<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>A recent discovery slamming the fish world is drawing us deep into the abyss. The protagonist of our story is an ancient fish called a coelacanth. </p>



<p>If you haven't heard of them, these large, less-than-attractive fish have been swimming around our planet for over 400 million years. Yet, they still have a few tricks up their fins.</p>



<p>Our adventure starts in the sun-soaked stretches of Western Australia, where an ancient, pristinely preserved new coelacanth species from the Devonian Period was <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/coelacanth_Ngamugawi-wirngarri_new-species_credit-Katrina-Kenny_1b.jpg">found poking through the sand</a>.</p>



<p>The story weaves between past and present, science and culture, tracing the evolution of coelacanths and the Earth itself.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coelacanths-a-fish-out-of-time">Coelacanths: A fish out of time</h2>



<p>What makes these deep-sea dwellers so fascinating? Today, coelacanths are a rare spectacle observed off the coasts of eastern Africa and Indonesia. </p>



<p>Reaching up to 2 meters (about 6.5 feet), they are known as "lobe-finned" fish. Their fin structure bears an uncanny <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-shoulders-evolved-from-the-jawbones-of-ancient-fish-called-placoderms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">resemblance to our arm bones</a>.</p>



<p>This particular quirk places them closer to lungfish and backboned animals -- frogs, emus, mice (and yes, dear reader, humans too) -- than most fish.</p>



<p>Over their 410-million-year tenure, coelacanths have bloomed into more than 175 species worldwide. One of their finer moments of diversification occurred during the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dinosaurs-were-not-the-only-animals-that-grew-fast-during-the-mesozoic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mesozoic Era</a>, the age of dinosaurs. </p>



<p>But as the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extraordinary-dinosaur-fossils-discovered-from-the-end-of-cretaceous-era/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cretaceous Period</a> (around 66 million years ago) rolled to a close under the impact of an asteroid, these mighty fish fell off our fossil radar.</p>



<p>In 1938, however, a group of South African fishermen pulled a Lazarus-like marvel from the ocean's depths -- a living, breathing coelacanth. </p>



<p>This resurgence led to their infamous reputation as 'living fossils'. However, evidence is beginning to challenge this notion.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-birth-of-ngamugawi-wirngarri">Birth of <em>Ngamugawi wirngarri</em></h2>



<p>This brings us to our ancient starlet, the newly discovered coelacanth called <em>Ngamugawi wirngarri</em>. This specimen comes from a time of heightened tectonic activity. </p>



<p>These time periods were earth-shaking epochs when the terrestrial plates shifted and carved out new habitats.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/coelacanth_Ngamugawi-wirngarri_skull-discovery_credit-Katrina-Kenny_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/coelacanth_Ngamugawi-wirngarri_skull-discovery_credit-Katrina-Kenny_1s.webp" alt="Ngamugawi wirngarri, a new coelacanth species, skull bones after they were acid etched out of rock at Museum Victoria, 2009. Credit: Flinders University" class="wp-image-1944732"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Ngamugawi wirngarri, a new coelacanth species, skull bones after they were acid etched out of rock at Museum Victoria, 2009. Credit: Flinders University</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>Dr. Alice Clement, an evolutionary biologist and paleontologist from <a href="https://www.flinders.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Flinders University</a> in Australia, was part of the team that christened the fish in partnership with the Mimbi community.</p>



<p>"Our analyses found that tectonic plate activity had a profound influence on rates of coelacanth evolution," she revealed. </p>



<p>"New species of coelacanth were more likely to evolve during periods of heightened tectonic activity as new habitats were divided and created."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gogo-sites-and-coelacanth-fish">Gogo sites and coelacanth fish</h2>



<p><em>Ngamugawi wirngarri</em> lived about 380 million years ago amidst the Devonian Period's tropical reefs, teeming with more than 50 species of fish. </p>



<p>Today, this region is the rocky Gogo Formation on Gooniyandi Country in the Kimberley region of northern Western Australia.</p>



<p>John Long, a Flinders University Strategic Professor of Palaeontology, sheds light on the importance of the Gogo sites. </p>



<p>"For more than 35 years, we have found several perfectly preserved 3D fish fossils from Gogo sites," he said, "which have yielded many significant discoveries, including mineralized soft tissues and the origins of complex sexual reproduction in vertebrates," he explained.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-importance-of-ngamugawi-wirngarri">Importance of <em>Ngamugawi wirngarri</em></h2>



<p>The story of coelacanths takes a crucial turn as we dive deeper into their lineage. Many landmarks of human anatomy, such as our jaws, teeth, and chambered hearts, can trace their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-rays-were-more-diverse-than-previously-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">roots to early fishes</a> in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giant-swamp-creature-found-in-namibia-was-an-ambush-predator/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Early Palaeozoic</a> (540-350 million years ago).</p>



<p>Although coelacanths' evolution has dramatically slowed since the dinosaur era, they're not static entities fossilized in time. </p>



<p>Richard Cloutier, a vertebrate paleontologist at the <a href="https://www.uqar.ca" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Quebec</a> in Rimouski and a study co-author, offers unique insight.</p>



<p>"While most early forms remain poorly known, our study allows us to start understanding how living coelacanth species of Latimeria might not deserve the enigmatic title of 'living fossils,'" he explained.</p>



<p>The discovery of <em>Ngamugawi wirngarri</em> brings to light the intricate interplay between biology and geology that has shaped life on our planet. </p>



<p>It's more than just a fish tale -- it's a story about the profound influence of Earth's ever-changing skin on the dance of evolution.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-51238-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.</em></p>



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'Living fossil' fish species has survived for over 400 million years

A recent discovery slamming the fish world is drawing us...

<p>Change is the only constant in life - except for blinking, of course. And for the 360 million people living with dry eye disease (DED), those constant blinks can be pure agony. </p>



<p>But what if the cure for dry eyes was as simple as sharing a good belly laugh through laughter therapy?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-healing-power-of-laughter">Healing power of laughter</h2>



<p>Scientific studies have long endorsed laughter therapy as a potent remedy, particularly for patients dealing with depression, stress, anxiety, and chronic pain.</p>



<p>The healing effects of laughter have been observed in patients with diverse medical conditions such as mental health <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-the-human-brain-processes-visual-information/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">disorders</a>, cancer, and diabetes.</p>



<p>However, a clinical trial from China recently published by The BMJ unearthed something more profound: laughter therapy might also hold the cure for DED.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dry-eye-disease">Dry eye disease</h2>



<p>Dry eye disease can make your eyes feel as scratchy as a cat's tongue. It can paint your whites an irritated red and make you wish you could shower your eyes in rejuvenating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rare-retinal-cells-explain-complex-color-perception/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eye</a> drops just to get some relief. </p>



<p>If you've ever suffered from a case of DED, you know it's no walk in the park.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-laughter-for-treating-dry-eyes">Laughter for treating dry eyes</h2>



<p>Experts from China and the UK embarked on a journey to investigate the effectiveness and safety of laughter exercises in patients struggling with DED symptoms.</p>



<p>"With the population aging, video display terminal use increasing, and air pollution, the global prevalence of dry eye disease has risen sharply, affecting approximately 360 million individuals," noted the researchers.</p>



<p>The trial involved 283 participants, aged between 18-45 years, with an average age of 29 years (74% female). The participants were split into two groups: one group practiced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/parents-who-use-humor-have-better-relationships-with-their-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">laughter</a> exercises while the other applied 0.1% sodium hyaluronic acid eye drops four times a day, both for eight weeks.</p>



