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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;</p>



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



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

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>Islands, with their limited resources yet reduced competition, create a milieu of unique survival challenges. Isolated from their mainland brethren, island-dwelling animals adapt in fascinating ways to squeeze out a living.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These evolutionary adaptations can range from changes in physical size, termed as island dwarfism or gigantism, to alterations in behaviors and metabolic rates. </p>



<p>But what happens when these slow-paced island inhabitants encounter rapid, human-induced changes?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-island-vs-mainland-animals">Island vs mainland animals</h2>



<p>The scientific community, till now, didn't have much clarity about how the metabolic rates of island <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/island-bird-communities-are-changing-in-unexpected-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animals</a> differ from those on the mainland.</p>



<p>Dr. Roberto Rozzi of <a href="https://www.uni-halle.de/?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg</a>, along with his team of researchers from the <a href="https://english.cas.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chinese Academy of Sciences</a> and the <a href="https://ic.sicau.edu.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sichuan Agricultural University</a>, aimed to fill this knowledge gap. </p>



<p>Through a comprehensive analysis of data from 2,813 vertebrate species, encompassing both warm-blooded creatures like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-behavior-productivity-being-directly-impacted-by-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a> and mammals and cold-blooded ones such as reptiles and amphibians, they made some intriguing observations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-slow-pace-of-island-life">Slow pace of island life</h2>



<p>After sifting through the data, it appeared that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-life-on-islands-loses-diversity-when-humans-arrive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a> and mammals living on islands tend to have slower metabolism than their counterparts on the mainland.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This slow pace extends to their reproductive cycles too, with these animals producing offspring at a later stage.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to Rozzi, these adaptations are all about maximizing chances of survival and reproduction in island environments, where resources can be limited.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-achilles-heel-of-island-animals">Achilles heel of island animals</h2>



<p>This slow pace of life, while beneficial in untouched island <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-birds-are-at-great-risk-from-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environments</a>, becomes a vulnerability when faced with rapid changes -- mainly those induced by human activities. </p>



<p>Island dwellers already stand out due to their unique sizes, but their slow metabolism and delayed reproduction make them particularly susceptible to external threats.&nbsp;</p>



<p>They become easy targets for non-native predators, including humans, and struggle to recover swiftly from environmental disturbances such as invasive species introduction or habitat loss.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saving-island-species">Saving island species</h2>



<p>The findings from this study are crucial in identifying and protecting vulnerable island <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amazon-birds-use-sophisticated-thermoregulation-strategies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Taking cue from Rozzi's conclusion, conservation efforts should consider the unique physiological differences between these animals and their mainland counterparts, and not just their peculiar sizes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The secret to their survival lies in understanding their slower pace of life and factoring that into their protection measures.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-climate-change">Role of climate change</h2>



<p>Climate change poses an additional layer of threat to island ecosystems, exacerbating the challenges faced by their inhabitants.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Rising sea levels, shifting weather patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events can drastically alter the delicate balance of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/more-than-100-bird-species-have-been-lost-for-over-a-decade/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">isolated environments</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For instance, saltwater intrusion into freshwater habitats can lead to profound ecological shifts, while changes in temperature may disrupt breeding and feeding patterns of native species.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The interplay between these climate-driven changes and the unique adaptations of island fauna must be closely examined to better forecast potential impacts and devise effective conservation strategies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bridging-research-on-island-animal-conservation">Bridging research on island animal conservation</h2>



<p>Turning scientific discoveries into effective conservation strategies is all about teamwork. It takes researchers, policymakers, and local communities working hand in hand. </p>



<p>When we engage island communities in these efforts, we not only create a sense of ownership but also weave in their traditional ecological knowledge with modern practices.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-funding-insights">Funding insights</h2>



<p>By bringing together experts from various fields like ecology, climate science, and social science, we can tackle the tough challenges that island ecosystems face. </p>



<p>Bridging the gap between research and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tropical-birds-can-handle-climate-variability/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation</a> allows us to develop thoughtful, culturally sensitive ways to protect these unique wildlife populations and their habitats for future generations. Let's work together to make a difference.</p>



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



<p>"In order to better protect the remaining island species, conservation efforts would benefit from taking into account the unique morphological and physiological differences between these animals and their mainland counterparts," concludes Rozzi.</p>



<p>In a nutshell, the slow pace of island life, once an evolutionary advantage, is now a vulnerability in the face of rapid, human-induced changes.</p>



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



<p>This important research was facilitated by funds from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation), the Scientific Research Foundation, and National Natural Science Foundation in China.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adm8240" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science Advances</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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



<p>Like what you read?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a>&nbsp;for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;</p>



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



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

Slower pace of 'island life' is as true for animals as it is for humans

Islands, with their limited resources yet reduced competition, create a...

<p>With carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere rising sharply over recent decades, scientists and policymakers alike are becoming increasingly concerned about the long-term impact on global climate patterns. </p>



<p>As the effects of climate change become more pronounced, there is a growing urgency to develop effective strategies for capturing and holding carbon. </p>



<p>One promising approach focuses on the role of soil in carbon sequestration, where innovative farming practices can help reduce atmospheric CO2 by trapping it within the earth’s natural processes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-farming-practices-and-soil-carbon-storage">Farming practices and soil carbon storage</h2>



<p>Researchers from <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kansas State University</a> (K-State) are investigating how various farming practices can influence the amount of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mixed-forests-can-store-the-most-soil-carbon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon stored in soil</a>, a crucial factor in mitigating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/survey-mother-nature-is-more-likely-to-solve-climate-change-than-geoengineering/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>. </p>



<p>The study seeks to uncover how long-term agricultural techniques, particularly in no-till farming systems, impact the soil's ability to capture and retain carbon over time.</p>



<p>To gain deeper insights, the team utilized advanced imaging technologies at two of the world’s most cutting-edge research facilities: the Canadian Light Source (CLS) at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) and the Advanced Light Source in Berkeley, California. </p>



<p>By analyzing soil from a Kansas cornfield that has been farmed using no-till methods for 22 years, they aimed to determine how different nitrogen management strategies influence <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reducing-air-pollution-could-greatly-boost-carbon-sequestration-by-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon sequestration</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fertilizers-and-long-term-study-results">Fertilizers and long-term study results</h2>



<p>During the 22-year period, the farm employed a range of soil nitrogen management practices, each with distinct impacts on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/farmers-adopt-regenerative-agriculture-better-soil-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soil health</a> and carbon storage. </p>



<p>These practices included the use of no fertilizer, chemical fertilizers, and organic options like manure or compost fertilizers. </p>



<p>By comparing these different methods, the researchers aimed to identify which practices are most effective in enhancing soil quality and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sustainable-food-systems-are-gaining-momentum/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sustainability in agricultural systems</a>.</p>



<p>The findings, published in the <em>Soil Science Society of America Journal</em>, offer valuable insights into the mechanisms of soil enrichment, providing a clearer picture of how specific farming practices can enhance the soil's ability to act as a carbon sink.</p>



<p>“We were trying to understand what the mechanisms are behind increasing soil carbon storage using certain management practices,” said Dr. Ganga Hettiarachchi, professor of soil and environmental chemistry. “We were looking at not just soil carbon, but other soil minerals that are going to help store carbon.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-sequestration-and-imaging-insights">Carbon sequestration and imaging insights</h2>



<p>Consistent with findings from previous research, the K-State team discovered that soil treated with organic matter, such as manure or compost fertilizer, demonstrated significantly higher carbon storage than soil treated with either chemical fertilizers or none at all. </p>



<p>This highlights the potential of organic fertilizers not only to improve soil health but also to play a critical role in capturing and storing atmospheric carbon.</p>



<p>What sets this study apart is the use of ultrabright synchrotron light, a powerful tool that enabled the researchers to examine the soil structure at a microscopic level. </p>



<p>This advanced technology allowed the team to visualize precisely how carbon molecules interact with the soil, revealing that much of the carbon was preserved in small pores and had bonded with minerals - an important factor in long-term carbon sequestration.</p>



<p>“It was preserved in pores, and some carbon had attached itself to minerals in the soil," noted Dr. Hettiarachchi.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microbial-diversity-and-carbon-storage">Microbial diversity and carbon storage</h2>



<p>The experts also uncovered another important benefit of using manure or compost as a soil treatment: it led to higher levels of microbial carbon compared to soil treated with chemical fertilizers or left untreated.</p>



<p>This increase in microbial carbon is a clear indicator of greater microbial diversity and activity within the soil. </p>



<p>A thriving microbial community is essential for soil health, as these microorganisms play a critical role in nutrient cycling, decomposition, and overall soil structure, all of which contribute to enhanced carbon storage and long-term soil fertility.</p>



<p>“To my knowledge, this is the first direct evidence of mechanisms through which organic enhancements improve soil health, microbial diversity, and carbon sequestration,” said Dr. Hettiarachchi.</p>



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



<p>Because synchrotron imaging is non-destructive, the team could observe soil aggregate (clumps) in its natural state, without needing to disrupt the soil structure. This allowed them to look at the carbon chemistry in situ.</p>



<p>“Collectively, studies like this are going to help us move forward to more sustainable, regenerative agriculture practices that will protect our soils and environment while helping to feed growing populations,” concluded Dr. Hettiarachchi. </p>



<p>“Understanding the role of different minerals, chemicals, and microbes will also help improve models for predicting how various farming practices affect soil carbon storage.”</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://acsess.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/saj2.20701" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Soil Science Society of America Journal</a></em>.</p>



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;</p>



<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>

Organic farming practices boost soil carbon storage

With carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere rising sharply over...

