<p>Male mice can learn to be aggressive just by watching. The twist is that the effect shows up after they see familiar cage mates fight, not strangers, and it appears to run through a specific hub in the brain.</p>



<p>This work adds a new layer to the classic <a href="https://www.simplypsychology.org/bystander-effect.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bystander effect</a>, shifting the focus from helping behavior to the spread of hostile actions. It also highlights observational <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fish-oil-omega-3-capsules-have-been-found-to-help-control-aggression/">learning</a>, the process of picking up behavior by seeing others do it.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aggression-in-male-mice">Aggression in male mice </h2>



<p>Jacob C. Nordman of Southern Illinois University School of Medicine (<a href="https://www.siumed.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SIU</a>) and his team designed a simple setup. Mice watched either known peers or unfamiliar mice attack intruders for 10 minutes, then were tested 30 minutes later in their own resident territory.</p>



<p>In a new <a href="https://www.jneurosci.org/content/early/2025/08/18/JNEUROSCI.1018-25.2025" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">paper</a>, the researchers report that only male witnesses who had observed familiar fighters showed a later uptick in attacking. Females did not show the effect, and observing strangers did not change later behavior.</p>



<p>The group chose this design to separate mere exposure to violence from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/geese-guide-the-flock-with-boldness-not-aggression/">social</a> context of the model. Familiarity turned out to be the on switch for later aggression in males.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-circuit-of-aggression">Brain circuit of aggression</h2>



<p>The experiments point to the amygdala, a region important for emotion and social signals. Within it, the medial amygdala contains a posterior ventral subdivision that previous work ties to aggression priming.</p>



<p>Prior <a href="https://www.jneurosci.org/content/40/25/4858" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research</a> showed that repeated attacks strengthen connections from this MeApv node to downstream targets that control how often and how long mice attack. That background helped in framing the new results.</p>



<p>The team recorded neural activity in this area during the witnessing phase using fiber photometry, a population recording method that reads calcium-linked fluorescence in defined cells. A recent <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11582208/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">review</a> describes how this approach lets scientists monitor activity in freely moving animals.</p>



<p>Signals in excitatory MeApv neurons rose when males watched familiar peers attack, but not when they watched unfamiliar fighters. The pattern fits a model where recognized peers engage circuitry that prepares, or primes, an aggressive state.</p>



<p>“We previously found that these neurons are involved in an ‘aggression priming’ <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dopamines-role-in-male-aggression-fades-with-fighting-experience/">effect</a>,” said Nordman. The new study tested whether simply seeing known peers act aggressively would recruit the same circuit.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-familiarity-matters">Why familiarity matters</h2>



<p>Social identity shapes imitation in many species. In humans, a long term longitudinal <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12661882/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> shows that heavier exposure to violent media in childhood predicts more aggressive behavior in young adulthood, even after accounting for important confounders.</p>



<p>A <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/204790" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">meta-analysis</a> from 2006 revealed consistent short-term and long-term links between violent media exposure and aggressive behavior, thoughts, and arousal. That literature helps explain why repeated observation can change later actions.</p>



<p>In mice, familiarity may heighten relevance, salience, or identification with the model. The selective MeApv activation during familiar observations hints that the brain tags familiar peers differently, which can bias later choices toward attack.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-confirming-the-role-of-neurons">Confirming the role of neurons </h2>



<p>To move beyond correlation, the team manipulated the MeApv neurons during observation. Chemogenetic silencing cuts the later aggression that usually follows watching familiar fighters, which argues the activity is necessary.</p>



<p>The reverse effect was also observed. Activating the same neuron population while males watched strangers, who normally do not trigger the effect, made later attacks more likely.</p>



<p>Related animal <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnins.2024.1433993/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evidence</a> indicates that acute social defeat in adolescence drives long lasting aggression by recruiting MeApv neurons. Putting the findings together, MeApv emerges as a convergence point for both direct experience and observational routes to aggression.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tools-for-tracking-aggression">Tools for tracking aggression</h2>



<p>Terms like chemogenetics and optogenetics describe ways to control defined neurons. Chemogenetics uses engineered receptors that respond to a designer drug to turn cells down or up for minutes to hours.</p>



<p>Optogenetics uses light sensitive ion channels to switch activity with millisecond timing. In this study, chemogenetics handled inhibition and activation during the viewing window, while photometry tracked the activity patterns that predicted later <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gorillas-adjust-their-aggression-based-on-risk-and-reward/">behavior</a>.</p>



<p>These tools let scientists pose causal questions about circuit nodes. If turning down a node prevents the learned behavior, and turning it up installs the behavior when it would not otherwise appear, that node likely sits on a necessary pathway.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-limitations-and-next-steps">Study limitations and next steps</h2>



<p>The work uses mice, so direct translation to people needs care. Sex differences showed up clearly here, and the effect depended on social familiarity, which may play out differently in human groups.</p>



<p>Time scales also matter. The observation lasted 10 minutes and the test came 30 minutes later, so the results speak to short term acquisition expressed soon after witnessing.</p>



<p>Future studies can ask how long the familiarity gated effect lasts and whether repeated observing builds stronger, longer lived priming. Experts can also examine whether adolescence, stress history, or social rank change how the MeApv encodes familiar aggression.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-this-matters-for-everyday-life">Why this matters for everyday life</h2>



<p>Social environments can nudge biology in ways that push behavior. The results suggest that who you watch may matter as much as what you watch when it comes to aggressive scripts.</p>



<p>Public health and education strategies often target exposure volume. Adding social identity and relationship context to that conversation could make prevention efforts more precise.</p>



<p>Circuit level insights can also guide ideas for intervention. If a specific node reads social familiarity and primes later attack, targeted behavioral training or neuromodulation approaches could aim to disrupt that readout before it turns into action.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.jneurosci.org/content/early/2025/08/18/JNEUROSCI.1018-25.2025" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>JNeurosci</em></a>.</p>



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Male aggression may be triggered by the influence of friends

Male mice can learn to be aggressive just by watching. The twist is that the effect shows up after they see familiar cage mates fight, not strangers, and it appears to run through a specific hub in the brain. This work adds a new layer to the classic bystander effect, shifting the focus from helping behavior to the spread of hostile actions. It also highlights observational learning, the process of picking up behavior by seeing others do it. Aggression in male mice Jacob C. Nordman of Southern...

<p>One of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet might be closer than you realize - right inside your <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/kids-dislike-for-vegetables-caused-by-microbes-in-the-mouth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mouth</a>. This bustling environment hosts over 500 species of bacteria, which form structured communities known as biofilms. </p>



<p>Almost all of these bacteria reproduce through binary fission, where a single mother cell divides into two daughter cells.</p>



<p>However, new research from the <a href="https://www.mbl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marine Biological Laboratory</a> (MBL) and <a href="https://forsyth.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ADA Forsyth</a> reveals an extraordinary mode of cell division in <em>Corynebacterium matruchotii</em>, a common bacterium found in dental plaque. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-multiplying-mouth-bacteria">Multiplying mouth bacteria</h2>



<p>Unlike typical bacteria, <em>C. matruchotii</em> undergoes multiple fission, a rare process where a single cell divides into multiple cells simultaneously. The study, published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2408654121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</em></a>, uncovers this unique division mechanism.</p>



<p>The research team discovered that <em>C. matruchotii</em> can produce up to 14 new cells at once, depending on the size of the original cell. Notably, these bacteria only extend growth from one end of the filament - a process known as “tip extension.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microbial-community-of-dental-plaque-nbsp">Microbial community of dental plaque&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Within the dental plaque biofilm, <em>C. matruchotii</em> acts as a structural scaffold. Dental plaque is just one of many microbial communities within the broader human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-microbiome-trillions-of-bacteria-unique-like-your-fingerprint/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbiome</a>, a complex environment of microorganisms living harmoniously within a healthy body. </p>



<p>The research provides insight into how these bacteria proliferate, compete for resources, and maintain structural integrity within dental plaque.</p>



<p>“Just as coral forms reefs and trees create forests, <em>Corynebacterium</em> in dental plaque forms a dense, bushy structure that supports a variety of other bacterial species,” explained Jessica Mark Welch, a senior scientist at ADA Forsyth and adjunct scientist at MBL.</p>



