<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>



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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>If you could live to a ripe old age, but with a youthful spring in your step, would you take the chance? Researchers are now turning that fantasy into a reality. They've devised a treatment for aging that doesn't just add years to your life -- it adds life to your years.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-longer-life-but-at-what-cost">Longer life, but at what cost?</h2>



<p>It's a fact of modern life: we're all living longer. Thanks to advancements in medicine and public health, human lifespans have grown incredibly over the last century. </p>



<p>But there's a catch. These extra years don't always come with good health. Chronic illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease often become unwelcome companions in later life, followed by frailty. </p>



<p>Most interventions focus on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-anti-aging-drug-interleukin-11-boosts-lifespan-prevents-cancer-gray-hair/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prolonging life</a>, but not necessarily good health, leading to a significant health decline in the last decade of life. In short, no one wants to spend their added years in decrepitude.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-treatment-promises-healthy-aging">New treatment promises healthy aging</h2>



<p>But what if that feeble decline isn't our fate? In their research, published in the August issue of Cell Metabolism, <a href="https://medicine.uconn.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Connecticut School of Medicine</a> gerontologist, Dr. Ming Xu, and his team have shown that this doesn't have to be the case.</p>



<p>Their breakthrough? A new treatment that allowed a group of mice to live 9% longer with monthly treatments -- that's about 79 extra days of energy-filled life for our furry friends.</p>



<p>The treatment involved targeting and removing inflammatory cells from the body.&nbsp;These cells <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/losing-loved-ones-can-speed-up-biological-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">contribute to aging</a> and age-related diseases.&nbsp;By eliminating them, researchers were able to extend lifespan and improve overall health.</p>



<p>But the real success wasn't just the extension of life; it was the vitality that came with it. The treated mice showed impressive strength, maintaining their grip and walking speed up to the very end of their lives. </p>



<p>In human terms, that's like an 80-year-old running around like they've found the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/harvard-scientists-fountain-of-youth-pill-sparks-controversy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fountain of youth</a>!</p>



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



<p>What sets this research apart is the record-keeping and aging measurements carried out. In contrast to most experiments that select a specific end point in time and measure the effect of the treatment then, Dr. Ming Xu and his collaborators embarked on a longitudinal study. </p>



<p>They tracked the health, grip strength, and walking speed of the mice from the time they were 20 months old (about 60 in human years) until their death. </p>



<p>This approach allowed them to assess the physical function and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-secret-ingredient-to-healthy-aging-your-midlife-diet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">overall health</a> changes of each mouse throughout the entire treatment period. </p>



<p>And here's the exciting part: even though the treated mice were older at their time of death, their physical function and overall frailty were better than the untreated controls. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-very-successful-in-mice">Very successful in mice</h2>



<p>"We are all very excited about this finding," says Dr. Xu. "It demonstrates that we not only extend the lifespan, but indeed extend life with good health in mice, which is a key goal for the aging field."</p>



<p>While the findings from UConn are undoubtedly exciting, further research is necessary to bridge the gap between animal studies and human application. </p>



<p>Future studies must explore various variables such as dosage, treatment duration, and the effects of this intervention across different ages and genetic backgrounds.</p>



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



<p>The research involved two groups of mice. One received monthly treatments to remove highly inflammatory cells from their tissues, and the other group, kept as a control, did not. </p>



<p>The cells targeted for removal were those actively expressing a specific gene known as p21. The oldest treated mice lived to be 43 months old -- equivalent to about 130 years in human terms. </p>



<p>The average treated mouse, meanwhile, lived longer and healthier than an average untreated mouse.</p>



<p>Now, the real question is, can this translate to humans? If it can, it would mean 8 to 10 additional years of healthy old age. </p>



<p>It's an exciting prospect in the field of aging, and the researchers are currently exploring ways to bring their results to our lives.</p>



<p>Innovative scientific studies like this one give us hope for the future -- hope for a future where aging doesn't equate to frailty, where we can live longer, healthier, and fuller lives.</p>



<p>This intriguing research was primarily supported by the NIH <a href="https://www.nia.nih.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Institute on Aging</a>, American Federation for Aging Research (<a href="https://www.afar.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AFAR</a>), and <a href="https://hevolution.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hevolution Foundation</a>.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.cell.com/cell-metabolism/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cell Metabolism</a></em>.</p>



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



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Monthly aging treatment aims to help you live long and die healthy

If you could live to a ripe old age, but...

<p>The discovery of rare early human fossils on the Indonesian island of Flores, including an extraordinarily small adult limb bone, is providing crucial insights into the evolution of <em>Homo floresiensis</em>, the so-called “Hobbits of Flores.”</p>



<p>The findings, which date back to approximately 700,000 years ago, are detailed in a new study published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-50649-7#Sec2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Communications</em></a>.</p>



<p>The remains of Hobbits were first uncovered in 2003 at Liang Bua cave by a team co-led by the late Professor Mike Morwood, an Australian-New Zealand archaeologist.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unknown-origins-of-homo-floresiensis">Unknown origins of <em>Homo floresiensis</em></h2>



<p>Archaeological evidence indicates that these diminutive, small-brained humans inhabited Liang Bua as recently as 50,000 years ago, a period when <em>Homo sapiens</em> were already well-established in Australia to the south.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The origins of the mysterious <em>Homo floresiensis</em> have been widely debated, with initial hypotheses suggesting they were a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hobbit-not-descended-homo-erectus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dwarfed descendant</a> of early Asian <em>Homo erectus</em>. </p>



<p>Another theory posits that the Hobbit could be a late-surviving remnant of a more ancient, small-statured hominin from Africa, such as <em>Homo habilis</em> or <em>Australopithecus afarensis</em> (the species of the famous 'Lucy').</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hominin-fossil-sites-on-flores">Hominin fossil sites on Flores</h2>



<p>Besides Liang Bua, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-first-arrived-in-europe-1-3-million-years-ago/">hominin fossils</a> on Flores have only been found at Mata Menge, an open-air site located 75 km east of the cave in the So’a Basin's tropical grasslands. </p>



<p>Previously, this site yielded several hominin fossils, including a jaw fragment and six teeth, from a sandstone layer dating back around 700,000 years. </p>



<p>These fossils pre-date the Liang Bua hominins by 650,000 years and suggest that small body size evolved early in the history of Flores hominins. </p>



<p>However, without postcranial elements (bones from below the head), it was unclear if these So’a Basin hominins were as small, or even smaller, than <em>Homo floresiensis</em>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rare-homo-floresiensis-fossils">Rare <em>Homo floresiensis</em> fossils</h2>



<p>The new study, led by Professor Yousuke Kaifu of the <a href="https://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Tokyo</a>, Iwan Kurniawan of the Center for Geological Survey in Indonesia, and Professor Gerrit van den Bergh from the <a href="https://www.uow.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Wollongong</a>, reports the discovery of three additional hominin fossils from Mata Menge.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This discovery resulted from several seasons of field excavations and includes the first postcranial element - a distal shaft of an adult humerus (the lower half of the upper arm bone, known as LB1).</p>



<p>The recovery of this fossil limb bone is significant as it provides extensive evidence about the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossils-found-in-china-belong-to-a-previously-unknown-human-ancestor/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ancestral</a> origins of <em>Homo floresiensis</em>. Digital microscopy of the microstructure confirmed that the small humerus belonged to an adult individual.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smallest-upper-arm-bone-in-the-hominin-record">Smallest upper arm bone in the hominin record</h2>



