<p>Astronomers have caught a nearby stellar duo in a dramatic act. A super-dense white dwarf star is siphoning material from its larger companion at a pace never seen before.</p>



<p>The system, known as V Sagittae (V Sge), sits about 10,000 light-years away and orbits so tightly that the two stars whirl around each other every 12.3 hours. </p>



<p>As the white dwarf feeds, the pair blazes far brighter than similar systems - a century-old mystery that a new study says it has finally cracked.</p>



<p>Led by Pasi Hakala from the <a href="https://www.utu.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Turku</a> in Finland, the team used the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope in Chile to probe V Sge’s extreme behavior. The results point to a runaway case of “stellar cannibalism.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-white-dwarf-in-a-feeding-frenzy">White dwarf in a feeding frenzy</h2>



<p>White dwarfs are the ultra-compact embers left behind when <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planet-forming-disks-surrounding-stars-often-last-much-longer-than-expected/">sun-like stars</a> exhaust their fuel. On their own, they glow faintly. Paired with a close companion, they can become voracious, as gravity from the white dwarf pulls gas - mostly hydrogen - off the neighboring star.</p>



<p>As that gas piles up, it heats to extraordinary temperatures and ignites thermonuclear burning on the dwarf’s surface. </p>



<p>The study concludes that V Sge’s famous overbrightness comes from this very process operating at ferocious rates. It turns the white dwarf’s outer layers into a sustained, nuclear-powered beacon.</p>



<p>The V Sge system has baffled astronomers since its discovery in 1902 because it outshines its peers so dramatically. The study argues the system is in a “feeding frenzy,” with mass transfer exceeding what the white dwarf can absorb.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-luminous-halo-signals-instability">Luminous halo signals instability </h2>



<p>One of the team’s most striking finds is a broad ring of gas - a luminous <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/breathtaking-photo-shows-an-ice-halo-forming-around-the-sun/">halo</a> encircling both stars. That ring appears to be the overflow. </p>



<p>The system rips material from the companion that the white dwarf can’t accrete and flings it outward to form a circumbinary shroud.</p>



<p>The sheer energy released in the process, the researchers say, is also jostling the system, contributing to the erratic, “wild” motion seen in monitoring data.</p>



<p>That halo isn’t just window dressing. It’s a clue that V Sge is being pushed toward instability. When the inflow of fuel momentarily overwhelms the white dwarf’s ability to burn it steadily, pressure can build until the surface layers detonate in a thermonuclear flash.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-rare-outburst-on-the-horizon">A rare outburst on the horizon</h2>



<p>The team warns that V Sge is primed for a classic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/t-coronae-borealis-nova-explosion-nearby-star-light-up-earths-skies/">nova</a> - a powerful, but non-destructive outburst triggered when accumulated hydrogen ignites on the white dwarf’s surface. </p>



<p>If that happens in the coming years, the system could brighten enough to be visible to the naked eye. It would be a rare treat for skywatchers.</p>



<p>Farther down the line, the endgame could be even more spectacular. As the stars spiral inward and the white dwarf gains mass, they may collide or reach a catastrophic limit.</p>



<p>In that scenario, V Sge would explode as a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernovae-explosions-seem-to-have-altered-earths-climate-in-the-past-and-could-do-so-again-at-any-time/">supernova</a> - an event so luminous it would be visible even in daylight. That fate isn’t guaranteed, and it may be centuries away. But the current feeding rate and the presence of the gas ring suggest this binary is on a dangerous trajectory.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-star-system-in-real-time">A star system in real time</h2>



<p>For decades, astronomers struggled to explain why V Sge was the brightest system of its kind. </p>



<p>By tying its glare to sustained thermonuclear burning driven by extreme mass transfer - and by revealing the telltale, system-wide gas ring - the new study provides a coherent picture of how this oddball works.</p>



<p>It also offers a living laboratory where scientists can study how close binaries evolve and how novae trigger. It may even explain how some white dwarfs cross the threshold into supernovae.</p>



<p>Most of the time, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-star-redefines-our-understanding-of-stellar-evolution/">stellar evolution</a> plays out slowly, across eons. V Sagittae is a rare exception: a nearby, rapidly changing system writing its next chapter in real time. Keep an eye on the southern sky. The next burst from this hungry white dwarf could be bright enough for all of us to see.</p>



<p>The research is published in the journal <em><a href="https://arxiv.org/abs/2507.22637" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society</a></em>. </p>



<p>Image Credit: University of Southampton</p>



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White dwarf star devours its companion in record feeding frenzy

Astronomers have caught a nearby stellar duo in a dramatic act. A super-dense white dwarf star is siphoning material from its larger companion at a pace never seen before. The system, known as V Sagittae (V Sge), sits about 10,000 light-years away and orbits so tightly that the two stars whirl around each other every 12.3 hours. As the white dwarf feeds, the pair blazes far brighter than similar systems - a century-old mystery that a new study says it has finally cracked. Led by Pasi Hakala...

