<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>Have you ever considered how your brain employs reasoning to draw connections between seemingly unrelated objects or concepts? Our cognitive abilities empower us to make these connections in often non-obvious ways.</p>



<p>For example, we can relate inclement weather to commuting delays, understanding that heavy rain or snow can lead to slower traffic and extended travel times.</p>



<p>Likewise, we recognize how environmental factors, such as temperature and habitat shifts, impact <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lungfish-genome-discovery-explains-how-fish-first-walked-onto-land/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species evolution over time</a>, resulting in adaptations crucial for survival.</p>



<p>This distinctive reasoning pattern, known as analogical thinking, enables us to infer relationships that significantly enhance our decision-making processes.</p>



<p>It allows us to navigate complex scenarios with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-learning-how-the-brain-stores-new-information/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">impressive adaptability</a>, whether we are adjusting our plans in response to unpredictable weather or contemplating the broader implications of climate change on biodiversity.</p>



<p>By refining this skill, we can boost our problem-solving capabilities and deepen our understanding of the world around us.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-secrets-of-our-neurons">Secrets of our neurons</h2>



<p>A landmark study has offered enlightening data and insights that outline the neuronal workings of inferential reasoning. </p>



<p>"We are beginning to understand how the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-brain-is-constantly-working-to-learn-from-our-mistakes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain learns</a> and how we extract knowledge from what we experience," said Ueli Rutishauser, PhD, a co-corresponding author on the study and a professor of neuroscience, neurosurgery, and biomedical science at <a href="https://www.cedars-sinai.org/home.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cedars-Sinai Medical Center</a>.</p>



<p>The study, conducted as part of a multi-institutional consortium funded by the National Institutes of Health’s <a href="https://braininitiative.nih.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BRAIN Initiative</a>, used electrical recordings from more than 3,000 neurons in 17 volunteers with epilepsy who were undergoing invasive monitoring in the hospital to locate the sources of their seizures.</p>



<p>Stefano Fusi, PhD, a principal investigator at <a href="https://zuckermaninstitute.columbia.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Columbia's Zuckerman Institute</a> and the study’s other co-corresponding author, noted that this unique dataset allowed researchers to monitor how the brain’s cells represent a learning process critical for inferential reasoning.</p>



<p>"These individuals gave us the precious opportunity to learn something new about how all of our brains work," added Dr. Rutishauser.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inferential-reasoning-in-brain">Inferential reasoning in brain</h2>



<p>These breakthroughs aren't just for the scientific community but mirror our day-to-day inferences. The researchers challenged the participants with a simple inferential reasoning task.</p>



<p>Initially, the participants responded based on their previously understood associations, but they quickly learned to adapt to the new rules. </p>



<p>This <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-brains-bend-time-to-adapt-to-lifes-rhythm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neural adaptability</a> reflects the rationale we apply in navigating different environments—for instance, knowing which side of the road to check first when crossing in New York or London.</p>



<p>"If you live both in New York and in London, and you fly to the UK, you know that you have to look right when you want to cross a road," explained Dr. Fusi. </p>



<p>"Even if you visit places you have never been to in the UK, like the countryside in Wales, you infer that the new rules still apply there."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-giving-shape-to-brain-activity-and-reasoning">Giving shape to brain activity and reasoning</h2>



<p>The next question is, how can these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brain-imaging-method-will-unravel-mysteries-of-neural-processes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neural processes</a> be physically interpreted? </p>



<p>In a groundbreaking approach, scientists transformed the electrical brain activity of volunteers into geometric representations using complex mathematical tools. </p>



<p>These resulted in high-dimensional shapes that were visually unparalleled. The transformation revealed astonishing differences between situations when the subjects successfully made inferences versus those when they were unsuccessful. </p>



<p>"In certain neuronal populations during learning, we saw transitions from disordered representations to these beautiful geometric structures that were correlated with the ability to reason inferentially," Dr. Fusi observed.</p>



<p>The researchers observed these geometric structures primarily in the hippocampus, a brain area traditionally associated with spatial location. </p>



<p>This discovery shows that the hippocampus also plays a crucial role in functions like inference-making and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/zombie-neurons-shed-new-light-on-learning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">learning</a>. </p>



<p>"This work elucidates a neural basis for conceptual knowledge, which is essential for reasoning, making inferences, planning, and even regulating emotions," said Daniel Salzman, MD, PhD, a coauthor of the study and a principal investigator at the Zuckerman Institute.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-power-of-verbal-instruction">Power of verbal instruction</h2>



<p>Yet another compelling discovery was the impact of verbal instruction on neural representations. "Verbal instruction is how we build knowledge about things that we have never actually experienced," added Dr. Rutishauser. </p>



<p>It was observed that participants who learned associations via verbal instruction structured neural representations in the hippocampus similar to those who learned through hands-on experience. </p>



<p>This observation underlines the power of verbal instruction in forming structured neural representations similar to experiential learning.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-valuable-volunteers-and-collaborators">The role of valuable volunteers and collaborators</h2>



<p>Credit is due to the brave volunteers, patients suffering from drug-resistant epilepsy. Their willingness to partake in this research allowed invaluable insights into brain functionality. </p>



<p>The data collected was utilized to locate each participant's seizure source, ultimately aiding in further treatment planning.</p>



<p>"This study provides new insights into how our brains allow us to learn and carry out tasks flexibly and in response to changing conditions and experiences," said Dr. Merav Sabri, program director for The BRAIN Initiative. </p>



<p>The study also highlights the critical contributions from collaborators like Dr. Taufik Valiante at the University of Toronto's <a href="https://www.uhn.ca/Research/Research_Institutes/Krembil" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Krembil Research Institute</a> and Division of Neurosurgery, as well as graduate student Hristos Courellis and postdoctoral researcher Juri Minxha, PhD, at Cedar-Sinai Medical Center and the <a href="https://www.caltech.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">California Institute of Technology</a>.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07799-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a></em>.</p>



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How our brains connect unrelated concepts through reasoning

Have you ever considered how your brain employs reasoning to...

<p>Let's spend a few minutes time traveling back to the Devonian period, where we unravel the mysteries hidden within the lungfish genome -- the world's largest animal genome, and a treasure trove of information about one of evolution's most pivotal transitions. </p>



<p>Picture yourself at the edge of a shallow sea, sometime between 420 and 360 million years ago. Here, an extraordinary event unfolded: a lobe-finned fish, propelled by its robust pectoral fins, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossil-fish-from-tiktaaliks-time-chose-life-in-the-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hauled itself from the water onto dry land</a>.</p>



<p>This remarkable creature, equipped with lungs capable of extracting oxygen from air, marked a turning point in Earth's biological history. </p>



<p>It likely represents the first venture of a vertebrate onto land - a momentous step that paved the way for the diverse array of terrestrial vertebrates we see today, including amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals like ourselves.</p>



<p>But what gave these lobe-finned fishes their unique ability to conquer the challenges of a terrestrial environment? The answer lies hidden within their genetic code, waiting to be deciphered.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-legacy-of-our-ancestral-cousins">Genetic legacy of our ancestral cousins</h2>



<p>In an endeavor to solve this longstanding mystery, scientists have analyzed the genetic material of the closest existing relatives of our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-newest-oldest-forest-recently-discovered-is-full-of-calamophyton-trees/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Devonian</a> ancestor.</p>



<p>These relatives are the lungfish, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lungfish-provide-a-deeper-insight-into-brain-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">only three lineages</a> of which survive today: one in Africa, one in South America, and one in Australia.</p>



<p>These ancient "living fossils" bear an uncanny resemblance to their ancestors, providing a glimpse into evolutionary history. </p>



<p>To decode the lungfish genomes, knowledge of their complete sequences is critical, as DNA is made up of nucleobases and the order of these nucleobases carries the essential genetic information. </p>



<p>Even though it was known that lungfish genomes were enormous, the precise scale and what could be inferred from them weren't clear until now.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deciphering-lungfish-genome">Deciphering lungfish genome</h2>



<p>Decoding the genomes of lungfish posed significant challenges, both technically and bioinformatically. </p>



