<p>For a century, Western water forecasts have leaned on a simple idea: more mountain snow means more water in rivers in the spring. But where you measure that snow matters as much as how much you measure.</p>



<p>A new analysis of more than two decades of data across 390 snow-fed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planning-for-an-uncertain-future-in-the-colorado-river-basin/">river basins</a> in 11 Western states shows that placing new instruments at strategically chosen “hotspots” consistently delivers better water supply forecasts than trying to blanket an entire basin with broad surveys.</p>



<p>In those basins, adding hotspot sites improved forecast skill by about 11–14 percent on average. By comparison, doing comprehensive basin-wide snow mapping nudged forecasts up by only about 4 percent on average. </p>



<p>The takeaway is surprisingly straightforward: measuring snow in the right places can help far more than measuring snow everywhere.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-snow-matters-most">Where snow matters most</h2>



<p>Hotspots are small areas within a watershed where snow conditions punch above their weight in predicting how much water will actually reach streams months later. </p>



<p>Think of ridgelines, aspects, or elevations where snow tends to persist or melt in patterns that strongly control downstream flow.</p>



<p>Because most existing ground stations sample a tiny fraction of a basin, there’s room to improve forecasts by adding just a few stations - if they’re placed where the snow signal matters most for runoff.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-putting-snow-sites-to-the-test">Putting snow sites to the test</h2>



<p>Researchers sifted through more than 20 years of snow estimates and streamflow records, comparing two expansion strategies for monitoring: adding targeted hotspot gauges, or rely on basin-wide mapping (from aircraft or satellites) to capture total snow volume. </p>



<p>They tested both approaches against the current network of ground stations that operational forecasters use today. </p>



<p>The team treated streamflow forecasting the way a water manager would, asking how much each strategy improved the year-to-year predictive power for seasonal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-global-greening-could-drain-earths-water-supply/">water supply</a>.</p>



<p>Because different basins respond differently, they repeated the analysis for hundreds of watersheds, from the Cascades and Sierra Nevada to the Rockies and the Great Basin. </p>



<p>Across that breadth of climates and terrains, the pattern held - focused hotspot measurements typically outperformed broad coverage.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-airborne-snow-measuring-has-tradeoffs">Airborne snow measuring has tradeoffs</h2>



<p>Basin-wide surveys are undeniably powerful. Airborne campaigns can directly estimate a basin’s total snow volume, and satellites help paint the big picture over vast, remote areas. The catch is cost and cadence.</p>



<p>Airborne surveys are expensive and can’t fly everywhere all the time. Satellite products are improving quickly but still struggle with forests, clouds, and complex terrain, and they need ground truth to keep forecasts anchored in reality.</p>



<p>By contrast, a handful of well-placed ground sensors can run all season, in all weather, at a fraction of the price. </p>



<p>The new study shows those stations can deliver similar - and often better - forecast gains precisely because they target the parts of a basin that control when and how snowmelt becomes streamflow.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-snowmelt-and-a-warming-west">Snowmelt and a warming West</h2>



<p>On average, about half of the water in Western U.S. streams comes from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alpine-spring-begins-earlier-speeding-up-plant-growth/">snowmelt</a>. Cities plan reservoir releases and farmers schedule irrigation based on spring forecasts issued months ahead of peak demand.</p>



<p>But warming winters are shrinking mountain snowpacks and making melt timing jumpier, which raises the stakes for every improvement in prediction.</p>



<p>With budgets tightening, the findings offer a practical roadmap: expand monitoring, yes - but do it surgically. In many basins, adding a few instruments at hotspot locations will deliver more value than trying to map the whole watershed every time snow falls.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-water-managers-can-do-now"><a></a>What water managers can do now</h2>



<p>One of the most useful outcomes of the study is a framework for identifying where new measurements will help the most. </p>



<p>Rather than guessing, agencies can now screen a basin to find untapped areas whose snow signals are especially predictive of downstream flow and focus new stations there.</p>



<p>The same framework highlights where basin-wide mapping will add value - for example, in large, highly variable basins where total snow volume swings widely from year to year.</p>



<p>In short, there isn’t a single “best” strategy for every watershed. But there is a smarter sequence: start by asking where a new measurement would most improve the forecast, then pick the tool - a ground station, an aircraft flight, or satellite data - that fits the need and the budget.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adapting-as-snowlines-shift">Adapting as snowlines shift</h2>



<p>Hotspot monitoring isn’t a magic wand. Some basins still benefit from periodic aerial surveys to capture the full snow picture, especially after major <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-soil-moisture-can-predict-severe-storms/">storms</a> or in places with complex rain-snow transitions.</p>



<p>Satellites remain essential for regional situational awareness. As climate change pushes snowlines higher, the locations of the most informative hotspots may shift, requiring the network to adapt.</p>



<p>The encouraging news is that the ingredients for better forecasts already exist: decades of streamflow records, a century of snow-station data, rapidly improving remote sensing, and now a tested way to combine them so that each new measurement counts.</p>



<p>The study also shows that many forecasters are closer than they might think to an optimally balanced network - one that blends a few carefully placed new stations with occasional basin-wide snapshots to keep tabs on the big swings.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measuring-what-matters-most">Measuring what matters most</h2>



<p>Snowmelt will remain the West’s water engine, even as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-earth-energy-imbalance-temperature-rise/">climate change</a> makes it less predictable. This work suggests a practical, budget-savvy way to squeeze more certainty out of the same mountains: measure the snow where it matters most.</p>



<p>When every acre-foot counts, a handful of well-chosen hotspots can do more for tomorrow’s water plan than trying to see everything everywhere all at once.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-025-02660-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Communications: Earth and Environment</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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



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



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



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

Measuring snow in the right places can greatly improve water forecasts

For a century, Western water forecasts have leaned on a simple idea: more mountain snow means more water in rivers in the spring. But where you measure that snow matters as much as how much you measure. A new analysis of more than two decades of data across 390 snow-fed river basins in 11 Western states shows that placing new instruments at strategically chosen “hotspots” consistently delivers better water supply forecasts than trying to blanket an entire basin with broad surveys. In those basins, adding hotspot sites...

<p>The universe is setting the stage for a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/august-nights-perseid-meteor-shower-peaks-this-weekend/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mesmerizing celestial spectacle</a>. Two of its most famous stars (well, technically planets) - Mars and Jupiter - are ready for their grand entrance, a rendezvous that will not happen again until 2033. </p>



<p>This stunner of a scene, a planetary conjunction, is the planetarium gift that keeps on giving.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-science-behind-mars-jupiter-conjunction">Science behind Mars-Jupiter conjunction</h2>



<p>The date for this significant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/two-meteor-showers-delta-aquarids-alpha-capricornids-light-up-night-skies-august-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">astronomical event</a> is scheduled for Wednesday, August 14th. </p>



<p>Although Mars and Jupiter are separated by an impressive distance of approximately 350 million miles, they will appear closely aligned from an Earth-based perspective, positioned merely 20 arcminutes apart. This separation is approximately one-third the width of the Moon as observed from Earth.</p>



<p>According to space scientist Jon Giorgini from NASA's <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a>, planetary conjunction events occur with relative frequency, approximately every three years, contrary to common perceptions of their rarity.</p>



<p>"Such events are mostly items of curiosity and beauty for those watching the sky, wondering what the two bright objects so close together might be," Giorgini said. "The science is in the ability to accurately predict the events years in advance."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-time-to-view-mars-and-jupiter">Best time to view Mars and Jupiter</h2>



<p>If you're seeking an optimal vantage point to witness this celestial event, direct your attention to the eastern sky, near the constellation Taurus, just before dawn on Wednesday.</p>



<p>Fortunately, the planets will also appear closely positioned the evening prior, providing an additional opportunity to observe this rare occurrence.</p>



<p>Observers located in the Americas, Europe, and Africa will enjoy the best views, as the planets will be bright enough to see with the naked eye. Those equipped with binoculars or a small telescope will have enhanced visibility.</p>