<p>The researchers ensured all participants had no existing eye conditions, and recent contact lens wearers or DED treatment users were excluded from the study.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glimpse-into-the-laughter-exercise">Glimpse into the laughter exercise</h2>



<p>The idea of laughter being a workout might coax a smirk onto your face, but it's no laughing matter (pun intended). </p>



<p>The participants in the smiling group were asked to watch an instructional video and vocalize phrases like "Hee hee hee, hah hah hah, cheese cheese cheese, cheek cheek cheek, hah hah hah hah hah hah," 30 times over a five-minute session.</p>



<p>They used a face recognition mobile app to track these laughter workouts and enhance their facial movements.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eye-drops-the-control-experiment">Eye drops: The control experiment</h2>



<p>On the other hand, the second group treated their eyes with 0.1% sodium hyaluronic acid eye drops four times a day, for the same span of eight weeks. </p>



<p>Eye drops are typically the go-to remedy for combating DED's scratchy, irritating symptoms. This group also used the same app to keep tabs on their usage frequency.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tears-of-laughter-for-dry-eyes">Tears of laughter for dry eyes</h2>



<p>After both treatments were stopped at eight weeks, the researchers observed that the average OSDI (ocular surface disease index) score in the laughter group was 10.5 points lower, indicating less discomfort. The eye drop group, in contrast, scored 8.83 points lower.</p>



<p>Laughter exercise was not only as effective as traditional eye drops but also showed noticeable improvements in non-invasive tear break up time (the time taken for the first hint of dryness to appear on the cornea after a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/blinking-plays-crucial-role-vision-human-perception/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blink</a>), meibomian gland function (oil glands that prevent tears from drying up too soon), and mental health scores.</p>



<p>What makes this discovery even more exciting is that there were no adverse events reported in either study group.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-laughter-and-dry-eye-symptoms">Laughter and dry eye symptoms</h2>



<p>The researchers acknowledged some limitations that could have influenced the results, but they firmly believe that laughter exercise has the potential to improve DED symptoms substantially.</p>



<p>"As a safe, environmentally friendly, and low-cost intervention, laughter exercise could serve as a first-line, home-based treatment for people with symptomatic dry eye disease and limited corneal staining," the authors noted.</p>



<p>So next time you're feeling the scratch, why not put on your favorite sitcom or call that friend who never fails to make you laugh?</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.bmj.com/content/386/bmj-2024-080474" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The BMJ</a>.</em></p>



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Laughter may help dry eyes as much as eye drops

Change is the only constant in life - except for...

<p>Believe it or not, pet food gobbles up a whopping 9 to 20 percent of all livestock worldwide, with the higher end of the scale being true for high pet ownership nations like the U.S. </p>



<p>But what if there was a way to reduce this significant environmental footprint with vegan diets for dogs without compromising their health? Turns out, there might be.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rise-of-vegan-dog-diets">Rise of vegan dog diets</h2>



<p>Contrary to popular belief, dogs are not strict carnivores. They are, in fact, omnivores by nature. This basically means they can thrive on a diet consisting of a mix of plants, minerals, and synthetic ingredients as long as all the necessary nutrients are present. </p>



<p>A growing number of companies are catching on to this and are producing vegan dog food that ticks all these boxes.</p>



<p>By 2024, ten scientific studies had been published indicating positive health outcomes for dogs on vegan or vegetarian diets. And it's worth noting that the British Veterinary Association has even given a thumbs up to nutritionally sound vegan <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/probiotics-help-overweight-dogs-shed-pounds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">canine diets</a>.</p>



<p>However, the critical question still remained - What is the real magnitude of the health benefits that average dogs could enjoy from a vegan diet?</p>



<p>In other words, once we account for age, sex, neutering status, breed size and exercise level - all of the elements that can influence a dog's health - could we still see notable health improvements in dogs on a vegan diet?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-benefits-of-vegan-dog-diet">Health benefits of vegan dog diet</h2>



<p>A research team led by Veterinary Professor Andrew Knight analyzed health outcomes for a staggering 2,536 dogs, including 336 that had been on a vegan diet for at least a year. </p>



<p>The experts found an actual decrease in seven general indicators of illness in the vegan diet group.</p>



<p>The study revealed that dogs on vegan diets were less likely to require medication or specialized medical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/warning-dogs-drinking-from-public-water-sources-is-dangerous/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diets</a>. </p>



<p>Dogs on vegan diets also needed fewer trips to the vet, were frequently assessed as healthy by their owners and veterinarians, and exhibited lower rates of illness.</p>



<p>When they did fall ill, these dogs also showed fewer health disorders compared to those on conventional meat-based diets. These improvements ranged from 14 percent to an impressive 51 percent.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reduced-likelihood-of-health-disorders">Reduced likelihood of health disorders </h2>



<p>To add to the weight of these findings, all of the observed differences were statistically significant. In non-statistician speak, this means that the differences seen were not due to pure chance but are likely true. </p>



<p>What's more, the likelihood of suffering from six specific health disorders fell by 50 to 61 percent compared to dogs fed traditional meat. </p>



<p>These disorders included some common doggie health problems like weight issues and problems with the ears, musculoskeletal and gastrointestinal system.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comparing-different-diets">Comparing different diets</h2>



<p>A recent study found that of the 22 most common health disorders, 11 were most prevalent in dogs on conventional meat diets.</p>



<p>Eight were most common in dogs on raw meat diets, and just three were most likely in the vegan diet group. </p>



<p>Overall, 49 percent of dogs on conventional meat diets were unwell compared to 43 percent on raw meat diets and a mere 36 percent on vegan diets.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-impact-of-vegan-dog-diets">Environmental impact of vegan dog diets </h2>



<p>Beyond the health benefits explored, the environmental ramifications of switching to vegan <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-breeding-dogs-like-dachshunds-deserve-a-healthy-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diets for dogs</a> are equally compelling. </p>



<p>Traditional meat-based pet food significantly contributes to the carbon footprint due to the intensive resource demands of livestock farming, such as land, water, and feed. By reducing reliance on meat, vegan dog food can mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation rates. </p>



<p>According to a study from <a href="https://www.ucla.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCLA</a>, if all U.S. dogs and cats switched to plant-based diets, the reduction in meat consumption would be equivalent to taking millions of cars off the road in terms of carbon emissions. </p>



<p>This shift offers a dual benefit: fostering pet health while supporting environmental sustainability - an urgent consideration in our rapidly changing climate landscape.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nutritional-considerations">Nutritional considerations </h2>



<p>While the prospect of transitioning to a vegan diet for dogs presents numerous advantages, it is not without its challenges. </p>



<p>Ensuring balanced nutrition is paramount, as improper diets can lead to deficiencies in essential nutrients like protein, calcium, and vitamins such as B12 and D. </p>



<p>For pet owners contemplating this switch, it's advisable to consult with veterinarians or pet nutrition specialists to tailor a nutritious plant-based diet. </p>



<p>Recent advances in pet food technology have yielded a plethora of commercially available vegan options, fortified and balanced to cater specifically to canine dietary needs. </p>



<p>Paying close attention to food labels and opting for brands with reputable nutritional accreditations can help safeguard against potential deficiencies, ensuring that the transition supports <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/medium-sized-dogs-have-a-greater-risk-of-developing-cancer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pet health</a> effectively.</p>



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



<p>"Dogs fed vegan diets clearly had the best health outcomes in this very large-scale study, and these results are consistent with prior studies in this field," said Professor Knight.</p>



<p>"Nutritionally sound vegan diets offer extremely large environmental benefits, so this is very good news for dog owners who want to protect the environment while also maximizing their dogs' health." </p>



<p>"However, care should always be taken to ensure diets are nutritionally sound, by checking package labeling and purchasing from reputable pet food companies."</p>



<p>Vegan dog have significant potential for a more sustainable planet and healthier pooches. But, like every aspect of pet care, it's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vegan-diets-may-not-be-best-for-dogs-after-all/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">essential to do your homework</a> and ensure that you're making the best choice for your furry friend.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.cell.com/heliyon/fulltext/S2405-8440(24)11609-X" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Heliyon</a></em>.</p>



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



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

Dogs on vegan diets stay healthier and visit the vet less often

Believe it or not, pet food gobbles up a whopping...