<p>However, an international team of researchers, led by biologist Dr. Axel Meyer from the <a href="https://www.uni-konstanz.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Konstanz</a> and biochemist Dr. Manfred Schartl from Würzburg, managed to completely sequence the genome of the South American lungfish and a member of the African lineage.</p>



<p>Dr. Meyer highlighted the nature of their findings. He noted that the South American lungfish species possesses an extraordinary genome.</p>



<p>"With over 90 gigabases (in other words, 90 billion bases), the DNA of the South American species is the largest of all animal genomes," he explained. This genetic blueprint is more than double the size of the previous record holder, the Australian lungfish. </p>



<p>Dr. Meyer went on to emphasize the sheer scale of this discovery, pointing out that "18 of the 19 chromosomes of the South American lungfish are each individually larger than the entire human genome." </p>



<p>To put this into perspective, he reminded us that the human genome contains nearly 3 billion bases, underscoring the immense complexity of the lungfish's genetic material.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unanticipated-lungfish-genome-expansion">Unanticipated lungfish genome expansion</h2>



<p>The expansive size of the lungfish genome is attributed to autonomous transposons, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cracking-the-code-of-life-the-secret-language-of-dna/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DNA</a> sequences that reproduce and change their location within the genome, leading to genome expansion. </p>



<p>Although common in other organisms, the researchers found that the expansion rate of the South American lungfish genome is the fastest on record. </p>



<p>Dr. Meyer stated, "Every 10 million years in the past, its genome has grown by the size of the entire <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/complete-sequencing-of-the-human-genome-reveals-new-findings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human genome</a>. And it continues to grow. We have found evidence that the transposons responsible are still active." </p>



<p>The team uncovered the underlying cause for the extraordinary expansion of this genome. Their research revealed that the massive growth is primarily attributed to a significantly reduced presence of piRNA. </p>



<p>This particular <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rna-world-unraveling-mysteries-life-origin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">type of RNA</a> typically plays a crucial role in a molecular process that suppresses transposons. </p>



<p>However, with the scarcity of piRNA in this species, the usual silencing mechanism appears to be compromised, potentially allowing for unchecked genome expansion.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stability-amidst-an-explosion-of-transposons">Stability amidst an explosion of transposons</h2>



<p>Despite the vast surplus of transposons and the contribution they make to genome growth, the researchers observed no correlation between the enormous transposon surplus and genome instability. </p>



<p>In fact, the lungfish genome was surprisingly stable, and the gene arrangement remarkably conservative, allowing the researchers to reconstruct the ancestral tetrapod's original chromosome framework from the lungfish species that are still alive today.</p>



<p>This new research also enabled the scientists to understand the genetic basis of the differences between the existing lineages. </p>



<p>For instance, the Australian lungfish still possesses the limb-like fins which once allowed its relatives to tread on land. </p>



<p>These fins, similar in structure to our arms, evolved back into filamentous fins over the last 100 million years or so in the other existing lungfish species from Africa and South America.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diving-deeper">Diving deeper</h2>



<p>To further investigate this evolution, the team conducted additional experiments. "In our research, we also used experiments with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crispr-gene-editing-gets-a-revolutionary-upgrade-with-new-tool/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CRISPR-Cas</a> transgenic mice to show that this simplification of the fins is attributable to a change in what is known as the Shh-signaling pathway," Dr. Meyer explained. This pathway plays a crucial role in embryonic development.</p>



<p>"During the embryonic development of mice, for example, the Shh-signalling pathway controls the number and development of the fingers, among other things," added Dr. Meyer. </p>



<p>These findings provide additional evidence of the evolutionary link between the ray fins of bony fish and the fingers of land vertebrates.</p>



<p>With the entire genome sequences of all current lungfish families now available, future comparative genomic studies will provide deeper insights into the lobe-finned ancestors of land vertebrates - potentially cracking the code of how vertebrates transitioned onto land.</p>



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



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Lungfish genome discovery explains how fish first walked onto land

Let's spend a few minutes time traveling back to the...

<p>Sunflowers, often thought to be stationary and unchanging, hide a surprising world of intricate motion beneath their surface.</p>



<p>Though these subtle movements are too slow for the naked eye to detect, time-lapse footage reveals a fascinating and complex dance as the sunflower seedling emerges and sprouts from the soil.</p>



<p>Instead of simply growing straight upward, the seedling’s crown spins in graceful circles, twists like a tightly coiled corkscrew, and wiggles energetically as it embarks on its dynamic growth journey.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-secret-motions-of-sunflowers">Secret motions of sunflowers </h2>



<p>The seemingly chaotic motion of sunflower seedlings, known as “circumnutations,” was at the heart of a study co-led by experts from the United States and Israel.</p>



<p>Driven by curiosity, research teams based at <a href="https://www.colorado.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CU Boulder</a> and Tel Aviv University embarked on an in-depth investigation to uncover the purpose and significance of these subtle plant movements.</p>



<p>By combining meticulous greenhouse experiments with advanced computer simulations, the researchers discovered that sunflowers strategically leverage circumnutations as an effective means to search for and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sunflowers-use-multiple-light-response-systems-to-track-the-sun/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">maximize their exposure to sunlight</a> in their surroundings.</p>



<p>“A lot of people don't really consider the motion of plants because, as humans, we're usually looking at plants at the wrong frame rate," noted study co-author Orit Peleg.</p>



<p>The discovery opens up possibilities for farmers to devise new cultivation strategies for various crops, leading to more efficient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/developing-climate-smart-agricultural-practices/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">farming practices</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-intriguing-concept-of-plant-mobility">The intriguing concept of plant mobility </h2>



<p>"Our team does a lot of work on social interactions in insect swarms and other groups of animals. But this research is particularly exciting because we’re seeing similar dynamics in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-why-plants-have-a-burst-of-activity-at-dawn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a>. They’re rooted to the ground," said lead author Chantal Nguyen, postdoctoral researcher at BioFrontiers.</p>



<p>Unlike animals, plants don't usually shift location yet they manage to move by growing in different directions over time.</p>



<p>This intriguing plant phenomenon had long captured the attention of none other than Charles Darwin, who became fascinated by it in the 1860s. </p>



<p>Despite suffering from health issues that limited his mobility, Darwin dedicated himself to observing and recording the daily movements of various plants, including cucumber plants and other species. </p>



<p>While he found this research both captivating and amusing, he struggled to explain the mysterious twisting of tendrils that he observed.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-subtle-sunflower-plant-wiggles">Subtle sunflower plant wiggles</h2>



<p>This very enigma later caught the interest of Yasmine Meroz, a physicist by training, who was inspired to investigate whether these subtle plant wiggles might actually be the driving force behind patterns in plant growth.</p>



<p>“For <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/woody-vines-strangle-trees-and-takeover-forests-as-temperatures-get-hotter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climbing plants</a>, it’s obvious that it’s about searching for supports to twine on," said Meroz, "But for other plants, it’s not clear why it’s worth it.”</p>



<p>In a carefully designed experimental setup, five one-week-old sunflower seedlings were planted in rows, with their movements meticulously mapped over the course of a week - echoing the methodical approach Darwin had employed in his own observations.</p>



<p>To delve deeper into the underlying patterns of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sunflowers-use-an-internal-clock-to-bloom-at-optimal-times/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sunflower growth</a>, a sophisticated computer program developed by Nguyen and Peleg was utilized to analyze the seedlings' behavior.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-order-in-the-chaos-of-sunflowers">Order in the chaos of sunflowers</h2>



<p>The digital simulations revealed that when the sunflowers didn’t wiggle at all, they would gradually lean away from each other in a uniform, straight line. </p>



<p>However, when the seedlings moved with an optimum level of randomness, they formed an intricate zig-zag pattern, which allowed each plant to maximize its access to sunlight, showcasing the strategic advantage of these seemingly chaotic movements.</p>



<p>"When you add a little bit of noise into the system, it allows the plant to explore its surroundings and settle into those configurations that allow each plant to find maximum light exposure," explained Nguyen.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-the-hidden-dynamics-of-plant-growth">Exploring the hidden dynamics of plant growth</h2>



<p>Through this study, plants are finally gaining recognition for their dynamic nature. The experts plan to conduct future experiments observing how sunflowers grow in more intricate arrangements.</p>



<p>The researchers hope to heighten awareness of these subtle plant movements, which may lead to a new appreciation of our stationary green friends. </p>



<p>“If we all lived at the same timescales as plants, you could walk down the street and see them moving,” said Meroz. “Maybe we’d all have plants as pets.”</p>



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



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

Why do sunflowers spin and wiggle as they grow?