<p>Jupiter will significantly outshine Mars, appearing approximately 20 times brighter, which will make it easy to distinguish between the two planets. Mars, exhibiting its characteristic reddish hue, will create a striking contrast against Jupiter's bright, steady light.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-view-mars-jupiter-conjunction">How to view Mars-Jupiter conjunction</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-august-13-evening">August 13 (Evening)</h3>



<p>Begin your stargazing journey by looking towards the eastern sky after sunset. Mars and Jupiter will start drawing closer, setting the stage for the main event. </p>



<p>This evening offers a sneak peek, with the planets appearing almost as close as they will be on the day of the conjunction. It’s a great time to familiarize yourself with their positions.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-august-14-pre-dawn-nbsp">August 14 (Pre-dawn)&nbsp;</h3>



<p>The pre-dawn hours are the best time to witness the celestial dance. Wake up early, and find a spot with a clear view of the eastern horizon, away from city lights. </p>



<p>Just before dawn, Mars and Jupiter will appear incredibly close - only 20 arcminutes apart, roughly one-third the width of the moon.</p>



<p>The planets will be bright enough to see with the naked eye. The constellation Taurus and the bright star Aldebaran will add to the beauty of the scene.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-august-15-pre-dawn">August 15 (Pre-dawn)</h3>



<p>If you missed the main event, don’t worry. Mars and Jupiter will still appear close together in the eastern sky, though they’ll start to move apart.</p>



<p>The morning of August 15th offers a final opportunity to witness the conjunction before the planets continue on their separate paths in the sky. Make sure to arrive early and let your eyes adjust to the darkness for the best <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/solar-storm-alert-auroras-radio-blackouts-expected-weekend-august-9-11-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">viewing experience</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-historical-perspective">Historical perspective</h2>



<p>The orbits of Mars and Jupiter last brought them close together in 2018, but this year's proximity will be even closer. Looking ahead, another significant conjunction is anticipated in 2348. These alignments provide valuable insights into the long-term dynamics of our solar system.</p>



<p>Additionally, this notable planetary event coincides with the Perseid meteor shower, which is expected to peak tonight, August 12th, offering approximately 50-75 shooting stars per hour at its height.</p>



<p>Named after the constellation Perseus, from which they appear to radiate, the Perseids are known for their bright fireballs that can outshine most other meteors in the sky.</p>



<p>As the shower begins to wane by the time of the conjunction, stargazers can still anticipate a spectacular celestial display in the night sky. Even with reduced activity, there will be several shooting stars to catch your eye. </p>



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



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



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



<p>----</p>

Mars and Jupiter will have a close encounter in the sky this week

The universe is setting the stage for a mesmerizing celestial...

<p>Scientists often look to nature for solutions to humanity's most pressing challenges, and when it comes to understanding global warming, Earth's geological history provides a long-term perspective that is both enlightening and alarming.</p>



<p>Throughout Earth's history, catastrophic volcanic eruptions have periodically released vast amounts of carbon into the atmosphere and oceans. These massive carbon releases triggered rapid climate warming, leading to mass extinctions both on land and in marine ecosystems.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Such periods of intense <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-volcanoes-chaos-poisoned-ferns-for-millions-of-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcanism</a> may have also disrupted the planet's carbon-climate regulation systems for millions of years, leaving lasting impacts on the global environment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-volcanic-eruptions-and-major-climate-shifts-nbsp">Volcanic eruptions and major climate shifts&nbsp;</h2>



<p>A recent study led by environmental scientists at <a href="https://ethz.ch/de.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ETH Zurich</a> explored how vegetation responds and evolves in the face of major climatic shifts. Moreover, the experts examined how these shifts influence Earth's natural carbon-climate regulation system. </p>



<p>The research team conducted geochemical analyses of isotopes found in ancient sediments and compared these data with a specially designed model that incorporates vegetation's role in regulating Earth's geological climate system.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-shifts-in-earth-s-history">Climate shifts in Earth's history</h2>



<p>By using this model, the scientists were able to simulate how the Earth system responds to intense carbon releases from volcanic activity under different scenarios. They focused on three significant climatic shifts in geological history, including the Siberian Traps event, which caused the Permian-Triassic mass extinction about 252 million years ago.</p>



<p>“The Siberian Traps event released some 40,000 gigatons (Gt) of carbon over 200,000 years,” said ETH Zurich professor Taras Gerya. “The resulting increase in global average temperatures between 5–10°C caused Earth's most severe extinction event in the geologic record.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-recovery-took-millions-of-years-nbsp">Plant recovery took millions of years&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study revealed that the recovery of vegetation following such a catastrophic event could take several million years. During this extended period, Earth's carbon-climate regulation system would have been severely weakened and inefficient, leading to prolonged climate warming.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The recovery of vegetation from the Siberian Traps event took several millions of years and during this time Earth's carbon-climate regulation system would have been weak and inefficient, resulting in long-term climate warming,” explained lead author Julian Rogger, a scientist at ETH Zurich.</p>



<p>A critical finding of the study was that the severity of these catastrophic events was largely determined by how quickly emitted carbon could be sequestered back into Earth's interior. This process occurs through mechanisms such as silicate mineral weathering or the production of organic carbon, which effectively remove carbon from the atmosphere.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shift-in-earth-s-climate-evolution">Shift in Earth's climate evolution </h2>



<p>The time required for the climate to stabilize and reach a new state of equilibrium depended significantly on how rapidly vegetation could adapt to the rising temperatures.</p>



<p>Some plant species managed to adapt by evolving or migrating to cooler regions. However, in many instances, the geological events were so catastrophic that plant species simply did not have enough time to migrate or adapt to the sustained increase in temperature.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The inability of vegetation to respond quickly enough to these drastic changes left a geochemical imprint on Earth's climate evolution that persisted for thousands, if not millions, of years.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diminished-carbon-capacity-in-plants">Diminished carbon capacity in plants</h2>



<p>The study's findings have critical implications for today's human-induced climate crisis. The research shows that disruptions in vegetation can prolong and intensify climate warming, as was the case in the geologic past.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In some historical instances, it took millions of years for the climate to achieve a new stable equilibrium due to the diminished capacity of vegetation to regulate Earth's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiny-plankton-play-a-big-role-in-the-global-carbon-cycle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon cycle</a>.</p>



<p>“Today, we find ourselves in a major global bioclimatic crisis,” said senior author Loïc Pellissier, a professor of ecosystems and landscape evolution at ETH Zurich and WSL.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Our study demonstrates the role of a functioning vegetation to recover from abrupt climatic changes. We are currently releasing greenhouse gasses at a faster rate than any previous volcanic event. We are also the primary cause of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-deforestation-crisis-how-can-we-stop-massive-forest-losses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global deforestation</a>, which strongly reduces the ability of natural ecosystems to regulate the climate.”</p>



<p>Pellissier warns that the current trajectory of human activity mirrors the catastrophic disruptions of the past, but at a much faster pace. “This study, in my perspective, serves as a 'wake-up call' for the global community,” he concluded.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.adn3450" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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



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



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



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

Earth's volcanic past reveals the shocking reality of global warming

Scientists often look to nature for solutions to humanity's most...

