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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wasps shine a light on 'dark biodiversity' in rainforests

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

<p>A breakthrough filtration system developed by MIT researchers offers hope for removing harmful "forever chemicals" -- dangerous pollutants that have plagued water supplies globally for decades.</p>



<p>These long-lasting pollutants, known as PFAS, persist in the environment and have contaminated water sources worldwide.</p>



<p>A recent study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control found that 98% of people tested had detectable levels of PFAS in their bloodstream, highlighting the severity of the contamination.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-troublesome-scale-of-pfas-contamination">Troublesome scale of PFAS contamination</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/skiers-are-spreading-pfas-forever-chemicals-around-the-worlds-mountains/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS chemicals</a> are present in a wide array of products, including cosmetics, food packaging, water-resistant clothing, firefighting foams, and nonstick cookware. </p>



<p>In the U.S. alone, an estimated 57,000 sites are contaminated with these chemicals.</p>



<p>According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the cost of remediation to meet regulations limiting PFAS to less than 7 parts per trillion in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/epa-reveals-new-evidence-of-forever-chemicals-in-drinking-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drinking water</a> could reach $1.5 billion annually.</p>



<p>Contamination by PFAS and similar compounds “is actually a very big deal, and current solutions may only partially resolve this problem very efficiently or economically,” noted Yilin Zhang, a postdoctoral researcher at MIT. “That’s why we came up with this protein and cellulose-based, fully natural solution."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-accidental-discovery">An accidental discovery </h2>



<p>Researchers at the <a href="https://www.mit.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Massachusetts Institute of Technology</a>, led by Zhang and Professor Benedetto Marelli, have developed a new filtration material made from natural silk and cellulose.</p>



<p>This hybrid material shows great promise in removing persistent PFAS compounds and heavy metals from water while offering antimicrobial properties to reduce filter fouling. </p>



<p>The research is published in <em>ACS Nano</em> and includes contributions from MIT postdocs Hui Sun, Meng Li, graduate student Maxwell Kalinowski, and recent graduate Yunteng Cao, who is now a postdoc at Yale.</p>



<p>“We came to the project by chance,” noted Marelli. Initially, the technology was developed for an unrelated purpose -- to create a labeling system to counter the spread of counterfeit seeds.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hybrid-material-with-distinct-properties">Hybrid material with distinct properties </h2>



<p>The team devised a method of processing silk proteins into uniform nanoscale crystals, known as nanofibrils, using an environmentally friendly water-based method at room temperature.</p>



<p>Zhang hypothesized that these silk nanofibrils might be effective at filtering contaminants, but early attempts with silk alone were unsuccessful. </p>



<p>The team decided to try adding cellulose, a readily available material derived from agricultural wood pulp waste.</p>



<p>By integrating cellulose into the silk-based nanofibrils and tuning the electrical charge, they developed a hybrid material with distinct properties, including remarkable contaminant removal and antimicrobial capabilities.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-water-filtration-contender">New water filtration contender</h2>



<p>“These materials can really compete with the current standard materials in water filtration when it comes to extracting metal ions and these emerging contaminants, and they can also outperform some of them currently,” noted Marelli.</p>



<p>Lab tests demonstrated that the hybrid materials can remove contaminants more effectively than standard materials like activated carbon.</p>



<p>The team’s findings could serve as a proof of concept for larger-scale applications. As Zhang suggests, the material could first be used as a point-of-use filter, such as an attachment for kitchen faucets. </p>



<p>Eventually, it could be scaled up for municipal water filtration, pending thorough testing to ensure no risks of <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/detecting-mercury-contamination-with-the-tap-of-a-finger/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">contamination</a>.</p>



<p>One significant advantage of the material, said Zhang, is that both silk and cellulose are food-grade substances, making harmful contamination highly unlikely. </p>



<p>“Most of the normal materials available today are focusing on one class of contaminants or solving single problems,” noted Zhang. “I think we are among the first to address all of these simultaneously.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advanced-water-filtration-systems">Advanced water filtration systems</h2>



<p>While this discovery is a promising first step, the team is already working on improving the material’s durability and exploring alternative protein sources to ensure scalability. </p>



<p>Enhancing the material’s lifespan and resistance to wear will be crucial for its widespread application in real-world <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/destroying-microplastics-tap-water-surprisingly-simple-solution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water filtration systems</a>, especially in regions with heavily <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/u-s-drinking-water-often-contains-unsafe-levels-of-toxic-contaminants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">contaminated water</a> sources.</p>



<p>According to Marelli, while silk proteins can be sourced as a byproduct of the silk textile industry, alternatives may offer lower-cost, more abundant solutions for global water filtration needs.</p>



<p>Therefore, alternatives such as plant-based or synthetic proteins are being considered, which could offer lower-cost, more abundant solutions for global water filtration needs without compromising performance or sustainability. </p>



<p>These alternative materials could also help expand the technology's reach, ensuring that even regions with fewer resources can benefit from advanced filtration systems.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsnano.4c07409" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACS Nano</a></em>.</p>



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New filtration system removes 98% of PFAS "forever chemicals" from water

A breakthrough filtration system developed by MIT researchers offers hope...

<p>Researchers are transforming how we visualize internal organs by rendering overlying skin tissues "invisible." Using a common food dye (with minor alterations), the experts have developed a new way to see organs by making the skin transparent to visible light.</p>



<p>This innovative approach holds the potential to revolutionize medical diagnostics, enabling doctors to more effectively locate injuries, monitor digestive disorders, and identify cancers with unprecedented clarity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dye-for-transparent-skin-imaging">Dye for transparent skin imaging </h2>



<p>The process, involving the topical application of a food-safe dye, was tested on animal subjects and showed promise in a wide range of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/medical-breakthrough-new-vaccine-may-prevent-alzheimers-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">medical</a> applications. </p>



<p>"Looking forward, this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neuromorphic-computing-where-ai-meets-human-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">technology</a> could make veins more visible for drawing blood, simplify laser-based tattoo removal, or assist in early cancer detection and treatment," noted Dr. Guosong Hong, one of the lead researchers at <a href="https://www.stanford.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford University</a>.</p>



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="1e6oCDTz13-3844410-12187" type="single"]</div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-from-the-field-of-optics">Insights from the field of optics</h2>



<p>To develop this technique, the researchers investigated how light interacts with biological tissues containing dyes. They predicted how refractive indices, which dictate how light bends and scatters, could be manipulated to render tissues transparent.</p>



<p>The research built on fundamental insights from the field of optics, including the Kramers-Kronig relations and Lorentz oscillation - concepts that are documented in textbooks from the 1970s and 1980s.</p>



<p>Graduate researcher Nick Rommelfanger was among the first to connect the dots between these optical theories and their applications in visible light, working under an NSF Graduate Research Fellowship. </p>



<p>Rommelfanger's work was instrumental in identifying tartrazine (FD &amp; C Yellow 5) as a key dye for the process. </p>



<p>"We realized that the same modifications that make materials transparent to microwaves could be tailored for the visible spectrum with potential applications in medicine," noted Rommelfanger.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-testing-the-optical-properties-of-dyes">Testing the optical properties of dyes</h2>



<p>In lab tests, the researchers applied a temporary tartrazine solution to mice, rendering the skin transparent and revealing the intricate network of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/largest-ever-3d-map-of-human-brain-created-by-harvard-and-google/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blood vessels in the brain</a>, as well as the abdomen's internal movements.</p>



<p>Once rinsed, the transparency effect faded with no long-term consequences. The team speculates that injecting the dye might provide even deeper visibility within organisms.</p>



<p>Zihao Ou, the study’s lead author, directed the experimental phase of the research. "We ordered a range of strong dyes and meticulously evaluated each for its optical properties," said Ou.</p>



<p>One key tool in the evaluation process was an ellipsometer, a piece of equipment typically used in semiconductor manufacturing but critical in predicting the optical properties of the dyes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tissue-transparency-breakthrough">Tissue transparency breakthrough</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.nsf.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Science Foundation</a> Program Officer Richard Nash emphasized the importance of accessible advanced research facilities.</p>



<p>"While a basic workhorse such as an ellipsometer would rarely make headlines, it plays a crucial role when deployed for atypical uses like this," said Nash.</p>



<p>Dr. Hong highlighted the role that funding played in the success of the project, especially during the pandemic.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/skin-tissue_made-transparent_illustration_credit-NSF_1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/skin-tissue_made-transparent_illustration_credit-NSF_1s.webp" alt="Illustration of skin tissues rendered transparent following saturation by FD &amp; C Yellow 5. Credit: NSF" class="wp-image-1944056"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Illustration of skin tissues rendered transparent following saturation by FD &amp; C Yellow 5. Credit: NSF</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>"NSF’s support was instrumental in enabling us to continue our work during the most challenging times," said Dr. Hong. "The flexibility and encouragement provided by the NSF grants allowed us to explore new, uncharted territories in the field."</p>



<p>As an optics researcher, NSF Program Officer Adam Wax expressed amazement at the research team’s novel application of fundamental physics. </p>



<p>"This team has used the Kramers-Kronig relationship in an exciting new way, showing how a strongly absorbing dye can make skin transparent," said Wax. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-frontier-in-skin-imaging">A new frontier in skin imaging</h2>



<p>This breakthrough in skin transparency could lead to applications in biology and medicine, ranging from more efficient diagnostic imaging to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/better-cancer-tests-produce-better-cancer-treatments/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">improved cancer treatments</a>.</p>



<p>As Dr. Hong’s lab continues to explore this exciting new field, the future of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-intelligence-diagnose-diseases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">medical imaging</a> looks remarkably clear.</p>



<p>However, it is important to note that this technique of transparent imaging tissues with dye has not yet been tested on humans. </p>



<p>The use of dyes in medical applications must always follow strict safety guidelines, and they should never be consumed or applied (to people or animals) without proper medical supervision.</p>



<p>Video Credit: Keyi "Onyx" Li/U.S. National Science Foundation</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adm6869" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a></em>.</p>



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Common food dye makes skin 'invisible' for medical imaging

Researchers are transforming how we visualize internal organs by rendering...

<p>Ever had that moment when you throw a rock into a pond and observe the ripples moving away from the spot? Now, imagine something similar happening, but on a much bigger scale -- in space. That's what happened when NASA's DART spacecraft made history by altering the path of a gigantic space rock hurling through the cosmos.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dart-mission-and-human-made-meteors">DART mission and human-made meteors</h2>



<p>In 2022, DART made more than just ripples, it made waves of debris in space. It strategically collided with the Dimorphos asteroid, causing a ripple effect that shifted its orbit around its larger sibling, the Didymos asteroid.</p>



<p>The interaction didn't just stop there. The impact kicked up an astronomical dust storm, a cloud of debris that may soon become a tad bit personal for us Earthlings and our rusty neighbor, Mars. </p>



<p>The most recent models suggest that some of the smaller meteoroids from this debris might make their way to both Earth and Mars.</p>



<p>Not to worry, though. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/turning-moon-soil-lunar-regolith-space-debris-into-building-materials/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">debris</a> shower won't be disastrous, but rather a sight to behold, quite safely from our terrains.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-planetary-defense-collaboration">Planetary defense collaboration </h2>



<p>With a diameter of about 160 meters, the small moon Dimorphos orbits the larger body Didymos in what is known as a binary asteroid system. </p>



<p>The DART <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/dart/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spacecraft</a>, or the Double Asteroid Redirect Test, made contact with Dimorphos on September 26, 2022.</p>



<p>The outcome? A significant shortening of Dimorphos' orbit around Didymos by half an hour. It was the first act in an international planetary defense collaboration - a literal game-changer.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hera-will-investigate-further">Hera will investigate further</h2>



<p>Now, who's going to clean up this mess? Enter ESA's <a href="https://www.esa.int/Space_Safety/Hera" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hera spacecraft</a>. Scheduled for launch this October, Hera will reach Dimorphos for a close-up "crash scene investigation," following the DART mission's impact.</p>



<p>"The DART impact offers a rare opportunity to investigate the delivery of ejecta to other celestial bodies, thanks to the fact that we know the impact location and that this impact was observed by the Italian LICIACube deployed from DART as well as by Earth-based observers," said ESA Hera mission scientist and co-author of this exciting development, Michael Kueppers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-will-dart-debris-reach-earth">Will DART debris reach Earth?</h2>



<p>To understand how the debris from the Dimorphos impact might reach us, it's essential to assess its speed. </p>



<p>“Our results indicate the possibility of ejecta reaching the gravitational field of Mars in 13 years for launch velocities around 450 m/s, while faster ejecta launched at 770 m/s could reach its vicinity in just seven years," explained Eloy Peña-Asensio, lead author of the study.</p>



<p>"Particles moving above 1.5 km/s could reach the Earth-Moon system in a similar timescale.”</p>



<p>However, whether the debris would indeed make it to Mars or Earth is subject to several factors. In essence, the location of the debris in the impact plume plays a deciding role.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-first-human-made-meteor-shower">First "human-made meteor shower"</h2>



<p>“In the coming decades, meteor observation campaigns will be crucial in determining whether fragments of Dimorphos, resulting from the DART impact, will reach our planet. If this happens, we will witness the first human-made meteor shower,” noted Peña-Asensio.</p>



<p>As for the consequential meteoroids, the largest ones would likely be about the size of a softball. These larger particles would burn up in Earth’s atmosphere. However, they might manage to slip through the thinner <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sky-cranes-are-shaping-the-future-of-mars-missions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Martian</a> atmosphere.</p>



<p>However, it's the smaller particles that move at higher speeds which stand a chance to reach the Earth's atmosphere. But there's no need to panic. We have plenty of time and resources to track the debris and ensure our safety.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-the-dart-mission">Significance of the DART mission</h2>



<p>The significance of the DART impact is not solely about potential meteor showers or altered space debris routes. It's also about the human spirit of curiosity, exploration, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-first-lunar-earth-flyby-gave-juice-spacecraft-successful-gravity-boost-to-jupiter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conquering new frontiers</a>.</p>



<p>"Our accurate knowledge of the impact site and impactor properties in terms of size, mass, and velocity plus the observations of the ejecta are what allowed us to estimate the long-term fate of the material leaving the Didymos system," said Michael Kueppers.</p>



<p>Hera, named after the Greek goddess of marriage, is expected to begin its investigation of the asteroid pair in late 2026. </p>



<p>According to ESA, the spacecraft will perform high-resolution mapping of Dimorphos, providing extremely valuable information for future asteroid deflection missions and science.</p>



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NASA: First 'human-made meteor shower' will light up Earth skies

Ever had that moment when you throw a rock into...