<p>Wounds that resist healing have long posed a significant challenge in medical care, but a recent discovery offers a solution that combines luxury with cutting-edge science.</p>



<p>Researchers have tapped into the remarkable healing properties of gold nanoparticles mixed with antioxidant-rich red wine.</p>



<p>This unexpected fusion of precious metal and natural compounds paves the way for a revolutionary approach to treating chronic wounds and other medical conditions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-traditional-medicine-and-new-technology">Traditional medicine and new technology </h2>



<p>In the heart of South Africa, the <a href="https://www.uwc.ac.za/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of the Western Cape</a> hosts a team of researchers driven to make significant strides in medical science.</p>



<p>The team's dedication to exploring novel solutions for persistent health challenges has led them to a fascinating discovery that blends traditional medicine with cutting-edge technology.</p>



<p>Their latest research was focused on a concoction combining gold nanoparticles with the potent antioxidants found in red wine. The innovative formula has shown tremendous potential, as lab tests revealed that it significantly accelerated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/common-protein-in-milk-could-revolutionize-wound-healing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wound healing</a>.</p>



<p>Remarkably, in just 72 hours, wounds treated with this unique mixture of gold and red wine healed almost entirely - a promising and exciting outcome that could pave the way for future advancements in chronic wound care.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-dangers-of-chronic-wounds">The dangers of chronic wounds</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/blueberries-could-be-key-to-treating-non-healing-wounds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chronic wounds</a>, defined as those that fail to heal within three months, represent a widespread and persistent health challenge, affecting approximately 3.8 million patients each year. </p>



<p>Chronic wounds often stall in the inflammatory phase, a stage where the body’s natural healing processes become hindered. This prevents progression to the crucial remodeling phase where new tissue begins to grow and repair the damaged area.</p>



<p>For individuals with underlying conditions like diabetes, this issue becomes even more serious. Poor blood circulation, a common complication of diabetes, exacerbates the healing process, leaving these wounds vulnerable to infections. </p>



<p>In severe cases, the inability to heal can lead to devastating outcomes, including the risk of limb amputation. Identifying solutions for chronic wound care is a medical priority.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-wound-healing-power-of-gold">The wound healing power of gold</h2>



<p>The research team hypothesized that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-secret-role-of-seawater-in-gold-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gold</a> could act as the ideal catalyst to jump-start the healing process for chronic wounds. </p>



<p>Gold’s renowned <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coffee-with-milk-has-powerful-anti-inflammatory-properties/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">anti-inflammatory properties</a>, combined with its natural compatibility with human tissues, have made it a valuable element in medical treatments for centuries. </p>



<p>Its unique ability to reduce inflammation without causing adverse reactions allows gold to interact harmoniously with the body, promoting faster recovery.</p>



<p>Historically, gold has played a significant role in medicine, with gold particles being used as early as the 20th century to treat chronic inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis in the UK. </p>



<p>Building on this legacy, the research team explored how gold could unlock similar benefits in the realm of wound care, providing a modern twist to an age-old remedy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-powerful-antioxidants-of-red-wine">Powerful antioxidants of red wine</h2>



<p>Red grapes, the foundation of many popular wines, are rich in powerful antioxidants like resveratrol. These naturally occurring compounds play a crucial role in protecting the body from oxidative stress by neutralizing harmful free radicals.</p>



<p>Free radicals can damage cells and impede the healing process, but the antioxidants in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/red-wine-grapes-have-unexpected-gut-health-benefits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">red wine</a> help to counteract these effects.</p>



<p>By combating these damaging molecules, resveratrol and other antioxidants support the body’s ability to repair itself. </p>



<p>The antioxidants ensure that tissues receive a sufficient oxygen supply, which is essential for regeneration and recovery, ultimately boosting the healing process and enhancing the body's natural defenses.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-combining-gold-and-red-wine">Combining gold and red wine</h2>



<p>The team tested their hypothesis by drying red wine to obtain extracts, which were then mixed with chloroauric acid, a gold-containing chemical. </p>



<p>The blend was applied to a lab dish containing human skin cells, with a scratch in the middle to simulate a wound.</p>



<p>Cells treated with this golden mixture saw an 80% wound closure within 72 hours, compared to 50% with wine alone. </p>



<p>The combination of cabernet sauvignon and gold proved even more effective, healing wounds almost entirely in the same time frame.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-wound-care">The future of wound care</h2>



<p>Renowned vascular surgeon Stella Vig of <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/services/hospital/croydon-university-hospital/RJ611" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Croydon University Hospital</a> praised the novel use of red wine and the innovative production of gold nanoparticles. Both silver and gold nanoparticles could play a critical role in reducing wound infections.</p>



<p>Dr. Ahmed Osman from <a href="https://www.qub.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queen’s University, Belfast</a> added that gold particles encourage cell growth and enhance the natural healing process of the skin.</p>



<p>This revolutionary approach to wound healing, combining gold and red wine, holds remarkable promise for the future of wound care. </p>



<p>While further research is needed, the implications are significant, opening new avenues for advanced medical treatments.</p>



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



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

Healing chronic wounds with gold and red wine

Wounds that resist healing have long posed a significant challenge...

<p>NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has recently delivered intriguing insights about star clusters in the outer Milky Way. </p>



<p>The telescope zeroed in on some key areas of the galaxy, providing fascinating snapshots of new stars, material jets, and a cluster of background galaxies with red clouds gadding about the space.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-clusters-in-the-extreme-outer-galaxy">Star clusters in the extreme outer galaxy</h2>



<p>There is a specific area of our galaxy that has piqued scientists' interest -- the Extreme Outer Galaxy. </p>



<p>Situated a staggering 58,000 light-years from the Galactic Center, this remote region presents a stark contrast to our planetary home, which is approximately <a href="https://d2pn8kiwq2w21t.cloudfront.net/original_images/e-outer_milky_way_ANNOTATED.png" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">26,000 light-years from the center</a>.</p>



<p>Two critical instruments were used by a team of astronomers to study this far-flung space. </p>



<p>Webb’s <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/webb/nircam/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NIRCam</a> (Near-Infrared Camera) and <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/webb/mid-infrared-instrument-miri/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MIRI</a> (Mid-Infrared Instrument) were utilized to capture images of Digel Clouds 1 and 2, molecular clouds inside the Extreme Outer Galaxy.</p>



<p>Armed with these top-notch tools, the team was able to observe these clusters in unprecedented detail.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stars-in-the-outer-milky-way">Stars in the outer Milky Way</h2>