<p>The estimated length of the bone allowed the team to calculate the body height of this hominin to be approximately 100cm, which is around six cm shorter than the estimated height of the 60,000-year-old <em>Homo floresiensis</em> skeleton from Liang Bua (~106cm, based on femoral length).</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/homo-floresiensis_hobbits-of-flores_skeleton_credit-Yousuke-Kaifu_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/homo-floresiensis_hobbits-of-flores_skeleton_credit-Yousuke-Kaifu_1s.webp" alt="The Mata Menge humerus fragment (left) shown at the same scale as the humerus of Homo floresiensis from Liang Bua. Credit: Yousuke Kaifu" class="wp-image-1941063"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>The Mata Menge humerus fragment (left) shown at the same scale as the humerus of Homo floresiensis from Liang Bua. Credit: Yousuke Kaifu</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>“This 700,000-year-old adult humerus is not just shorter than that of <em>Homo floresiensis</em>, it is the smallest upper arm bone known from the hominin fossil record worldwide,” said co-author Adam Brumm from the Australian Research Center for Human Evolution at <a href="https://www.griffith.edu.au/about-griffith/campuses-facilities/nathan" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Griffith University</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This very rare specimen confirms our hypothesis that the ancestors of <em>Homo floresiensis</em> were extremely small in body size; however, it is now apparent from the tiny proportions of this limb bone that the early progenitors of the ‘Hobbit’ were even smaller than we had previously thought.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-size-reduction-among-flores-hobbits">Size reduction among Flores Hobbits</h2>



<p>Additionally, the two new hominin teeth from Mata Menge are small in size and one has shape characteristics most consistent with early <em>Homo erectus</em> from Java.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This similarity does not support the hypothesis that <em>Homo floresiensis</em> evolved from a more primitive type of hominin, such as those never recovered from Indonesia or the broader region outside Africa.</p>



<p>The Mata Menge human remains, now totaling 10 fossil specimens from at least four individuals (including two children), are anatomically similar to the Liang Bua <em>Homo floresiensis</em> and can be regarded as an older variant of this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-humans-used-to-eat-their-ancestral-relatives-practicing-cannibalism/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hominin</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, this earlier form had less specialized dentition (more primitive teeth) than its descendants at Liang Bua. The diminutive arm bone indicates that significant body size reduction occurred early in the history of the Flores hominins.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-history-of-homo-floresiensis">History of <em>Homo floresiensis</em></h2>



<p>“The evolutionary history of the Flores hominins is still largely unknown,” said Brumm. “However, the new fossils strongly suggest that the ‘Hobbit’ story did indeed begin when a group of the early Asian hominins known as <em>Homo erectus</em> somehow became isolated on this remote Indonesian island, perhaps one million years ago, and underwent a dramatic body size reduction over time.”</p>



<p>The researchers noted that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/homo-naledi-may-have-been-the-first-to-bury-their-dead-200000-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">earliest Flores hominins</a> appeared on this Wallacean island ~1.0–1.27 Ma, probably unintentionally (i.e., through accidental “rafting,” perhaps on tsunami debris), and possibly as part of the initial colonization of the Sunda Shelf region by early <em>H. erectus</em>. </p>



<p>“The Flores hominins experienced substantial body size reduction soon after this event (within ~300,000 years), despite the presence of large-bodied predators such as ~3 meter-long Komodo monitors and crocodiles from the earliest paleontological record ( ~ 1.4 Ma) onwards,” wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This implies that giant reptilians did not represent a serious predation threat for early <em>H. floresiensis</em> or its progenitors.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stable-hominin-body-size-nbsp">Stable hominin body size<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>According to the researchers, this early evolutionary event was followed by long-term stability in hominin body size, possibly also in cultural adaptations (e.g., stone technology), and minor morphological specialization in the dentition.</p>



<p>“How the small brain size reported for the ~60,000 years old LB1 evolved still remains unknown," the experts wrote. "At present, however, the available fossil data imply that small body size had been a functional adaptation for these insular hominins during and slightly beyond the Middle Pleistocene and indeed potentially up until the arrival of <em>H. sapiens</em> on Flores around 50,000 years ago; an event that, we suspect, precipitated the demise of <em>H. floresiensis</em>."</p>



<p>This study provides crucial insights into the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earliest-humans-were-bipedal-and-could-swing-through-trees/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolutionary history</a> of <em>Homo floresiensis</em>, suggesting that these early hominins underwent significant evolutionary changes after becoming isolated on Flores.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The findings highlight the complexity and diversity of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-evolution-was-shaped-by-competition-not-just-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human evolution</a>, particularly in isolated environments, and underscore the importance of continued research in the region to further unravel the mysteries of our ancient ancestors.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-50649-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a></em>.</p>



<p><em>Image credit: Cicero Moraes (</em><a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CC BY 4.0</a><em>)</em></p>



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Human ancestors called ‘Hobbits’ of Flores were smaller than we imagined

The discovery of rare early human fossils on the Indonesian...

<p>"Choose your friends wisely." This timeless piece of advice usually passed on from generations may seem like mere words of wisdom, but a recent study led by <a href="https://rutgershealth.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rutgers Health</a> Professor Jessica E. Salvatore proves that there's actually some solid science and genes behind it.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-your-friends-genes-matters">Your friends' genes matters</h2>



<p>According to the findings of the study, the genetic traits of your high school best friend might have impacted your risk for addiction and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/millions-of-americans-have-lost-years-of-time-to-poor-mental-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psychiatric disorders</a> in your later life. </p>



<p>"Peers' genetic predispositions for psychiatric and substance use disorders are associated with an individual's own risk of developing the same disorders in young adulthood," explained Professor Salvatore.</p>



<p>What this essentially means is your pals' genes could have determined your own mental health.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-genetic-effects">Social genetic effects</h2>



<p>Believe it or not, our genes do not operate in a vacuum. They are influenced by a variety of factors, including the people we hang out with. </p>



<p>This interaction between a person’s genetic makeup and the genes of their social circle is called socio-genomics, a budding branch of genomics. </p>



<p>To put this theory to the test, Salvatore and her team delved into a mass of Swedish national data for assessing peer social genetic effects for multiple psychiatric disorders.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoding-the-data">Decoding the data</h2>



<p>An armory of information was available with the researchers, thanks to an anonymous database of over 1.5 million Swedish individuals born in the timeframe between 1980 and 1998. </p>



<p>By studying patterns in the location, school, and medical and legal records related to substance use and mental health, the experts were able to discern interesting trends.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-friends-genes-and-disorders">Friends, genes, and disorders</h2>



<p>The main objective of the study was to assess whether the genetic predisposition of a peer group could predict the likelihood of members developing substance abuse, major depression, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mental-health-crisis-half-of-the-worlds-population-will-be-affected-by-age-75/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">anxiety disorders in adulthood</a>. This predisposition was gauged using family genetic risk scores.</p>



<p>Even when factors like individual genetic propensities and family socioeconomic factors were taken into account, a clear correlation emerged between peers' genetic predispositions and an individual's chance of developing a disorder.</p>



<p>The implications of the study are profound and reshape our understanding of the onset of psychiatric disorders.</p>



<p>"Peer genetic influences have a very long reach," noted Salvatore. This implies that intervention strategies for such disorders need to extend beyond individual risk and encompass social and network-based aspects.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-research-is-needed">Further research is needed</h2>



<p>As the field of socio-genomics expands, there lies a significant opportunity for further exploration into how our genes interact with our social networks. </p>



<p>The findings of Salvatore's study open the door for additional research, particularly in diverse populations and varied cultural contexts. It is essential to investigate how different lifestyles, community dynamics, and social structures influence genetic predispositions across individual groups. </p>



<p>By expanding this research, we can gain deeper insights into the mechanisms behind psychiatric disorders and potentially identify novel intervention points that consider the complete human experience - where genetics and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-theory-enemy-of-my-enemy-is-my-friend-proven-by-physics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social connections</a> weave together.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-questions-than-answers">More questions than answers</h2>



<p>Despite these breakthrough findings, many questions remain unanswered. Salvatore highlights the need for further research to comprehend why these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reconnecting-with-old-friends-is-as-scary-as-making-new-ones/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">connections</a> exist. </p>



<p>“The most obvious explanation for why peers’ genetic predispositions might be associated with our own well-being is the idea our peers’ genetic predispositions influence their phenotype, or the likelihood that peers are also affected by the disorder,” noted Salvatore.</p>



<p>“But in our analysis, we found that peers’ genetic predispositions were associated with target individuals’ likelihood of disorder even after we statistically controlled for whether peers were affected or unaffected.”</p>



<p>Moreover, it is crucial to understand how to best disrupt the long-reaching processes and risks that extend for over a decade after school attendance.</p>



<p>In a nutshell, whether we realize it or not, our friends' genes may have been pulling the strings of our genetic destiny in more ways than we can imagine. It's an intriguing field of study that is yet to reveal all its secrets. </p>



<p>As the famous poet John Donne once said, "No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent." And it seems in the light of socio-genomics, we're <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-power-of-diversity-in-friendships/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pieces of our friends</a> as well.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.ajp.20230358" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Journal of Psychiatry</a></em>.</p>



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



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How your friends' genes can alter the course of your life

"Choose your friends wisely." This timeless piece of advice usually...