<p>Scientists have ventured to the far reaches of the solar system, at least virtually, to gather the most precise measurements of the faint glow that fills the universe. The combined light from all sources outside of the Milky Way galaxy is known as the cosmic optical background.</p>



<p>In a recent study, published in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3847/1538-4357/ad5ffc"><em>The Astrophysical Journal</em></a>, experts analyzed data from NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft, which flew past Pluto in 2015 and is now nearly 5.5 billion miles from Earth.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-faint-light-of-a-trillion-galaxies-nbsp">Faint light of a trillion galaxies&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The research addresses a seemingly simple but profound question, according to co-author Michael Shull, an astrophysicist at the <a href="https://www.colorado.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Colorado Boulder</a>: “Is the sky really dark?”&nbsp;</p>



<p>“At the dawn of time, the universe was a sea of light. But as it expanded, it cooled, dimmed, and matter came to the fore. Nearly 14 billion years after the Big Bang, space is now cold and dark,” noted the researchers.</p>



<p>“While our horizon encompasses almost a trillion galaxies that have formed over that time, they are terribly faint, and we need our most powerful telescopes to tally their presence directly.”</p>



<p>Although <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-space-is-even-darker-than-we-imagined/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space</a> appears black to human eyes, scientists believe it’s not entirely devoid of light. Over the course of cosmic history, trillions of galaxies filled with stars have come and gone, leaving behind a faint, almost imperceptible light - a sort of cosmic night light.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measuring-the-glow-of-the-universe-nbsp">Measuring the glow of the universe&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Shull and his team, led by Marc Postman from the <a href="https://www.stsci.edu/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Space Telescope Science Institute</a> in Baltimore, calculated the intensity of this faint glow. The findings suggest that the cosmic optical background is about 100 billion times dimmer than the sunlight that reaches Earth’s surface - far too faint for human eyes to detect.</p>



<p>The results may help scientists better understand the history of the universe since the Big Bang.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We’re kind of like cosmic accountants, adding up every source of light we can account for in the universe,” said Shull, nothing that this effort to quantify the cosmic optical background has fascinated scientists for nearly half a century.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fading-light-throughout-the-universe">Fading light throughout the universe</h2>



<p>Shull explained that after decades of research, astrophysicists believe they have a reasonably clear picture of how the universe evolved.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Galaxies first formed during a period called the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/during-the-cosmic-dawn-of-our-universe-empty-space-looked-very-different/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cosmic Dawn</a>, a few hundred million years after the Big Bang. The light from these galaxies reached its peak brightness about 10 billion years ago and has been gradually fading ever since.</p>



<p>Accurate measurements of the cosmic optical background could help confirm whether this understanding of the universe is correct - or if there might be hidden, undiscovered <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-map-all-of-the-matter-in-the-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">objects</a> contributing light to space. However, measuring this faint light isn’t easy, especially from Earth.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rare-opportunity-to-observe-the-universe-s-glow-nbsp">Rare opportunity to observe the universe’s glow&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The area around Earth is filled with dust and debris. Sunlight reflects off this material, obscuring any signals from the cosmic optical background.</p>



<p>“A metaphor I use is if you want to see the stars, you need to get out of Denver,” Shull said. “You have to go way out, right to the northeast corner of Colorado where all you have ahead of you are South Dakota and Nebraska.”</p>



<p>New Horizons has provided scientists with a rare opportunity to achieve something similar in space.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-horizons-mission">New Horizons mission</h2>



<p>The New Horizons mission has deep roots in Colorado. Alan Stern, who was a graduate student at the University of Colorado Boulder under Shull and former Senior Research Associate Jack Brandt, leads the mission. He is currently based at the <a href="https://www.swri.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southwest Research Institute</a> in Boulder, Colorado.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The spacecraft also carries the Student Dust Counter, an instrument designed and built by students at CU Boulder’s <a href="https://lasp.colorado.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics</a> (LASP).</p>



<p>During the summer of 2023, the research team aimed New Horizons’ Long Range Reconnaissance Imager (LORRI) at 25 different patches of sky.</p>



<p>Even at the outer edges of the solar system, the team still had to deal with excess light. For instance, the Milky Way galaxy sits within a halo that, like the solar system, contains dust. “You can’t get away from dust,” Shull noted. “It’s everywhere.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-cosmic-optical-background-nbsp">The cosmic optical background&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The researchers estimated how much light the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxies-like-our-own-milky-way-are-not-unique/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>’s halo could contribute and subtracted that from the data collected by LORRI. After accounting for all other sources of light, they were left with the faint glow of the cosmic optical background.</p>



<p>In scientific terms, this background equates to roughly 11 nanowatts per square meter per steradian (a steradian being a section of the sky with a width about 130 times the diameter of the moon).</p>



<p>Shull explained that this value aligns well with the number of galaxies scientists believe have formed since the Big Bang. </p>



<p>In other words, there doesn’t appear to be any mysterious objects, such as exotic particles, emitting significant amounts of light. However, the researchers can’t entirely rule out the possibility of such anomalies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-most-accurate-estimates-of-the-universe-s-glow-nbsp">Most accurate estimates of the universe’s glow&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The measurements are likely to remain the most accurate estimates of the universe’s glow for the foreseeable future. </p>



<p>New Horizons is using its remaining fuel for other scientific missions, and no other spacecraft are currently planned to venture into the cold and distant parts of space that New Horizons has explored.</p>



<p>“If they put a camera on a future mission, and we all wait a couple of decades for it to get out there, we could see a more exact measurement,” Shull concluded.</p>



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



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Faint glow that fills the universe is slowly dimming

Scientists have ventured to the far reaches of the solar...

<p>Where does a galaxy end and deep space begin? A recently published study on a gas clouds provides a bit of clarity on this question.</p>



<p>Galaxies aren't isolated entities floating in the void. They're surrounded by an invisible cloud of gas called the circumgalactic medium (CGM), which engulfs the visible galactic disc. </p>



<p>This gaseous halo constitutes about 70% of the galaxy’s mass excluding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/theory-gravity-exists-without-mass-so-dark-matter-does-not-exist/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dark matter</a>. Elusive till now, we've only been able to observe it indirectly, through the light absorbed from a background object like a quasar.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-piercing-through-the-cosmic-veil">Piercing through the cosmic veil</h2>



<p>Imagine trying to visualize an entire forest through a narrow beam of light. That's pretty much the challenge scientists faced while studying the gaseous cloud, until now. </p>



<p>However, a cutting-edge study has pierced through this cosmic veil, observing the CGM of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-holes-may-talk-to-galaxies-through-energetic-winds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy</a> located a whopping 270 million light years away.</p>



<p>The observed gas cloud extends a colossal 100,000 light years into space, while the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-galaxy-formation-occurred-much-faster-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">starlight from the galaxy's disc</a>, the part we see, extends only 7,800 light years from its center.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-galaxy-s-gas-in-action">Galaxy’s gas in action</h2>



<p>The lead author of the paper is Associate Professor Nikole M. Nielsen, a researcher with <a href="https://www.swinburne.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Swinburne University</a> and ASTRO 3D, and an Assistant Professor at the <a href="https://www.ou.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oklahoma</a>. </p>



<p>With an ensemble of researchers from across the globe, they studied the connection between hydrogen and oxygen from the galaxy’s center to the far ends of space.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-galaxy-s-influence">Galaxy's influence</h2>



<p>“We found it everywhere we looked, which was really exciting and kind of surprising,” says Dr. Nielsen. This observation traces out where the galaxy's influence ceases and where it becomes a part of what's surrounding the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-way-collision-may-change-everything-we-know-about-our-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy</a>. </p>



<p>It's like encountering a line in the cosmic sand, dividing the interstellar medium of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-way-galaxy-is-surrounded-by-massive-magnetic-fields/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy</a> from its CGM.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-galaxy-s-gas-cloud-conditions">Galaxy's gas cloud conditions</h2>



<p>“In the CGM, the gas is being heated by something other than typical conditions inside galaxies, this likely includes heating from the diffuse emissions from the collective galaxies in the Universe and possibly some contribution is due to shocks,” says Dr Nielsen.</p>



<p>“It's this interesting change that is important and provides some answers to the question of where a galaxy ends,” she says. </p>



<p>The Keck Cosmic Web Imager (<a href="https://www2.keck.hawaii.edu/inst/kcwi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">KCWI</a>) on the 10-meter Keck telescope in Hawaii made this groundbreaking discovery feasible.</p>



<p>“These one-of-a-kind observations require the very dark sky that is only available at the Keck Observatory on Mauna Kea,” said one of the paper’s authors, Swinburne’s Associate Professor Deanne Fisher.</p>



<p>The KCWI allows scientists to capture thousands of spectra simultaneously, changing how we measure and quantify the diffuse gas around galaxies. </p>



<p>Thanks to this instrument, it's the first time we've managed to take a snapshot of a galaxy's halo. This marks a revolutionary step in our understanding of galaxies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-piecing-together-the-galactic-puzzle">Piecing together the galactic puzzle</h2>



<p>The circumgalactic medium plays a huge role in that cycling of that gas.</p>



<p>According to Dr. Nielsen, being able to understand what the CGM looks like around galaxies of different types -- ones that are star-forming, those that are no longer star-forming, and those that are transitioning between the two -- we can observe differences in this gas. </p>



<p>"This might drive the differences within the galaxies themselves, and changes in this reservoir may actually be driving the changes in the galaxy itself," Dr. Nielsen explained.</p>



<p>How do galaxies evolve? How do they get their gas? Where does that gas go? The study adds another piece in solving the puzzle that is galaxy evolution. The CGM plays a vital role in the cycling of the gas, fueling galaxies' growth over time.</p>



<p>By observing difference in gas around varied types of galaxies -- star-forming, non-star-forming, and transitioning -- it unfolds the granular picture of how galaxies change and interact, and the potential impact they might have on each other.</p>



<p>So, the next time you look up at the sky, try to imagine the cosmic dance unfolding in front of your eyes – galaxies intermingling, evolving, and forming the universe as we know it.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41550-024-02365-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Astronomy</a>.</em></p>



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



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Galaxies are much bigger than we originally believed

Where does a galaxy end and deep space begin? A...