Sunflowers, often thought to be stationary and unchanging, hide a...

<p>A new study has provided evidence that engaging in arts and crafts could significantly improve our well-being. Since such artistic activities are relatively affordable and accessible to many people, promoting the general public’s access to them could offer a major boost to public <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mental-health-crisis-half-of-the-worlds-population-will-be-affected-by-age-75/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mental health</a>.</p>



<p>“Crafting and other artistic activities showed a meaningful effect in predicting people’s sense that their life is worthwhile,” explained lead author Helen Keyes, a scientist at <a href="https://www.aru.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Anglia Ruskin University</a>. </p>



<p>“Indeed, the impact of crafting was bigger than the impact of being in employment. Not only does crafting give us a sense of achievement, it is also a meaningful route to self-expression. This is not always the case with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mindfulness-protects-against-work-stress-burnout/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">employment</a>.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-arts-and-public-well-being">The arts and public well-being </h2>



<p>The experts initiated this study inspired by the urgent need to increase public mental health after the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nature-helps-reduce-mental-health-impacts-of-the-covid-19-pandemic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Covid-19</a> pandemic. In the wake of the pandemic, any measures which could improve well-being and lower loneliness in the general population would have significant benefits. </p>



<p>Since previous studies have already shown that specific crafts may be therapeutic for individuals with mental health issues, promoting general accessibility to artistic activities could contribute significantly to public mental health.</p>



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



<p>The researchers used a sample of 7,182 participants from the annual Taking Part survey conducted by the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-culture-media-and-sport" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UK’s Department for Culture, Media, and Sport</a>. This survey evaluates public engagement with cultural, digital and sporting activities. </p>



<p>Such a broad sample allowed the investigators to assess the impact of creative arts in general rather than specific crafts, a method allowing them to evaluate how effective arts-based interventions could be beyond a controlled clinical setting.</p>



<p>The research team controlled for several sociodemographic variables that could affect well-being, including gender, age, health, employment status, and level of deprivation. For example, poor health, unemployment, and increased levels of deprivation have previously been associated with lower levels of well-being.</p>



<p>Participants were asked to rate their feelings of happiness, life satisfaction, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/anxiety-logical-decisions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">anxiety</a>, and to provide their option of whether life is worthwhile. Moreover, they were also questioned on how often they felt lonely. </p>



<p>Finally, when asked about their involvement in creative activities, 37.4% of the respondents confirmed that they had taken part in at least one arts or crafts activity over the last year.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-creative-arts-on-well-being">Impact of creative arts on well-being<strong> </strong></h2>



<p>The analysis revealed that participants who engaged in arts and crafts had increased levels of happiness and life satisfaction, along with a stronger sense that their lives were worthwhile. This boost to their sense that life is worthwhile was as significant as that resulting from being in employment.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Nevertheless, taking part in arts and crafts activities failed to predict levels of loneliness, most likely because some crafts can be solitary. Further research is needed to analyze the social aspects of arts and crafts.</p>



<p>“Engaging in these activities is linked with a greater sense that life is worthwhile, increased life satisfaction and happiness,” said Keyes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The well-being effects were present even after we accounted for things like employment status and level of deprivation. It seems that crafting can contribute positively to your well-being above and beyond these other aspects of your life.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-using-arts-and-crafts-to-improve-well-being">Using arts and crafts to improve well-being<strong> </strong></h2>



<p>Although such effects are rather small, their magnitude remains similar to that of various sociodemographic variables, which are much harder to change. Thus, leveraging the positive effects of artistic activities could provide a major opportunity to improve public well-being.</p>



<p>“Governments and national health services might consider funding and promoting crafting, or even socially prescribing these activities for at-risk populations, as part of a promotion and prevention approach to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-wellbeing-is-a-more-effective-focus-area-when-discussing-energy-solutions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">well-being</a> and mental health,” Keyes explained.</p>



<p>“There is certainly something immensely satisfying about seeing the results of your work appear before your eyes. It feels great to focus on one task and engage your mind creatively.”</p>



<p>However, since this has been a correlational study, further research is necessary to confirm causation.</p>



<p>“We can’t know for certain whether crafting is directly causing this increase in well-being,” said Keyes. “The next step would be to carry out an experimental study where we measure people’s well-being before and after significant periods of crafting.”</p>



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Arts and crafts can greatly improve public well-being

A new study has provided evidence that engaging in arts...

<p>Our lives are defined by change, and with every shift and turn, our memory need to adapt. The brain's responsibility is to keep our memories as flexible as our experiences, enabling us to navigate changes and respond appropriately to new situations. </p>



<p>Once thought of as a static repository, our brain is now seen as an adaptable scribe, continuously editing our memory manuscript.</p>



<p>This discovery comes to us from the diligent work of Professor Flavio Donato's research group at the Biozentrum, <a href="https://www.unibas.ch/en.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Basel</a>. </p>



<p>By using mouse models, these scientific sleuths have unveiled how the brain stores memories and how they evolve over time.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-copies-of-a-memory-in-our-brains">Copies of a memory in our brains</h2>



<p>In the heart of our brains, within a region known as the hippocampus, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forgetting-things-is-a-natural-part-of-the-memory-process/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">each event in our life</a> is archived in triplicate. </p>



<p>Copies of each memory are disseminated among different groups of neurons, which arise at various stages during embryonic development.</p>



<p>The first to make an appearance are the early-born neurons. Their role? To ensure the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-is-essential-for-memory-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">longevity of a memory.</a> Interestingly, their memory copy lacks strength initially but matures over time, much like fine wine. </p>



<p>Initially, their memory copy is too weak for the brain to access, but as the days roll on, it gains strength. It's like a soft whisper that gradually morphs into a resounding echo.</p>



<p>The late-born neurons come second. Their memory copy stands strong from the get-go but fades away with time. However, as the copy diminishes, it becomes inaccessible to the brain.</p>



<p>Nestling in between these two extremes, the last group of neurons present an interesting compromise—a memory copy that remains stable over time.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flexibility-of-memory">Flexibility of memory</h2>



<p>These three memory copies function together, enhancing our brain's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-our-brain-form-long-term-memories/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">memory dynamics</a> and reinforcing its plasticity. </p>



<p>Their activation and their timing can significantly influence how we remember, modify, and use our memories, which, in effect, controls our behavior.</p>



<p>"The challenge the brain faces with memory is quite impressive. On one hand, it must remember what happened in the past, to help us make sense of the world we live in," Flavio Donato explains.</p>



<p>On the other, it needs to adapt to changes happening all around us, and so must our memories, to help us make appropriate choices for our future." </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-retrieving-copies-of-a-memory">Retrieving copies of a memory</h2>



<p>The process of memory retrieval is a remarkable interplay of neural pathways and contextual cues. When we attempt to recall an event, our brain navigates through a complex web of synaptic connections that link fragments of the original experience. </p>



<p>This search is not merely a replay of past events; rather, it involves reconstructing the memory, influenced by current emotional states and environmental factors. </p>



<p>Recent studies indicate that the mere act of recalling a memory can, in fact, alter its structure—an observation known as reconsolidation. </p>



<p>As Professor Donato elucidates, "Each time we access a memory, it's as if we are rewriting our own history, allowing space for new interpretations and insights."</p>



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



<p>Understanding the dynamics of how memories form, evolve, and are retrieved holds profound implications for mental health and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spacing-effect-spaced-learning-long-term-impact-on-memory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">educational practices</a>.</p>



<p>In therapeutic settings, harnessing the adaptability of memories can aid in addressing conditions such as PTSD, where painful memories are recontextualized to diminish their emotional hold. </p>



<p>Similarly, educational strategies can be designed to align with our innate memory processes, enhancing retention and application of knowledge over time. </p>



<p>As we advance our grasp on these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/zombie-neurons-shed-new-light-on-learning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neurological mechanisms</a>, we unlock new avenues for fostering resilience and curiosity, essential traits in navigating the complexities of life.</p>



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



<p>The fact that memories can be as dynamic as life itself is nothing short of a fascinating revelation, shedding light on the brain's incredible capacity and potential. </p>



<p>The researchers of University of Basel hope that understanding what drives memories to be encoded and modified in the brain might eventually aid in reducing the impact of disturbing memories, or even in recovering memories that seem to have been lost forever.</p>



<p>Indeed, the journey of discovery continues. Will we ever fully understand the brain? Maybe. Maybe not. But for now, we can marvel at what we've learned, and eagerly anticipate what the future holds.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adk0997" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a></em>.</p>



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



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Human brains create three copies of every memory we make

Our lives are defined by change, and with every shift...