<p>Due to warming sea temperatures and mass coral bleaching events, the Great Barrier Reef is currently facing critical threats that endanger its remarkable ecology, biodiversity and beauty, according to a new study published in journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07672-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature</em></a>. </p>



<p>Study lead author Benjamin Henley is an Honorary Fellow at the <a href="https://www.uow.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Wollongong</a> (UOW). Along with his team, Henley has reconstructed 400 years of summer sea surface temperatures in Coral Sea. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bleaching-on-the-great-barrier-reef">Bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef</h2>



<p>The investigations revealed that extreme recent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-ocean-heating-signals-alarm-for-a-3c-warmer-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean heat</a> has caused significant coral bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef. This research provides new evidence of ongoing and future impact of rising sea surface temperatures on this ecological jewel of Australia.</p>



<p>Recently, <a href="https://whc.unesco.org/en/committee/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee</a> decided not to list the Great Barrier Reef as in danger. However, Henley and his team argue that - based on their new evidence - the Reef is indeed in peril. </p>



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



<p>The team combined sea surface temperature reconstructions using geochemical data from coral cores previously collected from the region.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers also analyzed climate model simulations of sea surface temperatures, both with and without the influence of climate change, concluding that anthropogenic climate change is responsible for the rising temperatures.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-record-heat-and-great-barrier-reef-bleaching">Record heat and Great Barrier Reef bleaching</h2>



<p>According to the experts, recent mass bleaching events coincide with five of six hottest years in the new 400-year-long record. Specifically, years 2024, 2017, and 2020 saw Coral Sea reaching 400-year highs. The warmest on record, by a large margin, was 2024. </p>



<p>Additional significant heat events occurred in 2016, 2004 and 2022. The repeated sequences of mass <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-worlds-largest-coral-bleaching-event-is-now-underway/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral bleaching</a> have had devastating effects, severely impacting Great Barrier Reef's unparalleled ecology and biodiversity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-death-of-a-natural-wonder">The death of a natural wonder</h2>



<p>“When I plotted the 2024 data point, I had to triple check my calculations – it was off the charts – far above the previous record high in 2017. I could almost not believe it. Tragically, mass coral bleaching has occurred yet again this year,” Henley said.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“In the absence of rapid, coordinated and ambitious global action to combat climate change, we will likely witness the demise of one of Earth’s most spectacular natural wonders.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-great-barrier-reef-faces-catastrophe-nbsp">Great Barrier Reef faces catastrophe<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>Professor Helen McGregor, from UOW’s Environmental Futures, and the second author of the study, stressed the need for urgent action to prevent the devastation of one of the world’s most important ecosystems.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“There is no ‘if, but or maybe’ - the ocean temperatures during these bleaching events are unprecedented in the past four centuries,” she reported.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The Great Barrier Reef is facing catastrophe if anthropogenic climate change is not immediately addressed. The very corals that have lived for hundreds of years and that gave us the data for our study are themselves under serious threat.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-influence-on-the-reef">Human influence on the Reef</h2>



<p>According to Henley, the climate model analysis confirms that human influence on the climate system is responsible for the rapid warming in recent decades.</p>



<p>“Without urgent intervention, our iconic Great Barrier Reef is at risk of near-annual bleaching from high ocean temperatures. The Reef’s fundamental ecological integrity and outstanding universal value are at stake,” said Henley.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to Henley, immediate action to transition to net zero emissions is necessary. “We have many of the key solutions to stop <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-evidence-that-climate-change-is-caused-by-human-activities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>; what we need is a step change in the level of coordinated national and international action to transition to net zero.</p>



<p>“We can never lose hope. Every fraction of a degree of warming we avoid will lead to a better future for the human and natural systems of our planet. We hope that our study equips policymakers with more evidence to pursue deeper cuts in greenhouse gas emissions internationally.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bleaching-on-a-mass-scale-nbsp">Bleaching on a mass scale&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Coral bleaching occurs when stress causes corals to expel the algae that live in their tissue, which provide the corals with their vibrant colors. Without the algae, the coral’s white skeleton is exposed.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Environmental disturbances and declining water quality can lead to bleaching, but recent sea temperature warming has caused bleaching on a mass scale.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Although corals can recover if the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/killing-crown-of-thorns-starfish-cots-could-save-great-barrier-reef/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stress trigger</a> is reduced, the Great Barrier Reef has experienced five major mass coral bleaching events since 2016.</p>



<p>The research has broader implications for coral reef systems worldwide, highlighting the link between the long-term trajectory of extreme ocean temperatures and the ecological health and biodiversity of these critical ecosystems.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-">-----</h3>



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<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h--0">-----</h3>

Great Barrier Reef is on the brink of extinction

Due to warming sea temperatures and mass coral bleaching events,...

<p>As we step into a new decade, it's high time we zoom into our children's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/feeding-children-healthy-diets-can-be-very-challenging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diet</a>, especially their sugary drink intake. Researchers have uncovered a startling fact: children are consuming 23% more sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) now than they did back in 1990.</p>



<p>Behind this significant research is an expert team that vigorously collected and analyzed global dietary data. The team was led by an eminent scientist who is dedicated to understanding dietary patterns and their influence on our health.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-children-consuming-sugary-drinks">Children consuming sugary drinks</h2>



<p>“Sugary beverages increase weight gain and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dads-diets-have-a-direct-impact-on-childhood-obesity-rates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">risk of obesity</a>, so even though kids don’t often develop diabetes or cardiovascular disease when they are young, there could be significant impacts later in life,” said first author&nbsp;<a href="https://depts.washington.edu/healthms/people/laura-lara-castor/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Laura Lara-Castor</a>, a recent graduate of the Friedman School and now a postdoctoral scholar at the <a href="https://www.washington.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Washington</a>. </p>



<p>“This study highlights the need for targeted education and policy interventions to change behavior early on and prevent the adverse outcomes associated with sugar-sweetened beverage intake in childhood.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alarming-numbers">Alarming numbers</h2>



<p>The numbers are indeed chilling. Globally, our children and teenagers are drinking these sugary drinks more and more, showing an average increase of 23% from 1990 to 2018. This trend mirrors a rise in obesity among young individuals in the same period.</p>



<p>Sugary drinks aren't just limited to the traditional soft drinks, they're also those deceptive fruit drinks, energy drinks, punch, and lemonade. Any beverage with added sugars and at least 50 kcal per serving is considered an SSB.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-childrens-sugary-drink-intake-by-region">Childrens' sugary drink intake by region</h2>



<p>When we dive into the geographical details, an interesting picture emerges. Sub-Saharan Africa witnessed the largest increase with an additional 2.17 servings per week.</p>



<p>On the other side of the spectrum, South Asia has the least weekly intake of 1.3 servings. The highest intake? Latin America and the Caribbean, averaging around 9.1 servings.</p>



<p>The study also sheds light on the urban-rural divide. It reveals that children and adolescents who live in cities consume more SSBs than their rural counterparts. Further, the intake is higher among children of parents with higher education levels.</p>



