<p>Strength training often brings to mind toned arms and powerful legs. But new research suggests that the benefits extend much further. Lifting weights may also reshape the trillions of microbes living in our gut, which influence everything from metabolism to immunity.</p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/studies-learn-the-exact-amount-of-time-you-should-spend-training-to-build-muscle/">gut</a> microbiome is closely linked to both health and aging. Inside of it are microbes like <em>Faecalibacterium, Akkermansia, </em>and<em> Roseburia hominis</em>. These tiny organisms produce short-chain fatty acids that strengthen the gut lining and ease inflammation.</p>



<p>Endurance activities like running or cycling are known to boost these helpful microbes. But when it comes to resistance training, the picture has remained far less clear.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conflicting-past-studies">Conflicting past studies</h2>



<p>Until recently, research painted a mixed picture. Some trials found that weight training shifted microbial communities, while others reported almost no changes. </p>



<p>Matthieu Clauss of the <a href="https://www.nih.no/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Norwegian School of Sport Sciences</a> in Oslo noted that the existing research remains limited.</p>



<p>To settle this uncertainty, Sven Nahnsen and colleagues at the <a href="https://uni-tuebingen.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Tübingen</a> studied 150 sedentary adults. Participants engaged in an eight-week resistance program using advanced machines that adjusted loads in real time and tracked every lift.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-strength-and-gut-microbes">Tracking strength and gut microbes</h2>



<p>This digital system created detailed performance records while ensuring progressive, individualized training. Stool samples collected before, during, and after the program allowed researchers to map microbial changes.</p>



<p>When researchers looked at the whole group, they saw no clear changes in microbial diversity. The story shifted, however, once strength gains came into focus. </p>



<p>Participants who made the biggest improvements showed noticeable rises in <em>Faecalibacterium</em> and <em>Roseburia hominis</em>. In fact, these microbes were especially abundant in individuals who gained far more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strength-training-may-be-the-best-exercise-for-insomnia/">strength</a> than everyone else.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microbes-differ-in-strong-lifters">Microbes differ in strong lifters</h2>



<p>The study revealed clear differences between high and low responders. The strongest gains were linked with distinct changes in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natures-sweet-remedy-honey-is-a-microbial-marvel/">microbial</a> composition.</p>



<p>High performers also showed enrichment of members of the Lachnospiraceae family, many of which are linked to anti-inflammatory effects.</p>



<p>Notably, an amplicon sequence variant classified as <em>Roseburia hominis</em> showed the most significant increase in high responders by week eight.</p>



<p>Other enriched microbes included <em>Bacteroides massiliensis</em> and certain <em>Prevotellaceae</em>. Meanwhile, taxa like <em>Lachnoclostridium</em> and <em>Oscillospiraceae</em> declined.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gut-shifts-depend-on-training-progress">Gut shifts depend on training progress</h2>



<p>Why do only some people experience these changes? <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/weight-training-shields-the-aging-brain-from-dementia/">Training</a> compliance was similar, and diet surveys showed no clear differences. </p>



<p>This suggests factors beyond effort or food intake. One possibility is that microbial shifts themselves supported muscle gains by increasing production of short-chain fatty acids, which enhance energy metabolism and recovery.</p>



<p>Resistance training did not increase overall microbial richness (alpha diversity), unlike endurance training, but it did remodel microbial composition (beta diversity) in high responders. </p>



<p>This points to a dose-response effect: only when strength improvements cross a certain threshold do microbiome shifts emerge.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lifting-and-running-converge">Lifting and running converge</h2>



<p>Despite differences between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-running-can-help-you-move-think-and-feel-better/">running</a> and lifting, both exercise types seem to converge on similar microbial outcomes. </p>



<p>Enriched short-chain fatty acid producers like <em>Faecalibacterium</em> and <em>Roseburia</em> suggest common pathways that support gut integrity, regulate glucose, and reduce systemic inflammation.</p>



<p>The changes occurred without dietary modification, meaning resistance training alone can act as a driver of gut remodeling. This highlights its role not only for musculoskeletal health but also for metabolic and immune regulation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exercise-benefits-are-clear">Exercise benefits are clear</h2>



<p>Some mysteries remain. Stool metabolomics showed no significant changes, which may indicate that functional shifts were subtle, localized, or required longer adaptation. </p>



<p>The study also lacked a non-exercising control group, leaving room for further confirmation.</p>



<p>Even so, outside experts remain hopeful. The results suggest that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exercise-reduces-depression-and-anxiety-in-children-and-teens-with-mental-health-issues/">exercise</a> of any kind can benefit gut health. They also point to the possibility that resistance training sparks unique, health-related shifts in the microbiome.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strength-training-as-gut-medicine">Strength training as gut medicine</h2>



<p>From a public health perspective, resistance training may offer far more than toned muscles. It could serve as a non-drug approach to improving gut health, especially for people facing chronic inflammation or the challenges of aging.</p>



<p>The changes happening inside the gut are striking. Beneficial microbes increase, the gut lining becomes stronger, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fasting-helps-the-body-fight-inflammation-and-chronic-diseases/">inflammation</a> settles down. These microbes also help regulate blood sugar and energy use, lowering the risk of long-term conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and digestive problems.</p>



<p>What makes this especially interesting is that participants did not need to change their diets. The exercise itself appeared to reshape the gut community, suggesting that strength training works as its own form of medicine.</p>



<p>For many, this shifts how we think about working out. Exercise is not only about muscles or appearance - it is about keeping the body resilient from within. Regular resistance training might help people recover faster, age more gracefully, and carry less risk of disease throughout life.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.13.670057v1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bioRxiv</a></em>.</p>



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Strength training can boost healthy gut bacteria

Strength training often brings to mind toned arms and powerful legs. But new research suggests that the benefits extend much further. Lifting weights may also reshape the trillions of microbes living in our gut, which influence everything from metabolism to immunity. The gut microbiome is closely linked to both health and aging. Inside of it are microbes like Faecalibacterium, Akkermansia, and Roseburia hominis. These tiny organisms produce short-chain fatty acids that strengthen the gut lining and ease inflammation. Endurance activities like running or cycling are known to...

<p>One of the enduring mysteries of life's origin is how droplets of RNA floating in the primordial soup transformed into membrane-bound cells, which are the building blocks of all life forms. A new study proposes that rainwater might have played a crucial role in forming a protective mesh around protocells some 3.8 billion years ago.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This step was essential in the evolution from simple RNA droplets to the complex cells that eventually led to all forms of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/origin-of-life-on-earth-may-have-been-found-in-ancient-hot-springs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life</a>.</p>



<p>The research, led by experts at the <a href="https://www.uchicago.edu/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Chicago</a> and the University of Houston,  was published today in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adn9657" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science Advances</em></a>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-research-nbsp">Focus of the research<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>The study focuses on “coacervate droplets” - naturally occurring clusters of complex molecules like proteins, lipids, and RNA. These droplets, similar to drops of oil in water, have long been considered potential precursors to the first protocells.</p>



<p>However, there was a problem: these droplets exchanged molecules too quickly, which would have prevented the differentiation necessary for evolution.</p>



<p>“If molecules continually exchange between droplets or between cells, then all the cells after a short while will look alike, and there will be no evolution because you are ending up with identical clones,” explained study lead author Aman Agrawal.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rainwater-and-the-origin-of-life">Rainwater and the origin of life</h2>



<p>To tackle this problem, the researchers explored the role of rainwater in stabilizing these droplets. Szostak, director of UChicago’s Chicago Center for the Origins of Life, noted the interdisciplinary nature of this research, which combined insights from molecular engineering and chemical engineering.</p>



<p>“Engineers have been studying the physical chemistry of these types of complexes - and polymer chemistry more generally - for a long time. It makes sense that there's expertise in the engineering school,” said study co-author and and Nobel Prize-winning biologist Jack Szostak.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“When we're looking at something like the origin of life, it's so complicated and there are so many parts that we need people to get involved who have any kind of relevant experience.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-which-came-first-rna-or-dna">Which came first: RNA or DNA?</h2>



<p>Szostak had previously theorized that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rna-world-unraveling-mysteries-life-origin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RNA</a> might have been the first biological material to develop because it could both store genetic information and catalyze chemical reactions. </p>



<p>This solved a longstanding problem: DNA encodes information but doesn't perform functions, while proteins perform functions but don't encode heritable information. RNA, on the other hand, can do both.</p>



<p>“RNA is a molecule which, like DNA, can encode information, but it also folds like proteins so that it can perform functions such as catalysis as well,” Agrawal said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coacervate-droplets-in-rainwater">Coacervate droplets in rainwater</h2>