<p>For decades, scientists have been exploring the vast universe and have noticed something interesting about galaxy size. Some galaxies are packed closely together with tons of others, while others seem to float alone in space.</p>



<p>So, what does this mean for the galaxies themselves? A new study sheds light on how a galaxy’s surroundings might directly affect its size, raising questions about how we understand <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-galaxy-formation-occurred-much-faster-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy formation</a> and evolution.</p>



<p><a href="https://ghosharitra.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Aritra Ghosh</a>, a postdoctoral researcher in astronomy at the University of Washington, led this fascinating research alongside an international team of astrophysicists.</p>



<p>Their findings show that galaxies in denser parts of the universe are usually larger than those that are more isolated. </p>



<p>This study isn't just about the size differences; it also challenges some of the existing theories on how galaxies form.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-big-data-big-discoveries">Big data, big discoveries</h2>



<p>Understanding the universe takes a ridiculous amount of data. Past studies on galaxy sizes have given us mixed results, mainly because they focused on just a few thousand galaxies.</p>



<p>Dr. Ghosh and his team wanted to change that by using data from the <a href="https://hsc.mtk.nao.ac.jp/ssp/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hyper Suprime-Cam Subaru Strategic Program</a>, which was run with the <a href="https://subarutelescope.org/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subaru Telescope</a> in Hawaii.</p>



<p>This survey snapped high-res images of millions of galaxies, letting the team analyze around 3 million galaxies in incredible detail.</p>



<p>But they didn’t stop at just collecting data. The research team used a machine learning tool called GaMPEN (Galaxy Morphology Posterior Estimation Network), which Dr. Ghosh created during his time at <a href="https://www.yale.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yale</a>.</p>



<p>GaMPEN not only measured the sizes of these galaxies but also factored in uncertainties in those measurements, leading to a more accurate analysis. Thanks to this tech, the team uncovered a clear trend: <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-way-like-galaxies-were-present-in-the-early-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies that have more neighbors</a> tend to be larger.</p>



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



<p>The idea that clustered galaxies are bigger than their isolated ones brings up some fascinating questions.</p>



<p>Were these galaxies always larger since they formed, or did their interactions with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-holes-may-talk-to-galaxies-through-energetic-winds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nearby galaxies</a> help them grow?</p>



<p>There are plenty of theories, and dark matter -- a mysterious substance making up most of the universe's mass -- might be involved.</p>



<p>Galaxies form within dark matter halos, and the gravitational pull from these halos plays a key role in how galaxies develop.</p>



<p>Dr. Ghosh points out that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/1500-billion-orphan-stars-discovered-in-the-perseus-galaxy-cluster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">densely clustered galaxies</a> could merge more efficiently with their neighbors, which might explain their larger size. But he also notes this is just one of many possible explanations.</p>



<p>“Theoretical astrophysicists will need to conduct more extensive studies using simulations to really figure out why galaxies with more neighbors tend to be larger,” Ghosh said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gampen-role-of-machine-learning-in-astronomy">GaMPEN: Role of machine learning in astronomy</h2>



<p>The success of this study relies not just on the huge dataset but also on some clever machine learning. GaMPEN, the tool created by Dr. Ghosh, has been instrumental in accurately <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxy-mcg-07-07-072-perseus-cluster-resembles-star-wars-tie-fighter-captured-hubble/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">measuring galaxy sizes</a> and understanding their surroundings.</p>



<p>Unlike traditional methods, GaMPEN uses statistical models that factor in uncertainties, making it a real game-changer in astronomy.</p>



<p>“Figuring this out isn’t just about surveying a ton of galaxies,” Dr. Ghosh said. “You also need solid statistical analysis, and part of that comes from machine learning tools that can really nail down the uncertainties in our measurements of galaxy properties.”</p>



<p>The impact of this tool goes way beyond this study. GaMPEN is available for free online, and its flexibility means it can be used to analyze other big astronomical surveys in the future.</p>



<p>As astronomy heads into the big data era, especially with new telescopes like the <a href="https://rubinobservatory.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vera C. Rubin Observatory</a> in Chile gearing up to gather tons of cosmic data, tools like GaMPEN are going to be essential.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-galaxy-size-and-astronomical-research">Galaxy size and astronomical research</h2>



<p>The findings from this study are just the tip of the iceberg. They show how crucial large-scale data and advanced analytical tools are for tackling long-standing debates in astrophysics.</p>



<p>As Dr. Ghosh pointed out, “Very soon, large datasets will be the norm in astronomy. This study is a great example of what you can do with them -- when you have the right tools.”</p>



<p>Looking ahead, the link between galaxy size and environment is likely to be a big focus for future research.</p>



<p>Figuring out why some galaxies grow larger than others based on their surroundings could give us some key insights into the life cycle of galaxies and how dark matter shapes the universe.</p>



<p>The next steps will involve more detailed simulations and perhaps the discovery of new factors that influence galaxy size.</p>



<p>With tools like GaMPEN and the increasing availability of massive datasets, the field of astronomy is poised to make even more groundbreaking discoveries in the coming years.</p>



<p>The study is published in <em><a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/1538-4357/ad596f" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Astrophysical Journal</a></em>.</p>



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Galaxies in clusters are bigger than galaxies flying solo in the universe

For decades, scientists have been exploring the vast universe and...

<p>A new study highlights the urgent need for increased protection of the Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica to prevent significant population declines among native wildlife.</p>



<p>A team of scientists led by the <a href="https://www.colorado.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Colorado Boulder</a> has identified 30 new critical areas for conserving <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctica-biodiversity-problem/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a> in these regions. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-iconic-animals-of-the-southern-ocean-nbsp">Iconic animals of the Southern Ocean<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>“Many animals are only found in the Southern Ocean, and they all play an important role in its ecosystem,” said Cassandra Brooks, the study’s senior author and associate professor in the Department of Environmental Studies at CU Boulder.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“While Antarctica and the Southern Ocean feel really far away, they - and the life within them - are critical to the functioning of Earth systems.”</p>



<p>The Southern Ocean is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including iconic species such as Adélie penguins, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/weddell-seal-numbers-are-much-lower-than-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Weddell seals</a>, and humpback whales. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-threat-of-human-activities-nbsp">The threat of human activities<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>The region's isolation and extreme conditions, characterized by freezing temperatures and vast expanses of sea ice, have historically protected its biodiversity from human activities.</p>



<p>“Despite the planet being in the midst of a mass extinction, the Southern Ocean in Antarctica is one of the few places in the world that hasn’t had any known species go extinct,” said Sarah Becker, the paper’s first author and a doctoral student in the Department of Environmental Studies.</p>



<p>However, as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctica-in-distress-the-escalating-consequences-of-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global warming</a> accelerates, leading to warmer temperatures and melting sea ice, human activities like fishing and tourism are increasingly encroaching on the region. </p>