<p>“Our findings should raise alarm bells in nearly every nation worldwide,” said senior author&nbsp;Dariush Mozaffarian, Jean Mayer Professor of Nutrition and director of the&nbsp;<a href="https://tuftsfoodismedicine.org/">Food is Medicine Institute</a>&nbsp;at the Friedman School. “The intakes and trends we’re seeing pose a significant threat to public health, one we can and must address for the future of a healthier population.”</p>



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



<p>Education is vital in influencing children's dietary choices. Studies show that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natural-sugar-sources-are-key-to-preventing-childhood-obesity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">comprehensive nutrition education</a> leads to healthier beverage choices among kids. </p>



<p>By informing children and their guardians about the impacts of sugar-sweetened beverages, schools and communities can foster healthier lifestyles from an early age.</p>



<p>To combat the rising consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, effective policy interventions are needed at local and national levels. </p>



<p>Strategies like taxing sugary drinks, regulating marketing to children, and increasing access to healthier options can change public habits. </p>



<p>Collaboration among governments, healthcare providers, and community organizations is crucial in promoting health consciousness and fostering well-being for future generations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-limiting-children-s-sugary-drink-intake">Limiting children's sugary drink intake</h2>



<p>The researchers emphasize that efforts to control the marketing of SSBs to children and teenagers are crucial. And rightly so, as the study suggests that the increase in SSB intake among children and adolescents from 1990 to 2018 was almost double that seen among adults.</p>



<p>Despite certain limitations, such as the availability of dietary survey data, the findings act as a crucial tool in understanding and addressing the rising consumption of SSBs worldwide. These findings "should be taken as the best currently available, but nonetheless imperfect, estimates of SSB intake worldwide," add the authors.</p>



<p>The findings serve to guide national and targeted policies aimed at reducing SSB intake among young people globally. This can help curb the growing problem of SSBs for public health, particularly in regions like the Latin America, the Caribbean, and sub-Saharan Africa.</p>



<p>The study's intent is aligned with the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It's a call for everyone involved, from parents to policy makers, to take a look at our young ones' plates and glasses. </p>



<p>After all, the health of children is a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fathers-diet-impacts-the-health-of-his-future-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reflection of the health</a> of our future.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2024-079234" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BMJ</a></em>.</p>



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Children are consuming more sugary drinks than ever

As we step into a new decade, it's high time...

<p>Anyone who has picnicked on the beach has likely experienced the unpleasant crunch of a sandwich laced with sand. For primates, however, their tolerance for sand may be influenced by whether their energy is better spent on survival or on protecting their teeth from grit, according to a new study led by <a href="https://home.dartmouth.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dartmouth College</a>.</p>



<p>The study, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.98520.1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>eLife</em></a>, suggests that social rank can determine whether animals prioritize immediate energy consumption over long-term health. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-primate-sacrifices-for-short-term-survival">Primate sacrifices for short-term survival</h2>



<p>The researchers observed the eating habits of long-tailed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hurricane-on-monkey-island-made-macaques-more-socially-tolerant/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">macaques</a> on Thailand's Koram Island and discovered that the dominant and lowest-ranked animals briefly rubbed sand-covered food on their fur or between their paws before quickly consuming it, along with most of the sand, and moving on to the next morsel.</p>



<p>In contrast, middle-ranked monkeys, who had more time, carried their food to the water's edge to wash it in the sea, effectively removing the sand. These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-early-primates-lived-in-pairs-and-were-not-solitary-creatures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">monkeys</a> often spent considerable time and energy scrubbing their snacks clean and would even amble down the beach on their hind legs with their front paws full of food.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-primate-survival-over-longevity">Primate survival over longevity<strong> </strong></h2>



<p>Nathaniel Dominy, the study's corresponding author and a professor of anthropology at Dartmouth, explains that the findings provide insight into how animals, even those in hierarchical groups, choose <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animals-combine-different-strategies-to-survive-the-cold/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">survival strategies</a> based on individual needs. </p>



<p>The study supports the “disposable soma hypothesis,” which proposes that animals sometimes prioritize immediate survival and reproduction over longevity. “Delayed gratification has its limits,” Dominy said.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-rank-influences-priorities-nbsp">Social rank influences priorities<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>This appears to be the case for monkeys at the top and bottom of the social ladder, for whom life is short and hard. As a result, these primate consume and conserve energy whenever possible for survival. </p>



<p>Existing research shows that sand causes significant damage to macaque tooth enamel, but for dominant males, this may not matter in a life filled with challengers.</p>



<p>“High-ranking males are constantly lunging at or chasing other males, behaviors that maximize their siring of offspring. So, they need to eat rapidly to make up for that energy expenditure, and that's exactly what we saw them doing,” Dominy said.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“They just stuff food into their mouths - sand be damned - because they don't have time to walk to the water. It's the urgency of now that matters, not their teeth. To humans, it seems like a shrewd calculation.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-maximizing-reproductive-success">Maximizing reproductive success</h2>



<p>Conversely, the monkeys that wash their food may be playing a long game, said Amanda Tan, the study's co-corresponding author and an assistant professor of anthropology at <a href="https://www.durham.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Durham University</a> who worked on the project as a postdoctoral fellow in Dominy’s research group. </p>



<p>“We think these animals invest a lot more time in washing their food because they cannot afford to damage their teeth and compromise their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/age-rated-genes-help-capuchin-monkeys-live-longer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">longevity</a>. This strategy could allow them to maximize their potential reproductive success by living longer and producing more offspring over their lifetime,” she explained.</p>



<p>The findings also could shed light on the wear and pitting observed in the fossilized teeth of early humans and how these relate to social structure and access to water. “What if tooth wear is telling us about rank, not food properties?” Dominy said.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“If we find more variable wear on a male <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hominin-fossils-are-a-million-years-older-than-estimated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hominin</a> tooth, the classic interpretation is that it's the result of a varied diet. We ought to consider the possibility that he was eating quickly and couldn't be bothered to clean his food. Or maybe he lived in an area that was historically arid. We have cause to be more open-minded about variable tooth wear.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eating-habits-of-macaques">Eating habits of macaques </h2>



<p>To observe the macaques' eating habits, Tan and study first author Jessica Rosien arranged plastic trays on the beach containing cucumber slices. </p>



<p>The slices were either on their own, placed on top of sand, or buried in sand. Rosien and Tan recorded the animals every day for six weeks as they foraged for cucumbers in the trays, capturing nearly 1,300 instances of food-handling by 42 individual macaques.</p>



<p>The monkeys that washed their food devoted an average of five seconds to over a minute to each cucumber slice - often washing multiple slices - while the average amount of time spent just brushing sand off a slice was effectively zero, the researchers report.&nbsp;</p>



<p>That time makes a difference. In lab trials with sand-coated cucumbers, the researchers found that washing removed 93 percent of sand, while brushing removed only 75 percent.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-primate-social-rank-and-survival">Primate social rank and survival</h2>



<p>The researchers determined social rank using established methods of observing how the animals interact. But the social order was not subtle, Rosien said. She recalls a low-ranking male that, rejected by his peers, spent his time sitting next to her on the beach.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A high-ranked female would fearlessly challenge other macaques for their cucumbers and steal anything Rosien left unattended, including her backpack of supplies.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“I loved getting to know the different monkeys' personalities over time and I definitely got a sense of the impact of social rank,” she said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-short-term-energy-vs-long-term-health">Short-term energy vs. long-term health</h2>



<p>Before the study, Tan had spent years on Koram Island observing how the macaques developed skills using tools through social learning. She knew that some animals washed their food while others did not.&nbsp;</p>



<p>It was Dominy who wondered if there was a rank-based trade-off between getting calories quickly versus preventing tooth wear. “To our knowledge, no one had tested the hypothesis that food-washing served as an adaptive function for removing grit,” Tan said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uncommon-behavior-among-primates-nbsp">Uncommon behavior among primates<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>Food-washing among primates is not common. The Koram Island macaques were first observed doing so after the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami. Their habit became a draw for tourists, who, before authorities put a stop to it, would throw fruit on the beach from boats to watch the animals wash it in the surf.</p>