<p>Although RNA-containing coacervate droplets seemed like a natural next step in the evolution of life, Szostak's 2014 paper showed that RNA within these droplets exchanged too rapidly, preventing the necessary stability for evolution.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The new study demonstrates that transferring these droplets into distilled water - similar to rainwater - creates a “tough skin” around them, slowing down RNA exchange from minutes to several days, allowing for mutation and evolution.</p>



<p>“You can make all kinds of droplets of different types of coacervates, but they don't maintain their separate identity. They tend to exchange their RNA content too rapidly. That’s been a long-standing problem,” Szostak said.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“What we showed in this new paper is that you can overcome at least part of that problem by transferring these coacervate droplets into distilled water - for example, rainwater or freshwater of any type - and they get a sort of tough skin around the droplets that restricts them from exchanging RNA content.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-for-rainwater-to-stabilize-protocells">Potential for rainwater to stabilize protocells</h2>



<p>Agrawal's initial research, which began during his PhD at the University of Houston, focused on studying the behavior of coacervate droplets under an electric field. His work eventually caught the attention of Tirrell, who connected the research to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-shed-new-light-on-the-origins-of-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">origins</a> of life. </p>



<p>Tirrell asked where distilled water could have existed 3.8 billion years ago, to which the answer was of course rainwater. This idea sparked a collaboration with Szostak, who saw the potential for rainwater to stabilize protocells and enable the conditions for evolution.</p>



<p>Working with RNA samples from Szostak, Agrawal demonstrated that transferring coacervate droplets into distilled water significantly slowed RNA exchange, creating the potential for Darwinian evolution within protocell populations.</p>



<p>“If you have protocell populations that are unstable, they will exchange their genetic material with each other and become clones. There is no possibility of Darwinian <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/evolution-is-not-as-random-as-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution</a>,” Agrawal said. </p>



<p>“But if they stabilize against exchange so that they store their genetic information well enough, at least for several days so that the mutations can happen in their genetic sequences, then a population can evolve.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-one-step-closer-to-discovering-life-s-origins-nbsp">One step closer to discovering life's origins<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>To address concerns about the real-world applicability of their findings, Agrawal and his team tested the stability of their droplets in actual rainwater collected in Houston, as well as lab water modified to mimic the acidity of ancient rainwater.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The results were consistent: the meshy walls formed around the droplets, supporting the idea that rainwater could have played a critical role in the early evolution of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/life-on-earth-may-have-been-created-by-volcanic-lightning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life</a>.</p>



<p>“The molecules we used to build these protocells are just models until more suitable molecules can be found as substitutes,” Agrawal said. “While the chemistry would be a little bit different, the physics will remain the same.”</p>



<p>This study brings researchers closer to understanding the chemical and environmental conditions that allowed protocells to evolve, moving one step closer to unraveling the mystery of life's origins.</p>



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Rainwater may have played a key role in the origin of life

One of the enduring mysteries of life's origin is how...

<p>A clear understanding of our body's response to dieting and fasting has been an intriguing topic for researchers in the field of health and science for many years. </p>



<p>At the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, researchers are shedding new light on the complex mechanisms involved in our body's reaction to fasting and low-calorie diets.</p>



<p>The research has been focused on the regenerative abilities of our intestinal stem cells, and how fasting can boost their ability to recover from injuries or inflammation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-fasting-works">How fasting works</h2>



<p>It's no news that intermittent fasting and low-calorie diets come with health perks. From delaying age-related diseases to lengthening lifespan, the benefits are not just limited to humans - they extend to many other organisms as well. But, how does this entire phenomenon work?</p>



<p>Intermittent fasting boosts the regenerative skills of intestinal stem cells. These cells play a crucial role in assisting the intestine in bouncing back from injuries or inflammation. </p>



<p>As our little mice friends began refeeding after their fasting period, the researchers discovered a pathway that sparked enhanced regeneration. </p>



<p>A bit of caution, though - it's not all rosy! If any cancerous mutations happen during this regenerative period, our rodents showed a tendency to develop early-stage intestinal tumors.</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
<p>"Having more stem cell activity is good for regeneration, but too much of a good thing over time can have less favorable consequences," said Omer Yilmaz, an <a href="https://www.mit.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MIT</a> associate professor of biology, and a member of the Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research.</p>
</blockquote>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fasting-feeding-roller-coaster">Fasting-feeding roller coaster</h2>



<p>Yilmaz's team has been sleuthing about for years to understand how fasting and low-calorie diets impact intestinal health. </p>



<p>Back in 2018, the team revealed that during a fast, intestinal stem cells switch their energy source from carbohydrates to lipids. This change revs up their regenerative abilities like a supercharged engine.</p>



<p>But a lingering question remained - how exactly does fasting trigger this regenerative boost? Was it the fasting itself or the post-fast eating that was the real game-changer?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-the-clock-strikes-refeed">When the clock strikes "refeed"</h2>



<p>The MIT researchers found that stem cell regeneration slows down during fasting but hit the accelerator once refeeding begins. </p>



<p>Three groups of mice were taken under the spyglass for this study. One group fasted for 24 hours, another fasted for 24 hours and then munched away freely during a 24-hour refeeding period, while a control group kept its eating habits steady throughout the experiment.</p>



<p>The stem cells displayed a proliferation party at the end of the refeeding period. These festive cells were more active than those in the mice that hadn't fasted at all.</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
<p>“We think that fasting and refeeding represent two distinct states,” noted the researchers.</p>
</blockquote>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nutrient-regeneration-connection-in-fasting">Nutrient-regeneration connection in fasting</h2>



<p>The mTOR pathway, involved in cell growth and metabolism, turns on like a bright guiding signal during the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fasting-triggers-remarkable-changes-throughout-the-body/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">refeeding period</a>.</p>



<p>With this highway open, the cells begin to produce more proteins, a critical ingredient for stem cells to multiply.</p>



<p>It’s like those stem cells are flexing their muscles, pumping up in preparation to repopulate the intestinal lining.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-risks-of-fasting">The risks of fasting</h2>



<p>As discussed before, every coin has two sides. While the enhanced stem cell activity gives a boost to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/intermittent-fasting-slows-aging-by-boosting-cell-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">regeneration</a>, these overachieving cells are more prone to becoming cancerous. </p>



<p>The intestinal stem cells are among the busiest in the body, continuously replacing the lining of the intestine. This frequent cell division makes them a common source of precancerous cells in the intestine.</p>



<p>So, what's the bottom line? Fasting can be helpful, but if you're unlucky and have a hearty, let’s say, charred steak, after your fasting, you might be inadvertently boosting your risk of developing a lesion that could lead to cancer. </p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
<p>“I want to emphasize that this was all done in mice, using very well-defined cancer mutations. In humans it's going to be a much more complex state,” said Yilmaz.</p>
</blockquote>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-ahead">Looking ahead</h2>



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fasting-helps-the-body-fight-inflammation-and-chronic-diseases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">regenerative benefits</a> of fasting could be significant for people undergoing treatments that can damage the intestinal lining, like radiation, or those suffering from other types of intestinal injuries.</p>



<p>Yilmaz's lab is now exploring if polyamine supplements could kindle this kind of regeneration, sans the need to fast.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-to-fast-or-not-to-fast">To fast or not to fast</h2>



<p>The jury's still out on that one. More research is needed to paint a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/intermittent-fasting-could-be-the-key-to-better-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">clearer picture</a> of the role of fasting in human health, including the potential risks. Until then, the best approach to dieting or fasting is a balanced one.</p>



<p>Remember, it's not just about what you eat or don't eat. It's about understanding the impact of these choices on your overall health.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07840-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature</em></a>.</p>



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Fasting is linked to enormous benefits, but also serious risks

A clear understanding of our body's response to dieting and...

