<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>Ever wondered why some girls seem to grow up faster than others? The puzzle of early puberty in girls is getting a fresh look, and you may be surprised by the suspects being rounded up -- environmental chemicals. </p>



<p>This isn't a simple case of kids maturing too soon; the implications are far more profound and problematic.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trend-on-early-puberty">Trend on early puberty</h2>



<p>In the last few decades, girls have been reaching puberty earlier. This isn't just a matter of growing up quickly; it's a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/younger-generations-getting-their-menstrual-periods-earlier/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health concern</a> that could spell trouble. </p>



<p>It turns out, early puberty may increase the risk of several <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/younger-generations-getting-their-menstrual-periods-earlier/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health complications</a> like obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and even breast cancer. And, recent research indicates that certain environmental toxins might be behind this trend.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unmasking-the-culprits">Unmasking the culprits</h2>



<p>The culprits are Endocrine-disrupting chemicals or EDCs. These sneaky substances can mimic, block, or interfere with our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-lockdowns-caused-premature-aging-of-adolescent-brains/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">body's hormones</a>. </p>



<p>Studies suggest that exposure to some EDCs may cause early puberty in girls. But, how does a chemical in your detergent or perfume impact human biology?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unveiling-the-mystery-of-early-puberty">Unveiling the mystery of early puberty</h2>



<p>Natalie Shaw, M.D., M.M.Sc., of the National Institutes of Health’s (<a href="https://www.nih.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NIH</a>) National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (<a href="https://www.niehs.nih.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NIEHS</a>) in Durham, N.C., was lead author of this study.</p>



<p>“We conducted a comprehensive screen of 10,000 environmental compounds with extensive follow-up studies using human brain cells that control the reproductive axis, and our team identified several substances that may contribute to early puberty in girls," Shaw explained.</p>



<p>The study identified some substances, such as musk ambrette (commonly found in detergents, perfumes, etc.) and a medication type called cholinergic agonists, that are potential contributors to early puberty in girls.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-musk-ambrette">Musk ambrette</h2>



<p>Musk ambrette is a scent often found in personal care products. Studies have hinted that it can cross the blood-brain barrier, making it a real concern. </p>



<p>But take heart, some countries and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (<a href="https://www.fda.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FDA</a>) are aware of it, taking steps for its regulation.</p>



<p>Shaw's team employed a Tox21 compound library containing licensed pharmaceuticals, environmental toxins, and dietary supplements against a human cell line. </p>



<p>Menghang Xia, Ph.D., highlighted the crucial role of using human hypothalamic neurons and zebrafish in identifying environmental substances that stimulate key receptors.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-physical-changes-in-early-puberty">Physical changes in early puberty</h2>



<p>Early puberty isn't just about premature physical transformation. It can affect adolescents' psychosocial development and well-being. </p>



<p>It's been linked to higher rates of mental health disorders like depression and low self-esteem. Therefore, it's essential that we understand and address these social implications, not just the physical ones.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-empowering-families-and-communities">Empowering families and communities</h2>



<p>Now that we know about EDCs, it's time to fight back. Families can lessen EDC exposure by preferring natural or organic personal care products, limiting the use of plastic containers, and avoiding known EDC products. </p>



<p>Communities can empower parents and caregivers through educational programs about potential risks and making informed decisions.</p>



<p>Endocrinologists are leading the charge in solving some top health issues of our time, like this one. This research is a significant stride in understanding how environmental toxins influence early puberty in girls.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-policy-and-regulation">Role of policy and regulation</h2>



<p>Addressing early puberty caused by environmental chemicals needs a comprehensive approach, especially in policy and regulations. </p>



<p>Governments and health organizations play a key role in managing risks from endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs).</p>



<p>This involves not only monitoring harmful substances but also supporting research to identify new risks. </p>



<p>By collaborating with scientists, lawmakers can establish clear guidelines for safe chemical use in everyday products, prioritizing public <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hunger-hormones-in-the-gut-can-change-our-eating-behavior/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health</a>.</p>



<p>Taking these proactive steps will help create a safer environment for future generations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-battling-challenges-in-early-puberty">Battling challenges in early puberty</h2>



<p>The world of endocrinology is fascinating, albeit slightly eerie. It's like solving a complex jigsaw puzzle where even the tiniest changes can affect something as significant as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/kids-with-behavioral-issues-have-high-cortisol-levels-in-their-hair/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human development</a>. </p>



<p>But there's hope on the horizon. The dedicated efforts of scientists worldwide make us optimistic about navigating these health issues and working towards a healthier world.</p>



<p>Let's remember, every small choice we make, whether it's the personal care products we use or the food we eat, impacts our health. </p>



<p>So the next time you pick up something, ask yourself, "What's in the stuff?" It might just be the first step towards a healthier future.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://academic.oup.com/endo/article/165/10/bqae103/7749689" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Endocrinology</em></a>.</p>



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More girls are starting puberty early due to exposure to chemicals

Ever wondered why some girls seem to grow up faster...

<p>The universe is filled with secrets waiting to be unveiled. IC 4709, a spiral galaxy approximately 240 million light-years away in the southern constellation Telescopium, is one such cosmic mystery.</p>



<p>The <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/hubble/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hubble Space Telescope</a> has revealed its stunning composition, featuring a faint halo and a swirling disk of stars and dust bands.</p>



<p>But what truly sets IC 4709 apart is its bustling active galactic nucleus (AGN), powered by a supermassive black hole.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-hidden-giant-of-ic-4709">The hidden giant of IC 4709</h2>



<p>Contrary to expectations, the core of IC 4709 isn't merely a congregation of stars. Its unparalleled brightness is rather courtesy of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supermassive-black-holes-are-very-messy-eaters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gargantuan black hole</a>, impressively 65 million times more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/colossal-black-hole-found-in-our-galaxy-is-33-times-the-suns-mass/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">massive than our Sun</a>.</p>



<p>A spectacle occurs as a disk of gas spirals towards this colossal black hole, heating up due to intense collisions. </p>



<p>The disk eventually reaching such immense temperatures that it emits a vast spectrum of electromagnetic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/x-ray-radiation-from-black-holes-explained-after-50-year-struggle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">radiation</a>. This spectrum extends from infrared to visible, ultraviolet light, and as far as X-rays.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interactions-between-the-galaxy-and-its-nucleus">Interactions between the galaxy and its nucleus</h2>



<p>In the midst of the galaxy,  a lane of dark dust is barely visible. This dust lane works as a barrier, blocking any visible light emission from the active galactic nucleus and obscuring it from view.</p>



<p>Fortunately, thanks to Hubble's spectacular resolution, astronomers are able to observe the interaction between the active galactic nucleus and its host galaxy.</p>



<p>This ability is instrumental in the study of supermassive black holes in more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/webb-telescope-finds-a-second-lensed-supernova-in-a-distant-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">distant galaxies</a>, where such fine details are challenging to discern.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-multi-telescope-approach">A multi-telescope approach</h2>



<p>Further enhancing our comprehension of IC 4709 is a combination of data from two Hubble surveys of nearby AGNs, initially identified by NASA’s Swift telescope. </p>



<p>The Swift telescope, which houses multiwavelength telescopes, plays a critical role in collecting data in visible, ultraviolet, X-ray, and gamma-ray light. In particular, its X-ray component will enable Swift to see the X-rays from IC 4709’s AGN breaking through the obscuring dust.</p>