<p>“These biofilms are like miniature rainforests. Bacteria interact dynamically as they grow and divide. We believe that <em>C. matruchotii</em>’s unique cell cycle helps it establish dense networks at the core of the biofilm,” added lead author Scott Chimileski, a research scientist at MBL.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growth-strategy-of-mouth-bacteria-nbsp">Growth strategy of mouth bacteria&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study builds on a 2016 research paper that utilized an imaging technique known as CLASI-FISH (combinatorial labeling and spectral imaging fluorescent in situ hybridization) to visualize the spatial organization of dental plaque.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The earlier study revealed that filamentous <em>C. matruchotii</em> cells form the backbone of structures resembling “hedgehogs” within the plaque.</p>



<p>The current research delves deeper into the biology of <em>C. matruchotii</em>, using time-lapse microscopy to observe how these filamentous cells grow.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Rather than providing a static image of this microbial environment, the scientists captured real-time dynamics of bacterial growth, interactions, and the remarkable growth strategy of <em>C. matruchotii</em>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fundamental-biology-of-mouth-bacteria">Fundamental biology of mouth bacteria</h2>



<p>“To understand how various <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-and-imprint-new-era-dna-transformation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacteria</a> collaborate in the plaque biofilm, we need to grasp the fundamental biology of these microorganisms that reside exclusively in the human mouth,” Welch said.</p>



<p>Despite regular brushing, dental plaque reappears, which led the scientists to estimate that <em>C. matruchotii</em> colonies can grow up to half a millimeter per day.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Although other <em>Corynebacterium</em> species are found in different parts of the human body, such as the skin and nasal cavity, these species do not exhibit the same elongation or multiple fission behavior.</p>



<p>“This unique growth strategy might have evolved due to the competitive nature of the dental plaque environment,” Chimileski suggested.</p>



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



<p><em>C. matruchotii</em> lacks flagella, which means it cannot move actively. Researchers speculate that its distinctive elongation and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cells-shape-successfully-reproduce/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cell division</a> strategies might serve as a means to explore its environment, similar to how fungal mycelia or soil-dwelling <em>Streptomyces</em> bacteria operate.</p>



<p>“If these cells can move towards nutrients or interact with other species to form beneficial relationships, it could help us understand how the spatial organization of plaque biofilms develops,” Chimileski said.</p>



<p>Study co-author Gary Borisy, a principal investigator at ADA Forsyth and former director of the MBL, noted that it is remarkable that our mouths harbor a microbe with such a unique reproductive strategy. "The next step is to explore how this strategy impacts oral and overall health.”</p>



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



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Bacteria in your mouth multiply in a very unique way

One of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet might...

<p>Each year, a new spotlight shines on the different facets of youth culture - whether it's the newest fashion trend, the hottest technology, or the latest mental health concern. </p>



<p>For the last couple of years, experts have illuminated a growing phenomenon: the widespread use of e-cigarettes, or vaping, among teens.</p>



<p>But there's an added complication that's now emerging, and it's one that chills the blood a bit more than the cool vapor these devices expel.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-teens-vaping-and-mental-health">Teens, vaping, and mental health</h2>



<p>Concerning evidence from a recent study on vaping behavior among Australian high school students has revealed a distressing link between depressive symptoms and the likelihood of e-cigarette use.</p>



<p>The research shows that students who reported severe depressive symptoms were more than twice as likely to have used <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-media-use-increases-smoking-vaping-risks-among-youth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">e-cigarettes</a> than those who reported none of these symptoms.</p>



<p>A broad brush was used in this study, not narrowing in on one specific mental health issue but casting a wider net to include facets like severe depressive symptoms, moderate and high stress levels, and low well-being.</p>



<p>The data painted a consistent picture: higher e-cigarette use among those with poorer mental health.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mental-health-and-vaping-prevention">Mental health and vaping prevention</h2>



<p>This data serves as a wake-up call for the need to address mental health hand-in-hand with vaping prevention, precisely at the critical juncture when these issues first rear their heads - early adolescence.</p>



<p>The research team surveyed over 5,000 7th and 8th grade students across 40 schools in New South Wales, Queensland, and Western Australia from May to October 2023.</p>



<p>By doing so, they created one of the largest datasets on adolescent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vaping-linked-to-lower-sperm-counts-and-testicular-damage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vaping</a> in Australia, and the results offer us valuable insights.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-teen-vaping-rates">Teen vaping rates </h2>



<p>Ultimately, 5,157 students contributed to the study, of which 8.3 percent admitted to having used e-cigarettes before.</p>



<p>But here's the crunch: e-cigarette use was 74 percent higher among students who reported moderate stress. In those reporting high levels of stress, it was 64 percent higher. </p>



<p>And when we look at students reporting low well-being, e-cigarette use jumps to a staggering 105 percent higher compared to their counterparts with high well-being.</p>



<p>Surprisingly, anxiety symptoms seemed to break this trend, showing no association with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/frequent-vaping-exposes-teens-to-toxic-metals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">e-cigarette use</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ourfutures-vaping-trial">OurFutures vaping trial</h2>



<p>The data collected was part of a larger initiative - the OurFutures Vaping Trial. This initiative holds the distinction of being the first, and currently only, clinical trial of a school-based e-cigarette prevention program in Australia.</p>



<p>Under the stewardship of Dr. Lauren Gardner from the University of Sydney’s Matilda Centre and Professor Nicola Newton, the OurFutures Vaping Trial aims to test if vaping uptake can be thwarted in Australian adolescents.</p>



<p>Gardner highlights the lack of data that exists on the relationship between adolescent vaping and mental health, particularly within the unique Australian context. </p>



<p>This is alarming, considering the concurrent rise of vaping and mental health <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/teen-vaping-rates-surge-despite-health-risks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">issues among youth</a>. Hence, there is a sense of urgency to navigate this complex landscape and to develop prevention and early intervention strategies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-a-global-perspective">Building a global perspective</h2>



<p>The findings of this study are not exclusive to Australia. They echo the results of research conducted in the United States and other countries, which show a link between adolescent e-cigarette use and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress.</p>



<p>“There is a growing body of evidence of a relationship between vaping and mental health: vaping has been linked with the onset of mental health problems, and vice versa,” noted co-author&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sydney.edu.au/medicine-health/about/our-people/academic-staff/emily-stockings.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Associate Professor Emily Stockings</a>&nbsp;from the Matilda Centre.</p>



<p>“Although not explored in our study, it is possible that this relationship can be explained by shared social, environmental and genetic risk factors, or it may point to possible self-medicating behaviors.</p>



<p>“In the short term, nicotine may reduce feelings of anxiety and stress, and young people may be reaching for vapes as a coping mechanism.</p>



<p>“Regardless of whether mental ill-health influences smoking or vice-versa, it is clear that if we are to prevent vaping onset, we need to address mental health at the same time.”</p>



<p>The study is published in the <em><a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/00048674241267908" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Australian &amp; New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry</a>. </em></p>



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Teen vaping rates are doubled by stress and depression

Each year, a new spotlight shines on the different facets...

<p>Did you know there is a lot more to our planet than meets the eye? We're talking about a completely new, doughnut-shaped region discovered within the Earth's liquid core by scientists from The Australian National University (ANU).</p>



<p>This region, with its unique doughnut-shaped structure, provides vital insights into the dynamics of our planet's magnetic field.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovering-the-doughnut-in-earth-s-liquid-core">Discovering the 'doughnut' in Earth's liquid core</h2>



<p>The doughnut-shaped region is nestled only at low latitudes and lies parallel to the equator, residing where the liquid core meets the mantle. </p>



<p>This area could only be revealed recently, thanks to the meticulous efforts of <a href="https://www.anu.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ANU</a> seismologists. The Earth's core comprises two parts: a solid inner core and a liquid outer core. </p>



<p>Both are enveloped by the Earth's mantle. Our newly discovered region sits at the top of Earth's outer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-inner-core-rotation-has-begun-moving-backwards/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">core</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seismic-waves">Seismic waves</h2>



<p>Professor Hrvoje Tkalčić, the study's co-author and a geophysicist at ANU, shares some insights into this unusual feature. </p>



<p>Seismic waves, he says, move slower in this newfound region than anywhere else in the liquid outer core.</p>