<p>A new study reveals that it may be possible to detect major earthquakes several days, or even months, before they strike. The research could ultimately revolutionize earthquake preparedness and response strategies.</p>



<p>A team of researchers led by Professor Társilo Girona of the <a href="https://www.gi.alaska.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UAF Geophysical Institute</a> has developed an innovative approach to earthquake prediction. The detection method utilizes advanced technology to monitor subtle seismic shifts that often precede significant tremors.</p>



<p>"Unraveling the precursory signals of potentially destructive earthquakes is crucial to understand the Earth’s crust dynamics and to provide reliable seismic warnings," noted the researchers.</p>



<p>"Earthquake precursors are ambiguous, but recent experimental studies suggest that robust warning signs may precede large seismic events in the short (day-to-months) term."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-machine-learning-can-detect-earthquake-precursors">Machine learning can detect earthquake precursors</h2>



<p>By detecting low-level tectonic unrest over large areas, the scientists aim to provide earlier and more accurate predictions of when and where major earthquakes might occur.</p>



<p>The research is a convergence of seismic activity studies and machine learning, specifically focusing on earthquake precursors. The UAF team collaborated with geologist Kyriaki Drymoni from <a href="https://www.lmu.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität</a> in Munich, Germany.</p>



<p>"Our paper demonstrates that advanced statistical techniques, particularly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/machine-learning-may-help-with-earlier-tsunami-detection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">machine learning</a>, have the potential to identify precursors to large-magnitude earthquakes by analyzing datasets derived from earthquake catalogs," said Professor Girona.</p>



<p>The researchers developed a computer algorithm to scan data for abnormal seismic activity, identifying meaningful patterns that could indicate an impending earthquake.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-case-studies-from-alaska-and-california">Case studies from Alaska and California</h2>



<p>Girona and Drymoni focused on two major earthquakes: the 2018 Anchorage earthquake with a magnitude of 7.1 and the 2019 earthquake sequence in Ridgecrest, California, which ranged from magnitudes 6.4 to 7.1.</p>



<p>The experts discovered that both <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-map-shows-75-percent-of-the-u-s-at-risk-of-damaging-earthquakes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seismic</a> shocks were preceded by approximately three months of unusual, low-magnitude regional seismicity. This activity spanned about 15 to 25 percent of Southcentral Alaska and Southern <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/over-1000-shallow-earthquakes-detected-in-california/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">California</a> leading up to each earthquake.</p>



<p>The Anchorage earthquake, which struck on November 30, 2018 at 8:29 a.m., caused significant damage to roads, highways, and buildings.</p>



<p>The researchers found that the probability of a major earthquake occurring within 30 days increased sharply to about 80 percent around three months before the quake.</p>



<p>This likelihood rose to approximately 85 percent just a few days before the event. Similar patterns were observed for the Ridgecrest earthquake sequence, beginning about 40 days before the first quake.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-precursor-activity-and-geological-causes">Precursor activity and geological causes</h2>



<p>Much of the unrest preceding these major earthquakes was detected as seismic activity with magnitudes lower than 1.5. </p>



<p>Girona and Drymoni propose that the low-magnitude precursor activity could be due to a significant increase in pore fluid pressure within a fault.</p>



<p>"Increased pore fluid pressure in faults that lead to major earthquakes changes the faults' mechanical properties, which in turn leads to uneven variations in the regional stress field," explained Drymoni. "We propose that these uneven variations control the abnormal, precursory low-magnitude seismicity."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advances-in-earthquake-research">Advances in earthquake research</h2>



<p>The study demonstrates that machine learning is enabling significant advances in earthquake research. "Modern seismic networks produce enormous datasets that, when properly analyzed, can offer valuable insights into the precursors of seismic events," noted Professor Girona.</p>



<p>"This is where advancements in machine learning and high-performance computing can play a transformative role, enabling researchers to identify meaningful patterns that could signal an impending earthquake."</p>



<p>However, the researchers caution against immediately deploying their algorithm in a new region without adequate training grounded in the historical seismicity of the area. </p>



<p>The experts emphasize the importance of testing the method in near-real-time scenarios to identify and address potential forecasting challenges.</p>



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



<p>The ability to produce dependable earthquake <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/volcanic-tremors-can-now-be-detected-to-forecast-eruptions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forecasts</a> carries profound implications for public safety, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natural-disasters-are-on-the-rise-but-hazard-plans-are-inadequate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">disaster preparedness</a>, and economic stability.</p>



<p>"Accurate forecasting has the potential to save lives and reduce economic losses by providing early warnings that allow for timely evacuations and preparation," said Girona. "However, the uncertainty inherent in earthquake forecasting also raises significant ethical and practical questions." </p>



<p>"False alarms can lead to unnecessary panic, economic disruption, and a loss of public trust, while missed predictions can have catastrophic consequences."</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-51596-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a></em>.</p>



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Can we detect major earthquakes months in advance?

A new study reveals that it may be possible to...

<p>It seems that the realm of dreams is not an exclusive human privilege. Incredible as it may sound, a certain kind of mushrooms -- the king oyster mushrooms or <em>Pleurotus eryngii</em> -- might be indulging in their own version of REM sleep, more like a dreaming robot.</p>



<p>When their sprawling mycelial networks flicker and pulse, their electrochemical responses mimic the activity of our brain cells. But what happens when we let these impulses run free for a while?</p>



<p>Here's where an inspiring collaboration between researchers from <a href="https://www.cornell.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cornell University</a> and the <a href="https://www.unifi.it/it" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Florence</a> kicks in. </p>



<p>The experts set a culture of king oyster mushrooms in control of a pair of tiny vehicles. What followed was almost surreal - these vehicles began to twitch and move across a flat surface!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fungal-roadways">Fungal roadways</h2>



<p>A series of meticulously planned experiments shed light on the surprising fact that we could use the mushroom's electrophysiological activity to transform environmental cues into instructions. These instructions, in turn, could command <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dancing-robots-the-future-of-human-robot-interactions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mechanical devices to move</a>.</p>



<p>"As we grew the mycelium into the electronics of a robot, the biohybrid machine began to sense and respond to the environment," explained Rob Shepherd, a materials scientist at <a href="https://www.cornell.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cornell</a> and the chief researcher for this project.</p>



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="9IjHNznxhv-3836479-12187" type="single"]</div>



<p>Is this the first time we've toyed with machines using organic matter? Certainly not. Evolution has had a head start of hundreds of millions of years to perfect organic machines that can sense, think, and move as we desire.&nbsp;</p>



<p>But the intriguing part is that the fungi kingdom remains an untapped treasure trove for cybernetic technology.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mushroom-with-a-robot-body">Mushroom with a robot body</h2>



<p>Fungi are remarkably resilient; they can be easily cultured, have simple requirements, and can survive in environments that many other organisms can't. These traits make molds and mushrooms incredibly enticing to engineers searching for robust living components for a wide range of needs, from sensory to computational.</p>



<p>Fungal threads, normally hidden from view, respond to changes in their surroundings as they navigate through soil in search of resources. Some species exhibit transmembrane activity that resembles our neural responses, providing researchers a possible way to tap into their enigmatic exchanges.</p>



<p>To harness this potential, the researchers fed algorithms based on the extracellular electrophysiology of P. eryngii mycelia into a microcontroller unit. They used spikes of activity triggered by a stimulus (UV light, in this case) to prompt mechanical responses in two types of mobile device.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-wheeling-dealing-mushroom">A wheeling, dealing mushroom?</h2>



<p>In controlled experiments, the team relied on signals from a fungal culture to direct the movements of a five-limbed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-soft-robot-crawls-moves-like-origami-folds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soft robot</a> and a four-wheeled untethered vehicle.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Remarkably, they were not only able to influence but also override the natural impulses produced by the fungi. The researchers had an impressive ability to harness the system's sensory abilities to reach a particular goal.</p>



<p>"It is also about creating a true connection with the living system. Because once you hear the signal, you also understand what's going on. Maybe that signal is coming from some kind of stresses. So you're seeing the physical response, because those signals we can't visualize, but the robot is making a visualization," explained study lead author Anand Mishra.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bridging-biology-and-technology">Bridging biology and technology</h2>



<p>The melding of natural organisms with technology poses fascinating questions about the future of robotics and bioengineering. </p>



<p>As we consider the potential applications of fungal-based systems, it becomes clear that such innovations could transcend conventional robot design, leading to creations that are not merely machines but rather living entities. </p>



<p>These biohybrids could exhibit adaptive behaviors, respond to environmental stimuli, and operate more efficiently in unpredictable conditions.</p>



<p>The fusion of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/household-robots-now-with-added-common-sense-and-ability-to-self-correct/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biology and technology</a> could revolutionize fields such as environmental monitoring, medical diagnostics, and even search-and-rescue operations, allowing us to employ living organisms in ways that enhance their inherent capabilities and versatility.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ethical-considerations-in-biohybrid-research">Ethical considerations in biohybrid research</h2>



<p>As we venture deeper into this exciting intersection of fungi and robotics, it is crucial to engage in thoughtful discourse regarding the ethical implications of biohybrid technology. </p>



<p>With the power to create living machines that can perceive and interact with their surroundings, we must consider the responsibilities associated with such innovations. What rights, if any, should these biohybrids possess? </p>



<p>How do we regulate the use of organic materials in our pursuit of technological advancement? Moreover, fostering public understanding and ensuring transparent communication about the potential risks and benefits will be pivotal in gaining societal support. </p>



<p>Addressing these questions from the outset will help establish a framework that guides our exploration of this burgeoning field in a manner that respects both scientific progress and ethical integrity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mushrooms-moving-robot-wheels">Mushrooms moving robot wheels</h2>



<p>While a mushroom-driven <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/origami-inspired-robots-mimic-the-behavior-of-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">robot</a> might appear far-fetched, the true value of the system could be more mundane yet especially crucial.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Imagine simpler mechanical setups interpreting complex changes in environmental cues to release precise amounts of nutrient or pesticide in soil, or responding to rising levels of pollutants and even reacting to changes in our own bodies.</p>



<p>There's a profound wisdom hidden in the whispers of mushrooms that we're yet to fully grasp. Given an opportunity, they might even break their silence and tell us what they're dreaming about. After all, if mushrooms can move wheels, there's not much they can't do.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/scirobotics.adk8019" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science Robotics</em></a>.</p>



<p>Video/Image Credit: Robert Sheperd</p>



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Mushroom is given a robot body and runs wild in fascinating video

It seems that the realm of dreams is not an...

<p>If you’ve ever watched a dolphin swimming, you might have wondered why they move their bodies up and down, unlike fish, which swim by moving side to side.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Even though dolphins have a fishlike appearance, they belong to a group of mammals known as cetaceans (which includes whales, dolphins, and porpoises). These animals are descendants of land-dwelling ancestors, much like cats, dogs, elephants, and humans.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transition-from-land-to-water">Transition from land to water</h2>



<p>Over time, cetaceans evolved and made profound changes to their bodies and skeletons to adapt to life in the water. Their hindlimbs reduced, they developed flippers and tail flukes, and their bodies <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/silky-shark-shatters-records-by-swimming-over-17000-miles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">streamlined</a> for efficient swimming. </p>



<p>Despite these significant changes, cetaceans still retain certain characteristics from their land-dwelling days, such as having lungs and nursing their young with milk.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The up-and-down motion of their swimming also reflects the vertical movements that allow land mammals to run fast. But how their backbone adapted during the transition from land to water, about 53 million years ago, remained a mystery - until now.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dolphins-developed-new-backbones">Dolphins developed new backbones</h2>



<p>A recent study sheds new light on how cetaceans’ backbones were reorganized as their ancestors adapted to aquatic life. This research, conducted by an international team of scientists, challenges previous beliefs about the structure of these marine mammals' <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-mammals-adaptable-backbones/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">backbones</a>.</p>



<p>The study found that, contrary to earlier assumptions, the backbone of cetaceans is highly regionalized, even though its shape is more uniform along its length compared to land mammals. However, the way this regionalization happens is drastically different from how it occurs in terrestrial mammals.</p>



<p>“When their ancestor went back into the water, whales and dolphins lost their hind legs and developed a fish-like body,” said lead author Amandine Gillet, a Marie Curie Fellow at <a href="https://www.harvard.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard University</a>’s Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology and the <a href="https://www.manchester.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Manchester</a>’s Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences.</p>



<p>“But that morphological change also means the vertebral column is now the main part of the skeleton driving locomotion in an aquatic environment.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-streamlined-movement-for-swimming">Streamlined movement for swimming</h2>



<p>In <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/behavior-of-land-mammals-changed-dramatically-during-covid-19-lockdowns/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">land mammals</a>, the vertebral column helps support the body, with the legs bearing the body’s weight. But when cetaceans transitioned to water, the forces acting on their bodies changed - gravity shifted to buoyancy, meaning their bodies no longer had to support their own weight on land.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This new environment required the backbones of dolphins and whales to adapt to allow for more fluid, streamlined movement in water. Previous studies focused on the shape of the vertebrae, looking for changes in their structure. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-history-of-backbones">Evolutionary history of backbones</h2>



<p>In 2018, co-authors Stephanie Pierce and Katrina Jones used a statistical method to study the backbone’s evolutionary history in terrestrial mammals. They demonstrated that, compared to amphibians and reptiles, land mammals have a much more regionally diverse vertebral column.</p>



<p>“It’s a challenge to understand how the regions of a terrestrial mammal can be found in whales and dolphins, and one reason is because their backbone looks very different in terms of morphology, even though they evolved from them,” said Pierce, senior author of the study and a professor of organismic and evolutionary biology at Harvard.</p>



<p>“They lost the sacrum, a fused string of vertebrae bracing the hind legs and a critical landmark needed to distinguish the tail from the rest of the body.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dolphin-and-porpoise-backbones">Dolphin and porpoise backbones </h2>



<p>Complicating matters, cetaceans' vertebrae became more homogeneous in appearance, making it harder to distinguish transitions between regions compared to land mammals, which have more distinct vertebrae changes.</p>



<p>“Not only do they have very similar vertebrae, but certain species, in particular porpoises and dolphins, have many more vertebrae than terrestrial mammals, with some species having close to 100 vertebrae,” said Jones, a presidential fellow in earth and environmental sciences at the University of Manchester.</p>



<p>“This makes it really challenging to translate regions found in terrestrial mammals to the backbones in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-like-societies-cetaceans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whales</a> and dolphins.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-identifying-patterns-in-the-backbone-nbsp">Identifying patterns in the backbone&nbsp;</h2>