<p>The other known instance is among the Japanese macaques on Japan's Kōjima Island. In the 1950s, researchers studying the animals lured them toward the beach with wheat and sweet potatoes to observe them more clearly.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In 1953, a young female named Imo first picked up a sandy sweet potato and washed it in a stream. Five years later, the other animals had taken up the practice, washing their food in the sea. Today, 92% of the Kōjima Island macaques wash their food.</p>



<p>“I love the story of Imo,” Rosien said. “It shows how an individual can cause a shift in a whole population. To see such a significant advance in real time makes it easier to understand how small changes can lead to big changes.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-value-of-food-washing-nbsp">The value of food washing<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>The spread of a similar habit in two independent populations separated by 50 years and 5,000 miles speaks to the value of culture.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“You have to be experimental and entrepreneurial to invent a new behavior out of whole cloth, but it has to be clear enough that other individuals will understand its purpose and copy it,” Dominy said.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“And they have to be smart enough to recognize when another animal has figured out something valuable. That's what culture is - seeing the value of a new behavior and adopting it.”</p>



<p>The value for the macaques of washing their food was considered so obvious that no one had studied it before. “Even if something seems intuitive, it’s still important to be curious, ask questions, and test assumptions,” Tan said.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“In this case, our study provides a fuller picture of the various trade-offs that animals may juggle relative to their place in a social structure and gives us a better understanding of how that leads individuals to behave distinctly,” she concluded.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-">-----</h3>



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Some primates must prioritize survival over long-term health

Anyone who has picnicked on the beach has likely experienced...

<p>Researchers at <a href="https://msu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michigan State University</a> (MSU) have recently identified two proteins that collaborate to determine the fate of cells in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sensors-that-detect-plant-stress-could-revolutionize-farming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a> under stress. This significant finding, recently published in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-50105-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Communications</em></a>, was ironically made just as the project's leader was preparing to unwind.</p>



<p>Postdoctoral researcher Noelia Pastor-Cantizano was en route to the airport for a vacation when she decided to share a promising result she had gathered the previous day.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“I didn’t want to wait ten days until I came back to send it. It took almost two years to get there,” said Pastor-Cantizano, who was then part of the Brandizzi lab at the MSU-DOE Plant Research Laboratory (PRL). “I was thinking 'I can relax now, at least for one week,'” she added.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-response-to-stressors">Plant response to stressors</h2>



<p>Pastor-Cantizano had been working to identify a gene in the model plant Arabidopsis that could control the plant’s response to stressors, which can lead to its death. She and her team had pinpointed a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-modified-plant-proteins-to-create-delicious-meat-alternatives/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">protein</a> in Arabidopsis that seemed to dictate whether a plant would survive or perish under stress conditions.</p>



<p>However, identifying the gene was just the beginning, despite already being years into the project. It took an additional five years to reach the conclusions presented in the new paper.</p>



<p>The research revealed that the proteins BON-associated protein2 (BAP2) and inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1) cooperate under stress conditions - a critical issue for plant cells. Understanding how these proteins function together can help scientists develop plants that are more resilient to adverse conditions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-agriculture-nbsp">Implications for agriculture<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>Creating plants that are resistant to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has significant implications for agriculture. If crops can be bred to withstand <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dry-air-alters-the-way-plants-respond-to-droughts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drought</a> or heat better, they stand a better chance of thriving despite the changing climate.</p>



<p>“Research in our lab is fueled by enthusiasm and gratitude to be able to make important contributions to science,” said Federica Brandizzi, MSU Research Foundation Professor in the Department of Plant Biology and at the PRL.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The work was herculean and has been possible only thanks to the patience, enthusiasm, and dedication of a wonderful team. Noelia was simply fantastic.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unfolded-protein-response-nbsp">Unfolded protein response<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>Within eukaryotic cells is an organelle known as the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), which creates proteins and folds them into shapes the cell can use. This process is similar to cutting up vegetables for a recipe - the proteins must be correctly shaped before they can be used.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Protein production and folding must be balanced, akin to a sous chef and a chef working together. When this balance is disrupted, the ER experiences stress, triggering a mechanism known as the unfolded protein response (UPR). The UPR decides whether to save or shut down the cell, potentially leading to the plant's death.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-programmed-cell-death-in-plants">Programmed cell death in plants</h2>



<p>It was known that the enzyme IRE1 directs mechanisms to either save or kill the cell, but what activates IRE1 remained unclear. The Brandizzi lab researchers were searching for the master regulator of these pro-death processes, known as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-secrets-of-flower-diversity-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">programmed cell death</a>.</p>



<p>“I had the idea because I read that irritable bowel disease is linked to a mutation in a gene controlled by IRE1 that occurs among humans,” Brandizzi said. “Humans are diverse, and so are plants. So I thought to look into plant diversity as a source of new important findings in the UPR.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-stress-response-across-different-regions-nbsp">Plant stress response across different regions<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>The researchers began by examining hundreds of accessions - plants of the same species but from different locales. For example, a plant from Colombia will have genetic variations compared to the same species in Spain, which may affect their stress responses differently.</p>



<p>The experts discovered extensive variation in the response to ER stress between different accessions. By examining the most dissimilar responses, they identified differences in their genomes, leading to the discovery of the BAP2 gene candidate.</p>



<p>“We found that BAP2 responds to ER stress,” said Pastor-Cantizano, now a postdoc at the University of Valencia. “And the cool thing is that it is able to control and modify the activity of IRE1. But also IRE1 is able to regulate BAP2 expression.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-endoplasmic-reticulum-stress-and-plant-death">Endoplasmic reticulum stress and plant death</h2>



<p>BAP2 and IRE1 work together, signaling each other on the best course of action for the cell. Without both proteins, the plant dies when ER homeostasis is disrupted.</p>



<p>The project spanned over seven years of dedicated work, involving meticulous tasks like placing tiny Arabidopsis seeds onto growth plates and studying the plants' offspring to understand how BAP2 functions.</p>



<p>“It has been a long road with its obstacles, but it has been worth it,” said Pastor-Cantizano. “When I started this project, I couldn't imagine how it would end.”</p>



<p>This study highlights the collaborative work required to uncover the intricate mechanisms that enable plants to withstand stress, paving the way for future agricultural advancements.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-">-----</h3>



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<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h--0">-----</h3>

How do plants make life-and-death decisions?

Researchers at Michigan State University (MSU) have recently identified two...

<p>Is having too much knowledge a blessing or a curse? Researchers are exploring this question in a recent study led by distinguished economists.</p>



<p>Kaushik Basu, an economics professor at <a href="https://www.cornell.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cornell University</a>, and Jörgen Weibull, a professor emeritus at the <a href="https://www.hhs.se" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stockholm School of Economics</a>, are the brilliant minds responsible for stirring our curiosity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers co-authored a compelling paper titled "A Knowledge Curse: How Knowledge Can Reduce Human Welfare," published in journal <em><a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.240358" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Society Open Science</a></em>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-knowledge-as-a-curse">Knowledge as a curse </h2>



<p>The central finding of Basu and Weibull's research? An increase in knowledge might, somewhat surprisingly, not always be in our best interest. </p>



<p>"This article uncovers the finding that knowledge, even when that does not expand the set of available actions, can impact all of us negatively, what we refer to here as a <em>knowledge curse</em>," wrote the study authors. </p>



<p>When people leverage this newfound knowledge for personal gain instead of the wider good, the benefits can backfire.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The authors highlight a relevant example: the act of wearing face masks during a pandemic. They suggest that if individuals have a deeper understanding of the cost-benefit analysis associated with mask-wearing, it may lead to less cooperation among those who are primarily focused on their own interests.</p>



<p>Essentially, if people see that the personal costs (such as discomfort) outweigh the perceived benefits (feeling safer or protecting others), they may be less inclined to wear masks, ultimately undermining collective efforts to control the pandemic.</p>