<p>As the world of today puts on its thinking cap, a new appreciation for unconventional methods is on the rise. A peculiar one among these is the use of psychedelics, particularly psilocybin, in treating depressive symptoms.</p>



<p>Psilocybin is popularly known as the active ingredient in magic mushrooms. An intriguing study recently published in <em>The BMJ</em> tells us that high dose psilocybin could be as effective as popular SSRI drug escitalopram in managing depressive symptoms.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-psilocybin-and-depression-trials">Psilocybin and depression trials</h2>



<p>The study authors report that patient responses were better in high dose psilocybin treatments than those on placebo in antidepressant trials. But, what's the catch? The extent of the effect was not massive, but the potential is there.</p>



<p>The diligent researchers behind the review and meta-analysis are affiliated with the BMJ Group, a globally respected player in the medical research landscape. Through their careful evaluation of numerous trials, these scientists have shed new light on psilocybin’s potential role.</p>



<p>To get a clearer picture, the researchers painstakingly searched scientific databases, identifying randomized controlled trials that assessed the effects of psychedelics or escitalopram on adults with acute depressive symptoms.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-psilocybin-and-psychedelic-perspective">Psilocybin and psychedelic perspective</h2>



<p>Psychedelics have been gaining attention in the realm of psychiatric treatment. Some might even call it a paradigm shift. </p>



<p>However, it's important to note that there are significant challenges. The subjective nature of psychedelic experiences can distort results, and the psychological support that usually accompanies psychedelic treatment can make it hard to isolate the effects of the drugs themselves.</p>



<p>That being said, the researchers found a glimmer of hope. The research included 811 people participating in 15 psychedelic trials and 1,968 people participating in five escitalopram trials.</p>



<p>The participants' average age was 42 and 39 respectively, with women making up more than half of both groups.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-in-the-psychedelic-sky">Star in the psychedelic sky</h2>



<p>The study's most exciting find? High dose psilocybin was the only psychedelic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/measuring-psilocybin-mushroom-potency-just-got-easier/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">treatment</a> that performed better than a placebo in escitalopram trials. Its effect size was small, but comparable to that of current antidepressant drugs.</p>



<p>If you have concerns about the safety of using psychedelics like psilocybin, a recent study offers some reassuring insights. The research focused on the effects of psilocybin and other similar interventions, assessing their safety profile in comparison to a placebo. </p>



<p>Importantly, the findings revealed that none of the interventions were linked to a higher rate of severe adverse events. This includes serious issues such as death, hospitalization, or suicide attempts, as well as the rate of discontinuation of treatment. </p>



<p>This suggests that, when used responsibly and under appropriate conditions, psychedelics may not pose the heightened risks some fear, providing a promising avenue for exploration in mental health treatment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-psilocybin-and-depression-treatment">Psilocybin and depression treatment </h2>



<p>The exploration of psilocybin as a potential treatment for depression is just getting started. As researchers delve into how psychedelics <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brain-before-psilocybin-mushrooms-brain-on-psilocybin-mushrooms-any-questions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">interact with our brains</a>, it's important to balance excitement with caution. </p>



<p>The early results are encouraging, but they raise many questions about how psilocybin actually works. Psychopharmacology plays a crucial role in uncovering these mysteries, helping us understand how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-psilocybin-mushrooms-got-their-magic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">these substances</a> affect our neurotransmitters and thinking. </p>



<p>By encouraging open conversations between doctors, researchers, and those who have experienced these therapies, we can learn to integrate psychedelics into future treatment approaches in a responsible way.</p>



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



<p>But, like any study, it's critical to acknowledge its limitations. The researchers admitted the sample size was small, and they only assessed the acute effects of interventions. Long term effects of psychedelics and escitalopram remain uncertain.</p>



<p>“Serotonergic psychedelics, especially high dose psilocybin, appeared to have the potential to treat depressive symptoms. Our analysis suggested that the standardised mean difference of high dose psilocybin was similar to that of current antidepressant drugs, showing a small effect size,” the researchers conclude.</p>



<p>“Improved blinding methods and standardised psychotherapies can help researchers to better estimate the efficacy of psychedelics for depressive symptoms and other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mushroom-magic-new-species-discovered-in-africa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psychiatric conditions</a>.”</p>



<p>They suggest improved blinding methods and standardized psychotherapies can help provide a better estimate of psychedelics' efficacy for depressive symptoms and other psychiatric conditions.</p>



<p>As the scientific community strives to explore further, this study sparks a thought-provoking conversation, doesn't it? Dare we open the door to psychedelics as a potential tool to combat depression? It's a question worth asking.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.bmj.com/content/386/bmj-2023-078607" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The BMJ</a>.</em></p>



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Confirmed: Magic mushrooms can effectively treat depression

As the world of today puts on its thinking cap,...

<p>When you think about accents, you'd probably consider the charming lilt of an Irish brogue or the smooth drawl of a Southern twang. But have you ever thought that birds might have accents too?</p>



<p>Birds, just like us, have their own unique dialects. This fascinating fact was unveiled by researchers who monitored the dialects of the yellow-naped amazon parrot in Costa Rica for 22 years. It's an example of how rich and diverse the language of nature can truly be.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-different-accents-in-birds">Different accents in birds</h2>



<p>Parrots aren't just colorful and charming creatures. They're complex and highly social animals, particularly the yellow-naped amazons. </p>



<p>These large parrots form long-term pair bonds, roost in large flocks at night, and forage in smaller groups during the day. </p>



<p>They communicate using a variety of calls that they learn from each other. The most common of these calls are contact calls, and it's these calls that display the distinct geographic differences characteristic of dialects. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tale-of-three-dialects">Tale of three dialects</h2>



<p>In 1994, a dedicated team of researchers embarked on an exciting and wild adventure to explore the intricacies of language and communication. </p>



<p>Their initial surveys revealed three distinct types of contact: North, South, and Nicaraguan, each utilized in specific geographic areas, showcasing the rich linguistic diversity of the region. As the years progressed, the researchers continued to gather data and analyze patterns. </p>



<p>By 2005, their findings indicated that both the acoustic structure of these dialects and the boundaries that defined them had remained fundamentally unchanged. This stability over the years highlights the resilience of these linguistic features in the face of social and cultural shifts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sound-of-change-in-birds-accents">Sound of change in birds' accents</h2>



<p>The year 2016, however, painted a different picture. In this latest 11-year stretch, the team discovered distinct cultural changes. </p>



<p>The boundary between the North and South dialects shifted, and new call variants appeared within the area that originally only used the South dialect. In the North dialect, they saw many more bilingual birds adopting North and South dialects.</p>



<p>The researchers also noticed dramatic disruptions in the parrot population during this period. Population decline, increased land clearance for agriculture, and the uplisting of the species' status to critically endangered by the IUCN - all of these changes were happening simultaneously.</p>



<p>And it's believed that these cultural shifts in the birds' dialects are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-feeding-pollutes-local-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">adaptive responses</a> to their changing circumstances.</p>



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



<p>The alterations observed in the yellow-naped amazon’s dialects raise significant questions about the interplay between language and environment. </p>



<p>These cultural shifts could signal not just adaptations to habitat loss and population decline but also broader implications for the survival of these avian populations. </p>



<p>The ability to modify communication strategies in response to external pressures may enhance social cohesion among flocks, thereby increasing their resilience in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-behavior-productivity-being-directly-impacted-by-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">uncertain times</a>. </p>



<p>Furthermore, understanding these dialectal changes provokes deeper reflections on how social dynamics within animal species can mirror human cultural evolution - highlighting an intricate linkage between communication and survival.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-targeted-conservation-efforts-are-needed">Targeted conservation efforts are needed</h2>



<p>As the plight of the yellow-naped amazon becomes increasingly urgent, targeted <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-birds-are-at-great-risk-from-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation initiatives</a> are essential. </p>



<p>The interplay of acoustic cultural shifts with environmental pressures underscores the importance of habitat preservation. </p>



<p>Conservationists must not only focus on mitigating habitat loss but also promote research that further investigates the implications of these dialectal changes. </p>



<p>Engaging local communities and leveraging citizen science can enhance awareness and support for these initiatives, while ongoing studies will contribute valuable insights into the evolutionary biology of communication. </p>



<p>By fostering a collaborative approach to conservation, we can aim to safeguard the future of these remarkable parrots and their rich linguistic heritage.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-forces-that-drive-evolution">The forces that drive evolution</h2>



<p>While more research is needed to directly link the cultural changes observed in the parrots' dialects to the demographic disruptions they've experienced, one thing is clear. </p>



<p>The data underscores the importance of long-term studies for understanding how culture evolves and what forces drive this evolution. It also highlights how the vocal learning ability of parrots may indeed serve an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-flocking-dynamics-inspire-advancements-in-technology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">adaptive role</a> in the wild.</p>



<p>So, the next time you hear a parrot squawking, take a moment to listen. Remember, you're hearing not just a bird call, but a dialect - an ever-evolving language that may be adapting to the world around it, just as we do with ours.</p>



<p>The torchbearers of this unique journey are Dr. Christine Dahlin from the <a href="https://www.pitt.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Pittsburgh</a> at Johnstown, and Dr. Timothy Wright, Grace Smith-Vidaurre, and Molly K. Genes from <a href="https://www.nmsu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Mexico State University</a>. </p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2024.0659" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences</a>.</em></p>



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



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

Birds have regional accents, just like humans

When you think about accents, you'd probably consider the charming...