<p>"The region sits parallel to the equatorial plane and is confined to the low latitudes, forming a doughnut shape," remarks Tkalčić. </p>



<p>However, the precise thickness of the 'doughnut' still eludes the team. They estimate that it could stretch a few hundred kilometers beneath the core-mantle boundary.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-innovative-approach">Innovative approach</h2>



<p>Tkalčić and his team took a unique approach to this discovery by deviating from traditional seismic wave observation techniques. </p>



<p>Rather than focusing on signals generated by earthquakes within the first hour, the ANU scientists chose to delve deeper, analyzing similarities in waveforms several hours after the earthquake's origin. This innovative method led to their breakthrough discovery. </p>



<p>By meticulously scrutinizing the geometry of the waves' paths and their journey through the outer core, they successfully reconstructed their travel times, thus revealing the previously unknown region with low seismic speeds.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-s-liquid-core-doughnut-mysteries">Earth's liquid core 'doughnut' mysteries</h2>



<p>Dr. Xiaolong Ma, another study co-author, explains that this discovery sheds light on some yet unsolved mysteries of Earth's magnetic field dynamics. </p>



<p>Dr. Ma emphasizes that understanding the Earth's outer core still requires multidisciplinary efforts from seismology, mineral physics, geomagnetism, and geodynamics.</p>



<p>The outer core, predominantly composed of liquid iron and nickel, plays a crucial role in generating Earth's magnetic field. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/earth-magnetic-field_doughnut-shaped-region_schematic_credit-Science-Advances_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/earth-magnetic-field_doughnut-shaped-region_schematic_credit-Science-Advances_1s.webp" alt="Ray path of K* feature, schematic of the OC heterogeneity, and absolute PKIKP travel time residuals. Credit: Science Advances" class="wp-image-1943533"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Ray path of K* feature, schematic of the OC heterogeneity, and absolute PKIKP travel time residuals. Credit: Science Advances</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>This is primarily due to the vigorous movement of the electrically conductive liquid within the core. The magnetic field thus created acts as a protective shield around Earth, sustaining life by shielding us from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-magnetic-field-dances-with-solar-wind/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar winds</a> and harmful radiation.</p>



<p>Tkalčić suggests that understanding the Earth's outer core's composition, particularly the presence of light chemical elements, is pivotal for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-magnetic-field-is-shifting-and-putting-navigation-at-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">comprehending the magnetic field</a> and predicting its potential weakening or cessation.</p>



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



<p>The discovery of the doughnut-shaped region not only enriches our understanding of Earth’s inner workings but may also have far-reaching implications for geophysical research and our comprehension of tectonic activities. </p>



<p>By providing a more nuanced view of the outer core, scientists can refine existing models of mantle dynamics and improve forecasts regarding seismic activities. </p>



<p>This knowledge could also enhance our ability to interpret historical seismic data, allowing researchers to draw parallels between current and past geological events, thus offering a clearer picture of Earth's developmental timeline.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-on-earth-s-liquid-core">Future research on Earth's liquid core</h2>



<p>As researchers continue to investigate the characteristics of this newly uncovered region in Earth's liquid core, several exciting avenues for future study emerge. </p>



<p>For instance, advancing imaging techniques and computational models will be paramount in accurately determining the doughnut's thickness and understanding its material properties. </p>



<p>Additionally, interdisciplinary collaborations that involve not only seismologists but also geochemists and mineralogists will be essential.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-should-you-care">Why should you care?</h2>



<p>We all know that Earth's magnetic field plays no small role in shrugging off the sun's damaging solar particle storms. </p>



<p>But did you know that the explored low velocity within the liquid core hints at a high concentration of light chemical elements that can slow down seismic waves? </p>



<p>These light elements, coupled with temperature variations, stir the liquid in the outer core, and we have our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/weak-magnetic-field-may-have-set-the-stage-for-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnetic field</a>.</p>



<p>The importance of Earth's magnetic field cannot be emphasized enough -- it's one of the key reasons life thrives on our beautiful planet.</p>



<p>From scientists to laymen, the dynamics of Earth's magnetic field continues to pique interest worldwide. Findings like these can open doors to more research about the magnetic field on Earth and beyond.</p>



<p>The findings from this exciting study have been published in <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adn5562" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.</em></p>



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Doughnut-shaped region discovered in Earth's liquid core impacts our magnetic field

Did you know there is a lot more to our...

<p>Children and screens are seen together more often than peanut butter and jelly these days. However, this seemingly innocent combination is cause for concern. Sweden's emphatic message to parents is that toddlers should not have any screen exposure. </p>



<p>Yes, you heard that right, not even a minute. This extends to older children as well, with screen time recommended only in moderation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-screen-time-recommendations">Screen time recommendations</h2>



<p>The Public Health Agency in Sweden has advised that children under the age of two should not be exposed to any form of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-screen-time-changes-the-brain-based-on-23-years-of-research/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">digital media or television</a>. It does sound like a lot to ask in our tech-saturated world, but the authorities are firm in their stance. </p>



<p>As children grow, electronic indulgence should be restricted. For ages two to five, a hard cap of one hour a day should be adhered to, the agency counsels. Six to twelve-year-olds could afford a couple of hours in front of the screen, but not a minute more.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tv-dinners-a-recipe-for-childhood-obesity">TV dinners: A recipe for childhood obesity?</h2>



<p>A recent study has uncovered a link between screen time during meals and increased chances of overweight children.</p>



<p>It appears that the seemingly harmless act of watching television or fiddling with phones at the dinner table tips the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/childhood-obesity-rates-spiked-during-the-pandemic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scale against children's health</a>. The Swedish Public Health Agency extends this safeguard to children under the age of two as well.</p>



<p>"For too long, smartphones and other screens have been allowed to enter every aspect of our children's lives," said Jakob Forssmed, Minister for Social Affairs and Public Health. With this statement, he echoes the recommendations of the public health agency, reinforcing the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/toddler-screen-time-linked-to-atypical-sensory-behaviors/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">need for digital discipline</a> in kids' lives.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-screen-time-among-children-and-teens">Screen time among children and teens</h2>



<p>The agency’s recommendations extend to teenagers as well, suggesting that 13 to 18-year-old teens limit their screen time to two to three hours per day. </p>



<p>This is a daunting task considering Swedish teens aged 13 to 16 spend an average of six and a half hours a day on screens, outside of school hours.</p>



<p>This overindulgence in screens does not leave a lot of time for communal activities, physical activity or adequate sleep, said Forssmed. He also pointed to the worrying reality of a Swedish "sleep crisis," with more than half of 15-year-olds not getting enough sleep.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-guarding-children-from-excessive-screen-use">Guarding children from excessive screen use</h2>



<p>Furthermore, the health agency advised against using screens before bedtime and recommended that all digital devices remain outside bedrooms at night. This suggestion is based on research showing that excessive screen use can lead to poor sleep, depression, and body dissatisfaction.</p>



<p>Sweden's government is not stopping at recommendations. They have expressed intentions of exploring a ban on smartphones in primary schools. In January, a study elucidated that even an hour of iPad use per day in toddlers can impact their understanding of the world around them.</p>



<p>Researchers at <a href="https://drexel.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Drexel University</a> in Philadelphia found a two-fold increased risk of unusual sensory behaviors in children exposed to any amount of screen time starting at a year old. The risk escalated with each additional hour of screen time. This highlights the severity of the issue at hand.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-engaged-parents-can-model-healthy-habits">Engaged parents can model healthy habits</h2>



<p>To effectively tackle the growing concern of excessive screen time, parental involvement is paramount. Engaged parents who actively participate in their children's activities are better positioned to model healthy habits. </p>



<p>This includes not only limiting screen exposure but also encouraging alternative pursuits - such as reading, playing outside, or participating in community events - that promote creativity and social skills.</p>



<p>Furthermore, parents can facilitate open discussions about digital media, helping children understand its impact and their own consumption habits. </p>



<p>By setting boundaries and providing guidance, families can collectively work towards a balance that promotes mental and physical well-being, creating a healthier environment for the next generation amidst the digital age's rapid evolution.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/swedish-pediatricians-no-screen-time-for-children-under-two/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Screen time</a> and its effects on children is a Pandora's box that we've unwittingly opened. The recommendations and initiatives by the Swedish Public Health Agency and Minister Jakob Forssmed are steps in the right direction. </p>



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



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

Children under two should not be exposed to TV or screen time

Children and screens are seen together more often than peanut...