<p>Ever pondered about the psychological discrepancy between genders when it comes to our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-records-shatter-2024-set-to-be-hottest-year-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planet's welfare</a> and climate change? How does this concern tie into our educational system?&nbsp;</p>



<p>Research led by <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCL</a> has recently brought to light rather intricate details about our future generation's concern for climate change. A distinctive pattern has been identified – girls, apparently, bear more climate worries and actively involve themselves more in climate education as compared to boys.</p>



<p>The experts behind these revealing insights are Professor Nicola Walshe, Executive Director of UCL Center for Climate Change and Sustainability Education, and her diligent team at IOE, UCL's Faculty of Education &amp; Society. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-grand-investigation-from-climate-change">Grand investigation from climate change</h2>



<p>The team at UCL examined the perceptions and experiences of 2,429 students aged 11-14 from 30 different English schools. Their objective? To understand how these youngsters comprehend climate change and sustainability education within the school curriculum and beyond.</p>



<p>Around 36% of students reported considerable concern about the future of our world. Half of them confirmed that climate troubles them to some degree. A majority, 53% to be exact, selected "anxious" when asked about the emotions climate stirs in them. As for faith in adults handling <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-temperatures-increase-scientists-plan-slow-down-rising-heat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental issues</a> – a scant 16% concurred.</p>



<p>Now, here's where the gender disparity comes into play. Girls expressed significantly higher levels of worry – 44% to be precise, as opposed to 27% of boys.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-socioeconomic-twist">Socioeconomic twist</h2>



<p>Societal brackets are a significant influence too. The study found that children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds were less likely to appreciate the learning of climate change compared to their more privileged peers.&nbsp;</p>



<p>So, we see here how the impact of climate change <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-days-getting-longer-rotation-slows-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">concerns</a> varies across both gender and socioeconomic lines.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-perceptions-on-climate-change">Perceptions on climate change</h2>



<p>The survey also revealed a lack of engagement with climate-focused career guidance in schools.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Only around one-third of the students felt their knowledge of climate change and sustainability could translate into job opportunities. Even fewer, a mere 17%, expressed interest in pursuing a sustainability-related career.</p>



<p>Among the less advantaged students, the figure was disappointingly low at only 14%. A stark reality indeed, given the demand for green careers in our rapidly evolving job market.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-depth-knowledge-on-climate-change">In-depth knowledge on climate change</h2>



<p>Despite these worrying stats, there is a silver lining. The majority of students did express a desire to learn more about climate and sustainability.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Who wouldn't want to spend more time outside the classroom? However, just like the worries about climate change, the interest in learning seems to have a gender difference.</p>



<p>"Three quarters of the girls surveyed wanted to learn about how climate change impacts&nbsp;human health&nbsp;and well-being, compared to 60% of boys," explained Professor Walshe.</p>



<p>"We know climate anxiety is higher among&nbsp;girls, so a more holistic climate change <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-will-make-your-hometown-feel-like-somewhere-else/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">education</a> that addresses a broader range of areas, including health and well-being, may help mitigate young people's worries."</p>



<p>Does this call for a more holistic climate change education that addresses multiple realms including health and wellbeing? Perhaps this could alleviate the climate anxieties resonating among our young ones, particularly the girls.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recommendations-for-the-future">Recommendations for the future</h2>



<p>To put these findings into perspective, the UCL research team presented five key recommendations. These include:</p>



<ul>
<li>Fostering green careers provision.</li>



<li>Offering more hands-on climate-related projects within schools.</li>



<li>Embedding climate change and sustainability education across all subjects.</li>



<li>Addressing students' anxiety and hopelessness regarding the climate crisis.</li>



<li>Integrating more outdoor learning opportunities into the curriculum.</li>
</ul>



<p>With their unique insights, the researchers have laid the groundwork for improved climate change and sustainability education. </p>



<p>This research will prove invaluable to educators, policymakers, and the wider community, and I, for one, am eager to see what changes this will bring to our educational landscape.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-parents-and-community">Role of parents and community</h2>



<p>While schools play a pivotal role in climate education, the involvement of parents and the wider community is equally critical. Research shows that parental engagement can significantly bolster a child's interest and understanding of environmental issues. </p>



<p>When families engage in discussions about climate change at home and participate in community initiatives focused on sustainability, children are more likely to internalize these lessons. </p>



<p>Engaging local organizations, community leaders, and environmental activists can also enrich the educational experience by providing real-world contexts to theoretical knowledge. </p>



<p>Collaborative events, workshops, and educational programs that include both students and their families can foster a culture of sustainability, encouraging the next generation to take meaningful action toward combating climate change. </p>



<p>Cultivating this triadic relationship - students, parents, and the community - holds the potential to empower young minds, making them not just passive recipients of information but active participants in the fight for our planet’s future.</p>



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



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



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



<p>----</p>

Girls are more worried about climate change than boys

Ever pondered about the psychological discrepancy between genders when it...

<p>Each year on August 12th, World Elephant Day turns the planet’s gaze toward the plight of elephants. These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/elephant-movement-is-influenced-by-habitat-suitability/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">majestic beings</a>, carrying the weight of historical richness on their sturdy backs, sit at the heart of their ecosystems.</p>



<p>Yet, through the fog of habitat loss, the shadow of illegal poaching and the threat of human-wildlife conflicts, their survival hangs by a thread.</p>



<p>A special mention should be given to Patricia Sims and the Elephant Reintroduction Foundation of Thailand. They started this critical dialogue on August 12, 2012, by founding World Elephant Day. </p>



<p>The day is now celebrated by over 100 organizations worldwide, all rallying to protect elephant habitats and promote their conservation. The spotlight is also turned to the elephants, the keystones of the ecosystems they inhabit.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balancing-act-of-elephants">Balancing act of elephants</h2>



<p>The 2024 theme, "Personifying Prehistoric Beauty, Theological Relevance, and Environmental Importance," captures the significance of the occasion. </p>



<p>Known as gardeners of the forest, elephants are catalysts in seed dispersal and necessary partners in forest regeneration. By safeguarding their habitats, we also help to shield biodiversity and ensure the survival of the ecosystems that elephants support.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-world-without-elephants">A world without elephants? </h2>



<p>Can we imagine a world without elephants? Absolutely not! These hulking creatures are not just symbols of strength and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/elephants-use-specific-names-to-address-each-other/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">intelligence</a>. </p>



<p>Their everyday activities <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/elephant-dung-feeds-over-2-million-beetles-daily/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shape the structure of various ecosystems</a> and provide essential support to a multitude of species. Without the jumbo-sized helping hand of our elephants, many forests and savannas would simply wither away.</p>



<p>At the core of the threats against elephants lies the insatiable and illicit ivory trade. Despite international bans, the demand for ivory continues to fuel poaching, with tens of thousands of elephants falling victim to this atrocity every year.</p>



<p>Adaptation under such distress has led to a shocking genetic mutation, resulting in some female elephants being born tuskless. This modification stands as a poignant symbol of survival.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-call-to-action-world-elephant-day-2024">A call to action: World Elephant Day 2024</h2>



<p>Now that you know what's at stake, are you ready to leap into action this World Elephant Day? You can donate to reputable organizations working to protect elephants, such as the <a href="https://elephantcrisisfund.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elephant Crisis Fund</a>, or the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.</p>



<p>Take a pledge to learn more about the challenges faced by elephants and raise awareness. Use the power of social media and trending hashtags like #WorldElephantDay.</p>



<p>Invite your circle of friends and family to sign petitions, share relevant information, and participate in local events for elephant conservation. You can even <a href="https://gifts.worldwildlife.org/gift-center/gifts/Species-Adoptions/African-Elephant.aspx?sc=AWY1800OQ18681A01695RX&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjw5ea1BhC6ARIsAEOG5pwO_Xm0ZGhK-m8qeFCFNQ3MMZKr0jTf28R_U1XlPvC9jMuobTduvUsaAub9EALw_wcB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">adopt</a> an African elephant symbolically through the World Wildlife Fund. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intricate-social-structures">Intricate social structures </h2>



<p>Elephants are not just individuals; they form tight-knit family units that showcase some of the most complex social structures in the animal kingdom. </p>



<p>Matriarchs lead these groups, possessing vast knowledge of the environment, including water sources and safe migration routes. The bonds between members are profoundly emotional, with displayed affection, empathy, and grieving processes akin to human behaviors. </p>



<p>These remarkable relationships ensure the survival of both the group and its traditions, as younger elephants learn survival skills essential for their future. Understanding these social dynamics deepens our appreciation for their roles in promoting the ecological balance of their habitats.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-elephant-conservation">Elephant conservation</h2>



<p>Saving elephants is a long-term effort, not a quick fix. The challenges which threaten their survival require sustained attention and resources over time. </p>



<p>Furthermore, elephants have long gestation periods (around 22 months) and typically give birth to a single calf. This means their populations grow slowly, making recovery from threats like poaching or habitat loss a prolonged process.</p>



<p>Therfore, elephant conservation is not something that can be resolved quickly; it requires a persistent, multi-faceted approach over decades. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-initiatives">Global initiatives</h2>



<p>Elephants face many challenges, but there are global efforts to help them. Governments, NGOs, and local communities are coming together to promote conservation that benefits both wildlife and people.</p>



<p>Projects focus on getting locals involved in protecting their natural resources, creating reasons to save elephants instead of harming them.</p>



<p>Educational campaigns are also working to spread awareness about why elephants are important to our ecosystem, rallying support for their protection. Moving forward, we need to work together to ensure that we can coexist peacefully with these amazing animals.</p>



<p>Today, on World Elephant Day, let’s join forces with passion and purpose to make a powerful difference in the protection and preservation of these magnificent creatures.</p>



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



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



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



<p>----</p>

World Elephant Day 2024: Saving the gentle giants

Each year on August 12th, World Elephant Day turns the...