<p>A remarkable study reveals a promising new avenue for combating cocaine addiction. The research points towards a compound present in the rosemary plant as a potential therapy for addiction - but not in the way you might expect.</p>



<p>The scientists focused their attention on a part of the brain known as the globus pallidus externus (GPe), a sort of gatekeeper that affects individual reactions to cocaine. </p>



<p>The research revealed that specific neurons within the GPe, known as parvalbumin-positive neurons, play an essential role in regulating our responses to cocaine by altering dopamine, the brain's pleasure molecule.</p>



<p>Study co-author Kevin Beier is an associate professor of physiology and biophysics at <a href="https://uci.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Irvine</a>. </p>



<p>"Our study deepens our understanding of the basic brain mechanisms that increase vulnerability to substance use disorder-related outcomes and provides a foundation for the development of new interventions," said Beier.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moderating-the-brain-s-cocaine-reward-response">Moderating the brain's cocaine reward response</h2>



<p>Beier noted that there are currently no effective therapeutics for dependence on psychostimulants such as cocaine, which, along with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brain-discovery-offers-hope-for-tackling-opioid-addiction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">opioids</a>, represent a substantial health burden.</p>



<p>The research has far-reaching implications not just for cocaine addiction, but for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/child-maltreatment-triples-the-risk-of-substance-use/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">substance use</a> disorders in general, and it could become a vital tool for developing more effective interventions across a broad spectrum of addictive behaviors.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rosemary-to-the-rescue">Rosemary to the rescue</h2>



<p>The most striking revelation came as the team observed the behavior and neural responses of mice who were repeatedly exposed to cocaine.</p>



<p>This chronic cocaine exposure significantly heightened the excitability of the GPe parvalbumin-positive cells, which in turn caused a substantial reduction in the expression of specific proteins that are crucial for maintaining the normal activity of these GPe cells.</p>



<p>The experts discovered that carnosic acid, a potent antioxidant isolate from rosemary extract, selectively binds to the affected ion channels within these neurons.</p>



<p>This binding provides a targeted and precise mechanism to dampen the heightened response to cocaine, offering a promising avenue for reducing the drug’s impact in a relatively specific and controlled fashion.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-substance-use-disorder-vulnerability">Substance use disorder vulnerability</h2>



<p>"Only a subset of individuals are vulnerable to developing a substance use disorder, but we cannot yet identify who they are. If GPe cell activity can effectively predict response to cocaine, it could be used to measure likely responses and thus serve as a biomarker for the most vulnerable," said Beier. </p>



<p>"Furthermore, it's possible that carnosic acid could be given to those at high risk to reduce the response to cocaine."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-safely-battling-cocaine-addiction">Safely battling cocaine addiction </h2>



<p>As hopeful as these findings are, further research is required to thoroughly assess any potential side effects of carnosic acid, ensuring its safety and efficacy for long-term use. </p>



<p>Additionally, scientists need to determine the optimal dosage and timing to maximize its therapeutic benefits while minimizing risks. </p>



<p>Beyond just cocaine, the research team is also eager to explore carnosic acid's potential in reducing the craving and dependency associated with other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cannabis-use-is-up-by-20-percent-in-states-where-its-legal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">addictive substances</a>.</p>



<p>The team is particularly keen on developing more potent and focused variants of the compound, aiming to enhance its specificity and effectiveness in targeting the neural pathways involved in addiction. </p>



<p>These advanced versions of carnosic acid could pave the way for a new class of treatments, offering hope for those struggling with various forms of substance use disorders.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-cocaine-addiction">Beyond cocaine addiction </h2>



<p>While the current study highlights the significant potential of rosemary's carnosic acid in addressing cocaine dependence, the broader implications of the research could extend far beyond just one substance.</p>



<p>The mechanisms uncovered by the researchers, particularly the critical role of the GPe and parvalbumin-positive neurons in moderating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dopamine-helps-us-understand-ourselves-and-others/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dopamine</a> responses, may be highly relevant to a wide array of substance use disorders.</p>



<p>By strategically targeting these specific neural pathways, researchers believe that new, more effective therapeutic approaches could be developed. The ultimate goal is to treat addiction to a range of drugs, including opioids, methamphetamines, and other psychostimulants.</p>



<p>The research paves the way for innovative treatments that could revolutionize the way <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/food-addiction-may-qualify-as-substance-use-disorder/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">substance use disorders</a> are managed, offering hope to millions struggling with addiction.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.cell.com/neuron/fulltext/S0896-6273(24)00540-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neuron</a></em>.</p>



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



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Rosemary compound offers hope in combating cocaine addiction

A remarkable study reveals a promising new avenue for combating...

<p>Sponges in the deep waters of the Gulf of Eilat harbor a remarkable secret: they have evolved to be toxic in a heavy metal way. </p>



<p>In a groundbreaking study conducted at Tel Aviv University, researchers have uncovered that these seemingly ordinary sponges contain an extraordinarily high concentration of the toxic mineral molybdenum (Mo), using it as a unique defense mechanism to ward off predators. </p>



<p>This discovery not only sheds light on the fascinating survival strategies of sponges but also reveals a symbiotic relationship with bacteria that enables them to manage such lethal amounts of this metal.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nature-s-toxic-tale-how-sponges-harness-molybdenum">Nature's toxic tale: how sponges harness molybdenum</h2>



<p>Sponges, the earliest multicellular organisms known to science, inhabit <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-sponges-play-a-critical-role-in-the-ocean-and-they-are-rapidly-vanishing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine ecosystems</a> and play a crucial role in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giant-sponge-gardens-found-deep-in-the-arctic-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planet’s carbon</a>, nitrogen, and silicon cycles. </p>



<p>Remarkably, a single sponge can process and filter a volume of seawater 50,000 times its body weight daily. </p>



<p>With such vast quantities of water flowing through them, sponges inevitably gather various trace elements, prompting scientists to question how they handle potentially lethal amounts of substances like arsenic and molybdenum.</p>



<p>“Twenty to thirty years ago, researchers from our lab collected samples of a rare sponge called <em>Theonella conica</em> from the coral reef of Zanzibar in the Indian Ocean and found in them a high concentration of molybdenum,” explains Shoham. “Molybdenum is a trace element, important for metabolism in the cells of all animals, including humans, and widely used in industry. In my research, I wanted to test whether such high concentrations are also found in this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-sponges-discovered-in-unexplored-deep-sea-habitats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sponge species</a> in the Gulf of Eilat, where it grows at depths of more than 27 meters. Finding the sponge and analyzing its composition, I discovered that it contained more molybdenum than any other organism on Earth: 46,793 micrograms per gram of dry weight.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unraveling-the-molybdenum-mystery">Unraveling the molybdenum mystery</h2>



<p>As intriguing as this find was, it raised a critical question: How does the sponge survive the toxic accumulation of molybdenum? </p>



<p>The answer lies with the bacteria <em>Entotheonella sp.</em>, which plays a key role in the clever <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/remarkable-symbiotic-relationship-found-in-the-deep-sea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">symbiotic relationship</a> between the sponge and its microbiome.</p>



<p>Shoham adds, “Like all trace elements, molybdenum is toxic when its concentration is higher than its solubility in water. But we must remember that a sponge is essentially a hollow mass of cells with no organs or tissues. Specifically in <em>Theonella conica</em>, up to 40% of the body volume is a microbial society—bacteria, viruses, and fungi living in symbiosis with the sponge. One of the most dominant bacteria, called <em>Entotheonella sp.</em>, serves as a ‘detoxifying organ’ for accumulating metals inside the body of its sponge hosts. Hoarding more and more molybdenum, the bacteria convert it from its toxic soluble state into a mineral. We are not sure why they do this. Perhaps the molybdenum protects the sponge by announcing: ‘I’m toxic! Don’t eat me!,’ and in return for this service, the sponge does not eat the bacteria and serves as their host.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tomorrow-s-solutions-today">Tomorrow's solutions today</h2>



<p>While enticing, the prospect of extracting molybdenum from these sponges is impractical due to their scarcity, fragility, and the minimal weight of molybdenum they carry. </p>



<p>“The concentration is very high,” says Shoham, “but when translated into weight, we could only get a few grams from every sponge, and the sponge itself is relatively rare. Sponges are grown in marine agriculture, mostly for the pharmaceutical industry, but this is quite a challenging endeavor. Sponges are very delicate creatures that need specific conditions.”</p>



<p>However, their unique bacterial companions, <em>Entotheonella sp.</em>, hold the potential for future research with their metal-accumulating abilities. </p>



<p>Previous studies from the same <a href="https://english.tau.ac.il/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tel Aviv University</a> lab found immense concentrations of other toxic metals like arsenic (As) and barium (Ba) in a close relative of <em>Theonella conica</em>, named <em>Theonella swinhoei</em>. “In this case too,” Shoham notes, “<em>Entotheonella</em> was found to be largely responsible for hoarding the metals and turning them into minerals, thereby neutralizing their toxicity. Continued research on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-microbes-discovered-destroys-pfas-forever-chemicals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacteria</a> can prove useful for treating water sources polluted with arsenic, a serious hazard that directly affects the health of 200 million people worldwide.”</p>



<p>In the end, what started as a dive into the intriguing sponge's world led scientists on a voyage of discovery, revealing the power of symbiosis and the potential for new technological advancements rooted in the secrets of our ocean’s depths.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adn3923" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a></em>.</p>



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



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Sponges accumulate toxic metals as a survival strategy

Sponges in the deep waters of the Gulf of Eilat...