<p>Meanwhile, ESA’s Euclid telescope is currently surveying the dark universe in optical and infrared light and will also image IC 4709 and other local AGNs. </p>



<p>The data collated from these telescopes, alongside that from Hubble, provides astronomers with an all-encompassing view across the electromagnetic spectrum.</p>



<p>This comprehensive view is crucial for improving our understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supermassive-binary-black-holes-secrets-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black holes</a> and the significant influence they have on their host galaxies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-black-holes-in-galaxy-evolution">The role of black holes in galaxy evolution</h2>



<p>Understanding supermassive black holes, such as the one at the core of IC 4709, is pivotal for unraveling the intricate relationship between these colossal entities and their host galaxies. </p>



<p>Observational evidence suggests that as galaxies form and evolve over cosmic time, supermassive black holes grow in tandem, influencing their surroundings through processes like the outflows they generate.</p>



<p>Such interactions can regulate star formation rates, ultimately sculpting the evolutionary path of the galaxy.</p>



<p>Recent studies also indicate that the mass of a supermassive black hole is closely linked to the properties of its host galaxy, particularly its bulge mass. This correlation, often referred to as the M-sigma relation, indicates that more massive black holes reside in galaxies with more substantial bulges.</p>



<p>This intriguing relationship invites scholars to consider whether black holes act as catalysts in the formation and evolution of galaxies, suggesting a symbiotic existence that shapes the very fabric of our universe.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-next-frontier-in-cosmic-research">The next frontier in cosmic research</h2>



<p>As technology progresses, new telescopes and observational techniques hold promise for advancing our understanding of IC 4709 and galaxies like it. </p>



<p>Next-generation observatories, such as the James Webb Space Telescope, will refine our capabilities to study cosmic phenomena across various wavelengths, including infrared light, which is pivotal for observing the dust-enshrouded regions surrounding active galactic nuclei. </p>



<p>The wealth of data generated by these initiatives will undoubtedly amplify our knowledge, paving the way for discoveries that could potentially redefine our comprehension of the universe.</p>



<p>Collaborative international research efforts are also essential. By pooling resources and expertise, astronomers can undertake ambitious studies that explore the interplay between supermassive black holes and their host galaxies on a cosmic scale, ultimately illuminating the mysteries that lie hidden in the depths of space.</p>



<p>Image Credit: ESA/Hubble &amp; NASA, M. Koss, A, Barth</p>



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Hubble reveals the supermassive black hole powering IC 4709

The universe is filled with secrets waiting to be unveiled....

<p>Iron has played a fundamental role in life on Earth since the earliest days of single-celled organisms navigating the planet’s primitive seas. </p>



<p>Employed in minute amounts, metals like iron support crucial biological processes, including respiration, DNA transcription, and metabolism. </p>



<p>Nearly half of all enzymes - proteins that drive cellular chemical reactions - depend on metals, particularly transition metals, named for their position on the periodic table.</p>



<p>New research from a multidisciplinary team at the <a href="https://umich.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Michigan</a>, <a href="https://www.caltech.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">California Institute of Technology</a>, and UCLA suggests that iron was the inaugural and exclusive transition metal of early life forms.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-iron-life-s-only-transition-metal">Iron: Life’s only transition metal</h2>



<p>"We make a radical proposal: Iron was life’s original and only transition metal," said Jena Johnson, assistant professor in the U-M Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences. </p>



<p>The researchers argue that early life relied on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/metals-have-doubled-in-streams-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">metals</a> that it could interact with in the iron-rich early ocean, leaving other transition metals practically invisible.</p>



<p>To explore this idea further, Johnson collaborated with <a href="https://www.ucla.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCLA</a> bioinorganic chemist Joan Valentine, whose curiosity about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-ancient-ocean-water-shaped-early-life-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">early life’s evolution</a> and metal usage sparked the study. </p>



<p>"When these guys told me that iron wasn't a trace element, that blew my mind," said Valentine, highlighting how surprising the iron-rich ancient oceans were in the context of biochemistry.</p>



<p>Ted Present from Caltech contributed to the study by designing a model to estimate metal concentrations in early Earth's oceans, which revealed the stark decrease in dissolved iron levels following the Great Oxygenation Event.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-navigating-oceans-of-iron">Navigating oceans of iron</h2>



<p>This radical proposition arose from the intersection of diverse research interests. </p>



<p>Valentine, intrigued by how early life evolved, wondered what metals were incorporated into enzymes during primitive times to support essential life functions. She repeatedly encountered evidence suggesting the oceans were full of iron for the first half of Earth's history.</p>



<p>Johnson, whose team studies iron formations and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-ocean-water-discovery-is-unlocking-secrets-of-earths-past/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ancient ocean</a> biogeochemistry, worked closely with Valentine and Present to explore these early conditions. </p>



<p>Geological evidence points to an iron-dense ocean during the Archean Eon from about 4 to 2.5 billion years ago when Fe(II), a soluble form of iron, was the dominant metal.</p>



<p>Present's model allowed the team to estimate the availability of various metals like iron, manganese, cobalt, nickel, copper, and zinc in the oceans when life first emerged.</p>



<p>"The thing that changed most dramatically as the Great Oxygenation Event occurred was not really the concentration of these other trace elements," Present explained. </p>



<p>"The thing that changed the most dramatically was a decrease in dissolved iron concentrations. The implications for what that meant for life and how it 'sees' elements in water hadn't really been wrestled with."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-s-unseen-lifeline-of-iron">Life’s unseen lifeline of iron</h2>



<p>The study revealed that early biomolecules likely interacted almost exclusively with iron and magnesium, given the high concentrations of Fe(II) in early oceans. </p>



<p>"We realized iron would have to do almost everything. Biomolecules could capture magnesium and iron, but zinc's not getting in - maybe nickel can get into some biomolecules in the right circumstances, but zinc's not competitive. Cobalt is invisible. Manganese is pretty invisible," Johnson noted.</p>



<p>This understanding challenged the prevailing view that certain metals were irreplaceable in biological processes. For example, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/zinc-plays-an-overlooked-role-in-ocean-processes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">zinc</a>, which is crucial for life today, was not widely available in the iron-saturated ancient oceans. </p>



<p>"The idea of life without zinc was really hard for me to think about until we dug into this and realized that as long as you have no oxygen around to oxidize your iron from Fe(II) to Fe(III), iron is often better than zinc in these enzymes," Valentine explained.</p>



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



<p>As oxygen levels increased following the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/it-took-200-million-years-for-earth-to-get-its-oxygen/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Great Oxygenation Event</a>, the dominant metal in the oceans became less soluble, prompting life forms to adapt by incorporating other elements into their enzymes.</p>



<p>"Life, in the face of orders of magnitude more iron than other metals, couldn't know to evolve toward such a sophisticated way of managing them," said Present. </p>



<p>"The fall of the abundance of iron forced life to manage these other metals to survive, but that also enabled new functions and the diversity of life we have today."</p>



<p>The study, published in the <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2318692121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Proceedings of the National Academy of Science</em>s</a>, offers a new perspective on the elemental composition of early life forms and the evolution of life on Earth.</p>



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Iron was life’s first essential metal and shaped early evolution

Iron has played a fundamental role in life on Earth...