<p>To overcome this, the team used a statistical method called Regions, which can identify patterns in the backbone despite the varying number of vertebrae in each species.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While this worked well for land mammals, cetaceans’ complex vertebrae counts presented computational challenges. Gillet, working with the Data Science Services team at Harvard, re-coded the program to handle the high vertebrae counts of cetaceans, resulting in the new software, MorphoRegions, which is now available for other researchers to use.</p>



<p>“This is definitely one of the biggest advances of our study,” said Pierce. “Amandine spent months refining the program so that it could analyze a system of high repeating units without crashing the computer.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-analyzing-an-extensive-dataset">Analyzing an extensive dataset</h2>



<p>Using the MorphoRegions method, Gillet analyzed data she collected during her PhD, examining 7,500 vertebrae from 139 specimens representing 62 cetacean species.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This extensive dataset allowed the team to see that the organization of the cetacean backbone differs from that of terrestrial mammals. Moreover, they found variations within cetaceans, identifying between six and nine regions depending on the species.</p>



<p>“We then worked from there to find commonalities across regions and identified a pattern common to all cetaceans, which is summarized by our Nested Regions Hypothesis,” said Gillet.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-movement-in-specific-tail-regions">Movement in specific tail regions</h2>



<p>This hypothesis suggests a hierarchical organization of the backbone, where the precaudal and caudal segments are divided into several modules, such as cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and fluke. Depending on the species, each module is further subdivided into regions, with some species having as many as nine post-cervical regions.</p>



<p>“Surprisingly, this showed us that, compared to terrestrial mammals, the precaudal segment has fewer regions, whereas the caudal area has more,” Pierce said.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Terrestrial mammals use their tails for various functions, but not usually for generating propulsive forces, like cetaceans do. Having more regions in the tail may allow for movement in very specific regions of the tail.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-backbones-habitats-and-swimming-speed-nbsp">Backbones, habitats, and swimming speed&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The team also explored how these backbone regions correlate with habitat and swimming speed. Species that live offshore, further from the coast, tend to have more vertebrae and regions, which likely helps them swim faster.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Meanwhile, species living closer to shore, such as in rivers and bays, tend to have fewer vertebrae and regions, allowing for more maneuverability.</p>



<p>“It’s a beautiful study,” Pierce said. “You go from dusty skeletons in a museum to showing how the backbone of one of the most charismatic groups of mammals was repatterned due to their aquatic environment.”</p>



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



<p>Next, the researchers plan to study how these regions relate to function, using data on vertebral flexibility to understand how the backbone evolved from supporting land movement to driving swimming.</p>



<p>These findings could even help scientists infer the swimming abilities of ancient whales, shedding light on how their backbones evolved from supporting land animals to propelling <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/infectious-disease-in-marine-mammals-is-driven-by-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine mammals</a> through water.</p>



<p>The research is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-51963-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a></em>.</p>



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Dolphins and whales got new backbones for life in the water

If you’ve ever watched a dolphin swimming, you might have...

<p>Researchers recently embarked on an exciting journey to Japan's Tambasasayama City, located in Hyogo Prefecture. This journey resulted in the discovery of <em>Sasayamagnomus saegusai</em>.</p>



<p>The teams focus was on exploring the extraordinary world of horned dinosaurs, including the iconic Triceratops.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sasayamagnomus-saegusai"><em>Sasayamagnomus saegusai</em></h2>



<p>This new dinosaur exhibits unique traits, distinctly different from known ceratopsians. Although it is an early ceratopsian, it lacked the large horns and frills that later <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/triceratops-dinosaurs-seem-to-have-developed-complex-social-structures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species like the Triceratops</a> are known for. </p>



<p>The study revealed dinosaur with a diminutive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-dinosaur-collagen-survived-the-test-of-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">body</a> length of only about 80 cm, and a mass of approximately 10 kg. </p>



<p>In fact, its internal bone structure and growth rings suggest it was still a growing individual when it died.</p>



<p>The genus name of <em>Sasayamagnomus saegusai</em> is inspired by the meaning, "a small humanoid spirit guarding hidden treasures under the ground of Sasayama," while the species name pays homage to the late Haruo Saegusa.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-this-tiny-triceratops">Significance of this tiny Triceratops</h2>



<p>This remarkable fossil find is more than just a set of bones. It includes as many as 17 bones, with the majority belonging to a single individual. </p>



<p>Upon studying thin sections of the tibia, it was revealed that <em>Sasayamagnomus saegusai</em> was likely a young, not fully <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alpkarakush-kyrgyzicus-new-dinosaur-was-t-rex-cousin-has-protruding-eyebrow/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">matured individual</a>.</p>



<p>The <em>Sasayamagnomus saegusai</em> isn't just unique; it's also a global traveler, figuratively speaking. It is closely related to ceratopsians from North America.</p>



<p>This fact suggests that ceratopsians, although originating in Asia, might have made the journey to North America around 110 million years ago during the mid-Cretaceous period.</p>



<p>Picture a time when the eastern part of the Eurasian continent and North America were linked by the Bering Land Bridge.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This connection facilitated the migration of animals between the two areas. Couple this scenario with extreme global warming, resulting in dense forests in the Arctic region, and you have a perfect backdrop for the migration and expansion of ceratopsians from Asia to North America.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-sasayamagnomus-saegusai">Understanding <em>Sasayamagnomus saegusai</em></h2>



<p>The discovery of&nbsp;<em>Sasayamagnomus saegusai</em>&nbsp;offers critical insights into the evolutionary pathways of ceratopsians. It challenges previously held notions about the timeline and geographical distribution of these fascinating dinosaurs.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By highlighting the diverse morphological characteristics of this ceratopsian, researchers can better understand the adaptive strategies employed by horned dinosaurs in response to their changing environments.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This finding by <a href="https://earthsci.carleton.ca/node/264" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michael Ryan</a> emphasizes the importance of fossil records in reconstructing the complex web of prehistoric life, illuminating how species evolved and interacted across disparate regions over millions of years.</p>



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



<p>As excitement mounts within the scientific community, the implications of <em>Sasayamagnomus saegusai</em> extend far beyond its immediate discovery. </p>



<p>Future research may focus on comparing its anatomical features with those of other ceratopsians, not only within Asia but also in North America and other continents. </p>



<p>Such <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/qunkasaura-pintiquiniestra-new-sauropod-dinosaur-discovered-in-spain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">comparative studies</a> could refine the understanding of ceratopsian evolution and migration patterns.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Additionally, this discovery opens doors for interdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging paleontologists and geologists alike to explore the impact of climate change on the habitats of these ancient creatures. </p>



<p>By piecing together this intricate puzzle, researchers can contribute significantly to the larger narrative of life on Earth, detailing how ancient organisms adapted to their environments and evolved over time.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-context-of-sasayamagnomus-saegusai">Ecological context of <em>Sasayamagnomus saegusai</em></h2>



<p>To comprehend the ecological significance of <em>Sasayamagnomus saegusai</em>, one must consider the environmental conditions of the mid-Cretaceous period in which it thrived. </p>



<p>During this era, the Earth was characterized by lush vegetation, with extensive forests and diverse flora providing abundant resources for herbivorous dinosaurs.</p>



<p>The presence of small horned dinosaurs like <em>Sasayamagnomus saegusai</em> suggests a diversity of ecological niches occupied by ceratopsians, each evolving distinct adaptations to survive within their respective habitats.</p>



<p>By investigating the isotopic composition of the bones, researchers may uncover the dietary preferences of <em>Sasayamagnomus saegusai</em>, further elucidating its role within the ecosystem.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-of-this-discovery">Implications of this discovery</h2>



<p>The implications of the <em>Sasayamagnomus saegusai</em> discovery extend into the broader field of paleontology, prompting a reevaluation of not only ceratopsian evolution but also how we understand <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cosmic-equivalent-of-a-blindfolded-full-court-shot-caused-the-dinosaur-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dinosaur biogeography</a> in general. </p>



<p>As scientists continue to unearth fossil evidence, the relationships between species can be mapped more accurately, revealing patterns of migration and adaptation that were previously obscured. </p>



<p>The paradigm shift induced by this discovery encourages a holistic approach to research, emphasising the interconnectedness of species and their environments through time. </p>



<p>Furthermore, it highlights the necessity of long-term field studies and interdisciplinary methodologies to fully grasp the complexities of prehistoric life on Earth.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-throwback-into-time">Throwback into time</h2>



<p>This fascinating journey we embarked on has led us from the buzzing streets of modern-day Tambasasayama City to a time when dinosaurs roamed the land.&nbsp;</p>



<p>It is an exploration into the world of dinosaurs, a time chronicle that underscores the dogged spirit of global migration, survival, and evolution. </p>



<p>This new discovery, the <em>Sasayamagnomus saegusai</em>, has truly left a foot...or a claw-print in the sands of time.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/spp2.1587" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Palaeontology</em></a>.</p>



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Tiny triceratops relative shakes up dinosaur migration theories

Researchers recently embarked on an exciting journey to Japan's Tambasasayama...

<p>The secret to avoiding red lights during rush hour in Salt Lake City might be as simple as following a bus. For the past few years, transportation officials have been refining a system in which commuter buses communicate directly with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/road-traffic-is-a-major-source-of-water-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">traffic</a> signals, requesting a few extra seconds of green when they approach.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This smart street technology has already made a noticeable difference, smoothing out congestion. And it's just a glimpse of what could be coming soon to roads across Utah and eventually the entire United States.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smart-cars-that-communicate">Smart cars that communicate</h2>



<p>With the help of a $20 million federal grant and a broader vision to “Connect the West,” the ultimate goal is to enable vehicles in Utah, Colorado, and Wyoming to communicate not only with each other but also with roadside infrastructure.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The smart car system would share real-time information about congestion, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/motorcycle-crashes-car-accidents/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">accidents</a>, hazards, and weather conditions. Drivers could instantly receive updates, suggesting alternate routes without the need for human input to manually update road signs or smartphone navigation apps.</p>



<p>“A vehicle can tell us a lot about what's going on in the roadway,” said Blaine Leonard, a transportation technology engineer at the <a href="https://www.udot.utah.gov/connect/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Utah Department of Transportation</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Maybe it braked really hard, or the windshield wipers are on, or the wheels are slipping. The car anonymously broadcasts to us that blip of data 10 times a second, giving us a constant stream of information.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smart-cars-transmitting-real-time-data">Smart cars transmitting real-time data</h2>



<p>When <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ants-are-now-using-cars-to-travel-spread-to-new-locations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cars</a> transmit this type of real-time data to other cars and roadside sensors, the technology is referred to as vehicle-to-everything, or V2X. Last month, the U.S. Department of Transportation unveiled a national plan to guide states, local governments, and private companies in implementing V2X projects, ensuring that everyone is working together toward the same goals.</p>



<p>The overarching goal of V2X is simple yet critical: to significantly reduce roadway deaths and serious injuries, which have reached alarming levels in recent years.</p>



<p>According to a 2016 analysis by the <a href="https://www.nhtsa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Highway Traffic Safety Administration</a>, V2X technology could help save lives. The research found that deploying just two early V2X applications nationwide could prevent between 439,000 and 615,000 crashes and save between 987 and 1,366 lives.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advocating-for-road-safety">Advocating for road safety</h2>



<p>Dan Langenkamp, whose wife, U.S. diplomat Sarah Langenkamp, was killed by a truck while biking in Maryland in 2022, has become a passionate advocate for road safety improvements. Speaking at the news conference unveiling the V2X blueprint, he urged the swift deployment of the technology across the U.S.</p>



<p>“How can we as government officials, as manufacturers, and just as Americans not push this technology forward as fast as we possibly can, knowing that we have the power to rescue ourselves from this disaster, this crisis on our roads,” said Langenkamp.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-privacy-concerns-with-transportation-technology-nbsp">Privacy concerns with transportation technology&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Despite its potential benefits, V2X has faced some public resistance, particularly around <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alexa-privacy-controls-do-not-eliminate-privacy-concerns/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">privacy concerns</a>. While the V2X plan includes measures to safeguard personal data, privacy advocates remain cautious.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Critics argue that even though the system may not directly track individual vehicles, it collects enough unique data - such as tire pressure or vehicle weight - that it could potentially be used to identify drivers and track their movements.</p>



<p>“Once you get enough unique information, you can reasonably say the car that drives down this street at this time that has this particular weight class probably belongs to the mayor,” said Cliff Braun, associate director of technology, policy, and research at the <a href="https://www.eff.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Electronic Frontier Foundation</a>, an organization that advocates for digital privacy.</p>



<p>The national V2X blueprint aims for the top 75 metropolitan areas in the U.S. to equip at least 25% of their signalized intersections with this technology by 2028, with even higher milestones in the years that follow. Salt Lake City, already a leader in V2X implementation, has surpassed 20%.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-benefits-of-connected-vehicle-technology-nbsp">Benefits of connected vehicle technology&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Upgrading traffic signals to communicate with vehicles is just one part of the challenge. The more critical data comes from the vehicles themselves. While many new cars are equipped with connected features, they don't all operate using the same standards.</p>