<p>During the COVID-19 pandemic, governments worldwide implemented strict measures such as stay-at-home orders and school closures to curb the spread of the virus. </p>



<p>These disruptions significantly affected daily routines and social activities, and their negative impact on the mental health of adolescents has been well-documented.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marijuana-use-may-change-brain-structure-in-adolescents/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Adolescence</a> is a period marked by intense emotional, behavioral, and social development. It is a time when teenagers form their sense of identity, self-confidence, and self-control. </p>



<p>The pandemic severely limited social interactions for teens, leading to increased reports of anxiety, depression, and stress, particularly among girls.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-aging-during-lockdowns">Brain aging during lockdowns </h2>



<p>New research from the <a href="https://www.washington.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Washington</a>, published in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2403200121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</em></a>, reveals another profound effect of pandemic: accelerated brain maturation in adolescents, with the changes being more pronounced in girls. </p>



<p>According to the study, the average acceleration in brain development was 4.2 years for females and 1.4 years for males.</p>



<p>“We think of the COVID-19 pandemic as a health crisis,” said Patricia Kuhl, senior author of the study and co-director of the UW Institute for Learning &amp; Brain Sciences (I-LABS). “But we know that it produced other profound changes in our lives, especially for teenagers.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measurements-of-brain-maturation">Measurements of brain maturation</h2>



<p>Researchers measure brain maturation by examining the thickness of the cerebral cortex, the brain's outer layer of tissue. The cortex naturally thins as people age, even during the teenage years.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Chronic stress and adversity are known to speed up this thinning, which is associated with a higher risk of developing neuropsychiatric and behavioral disorders like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pandemic-stress-is-compounded-by-climate-anxiety/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">anxiety</a> and depression. These disorders often emerge during adolescence, and females are at greater risk.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-aging-impacts-of-pandemic-lockdowns">Brain aging impacts of pandemic lockdowns</h2>



<p>The study began in 2018 as a long-term investigation into brain structure changes in adolescents aged 9 to 17. Initially, researchers aimed to observe typical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/poverty-impacts-brain-development-in-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain development</a> during adolescence.</p>



<p>However, the onset of the pandemic in 2020 delayed the follow-up tests until 2021, meaning the original goal of studying typical development was no longer feasible.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/covid-19_teenagers_premature-brain-aging_credit-UWashington_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/covid-19_teenagers_premature-brain-aging_credit-UWashington_1s.webp" alt="COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns resulted in unusually accelerated brain maturation in adolescents. This maturation was more pronounced in females, as seen on the left. Credit: University of Washington" class="wp-image-1944146"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns resulted in unusually accelerated brain maturation in adolescents. This maturation was more pronounced in females, as seen on the left. Credit: University of Washington</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>“Once the pandemic was underway, we started to think about which brain measures would allow us to estimate what the pandemic lockdown had done to the brain,” explained Neva Corrigan, lead author and research scientist at I-LABS. </p>



<p>“What did it mean for our teens to be at home rather than in their social groups - not at school, not playing sports, not hanging out?”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-aging-in-girls-during-lockdowns">Brain aging in girls during lockdowns</h2>



<p>Using brain scan data collected in 2018, the research team developed a model predicting the normal rate of cortical thinning in adolescence.&nbsp;</p>



<p>When over 80% of the original participants returned for re-examinations in 2021, the researchers found a general acceleration in cortical thinning across all the teens, but this effect was much more significant in girls.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For girls, the thinning was evident throughout the brain, across all lobes and both hemispheres. In contrast, boys only showed cortical thinning in the visual cortex.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-isolation-during-the-pandemic-nbsp">Isolation during the pandemic&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Kuhl suggested that the more pronounced impact on girls’ brains might be tied to the importance of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/desire-for-social-interaction-activates-the-brain-like-a-food-craving/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social interaction</a> in female adolescence. She noted that girls tend to rely more on close relationships with peers, sharing emotions and conversations, while boys often engage in physical activities when they gather.</p>



<p>“Teenagers really are walking a tightrope, trying to get their lives together,” Kuhl said. “They’re under tremendous pressure. Then a global pandemic strikes and their normal channels of stress release are gone. Those release outlets aren’t there anymore, but the social criticisms and pressures remain because of social media.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>“What the pandemic really seems to have done is to isolate girls. All teenagers got isolated, but girls suffered more. It affected their brains much more dramatically.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-research-is-needed-nbsp">Further research is needed&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Kuhl noted that the cerebral cortex is unlikely to regain its previous thickness, but there could be some recovery in the form of slower cortical thinning over time as normal social interactions resume. However, further research will be necessary to determine whether this recovery occurs.</p>



<p>“It is possible that there might be some recovery,” Kuhl said. “On the other hand, it’s also possible to imagine that brain maturation will remain accelerated in these teens.”</p>



<p>In older populations, faster thinning of the cerebral cortex is linked to declines in cognitive functions such as processing speed and the ability to complete everyday tasks. While this kind of data is not yet available for teenagers, Kuhl said it could be the focus of future research.</p>



<p>“The pandemic provided a test case for the fragility of teenagers’ brains. Our research introduces a new set of questions about what it means to speed up the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-have-reversed-aging-in-mice-by-decades/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aging</a> process in the brain. All the best research raises profound new questions, and I think that’s what we’ve done here,” Kuhl concluded.</p>



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<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.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



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

COVID lockdowns caused premature aging of adolescent brains

During the COVID-19 pandemic, governments worldwide implemented strict measures such...

<p>A recent discovery of dinosaur tracks along Australia’s southern coast, dating back to the Early Cretaceous when the continent was still connected to Antarctica, suggests that large <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flesh-eating-theropods-were-extremely-fast/">theropod</a> dinosaurs thrived in this polar environment. </p>



<p>These carnivorous dinosaurs roamed the river floodplains during the summers when the ice thawed.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evidence-of-theropods-thriving-in-polar-regions">Evidence of theropods thriving in polar regions</h2>



<p>The experts recently published an analysis of the dinosaur tracks, found in the Wonthaggi Formation, located south of Melbourne. </p>



<p>The tracks, made between 120 and 128 million years ago, include 18 belonging to theropods, alongside four from ornithopods, small herbivorous dinosaurs that may have been prey for the theropods.</p>



<p>“These numerous tracks are the best evidence yet that these former polar environments supported large carnivores,” said Anthony Martin, lead author of the study and a professor at <a href="https://www.emory.edu/home/index.html">Emory University</a>’s Department of Environmental Sciences. </p>



<p>“The large theropods would likely have fed on prey such as smaller dinosaurs, fish, and turtles.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-traces-of-ancient-life">Traces of ancient life</h2>



<p>Theropods, meaning “wild beast foot” in Greek, are a clade of bipedal dinosaurs with three clawed toes. They belong to the same evolutionary group as famous species like Allosaurus, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/were-there-three-distinct-species-of-tyrannosaurus-rex/">Tyrannosaurus rex</a>, and Velociraptor.</p>



<p>The largest theropod track in this discovery measures 18.5 inches in length. “The hip height of that theropod would have been about the same as the full height of a tall, modern-day human - or a bit more than six feet tall,” Martin said.</p>



<p>Martin is a geologist and paleontologist with a particular focus on ichnology - the study of traces left behind by ancient life, such as tracks, burrows, nests, and tooth marks.</p>



<p>The research team also included Patricia Vickers-Rich, a paleontology professor at <a href="https://www.monash.edu/">Monash University</a>, and Thomas Rich, a vertebrate paleontology curator at <a href="https://museumsvictoria.com.au/research-institute/">Museums Victoria Research Institute</a>. Since the 1970s, the couple has spearheaded efforts to uncover fossils in Victoria, Australia.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-polar-winters">Extreme polar winters</h2>