<p>As much a tradition as the sight of costumed trick-or-treaters and lawns decorated with makeshift graveyards, the early appearance of Halloween candy and decorations in stores has become a familiar scene. </p>



<p>Even before summer fully fades, grocery aisles are lined with candy corn and jumbo bags of Snickers, prompting many to lament the rush to end one season and usher in another.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-psychological-trigger-for-early-halloween-shopping-nbsp">Psychological trigger for early Halloween shopping&nbsp;</h2>



<p>But what drives this seasonal shift? While the obvious answer might be profit -- eye-catching displays increase consumer interest, and extending the holiday season boosts sales -- there’s another, more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/holiday-stress-can-take-a-major-toll-on-health-and-well-being/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psychological</a> reason at play. </p>



<p>Daniele Mathras, an associate professor of marketing at <a href="https://www.northeastern.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northeastern University</a>, has suggested that as the days shorten and the calendar edges closer to Halloween, we begin to think more about our own mortality. This awareness, known as “mortality salience,” can actually make us more inclined to shop.</p>



<p>“The theory is that we buy more as a compensatory mechanism for the fear of dying,” Mathras explained. “The changing of the seasons and end of summer is one of those time periods where mortality is salient, so retailers may benefit by reminding us fall is here early.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-capitalizing-on-fear">Capitalizing on fear</h2>



<p>In recent years, retailers have increasingly capitalized on this psychological trigger. Since 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted trick-or-treating, retailers have extended the candy shopping season, with Halloween displays appearing as early as the second week of August.</p>



<p>This year, Disney World in Orlando kicked off its “Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party” on August 9th, and Starbucks launched its iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte on August 22nd, three days earlier than last year. These early launches reflect a broader trend of leveraging mortality salience to drive consumer behavior.</p>



<p>The concept of mortality salience influencing consumer behavior has been extensively studied in academia. In 2021, the <a href="https://www.nih.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Institutes of Health</a> funded research examining how the fear of mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic impacted <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shopping-habits-have-remained-consistent-for-3500-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">buying habits</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Previous studies have shown that when people are reminded of their mortality, they sometimes cope by making conspicuous purchases.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mortality-salience-and-personality-types">Mortality salience and personality types </h2>



<p>Alexander DePaoli, an associate teaching professor in marketing at Northeastern, noted that this dynamic affects different personality types in distinct ways, which can be particularly evident during Halloween.&nbsp;</p>



<p>DePaoli, who has studied indulgent purchases and mortality salience, explained that contemplating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cardiovascular-disease-death/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">death</a> can prompt people to buy items that reinforce their self-perception.</p>



<p>“Essentially, if you identify as a 'fun person' - if it's an important source of your self-esteem to be a fun person - mortality salience makes you more likely to buy indulgent things, like chocolate,” DePaoli said.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“If that's not the case, then your focus is actually drawn to more functional products instead. Mortality salience leads you to be like, OK, I need to use my time and money more wisely.”</p>



<p>In other words, those who see themselves as fun-loving may be more prone to picking up Halloween candy in late summer.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-aesthetics-of-halloween-shopping-nbsp">Cultural aesthetics of Halloween shopping&nbsp;</h2>



<p>However, DePaoli also emphasizes that there are many other, more tangible reasons for the early arrival of Halloween merchandise. </p>



<p>Retailers have established seasonal sections in their stores, and holidays with strong visual themes -- like Christmas, Halloween, and Easter -- naturally occupy these spaces for longer periods.</p>



<p>“The cultural aesthetics that have been built up around Christmas and holiday shopping are very recognizable, very attention-grabbing,” DePaoli explained. </p>



<p>“Same thing with Halloween. If it can grab attention, then in theory it will help you move some units and generate some hype.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prolonged-holiday-product-sales">Prolonged holiday product sales</h2>



<p>Moreover, prolonged exposure to seasonal products increases the likelihood of purchase. The more often shoppers pass by 12-foot skeletons at Home Depot, the more tempted they might be to buy one.</p>



<p>“It gives you a long runway to buy things,” DePaoli said. “The first time you see the giant skeleton you might think 'Oh, that's ridiculous, that's a joke.' The second or third time it's 'Oh, I could see myself being the sort of person who gets that. Will it fit on my front porch?'”</p>



<p>So, while we may roll our eyes at the sight of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/christmas-toxic-environmental-day-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Christmas</a> songs playing on November 1st, Valentine’s Day cards appearing in January, or Reese’s peanut butter pumpkins hitting shelves before Labor Day, these early product launches do have a purpose: they drive sales. “It does move product,” DePaoli concluded.</p>



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



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Fear of death is the key driver of early Halloween shopping

As much a tradition as the sight of costumed trick-or-treaters...

<p>In a marine science mystery reminiscent of a game of Clue, researchers from the United States set out to investigate the death of a pregnant porbeagle shark in the open waters southwest of Bermuda. The evidence points to a larger shark, equipped with its deciduous triangular teeth, as the most likely culprit.  </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predation-of-a-porbeagle-shark-nbsp">Predation of a porbeagle shark&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“This is the first documented predation event of a porbeagle shark anywhere in the world,” said Brooke Anderson, the study’s lead author and a former graduate student at <a href="https://www.asu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arizona State University</a>.</p>



<p>“In one event, the population not only lost a reproductive female that could contribute to population growth, but it also lost all her developing babies. If predation is more widespread than previously thought, there could be major impacts for the porbeagle shark population that is already suffering due to historic overfishing.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-endangered-porbeagle-sharks">Endangered porbeagle sharks</h2>



<p>Porbeagles are formidable sharks found in the Atlantic, South Pacific Ocean, and the Mediterranean. These sharks are large, active, and robustly built, growing up to 3.7 meters in length and weighing as much as 230 kilograms.&nbsp;</p>



<p>They are also long-lived, with lifespans that can reach 30 to even 65 years. Female porbeagles have a slow reproductive cycle, not reaching reproductive maturity until around 13 years old. When they do reproduce, they give birth to an average of four pups every one or two years after a gestation period of eight to nine months.</p>



<p>Due to this slow reproduction rate, porbeagle populations struggle to recover from threats such as overfishing, recreational fishing, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-device-reduces-shark-bycatch-by-electrifying-the-bait/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bycatch</a>, and habitat loss and degradation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These pressures have led to the porbeagle being listed as endangered in the Northwest Atlantic on the <a href="https://www.iucnredlist.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IUCN Red List of Threatened Species</a>, with populations in the Northeast Atlantic and the Mediterranean considered critically endangered.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-porbeagles-tagged-off-massachusetts-nbsp">Porbeagles tagged off Massachusetts&nbsp;</h2>



<p>As part of a broader research effort to study shark migration, Anderson and her colleagues tagged porbeagles off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, in 2020 and 2022.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Each shark was fitted with two satellite tags: a fin-mount satellite transmitter and a pop-off satellite archival tag (PSAT).&nbsp;</p>



<p>The fin-mount tag sends the shark’s location to satellites whenever the fin surfaces, while the PSAT records depth and temperature data continuously, storing it until the tag detaches and floats to the surface to transmit its collected data.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexpected-turn-of-events-nbsp">Unexpected turn of events&nbsp;</h2>



<p>One of the tagged porbeagles was a pregnant female measuring 2.2 meters in length. Anderson and her team hoped that tracking this female would provide valuable insights into important habitats for porbeagle mothers and their offspring.</p>



<p>However, an unexpected turn of events occurred. After 158 days, the PSAT began transmitting from an area off Bermuda, indicating that the tag had detached and was floating at the surface.</p>



<p>The transmitted data revealed that this female had spent five months cruising at depths between 100 and 200 meters at night and 600 to 800 meters during the day, in water temperatures ranging from 6.4 to 23.5 °C. Throughout this period, the fin-mount tag had only transmitted once, confirming that the shark had mostly remained underwater.</p>



<p>But then, on March 24, 2021, over the span of four days, the temperature recorded by the PSAT remained consistently around 22 °C at depths between 150 and 600 meters.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This sudden change in data could only mean one thing: the unfortunate porbeagle had been hunted and consumed by a larger predator. The PSAT was likely excreted four days later, which is when it began transmitting again.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-large-sharks-hunting-each-other">Large sharks hunting each other</h2>