<p>Greenhouse gas emissions are at the forefront of climate research, and now we have deployed the first advanced satellite to monitor them from space. This mission is crucial for understanding and mitigating the impact of these gases on our planet's climate.</p>



<p>On August 16, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket successfully launched from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, carrying a state-of-the-art greenhouse gas tracking instrument.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-satellite-for-greenhouse-gas-tracking">Satellite for greenhouse gas tracking</h2>



<p>Tanager-1, a cutting-edge piece of technology, was developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. This satellite is designed to leverage advanced imaging spectrometer technology to precisely measure methane and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-carbon-dioxide-emissions-hit-a-record-high-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon dioxide emissions</a>, pinpointing them down to individual facilities and equipment on a global scale.</p>



<p>Dr. Laurie Leshin, a distinguished geochemist and space scientist, is the director of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.</p>



<p>"The imaging spectrometer technology aboard Tanager-1 is the product of four decades of development at NASA JPL and is truly in a class of its own," said Dr. Leshin.</p>



<p>The data gathered by Tanager-1 will provide an unprecedented view of global greenhouse gas emissions.</p>



<p>The Carbon Mapper Coalition, a nonprofit organization, played a significant role in the creation of Tanager-1. In collaboration with Planet Labs PBC, which built the satellite, and NASA JPL, they have developed an invaluable tool in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/people-want-to-fight-climate-change-more-than-you-think/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fight against climate change</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-satellite-will-pinpoint-super-emitters">Satellite will pinpoint super-emitters</h2>



<p>With data from the Tanager-1 satellite, Carbon Mapper will analyze unique spectral signatures of greenhouse gas emissions and precisely pinpoint their sources. The data will be publicly accessible through the Carbon Mapper data portal.</p>



<p>“The Carbon Mapper Coalition is a prime example of how organizations from different sectors are uniting around a common goal of addressing climate change," said Riley Duren, Carbon Mapper CEO.</p>



<p>The coalition aims to achieve a more accurate measure of emissions on our planet, thereby driving substantial action to reduce them. A primary objective is to detect, pinpoint, and quantify methane and CO<sub>2</sub>&nbsp;super-emitters.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoding-greenhouse-gas-fingerprints">Decoding greenhouse gas fingerprints</h2>



<p>How exactly does Tanager-1 identify these emissions? It’s all about the interaction of light with the Earth's atmosphere.</p>



<p>The satellite's imaging spectrometer measures hundreds of light wavelengths reflected off the Earth's surface, capturing a detailed spectrum of data.</p>



<p>Different compounds in our atmosphere, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-previously-unknown-sources-of-methane-production/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">methane</a> and carbon dioxide, absorb specific light wavelengths, leaving behind unique spectral "fingerprints" that can be detected from space.</p>



<p>These distinct fingerprints allow researchers to pinpoint the exact sources of greenhouse gas emissions and quantify their levels with remarkable accuracy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advanced-imaging-spectrometer">Advanced imaging spectrometer </h2>



<p>But Tanager-1 isn’t working alone. It’s part of a broader, coordinated initiative aimed at making methane and carbon dioxide data both accessible and actionable for scientists, policymakers, and the public.</p>



<p>Complementing Tanager-1's mission is NASA’s EMIT (Earth Surface Mineral Dust Source Investigation), an advanced imaging spectrometer also developed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. </p>



<p>Installed on the International Space Station, EMIT is providing crucial measurements that enhance our awareness of greenhouse gas emissions and their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-clouds-influence-earths-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">impact on the Earth's climate</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-collaborations-that-propel-innovation">Collaborations that propel innovation</h2>



<p>The Tanager-1 mission highlights the power of collaboration across industries. Tech innovators, environmental scientists, and policymakers will join forces to use this cutting-edge technology to address the pressing issue of climate change.</p>



<p>This cross-sector collaboration ensures that the valuable data collected by Tanager-1 and other satellites isn’t just stored away, but is actively used to influence policy decisions and encourage sustainable practices worldwide.</p>



<p>Furthermore, educational institutions like the <a href="https://www.arizona.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Arizona</a> and <a href="https://www.asu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arizona State University</a> play a crucial role in training the next generation of scientists and engineers who will continue this essential work. </p>



<p>By incorporating real-world data and challenges into their curriculum, these universities ensure that their graduates are ready to tackle environmental issues with innovative solutions.</p>



<p>Ultimately, the Tanager-1 mission exemplifies what we can achieve when diverse groups unite for a common purpose - creating a sustainable future for our planet.</p>



<p>As we continue to develop more sophisticated tools and systems, the importance of such partnerships will only grow, fostering a global community committed to safeguarding our environment for generations to come.</p>



<p>Image Credit: Planet Labs PBC</p>



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



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World's first greenhouse-gas-detecting satellite is now in orbit

Greenhouse gas emissions are at the forefront of climate research,...

<p>Picture this: You're standing on the outskirts of Evia, Greece, your heart pounding as you watch a raging wildfire engulf a once lush forest. This is not an apocalyptic movie scene; it's our reality in the age of climate change. A new report from leading experts hints at an even harsher reality: we are relying too much on climate solutions that may not even be feasible.</p>



<p>We are now facing the fallout of dangerous climate change as the world continues to warm. And the belief that we can overshoot our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-records-shatter-2024-set-to-be-hottest-year-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global warming</a> targets and then roll back the damage through future technology is nothing short of a risky gamble, according to the experts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-solutions-science-fact-or-fiction">Climate solutions: Science fact or fiction?</h2>



<p>This study was carried out by three renowned researchers - Dr. James Dyke from the Global Systems Institute at the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a>, Professor Sir Robert Watson, Emeritus Professor in Environmental Sciences at the <a href="https://www.uea.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of East Anglia</a> and previous chair of the IPCC and IPBES, and Dr. Wolfgang Knorr of <a href="https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lund University</a>. </p>



<p>In their report, they warn that the proposed solutions to our climate crisis might be based more on science fiction than science fact.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-false-promises-and-surreal-pledges">False promises and surreal pledges</h2>



<p>World leaders made a commitment during the 2015 Paris Agreement to limit global warming to 1.5°C above preindustrial levels and "well below" 2 °C. Fast forward to today, and these pledges seem almost "surreal" as we continue to produce fossil fuels and break greenhouse gas emission records.</p>



<p>"Like the proverbial frog in the heating pan of water, we refuse to respond to the climate and ecological crisis with any sense of urgency,” said Dr. Dyke.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-circumventing-the-best-climate-solutions">Circumventing the best climate solutions </h2>



<p>So, what's the solution? Dr. Dyke spells it out for us: we need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions rapidly from all sectors while boosting energy efficiency.</p>



<p>However, the current policies and pledges seem to be circumventing this straightforward solution. They suggest that we can keep warming the planet, past any amount of climate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-temperatures-increase-scientists-plan-slow-down-rising-heat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">change</a>, and then use future technology to pull us back from the brink.</p>



<p>This, according to our experts, is a dangerous path that not only annihilates any attempt to limit warming to 1.5°C but also dumps the responsibility of fixing our planet on future generations. It hinges on carbon dioxide removal systems and geoengineering solutions that largely exist only on paper.</p>



<p>“The situation demands honesty, and a change of course,” said Professor Watson. Our policies need to be rooted in real-world science and engineering, focused on present-day actions instead of uncertain future technologies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-real-and-hard-truth">Real and hard truth</h2>



<p>While the idea of overshooting our targets and then deploying carbon removal technology might sound tempting, there is a huge flaw in this plan – it overlooks the immense suffering that will be endured while we wait for this recovery. </p>



<p>As Dr. Knorr points out, promises of net zero and recovery from overshoots are holding us back. They create a false sense of security that nothing too drastic needs to change right now.</p>



<p>The authors put forth four straightforward suggestions:</p>



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Leave it where it is</strong>: It's time to cease funding new oil and gas projects and prioritize renewable energy sources. By leaving fossil fuels in the ground, we can combat climate change and promote a sustainable future for generations to come.</li>



<li><strong>Immediate action over future promises</strong>: The climate crisis demands immediate action. We cannot promise to balance our carbon budgets decades from now.</li>



<li><strong>In real science we trust</strong>: Our climate change policies need to be rooted in credible science and engineering. We cannot gamble our future on speculative carbon-removal approaches.</li>



<li><strong>Get real</strong>: The ideas of net zero and overshoots should not be used to argue that our energy-intensive society doesn't need to change.</li>
</ol>



<p>The truth is difficult to swallow. But acknowledging it could be our first step toward making a real difference. </p>



<p>"Owning up to the failures of climate change <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbes-have-a-surprising-impact-on-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">policy</a> doesn’t mean giving up. It means accepting the consequences of past failures and not making the same mistakes," said the researchers. "Rather than hoping future generations can undo the damage, we must act now to protect the planet."</p>



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



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Overshooting climate targets and relying on future solutions is a risky gamble

Picture this: You're standing on the outskirts of Evia, Greece,...