<p>Victoria’s coastal rock layers mark where Gondwana, the ancient supercontinent, began to break apart roughly 100 million years ago, separating Australia from Antarctica. At that time, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-polar-regions-changing-fundamental-alarming-ways/">polar environment</a> was a rift valley crisscrossed by braided rivers.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Although the average air temperature was warmer during the Cretaceous, the polar winters experienced freezing temperatures and months of darkness.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-polar-dinosaur-fossils-nbsp">Polar dinosaur fossils&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The Wonthaggi Formation is one of the richest sources of polar dinosaur fossils in the Southern Hemisphere, though most finds have been small fragments of bones and teeth, likely transported by spring floods before burial.</p>



<p>“Our find of so many theropod tracks, however, confirms that a variety of dinosaurs actually lived and walked on the ground where their bones were found,” Martin noted. “Dinosaur tracks are actually much more common at the site than we previously realized.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovery-of-the-theropod-tracks">Discovery of the theropod tracks</h2>



<p>In 2007, Martin and his colleagues announced the discovery of three theropod tracks in the Wonthaggi Formation. However, it wasn’t until the social disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic that more tracks were uncovered, thanks to the dedication of co-author Melissa Lowery.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A volunteer fossil hunter for Monash University, Lowery, often referred to as “the doyenne of dinosaur discovery,” has made hundreds of finds over the years.</p>



<p>“Melissa had a lot more time to go prospecting during the height of the pandemic,” Martin said. </p>



<p>“While many of us were home watching reruns of Jurassic Park, she was out finding dinosaur tracks. She has this incredible eye that allows her to pick out distinctive patterns from surrounding materials. I call it ‘ichno-vision.’ It’s her superpower.”</p>



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



<p>The newly discovered tracks likely formed when the dinosaurs walked on wet sand or mud in the floodplain. </p>



<p>Mud, being soft and malleable, can collapse into fresh footprints, often creating messy fossil tracks that might be missing a toe or other identifiable features, making them harder to spot.</p>



<p>“Another problem with identifying these tracks is that many of them are underwater twice in a 24-hour period when the tide comes in,” Martin said. “All sorts of modern marine life, including algae, tube worms, barnacles, and clams, have encrusted on, and partially eroded, some of the tracks.”</p>



<p>Of the 24 tracks detailed in the paper, 18 belong to theropods, ranging in size from seven to 18.5 inches. These tracks are recognized by their relatively thin toes ending in sharp claws.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovery-of-ornithopod-tracks">Discovery of ornithopod tracks</h2>



<p>Four tracks, ranging in size from four to seven inches, were made by ornithopods - the first such tracks found in the Wonthaggi Formation.</p>



<p>Ornithopods, whose name comes from the Greek for “bird feet,” were small herbivorous dinosaurs with thicker toes capped by blunt claws. These bipedal creatures grew to about three feet in length.</p>



<p>To preserve the newly discovered track specimens, Peter Swinkels, a taxidermist at Museums Victoria Research Institute, made field moldings and casts. Martin conducted further analysis at the site in May 2022 after pandemic travel restrictions were lifted.</p>



<p>Helping with data collection and mapping of the tracks was Doris Seegets-Villiers, a paleontologist from <a href="https://www.swinburne.edu.au/">Swinburne University of Technology</a> in Victoria. Additionally, John Broomfield, media production manager at Museums Victoria, created 3D digital images of the tracks for further analysis.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dinosaur-movement-during-the-polar-summer-nbsp">Dinosaur movement during the polar summer&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The tracks were preserved in floodplain deposits near channel sandstones, suggesting the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-ancestors-coexisted-with-dinosaurs-yes-according-to-shocking-new-research/">dinosaurs</a> traveled through the area after spring-thaw flooding during the polar summer.</p>



<p>“Were the dinosaurs living in this environment during the winter? We don’t know,” Martin said. “It would have been frozen over and dinosaurs walking on ice don’t leave tracks.”</p>



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



<p>The variation in track sizes hints at a mix of juvenile and adult theropods and ornithopods, leading Martin to believe that some dinosaurs may have nested and raised their young in these polar environments.</p>



<p>This paper follows a 2023 report by the same authors documenting bird tracks from the Early Cretaceous at the same site, which represents the oldest-known evidence of birds so far south.</p>



<p>“We’re continuing to discover more tracks in the area. The more we find, the clearer picture we hope to get of these ancient polar ecosystems,” Martin concluded.</p>



<p>The study is published in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/03115518.2024.2392498"><em>Alcheringa: An Australasian Journal of Paleontology</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



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



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

Large theropod dinosaurs thrived in polar environments

A recent discovery of dinosaur tracks along Australia’s southern coast,...

<p>Environmental scientists have stumbled upon a concerning pattern. They have observed that grey reef sharks, typically the loyal residents of coral reefs, are skipping town more frequently and for longer periods. The culprit? Our steadily warming oceans.</p>



<p>The study starts with the ingenious pairing of acoustic receivers on the seabed and satellite remote sensing. </p>



<p>This dynamic duo has opened up new vistas to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shark-diversity-hits-66-million-year-low/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">understand shark behavior</a>, particularly during times of high environmental stress. And the sharks are giving us a run for our money as they move from their warm reef habitats to cooler, deeper waters.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-el-nino-effect">El Niño effect</h2>



<p>The shockwaves of El Niño 2015-2016 are still reverberating, with our grey reef sharks showing behavioral shifts, including lower residency on the reefs up to 16 months after periods of extreme warming.</p>



<p>With forecast models predicting annual bleaching events by 2043, the sharks' decision to seek a retreat spells trouble.</p>



<p>The international team of scientists from <a href="https://www.lancaster.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lancaster University</a> and ZSL monitored shark movements in the Indian Ocean from 2013 to 2020.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-movement-of-reef-sharks-in-a-warming-world">Movement of reef sharks in a warming world</h2>



<p>Dr. David Jacoby, the principal investigator on the project, elaborated on the findings and their implications for the reef <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-sharks-survived-a-drastic-spike-in-global-temperatures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystem</a>.</p>



<p>“These results provide some of the first evidence of how reefs change in response to environmental stress, something that is becoming both more extreme and more frequent, is affecting the movement of sharks,” said Dr. Jacoby. </p>



<p>“Grey reef sharks are a common, resident predator to the reefs of the Indo-Pacific, venturing away from the reef to feed, but many are having to decide whether to escape the stressed reefs.</p>



<p>Faced with a trade-off, sharks must decide whether to leave the relative safety of the reef and expend greater energy to remain cool or stay on a reef in suboptimal conditions but conserve energy, noted Dr. Jacoby.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-role-of-grey-reef-sharks">Ecological role of grey reef sharks</h2>



<p>According to Dr. Michael Williamson from ZSL's Institute of Zoology, grey reef sharks are not just inhabitants but vital cogs in the reef ecosystems.</p>



<p>Their movements encode a complex dance between food, safety, and environmental conditions. Absent their nutrient influx from deeper waters, the reef's resilience to environmental stress may be at stake.</p>



<p>But it’s not all doom and gloom. Interestingly, not all the monitored locations saw a decline in habitat use. In fact, certain reefs showed increased shark residency, suggesting that some reefs are more resilient to stress. </p>



<p>This raises intriguing questions about the factors influencing shark movement decisions, and the specific characteristics of resilient reefs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-domino-effect-of-climate-change">Domino effect of climate change </h2>



<p>The conclusion? As climate change flings us into an era of increasing uncertainty and extreme stress events, the ecological role of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deepwater-desperation-the-race-to-save-sharks-and-rays/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">predators</a> on coral reefs is likely to change. </p>



<p>The ripple effects of their absence will extend further than we can predict, potentially disrupting the delicate balance of species and trophic interactions that occur on coral reefs.</p>



<p>Climate change is a Pandora’s box, and we’ve only just lifted the lid. As we brace for an unpredictable future, characterized by more frequent and extreme stress events, research like this becomes paramount. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-of-grey-reef-sharks">Conservation of grey reef sharks</h2>



<p>Conserving grey reef sharks and their habitats requires a multi-faceted approach that encompasses science, policy, and community engagement. </p>



<p>Marine protected areas (MPAs) represent one of the most effective strategies to safeguard these critical habitats, allowing shark populations to thrive amidst the pressures of climate change. </p>



<p>Collaborative efforts among governments, local communities, and NGOs can foster sustainable fishing practices that minimize bycatch and enhance reef health. </p>



<p>Furthermore, public awareness campaigns are essential in educating communities about the ecological significance of sharks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-a-connected-web-of-life">Protecting a connected web of life</h2>



<p>“Recent research in the Chagos Archipelago, where we conducted our study, has shown that those <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/great-barrier-reef-is-on-the-brink-of-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reefs</a> that have greater nutrient flows from seabirds have significantly enhanced fish biomass and therefore a higher likelihood to be resilient to multiple stressors,” said Dr Wiliamson. </p>



<p>“Some of our receivers that were seeing a greater number of sharks residing were also near islands with seabird populations.”<br><br>As the environmental stress equation becomes increasingly complex, so does our understanding and approach to protecting the invisibly connected web of life below the ocean surface. Grey reef sharks are changing their rhythm, and offering us a chance to change ours.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-024-06707-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Biology</a>.</em></p>



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



<p>Like what you read?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a>&nbsp;for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;</p>



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



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

Reef sharks are abandoning their homes due to ocean warming

Environmental scientists have stumbled upon a concerning pattern. They have...