<p>The dawn of a new era in space exploration is upon us, and it's not led by seasoned astronauts but a crew of civilians. The successful launch of SpaceX's latest endeavor, Polaris Dawn, just took to the skies in what can only be described as a blend of bravery and cutting-edge technology.</p>



<p>The mission was launched at 5:23 a.m. ET, a sight captured live on X, the social media platform acquired by SpaceX CEO Elon Musk in 2022.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-successful-launch-of-polaris-dawn">Successful launch of Polaris Dawn</h2>



<p>SpaceX launch director Frank Messina and his team of ground controllers watched with bated breath as the capsule began its journey into Earth's orbit. </p>



<p>The Polaris Dawn crew, comprising the first ever <a href="https://www.spacex.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SpaceX</a> employees to voyage into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/take-a-glimpse-at-our-planets-new-ai-satellite-phsat2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space</a>, was showered with words of encouragement as they embarked on their mission. </p>



<p>The message was clear - the crew's courage would pave the way for future explorers, with their bravery and teamwork trusted to carry out the mission at hand.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-weather-delays-and-other-challenges">Weather delays and other challenges</h2>



<p>The launch, following several weather delays, was not without its fair share of complications. </p>



<p>Besides needing clear weather conditions, calm waters and winds were crucial for the safe return of the crew from their five-day <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cwise-j1249-unknown-object-found-speeding-over-1-million-miles-per-hour/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space</a> adventure. </p>



<p>With a spacewalk planned that will deplete oxygen supplies, timing the spacecraft's return was imperative to ensure there will be enough life support for five or six days in space.</p>



<p>When the countdown clock finally read zero, SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket came alive, lighting up the launch site at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida with a blinding blaze. The civilian crew was strapped inside a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, an igloo-shaped structure about 13 feet across at its base.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strategy-to-save-fuel">Strategy to save fuel</h2>



<p>The bottommost part of the Falcon 9 rocket, called the first stage, spent most of its fuel in the first 2 ½ minutes of the journey. </p>



<p>As the first stage separated from the second, the upper portion fired up its engine, propelling the Crew Dragon spacecraft at an accelerated speed into space. </p>



<p>The first stage, meanwhile, guided itself back to Earth, to be refurbished and reused - a typical SpaceX strategy that helps lower the cost of rocket launches.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/polaris-mission_spacex-dragon-launchpad_091024_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/polaris-mission_spacex-dragon-launchpad_091024_1s.webp" alt="On September 10, the crew of Polaris Dawn began their historic mission aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft to expand commercial space exploration at 5:23:49 AM EDT as SpaceX’s Falcon 9 lifted off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Credit: SpaceX" class="wp-image-1944240"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>On September 10, the crew of Polaris Dawn began their historic mission aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft to expand commercial space exploration at 5:23:49 AM EDT as SpaceX’s Falcon 9 lifted off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Credit: SpaceX</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>To enter Earth's orbit, the Falcon 9 rocket had to hit over 17,000 miles per hour, a velocity required to maintain a stable orbit around the Earth. </p>



<p>Upon reaching the desired speed, the Crew Dragon set its course into space, relying solely on its onboard thrusters.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-polaris-dawn-is-breaking-records">Polaris Dawn is breaking records</h2>



<p>Polaris Dawn is the brainchild of Jared Isaacman, billionaire founder of financial technology firm Shift4 Payments. </p>



<p>Along with Isaacman, former US Air Force pilot Scott “Kidd” Poteet and SpaceX engineers Anna Menon and Sarah Gillis form the ambitious team on this mission.</p>



<p>The objective was to break the height record for an Earth orbit held by NASA’s 1966 Gemini 11 mission while also setting the record for the highest any woman has ever ventured into space.</p>



<p>By Tuesday, the second day of the trip, the team smashed these records. Polaris Dawn officially flew higher than the 853-mile-high altitude achieved by astronauts Pete Conrad and Richard Gordon during the Gemini 11 mission.</p>



<p>In addition, Gillis and Menon have now ventured farther from Earth than any other women in history. </p>



<p>On day three, the crew, while orbiting at about 435 miles (700 kilometers) above Earth, will attempt to make history with a commercial spacewalk. The endeavor, though fraught with risks, signifies a crucial step in the democratization of <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/space-exploration-progress-impact-forecast/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space exploration</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spacex-and-civilians-uniting-for-exploration">SpaceX and civilians uniting for exploration</h2>



<p>The Polaris Dawn mission is not merely a solitary venture; it embodies a spirit of collaboration that unites experts across various fields. </p>



<p>The involvement of SpaceX engineers alongside the civilian crew illustrates a growing trend in space exploration, wherein traditional boundaries are blurred, allowing for a more inclusive approach.</p>



<p>This collaboration fosters innovation, leveraging diverse skill sets and perspectives, which, in turn, enhances the robustness of the mission's execution. </p>



<p>As we witness this evolution, it becomes increasingly clear that the future of space exploration thrives on unity, where every contributor plays a vital role in unlocking the mysteries of the cosmos.</p>



<p>Each stride taken by missions like Polaris Dawn redefines our boundaries, both literally and metaphorically.</p>



<p>Space explorations, once restricted to highly trained astronauts, are now becoming increasingly accessible to civilians, ushering in a new age in our quest for knowledge and understanding of the cosmos.</p>



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



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SpaceX launches Polaris Dawn civilian crew on historic spacewalk mission

The dawn of a new era in space exploration is...

<p>Artificial intelligence (AI), a term light years ahead of its time, provides us with revolutionary opportunities that could forever change our understanding of intelligence and the very fabric of human cognition.</p>



<p>From advancements in machine learning to breakthroughs in neural networks, AI is steadily progressing toward capabilities once thought to be science fiction.</p>



<p>According to AI technology analyst Eitan Michael Azoff, humans are on the cusp of developing artificial intelligence that will not only match - but surpass - our own cognitive abilities once we unlock the mysteries of the "neural code." This refers to the human brain's ability to process information for complex cognitive tasks.</p>



<p>Azoff, a leading specialist in AI analysis, notes that understanding the neural code will unlock a giant leap in technological capability. It will enable us to engineer superior forms of intelligence with far greater capacity, speed, and adaptability than the human brain, fundamentally reshaping how we perceive and interact with the world.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cracking-the-neural-code">Cracking the neural code</h2>



<p>At the core of this concept is the neural <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-internal-gps-system-neural-compass-navigation-directions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">code</a> - the complex mechanisms through which the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-invent-computer-that-operates-just-like-the-human-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human brain</a> processes and transmits sensory information to carry out functions like reasoning, learning, problem-solving, and mental visualization.</p>



<p>By decoding this complex system, researchers hope to replicate the brain’s remarkable efficiency in artificial intelligence.</p>



<p>In his <a href="https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.1201/9781003507864/toward-human-level-artificial-intelligence-eitan-michael-azoff" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">book</a> <em>Towards Human-Level Artificial Intelligence: How Neuroscience Can Inform the Pursuit of Artificial General Intelligence,</em> Azoff emphasizes that cracking the neural code is the pivotal step toward unlocking AI’s full potential, enabling machines to emulate not just human thinking but the deeper layers of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-provide-insight-into-human-cognition-and-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognition</a>.</p>



<p>"Once we crack the neural code, we will engineer faster and superior brains with greater capacity, speed, and supporting technology that will surpass the human brain," explains Azoff.</p>



<p>"We will do that first by modeling visual processing, which will enable us to emulate visual thinking. I speculate that in-the-flow-consciousness will emerge from that. I do not believe that a system needs to be alive to have consciousness."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-journey-to-human-level-ai">Journey to human-level AI</h2>



