance of strategic interventions to address this growing issue, noting that proactive steps must be taken to mitigate the long-term <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/severe-childhood-obesity-can-cut-life-expectancy-in-half/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health consequences of childhood obesity</a>. </p>



<p>Without targeted efforts, the cycle of food insecurity and obesity may persist, disproportionately affecting children in under-resourced communities and placing them at a higher risk for chronic conditions later in life.</p>



<p>“Our findings support a focus on investments or strategies to improve healthful food access in early life," said Dr. Aris.</p>



<p>"This includes incentivizing new supermarkets in existing low-income-low-food-access neighborhoods, providing healthy-choice pantries, and improving access to healthier food choices in small retail corner and convenience stores."</p>



<p>"Such investments could play a crucial role in preventing child obesity and promoting healthier communities.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growing-concern-of-childhood-obesity">Growing concern of childhood obesity</h2>



<p>Childhood obesity is an escalating public health issue with profound implications. According to recent statistics, nearly one in five children in the U.S. is affected by obesity, and the rates continue to rise.</p>



<p>Obesity in childhood often leads to a cascade of long-term health complications, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and joint issues. </p>



<p>Beyond physical health, obesity can also impact mental health, leading to low self-esteem, depression, and social isolation.</p>



<p>The findings from this study further highlight the critical need to address environmental and social factors, such as food access, to combat childhood obesity. </p>



<p>By focusing on early interventions and improving access to healthy food options, we can not only reduce <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/obesity-now-affects-more-than-a-billion-people/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">obesity rates</a> but also cultivate healthier, more resilient communities.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/article-abstract/2823466" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JAMA Pediatrics</a></em>.</p>



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Neighborhood food access linked to childhood obesity risk

A new study suggests that residing in under-resourced neighborhoods with...

<p>A recent scientific breakthrough reveals the profound influence of human breast milk on the health of an infant. In a nutshell, our body's most natural nourishment for newborns, breast milk, is found to have a protective effect against asthma by shaping the baby's microbiome during the first year of life.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mother-s-milk-natural-pacemaker-for-infants">Mother's milk: Natural pacemaker for infants</h2>



<p>You might wonder why breast milk is a big deal. Well, the answer lies in our body's complex community of microorganisms, known as the microbiome. </p>



<p>A recent study led by NYU Langone Health and the <a href="https://umanitoba.ca" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Manitoba</a> shows that breastfeeding for more than three months supports the gradual maturation of the microbiome in the infant's digestive system and nasal cavity. </p>



<p>Stopping breastfeeding before this period disrupts this development process, leading to a higher risk of preschool asthma.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breast-milk-and-the-microbiome">Breast milk and the microbiome</h2>



<p>Human breast <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/engineered-gmo-plants-make-baby-formula-healthy-as-breast-milk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">milk</a> isn't just about nutrition. It is also about promoting the right microbes in the infant's gut and nasal cavity. </p>



<p>Some components in breast milk, like complex sugars called human milk oligosaccharides, can only be broken down with the help of certain microbes. </p>



<p>This gives a leg-up to these microbes over others, creating a specialized microbiome environment within the infant.</p>



<p>Early weaning from breast milk, on the other hand, leads to a different set of microbes thriving, ones that help digest formula components.</p>



<p>These microbes eventually colonize all babies, but their early arrival is linked to an increased risk of asthma.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breast-milk-for-asthma-prevention">Breast milk for asthma prevention</h2>



<p>Study co-senior investigator Dr. Liat Shenhav is an assistant professor at <a href="https://med.nyu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NYU Grossman School of Medicine</a> in the Institute for Systems Genetics and the Department of Microbiology.</p>



<p>“Just as a pacemaker regulates the rhythm of the heart, breastfeeding and human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/thc-from-cannabis-use-lingers-breast-milk-new-mothers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">milk</a> set the pace and sequence for microbial colonization in the infant’s gut and nasal cavity, ensuring that this process occurs in an orderly and timely manner,” said Dr. Shenhav. </p>



<p>“Healthy microbiome development is not only about having the right microbes. They also need to arrive in the right order at the right time."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microbiome-asthma-and-breast-milk">Microbiome, asthma, and breast milk</h2>



<p>This is the part where science gets interesting. Breastfed children had a later appearance of a bacterial species called Ruminococcus gnavus in their guts compared to formula-fed babies. </p>



<p>This bacterium is related to the production of molecules called short-chain fatty acids, and the formation and breakdown of the amino acid tryptophan.</p>



<p>Both of these processes have ties to immune system regulation and disruption, including an increased asthma risk.</p>



<p>Through tracking the changes in the infants' microbiomes and their mothers' breastfeeding habits, the researchers were able to identify breastfeeding duration as a crucial determinant of the child's microbial makeup. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-valuable-insights-through-machine-learning">Valuable insights through machine learning</h2>



<p>The team also created a machine-learning model that predicted asthma years in advance based on these microbial patterns and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-triggers-the-release-of-breast-milk-in-mothers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">milk components</a>. The primary way breastfeeding reduces asthma risk, they found, is through shaping the infant's microbiome.</p>



<p>“The algorithms we developed provide valuable insights into microbial dynamics during an infant’s first year of life and how these microbes interacted with the infant,” said Dr. Shenhav.</p>



<p>These insights allowed the team to move beyond identifying associations, enhancing their ability to make predictions and explore causal relationships.</p>



<p>“Our research highlights the profound impact of breastfeeding on the infant microbiome and breastfeeding’s essential role in supporting respiratory health,” Shenhav explained.</p>



<p>By uncovering the mechanisms behind the protective effects of breast milk, as demonstrated in this study, scientists aim to inform national guidelines on breastfeeding and weaning from breast milk in a data-driven manner.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-milestone-in-infant-health-research">Milestone in infant health research</h2>



<p>The research has been supported through a variety of grants and programs, including the National Institutes of Health and the <a href="https://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/home-accueil-eng.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Canada Research Chair Program</a>.</p>



<p>The study was a part of the CHILD Cohort Study, which has been studying the same 3,500 Canadian children at different life stages, starting from the womb and stretching into adolescence.</p>



<p>The tireless efforts of a large, dedicated group of investigators from various institutions have made this research possible. </p>



<p>The experts have provided valuable insights into the complex dynamics of the microbiome in an infant's first year of life, showing us how important mother's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nutrition-for-neurons-the-role-of-breast-milk-in-shaping-our-brains/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">milk</a> are for respiratory health and asthma prevention.</p>



<p>This is a reminder that sometimes, the most natural solutions are the most effective ones.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(24)00782-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Cell</em></a>.</p>



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Breast milk is crucial for microbiome development in babies

A recent scientific breakthrough reveals the profound influence of human...

<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>



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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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<p>—–</p>

Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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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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