<p>Records show that koalas, one of Australia's most iconic creatures, are facing a dire situation due to habitat loss. </p>



<p>The most common destination for these cuddly natives? Not the safe and lush eucalyptus canopies but sadly, veterinary hospitals.</p>



<p>And even worse, most of them are euthanized. This is a bitter reality revealed by a recent study from the University of Queensland (UQ).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eye-opening-research">Eye-opening research</h2>



<p>PhD candidate Renae Charalambous and her team at UQ’s Faculty of Science have opened our eyes to this grim reality.</p>



<p>The researchers meticulously analyzed over 50,000 records of koala sightings and hospital admissions from 1997 to 2019. The findings are startling, to say the least.</p>



<p>"Diseases like chlamydia make up almost 30 percent of vet hospital admissions," noted Charalambous, painting a picture far from ideal.</p>



<p>As if diseases aren't bad enough, koalas also face numerous <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/culling-is-not-effective-in-preventing-crocodile-attacks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">threats</a> due to habitat loss, including canine attacks and motor vehicle strikes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-koalas-diseases-and-habitat-loss">Koalas, diseases, and habitat loss</h2>



<p>The numbers speak volumes. Only a quarter of the koalas admitted to hospitals find their way back to a suitable habitat. Many die before even getting a chance at treatment, and those who make it are often euthanized.</p>



<p>Road accidents contribute to nearly 20 percent of overall admissions. However, koalas struck by vehicles were four times more likely to be found dead than treated by a vet and released, according to the researchers.</p>



<p>"Those that made it to an animal hospital after car strike were almost three times more likely to be euthanized than released,” said Charalambous.</p>



<p>“Seven percent of the koalas admitted to hospital had been attacked by dogs but were twice as likely to be found dead, and if they were taken into care alive, they were twice as likely to be euthanized than released. These are pretty grim statistics so the future for koalas looks bleak.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-risk-population">High-risk population</h2>



<p>The study also sheds light on the more vulnerable subset of the koala population - adults, females, and those infected with chlamydia - who are at a higher risk of being euthanized.</p>



<p>Time seems to be running out for these lovable creatures. The conservation status of koalas was recently updated to "endangered" in Queensland, after estimates showed that their numbers had dwindled by 50% in the last decade.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-silver-lining-saving-koalas-and-their-habitats">Silver lining: Saving koalas and their habitats</h2>



<p>Despite the grave situation, Charalambous believes it's not too late. She emphasizes the importance of understanding these distinctive challenges to formulate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/protecting-just-0-7-of-land-can-save-many-unique-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">effective conservation plans</a> for the east coast koalas.</p>



<p>“This is a great opportunity to holistically address and minimize the threats they face,” said Charalambous. She hopes her research will help decision makers identify intervention strategies to save the remaining koala population.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community-role-in-koala-habitat-preservation">Community role in koala habitat preservation</h2>



<p>Community engagement plays a vital role in the conservation of koalas. Local residents and volunteers can contribute significantly by participating in awareness campaigns, habitat restoration projects, and reporting koala sightings. </p>



<p>Collaborative efforts between citizens and conservation organizations not only foster a sense of shared responsibility but also create a comprehensive approach to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-report-disturbing-details-about-the-state-of-earths-wildlife/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">safeguarding wildlife</a>.</p>



<p>By educating the public on the environmental needs of koalas, especially regarding habitat preservation, communities can work together to mitigate some of the threats faced by these marsupials. </p>



<p>Initiatives like Koala Spotting Days can encourage citizen science, making people active participants in conservation efforts.</p>



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



<p>Future research is essential to develop more effective strategies for koala <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chemists-could-be-key-to-prevent-animal-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation</a>. According to Charalambous, a multifaceted approach is needed to address the various threats koalas encounter.</p>



<p>This could involve studying the long-term impacts of habitat changes on koalas health, the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs, and the genetic diversity within remaining populations. </p>



<p>Additionally, interdisciplinary research incorporating veterinary science, ecology, and environmental policy will be crucial in crafting adaptive management plans. </p>



<p>By promoting collaborations across disciplines, scientists can better understand the complexities of koala survival in a rapidly changing environment and work towards sustainable solutions to ensure their future.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://brill.com/view/journals/soan/aop/article-10.1163-15685306-bja10220/article-10.1163-15685306-bja10220.xml" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Society and Animals</a>.</em></p>



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



<p>Like what you read?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a>&nbsp;for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;</p>



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



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

Koalas face critical threats from disease and habitat loss

Records show that koalas, one of Australia's most iconic creatures,...

<p>As humans, we often find ourselves navigating through the concrete jungles of our cities, an ecosystem teeming with life and, sadly, litter. </p>



<p>Among the cans, wrappers, and discarded masks, one particular item stands out, swirling in the urban breeze or ensnared in the skeletal grip of a leafless tree - the ubiquitous plastic bag, now banned in many states.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-battle-against-plastic">Battle against plastic</h2>



<p>For many of us, plastic bags have become so ingrained in our daily routines that their environmental impact often slips our conscious thought. </p>



<p>However, the scene is changing, and it's not by chance. Across the United States, a joint effort is underway to reduce - and hopefully eradicate - <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-production-increases-create-identical-plastic-pollution-increase/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">these pesky pollutants</a>.</p>



<p>This is not just about cleaner streets but healthier beaches, waterways teeming with life, and brighter prospects for marine ecosystems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-statewide-plastic-bans-make-their-mark">Statewide plastic bans make their mark</h2>



<p>Statewide bans on plastic bags are helping curb <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-win-the-battle-of-planet-vs-plastic-drastic-changes-are-needed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental destruction</a>, according to a recent scientific analysis. These bans are, quite literally, paying off, and the evidence lies in the numbers.</p>



<p>The tale begins in the tumultuous period of the COVID-19 pandemic, when plastic bags were making an unwelcome comeback. </p>



<p>Temporary suspensions of the bans led to a doubling of grocery bags collected in <a href="https://oceanconservancy.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ocean Conservancy</a>'s International Coastal Cleanup (ICC). Not our proudest moment, indeed. However, like the resilient human spirit, the situation took a turn for the better in 2020.</p>



<p>Today, with approximately one-quarter of the US population under statewide bans, there's been a marked decrease - 29 percent, to be precise - in the number of bags collected per volunteer. These stats date from 2022-23, compared to the pre-pandemic era (2013-2019).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-california-takes-the-lead-in-banning-plastic">California takes the lead in banning plastic</h2>



<p>But who kickstarted this chain reaction? California was the pioneer, being the first of eleven states to implement a plastic bag ban back in 2015.</p>



<p>"Plastic bags are well-known to be one of the most deadly types of plastic pollution in our oceans," said Anja Brandon, Ocean Conservancy's director of plastics policy.</p>



<p>Brandon, an environmental engineer, has been instrumental in drafting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/norways-battle-against-plastic-pollution-represents-a-global-plague/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">state</a> and national legislation on plastic pollution. </p>



<p>"We were really excited to see that with the increase in percentage of Americans who are covered by a strong plastic bag ban, we see less plastic bag pollution within our ICC dataset," she added.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-treasure-trove-of-data">Treasure trove of data</h2>



<p>The dataset Brandon refers to comes from the ICC, an event that began in 1986. It's supplemented by voluntary cleanup efforts documented via the Clean Swell app or data sheets, all feeding into Ocean Conservancy's marine litter database. </p>



<p>This is the largest of its kind, a treasure trove of information influencing scientists, conservationists, and policymakers. In fact, it's played a role in shaping legislation in states like California and Florida.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-many-states-are-dependent-on-a-clean-coast">Many states are dependent on a clean coast</h2>



<p>Christy Leavitt, plastics campaign director at <a href="https://oceana.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oceana</a>. said that California’s move to ban thick single-use plastic bags at grocery store checkouts is a win for our coasts and communities.</p>