<p>“Two endothermic predator candidates large enough to predate upon mature porbeagles and located within the vicinity and at the time of year of the predation event include the white shark <em>Carcharodon carcharias</em> and shortfin mako <em>Isurus oxyrhinchus</em>,” the authors wrote.</p>



<p>Shortfin mako sharks typically prey on cephalopods, bony fish, smaller sharks, porpoises, sea turtles, and seabirds, while <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/great-white-sharks-separated-into-three-distinct-groups-that-dont-intermingle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">great white sharks</a> are known to feed on whales, dolphins, seals, and rays.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Of the two suspects, the great white shark is the more likely culprit, as shortfin mako sharks usually exhibit rapid, oscillatory dives between the surface and deeper waters during the day - behavior that was not detected by the PSAT.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-interactions-of-large-predators-nbsp">Complex interactions of large predators&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“The predation of one of our pregnant porbeagles was an unexpected discovery. We often think of large sharks as being apex predators. But with technological advancements, we have started to discover that large predator interactions could be even more complex than previously thought,” Anderson noted.</p>



<p>“We need to continue studying predator interactions to estimate how often large sharks hunt each other. This will help us uncover what cascading impacts these interactions could have on the ecosystem,” she concluded.</p>



<p>This case, while tragic, opens new avenues for understanding the complexities of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/top-marine-predators-may-suffer-massive-habitat-loss-by-2100/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine predator</a>-prey dynamics, particularly among the ocean’s most formidable inhabitants.</p>



<p>The research is detailed in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2024.1406973"><em>Frontiers in Marine Science</em></a>.</p>



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



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Unexpected discovery: Large sharks are hunting each other

In a marine science mystery reminiscent of a game of...

<p>Water is a vital part of our existence, yet millions of people around the globe are struggling to gain access to safe drinking water. But imagine if we could create water from the mere air around us? That would be a revolutionary game-changer.</p>



<p>According to the United Nations and World Health Organization, 1 in 3 people do not have access to safe drinking water. Now, experts from University of New South Wales (UNSW) suggest a new way to tackle this global issue - atmospheric water generation. </p>



<p>In simple words, it's a process that could extract water from the moist air around us.</p>



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



<p>Professor Kristen Splinter, the managing director of <a href="https://www.unsw.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UNSW</a>'s Water Research Laboratory joins Daniel Lambert, the former Civil Engineer of the Year and current CEO of Legacie, to promote the technology.</p>



<p>Together, they discuss the potential of atmospheric water generation technology in an episode of UNSW's Engineering the Future podcast series.</p>



<p>"When we consider innovations in water, atmospheric water generation is a really interesting one. Its viability commercially and on scale is still being proven but it could help solve some of our problems for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/over-4-4-billion-people-lack-access-to-safe-drinking-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">communities without access to fresh water</a> supply. It could be particularly relevant for communities located in humid environments," noted Lambert.</p>



<p>This technology offers a broad spectrum of methods to extract water from air. From collecting fog and using membranes that only pass water vapor to using certain chemicals that extract water from air, the possibilities are promising.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-opportunities-vary-by-region">Opportunities vary by region </h2>



<p>"You can collect fog, you can use membranes that only pass water vapor. There's ways of using different chemicals. You can expose air to those chemicals that extract the water from it, or through condensation or pressurizing air," notes Lambert.<br><br>Kristen Splinter agrees on the promising nature of the technology, but with a caveat. It's the environmental conditions that matter.</p>



<p>"A research paper from <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-021-03900-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a> was suggesting that up to 1 billion people in the tropics, where this is potentially going to be most successful, could have access to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/public-trust-in-drinking-water-safety-has-dwindled-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">safer drinking water</a> by using this atmospheric water harvesting," noted Splinter. This technology is potentially most successful in tropics due to their humid environment.</p>



<p>However, this solution doesn't work like a universal fix. The key to successful atmospheric water generation is humidity, which is absent in many parts of the world. "Each region would need to find the most viable solution for its area," Splinter said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-in-converting-air-to-water">Challenges in converting air to water</h2>



<p>While the promise of atmospheric water generation is compelling, there are significant challenges that must be overcome before it can be widely implemented. </p>



<p>One of the primary hurdles is the energy consumption associated with this technology. The processes used to extract moisture from air often require substantial power, which can limit their feasibility in regions where energy resources are scarce or where reliance on fossil fuels could exacerbate environmental woes. </p>



<p>Additionally, the initial capital investment for the necessary infrastructure can be daunting, posing a barrier for communities with limited financial resources. </p>



<p>Therefore, ongoing research is needed to develop more energy-efficient methods and cost-effective solutions to ensure that atmospheric water generation can become a viable option for diverse populations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gray-side-of-water-a-potential-solution">Gray side of water: A potential solution</h2>



<p>Besides atmospheric water generation, Splinter and Lambert also discuss other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strict-pfas-limits-will-make-drinking-water-safer-for-100-million-americans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">potential solutions</a> to the global water crisis, including graywater systems. Graywater refers to the reusable wastewater from washing machines, showers, and baths.</p>



<p>One important point the experts made was the need to prevent graywater from mixing with toilet water. "Why do we put all the other things that are graywater down that same system?" said Splinter.</p>



<p>"Education is key, not just how we deal with wastewater on a centralized scale, but at a community and household scale.</p>



<p>"If we think about 30 years down the track, will we need centralized&nbsp;wastewater treatment plants&nbsp;or will we be able to do it through a closed-loop process in a household or in a precinct?"</p>



<p>So, could the air we breathe today be our water source tomorrow? And could graywater be the golden ticket to tackling water scarcity? Only time will tell, but for now, these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-play-a-crucial-role-in-clean-drinking-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fresh perspectives</a> are quenching our thirst for innovative solutions.</p>



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



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Collecting water from the air to tackle a global crisis

Water is a vital part of our existence, yet millions...

<p>Migraines weigh on millions worldwide like an unseen blanket, hampering daily life. However, recent drug advancements are stirring up feelings of optimism and potential relief for those living under this blanket. One of these advancements is the emergence of an innovative drug named "ubrogepant."</p>



<p>The drug's unique mechanism of action has sparked interest and excitement. It shows promising results in mitigating migraines, especially when the drug is taken at the onset of migraine symptoms.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ubrogepant-the-migraine-drug">Ubrogepant: The migraine drug</h2>



<p>"Migraine is one of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysteries-of-migraines-explained-by-brain-fluid-dynamics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">most prevalent diseases worldwide</a>, yet so many people who suffer from this condition do not receive treatment or report that they are not satisfied with their treatment," said study author Dr. Richard B. Lipton of <a href="https://einsteinmed.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Bronx</a>, New York, and Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology.</p>



<p>"Improving care at the first signs of migraine, even before headache pain begins, can be a key to improved outcomes. Our findings are encouraging, suggesting that ubrogepant may help people with migraine function normally and go about their day."</p>



<p>So, what makes ubrogepant special? It functions as a CGRP inhibitor. CGRP is a protein that plays a significant role in the process leading to a migraine. Ubrogepant disrupts this process.</p>



<p>When taken at the start of a migraine, it helps its consumers carry on with their day. This finding was published in the issue of Neurology®, the respected journal of the American Academy of Neurology.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-drug-tackles-early-migraine-signs">Drug tackles early migraine signs</h2>



<p>Building a comprehensive understanding of the study's purpose is crucial. It focuses on people who can detect an impending migraine from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/childhood-trauma-could-triple-the-risk-of-headache-disorders-later-in-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">early signals</a> like dizziness, neck stiffness, fatigue, and heightened sensitivity to light and sound. </p>



<p>The study involved 518 participants, all suffering from migraines for at least a year, with two to eight attacks monthly over the three months preceding the study. The participants were divided into two groups. </p>



<p>One received a placebo for their first migraine symptoms and 100 milligrams of the migraine drug for the second onset. The second group followed the reverse order. They recorded their activity limitations in a diary using a grading scale.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ubrogepant-vs-the-placebo">Ubrogepant vs. the placebo</h2>



<p>How did ubrogepant fare against the placebo? One day post-intake, 65% of those who took ubrogepant noted slight to zero activity limitations compared to the 48% who took the placebo.</p>