<p>Not only were the experts able to gather intel on star clusters undergoing bursts of star formation, but they also secured details about the components, including young protostars, jets, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secret-origins-of-young-star-clusters-traced-to-three-families/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">distinctive structures</a>.</p>



<p>The telescope time that captured these observations was allocated to Mike Ressler, a scientist from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (<a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JPL</a>) in Southern California.</p>



<p>The work by Ressler and his team is helping us understand how stars form in the outer Milky Way.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-images-of-star-forming-regions">Images of star-forming regions </h2>



<p>So, what do we know thus far? We are aware of regions where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-hole-found-in-mysterious-milky-way-star-cluster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stars</a> form, but detailed knowledge about their properties remained elusive until now.</p>



<p>Natsuko Izumi of <a href="https://www.gifu-u.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gifu University</a> and the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (<a href="https://www.nao.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NAOJ</a>) noted that Webb's findings built upon existing observations.</p>



<p>“In the past, we knew about these star-forming regions but were not able to delve into their properties,” said Izumi. </p>



<p>“The Webb data builds upon what we have incrementally gathered over the years from prior observations with different telescopes and observatories. We can get very powerful and impressive images of these clouds with Webb."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stars-within-a-dense-digel-clouds-sub-cluster">Stars within a dense Digel Clouds sub-cluster</h2>



<p>The Digel Clouds in our galaxy are relatively deficient in elements heavier than hydrogen and helium, making them comparable to dwarf galaxies and the Milky Way in its early history.</p>



<p>The team leveraged this opportunity and captured images showing the activities within four clusters of young stars in the Digel Clouds -- labeled 1A, 1B, 2N, and 2S.</p>



<p>One particular attraction was Cloud 2S, where jets of material were seen ejecting from new stars within a dense sub-cluster.</p>



<p>“We know from studying other nearby star-forming regions that as stars form during their early life phase, they start emitting jets of material at their poles,” said Ressler. </p>



<p>“What was fascinating and astounding to me from the Webb data is that there are multiple jets shooting out in all different directions from this cluster of stars. It’s a little bit like a firecracker, where you see things shooting this way and that.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-elemental-composition-of-the-digel-clouds">Elemental composition of the Digel Clouds</h2>



<p>The revelations concerning the elemental composition of the Digel Clouds offer profound insights into the chemical makeup of early star-forming regions. </p>



<p>Studying the relative abundance of lighter elements has considerably enhanced our comprehension of conditions that might have prevailed in the primordial cosmos. </p>



<p>These clouds, having roughly the same composition as nascent galaxies, act as time capsules, granting us access to the formative periods of the universe. </p>



<p>The scientists emphasize the importance of this discovery, as it allows for the refinement of theoretical models regarding star formation and the evolutionary processes of galaxies, propelling our understanding of cosmic chronology forward.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-expeditions-and-star-clusters">Future expeditions and star clusters</h2>



<p>The exploration of the Extreme Outer Galaxy is merely a prelude to the broader scientific possibilities that await with the <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/webb/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Webb Space Telescope</a>. </p>



<p>As Webb continues to peel back layers of cosmic history, future missions are already on the horizon, aiming to probe ever deeper into the galaxy's mysterious corners. </p>



<p>Astronomers are particularly enthusiastic about pursuing further study of similar molecular clouds in more remote, uncharted galactic spaces.</p>



<p>These endeavors will not only illuminate the conditions of our cosmic past but also <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxy-collisions-hubble-spots-a-string-of-pearls-star-cluster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">inspire new inquiries</a> into the intricate dynamics of star formation.</p>



<p>The potential of Webb's ongoing mission is boundless, promising a cascade of astronomical discoveries that will etch an indelible imprint on our understanding of the universe.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-many-stellar-mysteries-left-to-unravel">Many stellar mysteries left to unravel</h2>



<p>Webb's imagery provides a starting point for the team, as they intend to explore this "outpost" of the Milky Way further. </p>



<p>The experts hope to answer questions about star clusters in the Extreme Outer Galaxy and the relative abundance of stars of various masses in these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/intermediate-mass-black-holes-survive-and-thrive-in-giant-star-clusters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">clusters</a>.</p>



<p>Izumi is keen on studying how star formation occurs in these regions and aims to investigate the shorter lifetimes of circumstellar disks in the Extreme Outer Galaxy.</p>



<p>Although the complex process of star formation still houses many mysteries, Webb's findings are gradually helping us piecing together this stellar puzzle.</p>



<p>The study is published in the <em><a href="https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2024AJ....168...68I/abstract">Astronomical Journal</a>. </em></p>



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



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

Stunning star clusters captured in the extreme outskirts of the Milky Way

NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has recently delivered intriguing insights...

<p>The intricate dance of uranium trichloride (UCl3), a molten salt under extremely high temperatures, holds the key to unlocking the full potential of next-generation nuclear reactors. </p>



<p>Its unique properties, when transformed into a liquid state, offer unparalleled opportunities to rethink nuclear fuel technology and improve reactor safety and efficiency.</p>



<p>Researchers from the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and their collaborators have meticulously documented, for the first time, the elusive structure and complex chemistry dynamics of high-temperature liquid UCl3 salt. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-promising-source-of-nuclear-energy">Promising source of nuclear energy </h2>



<p>The research positions this substance as a promising source of nuclear fuel. The critical insights pave the way for designing safer, more efficient, and innovative reactors that could reshape the future of nuclear energy.</p>



<p>In a paper published in the <em>Journal of the American Chemical Society</em>, ORNL researcher Santanu Roy noted that this is a first critical step in enabling good predictive models for the design of future reactors. </p>



<p>"A better ability to predict and calculate the microscopic behaviors is critical to design, and reliable data helps develop better models," said Roy.</p>



<p>The study highlights the significant leap toward understanding the behavior of molten uranium salts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nuclear-energy-and-molten-salt-reactors">Nuclear energy and molten salt reactors</h2>



<p>For decades, molten salt reactors have been seen as a promising solution for producing safe and affordable nuclear energy. </p>



<p>ORNL's prototyping experiments in the 1960s demonstrated the potential of this technology. With the global push for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/decarbonizing-worlds-industrial-emissions-possible-with-current-technology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">decarbonization</a>, there has been renewed interest in making these reactors widely available.</p>



<p>However, designing the ideal system requires a deep understanding of how liquid fuel salts behave, particularly those involving actinide elements such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/uranium-detected-in-two-thirds-of-u-s-drinking-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">uranium</a>. </p>



<p>Molten salts, which melt at extremely high temperatures, exhibit complex ion-ion coordination, making them challenging to study.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-state-of-the-art-neutron-scattering-studies">State-of-the-art neutron scattering studies </h2>



<p>The research was a collaboration between ORNL, Argonne National Laboratory, and the <a href="https://sc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of South Carolina</a>. The team utilized a combination of computational approaches and advanced facilities like the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS).</p>



<p>As one of the brightest neutron sources in the world, SNS allowed the team to perform state-of-the-art neutron scattering studies, enabling them to measure the chemical bond lengths of molten UCl3 for the first time.</p>



<p>"I've been studying actinides and uranium since I joined ORNL as a postdoc," said Alex Ivanov, who co-led the study. "But I never expected that we could go to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unexpected-molten-rock-layer-discovered-under-earths-crust/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">molten</a> state and find fascinating chemistry." </p>



<p>The findings revealed that, unlike most substances, the bonds between uranium and chlorine contracted rather than expanded as the substance became liquid.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breaking-stereotypes-in-chemistry">Breaking stereotypes in chemistry</h2>