<p>These activities not only compete with wildlife for resources but also pose additional threats, such as stress, the introduction of invasive species, and the spread of diseases to which native wildlife has little or no defense.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-biodiversity-sites-in-the-southern-ocean-nbsp">Key biodiversity sites in the Southern Ocean<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>In response to these growing threats, Becker, Brooks, and their research team sought to identify Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) in the Southern Ocean - specific sites crucial for the survival of various species.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Using existing tracking data for 13 Antarctic and sub-Antarctic seabirds and seals, including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/adelie-penguins-use-sea-ice-to-migrate-thousands-of-miles-each-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Adélie penguins</a>, sooty albatrosses, and southern elephant seals, the team pinpointed 30 KBAs across the Southern Ocean. These areas are essential for foraging, breeding, and migration.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-areas-for-specific-species-nbsp">Critical areas for specific species<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>Previous large-scale efforts to identify conservation zones in the Southern Ocean often grouped different species into a single dataset to find areas important for multiple species.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While this approach is valuable for conservation planning, it can overlook critical areas needed by specific species during unique life stages or migration patterns. According to Becker, this oversight is highly significant.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emperor-penguins-nbsp">Emperor penguins<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h3>



<p>For instance, the team identified two large sites near Amanda Bay in East Antarctica as key foraging grounds for many emperor penguins as they recover after breeding.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gray-headed-albatrosses">Gray-headed albatrosses</h3>



<p>The researchers also discovered several crucial sites near Campbell Island, south of New Zealand, where endangered gray-headed albatrosses forage during their breeding season.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These sites were not flagged as priorities by other large-scale conservation efforts, such as Important Bird Areas or Ecologically and Biologically Significant Areas.</p>



<p>“Our study bridges the gap between the broad-scale perspective and the specific needs of individual populations, adding an important layer of detail,” Becker said.</p>



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



<p>The researchers hope that international bodies and governments will take these findings into account when developing conservation strategies and determining areas where human activities like fishing should be restricted.</p>



<p>“By reducing fishing or tourism interactions in these key biodiversity areas, we can potentially give these animals the best chance of adapting and becoming resilient to climate change,” said Brooks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-southern-ocean-and-climate-change-nbsp">Southern Ocean and climate change<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>The Southern Ocean plays a vital role in buffering the impacts of climate change. Its cold waters capture 40% of human-generated carbon dioxide emissions globally and absorb 60-90% of the excess heat caused by climate change.</p>



<p>“Antarctica is far away, but what happens there doesn’t stop there. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-fire-risk-has-grown-exponentially-in-a-hotter-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wildfires</a> here in Colorado are tied to what's happening in the Southern Ocean. By doing more to safeguard the Antarctic, we actually stand to create a more livable world for us all,” said Brooks.</p>



<p>“Given the newly adopted <a href="https://oceans-and-fisheries.ec.europa.eu/news/win-ocean-high-seas-treaty-signed-united-nations-2023-09-20_en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">High Seas Treaty</a>, which will allow for area-based management tools like MPAs (marine protected areas) in international waters, along with the new <a href="https://www.unep.org/resources/kunming-montreal-global-biodiversity-framework?gad_source=1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjw8fu1BhBsEiwAwDrsjKaHvSUunGJJQpWUO0bWGI1nIieIDDirKuzbLhTvw_d0t1-XTGOrhxoCeBoQAvD_BwE" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Biodiversity Framework</a>, which includes commitments to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030, KBAs will have an important role to play in identifying key areas for marine conservation across the world's oceans.”</p>



<p>The study authors concluded that, when used in conjunction with complementary tools such as habitat modeling and bioregionalization, key biodiversity areas are a valuable tool to highlight specific needs for species of conservation concern and to guide spatial conservation efforts.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/cobi.14345" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Conservation Biology</em></a>.</p>



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Safeguarding Antarctica from human activity: Crucial sites identified

A new study highlights the urgent need for increased protection...

<p>Have you ever wondered why after a long, hard day of learning new things, you still wake up feeling refreshed, ready to take on more? Turns out, the secret lies in a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-sleep-day-2024-the-quest-for-a-well-rested-society/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">good night’s sleep</a>. Now, sleep isn't just about recharging your energy; it also plays a crucial role in resetting one of our body's most vital functions: forming memories. </p>



<p>Researchers from <a href="https://www.cornell.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cornell University</a> have complex evidence to back this claim. The team was led by Azahara Oliva, an assistant professor of neurobiology and behavior.</p>



<p>The research team has been studying how our brain handles memory and has made some incredible discoveries.</p>



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



<p>There is a particular region in our brain known as the hippocampus that acts like a memory powerhouse, particularly active when learning or experiencing new things.</p>



<p>While you're sawing logs, these same neurons replay the day's activities, consolidating the memories in a larger area of the brain known as the cortex. </p>



<p>But here's the catch – the brain has an uncanny ability to soak up a lifetime of learning without having its neuronal resources run out. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-sleep-on-memories">Impact of sleep on memories</h2>



<p>Oliva’s study, “A Hippocampal Circuit Mechanism to Balance Memory Reactivation During Sleep,” unveils that during deep sleep, portions of the hippocampus go quiet, letting the neurons hit the reset button. </p>



<p>“This mechanism could allow the brain to reuse the same resources, the same neurons, for new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-is-essential-for-memory-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">learning</a> the next day,” said Oliva.</p>



<p>The hippocampus is divided into three parts - CA1, CA2, and CA3. This brain region plays a vital role in encoding different types of memories.</p>



<p>While CA1 and CA3 are responsible for membrances related to time and space, CA2's role wasn’t quite understood until now. Oliva’s study found that CA2 plays a critical job in silencing and resetting the hippocampus during sleep.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sleep-neurons-and-memories">Sleep, neurons and memories</h2>



<p>To understand this, the researchers implanted electrodes in mice's hippocampi, which allowed the recording of neuronal activity during learning and sleep. </p>



<p>They observed that during sleep, the neurons in the CA1 and CA3 sectors replay the same neuronal patterns developed during daytime learning. But there's a moment in sleep where all falls silent, and the memory 'resets,' thanks to our CA2 hero.</p>



<p>And the plot thickens - among our neurons, there are two types - pyramidal ones, which are active during functional purposes like learning, and interneurons that have different subtypes.</p>



<p>The researchers found that the brain has parallel circuits regulated by these interneurons: one for memory regulation, another for memory resetting.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sleep-stages-in-forming-memories">Sleep stages in forming memories</h2>



<p>Understanding how sleep stages contribute to memory consolidation is crucial to grasping the full picture. </p>



<p>Sleep is composed of cycles that include non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, each playing distinct yet complementary roles. NREM sleep, particularly the deep stages, is when the brain orchestrates the majority of memory consolidation. </p>



<p>During this phase, neurons in the hippocampus and cortex communicate intensely, transferring newly acquired information into long-term storage. </p>



<p>In contrast, REM sleep is associated with emotional regulation and the integration of learned material into our existing knowledge frameworks. This interplay between NREM and REM highlights the importance of not just quantity, but also the quality of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleeping-less-than-seven-hours-high-blood-pressure-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sleep</a> in shaping memory and learning.</p>



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



<p>The findings from Oliva's research have profound implications for educational practices and cognitive health. </p>



<p>Recognizing that a well-timed sleep can refresh our neural resources allows educators and learners alike to strategize their study schedules more effectively. Instead of cramming late into the night, prioritizing adequate sleep after learning could enhance retention and understanding. </p>



<p>Furthermore, this knowledge could inform approaches to address memory-related issues, such as those experienced by aging populations or individuals suffering from cognitive impairments. </p>



<p>By leveraging the brain's innate mechanisms for memory resetting and consolidation, we can potentially improve educational outcomes and foster better mental health throughout life.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-memory-consolidation">Beyond memory consolidation</h2>



<p>But what does this mean down the line for us? Well, the researchers believe they now have the tools to boost memory by tweaking the mechanisms of memory consolidation. This could be significant when memory function falters, such as in Alzheimer’s disease.</p>



<p>Equally essential, there's evidence to explore ways to erase negative or traumatic memories, which could help treat conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder.</p>



<p>In short, sleep is more valuable than we ever realized. It doesn't just help embed memories but also resets the brain, keeping it functional during our waking hours. "We show that memory is a dynamic process," noted Oliva.</p>



<p>So, next time you hit the hay after a day of heavy learning, remember that your brain is likely repeating, resetting, and preparing to soak up more knowledge the following day. So, let's hail the power of slumber, the unsung hero of continuous learning.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.ado5708" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a></em>.</p>



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Sleep reboots the brain, making room for new memories

Have you ever wondered why after a long, hard day...