<p>"We assume that a scientific breakthrough that gives us a deeper understanding of the world can only help. Our paper shows that in the real world, where many people live and strive individually or in small groups to do well for themselves, this intuition may not hold. Science may not be the panacea we take it to be," noted Professor Basu.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-playing-the-knowledge-curse-game">Playing the "knowledge curse" game</h2>



<p>To illustrate how the "knowledge curse" unfolds, Basu and Weibull propose a theoretical two-player game, dubbing it the Base Game. </p>



<p>Here, each player has two choices to maximize their personal payoff. However, when another set of options is introduced - one potentially leaving the other player with nothing and an alternative offering a tiny win-win - the situation transforms.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Suddenly, a minimal mutual reward becomes the more appealing choice, echoing the classic Prisoner's Dilemma.</p>



<p>The study thus suggests that more knowledge can lead to worse overall outcomes. But it doesn't stop there. It further suggests that even when a scientific breakthrough doesn't introduce any new options but only deepens the understanding of payoffs, both players could end up worse off.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-theoretical-into-practical">Theoretical into practical</h2>



<p>The research isn't limited to theoretical simulations alone. Basu and Weibull extend their findings to real-world challenges, such as policy crafting without full knowledge of the issue at hand.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Take, for instance, the drafting of a nation's constitution. It's an exercise of predicting and mitigating problems likely to emerge in the distant future, under unknown circumstances. According to the authors, such anticipatory laws have indeed been significantly beneficial to humankind.</p>



<p>"By drawing attention to this paradoxical result, the paper urges policymakers and even the lay person to consider <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/transcendent-thinking-promotes-brain-growth-in-adolescents/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">preemptive actions</a>, agreements, and moral commitments that we, as human beings, should undertake to avert disasters future scientific advances could cause," explained Professor Basu.</p>



<p>While recognizing the immeasurable benefits of science, the researchers added a bit of caution. "Science can yield enormous benefits, but we need safeguards," said Professor Basu. "What those are, we don't know. But the paper urges us to pay attention to this."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-call-for-reflection-and-action">Call for reflection and action</h2>



<p>"Can knowledge be a curse?" Who knew such a question could spawn an intriguing quest laced with paradoxes, dilemmas, and insights? But what's the takeaway for us, as we navigate an increasingly uncertain world?</p>



<p>Well, let's ponder on this: Are we willing to acknowledge the double-edged sword of knowledge? Should we, as individuals and communities, consider setting up checks and balances to ensure the benefits of scientific advancements don't become self-defeating? More importantly, should we reconsider our assumptions about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/critical-knowledge-gaps-climate-biodiversity-diseases-earth-polycrisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">knowledge</a> and wisdom?</p>



<p>To what extent does our knowledge promote self-interest, and when does it serve the collective good? As we continue our journey in an era marked by technological marvels and existential crises alike, these questions become crucial to reflect upon.</p>



<p>Or, as Basu and Weibull put it - we ought to pay attention to this potential "knowledge curse."&nbsp;</p>



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



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Having too much knowledge can be a curse

Is having too much knowledge a blessing or a curse?...

<p>Have you ever wondered why a shark is such a prolific swimmer, effortlessly cruising through the sea at variable speeds? The secret ingredient lies in their skin.</p>



<p>Sharks, especially the notorious <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/juvenile-great-white-sharks-prefer-shallow-coastal-waters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">great white shark</a>, are revered predators of the oceans. These magnificent creatures are known for their relentless hunting skills, reaching impressive speeds of up to 6.7 meters per second. </p>



<p>They are also known for their marathon-like swimming capabilities, covering distances of up to 20,000 kilometers.</p>



<p>How is this possible? The secret is in their tiny tooth-like structures known as dermal denticles present on their skin which are believed to reduce frictional drag while they swim.</p>



<p>These denticles not only give sharks their signature rough skin but have also sparked curiosity among engineers designing riblets or small unidirectional ridges for aircraft and sailboats.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-shark-denticles">Studying shark denticles</h2>



<p>While the purpose of denticles might seem straightforward, understanding their function is far from simple.</p>



<p>The variation in the shape, size, and spacing of denticles across a shark's body adds layers of complexity to understanding how they work together to reduce drag. Researchers from the <a href="https://www.titech.ac.jp/english" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tokyo Institute of Technology</a> set out to untangle this complexity.</p>



<p>To investigate, the scientists developed 3D models of white shark denticles, observing their hydrodynamic size of the high middle ridges and the low side ridges.</p>



<p>The team's findings were nothing short of remarkable. The study provided evidence of how these well-designed denticles function at various swim speeds, facilitating sharks to reach top speeds during hunting and maintaining steady cruising speeds during long-distance journeys.</p>



<p>"Our calculations suggest that the combination of high and low ridges of the denticles results from adapting to both slow and high swimming speeds, thereby offering robustness to various swimming conditions," noted study co-author Professor Hiroto Tanaka.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-shark-denticles">Understanding shark denticles</h2>



<p>Getting closer to understanding the mystery of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healing-secrets-of-shark-skin-may-lead-to-medical-breakthroughs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shark skin</a>, the researchers used microfocus X-ray CT scanner to obtain skin samples from 17 different locations on a white shark. </p>



<p>The samples were then used to create detailed 3D models enabling the scientists to measure the spacing and height of the ridges.</p>



<p>Previous studies suggest that these ridges might play a critical role in countering frictional drag by lifting turbulent vortices away from the shark's skin surface. </p>



<p>The scientists hypothesized that the dimensions and spacing of the ridges are vital in determining how effectively the shark interacts with these vortices at different <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-worlds-fastest-shark-spotted-near-barcelona/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">swimming speeds</a>.</p>



<p>Simulating various swimming conditions, the research team calculated non-dimensional values that could provide insights into how the ridge spacing of shark denticles influences drag reduction across different speeds. </p>



<p>The results confirmed their hypothesis, demonstrating how ridges contribute to drag reduction.</p>



<p>"We found that high ridges likely reduce drag at low swimming speeds, and high-low alternating ridges reduce drag at high swimming speeds, thereby covering the full range of swimming speeds," explained Professor Tanaka.</p>



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



<p>The insights from this study not only shed light on the remarkable adaptability of shark denticles but could inspire more efficient designs in engineering, particularly for aircraft and sailboats. </p>



<p>Furthermore, the research introduces new methods of analyzing the biological <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-shark-was-one-of-the-earliest-human-ancestors/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution of sharks</a>, including extinct species like the giant megalodon.</p>



<p>Surprisingly, data derived from fossils suggests that the swimming speeds of the megalodon might not have differed much from those of the great white shark.</p>



<p>This discovery allows us to appreciate the time-tested brilliance of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shark-denticles-reveal-human-impacts-over-centuries/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nature's design</a> and could potentially help shape our understanding of efficient movement, not just underwater but in the air as well.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-harnessing-shark-skin-innovations">Harnessing shark skin innovations</h2>



<p>As researchers continue to uncover the secrets behind shark skin and denticles, the potential applications extend beyond marine biology. </p>



<p>The unique properties of shark skin could lead to innovations in biomimicry, inspiring new materials that minimize friction in various industries. </p>



<p>For instance, sports gear designers might explore shark skin-inspired textures to enhance athletic performance, while the automotive sector could integrate these principles to improve fuel efficiency by reducing drag.</p>



<p>Moreover, advancements in 3D printing technology could enable the production of synthetic surfaces that mimic the shark's dermal denticles, providing a sustainable solution for industries looking to optimize performance and reduce energy consumption. </p>



<p>As we delve deeper into the marvels of nature, the lessons learned from sharks might not only enhance our understanding of aquatic life but also revolutionize how we design and engineer products across multiple fields.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsif.2024.0063" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of The Royal Society Interface</a></em>.</p>



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



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Shark skin has a unique design that reduces drag and boosts speed

Have you ever wondered why a shark is such a...