<p>One of the most surprising discoveries was the inconsistent behavior of the bonds, which oscillated between expanded and contracted states at ultra-fast speeds. </p>



<p>"This is an uncharted part of chemistry and reveals the fundamental atomic structure of actinides under extreme conditions," noted Ivanov.</p>



<p>The bond lengths exhibited varying patterns, occasionally becoming shorter and temporarily transforming from an ionic to a more covalent nature. This fleeting change helped explain inconsistencies in previous studies.</p>



<p>These findings, along with the broader results of the study, will improve both experimental and computational approaches to reactor design, while also shedding light on challenges such as nuclear waste management and pyroprocessing.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unlocking-the-future-of-nuclear-energy">Unlocking the future of nuclear energy</h2>



<p>The insights gained from this study not only deepen our understanding of molten uranium salts but also highlight their potential in revolutionizing nuclear energy production. </p>



<p>With the unpredictable behavior of UCl3 now more clearly defined, the path to developing more efficient and safer nuclear reactors becomes clearer.</p>



<p>These breakthroughs could play a crucial role in addressing challenges related to nuclear waste, pyroprocessing, and the advancement of sustainable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/could-a-nuclear-powered-spacecraft-shorten-the-trip-to-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nuclear technologies</a>. </p>



<p>By improving predictive models and expanding the knowledge of molten salt behavior, scientists are one step closer to creating reactors that can help meet global energy demands while minimizing environmental impact.</p>



<p>As nuclear energy remains a key player in the race toward decarbonization, the discoveries in this study offer hope for more reliable, scalable, and eco-friendly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-wellbeing-is-a-more-effective-focus-area-when-discussing-energy-solutions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">energy solutions</a> in the near future.</p>



<p>The study is published in the <em><a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jacs.4c05765" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of the American Chemical Society</a></em>.</p>



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



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Molten salt could reshape the future of nuclear energy

The intricate dance of uranium trichloride (UCl3), a molten salt...

<p>Gene regulation has become a key focus of scientific discovery since scientists first cracked the code of DNA, unraveling the intricate sequence of molecules that dictate our cells' behavior. But DNA, while pivotal, is only half of the story.</p>



<p>Our bodies consist of numerous cell types, from skin to muscle to brain cells, all containing the same DNA. Yet, the question remains: how does each cell know when to become skin, muscle, or brain cells?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-blueprint-of-dna">Complex blueprint of DNA</h2>



<p>Picture <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-can-now-collect-human-dna-from-water-air-and-basically-everywhere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DNA</a> as a long, twisted ladder, packed with billions of tiny building blocks. It carries the precise instructions that guide the growth, function, and repair of our bodies. When unraveled, this ladder can stretch up to two meters long, much too long to fit within the tiny confines of a cell.</p>



<p>Chromatin, a complex of DNA and proteins, solves this problem by packaging the DNA into a condensed, organized structure that fits within the cell nucleus. </p>



<p>It functions like beads on a string, looped and packed into chromosomes, which allows DNA to be assembled in a small area and unpacked whenever the cell needs access to genetic information.</p>



<p>In this complex code, DNA contains both coding and non-coding sequences. Coding DNA, or genes, supply the instructions for building proteins, the essential cellular building blocks and mediators. Non-coding DNA plays a pivotal supporting role in controlling when and how these genes are switched on or off to form <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/junk-proteins-responsible-for-aging-cause-als/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">proteins</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-chromatin-in-gene-regulation">Role of chromatin in gene regulation</h2>



<p>Chromatin organization is crucial to the process of gene regulation. Tightly packed chromatin restricts access to genes, keeping them off. In contrast, loosely packed chromatin allows genes to be turned on and expressed.</p>



<p>Although all humans inherit a fixed set of genes, their expression can vary widely due to factors such as diet, stress, and exposure to pollution. </p>



<p>This phenomenon, known as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/epigenetic-dna-clocks-predict-biological-age-more-accurately/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">epigenetics</a>, controls the identity and function of cells, thus shaping the cell's destiny.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emerging-frontiers-in-research">Emerging frontiers in research </h2>



<p>Every two years, the Office of Emerging Frontiers and Multidisciplinary Activities (EFMA) under the <a href="https://www.nsf.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">United States National Science Foundation</a> identifies pioneering research topics for the NSF Emerging Frontiers in Research and Innovation (EFRI) program. </p>



<p>In 2018 and 2019, the EFRI program focused on chromatin and epigenetic engineering to uncover new ways to manipulate gene activation and deactivation.</p>



<p>Working under four-year grants, interdisciplinary teams tackle challenging, high-risk, high-reward projects to address some of the nation's most pressing challenges. </p>



<p>Through increasing our understanding and developing innovative tools, these advancements have the potential to combat diseases, enhance crop performance, or even develop organisms that can remediate environmental damage.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gene-regulation-and-tissue-regeneration">Gene regulation and tissue regeneration</h2>



<p>One team of scientists has developed a high-resolution <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/genome-mapping-completed-for-dozens-of-common-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genome</a> imaging platform to visualize chromatin in 3D, enabling more accurate predictions for genome engineering outcomes. </p>



<p>This can lead to precise manipulation of genes with applications in cancer treatment, organ regeneration, injury prevention, and reversing aging. </p>



<p>Drugs and interventions are being developed to target cells affected by cancer or oxygen loss from strokes or heart attacks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-dna-arrangement">Understanding DNA arrangement</h2>



<p>Another team discovered that a special protein complex called INO80 is a crucial driver of chromatin movements inside the nucleus. </p>



<p>Using a newly engineered device, the experts can now observe chromatin interactions happening in real time inside living cells. This can greatly contribute to the understanding of tissues made up of many different cell types, such as the brain or immune system.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pioneering-genetic-delivery">Pioneering genetic delivery</h2>



<p>Using principles derived from paper art origami, a group of researchers has made significant advances in delivering DNA into cells using nanostructures. </p>



<p>DNA can be packaged very tightly within these intricate designs, enabling even the longest genes to be delivered into the nucleus. </p>



<p>This method offers a safer, more cost-efficient alternative to traditional viral <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/revolutionary-gene-therapy-shows-promise-in-treating-autism/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gene therapy</a> and holds promise for treating diseases and enhancing live cell imaging.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-path-to-gene-regulation">A new path to gene regulation</h2>



<p>Another project harnesses the power of chromatin and epigenetic engineering to combat disease. </p>



<p>The researchers developed new genome-editing technologies to target the non-coding regulatory regions of DNA that turn genes on or off. </p>



<p>These epigenetic marks can mimic changes that might occur in response to the environment - assisting in tailoring disease interventions more accurately.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-generations-of-scientists">New generations of scientists</h2>



<p>EFRI teams provide valuable experiences for aspiring scientists through NSF Research Experience and Mentoring programs. </p>



<p>These programs offer paid research experiences and mentoring to promote diversity and inclusion within the field of gene and epigenetic engineering. </p>



<p>Such collaborative efforts are fuelling scientific advancement and cultivating a new generation of scientists equipped to tackle complex challenges in genetic and epigenetic engineering.</p>



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



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

Gene regulation: Controlling cells to improve medical treatments

Gene regulation has become a key focus of scientific discovery...