<p>What if our lifespan could be extended beyond its natural limits? Recently, scientists have made a significant leap towards this very real possibility with the discovery and study of an important longevity gene.</p>



<p>This gene has shown promise in promoting cellular repair and reducing the effects of aging, generating excitement in the scientific community about new methods for extending healthy lives, not just longer lives</p>



<p>As we learn more about the mechanisms behind this particular longevity gene, we may soon uncover new strategies that could revolutionize how we approach human aging and lifespan, ultimately changing the way we live.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transference-of-longevity-gene">Transference of longevity gene</h2>



<p>This riveting revelation has been unfolded at the <a href="https://www.rochester.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Rochester</a>. The team consists of the extraordinary Vera Gorbunova, the Doris Johns Cherry Professor of Biology and Medicine, and the erudite Andrei Seluanov, a Professor of Biology.</p>



<p>Their decades of research devoted to understanding the mechanisms of aging and diseases have led to fascinating findings.</p>



<p>What's with the naked mole rats? These remarkable critters are known for their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-anti-aging-drug-interleukin-11-boosts-lifespan-prevents-cancer-gray-hair/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">long lifespans</a>&nbsp;and resistance to age-related diseases.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These rodents can live up to 41 years, nearly a decade longer than rodents their size. Fascination for these extraordinary creatures led Rochester researchers to a dramatic discovery.</p>



<p>Imagine transferring the specific gene -- the one responsible for these rodents' enhanced cellular repair and protection -- into mice? That's precisely what these researchers did.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-power-of-hmw-ha">Power of HMW-HA</h2>



<p>This specific gene is responsible for producing high molecular weight <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/invasive-weed-has-anti-aging-properties/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hyaluronic acid</a>, or HMW-HA for short. When introduced to the mice, there was a significant improvement in health, and lifespans increased by an estimated 4.4%.</p>



<p>What does this HMW-HA do? HMW-HA is a mechanism that has an astonishing effect on aging and diseases.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Naked mole rats have ten times more HMW-HA compared to mice and humans. Now, when this was removed from the naked mole rat cells, the cells were more likely to form tumors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The wonder doesn't stop there. HMW-HA does more than just fend off cancer. These modified mice exhibited better protection against spontaneous tumors and chemically induced skin cancer. </p>



<p>There was also less inflammation -- a common mark of aging -- and maintained a healthier gut.</p>



<p>What does this mean for us, humans? This discovery has opened a Pandora's box of possibilities in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/missing-link-between-growth-and-lifespan-identified/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">improving lifespan and health</a> at the same time by reducing inflammation-related diseases in us. It may not be long before we see the effects of HMW-HA benefiting human longevity and health.</p>



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



<p>These findings from the University of Rochester lay a crucial foundation for further exploration into the realm of longevity and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-life-expectancy-is-projected-to-increase-by-5-years-by-2050/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">age-related diseases</a>. </p>



<p>Future research will undoubtedly focus on understanding the precise mechanisms by which HMW-HA operates at the cellular level. </p>



<p>Investigating its roles not only in aging but also in various health conditions could potentially unlock new therapeutic avenues. </p>



<p>Moreover, the quest to determine whether similar genes could exert protective effects in humans signifies an exciting frontier that combines molecular biology, genetics, and medicine.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Thus, the ripple effects of this research extend well beyond laboratory settings, shaping potentially life-altering <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pigs-slow-growth-diet-increases-longevity-productivity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">interventions for aging populations</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ethical-considerations-of-longevity-gene">Ethical considerations of longevity gene</h2>



<p>As we stand on the precipice of potentially revolutionary breakthroughs in extending human lifespan, it becomes imperative to confront the ethical implications that accompany such advancements.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The prospect of significantly prolonging life raises questions about access to these therapies, societal impacts, and resources required to sustain longer lives. </p>



<p>Additionally, considerations regarding the quality of life and the natural order of aging must be examined. </p>



<p>Should we prioritize&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/longer-lifespan-strongly-linked-to-higher-education/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extending life at all costs</a>, or should our focus shift to enhancing the quality of those extended years?&nbsp;</p>



<p>These inquiries warrant extensive dialogue among scientists, ethicists, and the general public to navigate the moral landscape of longevity science responsibly. </p>



<p>Through such discourse, we can work towards a future where enhanced lifespan is coupled with a meaningful and fulfilling life experience.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-ahead-with-anticipation">Looking ahead with anticipation</h2>



<p>This is just the beginning. In working towards the goal of transferring this benefit to humans, the team is already testing molecules that slow down hyaluronan degradation in pre-clinical trials. Exciting, isn't it?</p>



<p>This study represents a significant triumph, not only for the dedicated team at the University of Rochester, but also for all of humankind.</p>



<p>“We already have identified molecules that slow down hyaluronan degradation and are testing them in pre-clinical trials,” Seluanov says. </p>



<p>“We hope that our findings will provide the first, but not the last, example of how longevity adaptations from a long-lived species can be adapted to benefit human longevity and health," he concluded.</p>



<p>Moreover, it could enable scientists to develop innovative strategies for extending human lifespan, ultimately improving quality of life for future generations. This research opens exciting new avenues for exploration in gerontology and health sciences.</p>



<p>The full study is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06463-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature</em></a>.</p>



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



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

Scientists transfer longevity gene in hopes of extending human lifespan

What if our lifespan could be extended beyond its natural...

<p>Today, let's address the elephant in the room. Or rather, the tiny terror, the midnight mischief-maker, the one that has us all jumping onto chairs at the dead of night, our uninvited roommates -- mice. </p>



<p>Entertaining as our tiny friends might be in animated tales, they are not as charming when discovered darting across your kitchen floor or gnawing on your pizza leftovers, especially when the solution could be as simple as cinnamon.</p>



<p>Not a fan of its warm aroma, our tiny roommates leave their homes in search of a scent-free environment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seed-of-the-problem">Seed of the problem</h2>



<p>Mice have long roamed our homes, causing chaos with their nocturnal antics. They pose health risks by carrying and transmitting various diseases, and their gnawing habits can lead to substantial <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bats-assist-farmers-by-consuming-harmful-pests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">property damage</a>.</p>



<p>Cinnamon, well known for adding a festive touch to our cookies and hot beverages, has been hiding a secret superhero identity. It turns out, this versatile spice does not just enhance our culinary delights but is also a potent deterrent for mice.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cinnamon-strategy-against-mice">Cinnamon strategy against mice</h2>



<p>Deploying this strategy is straightforward and effective. Simply take cinnamon sticks and place them around food storage areas, or soak cotton balls in cinnamon oil and scatter them around your home. </p>



<p>This natural method can help deter <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insects-boost-plant-evolution-in-surprising-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pests</a> while leaving a pleasant aroma. Regularly refresh the cinnamon to maintain its effectiveness.</p>



<p>What's even better, using cinnamon is a humane way of dealing with our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cockroaches-became-global-pests-cleverly-hitching-rides-with-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">little invaders</a>. It allows us to protect our homes without resorting to methods that cause harm to these tiny creatures.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fragrant-side-effects">Fragrant side-effects</h2>



<p>Let’s remember that while we’re quietly battling pests, our home can be filled with an amazing aroma that feels like a dream. </p>



<p>The lovely scent of cinnamon doesn’t just make the place feel cozy; it also has a practical side. This powerful spice helps keep those pesky rodents away.</p>



<p>Imagine welcoming friends into your home, where the warm fragrance of cinnamon greets them right at the door. </p>