<p>For the longest time, scientists have believed that jellyfish are a non-viable food source for predatory fish. This long-held assumption has recently been dismantled by a team of researchers from the renowned <a href="https://www.awi.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alfred Wegener Institute</a> and the <a href="https://www.thuenen.de/en/thuenen-institute" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thünen Institute</a>.</p>



<p>The study reveals that fish in the frosty Greenland waters do indeed feed on jellyfish. For two of the analyzed species, jellyfish even made up the majority of their diet. </p>



<p>The findings carry significant implications, suggesting that the role of jellyfish as prey within <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiny-crustaceans-prey-on-jellyfish-to-survive-the-polar-night/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine food webs</a> deserves reconsideration. </p>



<p>This is particularly important given the potential for climate change to benefit these gelatinous creatures, enabling them to expand their territories.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jellyfish-thriving-in-a-changing-climate">Jellyfish thriving in a changing climate</h2>



<p>Dr. Charlotte Havermans is head of the ARJEL junior research group at the Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI).</p>



<p>“It is important that we rethink and understand how jellyfish and gelatinous zooplankton generally fit into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-restructures-marine-food-webs-in-unexpected-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine food webs</a>," said Dr. Havermans. </p>



<p>Jellyfish are found in all oceans, from polar to tropical regions. Unlike most species, jellyfish thrive as the world's oceans heat up and acidify, making them one of the few winners of climate change.</p>



<p>This unique resilience suggests that jellyfish or other gelatinous zooplankton could spread even further as global warming progresses, potentially reshaping <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/overfishing-and-habitat-degradation-have-devastated-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine ecosystems</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breakthrough-findings-in-greenlandic-waters">Breakthrough findings in Greenlandic waters</h2>



<p>The Greenlandic waters, home to large quantities of various types of gelatinous <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/zooplankton-are-rapidly-escalating-the-threat-of-nanoplastics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">zooplankton</a>, have long been thought to contribute little to the diet of local fish. </p>



<p>Dr. Havermans and her team set out to challenge this notion by meticulously analyzing the stomach contents of seven fish species, including commercially significant species like Atlantic cod, haddock, and redfish. </p>



<p>“With the help of DNA metabarcoding, we were able to determine very precisely what the animals fed on,” noted Dr. Havermans.</p>



<p>The results were surprising: “We found DNA of jellyfish in the stomachs of all examined fish species, albeit in varying quantities,” said Annkathrin Dischereit, first author of the study and a doctoral student in ARJEL.</p>



<p>For two species, the greater silver smelt and the northern wolffish, jellyfish even constituted the largest proportion of their diet. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jellyfish-are-not-just-emergency-food">Jellyfish are not just emergency food</h2>



<p>The findings are surprising when you consider the fact that gelatinous zooplankton are widely considered a trophic dead end and emergency food for some fish species at best.</p>



<p>“This assumption is based on the fact that their tissue is quickly digested by predator fish, and jellyfish are therefore rarely recorded as prey in studies,” explained Dischereit.</p>



<p>Modern DNA metabarcoding has provided new insights into this overlooked aspect of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-food-chains-threatened-by-ocean-acidification/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine food chain</a>. </p>



<p>“We detected up to 59 species of gelatinous invertebrates in the stomachs of the fish,” noted Dischereit, highlighting that jellyfish play a significant but previously underestimated role in the subarctic food web.</p>



<p>The DNA metabarcoding method allows researchers to identify consumed prey by comparing short gene fragments found in fish stomachs to genetic reference databases.</p>



<p>“Our results raise the question of why fish seem to eat jellyfish surprisingly frequently,” said Dr. Havermans.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jellyfish-as-a-preferred-food-source">Jellyfish as a preferred food source</h2>



<p>Despite their low energy density, jellyfish might offer more to the energy budget of predator fish than previously thought. </p>



<p>Factors such as their ease of hunting, increased prevalence, and diet-induced energy-rich components might make them preferable prey. However, Dr. Havermans emphasized that there is still a need for further research. </p>



<p>“Our study provides a snapshot in time that only takes into account recently digested prey. We need to collect continuous samples throughout the year and link these to how the gelatinous zooplankton communities change over this period of time," said Dr. Havermans. </p>



<p>"Only then can we understand the trophic links between fish and gelatinous zooplankton. Only trophic insights can provide information on why jellyfish are important for fish and other organisms.”</p>



<p>The findings of this study challenge long-held views on marine food webs and highlight the need to reassess our understanding of subpolar ecosystems, particularly in light of the recent increase in gelatinous zooplankton populations.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.240797" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Society Open Science</a></em>.</p>



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Jellyfish are more than just a snack food for predatory fish

For the longest time, scientists have believed that jellyfish are...

<p>Seven rock samples collected from the “fan front” of Mars’ Jezero Crater contain minerals typically formed in the presence of water. This finding suggests that these rocks were either deposited by water or formed within watery environments, shedding light on the past conditions of the crater.</p>



<p>The research was conducted by scientists from <a href="https://www.mit.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MIT</a> and <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>. The seven samples were gathered by the Perseverance rover in 2022 during its exploration of the crater’s western slope, where scientists had hypothesized that some rocks might have originated from an ancient lake that has since dried up.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-signs-of-water-and-maybe-life-in-mars-rocks">Signs of water and maybe life in Mars rocks</h2>



<p>The Perseverance science team, which includes researchers from MIT, analyzed the rover’s images and chemical data, confirming that the rocks indeed show signs of water. This strengthens the theory that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lake-sediments-found-in-jezero-crater-hint-at-past-life-on-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jezero Crater</a> was once a watery, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-water-found-on-mars-would-cover-the-planet-over-one-mile-deep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">potentially habitable environment</a>.</p>



<p>However, whether the crater was actually inhabited remains an open question. The team has not yet confirmed the presence of organic matter - the fundamental building blocks of life - based on the rover’s measurements.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Nevertheless, the mineral content of the rocks offers scientists their best opportunity yet to search for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-curiosity-rover-makes-surprising-find-under-martian-rock-sulfur-crystals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">signs of ancient Martian life</a>, especially once these samples are returned to Earth for more detailed analysis.</p>



<p>“These rocks confirm the presence, at least temporarily, of habitable environments on Mars,” said the study’s lead author, Tanja Bosak, a professor of geobiology in MIT’s Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences (<a href="https://eaps.mit.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EAPS</a>).</p>



<p>“What we’ve found is that indeed there was a lot of water activity. For how long, we don’t know, but certainly for long enough to create these big sedimentary deposits.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mars-rocks-may-contain-signatures-of-life-nbsp">Mars rocks may contain signatures of life<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>Moreover, some of these samples may have been deposited in the ancient lake more than 3.5 billion years ago - a time before the first signs of life appeared on Earth.</p>



<p>“These are the oldest rocks that may have been deposited by water that we’ve ever laid hands or rover arms on,” said co-author Benjamin Weiss, the Robert R. Shrock Professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences at MIT. </p>



<p>“That’s exciting, because it means these are the most promising rocks that may have preserved fossils and signatures of life.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-the-western-slope-of-jezero-crater-nbsp">Exploring the western slope of Jezero Crater<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>The study’s co-authors from MIT include postdoctoral fellow Eva Scheller and research scientist Elias Mansbach, along with other members of the Perseverance science team.</p>



<p>The rock samples were collected during the rover’s Fan Front Campaign in 2022, an exploratory mission in which Perseverance traversed Jezero Crater’s western slope. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/mars_jezero-crater_Perseverance-rover_rock-samples_life-signs_NASA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/mars_jezero-crater_Perseverance-rover_rock-samples_life-signs_NASA_1s.webp" alt="Red hexagons mark the four sites where the Perseverance rover collected rock samples around the sediment fan in Jezero crater in 2022. Credit: NASA" class="wp-image-1941701"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Red hexagons mark the four sites where the Perseverance rover collected rock samples around the sediment fan in Jezero crater in 2022. Credit: NASA</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>This area, known as the “fan front,” contains sedimentary, layered rocks that scientists believe may represent an ancient delta. </p>