<p>In a recent breakthrough study involving more than 50 global climate researchers, we now have a clearer projection of how carbon emissions may influence the degeneration of Antarctica's ice sheet over the next three centuries. </p>



<p>The study mentions the critical role of collaborative modeling in forecasting the complex future of our planet's icy extremity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-antarctic-ice-in-an-uncertain-future">Antarctic ice in an uncertain future</h2>



<p>Right now, predicting the fate of Antarctica's glaciers post-2100 is like trying to read the tea leaves. The existing ice-sheet models give us varied outcomes.</p>



<p>So, what did these researchers do? They analyzed data from 16 different ice-sheet models and crunched the numbers.</p>



<p>And they all agree - ice sheet loss from Antarctica will indeed intensify. But it's not all doom and gloom for now, as it will be <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ice-sheet-past-present-and-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gradual throughout the 21st century</a>, even with the current carbon emissions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-total-collapse-of-the-antarctic-ice-sheet">Total collapse of the Antarctic ice sheet </h2>



<p>The uniform pattern takes a nosedive past 2100. The models, under current emission levels, forecast a rapid retreat of ice in most of Antarctica's western basins. </p>



<p>The aftermath? By 2200, melted glaciers might cause a rise in global sea levels by around 5.5 feet. Akin to watching an action thriller, some numerical experiments even predicted almost total collapse of the Antarctic ice sheet by 2300.</p>



<p>"The results show that the Antarctic contribution to sea-level rise remains limited until 2100 but increases rapidly afterward. The ice retreats in most basins of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet, and some numerical experiments suggest a near-complete collapse of this region by 2300," wrote the researchers.</p>



<p>"The time when these glaciers start retreating varies depending on the choice of ice flow model, but the speed at which they retreat is consistent among the models once the retreat begins."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-need-for-long-term-projections">Need for long-term projections</h2>



<p>Hélène Seroussi, lead author of the study and an associate professor at Dartmouth's Thayer School of Engineering, argues that the conversation needs to shift.</p>



<p>"When you talk to policymakers and stakeholders about sea-level rise, they mostly focus on what will happen up to 2100. There are very few studies beyond that," said Seroussi.</p>



<p>"Our study provides the longer-term projections that have been lacking. The results show that beyond 2100, the long-term impact for the regions most susceptible to sea-level rise become amplified."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-at-emissions-scenarios">Looking at emissions scenarios </h2>



<p>The team also modeled how Antarctica's ice sheet would fare under both high and low emission scenarios through 2300. </p>



<p>"While current carbon emissions have only a modest impact on model projections for this century, the difference between how high- and low-emission scenarios contribute to sea-level rise grows sharply after 2100," said co-author Mathieu Morlighem, a <a href="https://earthsciences.dartmouth.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dartmouth</a> professor of earth sciences.</p>



<p>What does this mean for us? "These results confirm that it is critical to cut carbon emissions now to protect future generations," said Professor Morlighem. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-timing-of-the-collapse-remains-unknown">Timing of the collapse remains unknown</h2>



<p>How and when the retreat of Antarctica's ice sheet and glaciers would start is up for debate depending on the ice-flow model used. However, once a rapid loss of ice commences, all models concur that there will be no turning back.</p>



<p>"All the models agree that once these large changes are initiated, nothing can stop them or slow them down. Several basins in West <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ice-sheet-melting-new-tipping-point-discovered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctica</a> could experience a complete collapse before 2200," said Seroussi.</p>



<p>"The exact timing of such collapses remains unknown and depends on future greenhouse gas emissions, so we need to respond quickly enough to reduce emissions before the major basins in Antarctica are lost."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-the-antarctic-ice-sheet">Future of the Antarctic ice sheet</h2>



<p>Despite the grim outlook, there's a silver lining. This study could pave the way for further collaborative models. These could hold the key to understanding and rectifying discrepancies in projections for regions with significant modeling uncertainties, including the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/speed-of-greenland-ice-melt-confirmed-to-be-rapidly-increasing-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Greenland ice sheet</a>.</p>



<p>Despite the enormity of the task, Seroussi remains hopeful. "We're learning from the community of scientists what is going to happen."</p>



<p>"This collaboration means we have a better, more robust assessment of the uncertainty, and we can see where our models agree and where they disagree so that we know where to focus our future research."</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2024EF004561" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's Future</a>.</em></p>



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



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

When will the Antarctic ice sheet collapse?

In a recent breakthrough study involving more than 50 global...

<p>Super-Earths face significant challenges in forming near metal-poor stars, according to a new study.</p>



<p>This discovery challenges previous assumptions about planet formation and sheds new light on how the universe's earliest stars may have influenced the distribution of planets in our galaxy. </p>



<p>By using metallicity - the abundance of elements heavier than helium - astronomers can trace the history of stars and planetary systems, offering fresh insights into the conditions needed for super-Earth formation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-metallicity-and-planet-formation">Metallicity and planet formation</h2>



<p>Metallicity, in astronomical terms, measures the presence of elements heavier than helium within a star. </p>



<p>Stars rich in these elements, like our sun, are younger, while metal-poor stars date back to the early universe. </p>



<p>Previous studies hinted at a gradual decline in planet formation as metallicity decreases, but this new research uncovers a sharp boundary where the formation of super-Earths becomes extremely unlikely.</p>



<p>Study lead author Kiersten Boley recently earned her PhD in astronomy at <a href="https://www.osu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ohio State University</a>.</p>



<p>“When <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astronomers-discover-a-new-way-that-stars-die/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stars cycle through life</a>, they enrich the surrounding space until you have enough metals or iron to form planets. But even for stars with lower metallicities, it was widely thought that the number of planets it could form would never reach zero,” explained Boley.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-occurrence-rates-of-super-earth-formation">Occurrence rates of super-Earth formation</h2>



<p>To test existing predictions, Boley’s team developed a catalog of 10,000 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-stars-shakti-shiva-shaped-milky-way-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">metal-poor stars</a> using data from NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS). Based on known trends, they expected to find around 68 super-Earths.</p>



<p>Yet, contrary to expectations, the researchers detected none. “We essentially found a cliff where we expected to see a slow or a gradual slope that keeps going,” said Boley. “The expected occurrence rates do not match up at all.”</p>



<p>This "cliff" extends to nearly half the age of the universe, meaning super-Earth formation became viable only about seven billion years ago. </p>



<p>“Seven billion years ago is probably the sweet spot where we begin to see a decent bit of super-Earth formation,” noted Boley.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-metal-poor-stars-and-super-earths">Metal-poor stars and super-Earths</h2>



<p>The implications of these findings are profound. Stars formed before this metallicity threshold would have lacked the materials needed for super-Earth formation, drastically limiting the number of such planets in our galaxy.</p>



<p>“In a similar stellar type as our sample, we now know not to expect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planet-formation-new-insights-mechanics-physics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planet formation</a> to be abundant once you pass a negative 0.5 metallicity region,” said Boley.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-in-the-search-for-life">Implications in the search for life</h2>



<p>For those hunting for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extraterrestrial-life-moons-planets-detected-single-grain-ice-floating/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extraterrestrial life</a>, this discovery refines where to focus the search. "You don’t want to search areas where life wouldn’t be conducive or in areas where you don’t even think you’re going to find a planet,” noted Boley.</p>



<p>The study’s insights into planet formation provide essential clues, ranging from whether a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-planet-discovered-with-an-ocean-not-far-from-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planet can hold water</a> to its magnetic field - key conditions for life.</p>



<p>While the study raises important questions about planet formation, further research is needed. Fortunately, upcoming projects like NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope and the European Space Agency’s PLATO mission will help expand the search for planets in habitable zones.</p>