<p>It’s the perfect mix of charm and usefulness, creating a welcoming atmosphere that makes everyone feel comfortable while <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cockroaches-have-evolved-developed-resistance-to-common-insect-sprays/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">keeping pests at bay</a>.</p>



<p>The potent smell of cinnamon, primarily from its essential oil called cinnamaldehyde, is oppressively strong for rodents, given their highly sensitive olfactory receptors. Turns out, our home invader's natural aversion to strong smells is our gain.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cinnamon-and-mice-a-holistic-perspective">Cinnamon and mice: A holistic perspective</h2>



<p>As we deal with our uninvited mouse guests, it's important to take a balanced approach that focuses on both keeping them out and understanding them better.&nbsp;</p>



<p>We can start by making our homes less inviting for mice -- this means sealing up any gaps, storing food properly, and keeping things tidy. But let’s not forget that mice play a role in our ecosystem. </p>



<p>They’re food for a variety of predators and help keep nature in balance. By learning more about their behaviors and needs, we can find <a href="https://www.usda.gov/oce/pest/integrated-pest-management" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ways to coexist peacefully</a>, respecting both their place in the world and our need for a comfortable home.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fellow-warriors">Fellow warriors</h2>



<p>Essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, and lavender are great allies in this fight. Peppermint oil smells amazing and gives your space a fresh vibe while deterring bugs.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Eucalyptus has a nice scent and helps clean the air too. And we can’t forget lavender. Its calming aroma not only relaxes the atmosphere but also keeps those annoying insects at bay.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By bringing these lovely scents into your home, you can create a welcoming and healthier space for everyone.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cinnamon-for-mice-mother-earth-approves">Cinnamon for mice: Mother Earth approves</h2>



<p>This natural strategy is not only effective but also environmentally friendly. It provides a balanced approach, enabling us to coexist harmoniously with these small creatures.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By adopting this method, we can protect their habitats while ensuring our own needs are met. Such coexistence fosters biodiversity and supports a healthier ecosystem for future generations.</p>



<p>So, are we ready to try out this homemade solution? Perhaps it's time to redecorate our homes with a dash of warm, inviting cinnamon and declare victory over our furry invaders in the most organic, aromatic way possible. After all, who said war couldn't smell sweet?</p>



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



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

Eco-friendly pest control: This simple trick keeps mice away

Today, let's address the elephant in the room. Or rather,...

Horizon,Sea,Sky,,Storm,,Tempest,,Sky,Clouded,Over

<p>The Atlantic Ocean is experiencing unprecedented warming, with waters off Florida resembling a hot tub, causing bleaching of the world's third-largest barrier reef. Similarly, extreme heat off Ireland’s coast has been linked to the mass death of seabirds. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warming-trend-in-the-atlantic-ocean">Warming trend in the Atlantic Ocean</h2>



<p>Historically, the North Atlantic warmed more slowly than other global regions, but it has now not only caught up but surpassed previous records.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Last month, the sea surface temperature there surged to a record 25°C - nearly 1°C higher than the previous record set in 2020 - and the temperatures are expected to rise even further. “This year it’s been crazy,” said Tianle Yuan, an atmospheric physicist at NASA’s <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Goddard Space Flight Center</a>.</p>



<p>The primary cause of this alarming trend is the increased <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenhouse-gas-emissions-reach-another-all-time-high/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gas emissions</a> from human activities, which trap heat that the oceans gradually absorb.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Additionally, recent weather patterns, especially stationary high-pressure systems that prevent cloud formation, have allowed the oceans to absorb more sunlight, intensifying the warming.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-low-lying-clouds-called-ship-tracks">Low-lying clouds called ship tracks</h2>



<p>Researchers have also identified another contributing factor, which can be seen as an unintended consequence: the reduction of clouds known as ship tracks.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Regulations implemented in 2020 by the <a href="https://www.imo.org/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">United Nations International Maritime Organization</a> (IMO) significantly reduced sulfur pollution from ships by over 80%, improving air quality globally. </p>



<p>However, this reduction has also diminished the formation of low-lying, reflective clouds that follow in ships' wakes and play a crucial role in cooling the planet. </p>



<p>“The 2020 IMO rule ‘is a big natural experiment,’” said Duncan Watson-Parris, an atmospheric physicist at the <a href="https://scripps.ucsd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scripps Institution of Oceanography</a>. “We’re changing the clouds.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warming-effects-of-human-activities">Warming effects of human activities</h2>



<p>Studies have shown that by drastically reducing the number of ship tracks, the planet has warmed at a faster rate, particularly in the Atlantic, where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dramatic-increase-in-shipping-traffic-threatens-marine-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">maritime traffic</a> is dense.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In these shipping corridors, the reduced cloud cover has enhanced the warming effect of human carbon emissions by 50 percent. Michael Diamond, an atmospheric scientist at <a href="https://www.fsu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida State University</a>, compared the impact to the loss of the cooling effect equivalent to that of a significant volcanic eruption each year.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-geoengineering-experiment-gone-wrong-nbsp">Geoengineering experiment gone wrong&nbsp;</h2>



<p>This natural experiment created by the IMO rules offers climate scientists a rare opportunity to study a geoengineering scenario - though it's one that’s unfortunately working in the wrong direction.&nbsp;</p>



<p>One such proposed strategy to mitigate global warming, called marine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cloud-engineering-can-temporarily-cool-our-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cloud</a> brightening, involves ships spraying salt particles into the air to make clouds more reflective.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to Diamond, the sharp decline in ship tracks demonstrates that humanity could, in theory, significantly cool the planet by brightening clouds. “It suggests pretty strongly that if you wanted to do it on purpose, you could,” he said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warming-in-the-atlantic-and-beyond">Warming in the Atlantic and beyond</h2>



<p>The influence of pollution on clouds remains one of the largest uncertainties in predicting the rate of global warming, according to Franziska Glassmeier, an atmospheric scientist at the <a href="https://www.tudelft.nl/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Delft University of Technology</a>. Progress in understanding these complex interactions has been slow because “clouds are so variable,” she explained.</p>



<p>Some basic principles are well understood: particles like sulfate or salt can seed clouds by providing nuclei around which water vapor condenses into droplets. These seeds also brighten clouds by increasing the number of smaller droplets. However, the effects don't stop there, according to Robert Wood, an atmospheric scientist at the <a href="https://www.washington.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Washington</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Smaller droplets are less likely to merge, potentially reducing rainfall, which could enlarge clouds and further increase their reflectivity. However, larger clouds may mix with dry air, which could decrease their brightness.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ship-tracks-decreased-by-more-than-50-percent-nbsp">Ship tracks decreased by more than 50 percent<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>Even before the IMO regulations, ship tracks were a focus for testing these ideas. With their striking visual appearance, these linear clouds were prime candidates for artificial intelligence-based image recognition.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By employing such techniques and analyzing 20 years of calibrated imagery from NASA’s Terra and Aqua satellites, Yuan and his colleagues identified ten times more ship tracks than had previously been documented manually.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study, published last year in <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.abn7988" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science Advances</em></a>, revealed that ship tracks in major shipping corridors decreased by more than 50% after the IMO regulations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extent-of-warming-in-the-north-atlantic-nbsp">Extent of warming in the North Atlantic<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>In subsequent research, Yuan's team took this analysis further, calculating the cooling effect associated with the brightening of these clouds and the pollution’s impact on cloud longevity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers concluded that the IMO rules have caused a warming of 0.1 watts per square meter - double the warming impact caused by changes to clouds from airplanes, as detailed in a paper currently under review.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This impact is especially pronounced in heavily trafficked areas like the North Atlantic, where the disappearance of clouds is a “shock to the system,” according to Yuan. The increase in sunlight, exacerbated by a lack of reflective <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saharan-dust-can-intensify-hurricanes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saharan dust</a> over the ocean this year, “can account for most of the warming observed” in the Atlantic this summer.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-air-pollution-cools-the-climate">Air pollution cools the climate</h2>



<p>Watson-Parris and his colleagues approached the problem differently, starting with ship location data and combining it with weather records to project where ship pollution traveled.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The experts compared clouds at these locations with nearby clouds unaffected by ship pollution. In <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-022-05122-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature</em></a> last year, they reported that these “invisible” ship tracks not only enhanced low-lying marine clouds but also significantly increased the volume of higher-altitude cumulus clouds, which were previously thought to be unaffected by ship pollution.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The findings suggested that air pollution could be causing clouds to cool the climate at nearly twice the previously estimated strength.</p>