<p>“Plastic bags are one of the deadliest types of plastic to ocean wildlife. Not only is plastic tarnishing California’s beaches, but it’s in our food, air, water, and even our bodies.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>Levitt noted that, with an ocean-based economy valued at $45 billion annually, California is dependent on a clean coast.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“California has been a leader in tackling the plastic pollution crisis and strengthening the state’s plastic bag ban is another important step forward. Governor Newsom should swiftly sign this bill into law, and the state legislature should continue to act on plastic,” added Levitt.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-price-tag-of-convenience">Hidden price tag of convenience</h2>



<p>Why is a plastic bag such a big concern? Let's consider a turtle in the wild. This peaceful creature may mistake a drifting plastic bag for a tasty jellyfish treat. </p>



<p>"Once they're ingested, they can bunch up and coil inside the stomach or intestines on an animal," explained Brandon. This leads to a myriad of health problems, including inability to feed, blockages, and even changes to buoyancy, impairing the turtle's ability to dive.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-need-to-ban-plastic">Global need to ban plastic</h2>



<p>It is essential to understand that this isn't a regional problem. We're grappling with a global quandary. "Every year, 11 million metric tons of plastic enter our oceans - that's over a&nbsp;garbage truck&nbsp;of plastic every single minute," said Brandon.</p>



<p>"I think it's a great reminder that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/major-plastic-pollution-lurks-beneath-the-surface-of-rivers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">systemic challenges of&nbsp;plastic&nbsp;pollutio</a>n are not going to solve themselves - we need strong, effective policy interventions, we know what those are, we have the data to support them, we just need more of them."</p>



<p>The upcoming UN plastic treaty talks in South Korea offer a platform to escalate this dialogue towards global solutions and commitments.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-promoting-plastic-bans">Promoting plastic bans</h2>



<p>We all have a stake in this narrative. The ICC encourages us to play our part in reducing plastic pollution. By participating, we contribute not just to a cleaner environment, but also help gather data that informs vital policies.</p>



<p>So, next time you're about to reach for a plastic bag at your local store, hold back. This small act can make a tangible difference in the health of our oceans and the vibrant life they sustain.</p>



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



<p>Like what you read?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a>&nbsp;for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;</p>



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



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

Plastic bag bans have drastically reduced ocean pollution

As humans, we often find ourselves navigating through the concrete...

<p>Research into one of the most persistent coral predators on the Great Barrier Reef has unveiled a concerning paradox: crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS) seem to flourish in the degraded coral reef conditions they help create. </p>



<p>This new insight into reef ecosystems comes from the work of Professor Maria Byrne from the <a href="https://www.sydney.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Sydney</a> and marine science researcher Dr. Kennedy Wolfe. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-resilient-species-have-the-upper-hand">Resilient species have the upper hand</h2>



<p>The study highlights the complex relationship between coral health and the population dynamics of COTS, offering vital information for conservation efforts.</p>



<p>“This research reinforces our understanding that resilient species have the upper hand when adjusting to altered habitats,” Byrne said. “Unfortunately, in the case of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/great-barrier-reef-is-on-the-brink-of-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Great Barrier Reef</a>, one of these resilient species - the crown-of-thorns starfish - is one of its most persistent coral predators.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-threats-to-coral-reefs">Threats to coral reefs</h2>



<p>Coral reefs, often dubbed the “rainforests of the sea,” are essential ecosystems that sustain a wide variety of marine life. However, they are under serious threat from a range of stressors, including climate change, pollution, and overfishing.&nbsp;</p>



<p>One of the greatest challenges to coral reefs is outbreaks of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crown-of-thorns-starfish-are-natures-ultimate-coral-predators-and-they-are-winning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crown-of-thorns starfish</a>, which can devastate coral populations and accelerate reef degradation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-degraded-reef-hypothesis-nbsp">Degraded reef hypothesis&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106740" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Marine Environmental Research</em></a><em>,</em> the study proposes a “degraded reef hypothesis” to better explain how COTS populations persist despite substantial efforts to control them. </p>



<p>This hypothesis suggests that the very degradation of coral reefs, largely caused by factors like heatwaves and pollution, creates conditions that benefit the juvenile stages of COTS.</p>



<p>As live coral becomes degraded, the rubble habitats that emerge provide a nursery for juvenile crown-of-thorns starfish. This allows them to accumulate and remain hidden, waiting for the coral to begin recovering before emerging as coral-eating adults. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-vicious-cycle-of-reef-degradation">A vicious cycle of reef degradation </h2>



<p>The delayed surges in COTS populations exacerbate coral loss and create a vicious cycle of reef degradation.</p>



<p>“Our previous research has shown that juvenile COTS can wait for just the right moment to emerge in large numbers; sometimes up to six years,” Byrne explained. This ability to bide their time adds to the challenge of managing COTS outbreaks effectively.</p>



<p>The study emphasizes that the same conditions contributing to coral degradation, such as cyclones, heatwaves, and pollution, are favorable for crown-of-thorns starfish.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-degraded-coral-and-starfish-outbreaks">Degraded coral and starfish outbreaks</h2>



<p>The resilience of COTS presents a significant challenge for conservation efforts aimed at restoring <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/measure-coral-reef-health-water-samples/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral health</a>, as any recovery in coral populations could also fuel new COTS outbreaks.</p>



<p>“Our findings reveal a critical feedback loop in reef ecosystems,” said Wolfe, who began his research career as a PhD student at the University of Sydney. “COTS populations may thrive as coral reefs degrade, leading to further coral loss. This cycle not only threatens corals but also the range of species that depend on healthy reefs for survival.”</p>



<p>According to Byrne, this feedback loop explains repeated outbreaks on the Great Barrier Reef, despite exhaustive management through manual culling.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-effective-management-strategies-are-needed">Effective management strategies are needed</h2>



<p>The study underlines the importance of a multifaceted approach to coral reef conservation that not only targets the root causes of degradation but also considers broader ecological interactions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Effective management strategies must address the resilience of COTS and their ability to exploit weakened coral environments. “These coral predators are a symptom of ongoing environmental impact,” Byrne said.</p>



<p>By gaining a deeper understanding of how coral health and COTS populations interact, conservationists can devise more effective strategies to mitigate the starfish’s impact.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This could involve focusing on habitat restoration projects aimed at strengthening coral resilience, as well as measures to control nutrient runoff and reduce sedimentation that can contribute to reef decline.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coral-degradation-and-cots-outbreaks-nbsp">Coral degradation and COTS outbreaks&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study adds to the extensive research conducted by Byrne and her team, which has greatly improved the understanding of how COTS continue to thrive as a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/invasive-pest-species-alter-ecosystem/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pest species</a> on the Great Barrier Reef. </p>



<p>Through continued research and targeted intervention, there is hope that the cycle of coral degradation and COTS outbreaks can be broken, offering a brighter future for the world’s coral reefs.</p>



<p>“In a changing climate, COTS population resilience responds well to, and likely even benefits from, degrading reef condition and environmental stochasticity. From issues stemming from water quality, altered food webs, and reef degradation, the response of COTS is rapid and adaptive,” noted the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Management aiming to conserve coral reefs must consider COTS not as a single issue, but as a symptom of ongoing environmental impacts that requires a broad response with knock-on benefits to reef ecosystems and their inhabitants.”</p>



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<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.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



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

Crown-of-thorns starfish thrive in degraded coral reefs

Research into one of the most persistent coral predators on...

<p>The impact of urbanization on temperature is well-documented. Cities tend to be warmer than surrounding rural areas, a phenomenon known as the urban heat island effect.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, fewer people are aware that urbanization also influences rainfall patterns, creating what is called the urban precipitation anomaly, where urban development significantly alters the amount of rain an area receives.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rainfall-in-cities-worldwide-nbsp">Rainfall in cities worldwide&nbsp;</h2>



<p>In a new study published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2311496121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</em></a>, researchers from the <a href="https://www.utexas.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Texas at Austin</a> examined rainfall patterns in 1,056 cities worldwide and discovered that over 60% of these cities receive more rainfall than their surrounding rural regions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In some instances, the difference is substantial. For example, Houston typically gets nearly five inches more rain annually than the surrounding rural areas.</p>



<p>These findings could have serious consequences, particularly with regard to worsening flash <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seeking-ways-to-prevent-flooding-caused-by-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flooding</a> in densely urbanized regions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urban-rainfall-anomalies-on-a-global-scale">Urban rainfall anomalies on a global scale</h2>



<p>Scientists have known about variations in urban rainfall for decades, but this study is the first to examine the phenomenon on a global scale. Previous research primarily focused on specific cities or isolated storm events, according to study author Xinxin Sui, a PhD student at the Cockrell School of Engineering.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In this study, Sui and her colleagues analyzed satellite and radar precipitation datasets, examining daily rainfall anomalies in these 1,056 cities from 2001 to 2020.</p>