<p>Sky cranes have revolutionized the way we land on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lake-sediments-found-in-jezero-crater-hint-at-past-life-on-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars</a>, pushing the boundaries of space exploration like never before. The landing of the Curiosity rover marked a pivotal moment in this technological leap forward.</p>



<p>The size and weight of the rover required a departure from traditional landing methods, leading to the innovative sky crane maneuver. The strategy has set a new standard for safety and accuracy in touching down on Mars.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pursuing-precision-in-the-abyss">Pursuing precision in the abyss</h2>



<p>In contrast to previous landings, which employed airbags that bounced across the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-surface-contains-more-organic-matter-than-previously-believed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Martian surface</a>, the sky crane technique brought a new level of precision, resulting in a smaller landing ellipse. </p>



<p>This method was further refined in the February 2021 landing of Perseverance, NASA's newest Mars rover. </p>



<p>With additional assistance from terrain relative navigation, the rover landed safely in an ancient lake bed, a locale teeming with rocks and craters.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-journey-to-using-the-sky-crane-on-mars">The journey to using the sky crane on Mars</h2>



<p>Rewind to 1976. The <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a> (JPL) was already playing a key role in Martian exploration, working with NASA's Langley Research Center on two stationary Viking landers which relied on expensive, throttled descent engines.</p>



<p>Fast forward to the 1997 landing of the Mars Pathfinder mission. With an airbag-encased spacecraft dropping from a height of approximately 66 feet, the novel landing technique was a resounding success. So much so, that the same technique was used to land the Spirit and Opportunity rovers in 2004.</p>



<p>However, it was clear that airbag landings had limitations - there were very few Martian locations that were deemed safe. "We barely found three places on Mars that we could safely consider," noted JPL scientist Al Chen.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-sky-crane-a-technological-leap">The sky crane: A technological leap</h2>



<p>The airbag technique's limitations became even more pronounced with the prospective landing of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/curiosity-mars-rover-finds-more-compelling-evidence-for-life-on-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Curiosity</a>, which was significantly larger and heavier. </p>



<p>Engineers realized that if they wanted to land larger spacecraft in more scientifically compelling locations, a technological leap was required. And so, in the early 2000s, the concept of a "smart" landing system began to emerge.</p>



<p>Armed with new types of radars for real-time velocity readings and a new type of engine, this system would foster greater precision in landing. The genesis of the sky crane maneuver was the innovative rearrangement of the propulsion system, which initially caused some confusion.</p>



<p>"People were confused by that, they assumed propulsion would always be below you," noted JPL Fellow Rob Manning. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-space-landings">The future of space landings</h2>



<p>The avant-garde solution ensured the rover's wheels could touch down directly on the Martian surface, without requiring a separate landing platform. But how could a large rover be suspended from ropes without swinging uncontrollably?</p>



<p>Drawing inspiration from sky cranes used to manage heavy cargo on Earth, the answer was clear. The jetpack needed to have the ability to sense and control the swinging.</p>



<p>"All of that new technology gives you a fighting chance to get to the right place on the surface," said Chen. </p>



<p>The implications became clear - this concept could potentially be adapted for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/could-a-nuclear-powered-spacecraft-shorten-the-trip-to-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">larger spacecraft</a> not just on Mars, but throughout the solar system.</p>



<p>"In the future, if you wanted a payload delivery service, you could easily use that architecture to lower to the surface of the Moon or elsewhere without ever touching the ground," said Manning.</p>



<p>The evolution of Mars landings, from airbag deployments to the sky crane maneuver, is a testament to the pioneering spirit of space exploration. Driven by necessity and inspired by invention, it is this spirit that will continue to propel us to new frontiers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-next-steps-in-martian-exploration">The next steps in Martian exploration</h2>



<p>As we stand on the brink of a new era in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-holes-on-mars-might-harbor-alien-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Martian exploration</a>, the advancements in landing technology challenge us to envision future missions. </p>



<p>NASA's Artemis program aims to return humans to the Moon, paving the way for more complex missions to Mars. </p>



<p>With the potential for human habitats and scientific outposts, the challenge of landing heavy payloads becomes even more critical. Innovations like the sky crane maneuver will likely evolve further, incorporating advanced AI and autonomous systems for enhanced precision and safety. </p>



<p>The quest for life on Mars and the study of its geology demand that we push the limits of our technology, ensuring that the next generation of explorers continues to push boundaries and uncover the mysteries of our neighboring planet. </p>



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



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



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



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

Sky cranes are shaping the future of Mars missions

Sky cranes have revolutionized the way we land on Mars,...

<p>Archaea, a unique group of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-single-celled-microbe-is-protecting-corals-from-heat-and-helping-them-survive-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">single-celled</a> microorganisms, thrive in the most unexpected places, including a remarkable aquatic ecosystem in the heart of Antarctica - Deep Lake.</p>



<p>Despite temperatures plunging to -20°C, Deep Lake remains unfrozen throughout the year, thanks to its high salt content. </p>



<p>This icy oasis is far from barren; it teems with life, particularly archaea, whose diverse and intriguing characteristics have captivated microbiologists. </p>



<p>Among these ancient life forms, DPANN archaea stand out, revealing a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of life on Earth and the potential for life beyond our planet.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unraveling-the-mysteries-of-archaea">Unraveling the mysteries of archaea</h2>



<p>This noble group of organisms - neither <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-form-memories-and-pass-them-on-to-future-generations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacteria</a> nor nucleus-bearing eukaryotes - has been under intense study by a dedicated team of microbiologists, including Dr. Yan Liao and Professor Iain Duggin from the <a href="https://www.uts.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Technology Sydney</a> (UTS).</p>



<p>"Archaea is one of three lineages of life, alongside Bacteria and Eukarya (organisms whose cells have a membrane-bound nucleus, including plants and animals). They are widespread and play a crucial role in supporting Earth's ecosystems," explained Dr. Leo.</p>



<p>The team discovered that archaea are not only widespread across various extreme environments but also instrumental in maintaining Earth's ecosystems through processes such as nutrient cycling and methane production.</p>



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



<p>In collaboration with Dr. Joshua Hamm from the <a href="https://www.nioz.nl/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research</a>, Dr. Liao has discovered that some archaea exhibit previously unseen predatory behaviors.</p>



<p>"This is the first time such aggressive behavior has been observed in archaea. In many ways, the activity is similar to some <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/viruses-have-eyes-and-ears-on-their-hosts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">viruses</a>," said Dr. Hamm. </p>



<p>The study shows that DPANN archaea, a group with very small genomes and limited metabolic capabilities, behave like parasitic predators that rapidly kill their hosts, leading to the swift demise of the host cells.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-living-in-extreme-conditions">Living in extreme conditions</h2>



<p>Archaea are known to thrive in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/life-in-the-extreme-microbial-activity-discovered-in-old-faithful/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme environments</a>, such as boiling hot springs with high acidity levels, undersea hydrothermal vents with temperatures soaring above 100°C, supersaline waters akin to the Dead Sea, and the icy expanses of Antarctica. </p>



<p>"They have been found thriving in very acidic boiling hot springs, deep-sea hydrothermal vents at temperatures well over 100°C, in hypersaline waters like the Dead Sea, as well as in Antarctica," Dr. Liao noted. </p>