<p>One of the critical steps towards attaining <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-ai-systems-learn-like-the-human-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human-level AI</a>, according to Azoff, is simulating consciousness in machines.</p>



<p>Scientists have long acknowledged that even simpler creatures like bees possess a degree of consciousness - though without self-awareness.</p>



<p>This form of flow-like consciousness helps animals strategize their actions, predict potential scenarios, and recall relevant instances from the past.</p>



<p>Azoff believes that computer simulations can emulate this type of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/machines-and-consciousness-are-ai-systems-really-awake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">consciousness in AI</a>, laying the groundwork for conscious technology.</p>



<p>Visual thinking, which predates language in humans, is another key factor. Azoff highlights the need for AI to move beyond large language models (LLMs) and explore visual processing to fully unlock human-level consciousness. </p>



<p>"Visual thinking could also be the key to unlocking the mystery of what is consciousness," says Azoff.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preventing-the-exploitation-of-future-technology">Preventing the exploitation of future technology </h2>



<p>While the potential of AI is profound, Azoff emphasizes the importance of regulating this technology. He warns that society must take steps to channel AI development and prevent its exploitation. </p>



<p>"Until we have more confidence in the machines we build, we should ensure two points are always followed," says Azoff.</p>



<p>"First, we must make sure humans have sole control of the off switch. Second, we must build AI systems with behavior safety rules implanted."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ethics-of-ai-supremacy">Ethics of AI supremacy</h2>



<p>As AI technology advances toward surpassing human intelligence by cracking the neural code, ethical considerations are becoming increasingly significant.</p>



<p>The possibility of machines with consciousness raises important questions about responsibility, control, and the impact on society. </p>



<p>If AI systems with human-level capabilities start making decisions with real-world consequences, determining accountability becomes critical. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-concerns-about-autonomy">Broader concerns about autonomy </h2>



<p>There are also broader concerns about whether such advanced systems should have autonomy or remain strictly controlled by humans.</p>



<p>These issues require careful attention from policymakers, ethicists, and technologists alike. Establishing a clear framework for ensuring that AI operates within ethical guidelines is essential as the technology continues to evolve. </p>



<p>This framework should prioritize safety, human oversight, and alignment with societal values to prevent unintended consequences. </p>



<p>While AI has the potential to transform industries and enhance human capabilities, it must be developed responsibly to maintain control and prevent harm.</p>



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



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<p></p>

AI will outsmart humans when we crack the neural code

Artificial intelligence (AI), a term light years ahead of its...

<p>The first genetic evidence of feline coronavirus (FCoV) transmission between a captive wild and a domestic cat has been uncovered by researchers at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.</p>



<p>This breakthrough, made possible by an innovative hybridization-capture next-generation sequencing technique, could have significant implications for addressing feline coronavirus and other diseases.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transmission-pathways-of-feline-coronavirus">Transmission pathways of feline coronavirus</h2>



<p>Gary Whittaker is the James Law Professor of Virology at the <a href="https://illinois.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Illinois</a> and corresponding author of the study. “We don't fully know what FCoV is capable of and how it transmits,” noted Professor Whittaker.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This new research sheds light on the transmission pathways of feline coronavirus and its potential consequences for both domestic and wild <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cats-can-learn-the-names-of-their-companions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cats</a>.</p>



<p>Study first author Ximena Olarte Castillo is a postdoctoral associate in the lab of co-author Laura Goodman, assistant professor in the Department of Public and Ecosystem Health and the Baker Institute for Animal Health.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-two-distinct-types-of-feline-coronavirus-nbsp">Two distinct types of feline coronavirus&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Together, the experts investigated the transmission dynamics of feline coronavirus, focusing on two distinct genotypes of the virus, types 1 and 2. These genotypes are distinguished by their spike (S) protein, which influences the kinds of cells the virus can infect.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Specific mutations in either version of feline coronavirus can cause the virus to transition from a low pathogenic form to a highly pathogenic one.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-feline-infectious-peritonitis">Feline infectious peritonitis</h2>



<p>While feline coronavirus generally causes mild symptoms in most domestic cats and can persist for years without major problems, some strains mutate and lead to feline infectious peritonitis (FIP).&nbsp;</p>



<p>First described in 1963 by Jean Holzworth, feline infectious peritonitis is a severe disease that often results in systemic and neurological issues.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Until the recent development of antiviral treatments, including the compound GS-441524, feline infectious peritonitis was almost always fatal. Currently, there is no effective vaccine to prevent FIP in cats.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transmission-risks-for-wild-cats">Transmission risks for wild cats</h2>



<p>Due to their genetic proximity to domestic cats, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/european-wildcats-avoided-breeding-with-domestic-cats-for-2000-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wild felids</a> may also be vulnerable to feline coronavirus infections and feline infectious peritonitis.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Wild cats are at risk of contracting diseases like feline coronavirus when they come into contact with food meant for stray domestic cats, increasing the likelihood of transmission.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Recently, Professor Whittaker and other researchers have been investigating a new outbreak of FCoV-2 among feral, stray, and free-roaming cats in Cyprus, where there has been a sharp rise in virus-related deaths.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-feline-coronavirus-spreads">How feline coronavirus spreads</h2>



<p>The study also revisits a 2008 case of FCoV-1 transmission between a domestic cat and a young Pallas’ cat at a U.S. zoo. Both animals shared a room and died from feline infectious peritonitis.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Using frozen tissue samples from both cats, the researchers sought to uncover more about how the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/viruses-have-eyes-and-ears-on-their-hosts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">virus</a> spreads between species.</p>



<p>“By using a semi-targeted approach - known as hybridization capture - together with next-generation sequencing, we were able to detect and sequence the whole genome of FCoV-1 in both the domestic cat and the Pallas' cat tissues,” said Olarte Castillo.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This advanced technique allowed the researchers to overcome the challenges of sequencing the highly variable S gene, which had previously hindered efforts to understand feline coronavirus in wild felids.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preparing-for-future-outbreaks-nbsp">Preparing for future outbreaks&nbsp;</h2>



<p>This retrospective study demonstrated the power of hybridization-capture sequencing as a tool for outbreak response.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Now that the technology has proven effective, Professor Whittaker and his team are better prepared for future outbreaks. The <a href="https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cornell Feline Health Center</a> (FHC) recently funded the acquisition of a NextSeq 1000 sequencer, which is housed in the <a href="https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/baker-institute" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Baker Institute</a>’s labs, enabling rapid responses to emerging viral strains.</p>



<p>“The FHC made a big investment so that - in the case of a future outbreak - we can be ready and very quick to determine what strain we're dealing with,” said Goodman. This rapid response capability will allow clinicians to swiftly respond to new threats and contain outbreaks more effectively.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-improving-feline-coronavirus-surveillance">Improving feline coronavirus surveillance  </h2>



<p>“This study is highly impactful in that it not only provides the first evidence of transmission of FCoV-1 between a domestic cat and a wild felid, but also because it does so utilizing cutting-edge technology that can be applied to improve surveillance efforts for FCoV and other pathogens in both domestic and wild feline species worldwide,” said Bruce Kornreich, director of the FHC.</p>



<p>Looking ahead, the researchers aim to use sequencing to better understand the potential of feline coronavirus for drug resistance, particularly as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/willow-bark-may-contain-life-saving-antiviral-medications/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antiviral treatments</a> for FIP become more common.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Additionally, the findings will contribute to future conservation and management strategies to protect both domestic and wild cat populations.</p>



<p>“We need to get baseline knowledge to figure out what kind of stewardship is needed looking into the future,” Whittaker concluded.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1128/spectrum.00061-24" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Microbiology Spectrum</em></a>.</p>



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Feline coronavirus is passed between domestic and wild cats

The first genetic evidence of feline coronavirus (FCoV) transmission between...