<p>Just two hours after taking the pill, ubrogepant users were 73% more likely to report normal functionality.</p>



<p>The emergence of ubrogepant heralds a potential shift in the treatment landscape for migraine sufferers. Traditionally, patients with an acute migraine have relied primarily on triptans, which while effective for some, are not universally well-tolerated or suitable for all individuals. </p>



<p>Ubrogepant’s innovative mechanism, acting at a molecular level to inhibit CGRP, not only offers a new therapeutic option but also expands the dialogue surrounding patient-centered care.</p>



<p>This timely advancement embodies a broader trend in medicine towards personalized therapies that consider individual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-adults-with-migraines-have-a-greater-stroke-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">patient responses and experiences</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-beyond-the-migraine-drug">Future research beyond the migraine drug</h2>



<p>As researchers continue to investigate the efficacy of ubrogepant, emerging questions abound. Future trials could explore its long-term effects and potential utility in preventing migraines rather than solely treating them post-onset.</p>



<p>Moreover, investigations into its applicability in diverse demographic groups may shed light on variations in response, thus optimizing treatment protocols. </p>



<p>Such research would be pivotal in uncovering the broader implications of CGRP inhibition, potentially influencing the management of other headache disorders as well. </p>



<p>The ongoing evolution of migraine treatment highlights the importance of continued study, promising hope to millions affected by this debilitating condition.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-potential-and-considerations">Future potential and considerations</h2>



<p>"Based on our findings, treatment with ubrogepant may allow people with migraine who experience early warning signs before a migraine occurs to quickly treat migraine attacks in their earliest stages and go about their daily lives with little discomfort and disruption," said Lipton. "This could lead to an improved quality of life for those living with migraine."</p>



<p>As we conclude, let's hold on to this hopeful thought: Could the new drug be the key to winning the battle against migraine? While we eagerly anticipate the answer, let's stay hopeful and keep our eyes on what's to come in migraine management.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.neurology.org/doi/10.1212/WNL.0000000000209745" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neurology</a></em>.</p>



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



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New drug may stop migraines in their tracks

Migraines weigh on millions worldwide like an unseen blanket, hampering...

<p>Ever heard a high-pitched buzzing sound near your ear in the dark? That's a sign a female mosquito is on a hunt. And no, it's not after your fear. It's after your blood. But for a male mosquito, that same buzz means something entirely different. It's love in the air... or rather, mating season for mosquitoes.</p>



<p>An international team led by researchers at the University of Washington has stumbled upon surprising details about mosquito mating. Spoiler alert: it's not just about romance. These novel findings could give us the upper hand in malaria control strategies and guide the development of precision drone flight technology.</p>



<p>The male Anopheles coluzzii <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mosquito-habitats-are-expanding-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mosquito</a> is a major culprit in spreading malaria throughout Africa. Let's call him Mr. A. </p>



<p>Now, for Mr. A, finding a mate isn't just about showing off his six-pack abdomen. It's a game of sounds. The moment he hears the sound of female-specific wingbeats, his rather poor vision gets a boost.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-sounds-of-mosquito-mating">The sounds of mosquito mating </h2>



<p>Though many mosquito species have subpar eyesight, their other senses make up for it. The moment a male mosquito hears the alluring buzz of a female in flight, his eyes "activate," and he starts scanning for a potential partner.</p>



<p>Imagine being in a crowded, busy swarm of eager mosquitoes, all trying to find their soulmate. Even in such chaotic conditions, male <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mosquitoes-use-thermal-infrared-vision-to-track-and-bite-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mosquitoes</a> can visually lock on to his target. He then speeds up, zipping through the swarm without bumping into any fellow Romeos.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-sound-love-affair">A sound love affair</h2>



<p>"We have discovered this incredibly strong association in male mosquitoes when they seek a mate. They hear the sound of wingbeats at a specific frequency - the kind that females make - and that stimulus engages the visual system," explained study lead author Saumya Gupta, a postdoctoral researcher in biology at <a href="https://www.washington.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UW</a>. </p>



<p>It's a complex tango between different mosquito sensory systems to create this love connection.</p>



<p>Now, why is this important? The strong link between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mosquitoes-listen-for-a-specific-buzz-to-find-mates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">males hearing the female-like buzz</a> and moving towards what they think might be the source could open up new possibilities for mosquito control. </p>



<p>Picture this: a new generation of traps that are specific to the Anopheles mosquitoes, which are the type that spread malaria.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mosquito-mating-and-preventing-malaria">Mosquito mating and preventing malaria </h2>



<p>The unique behavior of male mosquitoes got the attention of study senior author Jeffrey Riffell, a UW professor of biology. He suggests that this sound is so irresistible to males that it causes them to steer towards what they think might be the source, be it a real lady or a mosquito trap.</p>



<p>Understanding the interaction between the senses of mosquitoes in these swarms was a key goal for Gupta, Riffell, and their colleagues from various international universities. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sound-cues-change-male-behavior">Sound cues change male behavior </h2>



<p>The team built a miniature arena - a mosquito flight simulator of sorts - where mosquitoes could see, smell, hear, and beat their wings as if in flight, even though they were tethered and couldn't freely move.</p>



<p>In a series of experiments, the experts found that males changed their behavior based on the sounds they heard. The males moved towards an object when they heard the buzz of a female mosquito, but not when they heard the higher-frequency sound of male wingbeats.</p>



<p>Visual cues also played a role here. If a simulated object appeared more than three body lengths away, the male mosquito wouldn't be interested, even if the sound of lady-love was in the air.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fight-or-flight-in-mosquito-mating">Fight or flight in mosquito mating</h2>



<p>"The resolving power of the mosquito eye is about 1,000-fold less than the resolving power of the human eye. Mosquitoes tend to use vision for more passive behaviors, like avoiding other objects and controlling their position," Riffell explained. </p>



<p>But when male mosquitoes hear the alluring flight tones of females, they make a surprising set of subtle flight adjustments.</p>



<p>Such visually driven responses could be preparatory maneuvers to avoid an object, the research team concluded. Their observations also suggested that males use close-range visual cues for collision avoidance within swarms.</p>



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



<p>This innovative research on mating could lead to new methods for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bad-news-mosquitoes-prefer-heat-and-thrive-in-the-warming-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mosquito control</a> by capitalizing on how mosquitoes integrate auditory and visual cues. </p>



<p>Mosquitoes are getting smarter and becoming increasingly resistant to insecticides. So, it's time to outsmart them, and these insights into their mating behavior may be the key.</p>



<p>"Today's measures, like insecticides, are increasingly less effective as mosquitoes evolve resistance," said Riffell. "We need new approaches, like lures or traps, which will draw in mosquitoes with high fidelity."</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/abstract/S0960-9822(24)00946-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a></em>.</p>



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



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Mating secrets of mosquitoes may help us gain control of them

Ever heard a high-pitched buzzing sound near your ear in...

<p>DNA is famously known for its double helix structure, but the human genome also contains more than 50,000 unusual knot-like DNA structures known as i-motifs, according to a team of experts at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research.</p>



<p>In a study published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s44318-024-00210-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>EMBO Journal</em></a>, the scientists presented the first comprehensive map of these unique DNA structures, shedding light on their potential roles in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/personality-has-a-profound-influence-on-gene-expression/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gene</a> regulation, particularly in relation to diseases such as cancer.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-abundance-and-distribution-of-i-motifs-nbsp">Abundance and distribution of i-motifs&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“DNA i-motif structures are formed in the nuclei of human cells and are believed to provide critical genomic regulation,” noted the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“While the existence, abundance, and distribution of i-motif structures in human cells has been demonstrated and studied by immunofluorescent staining, and more recently NMR and CUT&amp;Tag, the abundance and distribution of such structures in human genomic DNA have remained unclear.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pinpointing-the-mysterious-dna-structures">Pinpointing the mysterious DNA structures</h2>



<p>Back in 2018, <a href="https://www.garvan.org.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Garvan</a> scientists achieved a breakthrough by being the first to directly visualize i-motifs within living human cells, as they detailed in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41557-018-0046-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature</em></a>. The team developed a novel antibody tool specifically designed to recognize and bind to i-motifs. </p>