<p>Understanding this unique biochemistry opens promising avenues in biotechnology and bioremediation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-study-in-host-parasite-interaction">A study in host-parasite interaction</h2>



<p>The DPANN archaea were sampled from the frosty hypersaline environs of Antarctica's Deep Lake, along with other sites like Australian pink salt lakes.</p>



<p>In order to study their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/parasites-steal-genes-to-control-their-hosts-behavior/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">host-parasite</a> interaction, innovative techniques were used, including unique sample staining, live fluorescence microscopy, and electron microscopy.</p>



<p>Dr. Liao stained the host, an archaeon called <em>Halorubrum lacusprofundi</em>, and the parasitic DPANN archaeon <em>Candidatus Nanohaloarchaeum antarcticus</em>, with non-cytotoxic dyes that glow with different colors when exposed to laser light. </p>



<p>"This allowed us to observe the organisms together over extended periods and identify the cells by color. We saw DPANN parasites attach, and then appear to move into the host cell, leading to the host cell's lysis or bursting open," explained Dr. Liao.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecosystem-impact-of-predatory-parasites">Ecosystem impact of predatory parasites</h2>



<p>The impact of these predatory parasites on ecosystems can't be understated. When DPANN archaea kill their hosts, they not only feed themselves but also enable other organisms to feast on the host remains.</p>



<p>"Predators are important players in ecosystems because when they kill their hosts, they not only feed themselves but also make the remains of the host cells available for other organisms to feed on," said Professor Duggin.</p>



<p>This leads to a more dynamic ecosystem, preventing the hoarding of nutrients by a single host organism. </p>



<p>The DPANN archaea appear to play a much more significant role in ecosystems than previously realized, with their parasitic or infection-like lifestyle possibly being more common than initially thought.</p>



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



<p>The researchers believe that understanding the lifestyles of archaea could have broad implications. While no disease-causing archaea have been discovered, future findings could impact human well-being.</p>



<p>Dr. Liao emphasized that archaea's unique biochemistry holds promising applications in biotechnology and bioremediation. </p>



<p>Furthermore, given that archaea are primarily responsible for livestock methane emissions, a more profound understanding of their lifestyles could aid in combating climate change.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-49962-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">N</a><a href="https://phys.org/journals/nature-communications/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ature Communications</a></em>.</p>



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



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



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



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

Aggressive predatory behavior discovered in tiny single-celled organisms

Archaea, a unique group of single-celled microorganisms, thrive in the...

<p>The world is on the brink of a major breakthrough in discovering elusive marine species, unlocking secrets hidden in the depths of our oceans. </p>



<p>With the majority of the planet's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-is-the-climate-impacting-aquatic-life-in-mountain-streams/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aquatic life</a> remaining largely unexplored, we are about to take a deep dive into an initiative that is revolutionizing marine species discovery and documentation.</p>



<p>This innovative effort promises to shed light on the countless unknown organisms dwelling beneath the waves, significantly advancing our understanding of marine biodiversity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-turning-tide-for-marine-species-discovery">A turning tide for marine species discovery</h2>



<p>The magnitude of Earth's biodiversity is staggering, encompassing a vast array of life forms across various ecosystems. </p>



<p>However, most of the estimated two million marine organisms have not yet been identified, leaving significant gaps in our understanding of oceanic life. </p>



<p>A primary hindrance to studying and conserving these species has been the painfully slow process of scientific description, with delays of 20-40 years before a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-species-of-deep-sea-squid-discovered-that-broods-giant-eggs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new species</a> is officially recognized.</p>



<p>In response to this daunting challenge, the Ocean Species Discoveries initiative was launched. This ambitious project, led by the Senckenberg Ocean Species Alliance (SOSA), offers a revolutionary platform for rapid, yet comprehensive taxonomic description of marine invertebrate species.</p>



<p>SOSA's mission goes beyond mere discovery, aiming to foster protection, awareness, and appreciation of marine invertebrates before they fall into oblivion.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-wave-of-collaborative-research">A new wave of collaborative research</h2>



<p>A team of 25 researchers from around the world collaborated for this groundbreaking project, resulting in data on thirteen marine invertebrate taxa.</p>



<p>The significant discoveries include the identification of a new genus, eleven new species, and the reinstatement of one previously described species.</p>



<p>These remarkable creatures originate from various global locations and inhabit depths ranging from a shallow 5.2 meters to an astounding 7,081 meters beneath the ocean surface.</p>



<p>The findings have been compiled and made accessible through open-access publications via the <em><a href="https://bdj.pensoft.net/article/128431/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biodiversity Data Journal</a></em>.</p>



<p>The publication format breaks away from the traditional approach of isolating species' descriptions. Instead, it allows for diverse marine invertebrate taxa to be elucidated collectively.</p>



<p>This collaborative approach not only expedites the scientific process but also incentivizes researchers to disclose their new discoveries more promptly, fostering a more dynamic and integrated understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-biodiversity-could-shift-rapidly-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine biodiversity</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-marine-species-discovered">New marine species discovered</h2>



<p>Among the new species featured in the Ocean Species Discoveries initiative is <em>Cunicolomaera grata</em>, an amphipod whose intricate burrowing patterns along the seafloor have sparked significant scientific icuriosity.</p>



<p>This tiny creature's behavior and habitat offer valuable insights into the complexities of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/overfishing-and-habitat-degradation-have-devastated-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine ecosystems</a>. </p>



<p>Contrastingly, there's Lepetodrilus marianae, a wrinkly-shelled limpet that thrives in the extreme environment of hydrothermal vents, where temperatures can soar up to a sweltering 400 degrees Celsius.</p>



<p>The unique adaptations of this limpet to such harsh conditions highlight the incredible resilience and diversity of marine life.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-race-against-time">The race against time</h2>



<p>These discoveries underscore the urgent need to reduce the time taken from discovering a new species to its public description. </p>



<p>Speeding up this process is critical to ensuring that new species are recognized and protected before it is too late. </p>



<p>Many of these organisms reside in fragile and threatened environments, such as hydrothermal vent zones that are at risk due to deep-sea mining activities. </p>



<p>Others, like the purple sea cucumber Psychropotes buglossa, inhabit areas of significant economic interest, endangered by polymetallic-nodule extraction.</p>



<p>Such scenarios highlight the very real risk of losing unknown species even before they are discovered, studied, and understood, underscoring the importance of rapid and effective documentation and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/effective-conservation-efforts-key-to-saving-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation efforts</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-call-to-arms">A call to arms</h2>



<p>"Only by leveraging the collective strengths of global progress, expertise, and technological advancements, will we be able to describe the estimated 1.8 million unknown species living in our oceans," said Dr. Julia Sigwart.</p>



<p>This beckoning call invites taxonomists specializing in marine invertebrates from around the globe to contribute their expertise to the Ocean Species Discoveries initiative. </p>



<p>By joining this crucial effort, these scientists can play a pivotal role in accelerating the identification and protection of marine species, many of which are at risk of being lost forever. </p>



<p>Their contributions will not only enhance our understanding of marine biodiversity but also ensure that these unique and often fragile organisms are recognized and conserved for future generations. </p>



<p>The collective efforts of the global scientific community are essential to safeguard our oceans' rich and diverse life forms before they disappear into oblivion.</p>



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



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



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



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

1.8 million species are yet to be identified in the ocean

The world is on the brink of a major breakthrough...