<p>Having a regular exercise routine is not only about shedding that extra pound. A team of researchers at the University of Michigan has unearthed some astonishing information that might change the way we perceive exercise, belly fat, and obesity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-effect-of-exercise-on-belly-fat">Effect of exercise on belly fat</h2>



<p>Regular exercisers with obesity have healthier belly fat tissue. This doesn't mean they have less belly fat, but rather the fat in their belly is healthier compared to non-exercisers with obesity. So, what does this mean? What makes belly fat "healthy" or "unhealthy"?</p>



<p>The researchers from the <a href="https://umich.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Michigan</a> found that, when cultured in a lab, fat cells from regular exercisers developed into tissue that stored fat more effectively.</p>



<p>In other words, these cells were more efficient at their job. They could hold onto fat better and in a more organized manner than cells from non-exercisers.</p>



<p>Principal investigator&nbsp;Jeffrey Horowitz is a professor of movement science at the U-M School of Kinesiology.</p>



<p>"Our findings indicate that in addition to being a means to expend calories, exercising <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exercise-significantly-lowers-heart-disease-risk-by-reducing-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">regularly</a> for several months to years seems to modify your fat tissue in ways that allows you to store your body fat more healthfully if or when you do experience some weight gain - as nearly everyone does as we get older," said Professor Horowitz.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fat-tissue-after-exercise">Fat tissue after exercise</h2>



<p>The researchers wanted to understand the influence of regular, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/resistance-exercise-in-the-evening-can-improve-sleep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">long-term exercise</a> on fat tissue. Naturally, conducting a study over a long period poses several challenges.</p>



<p>However, the team cleverly compared two groups of adults with obesity - 16 regular exercisers and 16 non-exercisers. These two groups were alike in terms of their body fat mass, weight, and sex.</p>



<p>What did the researchers find? The regular exercisers had distinct characteristics in their fat tissue that increased their capacity to store fat there. </p>



<p>The exercisers had more blood vessels, mitochondria, beneficial proteins, and fewer inflammatory cells. Moreover, there was less of a type of collagen that can interfere with metabolism in the fat tissue of exercisers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-is-more-fat-healthy">Is more fat healthy?</h2>



<p>Isn't storing more fat a bad thing? Not necessarily. The ability to store fat in the fat tissue just under the skin, or subcutaneous adipose tissue, is considered <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/outdoor-exercise-amplifies-physical-and-mental-health-benefits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">healthy</a>. </p>



<p>When you increase the capacity to store fat here (through regular exercise), you reduce the need to store fat in unhealthy places, like the fat tissue around the organs or in the organs themselves.</p>



<p>The findings of this study mirror the results of previous research conducted by Horowitz and his team.</p>



<p>“Compared with our previous study in which we examined the effects of three months of training on fat tissue, we generally see these differences are more robust in people who exercise regularly for years versus those who don't exercise," said Professor Horowitz.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-regular-exercise-healthy-fat-storage">Regular exercise: Healthy fat storage </h2>



<p>Before we proceed, it's essential to clarify one thing: the regular exercisers were not "gaining" fat. They did not overeat, leading to fat accumulation.</p>



<p>Instead, their fat cells could store excess fat more healthily, focusing on the subcutaneous area under the skin rather than storing it around their organs or in the organs themselves.</p>



<p>This has significant implications for diseases caused by unhealthy fat accumulation, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Regular exercise seems to offer a protective effect by improving the way our bodies store fat.</p>



<p>Professor Horowitz emphasized the need for long-term studies to track how fat tissue changes as people adhere to an exercise program over several years.</p>



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



<p>The research doesn't end here. Next, the team will examine whether the fat tissue grown from exercisers and non-exercisers functions differently and if other health-related differences could impact the individual's tissue and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/this-exercise-routine-can-cut-your-risk-of-early-death-in-half/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">overall health</a>.</p>



<p>Remember the saying, "It's not what you have, but how you use it"? It seems this could be applied here too: It's not just about having fat, but where and how you store it. Perhaps we should start thinking about exercise less as a relentless battle against the bulge and more as a long-term investment in our health.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s42255-024-01103-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Metabolism</a>.</em></p>



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Long-term exercise can make belly fat 'healthy'

Having a regular exercise routine is not only about shedding...

<p>Ever caught yourself making assumptions about the person on the other side of the table? The silent categorizing that happens in our minds can subtly sway our behavior. Stereotypes, even formed as a child, can manipulate our interactions from the tone of our voice to the manner of our approach.</p>



<p>According to research led by neuroscientist Saskia Koch of the Donders Institute and Radboud University, babies who have more diverse social contacts in the first years of their life can overcome stereotypes more easily by the age of 17.</p>



<p>As Koch highlights, the difference in how you'd converse with a child versus an adult is a reflection of underlying presumptions affecting our behavior.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-children-at-daycare-and-stereotype-biases">Children at daycare and stereotype biases</h2>



<p>This particular study witnesses the journey of young folks from their impressionable infancy all the way to their teenage years. One crucial aspect this study analyzed was the frequency of their daycare visits during infancy. </p>



<p>The underlying hypothesis here was simple: More exposures to daycare presumably led to a variety of social encounters implicating diverse <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/people-with-high-resilience-live-up-to-ten-years-longer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">interactions</a> with caregivers and peers from different backgrounds.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-stereotypes-in-children">Future stereotypes in children</h2>



<p>Fast forward to their 17th year, these same individuals were tasked to play a game. The rules were simple: find a hidden object on a game board with the help of a partner. </p>



<p>The only catch? Only the 17-year-olds knew the object's whereabouts and had to communicate it to their partner non-verbally. </p>



<p>&nbsp;"We saw that 17-year-olds who had come into contact with many different people as infants were more likely to get over a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cannabis-smokers-not-lazy-unmotivated-despite-stereotypes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stereotype</a>. They did not linger long in the idea that they were playing with a child, by moving more slowly," explained Koch.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-daycare-attendance-frequency">Daycare attendance frequency </h2>



<p>The teens were informed that their gaming partner for one round was a 5-year-old and an adult for another. </p>



<p>In reality, it was the same person throughout. Koch observed that initially, the 17-year-olds, believing they were interacting with a child, altered their communication style, emphasizing their movements more. </p>



<p>However, the duration of this adapted behavior hinged crucially on their daycare attendance frequency in infancy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-confronting-stereotype-bias-in-children">Confronting stereotype bias in children</h2>



<p>The research found that those who experienced diverse <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brain-health-may-literally-be-a-state-of-mind/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social contacts</a> as infants could overcome their stereotype bias more quickly. </p>



<p>They didn't prolong the idea of playing with a child, which was initially indicated by moving more slowly. Instead, these teens understood through interaction that the "child" was equally competent.</p>



<p>"They found out in the interaction that the 'child' was also very good and relied more often on that interaction," said Koch. Thus, they adjusted their play accordingly.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-embracing-change">Embracing change</h2>



<p>Koch's observations reveal that children who had more diverse social experiences can debunk stereotypes more readily later in life. </p>



<p>Their sensitivity to social interactions is heightened, and they can more quickly shake off the mental images they hold of their peers. </p>