<p>The alchemist and astronomer Tycho Brahe left an indelible mark on the Renaissance era with his work, which was well ahead of his time.</p>



<p>The well-preserved and somewhat mystifying ruins of Uraniborg, on the now Swedish island of Ven, stand tall as a testament to his brilliant and enigmatic mind.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Yet, these ancient walls cradle more than just&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/asteroid-bennu-holds-secrets-of-the-solar-systems-past/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">celestial secrets</a>; they harbor the elusive mysteries of alchemical endeavors that Brahe pursued with equal fervor.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tycho-brahe-s-alchemy-secrets">Tycho Brahe's alchemy secrets</h2>



<p>Descend beneath the surface of his one-time residence and observatory, and you'll uncover the remnants of Brahe's once-thriving alchemical laboratory.</p>



<p>Notoriously private and secretive, like many alchemists of his time, Brahe left behind a handful of cryptic alchemical recipes and little else to detail his experiments.</p>



<p>Following the demolition of Uraniborg in 1601, the materials were repurposed, leaving precious few clues about his clandestine works hidden from the prying eyes of history.</p>



<p>However, a compelling find during a late 20th-century excavation in Uraniborg's weathered garden led to a breakthrough in understanding Brahe's alchemical practices.</p>



<p>Several pieces of pottery and glass shards, believed to come from Brahe's underground alchemical lab, were found, providing new insights into his mysterious experiments.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-analyzing-tycho-brahe-s-past">Analyzing Tycho Brahe's past</h2>



<p>Prof. Kaare Lund Rasmussen, Professor Emeritus from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sdu.dk/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Southern Denmark</a>, along with Senior researcher Poul Grinder-Hansen from the National Museum of Denmark, embarked on a fascinating journey to meticulously scrutinize these ancient relics.</p>



<p>By analyzing five of these shards -- four glass and one ceramic -- they sought to identify the elements that had come into contact with these glass and ceramic containers, hoping to uncover the materials used in Brahe's alchemical experiments.</p>



<p>The result? Enriched levels of numerous trace elements, with a single glass shard displaying no specific enrichment.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This groundbreaking research has made its way into the journal 'Heritage Science,' providing valuable insights into the substances employed in Brahe’s mysterious alchemical lab.</p>



<p>"Most intriguing are the elements found in higher concentrations than expected -- indicating enrichment and providing insight into the substances used in Tycho Brahe’s alchemical laboratory" remarks Kaare Lund Rasmussen. </p>



<p>The enriched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rare-earth-elements-are-waiting-to-be-discovered-in-waste/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">elements</a>&nbsp;run a broad gamut, with nickel, copper, zinc, tin, antimony, tungsten, gold, mercury, and lead detected either on the inside or outside of the shards.</p>



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



<p>While most of these elements don't raise eyebrows for an alchemists' lab, the presence of one element—tungsten -- bears an air of mystery. </p>



<p>"But tungsten is very mysterious. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/manipulating-quantum-dance-of-spinning-electrons/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tungsten</a> had not even been described at that time, so what should we infer from its presence on a shard from Tycho Brahe's alchemy workshop?" Rasmussen reflects on this conundrum.</p>



<p>The Swedish chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele first described and produced pure tungsten almost two centuries later.</p>



<p>However, Rasmussen proposes a plausible theory: perhaps Tycho Brahe might have been aware of tungsten's existence through the writings of the German mineralogist Georgius Agricola, who mentioned a mysterious substance found in tin ore during the first half of the 1500s.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This suggests that Brahe may have had knowledge of this element long before its official discovery.</p>



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



<p>Unlike some of his contemporaries, Brahe did not indulge in the vain pursuit of transmuting&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-mantle-may-contain-a-wealth-of-green-metals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">base metals</a>&nbsp;into gold, a common goal among alchemists of his time.</p>



<p>Instead, he focused on the more practical and noble aspiration of concocting medicines to combat the prevalent maladies of his epoch, such as the plague, syphilis, and leprosy.</p>



<p>It might seem odd that Tycho Brahe dabbled in both astronomy and alchemy, but his worldview clarifies this. He saw clear links between celestial bodies, earthly substances, and human organs. </p>



<p>For instance, he connected the Sun with gold and the heart; the Moon with silver and the brain; Jupiter with tin and the liver; Venus with copper and the kidneys; Saturn with lead and the spleen; Mars with iron and the gallbladder; and Mercury with mercury and the lungs. </p>



<p>"Minerals and gemstones could also be linked to this system, so emeralds, for example, belonged to Mercury," explains Poul Grinder-Hansen, <a href="https://en.natmus.dk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Museum of Denmark</a>.</p>



<p>Uraniborg, with all its mystery, still holds secrets from a fascinating past. Every artifact we discover and analyze brings us closer to understanding Brahe's alchemy lab, revealing an alchemist who was just as interested in the stars as he was in his experiments.</p>



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



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Search of Tycho Brahe's alchemy lab yields element that confounds scientists

The alchemist and astronomer Tycho Brahe left an indelible mark on the...

<p>When it comes to fat loss, many people turn to the ketogenic (keto) diet – a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-exactly-constitutes-a-low-carb-diet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">low-carb</a>, high-fat regimen that has gained widespread popularity. </p>



<p>However, a recent study conducted by a team of scholars at the <a href="https://www.bath.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bath</a> challenges the keto diet’s clean bill of health. </p>



<p>Various startling findings have emerged concerning cholesterol levels, glucose tolerance, and gut bacteria - presenting the diet as a double-edged sword.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-risks-of-keto">Health risks of Keto</h2>



<p>In a study involving 53 healthy adults over 12 weeks, the keto diet was found to increase <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/avocados-improve-diet-quality-and-lower-cholesterol-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cholesterol levels</a>, particularly in small and medium-sized LDL particles.</p>



<p>The diet also resulted in the notorious apolipoprotein B (apoB) rise, a key agent in plaque buildup in arteries. In stark contrast, a low-sugar diet led to a notable reduction in cholesterol in LDL particles.</p>



<p>“The ketogenic diet increased the levels of unfavorable fats in the blood of our participants. If sustained over years, these could result in long-term health implications such as increased <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/refined-grains-increase-the-risk-of-heart-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">risk of heart disease</a> and stroke,” noted Dr. Aaron Hengist, one of the lead researchers.</p>



<p>Another rather worrisome discovery was the alteration of the gut microbiome composition. The consumption of the ketogenic diet led to the reduction of beneficial bacteria - Bifidobacteria. These bacteria are found in probiotics and have substantial health benefits such as producing B vitamins, inhibiting pathogens, and lowering cholesterol.</p>



<p>“The ketogenic diet reduced fibre intake to around 15 grams per day, half the NHS recommended intake," said Dr. Russell Davies, who led the microbiome research.</p>



<p>"The reduction in Bifidobacteria might contribute to significant long-term health consequences such as an increased risk of digestive disorders like irritable bowel disease and a weakened immune function.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-keto-glucose-tolerance-and-metabolism">Keto, glucose tolerance, and metabolism</h2>



<p>The study didn’t stop at these shocking revelations. The ketogenic diet was also found to reduce glucose tolerance, making the adult bodies less proficient at handling carbohydrates. </p>



<p>“The ketogenic diet reduced fasting glucose levels but also reduced the body’s ability to handle carbs from a meal. This insulin resistance could increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the long-term,” noted Professor Javier Gonzalez.</p>



<p>However, it wasn’t all doom and gloom. Both the ketogenic and low-sugar diets resulted in fat loss, without altering physical activity levels. </p>



<p>The ketogenic diet led to an average of 2.9 kg fat mass loss per individual, while the sugar-restricted diet followed closely with an average of 2.1 kg fat mass loss.</p>



<p>The researchers also discovered that the ketogenic diet led to considerable changes in lipid metabolism and muscle energy use, shifting the body’s fuel preference from glucose to fats. This phenomenon likely accounts for the fat loss experienced on this diet.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-the-verdict">What's the verdict?</h2>