<p>Magnetars are among the most enigmatic objects in the cosmos, captivating astronomers with their immense <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strong-magnetic-fields-leave-marks-on-nuclear-matter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnetic fields</a> and mysterious origins. </p>



<p>Recent discoveries in this field have provided new insights into these rare neutron stars, deepening our understanding of their evolution. </p>



<p>One such discovery is Swift J1818.0-1607, an exceptionally young magnetar that offers a unique glimpse into the early stages of these cosmic giants.</p>



<p>The fascinating study sheds light on how magnetars differ from their pulsar counterparts, opening new avenues of exploration in the field of astronomy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-cosmic-lighthouse">A cosmic lighthouse</h2>



<p>Imagine a high-mass star, collapsing and bursting into a supernova. What's left behind is a superdense neutron star.</p>



<p>Sometimes these neutron stars, under intense forces, begin spinning rapidly, casting out beams of light akin to a lighthouse. When these beams are lined up so that they are visible from Earth, they become known as pulsars.</p>



<p>Yet, not all neutron stars follow this path. Some evolve into another cosmic prodigy - the magnetar. These are neutron stars that spin rapidly like pulsars but have a magnetic field thousands of times stronger.</p>



<p>The scale is phenomenal - magnetars carry about twice the mass of our sun confined into a size equivalent to that of a city.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoding-the-magnetar-s-secrets">Decoding the magnetar’s secrets</h2>



<p>A study led by Hao Ding of the Mizusawa VLBI Observatory, <a href="https://www.nao.ac.jp/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Astronomical Observatory of Japan</a>, is shedding new light on these cosmic enigmas.</p>



<p>The team used the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) National Radio Astronomy Observatory's (NRAO) Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) to examine a recently discovered magnetar, Swift J1818.0-1607.</p>



<p>The magnetar Swift J1818.0-1607 is located in the constellation Sagittarius, on the other side of the central galactic bulge of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-way-galaxy-is-surrounded-by-massive-magnetic-fields/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way galaxy</a>. </p>



<p>The magnetar is a mere 22,000 light-years away, a relative stone’s throw in cosmic terms. This proximity allows experts to use the parallax method to pinpoint its exact three-dimensional location within the galaxy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-birth-and-life-of-magnetars">The birth and life of magnetars</h2>



<p>Swift J1818.0-1607 is intriguing for numerous reasons. Most notably, it is the youngest and fastest-spinning magnetar known to date.</p>



<p>Being only a few hundred years old and spinning with a period of 1.36 seconds, it offers a unique glimpse into the early life of such cosmic behemoths.</p>



<p>Bright X-ray emissions are a trademark of magnetars, implying extremely high energy outflows. The powerful decay of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/nasa-captures-magnetar-activity-that-has-never-been-seen-before/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnetar's intense magnetic field</a> seems to be the only plausible explanation to justify such energy.</p>



<p>"Magnetars are very young, because they cannot continue giving off energy at this rate for very long," Ding explains. "Swift J1818.0-1607, as the youngest known magnetar, offers us a unique perspective. But this process, too, is extreme."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-the-velocity-of-magnetars">Exploring the velocity of magnetars</h2>



<p>The study provides remarkable insights into Swift J1818.0-1607's velocity. Radial velocity refers to how fast it moves within the galaxy radius, while the transverse velocity describes motion perpendicular to the galaxy plane.</p>



<p>The astronomers successfully identified Swift J1818.0-1607's transverse velocity as the smallest ever recorded amongst magnetars.</p>



<p>This evidence adds credibility to the theory that magnetars may not form under the same conditions as young <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pulsars-are-helping-astronomers-pinpoint-dark-matter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pulsars</a>, implying more exotic formation processes for these cosmic phenomenons.</p>



<p>"We need to know how fast the magnetar was moving when it was just born," said Ding. "The formation mechanism of magnetars is still a mystery we would like to understand."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unlocking-the-secrets-of-the-universe">Unlocking the secrets of the universe</h2>



<p>The study of Swift J1818.0-1607 not only enhances our understanding of magnetars but also paves the way for a deeper comprehension of fundamental astrophysical phenomena. </p>



<p>As researchers continue to investigate such <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-stellar-objects-observing-the-early-lives-of-stars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">young cosmic objects</a>, the insights may ultimately shed light on the processes governing stellar evolution and the life cycles of neutron stars.</p>



<p>Moreover, understanding the unique characteristics of magnetars could significantly impact theories surrounding gravity, magnetism, and the very fabric of spacetime. </p>



<p>As the field progresses, these discoveries will undoubtedly provoke new questions, highlighting the intricate complexities of our universe and driving the relentless pursuit of knowledge in astronomy.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://phys.org/journals/astrophysical-journal-letters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Astrophysical Journal Letters</a></em>.</p>



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



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



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



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

Fastest-spinning magnetar reveals secrets of neutron stars

Magnetars are among the most enigmatic objects in the cosmos,...

<p>A dopamine-based technique to tackle <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alzheimers-disease-earliest-biomarker-protein-psd-95-identified/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alzheimer's disease</a> has been uncovered, potentially revolutionizing the way we diagnose, manage, and treat this debilitating condition.</p>



<p>The innovative approach promises to change the landscape of Alzheimer's treatment and offers new hope to millions affected by the disease.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unlocking-the-science">Unlocking the science</h2>



<p>The esteemed <a href="https://cbs.riken.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RIKEN Center for Brain Science</a> (CBS) is the powerhouse behind this promising research. Led by Takaomi Saido and his dedicated team, the study was primarily focused on mice suffering from Alzheimer's disease.</p>



<p>The unique approach consisted of treating these mice with dopamine, a naturally occurring chemical in the body that transmits signals in the brain and other vital areas. This neurotransmitter plays a crucial role in many brain functions, including movement and memory. </p>



<p>The scientists witnessed a compelling reduction in physical symptoms associated with Alzheimer's disease and a noticeable improvement in memory function in the treated mice.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dopamine-s-dual-role">Dopamine's dual role</h2>



<p>Alzheimer's disease is notorious for forming hardened plaques around the neurons, which are a hallmark of the condition. In fact, this is one of the earliest indicators of the disease, often manifesting decades before behavioral symptoms like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flavanols-a-key-to-slowing-age-related-memory-loss-in-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">memory loss</a> are detected.</p>



<p>These plaques are composed of fragments of the peptide beta-amyloid, which accumulate over time and disrupt normal brain function, leading to the progressive cognitive decline characteristic of Alzheimer's disease.</p>



<p>The team's previous research had indicated that hormones produced by the hypothalamus, such as dopamine, resulted in increased levels of an enzyme known as neprilysin, which can dissolve the harmful plaques.</p>



<p>For a fundamentally new treatment to be viable, it must be practically applicable for human patients, not just experimentally useful. Enter L-DOPA: a precursor molecule to dopamine that is frequently used for treating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dopamine-plays-an-unexpected-role-in-movement-and-parkinsons-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Parkinson's disease</a>. It can enter the brain from the blood and then becomes dopamine.</p>



<p>The RIKEN CBS team found that treating their test mice with L-DOPA led to increased neprilysin and decreased beta-amyloid plaques.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-alzheimer-s-treatment">The future of Alzheimer’s treatment</h2>



<p>According to the first author of the study, Watamura Naoto, the team has demonstrated that L-DOPA treatment effectively reduces beta-amyloid plaques and enhances memory function in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. </p>



<p>However, Naoto cautioned that L-DOPA treatment has been known to have serious side effects in Parkinson's patients, which could limit its direct applicability for Alzheimer's treatment.</p>



<p>Therefore, the next phase of their study will explore how dopamine regulates neprilysin in the brain. The goal is to develop a safer and more effective preventative approach which targets the preclinical stage of Alzheimer's disease.</p>



<p>Time will tell if dopamine-based treatment can fundamentally change the approach to Alzheimer's, but these remarkable developments shine a beacon of hope in the ongoing fight against this devastating disease.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-dopamine-s-influence">Understanding dopamine's influence</h2>



<p>To fully appreciate the efficacy of dopamine and L-DOPA in combating Alzheimer's disease, it is crucial to delve into the underlying mechanisms. </p>



<p>Dopamine not only plays a vital role in regulating mood and motivation but also influences several neural processes linked to memory and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dopamine-regulates-both-learning-and-motivation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">learning</a>. </p>



<p>Research has indicated that dopamine enhances synaptic plasticity, a fundamental property of neurons that enables them to adapt and strengthen their connections based on experiences. </p>



<p>This adaptive capacity could explain the observed improvements in memory function among the treated mice.</p>



<p>By fostering an environment that promotes neuron health and cognitive resilience, dopamine stands to offer a multifaceted approach to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pomegranates-may-be-key-in-preventing-and-treating-alzheimers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alzheimer's treatment</a>.</p>



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



<p>The insights gained from this research may also have far-reaching implications beyond Alzheimer's disease. </p>



<p>Neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's and Huntington's disease, share common pathological features, including protein aggregation and neuronal death. </p>



<p>The successful application of L-DOPA in Alzheimer’s mice raises intriguing possibilities for neuroprotective strategies in other conditions. </p>



<p>If the interplay between dopamine and neprilysin can be further elucidated, it may pave the way for new therapies to mitigate symptoms or slow the progression of various neurodegenerative diseases.</p>



<p>Such discoveries could redefine clinical approaches, offering new hope to millions globally who are suffering with these challenging conditions.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/scisignal.adk1822" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Signaling</a></em>.</p>



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



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



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



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

Dopamine may help restore memory in Alzheimer’s patients

A dopamine-based technique to tackle Alzheimer's disease has been uncovered,...