<p>"Gaining many diverse social experiences early in life allows us to adapt better to the needs of our partners in social interaction," noted Koch.</p>



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



<p>The findings from Koch's research underscore the importance of fostering diverse social environments in early childhood education settings. </p>



<p>Educators and caregivers play a pivotal role in shaping the interactions and experiences that children encounter during their formative years. </p>



<p>By intentionally designing programs that promote inclusivity, collaboration, and exposure to varying perspectives, educators can equip children with the tools necessary to navigate social dynamics adeptly. </p>



<p>Such environments not only enrich cognitive and emotional development but also serve as a foundation for dismantling stereotypes that may persist throughout life. </p>



<p>As Koch’s insights suggest, a more varied social fabric in early education can lead to more refined interpersonal skills and a greater capacity for understanding and empathy as they mature.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-impact">Broader impact</h2>



<p>Given the compelling evidence presented by the <a href="https://www.ru.nl/en/research/research-projects/nijmegen-longitudinal-study" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nijmegen longitudinal study</a>, future research could extend these findings by exploring the implications in different cultural contexts. </p>



<p>Understanding how varying environments - whether urban, rural, or international - impact the development of stereotype recognition and adaptation could provide invaluable insights.</p>



<p>Additionally, integrating these principles into parenting programs and community initiatives could encourage a more empathetic society. </p>



<p>Workshops that prioritize discussion and interaction among diverse groups could further enhance social adaptability from an early age. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-children-experiences-and-stereotypes">Children experiences and stereotypes</h2>



<p>Ultimately, this research opens a pathway for educators, parents, and policymakers to collaborate in cultivating an inclusive atmosphere that challenges preconceived notions, promoting understanding and cooperation in an increasingly interconnected world.</p>



<p>What this all boils down to is that the more we expose our children to diverse social <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/video-gaming-positively-impacts-mental-well-being-reversal-previous-studies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">experiences</a> early in life, the better equipped they'll be to challenge and transcend the stereotypes they encounter later. </p>



<p>The study is published in the journal<em> <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41539-024-00262-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science of Learning</a>.</em></p>



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



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Children exposed to diverse faces develop fewer stereotypes later

Ever caught yourself making assumptions about the person on the...

<p>Viruses are expert parasites, having evolved to infect a variety of host species. Some viruses, known as arboviruses, use insects to spread their infections to other hosts, such as humans and animals.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Understanding how these viruses move through insect hosts could provide key insights for blocking their transmission.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-virus-movement-within-insects">Virus movement within insects</h2>



<p>A recent study published in the <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1128/jvi.00540-24" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Journal of Virology</em></a> sheds light on how viruses strategically move within their insect hosts, and how this movement aids in the spread of infection to other animals. </p>



<p>This knowledge is especially important for addressing viruses like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mosquitoes-zika-transmit-diseases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zika</a>, dengue, and West Nile virus, which are transmitted from insects to humans and livestock.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-navigating-specific-routes">Navigating specific routes</h2>



<p>“Viruses that use insects as hosts must navigate specific routes through different insect tissues to complete their life cycles. The routes may differ substantially depending on the life cycle of the virus,” noted the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Both insect pathogenic viruses and insect-vectored viruses must navigate through the polarized cells of the midgut epithelium to establish a systemic infection. In addition, insect-vectored viruses must also navigate through the polarized salivary gland epithelium for transmission.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracing-the-paths-of-proteins-nbsp">Tracing the paths of proteins&nbsp;</h2>



<p>To investigate viral movement, the researchers used <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fruit-flies-can-travel-six-million-times-their-body-length/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fruit flies</a> as a model to trace the paths of proteins from two different viruses. One virus was insect-specific, while the other could infect both insects and animals, including humans.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By studying these viral proteins, the team gained a better understanding of how they navigate through insect hosts to facilitate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biodiversity-loss-could-promote-the-spread-of-viruses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">transmission</a>.</p>



<p>“Using Drosophila as a model to examine tissue-specific polarized trafficking of these viral envelope proteins, we identified one of the virus-encoded signals and several host proteins associated with regulating the polarized trafficking in the midgut epithelium,” explained the researchers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-precise-movement-of-viruses-nbsp">Precise movement of viruses&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Gary Blissard is a professor at the <a href="https://btiscience.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boyce Thompson Institute</a> and co-lead author of the study.</p>



<p>“Even when expressed on their own, without the rest of the virus, these proteins moved to precisely the correct locations in the insect cells,” said Professor Blissard.</p>



<p>In the insect’s gut, the viral proteins migrated to the bottom of the cells, positioning themselves to move into the insect’s body cavity. This movement set the stage for the viruses to spread further.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-varying-behavior-of-the-viral-proteins-nbsp">Varying behavior of the viral proteins&nbsp;</h2>



<p>In the salivary glands, however, the two viral proteins behaved differently. While the protein from the insect-only virus still moved to the cell's bottom, the protein from the virus capable of infecting animals often shifted to the top of the cells. </p>



<p>This is an ideal location for assembling new virus particles and releasing them into the saliva, ready to infect another animal host.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-guided-by-gps-signals-nbsp">Guided by “GPS” signals&nbsp;</h2>



<p>This precise positioning is critical to the viruses’ life cycles and ability to spread. It’s almost as if the viral proteins have an internal “GPS” guiding them to the right locations within the insect host.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study revealed that this “GPS” is made up of amino acid sequence signals encoded in the viral proteins themselves.</p>



<p>These signals are recognized by the host insect’s own protein transport systems, which help direct the viral proteins to their target destinations. The researchers also identified parts of the insect's cellular machinery that the viral proteins hijack to reach their final locations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disrupting-the-movement-of-viruses">Disrupting the movement of viruses</h2>



<p>This discovery opens the door to potential new strategies for combating virus transmission. </p>



<p>If scientists can find a way to disrupt the viral proteins' GPS or the cellular machinery they rely on, it may be possible to prevent the viruses from reaching or leaving the salivary glands of the insect. </p>



<p>This could effectively block the virus from using the insect as a vector, halting its spread to new hosts.</p>



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



<p>“Our research highlights the incredible adaptations viruses have evolved to navigate through complex biological systems such as insects,” said Nicolas Buchon, an associate professor at <a href="https://www.cornell.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cornell University</a>’s Department of Entomology and co-lead author of the study.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“It's a reminder of the continuous evolutionary arms race between viruses and their hosts and the importance of basic research in understanding these intricate biological processes.”</p>



<p>By uncovering the molecular mechanisms behind viral movement within insects, this research paves the way for new approaches to controlling <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mosquito-borne-diseases-are-a-growing-threat-in-a-warming-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insect-borne diseases</a>. </p>



<p>This knowledge could also have applications in managing agricultural pests, ultimately leading to better public health measures and improved crop protection in the future.</p>



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



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Viruses use ‘GPS’ to move precisely within insects 

Viruses are expert parasites, having evolved to infect a variety...