<p>However, their follow-up study on the effect of the IMO rules on these invisible tracks delivered a surprise: the reduction in pollution did not reduce the puffiness of the cumulus clouds, according to a new preprint in the journal <a href="https://egusphere.copernicus.org/preprints/2023/egusphere-2023-813/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics</em></a> (ACP). This suggests that these clouds have a saturation point, beyond which additional pollution has little effect on their development.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We removed 80% of the aerosols, but that’s still not taking us close to the preindustrial state,” Watson-Parris said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-ship-pollution-on-clouds-nbsp">Impact of ship pollution on clouds<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>Another approach to understanding the impact of ship pollution on clouds involves zooming in on specific ocean regions where winds align with shipping lanes, concentrating the pollution.&nbsp;</p>



<p>One such region is off the coast of Angola in the southeast Atlantic. Observing this area with the Terra satellite, Diamond found that with reduced pollution, cloud droplet sizes had increased to their largest in two decades.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Based on these findings, Diamond estimates in a recent paper in <a href="https://acp.copernicus.org/articles/23/8259/2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>ACP</em></a> that the IMO rules have caused warming globally at levels comparable to those observed by Yuan.</p>



<p>Later this year, Diamond, Yuan, and other researchers will begin comparing their methods for studying the interaction of pollution and clouds under the <a href="https://www.noaa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration</a>’s small geoengineering research program. “After a few more years, we’re really going to have something to say about these cloud adjustments,” Wood concluded.</p>



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



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

'We're changing the clouds': Unintended geoengineering test is warming the Atlantic

The Atlantic Ocean is experiencing unprecedented warming, with waters off...

<p>You've heard it all: "Video gaming is a waste of time" or "They'll rot your brain." But what if the tables were turned? What if the right kind of gaming could be a boon for your mental well-being?</p>



<p>Researchers from <a href="https://www.nihon-u.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nihon University</a> in Tokyo, Japan, embarked on a mission to uncover the enigma surrounding the impact of video games on mental health. After observing a massive pool of 97,000 participants and their gaming habits, a surprising revelation emerged: video games can boost mental well-being.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shortage-of-video-games">Shortage of video games</h2>



<p>Between 2020 and 2022, Japan was hit by an unexpected shortage of gaming consoles. Retailers had to resort to lotteries for fair distribution of the coveted PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch among residents aged 10-69.</p>



<p>A unique "natural experiment" then unfolded right before our eyes, revealing some astonishing insights. Those lucky enough to nab a gaming console in the lottery did feel the difference. </p>



<p>The gamers reported improved mental health, a satisfying surge in life satisfaction, and a noticeable reduction in psychological stress.</p>



<p>The clock indeed had a part to play in this intriguing saga. The health benefits were visible among those <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/millions-of-gamers-help-advance-gut-microbiome-research/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gaming wizards</a> who spent less than three hours a day engaged in their virtual quests. Beyond this threshold, the magic seemed to wane. It seems the mantra here is: moderation is king.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interesting-perspective">Interesting perspective</h2>



<p>The noteworthy findings of this research are published in the esteemed journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-024-01948-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Human Behaviour</a></em>.</p>



<p>"All our estimates indicated positive correlations between video gaming and life satisfaction - a finding that, while counterintuitive given certain public perceptions around gaming, is consistent with recent studies," the authors noted.</p>



<p>The researchers also noted a possible limitation of the study - the global pandemic could have influenced the results. Yet, the experts remain hopeful that their work shines a spotlight on the complex love-hate relationship between screen time and mental health.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-video-gaming-and-mental-well-being">Video gaming and mental well-being </h2>



<p>The ripple effects of this revelation are being felt across academia. "The results show that broadly, there was a positive relationship with games console ownership and mental well-being," said Pete Etchells, a psychology and science communications professor at <a href="https://www.bathspa.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bath Spa University</a>.</p>



<p>"More than that though, we see some interesting nuance; Nintendo Switch ownership was associated with more positive outcomes in younger populations, and slightly favoring female participants, whereas PS5 ownership was associated with more pronounced outcomes in males and adult populations without children."</p>



<p>But it's not just the kids and teens who get all the fun. Every age group gets in on the action, according to Dr. Mike Cook from King's College London. He affirms that anyone and everyone can reap the benefits of video games. They are especially crucial for the elderly, offering a social connection lifeline and mental stimulation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bigger-picture-of-gaming-and-well-being">Bigger picture of gaming and well-being</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/video-gaming-actually-improves-brain-functions-at-any-age/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gaming</a> isn't just a solo activity; it's part of a bigger conversation about how our daily digital lives affect our mental health. As technology becomes an integral part of who we are, we need to recognize its influence.</p>



<p>Video games can be great for our brains, helping us think strategically and even making it easier to connect with others.</p>



<p>That said, we can't ignore the concerns about screen time. It’s important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of gaming. </p>



<p>This balance is especially crucial now, as we navigate a post-pandemic world where in-person social interactions have changed. Let’s keep exploring how gaming can help us build mental resilience and foster connections in these evolving times.</p>



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



<p>We are increasingly exploring the intriguing world of gaming and how it affects our mental health.</p>



<p>Future research could really shine a light on how different games - whether they’re action-packed, role-playing adventures, or simulations - impact people of all ages and backgrounds. And we can’t forget about online multiplayer games; they can offer essential social support to players.</p>



<p>Long-term studies could help us understand how gaming <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-violent-video-games-impact-the-human-mind/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">influences our mental health</a> over time, which would be super valuable for health professionals and policymakers looking to encourage healthier gaming habits. </p>



<p>As we learn more about mental health, video games might turn out to be a surprising ally in boosting our emotional well-being in this digital age.</p>



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



<p>While many see gaming as addictive and harmful, this study shows that mindful gaming can boost mental well-being. </p>



<p>Video games can help build social connections, improve cognitive skills, and offer a fun escape from daily stress. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/video-gamers-may-be-at-risk-of-irreversible-hearing-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">key is balance</a>. Enjoy gaming, but make sure to play responsibly. So, gamers, put on your headsets and game on!</p>



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Video gaming can boost well-being and life satisfaction

You've heard it all: "Video gaming is a waste of...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<p>—–</p>

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What caused the planet's longest ice age

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<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>



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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...

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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>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Kainji Lake, a reservoir on the Niger River.</p>



<p>In 1968, Kainji Lake was created by the construction of the Kainji Dam. The Niger River, the third longest in Africa, enters the lake in the north.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rivers-in-the-american-west-are-a-lifesaving-resource-for-birds/">ESA</a>, the creation of the lake submerged Foge Island and the town of Bussa and permanently flooded other riverine settlements, leaving around 50,000 people displaced.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Large parts of Foge Island are temporarily exposed during low water tides, and the land is often used by migrating fishermen. Kainji Dam is a dam across the Niger River in Niger State of Central Nigeria. </p>



<p>Wild mammals occur at relatively low densities due to illegal hunting. Lake Kainji has suffered a dramatic decline as a fishery due to the high numbers of artisanal and subsistence fisherfolk using the lake. It has been suggested that a period of closure, together with controlled fishing rights may help improve fish stocks.</p>



<p>Kainji Lake National Park is the oldest of its kind in Nigeria. The park contains three distinct areas: a part of the Kainji Lake, the Borgu Game Reserve to the west of the lake, and the Zugurma Game Reserve to the southeast. The park is home to around 65 mammal species, 350 bird species, and 30 species of reptiles and amphibians. </p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;</em></p>



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



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



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Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from <a href="https://www.igb.illinois.edu/">Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology</a> reveals how scientists can modify common crops like soybean, rice, and wheat to protect them from heat stress.</p>



<p>“We need to double crop production by 2050 to feed a growing global population, and not only are we not on track to do that, but climate change is further complicating things,” said Amanda Cavanagh, a lecturer at the University of Essex. </p>



<p>The study is part of Realizing Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency (RIPE), an international research project that aims to develop food crops that turn the sun’s energy into food more efficiently.</p>



<p>“Using an engineering approach we designed multiple alternative metabolic pathways to photorespiration. Testing them in the field showed increases in productivity which led Amanda to significantly move the project forward by showing our engineered plants can withstand pretty extreme temperature stress,” said study co-author and RIPE researcher Paul South.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“As the climate changes and temperature stresses increase the pressure on our global food supply, farmers will need every tool available including engineering approaches like the synthetic biology used here to maintain safe and productive harvests.”</p>



<p>The experts tested plants modified to have more efficient photorespiration to see if they were better adapted to warmer temperatures.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The team found that the engineered plants produced 26 percent more biomass than the wild-type plants exposed to the same temperatures, and had 15 percent less yield loss under the higher temperatures.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois</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>

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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