<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/warming-climate-turns-tundra-from-carbon-sink-to-source/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tundra landscapes</a> are not only among the coldest places on Earth but are also undergoing some of the most dramatic transformations due to climate change. </p>



<p>According to a recent study, these changes are reshaping the natural world in significant ways. </p>



<p>The far northern reaches of the Earth, including the tundra and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/single-degree-temperature-warming-boreal-forests-wreak-havoc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">boreal forests</a>, are witnessing notable shifts in vegetation structure. </p>



<p>For generations, these lands have been the domain of hardy grasses, shrubs, and mosses - their resilience matched only by the tenacity of the local inhabitants.</p>



<p>However, with the ongoing trend of global warming, the once sparse and lonely tundra could become significantly taller and greener in the coming decades.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tundra-s-transformation-over-the-next-century">Tundra’s transformation over the next century</h2>



<p>Research conducted by scientists from NASA suggests that we can expect the tundra greening trend to persist through the current century. </p>



<p>The evolving forest structure could potentially absorb more carbon dioxide (CO2), a notorious greenhouse gas. However, it could also lead to increased <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/abrupt-permafrost-thaw-releases-more-co2-than-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">permafrost thawing</a>, which might release stored, ancient carbon into the atmosphere.</p>



<p>The research was informed by millions of data points from the Ice, Cloud, and land Elevation Satellite 2 (ICESat-2) and Landsat missions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-tale-of-two-biomes">A tale of two biomes</h2>



<p>Geographically, boreal forests predominantly grow between 50 and 60 degrees north latitude, encompassing large parts of Alaska, Canada, Scandinavia, and Russia. These forests are home to evergreen species such as pine, spruce, and fir. </p>



<p>Moving farther north, we encounter the tundra biome with its permafrost and limited growing season, which makes it a challenging environment for large trees or dense forests. Instead, shrubs, mosses, and grasses have become the primary vegetation.</p>



<p>The transition between these two biomes has been particularly intriguing. Previous studies had noticed an increase in plant growth and northward movement, encroaching into areas previously dominated by tundra shrubs and grasses.</p>



<p>The recently published NASA study reveals an even more significant presence of trees and shrubs in these tundra regions and adjacent transitional forests, where boreal regions meet the tundra. These changes are predicted to continue until at least the end of the century.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tundra-transformation-shifting-vegetation-patterns">Tundra transformation: Shifting vegetation patterns </h2>



<p>"The results from this study advance a growing body of work that recognizes a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/changes-in-vegetation-are-a-key-driver-of-global-temperatures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shift in vegetation</a> patterns within the boreal forest biome," said lead researcher Paul Montesano. </p>



<p>"We've used satellite data to track the increased vegetation growth in this biome since 1984, and we found that it's similar to what computer models predict for the decades to come. This paints a picture of continued change for the next 80 or so years that is particularly strong in transitional forests."</p>



<p>The changes in vegetation height and concentration could produce a range of effects on our global climate. As study co-author Chris Neigh suggests, the vegetation increase might offset some of the impact of rising CO2 emissions by absorbing more CO2 through photosynthesis, leading to carbon storage in trees, shrubs, and soil.</p>



<p>Conversely, this change might also cause permafrost areas to thaw, as darker vegetation absorbs more sunlight. This could potentially release CO2 and methane that has been stored in the soil for thousands of years.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-nasa-is-predicting-the-future">How NASA is predicting the future</h2>



<p>Harnessing the strengths of satellite data, machine learning, climate variables, and climate models, NASA scientists have embarked on a mission to model and predict future forest structures. </p>



<p>They analyzed nearly 20 million data points from NASA's ICESat-2 and then matched these data points with thousands of scenes of North American boreal forests from 1984 to 2020, sourced from Landsat, a joint mission of NASA and the U.S. Geological Survey.</p>



<p>It's these advanced computing capabilities that allow researchers to create models from such large quantities of data, known as "big data" projects. </p>



<p>NASA is utilizing technology like ICESat-2's lidar, an advanced laser instrument that measures the height of Earth's surface features from space.</p>



<p>Melanie Frost, a remote sensing scientist at NASA, emphasized the importance of understanding these environmental changes, as they are intertwined with our climate models. </p>



<p>"Our climate is changing and, as it changes, it affects almost everything in nature. It's important for scientists to understand how things are changing and use that knowledge to inform our climate models," said Frost.</p>



<p>As the future unfolds, keeping a close eye on transformative trends in the tundra will be integral to our understanding – and perhaps even our mitigation – of global climate change.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-024-01454-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications Earth &amp; Environment</a></em>.</p>



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



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



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



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

How will changing tundra landscapes affect Earth's climate?

Tundra landscapes are not only among the coldest places on...

<p><em>"Music has charms to soothe a savage breast."</em> This timeless quote from William Congreve resonates with many of us. Whether we're enjoying the symphonies of Mozart or the concertos of Bach, the positive impact of classical music on our moods is widely acknowledged.</p>



<p>Some believe these effects go beyond simply altering our emotions. New research from China is delving into the deeper impact.</p>



<p>Many of us turn to classical music for stress relief, but researchers at the Center for Functional Neurosurgery at <a href="https://en.sjtu.edu.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shanghai Jiao Tong University</a> are uncovering effects that go far beyond mere relaxation.</p>



<p>Their mission? To analyze how these compositions <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/music-can-prevent-brain-aging-and-cognitive-decline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">influence the brain</a>, with a focus on individuals suffering from treatment-resistant depression.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-music-and-therapy">Music and therapy</h2>



<p>In a rather daring expedition into the unexplored territory of neuroscience, psychiatry, and neurosurgery, these scientists are using brainwave measurements and neural imaging techniques for exploration. </p>



<p>The sieges of senior author Bomin Sun and his diligent team uncover the unique interaction between music and emotion and how that relationship can influence mental health.</p>



<p>The team explored the neural pathways brought to life by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/classical-music-can-synchronize-the-heartbeats-of-strangers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">melodies</a> and harmonies. The patients in question already had electrodes implanted in their brains, which were crucial for their deep-brain stimulation treatments.</p>



<p>These implants, strategically positioned in the forebrain's circuitry, became keys to unlocking the secrets of music's antidepressant effects.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rhythm-of-the-brain">Rhythm of the brain</h2>



<p>Don't get lost in the scientific jargon here: the "bed nucleus of the stria terminalis" and "nucleus accumbens." Let's call it the BNST-NAc circuit.</p>



<p>What's important to note is that music, apparently, orchestrates a dance between the auditory cortex (responsible for sound processing) and the reward circuit (handling emotional information).</p>



<p>This dance or "triple-time locking of neural oscillations in the cortical-BNST-NAc circuit through auditory synchronization," as Sun describes it, is the secret sauce to the antidepressant effects of music.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-power-of-music-in-depression-treatment">The power of music in depression treatment</h2>



<p>The scientists divided their patient pool into two groups: those with high and low <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/magic-mushrooms-enhance-music-appreciation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">appreciation for music</a>.</p>