<p>The current research builds on this earlier work, utilizing the same antibody to pinpoint the locations of i-motifs throughout the entire human genome.</p>



<p>“In this study, we mapped more than 50,000 i-motif sites in the human genome that occur in all three of the cell types we examined,” said senior author Daniel Christ, head of the Antibody Therapeutics Lab and Director of the Centre for Targeted Therapy at Garvan.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“That’s a remarkably high number for a DNA structure whose existence in cells was once considered controversial. Our findings confirm that i-motifs are not just laboratory curiosities but widespread - and likely to play key roles in genomic function.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-i-motifs-are-not-randomly-distributed-nbsp">I-motifs are not randomly distributed&nbsp;</h2>



<p>I-motifs are distinctive DNA structures that differ from the well-known double helix. They form when stretches of cytosine bases on the same DNA strand pair with each other, creating a four-stranded, twisted configuration that protrudes from the double helix.</p>



<p>The research revealed that i-motifs are not randomly distributed. The experts discovered that they are concentrated in key functional regions of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/genome-mapping-completed-for-dozens-of-common-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genome</a>, including areas that control gene activity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-i-motifs-in-gene-activity">The role of i-motifs in gene activity</h2>



<p>The experts determined that the formation of the distinctive DNA structures is cell-cycle and pH dependent. “Furthermore, we provide evidence that i-motif structures are formed in regulatory regions of the human genome, including promoters and telomeric regions.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>Study lead author Cristian David Peña Martinez, a research officer in the Antibody Therapeutics Lab, explained that i-motifs are associated with genes that are highly active during specific times in the cell cycle, which suggests they play a dynamic role in regulating gene activity.</p>



<p>“We also found that i-motifs form in the promoter region of oncogenes, such as the MYC oncogene, which encodes one of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/genetic-cancer-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer</a>’s most notorious ‘undruggable’ targets. This presents an exciting opportunity to target disease-linked genes through the i-motif structure,” he added.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-hard-to-treat-cancers-nbsp">Implications for hard-to-treat cancers&nbsp;</h2>



<p>According to study co-author Sarah Kummerfeld, an assistant professor and chief scientific officer at Garvan, the widespread presence of i-motifs near these “holy grail” sequences involved in hard-to-treat cancers opens up new possibilities for diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“It might be possible to design drugs that target i-motifs to influence gene expression, which could expand current treatment options,” said Professor Kummerfeld.</p>



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



<p>Professor Christ pointed out that the successful mapping of i-motifs was made possible by Garvan’s world-leading expertise in antibody development and genomics.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This study is an example of how fundamental research and technological innovation can come together to make paradigm-shifting discoveries,” said Professor Christ.</p>



<p>“Our study provides foundational knowledge and resources relating to the location and distribution of i-motifs in human genomic DNA, representing potential targets for future diagnostic and therapeutic strategies,” the authors concluded.</p>



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



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Genetic mystery: 50,000 DNA "knots" found in the human genome

DNA is famously known for its double helix structure, but...

<p>Underground CO2 storage, a key component of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology, is often viewed as a vital solution to combat climate change. In light of the urgency to address global warming, many potential methods of carbon capture have been meticulously investigated.</p>



<p>While the concept of storing CO2 underground is promising, recent research from <a href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Imperial College London</a> highlights significant limitations and challenges associated with scaling up this technology.</p>



<p>Current international scenarios for limiting global warming to less than 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2100 rely heavily on technologies that can remove CO2 from the Earth's atmosphere at unprecedented rates.</p>



<p>These strategies aim to remove between 1 and 30 gigatons of CO2 annually by 2050. However, the estimates for how quickly these technologies can be deployed have been largely speculative.</p>



<p>The Imperial study indicates that existing projections are not likely feasible at the current pace of development.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uncertainty-in-storage-projections">Uncertainty in storage projections</h2>



<p>“There are many factors at play in these projections, including the speed at which <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-outer-core-is-its-largest-carbon-reservoir/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reservoirs</a> can be filled as well as other geological, geographical, economic, technological, and political issues,” said Yuting Zhang, lead author from Imperial’s Department of Earth Science and Engineering. </p>



<p>“However, more accurate models like the ones we have developed will help us understand how uncertainty in storage capacity, variations in institutional capacity across regions, and limitations to development might affect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plans-by-oil-companies-fall-short-of-climate-goals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate plans</a> and targets set by policymakers.”</p>



<p>The experts found that storing up to 16 gigatons of CO2 underground annually by 2050 is possible, but would require a substantial increase in storage capacity and scaling that current investment and development levels do not support.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-realistic-plans-for-co2-storage">Realistic plans for CO2 storage</h2>



<p>While the UK Government has aspirations to position Britain as a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/clean-energy-biodiversity-wildlife-habitats-delicate-balancing-act/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">clean energy</a> superpower through initiatives like CCS, the research emphasizes the need to align such ambitions with realistic objectives for the safe and effective storage of CO2.</p>



<p>“Although storing between six to 16 gigatons of CO2 per year to tackle climate change is technically possible, these high projections are much more uncertain than lower ones,” noted co-author Dr. Samuel Krevor, also from Imperial’s Department of Earth Science and Engineering. </p>



<p>“This is because there are no existing plans from governments or international agreements to support such a large-scale effort. However, five gigatons of carbon going into the ground is still a major contribution to climate change mitigation.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modeling-co2-storage">Modeling CO2 storage</h2>



<p>The researchers developed models to show how quickly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mixed-forests-with-many-tree-species-are-more-effective-at-carbon-storage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon storage</a> systems could realistically be scaled up, taking into account factors such as suitable geology, economic limitations, and technological feasibility.</p>



<p>These models suggest that while it is possible to reduce CO2 emissions on a large scale, the path to achieving this and the contribution from key regions might diverge significantly from current projections. </p>



<p>For example, the study questions the overly optimistic projections often found in Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports, particularly for countries like China, Indonesia, and South Korea, where current development is low.</p>



<p>“While integrated assessment models play an important role in helping climate policymakers make decisions, some of the assumptions they make when it comes to storing large amounts of carbon underground appear unrealistic,” noted study co-author Professor Christopher Jackson from Imperial’s Department of Earth Science and Engineering. </p>



<p>“Our findings suggest that more attainable and accurate benchmarks are needed to guide policy and investment.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-setting-a-realistic-global-benchmark">Setting a realistic global benchmark</h2>



<p>The team’s analysis suggests a more realistic global benchmark for underground CO2 storage might be in the range of 5-6 gigatons per year by 2050.</p>



<p>This projection aligns with growth patterns observed in existing industries, including mining and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-worlds-renewable-energy-capacity-will-take-a-record-leap-this-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">renewable energy</a>. </p>



<p>By applying these historical growth patterns to CO2 storage, the researchers have developed a model that offers a more practical and reliable method for predicting how quickly carbon storage technologies can be scaled up.</p>



<p>“Our study is the first to apply growth patterns from established industries to CO2 storage,” explained Dr. Krevor. “By using historical data and trends from other sectors, our new model provides a realistic and practical approach for setting attainable targets for carbon storage, helping policymakers to make informed decisions.”</p>



<p>The research, funded by the Engineering &amp; Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Royal Academy of Engineering, highlights the importance of setting realistic goals in the global effort to combat climate change.</p>



<p>While underground carbon storage presents a promising strategy, understanding its potential and limitations is crucial for making the best use of this technology.</p>



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



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Underground CO2 storage: Feasible solution or climate illusion?

Underground CO2 storage, a key component of carbon capture and...