<p>“In general, we found that over 60% of these global cities have more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-changing-rainfall-patterns-impact-plants-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rainfall</a> (than the surrounding countryside),” Sui said. “Then we compared with different climate zones and found that if the local climate is hotter, if it’s wetter, then it may have a larger rainfall anomaly compared to the cities in cooler and dryer places.”</p>



<p>In addition to Houston, other major cities with significant precipitation anomalies include Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, Lagos in Nigeria, and the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach metro area in the U.S.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cities-redistribute-water-like-sponges">Cities redistribute water like sponges</h2>



<p>Study co-author Dev Niyogi, a professor at the Jackson School of Geosciences and the Cockrell School of Engineering, explained that urban environments act like sponges, redistributing rain from one area to another.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Niyogi compared this to squeezing a sponge: “If you were to pinch one part of the sponge, you would have water coming down more forcefully from one side,” he said.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The amount of water you have in the sponge is the same, but because now you have that dynamic sort of squeezing the atmosphere, you have more ability to take the water out from that location.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cities-located-in-valleys-get-less-rainfall">Cities located in valleys get less rainfall</h2>



<p>Interestingly, while most cities receive more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-rainfall-gets-an-unpredictable-boost-from-air-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rainfall</a> than rural areas, a few urban regions receive less. This tends to occur in cities located in valleys or lowlands where nearby mountains influence precipitation patterns. </p>



<p>Cities like Seattle in Washington, Kyoto in Japan, and Jakarta in Indonesia experience this effect.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-factors-contributing-to-urban-rainfall0">Factors contributing to urban rainfall0</h2>



<p>Several factors contribute to why most cities see increased rainfall. According to study co-author Liang Yang, a professor at the Jackson School, one key factor is the presence of tall buildings, which can block or slow <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-method-developed-to-measure-the-wind/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wind</a> speeds, causing air to converge toward the city center.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The buildings further enhance this convergence by slowing the winds, resulting in a stronger upward motion of air. This upward motion promotes the condensation of water vapor and cloud formation, which are critical conditions for producing rainfall and precipitation,” Yang explained.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-larger-populations-drive-urban-rainfall">Larger populations drive urban rainfall</h2>



<p>The study also found that population size had the strongest correlation with urban rainfall anomalies compared to other factors related to the environment or urbanization.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Larger populations typically result in denser, taller cities, which generate more greenhouse gas emissions and heat, further intensifying the precipitation anomaly, according to Niyogi.</p>



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



<p>As climate change accelerates, these findings have important implications for urban areas. Yang highlighted how the combination of increased rainfall in cities and the impervious surfaces characteristic of urban environments - such as concrete and asphalt - can create conditions ripe for flash flooding.</p>



<p>“Combining these two factors means we must develop innovative ways to prepare for flash flooding,” Yang said.</p>



<p>In light of the increasing risks, urban planners and policymakers will need to address the growing likelihood of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/droughts-and-extreme-weather-events-are-escalating/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme weather events</a>, ensuring that cities are better prepared to handle both excess rainfall and the infrastructure challenges it presents.</p>



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<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.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



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

Cities experience more rainfall than surrounding areas

The impact of urbanization on temperature is well-documented. Cities tend...

<p>We've all had that refreshing gulp of beer on a warm summer night or after a long, tiring day at work, but seldom do we associate beer with gut health. </p>



<p>After all, it's usually the star of social gatherings, not dietary plans. But raise your glasses high and toast to this new and thought-provoking research from Dalian Medical University that reveals beer as not just a social lubricant, but potentially a gut-health enhancer.</p>



<p>The research's beacon, Dr. Jianxin Li, presents beer as more than just a frothy indulgence. He suggests that this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/no-evidence-that-beer-goggles-are-real-but-liquid-courage-is-definitely-a-thing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">age-old beverage</a>, often referred to as 'liquid bread', could be providing more than just a welcome chill on a balmy evening.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beer-as-a-historical-delight">Beer as a historical delight</h2>



<p>It's pretty hard to imagine a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brewing-beer-in-space-the-future-of-fermentation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">world without beer</a>, and history confirms its long-standing relationship with humanity. Traces of beer consumption date back to around 9,000 years ago in China. </p>



<p>From ancient Babylonian feasts to present-day festivities, beer's cultural significance is underscores its pivotal role in human civilization. </p>



<p>It holds an unshakable position as the most consumed alcoholic beverage globally -- only water and tea surpass it.</p>



<p>Interestingly, beer wasn't solely a source of joy as early as the third millennium BC; Babylonians were recording beer recipes on clay tablets. </p>



<p>The narrative that beer functioned as 'liquid bread' might have more depth than previously thought, with recent research suggesting health benefits.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-making-beer-the-key-gut-healthy-ingredients">Making beer: The key gut-healthy ingredients</h2>



<p>Making beer starts with four main ingredients: water, malt, hops, and yeast. First, you soak malted barley in hot water to get those sugars out, which is called mashing. </p>



<p>Then, you boil the sugary liquid -- known as wort -- and toss in some hops to give the beer its unique flavor and aroma. </p>



<p>After boiling, cool down the wort and move it to a fermenter, where you'll add the yeast. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/old-trick-turns-plant-based-cheese-into-something-that-actually-tastes-good/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The yeast will munch on the sugars</a>, turning them into alcohol and carbon dioxide, which creates those nice bubbles in the beer.</p>



<p>Once fermentation wraps up, let the beer settle and mature so the flavors can develop and any unwanted bits can drop out.</p>



<p>Finally, you bottle or keg the beer, adding a little extra sugar for natural carbonation, or you can use CO2 for a quicker method. </p>



<p>The whole journey from grain to glass can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the beer style and the brewer's vibe.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-gut-health-connects-to-beer">How gut health connects to beer</h2>



<p>The question on everyone's lips: What makes beer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gut-bacteria-influence-our-social-behavior-and-sense-of-fairness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a potential ally</a> for gut health? </p>



<p>Dr. Li's research reveals that beer, rich in vital amino acids, vitamins, trace elements, and bioactive substances, can benefit our gut when consumed in moderation. </p>



<p>These nutrients, broken down and fermented by our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-tool-detects-changes-in-gut-health-to-help-prevent-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gut's microbial community</a>, can regulate immunity and overall gut health.</p>



<p>Intriguingly, the study suggests that beer's bacteria can enhance arterial function and immune response, especially in healthy, non-smoking adults. </p>



<p>So, while you're relishing that cold pint, you might be boosting your body's defenses. Cheers to that!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microecological-magic-of-beer">Microecological magic of beer</h2>



<p>The blessings of beer aren't limited to boosting the health of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gut-bacteria-have-very-clever-ways-of-supporting-human-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">your gut bacteria</a>. The research advances the concept of beer as a 'microecological modulator.' </p>



<p>This refers to its capacity to minimize cancer risk, ease <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-century-of-progress-in-the-fight-against-cardiovascular-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiovascular issues</a>, and manage metabolic syndrome. </p>



<p>Several studies confirm these claims, showing that moderate beer consumption can lower heart disease risk, improve circulation, and even help fend off upper respiratory infections.</p>



<p>From heart health to bone health, beer seems to be a gift that keeps on giving. Beer is rich in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) -- <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/good-cholesterol-may-increase-the-risk-of-dementia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the 'good' cholesterol</a>, and polyphenols, which protect the heart. </p>



<p>It also contains dietary silicon, supporting bone growth and strength. Some studies even suggest that moderate beer consumption can enhance bone density in older women and lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beer-and-your-microbiome">Beer and your microbiome</h2>



<p>Beer does wonders for your gut's microbiome. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trouble-brewing-for-beer-decline-in-hop-production-causes-beer-shortages-and-bad-taste/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Loaded with dietary fiber</a> and some probiotics, it helps maintain your gut's healthy microbial balance. By promoting beneficial bacteria's growth, beer might support overall gut health.</p>



<p>Beyond gut health, beer potentially offers several unexpected health benefits. Compounds in beer, like xanthohumol, have neuroprotective properties that might help preserve cognitive function and lower the risk of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/beer-could-help-protect-against-alzheimers-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dementia and Alzheimer’s disease</a>. </p>



<p>Beer's high water content makes it a diuretic, helping in kidney function and reducing kidney stones risk. </p>



<p>In addition, beer contains several B vitamins, including B2, B3, B5, B6, and folate. These are essential for cellular function and energy metabolism, adding another layer to beer’s potential health benefits.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-beer-and-gut-health">Future of beer and gut health</h2>



<p>In sum, the study from <a href="https://english.dmu.edu.cn/Admissions1/International_Student.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dalian Medical University</a> opens up an intriguing dialogue about beer's role in our diets. Could beer become a regular player in discussions on gut health and immune function? </p>



<p>Dr. Li and his team believe it's a possibility worth exploring. </p>



<p>Needless to say, moderation is key. While beer offers several health benefits, over-consumption can have negative impact on health.</p>



<p>Always remember, not all beers are created equal. Low or non-alcoholic beers fortified with bioactive substances, like fiber or antioxidants, might provide the most significant health benefits.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2023.1186927/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Nutrition</a></em>.</p>



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<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>

Beer vs. probiotics: How drinking a pint is great for gut health

We've all had that refreshing gulp of beer on a...