<p>The delta was likely formed by sediment carried by a river that flowed into what is now a bone-dry lakebed. If life existed on Mars, scientists speculate that it could be preserved within rocks and these sediment layers.</p>



<p>Perseverance collected seven samples from various locations along the fan front. The rover obtained each sample by drilling into the Martian bedrock and extracting a pencil-sized core, which it then sealed in a tube for future retrieval and analysis on Earth.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mineral-composition-of-mars-rocks">Mineral composition of Mars rocks</h2>



<p>Before drilling, the rover captured images of the surrounding sediments at each location. The scientists processed these images to estimate the average grain size and mineral composition of the sediments. </p>



<p>The analysis revealed that all seven samples <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/perseverance-rover-samples-bunsen-peak-rock-jezero-crater-martian-lake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">likely contain signs of water</a>, suggesting they were initially deposited by water.</p>



<p>Bosak and her colleagues identified specific minerals in the sediments that are known to precipitate out of water. </p>



<p>“We found lots of minerals like carbonates, which are what make reefs on Earth,” Bosak said. “And it’s really an ideal material that can preserve fossils of microbial life.”</p>



<p>The researchers also discovered sulfates in some samples collected at the base of the fan front. Sulfates are minerals that form in very salty water, further indicating that water was once present in the crater.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-for-signs-of-life-in-mars-rocks">Looking for signs of life in Mars rocks</h2>



<p>However, Bosak noted that very salty water is not necessarily the best thing for life. If the entire crater was filled with highly saline water, it would have been challenging for life to thrive.&nbsp;</p>



<p>On the other hand, if only the bottom of the lake was salty, it could have preserved any signs of life that may have existed in the less salty upper layers, which eventually settled at the bottom.</p>



<p>“However salty it was, if there were any organics present, it’s like pickling something in salt,” Bosak explained. “If there was life that fell into the salty layer, it would be very well-preserved.”</p>



<p>Despite these findings, the team has not definitively detected organic matter with the rover’s instruments. While organic matter can be a sign of life, it can also result from non-biological processes.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-detecting-organic-matter-nbsp">Detecting organic matter<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>Perseverance’s predecessor, the Curiosity rover, detected organic matter throughout Mars’ <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gale-crater-reveals-secrets-of-water-on-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gale Crater</a>, which may have originated from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-would-happen-small-asteroid-hit-earth-nasa-ai-simulation-found-out/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">asteroid impacts</a> on Mars in the past.</p>



<p>During its exploration of Jezero Crater’s floor, Perseverance’s SHERLOC instrument (Scanning Habitable Environments with Raman and Luminescence for Organics and Chemicals) appeared to detect signs of organic molecules.&nbsp;</p>



<p>SHERLOC uses ultraviolet light to scan the Martian surface, and organic materials can emit a glow under this light, providing a “fingerprint” of the types of organic molecules present.</p>



<p>However, a careful analysis led by MIT’s Eva Scheller found that the wavelengths observed by SHERLOC could also be <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-perseverance-rover-now-uses-ai-search-minerals-life-on-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">signals from non-organic substances</a>. </p>



<p>“It turns out that cerium metals incorporated in minerals actually produce very similar signals as the organic matter,” she said. “When investigated, the potential organic signals were strongly correlated with phosphate minerals, which always contain some cerium.”</p>



<p>Scheller’s work suggests that the rover’s measurements cannot be definitively interpreted as organic matter. </p>



<p>“This is not bad news,” Bosak said. “It just tells us there is not very abundant organic matter. It’s still possible that it’s there. It’s just below the rover’s detection limit.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transformative-insights-from-mars-rocks">Transformative insights from Mars rocks</h2>



<p>When the collected samples are eventually brought back to Earth, Bosak believes that laboratory instruments with much higher sensitivity will be able to detect any organic matter that might be present.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“On Earth, once we have microscopes with nanometer-scale resolution, and various types of instruments that we cannot staff on one rover, then we can actually<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-search-for-signs-of-life-on-mars-continues/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> attempt to look for life</a>,” said Bosak.</p>



<p>Returned sample science analyses of sulfate, carbonate, clay, phosphate and igneous minerals as well as trace metals and volatiles that are present in the samples acquired at the fan front would provide transformative insights into past habitable environments on Mars, the evolution of its magnetic field, atmosphere and climate and the past and present cycling of atmospheric and crustal water, sulfur and carbon.</p>



<p>What happens next? How will humanity change if/when <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/perseverance-rover-finds-best-evidence-yet-life-on-mars-cheyava-falls-rock/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life is confirmed on an extraterrestrial planet</a>? Stay tuned... Earth's relationship with Mars is getting more interesting by the day.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1029/2024AV001241" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>AGU Advances</em></a>.</p>



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Some Mars rocks contain signs of life, scientists call to bring them back to Earth

Seven rock samples collected from the “fan front” of Mars’...

<p>A recent study has shed some light on the alarming connection between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drinking-plenty-of-tea-reduces-the-risk-of-type-2-diabetes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">type 2 diabetes</a> and an increased risk of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/diet-plays-a-major-role-in-preventing-alzheimers-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alzheimer's disease</a> and other cognitive problems. </p>



<p>This connection not only heightens Alzheimer’s risk but also raises new concerns about how metabolic disorders can influence brain health.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diabetes-and-alzheimer-s-the-protein-connection">Diabetes and Alzheimer's: The protein connection</h2>



<p>The study reveals a potential cause: individuals with type 2 diabetes seem to struggle more to get rid of a particular protein linked with the devastating brain disease.</p>



<p>The research team, led by Olov Rolandsson, a senior professor at the Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine at <a href="https://www.umu.se/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Umeå University</a>, focused on beta-amyloids. These are key components of the plaques commonly found in the brains of individuals suffering from Alzheimer's disease.</p>



<p>"The results may be important for further research into possible treatments to counteract the risk of people with type 2 diabetes being affected by Alzheimer's," said Rolandsson, emphasizing the significance of the findings.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-markers-in-alzheimer-s-development">Critical markers in Alzheimer's development</h2>



<p>The study measured the concentrations of two specific beta-amyloids, Aβ1-40 and Aβ1-42, in the blood of individuals with type 2 diabetes and a healthy control group. </p>



<p>These beta-amyloids are known to be critical markers in the development of Alzheimer's disease, as they are the primary components of the plaques that accumulate in the brains of affected individuals.</p>



<p>In addition to measuring specific beta-amyloids, the researchers closely monitored the levels of an enzyme responsible for breaking down these proteins.</p>



<p>The enzyme plays a crucial role in preventing the buildup of beta-amyloids, thereby potentially reducing the risk of plaque formation in the brain.</p>



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



<p>To simulate a hyperglycemic condition, both groups underwent a controlled four-hour glucose infusion, which elevated their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/green-tea-extract-lowers-blood-sugar-and-improves-gut-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blood sugar</a> levels to induce acute hyperglycemia. </p>



<p>This method was used to mimic the high blood sugar episodes that people with type 2 diabetes frequently experience. </p>



<p>Following this procedure, the researchers took repeated blood samples to observe how the body responds to the sudden increase in blood sugar and to assess the subsequent changes in beta-amyloid levels and the activity of the amyloid-degrading enzyme.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-diabetes-increases-alzheimer-s-risk">How diabetes increases Alzheimer’s risk</h2>



<p>Immediately after the glucose infusion, both the diabetic and control groups showed similar beta-amyloid levels. </p>



<p>However, in the control group, beta-amyloid concentrations fell significantly, while the levels of the amyloid-degrading enzyme increased. </p>



<p>In contrast, the diabetic group showed no significant changes, indicating a potential inability to manage beta-amyloid proteins effectively.</p>



<p>These results suggest that people with type 2 diabetes may not be able to clear beta-amyloid as efficiently as healthy individuals, potentially increasing the risk of cognitive diseases such as Alzheimer's.</p>



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



<p>While the study involved a small sample size 10 participants with type 2 diabetes and 11 without - the findings are noteworthy.</p>



<p>"More research is needed to confirm the results of this limited study. Hopefully, in the long term, it can also lead to new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pomegranates-may-be-key-in-preventing-and-treating-alzheimers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">treatments</a>. But the findings underline the importance of preventing type 2 diabetes as far as possible and ensuring that those who do have it avoid episodes of high blood sugar," said Rolandsson.</p>