<p>So, can the ketogenic diet truly be viewed as a boon without drawbacks? The study authors suggest that adopting a low-sugar diet may be a safer and healthier alternative for most people.</p>



<p>“The ketogenic diet is effective for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-protein-with-intermittent-fasting-better-weight-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fat loss</a>, but it comes with varied metabolic and microbiome effects that may not suit everyone. In contrast, sugar restriction supports government guidelines for reducing free sugar intake, promoting fat loss without apparent negative health impacts,” said Professor Dylan Thompson.</p>



<p>Despite some adverse effects, the researchers emphasize the need for further study to understand how individuals may benefit from the keto diet. If you’re considering a diet change, it might be time to think about sugar restriction rather than a drastic reduction in carbohydrate intake.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-personalized-nutrition-key-to-diet-success">Personalized nutrition: Key to diet success</h2>



<p>When considering the ketogenic diet's potential drawbacks, personalized nutrition becomes essential. Individual factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and health conditions significantly influence how one responds to dietary changes.</p>



<p>Research indicates that a one-size-fits-all approach to dieting is often ineffective. Personalized nutrition, which tailors dietary recommendations based on an individual's unique metabolic responses and health markers, can enhance diet success.</p>



<p>For instance, while some may thrive on a keto <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vegan-and-keto-diets-rapidly-transform-the-immune-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diet</a>, others might experience some of the adverse effects observed in the study. Utilizing genetic testing and metabolic profiling, nutritionists can identify the most suitable dietary patterns for each person.</p>



<p>Personalized nutrition bridges the gap between popular diets and scientifically-backed recommendations, promoting whole foods, balanced macronutrients, and individualized caloric needs. This approach supports sustainable fat loss and overall health.</p>



<p>Ultimately, diets like keto may be effective for some but not for everyone. Consulting with healthcare professionals or registered dietitians can help create personalized nutrition plans that align with individual goals and health needs, ensuring long-term success and vitality.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S2666379124003811" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cell Reports Medicine</a></em>.</p>



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



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Keto diet promotes fat loss, but potentially wrecks your health

When it comes to fat loss, many people turn to...

<p>A recent discovery has revealed an enduring mystery about mollusks: the origins and evolution of these ancient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-noise-can-be-fatal-to-marine-invertebrates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">invertebrates</a>.</p>



<p>The traces of a half-billion-year-old spiny slug, a newly identified species known as <em>Shishania aculeata</em>, provide clear insights into the early evolution of mollusks.</p>



<p>This remarkable find sheds light on the history of invertebrates and offers a glimpse into the primitive world that shaped these resilient creatures.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shishania-aculeata-and-mollusk-evolution"><em>Shishania aculeata</em> and mollusk evolution</h2>



<p>An international team of researchers has revealed unexpected findings about this new species. </p>



<p>Kept perfectly intact in the fossil record, <em>Shishania aculeata</em> was unearthed from eastern Yunnan Province in southern China, dating back to the early Cambrian, roughly 514 million years ago.</p>



<p>The most shocking discovery? These early mollusks resembled flat, shell-less slugs adorned with a protective spiny armor, as the newly discovered fossils reveal.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-stages-of-evolution-of-mollusks">Early stages of evolution of mollusks</h2>



<p>In contrast to the usual fossil specimens, Shishania does not bear a shell covering its body. </p>



<p>Its bottom was unarmored, boasting a muscular foot that enabled the slug to traverse the seafloor. This suggests that these shell-less, spiny slugs represent an early stage in molluscan evolution.</p>



<p>The lack of shell signifies one of the most significant times in the evolutionary history, the Cambrian Explosion. </p>



<p>This epoch witnessed a rapid blossoming of life forms, resulting in a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bivalve-mollusks-may-hold-the-secrets-of-longevity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diverse array of mollusks</a> including snails, clams, and even intelligent beings such as squids and octopuses. </p>



<p>However, the breakneck speed of this evolutionary period left the fossil record with little evidence of early molluscan evolution -- until now.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wonders-of-shishania-aculeata">Wonders of <em>Shishania aculeata</em></h2>



<p>“Shishania gives us a unique view into a time in mollusk evolution for which we have very few fossils, informing us that the very earliest mollusk ancestors were armored spiny slugs, prior to the evolution of the shells that we see in modern snails and clams,” explained Associate Professor Luke Parry from the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a>.</p>



<p>The scientists discovered microscopic details inside Shishania’s spiny cones that demonstrated how these structures were secreted during life.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/mollusk-evolution_fossils_Shishania-aculeata_credit-Zhang_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/mollusk-evolution_fossils_Shishania-aculeata_credit-Zhang_1s.webp" alt="Spines covering the body of Shishania aculeata (right). Credit: G Zhang/L Parry" class="wp-image-1940978"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Spines<br>covering the body of Shishania aculeata (right). Credit: G Zhang/L Parry</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>These spines exhibited an internal system of canals less than a hundredth of a millimeter in diameter. This suggests that the cones were secreted at their base by microvilli, tiny protrusions of cells that increase the surface area, akin to our intestines where they aid food absorption.</p>



<p>The method of secreting these hard parts is like a natural 3D printer, enabling many invertebrate animals to produce hard parts with diverse shapes and functions.</p>



<p>Unpacking the complex history of Shishania’s lineage, a co-author Jakob Vinther from the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a> said, “We know that the common ancestor of all mollusks alive today would have had a single shell, and so Shishania tells us about a very early time in mollusk evolution before the evolution of a shell.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-chapter-in-mollusk-evolution">New chapter in mollusk evolution</h2>



<p>The discovery opens a new chapter in understanding early mollusks evolution. </p>



<p>“Soft-bodied mollusks have a very limited fossil record, and so these very rare discoveries tell us a great deal about these diverse animals,” noted Xiaoya Ma, co-corresponding author from <a href="https://english.ynu.edu.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yunnan University</a> and the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a>.</p>



<p>This milestone discovery highlights the treasure trove of early animal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/500-million-year-old-trilobites-fossils-preserved-in-volcanic-ash/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossils</a> hidden beneath the Cambrian rocks of Yunnan Province. </p>



<p>The findings serve as a testament to the incredible diversity, adaptability, and resilience of life on Earth over billions of years.</p>



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



<p>The implications of the discovery of Shishania aculeata extend beyond understanding the evolutionary history of mollusks; it also offers insights into contemporary biological research and conservation efforts. </p>



<p>By studying the adaptations and survival strategies of these ancient organisms, scientists can gain valuable information about how current molluscan species might respond to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mollusk-shells-reveal-new-clues-about-past-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental changes</a>, such as climate change and habitat loss. </p>



<p>This knowledge is crucial as we work to protect biodiversity and preserve ecosystems threatened by human activity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-from-shishania-aculeata">Learning from <em>Shishania aculeata</em></h2>



<p>Moreover, the study of Shishania can inspire innovative approaches in biomimicry and materials science. </p>



<p>The unique structure of its spiny cones can inform the development of new materials that mimic natural designs, potentially leading to advancements in engineering and technology.</p>



<p>Understanding how these ancient creatures adapted their physical forms to survive in harsh environments can lead to breakthroughs in creating sustainable materials that are both resilient and eco-friendly.</p>



<p>As researchers continue to uncover more about the early evolutionary stages of mollusks, the lessons learned from <em>Shishania aculeata</em> may illuminate not only the past but also shape the future of science and conservation efforts in our rapidly changing world.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.ado0059" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a></em>.</p>



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



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Mollusks had spiny armor and no shells 500 million years ago

A recent discovery has revealed an enduring mystery about mollusks:...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<p></p>

Social modeling affects our food choices

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists discover we age in bursts

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists solve the mystery of tickling

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>



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



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

Retired professor claims he solved time travel

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> explores the ability of salt to transform the way that foods and beverages taste. Salt is known to cover up undesirable flavors, such as bitterness in coffee or beer, but how exactly does sodium chloride change the taste of other compounds?</p>



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



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



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



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



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

[sendtonews key="X0f6OHYoI4-2310561-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features 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...

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