<p>We all appreciate a good night's sleep, not just because it helps us feel refreshed, but also because it can be really important for our overall health. Recent research is uncovering just how crucial sleep is, showing that it might play a key role in brain function and preventing diseases such as Alzheimer's.</p>



<p>For example, a new study suggests that a common insomnia medication could help reduce the buildup of harmful proteins in the brain linked to Alzheimer’s disease.</p>



<p>This finding emphasizes the complex connection between sleep quality, medication, and brain health, suggesting that focusing on getting good sleep could offer benefits that go way beyond just feeling rested.</p>



<p>Recent research, led by neurologist Dr. Brendan Lucey from Washington University in St. Louis (<a href="https://washu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WUSTL</a>), sheds light on the surprising connection between sleep and Alzheimer's.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alzheimer-s-connection-to-sleep">Alzheimer's connection to sleep</h2>



<p>In our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-why-some-brains-resist-alzheimers-disease-symptoms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quest to understand Alzheimer's</a>, multiple factors have surfaced, each adding another layer of complexity to this ailment. </p>



<p>Recent developments, however, have highlighted an unexpected protagonist in this drama -- sleep. The role of a good night's sleep in maintaining brain health and potentially delaying Alzheimer's onset has come into sharp focus.</p>



<p>As we embrace slumber, our brain switches gears to become a janitor, executing a critical cleaning process. </p>



<p>Activating the glymphatic system, the brain eliminates metabolic waste, including well-known culprits like amyloid-beta and tau proteins. </p>



<p>Though invisible to the eye, these proteins wreak havoc when they accumulate, clashing with brain function and becoming telltale <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/magnetic-particles-in-air-pollution-may-lead-to-alzheimers-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alzheimer's indicators</a>.</p>



<p>The catch? This cleaning process requires uninterrupted sleep. Any disruptions can pave the way for these harmful proteins to proliferate, potentially fueling Alzheimer's progression. </p>



<p>Indeed, the linkage between disrupted sleep and Alzheimer's is so robust that often sleep disturbances precede even memory loss.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-suvorexant-an-unlikely-alzheimer-s-weapon">Suvorexant: An unlikely Alzheimer's weapon?</h2>



<p>The same research team decided to dig deeper, investigating if a common sleeping pill, Suvorexant, could combat protein buildup. The results delivered a tantalizing glimmer of hope. </p>



<p>Test subjects who took Suvorexant recorded a slight reduction of these proteins in their cerebrospinal fluid -- the very fluid cushioning our brain and spinal cord.</p>



<p>Pause before you rush to hoard sleeping pills, though. This research was limited to healthy adults, sans sleep problems, observed over a mere two nights. </p>



<p>Moreover, the sample size was small. While the study lights a beacon of hope, it remains a baby step in an unsolved puzzle.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sleep-disorders-and-alzheimer-s">Sleep disorders and Alzheimer's</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alzheimers-disease-earliest-biomarker-protein-psd-95-identified/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alzheimer's research</a> has historically been fixated on abnormal protein clusters as the disease's prime suspect. Still, despite years of unyielding research, we are yet to find an effective treatment. </p>



<p>This led trailblazers like Dr. Lucey to venture into uncharted territories, probing factors such as sleep and lifestyle impact.</p>



<p>Intriguingly, the bond between sleep and Alzheimer's is not one-sided. Worsening Alzheimer's can wreak havoc on the brain's natural sleep-wake cycle, compounding sleep disturbances. </p>



<p>In turn, this catalyzes the buildup of damaging proteins, thrusting the disease progression into overdrive.</p>



<p>Sleep disorders like sleep apnea, prevalent in older adults, necessitate immediate intervention. Addressing these conditions could be our 'low-hanging fruit' in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/light-pollution-increases-the-risk-of-alzheimers-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">safeguarding brain health</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-there-s-a-catch-of-course">There's a catch, of course</h2>



<p>Despite the promising study, popping sleeping pills as a preventive measure for Alzheimer's isn't risk-free. </p>



<p>Extended use can lead to dependence and might even induce shallow sleep. Ironically, this might propel protein buildup rather than curb it.</p>



<p>Dr. Lucey advises caution, asserting that it's premature for those worried about Alzheimer's to begin a daily regimen of Suvorexant. </p>



<p>Much remains to be learned about optimizing these medications for safe, long-term employment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sleep-hygiene-brain-wellness-and-alzheimer-s">Sleep hygiene, brain wellness, and Alzheimer's</h2>



<p>Regardless of whether sleeping pills will be part of our arsenal against Alzheimer's, the worth of quality sleep is undeniable. </p>



<p>Regular sleep schedules, a comfy sleeping environment, and immediate attention to sleep disorders are tangible steps we can all harness to secure cognitive functioning.</p>



<p>Dr. Lucey voices his optimism about future developments, saying, "I’m hopeful that we will eventually develop drugs that take advantage of the link between sleep and Alzheimer’s to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/traffic-related-air-pollution-might-increase-alzheimers-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prevent cognitive decline</a>." </p>



<p>Yet, he also adds a note of caution: “We’re not quite there yet.”</p>



<p>So, as you prepare for a good night's rest, remember, it's much more than a simple pleasure. It's a powerful tool for brain health. </p>



<p>While we may not have a miracle pill yet, ensuring quality sleep is a step we can all take toward a healthier and happier brain.</p>



<p>The full study was published in <em><a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ana.26641" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Annals of Neurology</a>.</em></p>



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



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Common sleeping pill shows promise in preventing Alzheimer's disease

We all appreciate a good night's sleep, not just because...

<p>Earth's evolution has been shaped by a series of severe environmental crises that occurred millions of years ago, profoundly impacting both marine and terrestrial ecosystems. </p>



<p>These events triggered mass extinctions, disrupted chemical cycles, and paved the way for new forms of life to emerge.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-s-evolution-and-catastrophes">Earth's evolution and catastrophes</h2>



<p>New research has revealed that a catastrophic "tag-team" between continents and oceans devastated marine life, depleted oxygen levels, and dramatically altered the course of evolution on our planet. The events left a lasting legacy on Earth's biodiversity.</p>



<p>The study was led by a team of scientists from the <a href="https://www.southampton.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Southampton</a>. The findings uncover new explanations for oceanic anoxic events -- periods when the seas were critically depleted of dissolved oxygen -- occurring between 185 and 85 million years ago.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-oxygen-depletion-in-the-mesozoic-era">Ocean oxygen depletion in the Mesozoic era</h2>



<p>The focus of the research was on several significant oceanic anoxic events, spanning from 185 to 85 million years ago, 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</a> era. </p>



<p>Study lead author Professor Tom Gernon of the University of Southampton described these events as the planet's “reset button.” </p>



<p>“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-caused-marine-mass-extinctions-millions-of-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oceanic anoxic events</a> were like hitting the reset button on the planet’s ecosystems. The challenge was understanding which geological forces hit the button," said Professor Gernon.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breakup-of-gondwana">Breakup of Gondwana</h2>



<p>Through complex statistical analyses and advanced computer modeling, the team explored how the <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/supercontinents-101-pannotia-gondwana-and-pangea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">breakup of Gondwana</a>, a supercontinent once inhabited by dinosaurs, could have affected chemical cycles in the ocean.</p>



<p>“The Mesozoic era witnessed the breakup of this landmass, in turn bringing intense volcanic activity worldwide,” noted Professor Gernon.</p>



<p>As tectonic plates shifted and new seafloors formed, large amounts of phosphorus were released into the oceans from volcanic rocks, which acted as a natural fertilizer supporting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-impacting-marine-life-more-than-we-realized/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine life</a> growth.</p>



<p>"We show that enhanced weathering of mafic lithologies during continental breakup and nascent seafloor spreading can plausibly drive a succession of anoxic events," wrote the researchers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-profound-impacts-on-marine-ecosystems">Profound impacts on marine ecosystems </h2>



<p>Professor Benjamin Mills, an Earth system evolution specialist at the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Leeds</a>, elaborated on the consequences of these fertilization episodes.</p>