<p>“Those instruments will be really vital in terms of figuring out how many planets are out there and getting as many follow-up observations as we can,” said Boley.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-super-earths">Understanding super-Earths</h2>



<p>Super-Earths are exoplanets that are more massive than Earth but significantly smaller than ice giants like Uranus or Neptune. Despite their name, the planets are not necessarily similar to Earth in terms of conditions or habitability.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The term “super-Earths” primarily refers to their size, which ranges from about 1.5 to 10 times the mass of Earth.</p>



<p>These planets are of great interest to scientists because they are some of the most common types of exoplanets found in our galaxy, even though we don’t have any in our own solar system.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Some super-Earths may be rocky like Earth, with thin atmospheres, while others might have thick, gaseous atmospheres like Neptune. These planets could potentially host liquid water, making them prime targets in the search for life beyond our solar system.</p>



<p>The study was a collaboration between researchers from Ohio State, Caltech, the University of Arizona, McGill University, Penn State, and the University of Southern Queensland, with support from the National Science Foundation and NASA.</p>



<p>The study is published in <em><a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/1538-3881/ad6570" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Astronomical Journal</a></em>.</p>



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



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Super-Earths need metal-rich stars to form properly

Super-Earths face significant challenges in forming near metal-poor stars, according...

Pile,Of,Freshly,Cut,Wood,Logs,And,Empty,Field,With

<p>Forests are the Earth's lungs, forever sucking up carbon dioxide and throwing out fresh oxygen. But that's only half the story.</p>



<p>Here's the twist -- forests also exhale CO2. In short, they inhale carbon dioxide for growth, but they also exhale it back out, usually in smaller amounts. A bit of an unexpected plot twist.</p>



<p>Now, the University of Leicester's new study has a cheeky bit more to add to this story. </p>



<p>Tree stems in tropical forests that are bouncing back from logging are found to produce carbon dioxide at a greater rate than those in untouched forests.</p>



<p>So, bouncing back from logging, and yet they're sending out more carbon dioxide?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trees-and-carbon-dioxide">Trees and carbon dioxide</h2>



<p>When we talk about fewer surrounding trees to compete with, the tree stems in logged forests are seen to have a growth spurt and take in carbon dioxide at a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/organic-farming-practices-boost-soil-carbon-storage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">faster rate</a> than stems in untouched forests. </p>



<p>However, this rapid growth also comes with a side effect -- a faster release of carbon dioxide. So, chopped down, left with fewer competitors, and now, they're growing at a quick pace and just as quickly giving out carbon dioxide.</p>



<p>This research was led by Maria Mills, a PhD student from the University of Leicester's School of Geography, Geology and the Environment (<a href="https://le.ac.uk/gge" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GGE</a>). </p>



<p>Their conclusion calls for a spotlight to be thrown on logged landscapes that are currently understudied despite being more prominent than old-growth forests across the tropics.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heart-of-a-forest-s-carbon-cycle">Heart of a forest's carbon cycle</h2>



<p>What is 'carbon flux'? Think of it as the forest's way of balancing its books. It measures the net carbon balance. </p>



<p>But this doesn't tell us much about where the fluctuations are coming from -- it's like knowing your bank balance without any information on the transactions.</p>



<p>If we don't know where the fluctuations are coming from, we also don't know why we're getting certain fluxes and what's driving those fluxes.</p>



<p>The researchers gathered data from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-are-still-fighting-climate-change-against-all-odds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forests</a> in Malaysian Borneo as part of a long-term ecological monitoring program. </p>



<p>By measuring the individual components of the forest carbon cycle and carbon fluxes, they were able to observe certain patterns and fluxes. </p>



<p>Understanding these is crucial for predicting future climate change and land use change scenarios.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-carbon-dioxide-in-forests">Studying carbon dioxide in forests</h2>



<p>Did you know that most of a forest’s biomass is stored in the stems or woody trunk of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planting-trees-is-important-but-reforestation-can-help-too/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trees</a>? Well, these scientists did, and they used this information to their advantage. </p>



<p>The team studied stem respiration of a tree sample, and then extrapolated the values for all the trees in the one-hectare study plots.</p>



<p>Shockingly, tree-level results showed higher carbon release levels per unit of stem surface area in logged versus old-growth plots. </p>



<p>Specifically, 37 grams of carbon per meter squared of woody stem every month in a logged plot versus only 26 grams in an old-growth plot.</p>



<p>Also, it is important to note that when scaled across the entire one-hectare plots, there was no difference between logged and old-growth results.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uncharted-territory-of-carbon-dynamics">Uncharted territory of carbon dynamics</h2>



<p>This study was about considering individual trees versus the whole ecosystem, and what drives carbon emissions at both levels. </p>



<p>"There are differences between individual trees, and between individual ecosystems, for example logged versus unlogged forests," Mills explained.</p>



<p>“We see higher respiration per square meter in logged plots because the trees in those plots are growing faster. Growth has a metabolic cost, so we get respiration following growth." </p>



<p>The trees in logged plots grow faster because they have access to more light -- as there are more gaps in logged plots from when timber trees have been extracted.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forests-logging-and-carbon-emissions">Forests, logging, and carbon emissions</h2>



<p>There are other reasons for these differences which link back to the trees’ functional traits and soil nutrients, but ultimately it comes down to the priority for trees in logged <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/droughts-and-fires-diminish-forests-carbon-storage-ability/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forests</a> to invest in growth. </p>



<p>In old-growth plots, alternatively, there is a lot more investment and priority for tree maintenance.</p>



<p>"Given how expansive logged forests are, they could be considered as the ‘new normal’ for contemporary tropical forests.  We need to put more research efforts into understanding what goes on in logged forests, both in terms of their carbon fluxes and their wider ecological functioning," Mills concluded.</p>



<p>To sum it all up, Mills and her team uncovered very important information on how climate change is impacted by forest carbon dynamics. </p>



<p>Let's remember, understanding how forests drive environmental conditions is not just about satisfying our curiosity, it's also crucial in our fight against climate change. </p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/nph.20043" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Phytologist</a>.</em></p>



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Trees in forests recovering from logging release much more carbon dioxide

Forests are the Earth's lungs, forever sucking up carbon dioxide...

<p>We all know we should reduce, reuse, and recycle - but how successful have we been, particularly in the realm of food waste? Surprisingly, not as successful as one might think after a food waste ban.</p>



<p>But, don't let this discourage you. On the contrary, it’s an opportunity to improve and adapt our strategies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-success-in-food-waste-management">Success in food waste management</h2>



<p>You might feel shell-shocked to learn that out of the first five US states to implement food waste bans, only the Bay State - Massachusetts - succeeded in diverting waste from landfills and incinerators.</p>



<p>This finding comes from a recent study at the University of California Rady School of Management.</p>



<p>The study implies a need to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/better-refrigeration-could-significantly-reduce-global-food-waste/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">re-evaluate current strategies</a>. It's not all disappointment, though. We can look at Massachusetts’ approach as a benchmark for effective policy implementation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-not-so-effective-food-waste-bans">Not-so-effective food waste bans</h2>



<p>Between 2014 and 2024, nine US states made it illegal for commercial waste generators such as grocery chains to dump their food waste in landfills. They targeted a 10-15% <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/transforming-food-waste-compost-into-biodegradable-bioplastics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">waste reduction</a>.</p>