<p>Utah began testing connected vehicle technology with data from fleet vehicles like buses and snowplows, launching what it calls the nation's first radio-based connected vehicle system. </p>



<p>One pilot program focused on a busy stretch of Redwood Road, where traffic flow improved not just for buses but for all drivers.</p>



<p>“Whatever they're doing is working,” said Jenny Duenas, assistant director of Panda Child Care, which is located near Redwood Road. “We haven't seen traffic for a while. We have to transport our kiddos out of here, so when it's a lot freer, it's a lot easier to get out of the daycare.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reducing-congestion-and-improving-safety">Reducing congestion and improving safety</h2>



<p>Casey Brock, bus communications supervisor for the <a href="https://www.rideuta.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Utah Transit Authority</a>, noted that most drivers might not even notice the changes directly, but the improvements are significant. Even shaving a few seconds off a bus route can reduce congestion and improve safety.</p>



<p>“From a commuter standpoint it may be, 'Oh, I had a good traffic day,'” Brock said. “They don't have to know all the mechanisms going on behind the scenes.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-smart-cars-nbsp">The future of smart cars&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The push for smart roads is expanding beyond Utah. In Michigan, a 3-mile stretch of connected and automated vehicle infrastructure has been launched along Interstate 94 between Ann Arbor and Detroit.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The project uses sensors and cameras to provide real-time notifications about obstacles such as debris or stalled vehicles. </p>



<p>A similar project in Texas is developing a smart freight corridor near Austin to provide truck drivers with road condition updates and eventually support self-driving trucks.</p>



<p>Darran Anderson, director of strategy and innovation at the <a href="https://www.txdot.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Texas Department of Transportation</a>, sees the technology as key to improving safety in the state's massive freight industry.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decades-of-daily-road-fatalities-nbsp">Decades of daily road fatalities&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Texas has experienced over two decades of daily road fatalities, with the last death-free day recorded on November 7, 2000.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.cavnue.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cavnue</a>, a subsidiary of Alphabet's Sidewalk Infrastructure Partners, is leading the efforts in both Michigan and Texas, with a goal of becoming a leader in smart road technology. </p>



<p>Chris Armstrong, the company’s vice president of product, compares V2X to “a digital seatbelt for the car” but stresses that its effectiveness relies on seamless communication between vehicles and roadside infrastructure.</p>



<p>“Instead of speaking 50 different languages, overnight we'd like to all speak the same language,” Armstrong said.</p>



<p>The future of smart cars may be closer than we think, and the roads of tomorrow could be safer, smoother, and far more connected than ever before.</p>



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Smart cars that ‘talk’ to each other could avoid fatal crashes

The secret to avoiding red lights during rush hour in...

<p>The universe and its galaxies have always been a source of intrigue, a giant cosmic jigsaw puzzle. One significant piece of this puzzle that continues to stump scientists, and now AI algorithms, is dark matter. </p>



<p>In fact, 85% of all matter and around 27% of the universe's contents are presumed to be made of this invisible substance.</p>



<p>And its existence? Well, scientists are still not 100% sure. We can't see it and, so far, it's been <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-holes-are-not-the-secret-source-of-dark-matter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">notoriously hard to detect</a>. </p>



<p>But its fingerprint is everywhere. It has long been assumed that dark matter's gravitational pull is what keeps everything in the universe in place.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-theories-surrounding-dark-matter">Theories surrounding dark matter</h2>



<p>One of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/existence-of-dark-matter-confirmed-by-new-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">theories</a>, currently in the limelight, postulates that dark matter might be a particular kind of particle. </p>



<p>These particles are kind of lone wolves, hardly interacting with anything else, apart from gravity.</p>



<p>But some think that these particles might have a social side. They might, on occasion, interact with each other, a phenomenon known as self-interaction. </p>



<p>Detecting such interactions would be akin to finding breadcrumbs that lead us to understand more about dark matter's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-galaxy-jwst-er1g-dark-matter-einstein-ring-mystery-solved/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">characteristics</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-detecting-dark-matter-in-galaxies-with-ai">Detecting dark matter in galaxies with AI</h2>



<p>However, differentiating these elusive traces of dark matter self-interactions from other cosmic phenomena isn't a walk in the park. </p>



<p>For instance, let's consider active galactic nuclei (AGN), supermassive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-holes-are-not-the-secret-source-of-dark-matter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black holes</a> residing in the galaxy centers. </p>



<p>They're like the bullies of the cosmic playground; AGN feedback can shove matter around, and the effects can mimic those of dark matter.</p>



<p>This confusion has posed a big challenge -- how do we <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gravitational-waves-dark-matter-big-bang-breakthrough/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">distinguish between </a>the impact of AGN feedback and self-interacting dark matter?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enlisting-ai-to-detect-dark-matter">Enlisting AI to detect dark matter</h2>



<p>Cue in astronomer David Harvey from EPFL's <a href="https://www.epfl.ch/labs/lastro/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Laboratory of Astrophysics</a>. He decided to blend astronomy with artificial intelligence (AI) and created a deep-learning algorithm that could help unravel these complicated cosmic signals. </p>



<p>His research, published in <em>Nature Astronomy</em>, introduces a whole new perspective to the study of dark matter.</p>



<p>Harvey's innovative AI-based approach is all about distinguishing between the effects of dark matter self-interactions and AGN feedback. </p>



<p>It does this by scrutinizing images of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-matter-seen-separating-from-normal-matter-after-galaxy-cluster-collision/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy clusters</a> -- enormous groups of galaxies held together by gravity. </p>



<p>The beauty of this innovation is that it could boost the precision of dark matter studies significantly.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dark-matter-galaxies-and-ai">Dark matter, galaxies, and AI</h2>



<p>Let's delve into the specifics a little. Harvey trained a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), a kind of AI that excels at pattern recognition in images. </p>



<p>He fed the CNN with images from the <a href="https://www.astro.ljmu.ac.uk/~igm/BAHAMAS/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BAHAMAS-SIDM</a> project, which simulates galaxy clusters under different dark matter and AGN feedback scenarios.</p>



<p>After digesting thousands of simulated galaxy cluster images, the CNN developed the ability to differentiate the signals caused by dark matter self-interactions from those caused by AGN feedback.</p>



<p>Among various CNN architectures tested, the most complex one, charmingly named "Inception," turned out to be the most accurate. </p>



<p>Inception was trained on two main <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-matter-does-not-exist-universe-27-billion-years-old-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dark matter scenarios</a> with different levels of self-interaction. It validated its abilities on more complex models, including a velocity-dependent dark matter model.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impressive-results">Impressive results</h2>



<p>The results? Spectacular. Inception exhibited an accuracy of 80% under ideal conditions, effectively identifying whether the influence on galaxy clusters was from self-interacting dark matter or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supermassive-black-holes-are-very-messy-eaters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AGN feedback</a>.</p>



<p>It held its ground even when faced with realistic observational noise, the kind we would expect from future telescopes like Euclid.</p>



<p>This means that Inception and similar AI approaches could become crucial tools in interpreting the vast amounts of data we collect from space. </p>



<p>More importantly, Inception's ability to adapt to unseen data makes it reliable, marking it as a promising tool in the quest to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-matter-linked-to-supermassive-black-holes-in-early-universe-big-bang/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">better understand dark matter</a>.</p>



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



<p>The advancements brought forth by algorithms like Inception extend far beyond the realm of dark matter detection; they carry profound implications for our understanding of cosmology as a whole. </p>



<p>By improving our ability to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rare-cosmic-object-detected-gravitational-wave-signal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">discern subtle signals</a> within the cosmic noise, these innovative technologies enable researchers to refine their models of galaxy formation and evolution.</p>



<p>Understanding the interplay between dark matter and visible matter will drive us closer to answering fundamental questions about the structure of the universe, its expansion, and ultimately, its fate. </p>



<p>As we continue to probe the cosmos with ever-more sophisticated tools, the insights gleaned from such AI-driven analyses could reshape our narratives about the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/theory-gravity-exists-without-mass-so-dark-matter-does-not-exist/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">universe</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ongoing-quest-for-dark-matter-and-galaxies">Ongoing quest for dark matter and galaxies</h2>



<p>With new telescopes on the horizon set to collect unprecedented amounts of data, methods like Inception could be game-changers. </p>



<p>They could help scientists sift through data with speed and accuracy, potentially unmasking the true nature of the elusive dark matter.</p>



<p>This blend of astronomy and AI could open up a new era of understanding our universe. The hunt for dark matter continues, and it's definitely getting more exciting.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41550-024-02322-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Astronomy</a>.</em></p>



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



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

Separating dark matter from cosmic noise with the help of AI

The universe and its galaxies have always been a source...

<p>Have you ever thought about what exactly goes into your skincare products? You might be familiar with aloe vera, lavender, and vitamins, but did you know snail slime is also an incredibly popular ingredient? Yet, researchers have recently discovered something perhaps even more bizarre that could revolutionize your skincare routine: molecules produced by fish gut bacteria.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-fish-to-skincare-routine">Ocean fish to skincare routine</h2>



<p>The notion of sourcing cosmetic ingredients from fish guts may sound rather extreme. After all, there's hardly a less "glamorous" place.&nbsp;</p>



<p>But, remember, many life-saving drugs have been found in unexpected places. Penicillin, for instance, was discovered from a moldy petri dish.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Similarly, the current brain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/simple-lifestyle-changes-could-prevent-half-of-all-cancer-deaths/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer</a> <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/magic-mushrooms-are-the-most-popular-psychedelic-drug/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drug</a> candidate, Marizomib, has its roots in microbes found in the marine sediments at the bottom of the ocean.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seabream-microbes">Seabream microbes</h2>



<p>The research takes us to the western Pacific Ocean, home to two types of seabream fish: the red seabream and the blackhead seabream.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Interestingly, their gut microbes, identified in 1992 and 2016, have not been thoroughly studied till now. Enter researchers Hyo-Jong Lee and Chung Sub Kim, who were intrigued by the potential of these bacteria.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gut-bacteria-of-fish-and-skincare">Gut bacteria of fish and skincare</h2>



<p>After extensive research, Lee, affiliated with the Pukyong National University, and Kim, from the Korean Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, discovered 22 molecules produced by these gut bacteria.&nbsp;</p>



<p>But could any of these molecules benefit human skin? To answer this, they evaluated each molecule's ability to inhibit two enzymes: tyrosinase and collagenase.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fighting-wrinkles-and-dark-spots">Fighting wrinkles and dark spots</h2>



<p>Tyrosinase is responsible for melanin production, which can lead to hyperpigmentation in aging skin. Collagenase, on the other hand, breaks down the structural protein collagen, causing wrinkles.&nbsp;</p>



<p>So, any molecule that effectively inhibits these enzymes could potentially help to keep our skin youthful and bright.</p>



<p>After extensive testing, Lee and Kim found their winners. Three molecules from the red seabream gut bacteria were able to inhibit both enzymes effectively without causing any harm to the cells. In essence, they found potential new stars for the world of anti-wrinkle and skin-brightening <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-anti-aging-drug-interleukin-11-boosts-lifespan-prevents-cancer-gray-hair/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">products</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-fish-molecules-work-in-skincare">How the fish molecules work in skincare</h2>



<p>Understanding how these newly identified molecules interact with skin cells is crucial for future applications in skincare.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research team employed molecular docking studies to elucidate the binding sites of the inhibitory molecules on both tyrosinase and collagenase enzymes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By mimicking the natural substrates of these enzymes, the molecules were able to effectively obstruct their activity, thereby preventing excessive melanin production and collagen degradation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This pattern at the molecular level underscores the potential of these compounds not merely as ingredients, but as targeted treatments that engage with the skin's biochemistry in meaningful ways.</p>



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



<p>The discovery of natural molecules from seabream gut bacteria is opening up exciting new possibilities in cosmetic science. This could lead to more sustainable and effective ingredients in skincare products.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As researchers explore these bacteria further, consumers might enjoy not only better results but also a greater understanding of the ecological and biological connections that influence our health and beauty.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This could ignite a trend focused on harnessing ingredients sourced from deep-sea ecosystems, tapping into the unique properties of their diverse microbes. </p>



<p>By exploring these untapped resources, the skincare industry can promote a more holistic approach to beauty, prioritizing sustainability and innovation. This shift may lead to groundbreaking products that nourish the skin while respecting our planet.</p>



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



<p>Following these promising results, the next steps will involve further research and development to see if these molecules from fish gut can be effectively and safely utilized in skincare <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forever-chemicals-are-easily-absorbed-through-skin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">products</a>. Could these little molecules from fish guts be the next big thing in cosmetics? Only time will tell.</p>



<p>But isn't it fascinating how our quest for beauty and youthfulness leads us to the most unexpected corners of the world - even to the guts of a fish? </p>



<p>Remember, next time you apply your favorite cream or serum, a similarly surprising journey might be behind its inception. After all, beauty can really be found anywhere - even in the unexpected depths of the ocean.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.3c09585" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>ACS Omega</em></a>.</p>



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



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

Fish guts contain anti-wrinkle compounds for skincare products

Have you ever thought about what exactly goes into your...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<p>—–</p>

Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<p>—–</p>

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What caused the planet's longest ice age

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>

Social modeling affects our food choices

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVywlgRJXsc Some children read facial expressions when making food choices....