<p>Crocodile culling in the Northern Territory (NT) of Australia is a controversial practice aimed at managing the population of saltwater crocodiles, which have been increasing since they were protected by law in 1971. The primary focus of culling is to ensure public safety, particularly in areas where there is a high risk of crocodile attacks on humans.</p>



<p>A new study published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1002/pan3.10693" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>People and Nature</em></a> reveals that education and community awareness, the removal of problematic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-and-ecology-shaped-250-million-years-of-crocodile-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crocodiles</a>, and the designation of exclusion areas are significantly more effective in reducing saltwater crocodile attacks than widespread culling. </p>



<p>The research, led by <a href="https://www.cdu.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Charles Darwin University</a> (CDU), challenges the notion that culling is a cost-effective or efficient solution to mitigating crocodile attacks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-analyzing-the-rate-of-crocodile-attacks-nbsp">Analyzing the rate of crocodile attacks&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The experts examined the correlation between the density of crocodile populations and human populations and the frequency of saltwater crocodile attacks in the Northern Territory over the past 50 years. Data analysis showed that from 1979 to 2022, there were 76 crocodile attacks in the region, with 30% of these attacks resulting in fatalities.</p>



<p>Interestingly, while both crocodile density and the human population continued to rise, the rate of crocodile attacks stabilized from 2009 onwards, with a notable 10% decrease in the frequency of attacks over the following decade.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This trend suggests that the behaviors of Northern Territory residents and tourists around <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-impacts-on-waterways-contribute-to-the-climate-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">waterways</a> have adapted in response to the growing crocodile population, largely due to government-led education programs and efforts to remove problem crocodiles.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crocodile-culling-is-not-the-best-strategy-nbsp">Crocodile culling is not the best strategy&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Lead author Cameron Baker, a postdoctoral research fellow at CDU's Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, highlighted the fact that the reduction in attacks correlates with increased awareness and the targeted removal of problem crocodiles.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These strategies have proven to be more effective in reducing attacks than any broad-scale culling program, a method periodically considered in the Northern Territory.</p>



<p>“Our models predicted that the NT crocodile population would have to be reduced by as much as 90% to reduce the crocodile attack frequency by one attack per year,” Baker explained.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“If widespread <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/killing-animals-ecosystem-non-native-culling-harmful-strategy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">culling</a> to reduce density was the prime strategy to reduce crocodile attacks, then the population would need to be driven to very low levels to see any significant reduction. This is because the risk of attacks on humans only decreases once large crocodiles are completely extirpated from an area.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-downside-of-crocodile-culling-nbsp">The downside of crocodile culling&nbsp;</h2>



<p>According to Baker, such extensive culling would not only push the species back into the critically endangered category but would also be prohibitively expensive. Humane culling operations, based on the current Northern Territory crocodile management budget, would cost approximately $975 per crocodile.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Assuming these operational costs remained constant throughout the culling period, it would cost $87,750,000 to cull 90% of the NT crocodile population humanely, achieving a 48% reduction in crocodile attack frequency,” he said.</p>



<p>In contrast, the Northern Territory Government spent AUD$250,000 on the “Be Crocwise” educational campaign between 2013 and 2016. Since its implementation in 2009, this campaign has contributed to a 10% decrease in crocodile attacks, demonstrating a far more cost-effective approach than culling.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-behavior-and-crocodile-attacks-nbsp">Human behavior and crocodile attacks&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Baker further noted that the data indicated crocodile attacks were influenced by human behavior and activities near water. “Between 2011 and 2021, humans were 363 times more likely to be severely injured or killed in a motor vehicle accident than by a crocodile in the NT,” he said.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Most victims of crocodile attacks, 90%, were local to the NT. This highlights the importance of modifying human behavior to reduce the risks of attacks by large predators such as crocodiles.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alternative-crocodile-management-methods-nbsp">Alternative crocodile management methods&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Professor Hamish Campbell, who led the study, stressed the need for an evidence-based approach to crocodile management.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Crocodiles are a danger to humans in North Australia, and this risk needs to be managed. The funds available for crocodile management are limited, and we need to spend these in the most effective manner to reduce crocodile attacks on humans, and the evidence shows that widespread culling is not a cost-effective nor efficient means of doing this,” he said.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Alternative management methods currently used by the Northern Territory government seem to be working and effective.”</p>



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



<p>Vinay Udyawer from the Australian Institute of Marine Science, who also contributed to the research, noted that the study's findings could inform other predator mitigation strategies.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The results of this study can be expanded beyond just the management of crocodiles in the Northern Territory,” he said. “It highlights the general ineffectiveness of culling as a primary mitigation tool and the importance of alternative strategies like public education campaigns for managing the risks posed by other large marine predators such as sharks.”</p>



<p>The findings underscore the effectiveness of targeted, evidence-based approaches over broad, less effective measures, offering valuable insights for managing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exploring-the-impacts-of-human-wildlife-interactions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human-wildlife interactions</a> in various contexts.</p>



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Culling is not effective in preventing crocodile attacks 

Crocodile culling in the Northern Territory (NT) of Australia is...

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What caused the planet's longest ice age

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<p>—–</p>

Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<p></p>

Social modeling affects our food choices

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists discover we age in bursts

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists solve the mystery of tickling

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>



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



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

Retired professor claims he solved time travel

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

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prrq8Ql81zk
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Acid rain and a crisis solved.</figcaption></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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



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



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https://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
</div></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>This research represents just the beginning. With further refinement of strains, textures, and flavors, chocolate could evolve beyond mere indulgence to become a functional food that nourishes while it delights.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsfoodscitech.4c00741" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACS Food Science &amp; Technology</a>.</p>

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

Scientists are transforming chocolate into a functional food by infusing...

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Nushagak Bay, a large estuary in southwest Alaska. Nushagak runs mainly north to south and exits in Bristol Bay, a large body of water in the Bering Sea.</p>



<p>"The bay is primarily fed by the Nushagak River, which begins in the Alaska Range and flows southwest approximately 450 km. The bay is also fed by several additional rivers including the Wood, Igushik, Snake and Weary rivers," says ESA.</p>



<p>"The dark colors of the Nushagak River are most likely due to tannins or lignins (chemical substances found in plants). Tannins and lignins from roots, leaves, seeds, bark and soil can leach into the water and give it a brown or even black colour. The sediments then flow southwards where it is mixed with the bluer waters of the bay."</p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: ESA</em></p>



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



<p><em>By </em><a href="http://csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Staff Writer</em></p>

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> (ACS) reveals that proteins on flu viruses are actually flexible, tilting and waving in a “breath-like” motion. According to the experts, these proteins could be used to better defend against the flu.</p>



<p>"The main antigenic targets of influenza virus are two surface glycoproteins, hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA). Whereas the structural and dynamical properties of both glycoproteins have been studied previously, the understanding of their plasticity in the whole-virion context is fragmented," wrote the researchers.</p>



<p>To investigate, the team conducted detailed simulations of the influenza A H1N1 virion, or the swine flu. The experts concluded that the visualizations show many new vulnerable states of flu viruses, which could improve future vaccines and antiviral drugs.</p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;</em></p>



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



<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Editor</em></p>



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

[sendtonews key="G9bUoxcjr4-2511624-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Lake Trasimeno, which is located west of Perugia in central Italy. It is the fourth largest lake in the country. While Trasimeno’s water level varies, it has a maximum depth of approximately six meters.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"In this Copernicus Sentinel-2 image, captured on 6 August 2022, the lake’s emerald green colour is likely due to the presence of phytoplankton. Streaks in the water, particularly visible in the west, indicate the presence of soil and sediments which have been stirred up by winds. Dark colored waters in the southern part of the lake indicate a presence of submerged and floating macrophytes (aquatic plants) as well as algae," says ESA.</p>



<p>"Surrounded by hills on three sides, Trasimeno is subject to heavy storms created by winds, especially from the north and west. There are three islets in the lake: Maggiore, Minore and Polvese (the largest). The lake’s shores are sparsely inhabited with only two popular villages: Castiglione del Lago and Passignano sul Trasimeno."</p>



<p>"Italy is experiencing its worst drought in 70 years which has affected drinking water supplies, hydroelectric power and agricultural production. High temperatures, hot winds and lack of rainfall are the main causes of drought in the Umbrian region which saw Lake Trasimeno’s drop 1.3 m, reaching the limit of the hydrometric zero in July 2022."</p>



<p><em>Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;</em></p>



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



<p><em>By </em><a href="http://csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Staff Writer</em></p>

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> describes a new self-powered nanosensor that can instantly detect mercury contamination with the tap of a finger.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The oxidized form of mercury can be harmful when it is ingested through contaminated water or food. This makes it necessary for experts to develop sensors that can quickly and accurately detect the presence of mercury.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Zong-Hong Lin and colleagues have now created a triboelectric nanosensor (TENS) that can detect mercury by simply by touching a sample. According to the researchers, their TENS could serve as the basis for similar devices to safely and remotely monitor other pollutants.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;</em></p>



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



<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Editor</em></p>



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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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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