<p>“The increase in biological activity led to huge amounts of organic matter sinking to the ocean floor, where it consumed large quantities of oxygen," said Professor Mills. This process created marine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/excess-nutrients-are-creating-ocean-dead-zones/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dead zones</a> where most marine life perished.</p>



<p>“These anoxic events typically lasted around one to two million years and had profound impacts on marine ecosystems. The rocks rich in organic matter that accumulated during these events are by far the largest source of commercial oil and gas reserves globally," Mills concluded.</p>



<p>The researchers emphasized that today’s human activities, such as pollution, deforestation, and the overuse of fertilizers in agriculture, are reducing mean oceanic oxygen levels by about two percent. </p>



<p>The decline is accelerating the expansion of anoxic water masses, creating larger dead zones in the oceans where marine life struggles to survive. This further threatens global biodiversity and the stability of marine ecosystems.</p>



<p>“Studying geological events offers valuable insights that can help us grasp how the Earth may respond to future climatic and environmental stresses,” said Professor Gernon.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-linking-earth-s-interior-to-its-exterior">Linking Earth's interior to its exterior</h2>



<p>The study highlights the often underestimated connection between Earth's interior and surface environments, showing how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/long-lost-mega-plate-pontus-resurfaces-after-160-million-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tectonic activity</a> deep within the planet can dramatically influence surface conditions.</p>



<p>These interactions drive processes such as volcanic eruptions, nutrient cycles, and shifts in ocean chemistry, all of which play a crucial role in shaping ecosystems and evolutionary pathways over millions of years.</p>



<p>"It’s remarkable how a chain of events within the Earth can impact the surface, often with devastating effects. Tearing continents apart can have profound repercussions for the course of evolution," said Professor Gernon.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lessons-from-earth-s-evolution">Lessons from Earth's evolution</h2>



<p>The study not only illuminates key moments in Earth's evolution but also offers valuable perspectives on current environmental issues.</p>



<p>By analyzing the geological and biological processes that triggered ancient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mammals-that-survive-mass-extinctions-arent-always-boring/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mass extinctions</a>, researchers can draw parallels with modern climate challenges. </p>



<p>This understanding could be instrumental in developing strategies to address the ongoing impacts of climate change and the degradation of marine ecosystems.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-024-01496-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Geoscience</a></em>.</p>



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



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<p></p>

Cataclysmic events caused mass extinctions during Earth's early evolution

Earth's evolution has been shaped by a series of severe...

<p>The world is constantly facing the impacts of climate change. PREFIRE, a new NASA mission, advances our understanding of polar heat emissions by studying far-infrared radiation (FIR) in Earth's heating and cooling dynamics.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-polar-heat-emissions">Tracking polar heat emissions</h2>



<p>The <a href="https://prefire.ssec.wisc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Polar Radiant Energy in the Far-Infrared Experiment</a> (PREFIRE) is a key NASA mission aimed at deepening our understanding of how polar regions radiate heat into space. </p>



<p>By studying the far-infrared radiation emitted by the Arctic and Antarctica, PREFIRE is providing critical data that will improve our ability to predict how climate change impacts Earth's ice, oceans, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-warming-influences-us-weather-patterns-ai-machine-learning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weather patterns</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Launched with two CubeSats in late May and early June, this mission has already begun transmitting valuable insights that will help scientists better comprehend the dynamics of heat exchange in these regions.</p>



<p>The mission’s primary objective is to map the far-infrared radiation -- wavelengths exceeding 15 micrometers -- emitted by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-polar-regions-changing-fundamental-alarming-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">polar regions</a>. </p>



<p>Understanding how atmospheric elements, like clouds and water vapor, trap this heat close to Earth's surface is essential to grasp the full scope of the greenhouse effect, where gases such as carbon dioxide and methane act as heat insulators, amplifying global warming.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bridging-knowledge-gaps-with-prefire">Bridging knowledge gaps with PREFIRE</h2>



<p>"We are constantly looking for new ways to observe the planet and fill in critical gaps in our knowledge. With CubeSats like PREFIRE, we are doing both," said Karen St. Germain, director of the Earth Science Division at NASA Headquarters.&nbsp;</p>



<p>PREFIRE is an exciting partnership between <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>, universities, and various industries, showcasing what can be achieved when talented individuals collaborate. </p>



<p>The mission focuses on how the tropics absorb substantial solar energy, emphasizing the beauty and power of our planet.</p>



<p>This heat is then transported towards the Arctic and Antarctica, regions that receive less sunlight, by weather and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/atlantic-ocean-currents-slowing-as-water-temperature-rises/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean currents</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Yet, these Polar Regions, with their unique environments of ice, snow and clouds, emit a substantial amount of this heat back into space, predominantly in the form of far-infrared radiation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This cyclic process had never been systematically studied -- until PREFIRE.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-revealing-polar-heat-emissions">Revealing polar heat emissions</h2>



<p>"It's so exciting to see the data coming in," said Tristan L’Ecuyer, PREFIRE’s principal investigator and a climate scientist at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wisc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Wisconsin, Madison</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The visualization of PREFIRE data shows varying intensities of radiation emitted from Earth at numerous wavelengths, including the far-infrared.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For the first time, we are witnessing the full energy spectrum that Earth radiates into space.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prefire-in-action-a-closer-look">PREFIRE in action: a closer look</h2>



<p>The two PREFIRE CubeSats are in asynchronous, near-polar orbits, passing over the same polar spots within hours of each other.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This enables the collection of the same type of data, providing a time series that facilitates the study of relatively short-lived phenomena like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ice-sheet-melting-new-tipping-point-discovered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice sheet melting</a> or cloud formation and how they affect far-infrared emissions over time.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prefire-s-potential-impact">PREFIRE’s potential impact</h2>



<p>As PREFIRE continues to send back critical data, the mission's long-term implications extend far beyond understanding polar heat emissions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The insights gathered from this mission could help refine climate models, leading to more accurate predictions of global temperature changes, sea-level rise, and extreme weather patterns.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This information is crucial for policymakers and environmental organizations working to develop adaptive strategies in the face of a rapidly&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-earth-energy-imbalance-temperature-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">changing climate</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-space-based-climate-research">Future of space-based climate research</h2>



<p>Beyond the immediate scientific advancements, PREFIRE also represents a shift in how space-based climate research is conducted.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By using small, cost-effective CubeSats, NASA is pioneering a new era of efficient and targeted missions that can deliver impactful data without the need for large, expensive satellites.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This approach could pave the way for more agile, frequent launches to monitor other critical climate variables, enhancing our ability to respond swiftly to environmental challenges.</p>



<p>Ultimately, PREFIRE is not just about solving the mysteries of polar heat dynamics but also about equipping humanity with the tools and knowledge needed to mitigate the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-polar-regions-changing-fundamental-alarming-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">effects of climate change</a> for future generations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-driving-force-behind-prefire">Driving force behind PREFIRE</h2>



<p>The PREFIRE mission was jointly developed by NASA and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A division of Caltech in Pasadena, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory manages the mission, with the CubeSats built and operated by Blue Canyon Technologies.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The University of Wisconsin-Madison plays a crucial role in processing and analyzing the data collected by the instruments.</p>



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NASA's PREFIRE satellites monitor polar heat emissions from space

The world is constantly facing the impacts of climate change....

<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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<p>—–</p>

What caused the planet's longest ice age

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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



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

Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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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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