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JynHpMaNO8A
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chaotic cancer protein finally controlled after decades of mystery</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cancer-causing-protein-bound-and-blocked">Cancer-causing protein bound and blocked</h2>



<p>In a discovery that can one day revolutionize cancer treatment, researchers at the <a href="https://www.ucr.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Riverside</a> have successfully developed a means of controlling MYC, a notoriously slippery protein that causes approximately <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chaotic-protein-that-fuels-75-of-cancers-can-be-controlled/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">75% of all cancers in humans</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-makes-myc-different">What makes MYC different</h2>



<p>MYC presents a unique challenge when studying cancer. Normally, this protein plays a vital role in healthy cells. It carefully controls transcription - the process that converts genetic information from DNA and RNA into proteins.</p>



<p>However, cancer changes everything. In cancer cells, MYC becomes a destructive force. It operates in overdrive mode with no regulation whatsoever.</p>



<p>Professor Min Xue, who led the research team, explains it simply: "MYC is less like food for cancer cells and more like a steroid. It drives cancer's aggressive growth." This superactive behavior makes MYC involved in three out of every four cancer cases.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-myc-is-hard-to-target">Why MYC is hard to target</h2>



<p>Despite its clear role in cancer, targeting MYC has been one of medicine's biggest challenges. The main problem lies in MYC's unusual structure - or rather, its complete lack of structure.</p>



<p>Professor Xue describes the protein as "basically a glob of randomness." This means conventional drug discovery methods don't work. These traditional approaches rely on sharply defined protein structures. MYC simply doesn't have one.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A New Approach to Fighting MYC</h2>



<p>The UCR research team developed a clever solution. They designed a special peptide molecule that could selectively bind to MYC. More importantly, this peptide could block MYC's destructive activity.</p>



<p>The key was fine-tuning two specific features: the peptide's stiffness and its shape. Through careful adjustments, researchers achieved something remarkable. They reached "sub-micro-molar affinity" - meaning their peptide binds as strongly as antibodies do.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breakthrough-results">Breakthrough results</h2>



<p>This accomplishment represents a major leap beyond previous attempts. The researchers enhanced their peptide's binding strength by two orders of magnitude. This dramatic improvement brings the work significantly closer to practical drug development goals.</p>



<p>The research opens new possibilities for treating the vast majority of cancers where MYC plays a destructive role.</p>



<p>The researchers are presently optimizing peptide-delivery systems based on lipid nanoparticles that deliver the peptide effectively into cancer cells. The<a href="https://www.nih.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> National Institutes of Health</a> and the <a href="https://www.defense.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. Department of Defense</a> funded the study, which appeared in the Journal of the <a href="https://www.acs.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Chemical Society</a>.<br>This research offers renewed hope against cancer, and it can potentially open a door to more effective cancer therapies for most cancer patients worldwide.</p>



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

The protein that fuels 3 out of 4 cancers has been controlled

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JynHpMaNO8A Chaotic cancer protein finally controlled after decades of mystery...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y4eLFNYrKE
</div></figure>



<p>On the unforgiving landscape of North Greenland, temperatures drop and sunlight barely penetrates through the polar winter. It was here, however, that an international team of scientists found <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predatory-worms-were-terror-beasts-half-a-billion-years-ago/#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evidence of sea monsters</a> that would change our understanding of ocean life in the past.</p>



<p>This video captures the discovery of Timorebestia fossils that had been hidden for more than 500 million years in the Sirius Passet formation. The "terror beasts," as they are called, are a hidden chapter in the evolutionary history of <a href="https://www.earth.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth</a>, showing that sophisticated predator-prey interactions occurred much earlier than previously envisioned.</p>



<p>Dr. Jakob Vinther and his research team at the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a>, in collaboration with researchers at the <a href="https://eng.kopri.re.kr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Korean Polar Research Institute</a>, braved extreme weather conditions at 82.5 north latitude to locate these giant creatures. Using sophisticated electron microprobe analysis, they revealed the detailed anatomy of the animals, including their muscle and nerve tissues.</p>



<p>The find upsets the traditional timeline of sea predators.  Although we've long appreciated that Cambrian oceans were at one time ruled by <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWI3-UgA3_o&amp;list=PL1QLQMW9MWDwpkFOnvgAmu7wT6rZmYqdJ&amp;index=19" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">arthropods</a>, these discoveries indicate that relatives of arrow worms were first to dominate the seas.  These worms were building sophisticated food webs several million years before other predator groups arose.</p>



<p>Each fossil is a story of ancient hunger, with fossil stomach contents revealing these meter-long beasts dined on heavily armored arthropods regularly, cementing their place as the ocean's first apex predators.</p>



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



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y4eLFNYrKE On the unforgiving landscape of North Greenland, temperatures drop...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow3JH03PqEQ
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">New York is the site of the world's oldest forest.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-385-million-year-old-trees-discovered">385-million-year-old trees discovered</h2>



<p>Scientists have uncovered something extraordinary just two hours north of New York City. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-oldest-forest-discovered-close-to-new-york-city/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">world's oldest forest</a>, dating back 385 million years, offers a window into how Earth's first complex forests shaped our planet's atmosphere.</p>



<p>Located near <a href="https://townofcairo.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cairo, New York</a>, in Greene County, these weren't merely primitive plants struggling to survive. These were sophisticated trees with root systems remarkably similar to modern forests. This ancient woodland predates dinosaurs by 140 million years.</p>



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



<p>385 million years ago, upstate New York was a tropical paradise near the equator. Thanks to continental drift, this ancient forest has traveled thousands of miles to its current location.</p>



<p>The fossil forest sits in an abandoned quarry, roughly half the size of a football field. This represents just a slice of what was likely a massive forest system stretching from New York into Pennsylvania.</p>



<p>Charles Ver Straeten, curator of sedimentary rocks at the <a href="https://www.nysm.nysed.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York State Museum</a>, made the discovery in 2009. While scouting the former highway department property, his trained eye spotted wandering patterns in the stone that looked like marine features.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-revolutionary-age-and-preservation">Revolutionary age and preservation</h2>



<p>The site contains 385-million-year-old rocks with fossilized woody roots forming horizontal patterns up to 18 feet (5.5 meters) wide. As Christopher Berry, a paleobotanist at Cardiff University, explains: "You are walking through the roots of ancient trees."</p>



<p>This discovery pushes back advanced tree evolution by millions of years. The research, published in <em><a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a></em> in December 2019, fundamentally changes our understanding of when complex forests first emerged.</p>



<p>Researchers believe a massive flood buried the forest floor, creating perfect fossilization conditions. Over millions of years, sediment hardened into rock, preserving these root patterns like nature's time capsule.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meet-archaeopteris-the-first-modern-tree">Meet <em>Archaeopteris</em>: the first modern tree</h2>



<p>The star of this ancient forest is <em>Archaeopteris</em> – not to be confused with the feathered dinosaur <em>Archaeopteryx</em>. This tree was far older and more revolutionary.</p>



<p>William Stein from <a href="https://www.binghamton.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Binghamton University</a> describes the roots as "strikingly modern, essentially what you'd see outside in my yard right now." These weren't simple root systems you'd expect from ancient plants.</p>



<p>Some fossilized roots are six inches (15 centimeters) in diameter, forming 36-foot-wide (11-meter) patterns. These giants grew up to 65 feet (20 meters) tall with five-foot-diameter (1.5-meter) trunks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-changing-impact">Climate-changing impact</h2>



<p>These trees fundamentally changed Earth's environment. Kevin Boyce, a Stanford University geoscientist, explains how their deep roots triggered "weathering," chemical reactions that pulled carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.</p>



<p>This process dropped atmospheric CO2 levels from 10-15 times higher than today to roughly modern concentrations. These ancient trees helped create atmospheric conditions that made complex life possible.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-forest-ecosystem">Ancient forest ecosystem</h2>



<p>The forest was remarkably diverse. Scientists identified <em>Eospermatopteris</em>, palm tree-like plants with short roots that reached 30 feet (9 meters) tall but lacked woody structure. The forest also housed cladoxylopsids and a mysterious third species still being studied.</p>



<p>All reproduced through spores rather than seeds – millions of years before seeds evolved. This tropical environment had no grass, flowers, or flying insects, just towering trees creating Earth's first complex forest canopy.</p>



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



<p>Before this finding, the Gilboa forest, located 25 miles (40 kilometers) away, held the "oldest forest" title. Cairo's trees are 2-3 million years older, showing that complex forest ecosystems developed much faster than scientists believed possible.</p>



<p>Patricia Gensel, a <a href="https://www.unc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of North Carolina</a> paleobotanist, notes: "The size of those root systems is really changing the picture. Even 20 years ago, researchers assumed trees with such complex root systems didn't evolve so early."</p>



<p>The Cairo site presents three unique root systems, suggesting Devonian period forests were diverse ecosystems with different trees occupying different environmental niches, much like today's forests.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-preservation-efforts">Modern preservation efforts</h2>



<p>In 2022, New York State Senator Michelle Hinchey secured a $170,000 grant for the town of Cairo to construct specialized fencing around the fossil forest site. The town plans to conduct a feasibility study exploring the possibility of creating an educational center and working lab on-site.</p>



<p>Joe Hasenkopf, chair of the Cairo Planning Board, hopes to partner with educational institutions to create a research facility serving scientists, students, and the public.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lessons-for-today-s-climate">Lessons for today's climate</h2>



<p>Why does a 385-million-year-old forest matter today? It shows how dramatically forests can change Earth's climate. These ancient woodlands created the atmospheric conditions supporting complex life.</p>



<p>Understanding how prehistoric forests transformed the planet helps us appreciate modern forests' critical role in addressing climate change. Forests remain Earth's most effective carbon capture systems.</p>



<p>These prehistoric trees changed Earth's atmosphere by pulling massive amounts of carbon dioxide from the air. As we face modern climate challenges, this ancient forest reminds us of trees' incredible power to transform our planet's environment.</p>



<p>The next time you walk through a forest, remember you're experiencing an ecosystem whose blueprint was established 385 million years ago in upstate New York. These ancient pioneers didn't just survive – they thrived and changed the world forever.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em>Current Biology</em>.</p>



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



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

Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow3JH03PqEQ New York is the site of the world's oldest...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Veg4HmmRVZY
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Our bodies hits two 'aging cliffs' at these ages.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scientists-map-exact-ages-when-your-body-rapidly-ages">Scientists Map Exact Ages When Your Body Rapidly Ages</h2>



<p>Scientists have <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-bodies-begin-breaking-down-two-very-precise-ages/#google_vignette">discovered that aging</a> isn't the gradual, steady process many assume it to be. Instead, researchers from Stanford Medicine have found that our bodies undergo dramatic molecular changes at two specific ages: 44 and 60. This research, published in Nature Aging, reveals that aging happens in sudden bursts rather than smooth transitions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-two-waves-of-rapid-aging">Two waves of rapid aging</h2>



<p>The Stanford study tracked over 135,000 different molecules and microbes in 108 participants aged 25 to 75 over several years. Results showed that 81% of all molecules studied exhibited non-linear changes, meaning they shifted dramatically at certain ages rather than changing gradually over time.</p>



<p>Michael Snyder, chair of genetics at Stanford School of Medicine and the study's senior author, noted significant findings. "We're not just changing gradually over time; there are some really dramatic changes. It turns out the mid-40s is a time of dramatic change, as is the early 60s. And that's true no matter what class of molecules you look at."</p>



<p>The first wave of changes occurs around age 44, affecting molecules related to alcohol metabolism, caffeine processing, lipid <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/age-related-changes-in-metabolism-dont-match-our-expectations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">metabolism</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heart-disease-remains-the-leading-cause-of-death-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiovascular disease</a>, and skin and muscle function. The second wave hits around age 60, involving changes in carbohydrate metabolism, immune regulation, kidney function, and again cardiovascular and muscle health.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-happens-during-these-aging-bursts">What happens during these aging bursts</h2>



<p>During the mid-40s transformation, researchers observed significant changes in how the body processes alcohol and fats. This period often coincides with increased stress levels in many people's lives, potentially contributing to lifestyle factors that accelerate these molecular shifts.</p>



<p>"It's possible some of these changes could be tied to lifestyle or behavioral factors that cluster at these age groups, rather than being driven by biological factors," Snyder explained. For instance, alcohol metabolism dysfunction might result from increased consumption during the typically stressful mid-40s period.</p>



<p>The changes at age 60 are perhaps less surprising, as this is when many age-related diseases begin to manifest more prominently. The molecular shifts affect immune function and kidney health, both critical for maintaining overall wellness as we enter our senior years.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-latest-research-confirms-aging-patterns">Latest research confirms aging patterns</h2>



<p>Recent 2025 studies have validated these findings. Research examining tissue samples from 76 people found similar aging patterns, noting an "inflection point" between ages 45 and 55.</p>