Splashes,And,Drops,Of,Liquid,Oil.,Fresh,Olive,Or,Motor

<p>Imagine electrons behaving like ants marching along a single line, clinging to the edge of a surface, unaffected by obstacles in their path. Typically, electrons are more chaotic -- moving in all directions, zero flow, scattering like billiard balls when they encounter an obstacle.</p>



<p>However, in some exotic materials, these charged particles can align themselves to flow in a precise, single-file order along the edges, a phenomenon physicists call an "edge state."</p>



<p>This unique behavior, where electrons flow and glide without friction around obstacles while staying glued to the edges, has now been directly observed in a cloud of ultracold atoms by a brilliant team of physicists. </p>



<p>Led by Richard Fletcher, assistant professor of physics at <a href="https://www.mit.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MIT</a>, the team has, for the first time, captured images of this frictionless flow in atoms, a breakthrough that could revolutionize the way we think about energy and data transmission.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-electrons-flow-in-the-edge-state">How electrons flow in the edge state</h2>



<p>The concept of edge states isn’t entirely new. Scientists first proposed it in 1980 while trying to explain a phenomenon now known as the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/graphene-superhighway-allows-electronic-devices-to-use-much-less-power/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Quantum Hall effect</a>. </p>



<p>In experiments conducted under extreme cold and magnetic fields, researchers observed that electrons didn’t flow uniformly through materials; instead, they accumulated on one side in specific quantum portions.</p>



<p>To make sense of this curious behavior, physicists suggested that these Hall currents were carried by edge states. Under a magnetic field, electrons in the material's current were thought to be deflected to its edges, flowing in a precise pattern. </p>



<p>However, observing these edge states directly has been a major challenge because they occur at incredibly tiny scales, across fractions of a nanometer, and last for mere <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/full-chemical-complexity-of-quantum-decoherence-finally-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">femtoseconds</a> -- extremely fleeting and difficult to capture.</p>



<p>Instead of attempting to see electrons in these elusive states, Fletcher and his colleagues at MIT decided to replicate the same physics on a more observable scale. </p>



<p>They turned their attention to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/finding-quantum-coherence-chemical-reaction-chaos/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ultracold atoms</a> in a laboratory setting to recreate the behavior of electrons under a magnetic field. </p>



<p>As Martin Zwierlein, the Thomas A. Frank Professor of Physics at MIT, explains, “In our setup, the same physics occurs in atoms, but over milliseconds and microns, allowing us to take images and observe the atoms’ behavior in real time.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-creating-an-ultracold-atomic-playground">Creating an ultracold atomic playground</h2>



<p>The MIT team’s new experiment involved a cloud of about one million sodium atoms, corralled in a carefully controlled laser trap and cooled to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bose-einstein-condensate-bec-rare-form-quantum-matter-created-with-molecules/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nanokelvin temperatures</a> -- just a fraction above absolute zero. </p>



<p>The scientists then manipulated the trap to spin the atoms, creating a centrifugal force that balanced with the inward pull of the trap, much like the spinning ride known as the Gravitron in amusement parks.</p>



<p>This delicate balance created a scenario where, from the atoms' perspective, their world appeared flat, even though it was spinning. </p>



<p>There was also a third force at play: the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctica-ice-shelves-melting-faster-due-to-ocean-currents/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Coriolis effect</a>, which deflected the atoms whenever they tried to move in a straight line. This setup effectively made the atoms behave as if they were electrons moving under a magnetic field.</p>



<p>To introduce an “edge” into this fabricated environment, the researchers used a ring of laser light to form a circular wall around the spinning atoms. </p>



<p>As they observed the system through high-resolution imaging, they saw that when the atoms encountered the laser ring, they began to flow along its edge in a single direction, much like electrons in an edge state.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-no-friction-no-problem">No friction, no problem</h2>



<p>The atoms continued this friction-free journey even when obstacles were introduced along their path. The researchers placed a small light -- a sort of "speed bump" -- along the edge of the laser ring. </p>



<p>Astonishingly, the atoms didn’t scatter or slow down. They glided effortlessly past the obstacle, sticking to their edge-focused flow.</p>



<p>“We intentionally sent in this big, repulsive green blob, and the atoms should have bounced off it,” Fletcher explains. “But instead, they magically found their way around it, returned to the wall, and continued on their merry way.”</p>



<p>This result is significant because it directly mimics how electrons are predicted to behave in similar edge states. </p>



<p>The team's observations prove that this setup of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trapped-atoms-forced-to-serve-as-transistors-quantum-network/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ultracold atoms</a> is a reliable stand-in for studying the behavior of electrons in edge states, which are notoriously difficult to observe directly.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-edge-state-atoms-and-future-tech">Edge state atoms and future tech</h2>



<p>Why does this matter? Understanding and controlling edge states in electrons could lead to remarkable advances in technology. </p>



<p>Imagine materials where electrons move without friction along the edges, transporting energy or data with perfect efficiency, no loss, and no heat generation. </p>



<p>This could revolutionize electronics, making devices far more energy-efficient and powerful.</p>



<p>"You could imagine making little pieces of a suitable material and putting it inside future devices, so electrons could shuttle along the edges and between different parts of your circuit without any loss,” Fletcher suggests. </p>



<p>The team’s findings lay the groundwork for future studies aimed at manipulating electrons to achieve this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/magnetic-levitation-breakthrough-unlocks-gravity-free-technology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">frictionless</a> flow, potentially paving the way for super-efficient electronic devices and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-realm-vibrating-atoms-tune-single-electron-energy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">energy systems</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beauty-of-electron-flow-made-visible">Beauty of electron flow, made visible</h2>



<p>Beyond the practical applications, there is also a sense of wonder in seeing something so fleeting and small. </p>



<p>“To actually see them is quite a special thing because these states occur over femtoseconds, and across fractions of a nanometer, which is incredibly difficult to capture,” says Fletcher. </p>



<p>“It’s a very clean realization of a very beautiful piece of physics, and we can directly demonstrate the importance and reality of this edge.”</p>



<p>Next, the team plans to introduce more obstacles and interactions into the system, venturing into uncharted territory where the outcomes are still unclear. </p>



<p>They hope to uncover even more about the fundamental nature of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/intense-quantum-light-generates-weird-electron-behavior/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">elusive states</a> and explore how they might be harnessed in real-world materials and technologies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-questions-than-answers">More questions than answers</h2>



<p>While the team’s results are promising, they also open up many questions. How will these edge states behave in more complex environments? </p>



<p>Can they be reproduced reliably in various materials, not just ultracold atoms? Could we eventually create real-world materials that leverage these properties on a large scale?</p>



<p>These are the questions that Fletcher and his team will continue to explore. As they probe deeper into the mysteries of edge states, they might just uncover the next big leap in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-quantum-revolution-will-impact-all-aspects-of-society/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">material science and technology</a>. </p>



<p>But for now, we can marvel at this unique glimpse into a world where physics behaves in strange and wonderful ways, right at the edges.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41567-024-02617-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Physics</a></em>.</p>



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<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>

'Edge state' atoms: How electrons find their groove in frictionless flow

Imagine electrons behaving like ants marching along a single line,...