<p>The group with greater appreciation exhibited significant neural synchronization, superior antidepressant effects, and overall better outcomes.</p>



<p>This approach enabled the researchers to study the mechanisms behind these effects with precision, opening up the possibility for personalized therapy plans that could enhance treatment results.</p>



<p>Interestingly, even the group with lower appreciation reported increased enjoyment when theta frequency noise was added to the music.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-sounds-good">The future sounds good</h2>



<p>Western classical music was specifically chosen for this study, due to its unfamiliarity amongst the majority of participants. The aim was to eliminate any bias that could originate from subjective familiarity.</p>



<p>This promising research opens the door to a new frontier of therapy. Looking forward, researchers at the Shanghai Jiao Tong University have plans for a harmonic blend of clinicians, music therapists, computer scientists, and engineers to study how music and deep brain structures interact in depressive disorders.</p>



<p>As for the grand finale? "We plan to develop a series of digital health products based on music therapy, such as smartphone applications and wearable devices," noted Sun.</p>



<p>These innovative tools will use personalized music recommendations, real-time emotional feedback, and virtual-reality multi-sensory experiences as potential self-help tools for emotional management and symptom improvement. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-personalized-music-therapy">Personalized music therapy</h2>



<p>One of the most intriguing aspects of this research is the potential for personalized music <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/music-therapy-key-features-of-healing-music-identified/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">therapy</a>. Just as individuals experience depression differently, their responses to music can vary significantly, making tailored therapy essential.</p>



<p>By considering personal music tastes and emotional connections, therapists can create more effective treatment plans that resonate deeply with each patient.</p>



<p>Familiar tunes can evoke strong emotions, enhancing therapy's impact. For instance, a song tied to positive memories might uplift a patient, while an energizing track could boost motivation. </p>



<p>Incorporating technology can further refine this approach, using algorithms to curate playlists that match a patient's mood and therapeutic needs, with real-time adjustments to support their emotional state.</p>



<p>As our understanding of music's impact on mental health grows, personalized approaches promise to revolutionize treatment, making music a powerful tool for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/music-as-a-pain-reliever-the-power-of-your-playlist/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">healing</a>.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.cell.com/cell-reports/fulltext/S2211-1247(24)00803-9?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS2211124724008039%3Fshowall%3Dtrue" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cell Reports</a></em>.</p>



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



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



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



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

Classical music orchestrates a mood-lifting dance in the brain

"Music has charms to soothe a savage breast." This timeless...

<p>Imagine sending your child off to school without having to worry about them crossing the street safely. Hovannes Kulhandjian has introduced an ingenious solution that could revolutionize this everyday activity - a robot named CrossBot, designed to help children securely cross streets.</p>



<p>Kulhandjian, an associate professor in electrical and computer engineering at <a href="https://www.fresnostate.edu/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fresno State</a>, collaborated with the <a href="https://transweb.sjsu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mineta Transportation Institute</a> in San Jose to develop the robot. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rise-of-crossbot">Rise of CrossBot</h2>



<p>With an appearance reminiscent of a lawn mower, CrossBot sports a single black pole bearing a tablet-sized screen. </p>



<p>It might not have the charm of C-3PO from Star Wars or the musical talents of Robot from Lost in Space, but it definitely carries a crucial responsibility with immense potential.</p>



<p>"It has a 360-degree view of the environment," said Kulhandjian. "This is a very serious device; you have to have a very low probability of error because you are dealing with kids."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-how-of-crossbot">The ‘how’ of CrossBot</h2>



<p>CrossBot is bristling with high-tech sensors and tools, including Lidar, a microphone, radar, video camera capabilities, a speaker system, and<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/robosapiens-ai-project-making-industrial-robots-more-free-thinking-adaptable/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> advanced algorithms</a>. </p>



<p>It sits at the curb, patiently waiting until traffic clears. It then rolls onto the crosswalk, its screen glowing red. </p>



<p>Once it detects a halted vehicle, the screen turns green, indicating to waiting children that it's safe to begin crossing. For visually impaired individuals, it offers verbal indications for crossing.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-birth-of-crossbot">Birth of CrossBot</h2>



<p>The inspiration for this gadget dawned upon Kulhandjian while observing teachers doubling up as crossing guards at his daughters' school. </p>



<p>His trust in his creation extends to all children, including his own, with a promising accuracy rate in detecting vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lack-of-trust-in-robots">Lack of trust in robots</h2>



<p>However, not every parent is ready to replace their trusty human crossing guards with a robot. Some believe in the irreplaceable value of human interaction and supervision, expressing concerns over possible malfunctions or hacking. </p>



<p>Yet many others, witnessing a high turnover rate of crossing guards, see potential in this robotic solution. Recent years have seen a shortage of crossing guards in various school districts. </p>



<p>Concurrently, pedestrian-related accidents, the second-leading cause of death for children under 14 according to the CDC, have been on the rise. In 2022 alone, drivers killed over 7,500 pedestrians, marking the highest since 1981.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-testing-and-implementation">Testing and implementation</h2>



<p>Before CrossBot can navigate the bustle of school zones, it must undergo extensive testing and evaluation. </p>



<p>Kulhandjian and his team are currently collaborating with local school districts and safety experts to create a robust testing framework. This phase will assess CrossBot’s response to various real-world scenarios, ensuring its reliability in unpredictable environments.</p>



<p>Once the testing phase is complete and the data validated, the goal is to gradually implement CrossBot in select schools, allowing for real-time monitoring and feedback from parents, teachers, and students.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-toward-the-future">Looking toward the future</h2>



<p>The potential for CrossBot extends beyond assisting in crosswalks; it opens up discussions about the broader application of robotics in enhancing child safety. </p>



<p>As technology rapidly evolves, future iterations could integrate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/robots-cannot-outrun-animals-but-theyre-evolving-faster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">artificial intelligence</a> to learn and adapt to specific school environments, improving interaction with pedestrians and vehicles alike. </p>



<p>By addressing safety concerns and providing a dependable method for children to cross streets, innovations like CrossBot pave the way for a safer, more efficient future for school commutes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expanding-role-of-robots">Expanding role of robots</h2>



<p>Robots have been increasingly integrated into our lives, taking up roles in transport, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-soft-robot-crawls-moves-like-origami-folds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">production</a>, security, and more. Their usefulness and reliability have led to a predicted global robotics market worth of $95.93 billion by 2029.</p>



<p>CrossBot’s mission, however, isn't about replacing humans but supplementing their efforts. Kulhandjian feels that the device could last a decade and cost a school district about $15,000 to $17,000 to buy. </p>



<p>In areas where human crossing guards are insufficient, especially without traffic lights or during times of staff shortage, CrossBot could be the much-needed aid that keeps your child safe.</p>



<p>"In many areas, there may not be enough human crossing guards available, especially in regions lacking traffic lights or during times when staffing is limited. CrossBot can fill these gaps, providing additional safety measures during critical times and in high-demand areas," said Kulhandjian.</p>



<p>Regardless of where the future takes us, one thing is certain: <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dancing-robots-the-future-of-human-robot-interactions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">innovations</a> like CrossBot hold the promise of a safer world for our kids. </p>



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



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



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



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

Traffic robot designed to help children cross roads safely

Imagine sending your child off to school without having 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=WXXGGiynIjs
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Greenland is not sinking. In fact, it is the opposite.</figcaption></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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



<p>—–</p>



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



<p>—–</p>

Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p id="block-43e218f4-0391-477c-8396-eb777c8c80a3">Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>

Social modeling affects our food choices

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists discover we age in bursts

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists solve the mystery of tickling

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>



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



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



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



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

Retired professor claims he solved time travel

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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



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



<figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
</div></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="QGPzYnXEtN-1712599-12187" type="single"]</div>



<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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="X0f6OHYoI4-2310561-12187" type="single"]</div>



<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> 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?

[sendtonews key="X0f6OHYoI4-2310561-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="JRaP49ISmm-2357509-12187" type="single"]</div>



<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features 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

[sendtonews key="JRaP49ISmm-2357509-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

News coming your way