<p>Scientists discovered that blood vessels, particularly the aorta, age fastest among all body tissues. This vascular aging may drive aging in other body parts, highlighting cardiovascular health's central role in the aging process.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cellular-changes-and-microbiome-shifts">Cellular changes and microbiome shifts</h2>



<p>The Stanford research revealed that these aging bursts affect our microbiome – the trillions of bacteria, viruses, and fungi living in and on our bodies. These microbial communities undergo substantial shifts during both aging periods, potentially affecting everything from digestion to immune function.</p>



<p>Additionally, researchers found that protein production and gene expression begin to fall out of sync as we age. This breakdown in cellular communication becomes especially pronounced during the two aging waves, contributing to the accumulation of damaged proteins associated with diseases such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alzheimers-may-not-be-brain-disorder-important-data-was-fabricated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alzheimer's</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-implications-and-longevity-considerations">Health implications and longevity considerations</h2>



<p>Understanding these aging patterns has important implications for healthcare strategies. Research suggests that people should pay particular attention to their health during their 40s and 60s, when these dramatic molecular changes occur.</p>



<p>Snyder emphasized the importance of proactive health measures. "I'm a big believer that we should try to adjust our lifestyles while we're still healthy," he noted. This might include increasing exercise to protect heart health and maintain muscle mass, or reducing alcohol consumption in the 40s as the body's ability to metabolize it declines.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-approaches-to-anti-aging-treatment">New approaches to anti-aging treatment</h2>



<p>Aging research has seen notable advances in 2025. Harvard Medical School scientists developed chemical cocktails that reverse cellular aging without genetic modification. These six combinations restored aged cells to youthfulness in under a week, offering safer alternatives to gene therapy.</p>



<p>Researchers identified new biomarkers like "InflammAge," a saliva-based test measuring chronic inflammation associated with aging. This non-invasive approach could change how we monitor aging and intervention.</p>



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



<p>Emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, cellular reprogramming, and senolytic therapies, are opening new possibilities for extending healthspan. Companies develop treatments targeting aging's fundamental mechanisms rather than just managing age-related diseases.</p>



<p>The Stanford findings provide a roadmap for implementing preventive measures. Rather than waiting for symptoms, people can prepare for and potentially mitigate these predictable aging waves.</p>



<p>As aging understanding evolves, one thing becomes clear: aging isn't inevitable decline, but specific biological events we may learn to prevent or reverse. The key is recognizing when these transitions occur and taking proactive health steps during vulnerable periods.</p>



<p>The study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/nataging" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Aging</a></em>.</p>



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



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

Scientists discover we age in bursts

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Veg4HmmRVZY Our bodies hits two 'aging cliffs' at these ages....

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqlF0XKzHY4
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The hidden science behind tickling.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scientists-discover-the-brain-s-tickling-command-center">Scientists discover the brain's 'tickling command center'</h2>



<p>Researchers have finally solved one of humanity's most enduring mysteries: why we can't <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/after-centuries-of-debate-we-still-dont-know-how-tickling-works/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tickle</a> ourselves and what makes some people incredibly ticklish while others barely react? Recent scientific discoveries are revolutionizing our understanding of this peculiar human behavior.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breakthrough-discovery-in-the-brain">Breakthrough discovery in the brain</h2>



<p>In 2023, Dr. Michael Brecht's team at <a href="https://www.hu-berlin.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Humboldt University</a>-<a href="https://www.hu-berlin.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Berlin</a> made a major discovery published in the <a href="https://www.cell.com/iscience/fulltext/S2589-0042(22)01991-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">journal <em>Neuron</em></a>. They identified the brain's actual "tickling command center" – specific neurons in a region called the periaqueductal gray that control both tickling responses and play behavior.</p>



<p>When researchers used cutting-edge optogenetic technology to shut down these neurons in laboratory rats, something remarkable happened. The animals completely lost their ability to be tickled or engage in playful behavior.</p>



<p>"We found that global blockade of the rat periaqueductal gray with either muscimol or lidocaine interfered with ticklishness and play," the research team reported in their study.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-two-types-of-tickling-revealed">Two types of tickling revealed</h2>



<p>What we call "tickling" is two completely different phenomena, according to the latest research. Light tickling – that feathery sensation that makes you want to scratch – is essentially your body's sophisticated bug detection system. This alerts you to potential insects or parasites on your skin.</p>



<p>Deep tickling – the kind that makes you laugh uncontrollably – involves complex brain circuits and is fundamentally social. You literally cannot tickle yourself with this type of stimulation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-self-tickling-is-impossible">Why self-tickling is impossible</h2>



<p>Your cerebellum acts like a prediction machine, recent findings show. When you move your own hand to touch yourself, your brain generates precise predictions about what you will feel and then cancels out the tickling sensation through neural inhibition.</p>



<p>When someone else tickles you, your brain can't predict their movements, so the full tickling response activates. It's like your brain's way of distinguishing between self and others.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-individual-differences-explained">Individual differences explained</h2>



<p>Individual differences in ticklishness depend on genetics, psychology, and even trust. Dr. Xinzhong Dong at <a href="https://www.jhu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Johns Hopkins University</a> notes that people with denser nerve endings tend to be more sensitive.</p>



<p>Psychological factors matter just as much. You respond more strongly when tickled by people you trust, and anxiety completely shuts down tickling responses. This explains why the same physical stimulus can produce completely different reactions depending on who's doing the tickling.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-controlling-your-ticklishness">Controlling your ticklishness</h2>



<p>Science offers answers for controlling your ticklishness. You can reduce tickling sensitivity through systematic desensitization – gradual exposure in controlled settings.</p>



<p>Dr. Konstantina Kilteni's 2025 research, published in <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adt0350" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a></em>, reveals another technique: place your hand on the tickler's hand. This allows your brain to partially predict the sensations, reducing the tickling response by up to 90 percent.</p>



<p>"Your brain is essentially learning to override its own reflexes," Kilteni explained in her review of tickling research.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-purpose-discovered">Evolutionary purpose discovered</h2>



<p>From an evolutionary perspective, tickling serves vital functions according to <a href="https://www.umd.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Maryland</a> researcher Dr. Robert Provine's extensive studies. It trains our defense reflexes for vulnerable body areas and facilitates social bonding between family members.</p>



<p>Tickling-induced laughter is actually one of the first forms of communication between infants and caregivers. "Tickle involves a neurological self/nonself discrimination, providing the most primitive social scenario," Provine noted in his research.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clinical-applications-emerge">Clinical applications emerge</h2>



<p>Research shows people with autism spectrum disorder perceive touches as more ticklish than people without the condition. Investigating this difference could provide insight into brain differences and help advance autism research.</p>



<p>People with schizophrenia tend to experience self-touches similarly to external tickles, allowing them to essentially tickle themselves. This suggests altered sensory prediction mechanisms in the condition.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-animal-research-reveals-universal-nature">Animal research reveals universal nature</h2>



<p>Scientists have discovered that many species beyond humans are ticklish. Rats emit ultrasonic "laughs" when tickled, while chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans all respond to tickling stimulation.</p>



<p>This widespread occurrence across species suggests that tickling serves fundamental biological and social functions that evolved long before humans developed complex language and culture.</p>



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



<p>Dr. Kilteni argues that tickling research deserves more scientific attention. "It is a complex interplay of motor, social, neurological, developmental, and evolutionary aspects," she stated in her recent review.</p>



<p>New haptic technologies and advanced research methodologies now permit scientists to investigate tickle sensation with unprecedented precision. Standardized experimental methods using mechanical tickling devices ensure consistent results across studies.</p>



<p>Recent findings published in <em>Science Advances</em> show that tickling research is opening new doors in neuroscience, potentially leading to a better understanding of social behavior, sensory processing, and neurological conditions.</p>



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



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

Scientists solve the mystery of tickling

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqlF0XKzHY4 The hidden science behind tickling. Scientists discover the brain's...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elr4948_uOU
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dr. Ronald Mallett from the University of Connecticut reveals secret mission to create working time travel device.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-could-an-equation-truly-bend-time-a-physicist-s-decades-long-quest-to-rewrite-reality">Could an equation truly bend time? A physicist's decades-long quest to rewrite reality</h2>



<p>Imagine the impossible: stepping back through time in a time machine, not in fantasy, but through a scientific endeavor driven by profound personal loss. For <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astrophysicist-says-hes-cracked-the-equation-for-time-travel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Ronald Mallett</a>, a distinguished astrophysicist and professor emeritus at the <a href="https://uconn.edu/">University of Connecticut</a>, this deeply human longing has fueled a lifelong mission. He claims to have discovered the equation that could unlock temporal displacement, pushing boundaries once deemed purely science fiction.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-profound-grief-that-forged-a-vision">A profound grief that forged a vision</h2>



<p>Mallett's extraordinary pursuit began with devastating tragedy in 1955. At merely 10 years old, he endured his father Boyd's sudden death—a television repairman whose passion for science had ignited a similar spark in his young son. Boyd Mallett, only 33, succumbed to a heart attack, leaving behind a grief-stricken child searching for solace.</p>



<p>That solace came through H.G. Wells' <em>The Time Machine</em>. Within its pages, Mallett found a captivating concept: "Time is only a kind of Space." These words transformed from a literary phrase into a guiding principle, becoming the driving force behind his unwavering commitment to unraveling time's fundamental mysteries.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-humble-beginnings-to-academic-heights">From humble beginnings to academic heights</h2>



<p>Mallett's journey was far from straightforward. After serving in the Air Force during the Vietnam War era, he utilized the GI Bill for higher education, earning his Ph.D. in physics from Pennsylvania State University in 1973 at the age of 28.</p>



<p>In 1975, he made history as the first African American professor in the University of Connecticut's physics department, achieving full professorship in 1987 before retiring in 2024 as professor emeritus.</p>



<p>Throughout these successful academic years, Mallett harbored his radical ambition as a closely guarded secret. "I kept my time travel goal a secret," he confessed. "I worried people would think I was nuts." His public research centered on black holes, serving as a "cover story" while he quietly developed his revolutionary time travel theory.</p>



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



<p>His pivotal insight arrived while hospitalized for a heart condition—a profound irony given his father's heart attack started this journey. The breakthrough was elegantly simple yet revolutionary: "If gravity can bend time, and light can create gravity, then light can bend time."</p>



<p>"It turns out that black holes can create a gravitational field that could lead to the creation of time loops that could allow us to go back in time," he explained.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-blueprint-for-a-temporal-vortex">The blueprint for a temporal vortex</h2>



<p>Mallett's vision for a functioning time machine replicates spacetime-warping phenomena around black holes. He offers a compelling analogy: "Picture a cup of coffee. Stir it with a spoon, and the coffee swirls. A spinning black hole does the same to spacetime."</p>



<p>In Einstein's general relativity, the universe is a dynamic fabric woven from space and time. Massive objects like black holes warp this fabric—an effect we perceive as gravity. Mallett theorizes that an intense, continuous, circulating beam of light from a ring of powerful lasers could replicate this gravitational torsion, effectively twisting time into a loop.</p>



<p>This "time loop" would theoretically allow information—or perhaps matter—to travel backward in time. He detailed this mathematical concept in his 2006 autobiography, <em>Time Traveler: A Scientist's Personal Mission to Make Time Travel a Reality</em>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-published-research-and-recognition">Published research and recognition</h2>



<p>His work, published in respected journals including <em><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/physics-letters-a" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Physics Letters A</a></em> and <em><a href="https://link.springer.com/journal/10701" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Foundations of Physics</a></em>, suggests circulating laser light could generate gravitational fields potent enough to create closed timelike curves, enabling time travel for data.</p>



<p>Mallett's research has gained worldwide media attention, featured on <a href="https://www.thisamericanlife.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Public Radio's <em>This American Life</em></a>, the <a href="https://www.history.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">History Channel</a>, and <a href="https://www.today.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBC's <em>Today Show</em></a>. The widespread interest reflects both his compelling personal story and rigorous scientific approach.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-galactic-hurdles-and-persistent-skepticism">The galactic hurdles and persistent skepticism</h2>



<p>While Mallett's equations captivate imagination, the path to reality faces immense obstacles. The energy requirement is staggering—Mallett acknowledges needing "galactic amounts of energy," far beyond current technological capabilities.</p>



<p>There's also a poignant limitation: even if realized, his machine could only send information back to when it was first activated, meaning it couldn't transport him to 1955 to prevent his father's death.</p>



<p>The scientific community remains skeptical. Physicists Ken Olum and Allen Everett argue that Mallett's proposed laser ring would need to be larger than the observable universe to achieve the necessary spacetime distortion. They invoke Stephen Hawking's chronology protection conjecture, suggesting physics may prevent macroscopic time travel.</p>



<p>Astrophysicist Paul Sutter has voiced doubts about Mallett's underlying mathematics, while science writer Brian Clegg finds the concept intriguing enough to warrant experimental investigation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-legacy-that-transcends-time">A legacy that transcends time</h2>



<p>Now approaching 80, Dr. Mallett remains steadfast. "I believe my work will show time travel is possible," he asserts. "Future generations will build on it in ways we can't yet imagine."</p>