<p>The ESA/JAXA BepiColombo mission has successfully completed its fourth of six scheduled gravity-assist flybys of Mercury, capturing impressive images of two notable impact craters. </p>



<p>By utilizing Mercury's gravitational pull, the spacecraft is fine-tuning its trajectory to eventually enter Mercury’s orbit in November 2026.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bepicolombo-mission-to-mercury">BepiColombo mission to Mercury</h2>



<p>BepiColombo made its closest pass to Mercury at 23:48 CEST (21:48 UTC) on September 4, 2024, coming within just 165 kilometers of the planet’s surface. </p>



<p>For the first time, this flyby provided the spacecraft with a clear view of Mercury's south pole.</p>



<p>“The main aim of the flyby was to reduce BepiColombo’s speed relative to the Sun, so that the spacecraft has an orbital period around the Sun of 88 days, very close to the orbital period of Mercury,” said Frank Budnik, BepiColombo Flight Dynamics Manager.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“In this regard, it was a huge success, and we are right where we wanted to be at this moment. But it also gave us the chance to take photos and carry out science measurements, from locations and perspectives that we will never reach once we are in orbit.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-viewing-mercury-from-different-angles">Viewing Mercury from different angles</h2>



<p>Three monitoring cameras onboard the <a href="https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/bepicolombo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spacecraft</a> captured unique views of Mercury from different angles. </p>



<p>BepiColombo approached the planet from the “nightside,” where the surface of Mercury gradually became illuminated by the Sun as the flyby continued. </p>



<p>M-CAM 2 delivered the clearest views of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/is-there-life-on-mercury-possibly-in-the-planets-craters-study-reveals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planet</a>, while M-CAM 3 also captured an impressive image of a newly named impact crater.</p>



<p>M-CAMs 2 and 3 have now been powered down, but M-CAM 1 will continue photographing Mercury until about midnight, giving one last view of the planet as it recedes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dramatic-images-of-mercury-s-craters">Dramatic images of Mercury's craters</h2>



<p>A few minutes after its closest approach, BepiColombo spotted a large “peak ring basin” - a crater formed by the impact of an asteroid or comet. </p>



<p>These craters, ranging from 130 to 330 kilometers across, are defined by their inner ring of peaks.</p>



<p>One such crater is Vivaldi, named after the renowned Italian composer Antonio Vivaldi. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/BepiColombo_Mercury-image2_fourth-flyby_annotated_ESA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/BepiColombo_Mercury-image2_fourth-flyby_annotated_ESA_1s.webp" alt="The sunlit part of Mercury comes into view at the top right of this image, taken at 23:54 CEST on 4 September 2024 as the ESA/JAXA BepiColombo mission sped by for its fourth of six gravity assist maneuvers at the planet. Credit: ESA" class="wp-image-1944075"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>The sunlit part of Mercury comes into view at the top right of this image, taken at 23:54 CEST on 4 September 2024 as the ESA/JAXA BepiColombo mission sped by for its fourth of six gravity assist maneuvers at the planet. Credit: ESA</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>The crater spans 210 kilometers, and because BepiColombo observed it near the planet's sunrise line, shadows dramatically highlighted its features. </p>



<p>A visible break in the peak ring shows where lava flows have recently entered and filled the crater.</p>



<p>Shortly after, another notable peak ring basin came into view. This one, 155 kilometers in diameter, was recently named Stoddart after New Zealand artist Margaret Olrog Stoddart.</p>



<p>“When we were planning for this flyby, we saw that this crater would be visible and decided it would be worth naming due to its potential interest for BepiColombo scientists in the future,” said David Rothery, member of the BepiColombo M-CAM imaging team.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mercury-s-peak-ring-basins">Mercury's peak ring basins</h2>



<p>Mercury’s peak ring basins remain a subject of curiosity, with many questions still unanswered about their formation. </p>



<p>The peaks within the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/man-in-the-moon-craters-are-200-million-years-older-than-previously-believed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">craters</a> are believed to have been created by a rebound process during the impact, but scientists are still unclear about how deep these materials originated.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/BepiColombo_Mercury-image1_fourth-flyby_annotated_ESA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/BepiColombo_Mercury-image1_fourth-flyby_annotated_ESA_1s.webp" alt="Mercury is receding into the distance in this image taken by the ESA/JAXA BepiColombo mission in the early hours of 5 September 2024 as the spacecraft sped by for its fourth of six gravity assist maneuvers at the planet. Credit: ESA" class="wp-image-1944073"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Mercury is receding into the distance in this image taken by the ESA/JAXA BepiColombo mission in the early hours of 5 September 2024 as the spacecraft sped by for its fourth of six gravity assist maneuvers at the planet. Credit: ESA</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>Additionally, many of Mercury’s basins, including Vivaldi and Stoddart, have been partially filled by lava flows long after the impacts. Stoddart’s crater, for instance, shows traces of a smaller 16-kilometer crater beneath the newer lava layer.</p>



<p>These peak ring basins are a top priority for further study once BepiColombo begins its detailed survey of Mercury with its full array of scientific instruments.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observing-the-scars-of-billions-of-years">Observing the scars of billions of years</h2>



<p>The images taken during this flyby, from BepiColombo's closest pass to date, provide a fascinating look at Mercury’s surface. </p>



<p>These shots reveal the scars of billions of years of impacts by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-would-happen-small-asteroid-hit-earth-nasa-ai-simulation-found-out/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">asteroids</a> and comets, offering clues about the planet's history and its role in the broader evolution of the Solar System.</p>



<p>It’s important to remember, however, that these photos were an added bonus. The M-CAMs are not intended for studying Mercury but were designed to monitor the spacecraft during critical phases, such as after launch.&nbsp;</p>



<p>They produce black-and-white images at a resolution of 1024x1024 pixels. BepiColombo’s main science camera is protected during its journey to Mercury and will capture much higher-resolution images once the spacecraft enters orbit.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-the-bepicolombo-mission-nbsp">Future of the BepiColombo mission&nbsp;</h2>



<p>By 2027, BepiColombo’s primary science mission will begin. The mission's full suite of instruments will then reveal much more about Mercury, uncovering details that are currently invisible to us, and helping scientists better understand the planet’s origin and its proximity to the Sun.</p>



<p>Meanwhile, science is already underway. Most of BepiColombo’s instruments were activated during the flyby to measure Mercury’s magnetic field, plasma, and particle environment. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/BepiColombo_fourth_Mercury_flyby_graphic_ESA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/BepiColombo_fourth_Mercury_flyby_graphic_ESA_1s.webp" alt="Graphic explaining BepiColumbo's fourth Mercury flyby. Credit: ESA" class="wp-image-1944071"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Graphic explaining BepiColumbo's fourth Mercury flyby. Credit: ESA</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>These data are crucial, as they come from regions that the spacecraft won’t be able to access once it is in orbit.</p>



<p>BepiColombo comprises two scientific orbiters: ESA’s Mercury Planetary Orbiter and JAXA’s Mercury Magnetospheric Orbiter. These orbiters are being transported to Mercury by the Mercury Transfer Module.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Even though the spacecraft is in a “stacked” configuration during this cruise phase, preventing full operation of many instruments, scientists can still gather valuable data and prepare the instruments for the mission’s main phase.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solving-the-mysteries-of-mercury-nbsp">Solving the mysteries of Mercury&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“BepiColombo is only the third space mission to visit Mercury, making it the least-explored planet in the inner <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-the-delicate-balance-of-our-solar-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Solar System</a>, partly because it is so difficult to get to,” said Jack Wright, an ESA research fellow, planetary scientist, and M-CAM imaging team coordinator.</p>



<p>“It is a world of extremes and contradictions, so I dubbed it the ‘Problem Child of the Solar System’ in the past. The images and science data collected during the flybys offer a tantalizing prelude to BepiColombo's orbital phase, where it will help to solve Mercury's outstanding mysteries.”</p>



<p>The fourth flyby is just one step in BepiColombo’s journey. The spacecraft is now on course for its fifth and sixth flybys of Mercury, scheduled for December 1, 2024, and January 8, 2025. </p>



<p>Each flyby brings BepiColombo closer to Mercury’s orbit around the Sun.</p>



<p>After the sixth flyby, the BepiColombo flight control team will return to a regular cruise phase until the spacecraft finally enters orbit around Mercury in November 2026.</p>



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<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.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



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

BepiColombo mission captures Mercury in unprecedented detail

The ESA/JAXA BepiColombo mission has successfully completed its fourth of...

<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>



<p>Like what you saw and read?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a>&nbsp;for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>—–</p>



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



<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>



<p>Like what you saw and read?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a>&nbsp;for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>—–</p>



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



<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>



<p>Like what you saw and read?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a>&nbsp;for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>—–</p>



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



<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>



<p>Like what you saw and read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>—–</p>



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



<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>



<p id="block-eff5dea3-a9bb-40b5-a923-e5a9978bc0e2">Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p id="block-43e218f4-0391-477c-8396-eb777c8c80a3">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 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>



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<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>



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<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>



<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>



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<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>

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>



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<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>

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>



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<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>

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>



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<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>

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>



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<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>

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>



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<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>

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>



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<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>

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>



<figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter 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://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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"]</div>



<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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="G9bUoxcjr4-2511624-12187" type="single"]</div>



<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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"]</div>



<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

[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" type="single"]</div>



<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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="iuA5mpp3jv-1641775-12187" type="single"]</div>



<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

[sendtonews key="iuA5mpp3jv-1641775-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

News coming your way