<p>Robert Evan Sanders is an assistant professor of marketing at the Rady School of Management and co-author of the study.</p>



<p>“We can say with high confidence that the combination of waste bans did not reduce landfilled waste by more than 3%, and that is&nbsp;<em>including</em>&nbsp;Massachusetts, which successfully reduced landfilled waste by 7% - gradually achieving a 13.2% reduction,” said Sanders. </p>



<p>“Essentially, the data suggest that in four out of the five states we studied, these laws did nothing to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fungi-fusion-turning-food-waste-into-culinary-delights/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reduce waste</a>.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-food-waste">Global food waste</h2>



<p>Our global food waste is contributing to about 8 to 10% of greenhouse gas emissions. It's a problem we can’t afford to ignore. </p>



<p>"We certainly don’t think states should abandon these laws, but more action needs to be taken to make them effective,” noted co-author Fiorentia Anglou, who conducted the research while earning her PhD at the University of Texas (UT) at Austin's <a href="https://www.mccombs.utexas.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">McCombs School of Business</a>.</p>



<p>The researchers pinpointed three distinctive features in the Massachusetts food waste ban that likely contributed to its effectiveness. </p>



<p>These features include a robust composting infrastructure, easily understandable legal language, and rigorous enforcement measures. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-amount-of-waste-going-to-landfills">Amount of waste going to landfills</h2>



<p>The researchers adopted a variant of the synthetic control method. In simpler terms, they compared each state that adopted the ban to similar states that hadn’t implemented a waste ban. </p>



<p>The goal was to predict how much waste these states would have sent to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/landfills-emit-exorbitant-amount-methane-into-atmosphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">landfills</a> without these bans in place.</p>



<p>“With most of these laws, about 70% of commercial organic waste would have been illegal to send to landfills," said co-author Ioannis Stamatopoulos, a professor at the McCombs School of Business.</p>



<p>“If you take all that organic waste out of landfills, it should reduce the amount of waste that's going into landfills by 10% in some cases, and that should have been something we were able to see in the data but did not."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-data-collection-on-food-waste">Data collection on food waste </h2>



<p>The research encompassed data from 36 states, covering the waste produced by 274 million Americans - or a whopping 85% of the U.S. population.</p>



<p>While some states offered the data on their websites, most of it had to be amassed manually from public records requests and contacting state agencies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moving-forward-with-effective-policies">Moving forward with effective policies</h2>



<p>“Our findings indicate that simply implementing a food waste ban is not enough to achieve significant reductions in landfill waste,” noted the researchers.</p>



<p>"Massachusetts has shown that with the right combination of comprehensive coverage and effective enforcement, these bans can work. It's crucial for other states to learn from this model and adapt their policies accordingly to meet environmental targets and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”</p>



<p>Isn't it time other states learned from this model? Let's refine our policies accordingly to achieve environmental targets and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The good news is that some states are already making progress.</p>



<p>California, for instance, enacted SB 1383 in 2022 mandating all jurisdictions to offer organic waste collection services for residents and businesses.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adn4216" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science</em></a>.</p>



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Food waste bans are ineffective in reducing landfill waste

We all know we should reduce, reuse, and recycle -...

<p>As we stand on the threshold of a new era in cosmology, a team has made a stunning proposition. In a recent study, experts suggest that a short-lived force known as "early dark energy" may solve two of the biggest mysteries of our universe.</p>



<p>First on the list is the "Hubble tension'," a term used to describe the disparity in the estimated speeds of the universe's expansion.</p>



<p>The second conundrum revolves around the existence of several bright galaxies in the early universe when the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-matter-does-not-exist-universe-27-billion-years-old-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">universe</a> should have been less populated.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-early-dark-energy">Role of early dark energy </h2>



<p>Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) considered an intriguing possibility: What if these two puzzles are interrelated? </p>



<p>The results of the study suggest that these cosmic puzzles can be solved if the early universe had a brief encounter with dark energy.</p>



<p>Dark energy is not a new concept; it's been suspected as the unseen force driving the universe's ongoing expansion. But researchers at <a href="https://www.mit.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MIT</a> are suggesting that there might have been a similar phenomenon at work during the universe's infancy - a force that came, influenced, and vanished.</p>



<p>Some physicists believe that early dark energy could be the key to unlocking the Hubble tension. This force, in essence, could have accelerated the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/separating-dark-matter-from-cosmic-noise-with-help-of-ai/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">universe</a>'s early expansion to a point where the measurement disparity is resolved.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bright-galaxies-and-cosmic-puzzles">Bright galaxies and cosmic puzzles</h2>



<p>MIT's latest study also proposes that early dark energy could explain the baffling number of bright, early galaxies. </p>



<p>The results showed that the number of galaxies birthed from the cosmos's nascent stage fits perfectly with astronomers' observations when a dark energy component was factored in only during the universe's earliest moments.</p>



<p>"We find that early dark energy is a very elegant and sparse solution to two of the most pressing problems in cosmology," said Rohan Naidu, a postdoc in MIT’s Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-formation-of-dark-matter-halos">Formation of dark matter halos</h2>



<p>The MIT team considered how dark energy might have impacted the early structure of the universe that birthed the first-ever galaxies.</p>



<p>The experts focused on the formation of dark matter halos - areas in space where gravity is stronger and matter begins accumulating.</p>



<p>“We believe that dark matter halos are the invisible skeleton of the universe,” said study lead author Xuejian (Jacob) Shen.</p>



<p>“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/existence-of-dark-matter-confirmed-by-new-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dark matter</a> structures form first, and then galaxies form within these structures. So, we expect the number of bright galaxies should be proportional to the number of big dark matter halos.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unified-theory-on-early-dark-energy">Unified theory on early dark energy</h2>



<p>The team developed a framework to predict the total number, luminosity, and size of galaxies that should have formed during the early stages of the universe. </p>



<p>The researchers also determined some key "cosmological parameters" which are essentially mathematical terms that describe the universe's development.</p>



<p>Putting all of their findings together, the scientists proposed a theory: If early dark energy influences the rate of the universe's early expansion, then it might affect the balance of other cosmological parameters.</p>



<p>This could then increase the number of bright galaxies visible at early times. The experts put this theory to the test, incorporating a model of early dark energy into their empirical framework to see how the earliest dark matter structures evolved and led to the formation of the first galaxies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evidence-for-the-existence-of-early-dark-energy">Evidence for the existence of early dark energy </h2>



<p><strong>“</strong>We demonstrated the potential of early dark energy as a unified solution to the two major issues faced by cosmology. This might be an evidence for its existence if the observational findings of JWST get further consolidated,” said Professor Mark Vogelsberger.</p>



<p>“In the future, we can incorporate this into large cosmological simulations to see what detailed predictions we get.” </p>



<p>Bringing this to a close, we can equate the study of cosmology to a grand puzzle. Each piece brings us closer to understanding the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-matter-may-consist-of-particles-that-travel-faster-than-light/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">intricate workings of the universe</a>. </p>



<p>Perhaps this proposed theory of early dark energy will be the missing piece that helps us solve this epic cosmic conundrum. Or maybe, it's the start of a whole new puzzle. </p>



<p>The study is published in the journal<em> <a href="https://academic.oup.com/mnras/article/533/4/3923/7750120" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society</a>.</em></p>



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Dark energy could explain the rapid expansion of the early universe

As we stand on the threshold of a new era...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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<p>—–</p>

Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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<p>—–</p>

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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



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



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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

[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" 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 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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