<p>His equations, though yet to physically bend time, have bent our collective imagination. Ongoing public interest, evidenced by his continued media appearances and Spike Lee's film adaptation of his memoir, underscores his ideas' profound impact.</p>



<p>More than a scientific pursuit, Mallett's story testifies to human resilience, intellectual courage, and hope's enduring power. Whether his theoretical time machine ever materializes, his legacy is immeasurable—inspiring countless individuals to challenge conventional limits and perceive time not as an unyielding barrier, but as a boundless frontier awaiting exploration.</p>



<p></p>



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

Retired professor claims he solved time travel

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elr4948_uOU Dr. Ronald Mallett from the University of Connecticut reveals...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prrq8Ql81zk
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Acid rain and a crisis solved.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-don-t-we-ever-hear-about-acid-rain-anymore-the-environmental-crisis-that-was-solved">Why don't we ever hear about "acid rain" anymore? The environmental crisis that was solved</h2>



<p>Remember the 1980s when acid rain dominated headlines? Dire warnings about rain eating buildings, killing fish, and destroying forests filled every news cycle. Then, almost like magic, acid rain vanished from public discourse. What happened? Did we actually solve one of the late 20th century's most pressing environmental challenges?</p>



<p>The answer might surprise you. Unlike many environmental issues that drag on indefinitely, acid rain represents one of modern history's most successful ecological recovery stories. It's a tale of science, politics, and technology working together to tackle what seemed impossible.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What was acid rain?</strong></h2>



<p>Acid rain isn't regular rain having a bad day – it's precipitation that became significantly more acidic due to air pollution. When power plants, factories, and vehicles burn fossil fuels, they release sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) into the atmosphere.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The science behind it</strong></h2>



<p>Think of acid rain as nature's chemistry experiment gone wrong. These compounds react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to form sulfuric and nitric acids. When mixed with water vapor in clouds, they create precipitation with dangerously low pH levels.</p>



<p>While clean rain has a pH of about 5.6, acid rain could drop as low as 4.2 to 4.4 – roughly as acidic as tomato juice or coffee. According to US Geological Survey documentation, Scottish chemist Angus Smith first coined "acid rain" in 1872, but it didn't become a household phrase until the 1960s and 1970s when Swedish scientist Svante Odén documented its devastating effects on Scandinavian lakes and European forests.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The crisis at its peak</strong></h2>



<p>During the height of public concern, environmental damage was both widespread and visible. This wasn't some abstract future threat – people could see destruction happening in real-time.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Environmental devastation</strong></h2>



<p>The most dramatic impacts were impossible to ignore. Research documented by the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation shows that in the Adirondack Mountains, more than 200 lakes became so acidic they couldn't support fish life. The Adirondack Council reports that 409 lakes once supported brook trout, but many lost their fish populations due to acid rain.</p>



<p>By 1976, when scientists cataloged all acidified lakes in the Adirondack Park, researchers found that half of the lakes over 2,000 feet above sea level had no fish, according to studies published in environmental journals. The acidification process worked like a slow-motion disaster. As acid rain fell into watersheds, it gradually lowered pH levels. Fish couldn't survive in acidic water, and their food sources died off too.</p>



<p>Trees at high elevations showed stress directly linked to acid rain. It weakened them by leaching nutrients and making them susceptible to disease. Historical records show Germany's Black Forest saw nearly half its trees damaged by the mid-1980s.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic impact</strong></h2>



<p>Acid rain wasn't just environmental – it was expensive. Acidic precipitation corroded infrastructure, buildings, and monuments. Historic stone structures deteriorated at accelerated rates. Tourism suffered as lakes became fishless and forests declined. EPA economic analyses from the period documented repair costs mounting into billions annually.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The solution: government action and technology</strong></h2>



<p>Transformation from crisis to success required unprecedented cooperation between governments, industries, and environmental groups.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The Clean Air Act of 1990</strong></h2>



<p>The turning point came with the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, signed by President George H.W. Bush. This represented a fundamentally new approach to environmental regulation, as documented in EPA historical records.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Cap-and-trade success</strong></h2>



<p>Instead of mandating specific technologies, the 1990 amendments introduced something revolutionary: a cap-and-trade system for sulfur dioxide emissions. EPA program documentation shows this market-based approach set overall limits but allowed companies to trade emission allowances.</p>



<p>The genius was harnessing market forces to find cost-effective pollution reduction. Companies reducing emissions cheaply could sell excess allowances to those facing higher costs. Research published in environmental economics journals and EPA progress reports shows this resulted in dramatic SO2 reduction at a fraction of projected costs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Technology advances</strong></h2>



<p>Policy provided the framework, but technology made reductions possible. Studies in atmospheric science journals document the widespread adoption of flue gas desulfurization systems ("scrubbers") that removed sulfur dioxide before it reached the atmosphere. By the 2000s, new installations could remove over 95% of SO2 emissions, according to EPA technical reports.</p>



<p>The push coincided with cleaner energy development. Natural gas produces fewer sulfur compounds than coal. Wind and solar, emerging in the 1990s, captured growing market share, reducing reliance on high-sulfur coal.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-we-don-t-hear-about-it-today"><strong>Why we don't hear about it today</strong></h2>



<p>Why did acid rain disappear from headlines? Simple: the problem was largely solved.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Success doesn't make news</strong></h2>



<p>There's an old journalism saying: "If it bleeds, it leads." Environmental success stories don't generate urgency like crisis reporting. Media attention shifted to other challenges: climate change, plastic pollution, and biodiversity loss. There's only so much environmental anxiety the public can absorb, and newer concerns replaced acid rain.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Mission accomplished</strong></h2>



<p>The primary reason is beautifully simple: interventions worked. EPA monitoring data shows sulfur dioxide emissions dropped over 90% since 1990. Academic research published in environmental science journals confirms pH levels in formerly affected areas returned closer to normal. This represents one of history's most dramatic environmental recoveries. Studies by the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation show fishless lakes now support healthy populations. Forests recovered, and building damage slowed dramatically.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-is-it-really-gone"><strong>Is it really gone?</strong></h2>



<p>The crisis is largely resolved, but monitoring data shows the problem isn't completely eliminated – it's managed to acceptable levels. Some areas still experience occasional events during high pollution periods. International environmental research indicates that rapidly industrializing Asian countries face similar problems to what we experienced decades ago, though they're implementing successful strategies.</p>



<p>EPA research shows nitrogen oxide emissions proved more challenging than sulfur dioxide, coming from vehicles and mobile sources. Climate science studies suggest changing weather patterns add complexity to how acid rain forms and falls.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What this teaches us</strong></h2>



<p>The acid rain experience proves that seemingly intractable environmental problems can be solved with scientific understanding, political will, and technological innovation. Environmental monitoring data shows recovery speed was remarkable – within a decade, measurable improvements appeared in air quality and ecosystem health.</p>



<p>Success came from bipartisan support across party lines. Policy analysis studies show the market-based approach appealed to those preferring economic incentives while achieving environmental goals. This support created lasting policy surviving political changes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Conclusion</strong></h2>



<p>Acid rain's disappearance from public consciousness represents environmental science's greatest success stories. Through effective regulation, technological innovation, and international cooperation, we transformed an overwhelming crisis into a manageable challenge.</p>



<p>Today's silence isn't because we forgot – it's because we solved it. The 1990 Clean Air Act, combined with technology and energy market changes, reduced acid rain emissions over 90%, according to comprehensive EPA data analysis.</p>



<p>This success offers hope for current challenges. It proves complex problems can be solved when science, policy, and technology work together. As we face climate change and plastic pollution, acid rain reminds us that dramatic positive change is possible.</p>



<p>Next time someone asks whether environmental regulations work, remember acid rain. It's proof that sometimes, we get it right.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<p><strong>Sources:</strong> <em>This article draws from EPA official documentation and progress reports, peer-reviewed research published in environmental and atmospheric science journals, historical data from the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation records, US Geological Survey publications, policy analysis studies, and environmental monitoring data collected over three decades.</em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions</strong></h2>



<p><strong>1. Is acid rain completely gone?</strong> No, but EPA monitoring shows it's reduced to manageable levels. US sulfur dioxide emissions dropped over 90% since 1990, making acid rain much less severe than the 1980s crisis.</p>



<p><strong>2. How long did solving take?</strong> Environmental monitoring data shows significant improvements began within 5-10 years of 1990s emission controls. Full ecosystem recovery took longer – some areas need 20-30 years for complete recovery.</p>



<p><strong>3. What made the solution successful?</strong> Clear scientific understanding, visible damage motivating action, bipartisan support, available technology, and innovative market-based policies like cap-and-trade.</p>



<p><strong>4. Do other countries have acid rain problems?</strong> Yes, particularly rapidly industrializing Asian countries. However, international environmental research shows many implement similar successful control strategies.</p>



<p><strong>5. Could acid rain return?</strong> Potentially, if regulations weaken or we return to high-sulfur coal without controls, though effects would take years to become severe according to environmental projections.</p>



<p><strong>6. Can you recommend any teaching tools on the subject of "acid rain"?</strong> The United States Environmental Protection Agency produced a wonderful teacher's guide for ages 14 and under that you can find on the EPA website here: <a href="https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-03/documents/teachersguide.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-03/documents/teachersguide.pdf</a></p>



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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



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



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<p>Probiotics - beneficial microbes that balance gut bacteria and aid digestion - are typically fragile and can be destroyed by stomach acid or processing. </p>



<p>Prebiotics act as food for these microbes, helping them thrive. Together, they form "synbiotics," a powerful health combination.</p>



<p>Researchers Smriti Gaur and Shubhi Singh from India's Jaypee Institute of Information Technology took an innovative approach, using natural prebiotics like corn and honey instead of complex processing methods. </p>



<p>They created five chocolate varieties: a control and four synbiotic versions containing different combinations of prebiotics, probiotics (Lactobacillus strains), and flavor enhancers (cinnamon or orange).</p>



<p>Laboratory simulations of human digestion showed the probiotics remained viable for over five hours, suggesting they could survive long enough to benefit gut health.</p>



<p>Taste tests were positive, with researchers particularly enjoying the orange-flavored variety, describing it as having "vibrant citrus notes" complementing the "rich cocoa" with a "luxurious" texture.</p>



<p>This research represents just the beginning. With further refinement of strains, textures, and flavors, chocolate could evolve beyond mere indulgence to become a functional food that nourishes while it delights.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsfoodscitech.4c00741" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACS Food Science &amp; Technology</a>.</p>

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

Scientists are transforming chocolate into a functional food by infusing...

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Nushagak Bay, a large estuary in southwest Alaska. Nushagak runs mainly north to south and exits in Bristol Bay, a large body of water in the Bering Sea.</p>



<p>"The bay is primarily fed by the Nushagak River, which begins in the Alaska Range and flows southwest approximately 450 km. The bay is also fed by several additional rivers including the Wood, Igushik, Snake and Weary rivers," says ESA.</p>



<p>"The dark colors of the Nushagak River are most likely due to tannins or lignins (chemical substances found in plants). Tannins and lignins from roots, leaves, seeds, bark and soil can leach into the water and give it a brown or even black colour. The sediments then flow southwards where it is mixed with the bluer waters of the bay."</p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: ESA</em></p>



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



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> (ACS) reveals that proteins on flu viruses are actually flexible, tilting and waving in a “breath-like” motion. According to the experts, these proteins could be used to better defend against the flu.</p>



<p>"The main antigenic targets of influenza virus are two surface glycoproteins, hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA). Whereas the structural and dynamical properties of both glycoproteins have been studied previously, the understanding of their plasticity in the whole-virion context is fragmented," wrote the researchers.</p>



<p>To investigate, the team conducted detailed simulations of the influenza A H1N1 virion, or the swine flu. The experts concluded that the visualizations show many new vulnerable states of flu viruses, which could improve future vaccines and antiviral drugs.</p>



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



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



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Lake Trasimeno, which is located west of Perugia in central Italy. It is the fourth largest lake in the country. While Trasimeno’s water level varies, it has a maximum depth of approximately six meters.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"In this Copernicus Sentinel-2 image, captured on 6 August 2022, the lake’s emerald green colour is likely due to the presence of phytoplankton. Streaks in the water, particularly visible in the west, indicate the presence of soil and sediments which have been stirred up by winds. Dark colored waters in the southern part of the lake indicate a presence of submerged and floating macrophytes (aquatic plants) as well as algae," says ESA.</p>



<p>"Surrounded by hills on three sides, Trasimeno is subject to heavy storms created by winds, especially from the north and west. There are three islets in the lake: Maggiore, Minore and Polvese (the largest). The lake’s shores are sparsely inhabited with only two popular villages: Castiglione del Lago and Passignano sul Trasimeno."</p>



<p>"Italy is experiencing its worst drought in 70 years which has affected drinking water supplies, hydroelectric power and agricultural production. High temperatures, hot winds and lack of rainfall are the main causes of drought in the Umbrian region which saw Lake Trasimeno’s drop 1.3 m, reaching the limit of the hydrometric zero in July 2022."</p>



<p><em>Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;</em></p>



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



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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