<p>The study highlights the crucial need for further exploration into the relationship between type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer's disease, offering potential pathways for developing new treatments and preventive measures.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-managing-diabetes-and-alzheimer-s-risk">Managing diabetes and Alzheimer's risk</h2>



<p>Given the study's findings, effective diabetes management emerges as a crucial strategy in mitigating the risk of Alzheimer's disease. </p>



<p>Maintaining stable blood sugar levels can play a key role in preventing the accumulation of beta-amyloids in the brain, which are strongly linked to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predicting-the-rate-of-cognitive-decline-in-alzheimers-patients/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive decline</a>.</p>



<p>For individuals with type 2 diabetes, this research underscores the importance of regular monitoring of blood sugar levels and adherence to prescribed treatments to avoid hyperglycemia. </p>



<p>Lifestyle interventions, such as a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and weight management, can further reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications, including those that may lead to Alzheimer's disease.</p>



<p>Healthcare providers are encouraged to integrate cognitive health into diabetes management plans, particularly for older adults, to help reduce the long-term risks associated with both conditions.</p>



<p>The study is published in <em><a href="https://content.iospress.com/articles/journal-of-alzheimers-disease/jad230628" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Astronomical Journal</a></em>.</p>



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Type 2 diabetes heightens Alzheimer's risk

A recent study has shed some light on the alarming...

<p>New research led by <a href="https://www.curtin.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Curtin University</a> has revealed a surprising discovery about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-analysis-reveals-that-stonehenge-was-a-solar-calendar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stonehenge</a>’s monumental Altar Stone, which has long been believed to originate from Wales. </p>



<p>The study shows that this six-ton sandstone block actually comes from Scotland, shedding new light on the transportation methods and societal organization of Neolithic communities.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mystery-of-the-altar-stone-nbsp">Mystery of the Altar Stone<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>The research suggests that the advanced level of coordination required to move such a massive stone from Scotland to southern England around 5,000 years ago points to sophisticated transport methods and a highly organized society at the time. This challenges previous assumptions about the technological capabilities of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-significantly-impacted-neolithic-populations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neolithic</a> people.</p>



<p>The experts conducted a detailed study of the age and chemistry of mineral grains within fragments of the Altar Stone. The stone, a 50 cm thick sandstone block measuring five by one meters, is a central feature of Stonehenge’s iconic stone circle in Wiltshire.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research was led by PhD student Anthony Clarke from the Timescales of Mineral Systems Group within Curtin’s School of Earth and Planetary Sciences.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-distinct-chemical-fingerprint-nbsp">Distinct chemical fingerprint<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>“Our analysis found that specific mineral grains in the Altar Stone are mostly between 1,000 to 2,000 million years old, while other minerals are around 450 million years old,” Clarke said.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This provides a distinct chemical fingerprint suggesting the stone came from rocks in the Orcadian Basin, Scotland, at least 750 kilometers away from Stonehenge.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coming-full-circle">Coming full circle</h2>



<p>The findings raise intriguing questions about how such a massive stone was transported over such a vast distance around 2600 BC, given the technological constraints of the Neolithic era.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Clarke, who has a personal connection to this discovery, shared his unique journey: “I grew up in the Mynydd Preseli, Wales, where some of Stonehenge’s stones came from. I first visited Stonehenge when I was one year old and now at 25, I returned from Australia to help make this scientific discovery - you could say I’ve come full circle at the stone circle.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-ancient-communities-nbsp">Understanding ancient communities<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>Co-author Chris Kirkland, also from Curtin’s Timescales of Mineral Systems Group, highlighted the broader implications of the findings for understanding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-civilizations-altering-environment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ancient communities</a> and their connections. </p>



<p>“Our discovery of the Altar Stone’s origins highlights a significant level of societal coordination during the Neolithic period and helps paint a fascinating picture of prehistoric Britain,” said Kirkland.</p>



<p>Transporting such a massive stone overland from Scotland to southern England would have been a monumental challenge, suggesting that a likely marine shipping route along the coast of Britain was used.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This implies long-distance trade networks and a higher level of societal organization than is widely understood to have existed during the Neolithic period in Britain,” noted Kirkland.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-origins-of-the-altar-stone-nbsp">Origins of the Altar Stone<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>Professor Richard Bevins from <a href="https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aberystwyth University</a>, another co-author of the study, noted that these findings overturn a century-old belief about the origins of the Altar Stone. </p>



<p>“We have succeeded in working out, if you like, the age and chemical fingerprints of perhaps one of the most famous stones in the world-renowned ancient monument,” said Bevins.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“While we can now say that this iconic rock is Scottish and not Welsh, the hunt will still very much be on to pin down where exactly in the north-east of Scotland the Altar Stone came from.”</p>



<p>Co-author Robert Ixer of <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University College London</a>’s Institute of Archaeology, expressed surprise at the findings but confirmed their accuracy. </p>



<p>“The findings were genuinely shocking, but if plate tectonics and atomic physics are correct, then the Altar Stone is Scottish,” said Ixer.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The work prompts two important questions: why and exactly how was the Altar Stone transported from the very north of Scotland, a distance of more than 700 kilometers, to Stonehenge?”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-timescales-of-mineral-systems-group">Timescales of Mineral Systems Group</h2>



<p>According to Curtin Vice-Chancellor Harlene Hayne, this study is another example of the stellar work being undertaken by Curtin University’s Timescales of Mineral Systems Group with the John de Laeter Center, using state-of-the-art equipment in our GeoHistory Facility that supports important minerals research.</p>



<p>Hayne added that the facility’s specialist mass spectrometers are crucial for analyzing the composition of various materials, including rock-forming minerals, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-have-infiltrated-archaeological-soil-samples/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">archaeological artifacts</a>, and more. </p>



<p>“Ongoing investment is required to maintain cutting-edge facilities like this, which are crucial for attracting the world’s best minds,” said Hayne.</p>



<p>Clarke explained that he chose Curtin University for his PhD because of the opportunity to work with renowned researchers like Kirkland and access to the world’s most advanced equipment.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Curtin has given us the freedom and independence to explore fascinating work, such as Stonehenge, and access to the world’s most advanced equipment and expert staff means I can complete all my work there,” he said.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Clarke also praised Western Australia as an outstanding natural laboratory, being home to some of the oldest minerals on Earth. “I’m very grateful to have had the opportunity to do this research in this outstanding place.”</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07652-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature</em></a>.</p>



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



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Stonehenge’s famous Altar Stone has surprising origins 

New research led by Curtin University has revealed a surprising...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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<p>—–</p>

Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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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>



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



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

Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>

Social modeling affects our food choices

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists discover we age in bursts

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists solve the mystery of tickling

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>



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



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

Retired professor claims he solved time travel

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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<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

[sendtonews key="QGPzYnXEtN-1712599-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from Carl...

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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> explores the ability of salt to transform the way that foods and beverages taste. Salt is known to cover up undesirable flavors, such as bitterness in coffee or beer, but how exactly does sodium chloride change the taste of other compounds?</p>



<p>One previous study showed that, not only does salt suppress bitterness, but also enhances sweetness and sourness. Another study revealed that bitterness reduction by salt seems to be happening at the tongue receptor level as well as in the brain.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While it is known that salt taste is mediated by the presence of sodium channels in the form of taste buds, experts believe that there is also an unknown receptor responsible for how we taste salt that has not yet been identified.&nbsp;</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: ACS Reactions</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>

How does salt makes things taste better?

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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 Santiago, the capital city of Chile. The city is located in the center of the Santiago Metropolitan Region, which has a population of about eight million people.&nbsp;</p>



<p>'The weather of Santiago resembles the Mediterranean climate with dry and warm summers with temperatures reaching up to 35°C (from October to March) and cool and humid winters that can drop to 0°C (from April to September)."</p>



<p>"The city lies in the centre of the country’s central valley around 80 km from the Pacific Ocean to the west and borders Argentina to the east. A tiny part of Argentina is visible in the top-right corner of the image where the mountain crest of the Andes Mountains acts as a divider between the two countries," says ESA.</p>



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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