<p>Have you ever heard the old wives' tale claiming goldfish only possess a 3-second memory? If you answered yes, then you're in the company of many. This widespread belief, however, is an outright myth. </p>



<p>Our little water- dwelling friends can remember things way longer than a fleeting three seconds. This might come as a surprise, but brace yourself for an enlightening journey debunking this popular misconception.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-astonishing-reality-of-goldfish-memory">Astonishing reality of goldfish memory</h2>



<p>The man dispelling this myth hails all the way from Australia. The research was led by Culum Brown, the myth-buster, who is an established scholar in fish cognition at the prestigious <a href="https://www.mq.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Macquarie University</a>. </p>



<p>So, how long can goldfish remember something? Weeks, months, or even years, according to Brown. He points to decades-old research that confirms this. </p>



<p>As it turns out, our common presumption about our aquatic friends is miles off from the truth. Brown's work on fish intelligence over the past 25 years helps shed light on this misconception, which he suspects is influenced by general ignorance about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fish-engage-physical-punishment-of-offspring-for-discipline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish intelligence</a> and pet owners' guilt.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-goldfish-memory-experiment">Goldfish memory experiment</h2>



<p>Let's dive into some interesting experiments that reveal these little creatures' impressive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/clownfish-count-stripes-on-other-fish-to-defend-their-territory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">memory capacity</a>.</p>



<p>If a goldfish is regularly fed on one side of its tank, it quickly learns and remembers to congregate on that side during feeding times. </p>



<p>And it doesn't stop there. If the goldfish learns that pushing a red paddle brings food but a blue one doesn't, it will recall this distinction and show a preference for the red paddle long after the experiment ends. </p>



<p>"If you break it down, most of the behaviors that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiny-songbirds-are-masters-of-memory-and-adaptation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">most animals</a> do are adapted and fine tuned by learning a memory," Professor Brown says.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-problem-solving-recognition-and-more">Problem-solving, recognition, and more</h2>



<p>But there's more than just memory to our scaly friends. Brown’s studies show that goldfish are adept problem solvers. </p>



<p>For instance, they've been trained to escape nets and navigate mazes, and they can recall and repeat these skills weeks or even months later. </p>



<p>They can also recognize and remember fellow goldfish after long periods apart. Even anecdotally, many goldfish owners report that their pets can identify them – setting them apart from other humans.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-difficult-time-span-in-goldfish-memory">Difficult time span in goldfish memory</h2>



<p>Although it's difficult to pin down an exact duration for goldfish memory, it’s clear that it lasts much longer than the widely accepted "3-second" myth. </p>



<p>Some memories, such as a frightening event, could be more impactful and long-lasting than mundane events. Regardless, the message is clear – the 3-second rumor is certainly a fish tale.</p>



<p>So why does the myth persist despite piles of research? Brown believes that fish have a serious PR issue, and misconceptions thrive because most people don't interact with fish in the same way they do with other pets. </p>



<p>However, the tide may be changing. As more organizations disseminate information about fish intelligence, public opinion may shift, albeit slowly.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wider-implications-of-fish-intelligence">Wider implications of fish intelligence</h2>



<p>Understanding the cognitive abilities of goldfish extends beyond mere curiosity; it invites us to reconsider the ways in which we interact with aquatic life. </p>



<p>Brown’s findings prompt a deeper investigation into the cognitive and emotional lives of all <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/319-million-year-old-fish-holds-clues-about-brain-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish species</a>.</p>



<p>As we come to recognize that fish are not just passive inhabitants of their aquatic environments but are active learners and social creatures, we must reassess our responsibilities as pet owners and aquarists. </p>



<p>Just as with dogs and cats, providing stimulation through varied environments and interactive toys can enhance their overall well-being.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-educational-outreach-and-the-future">Educational outreach and the future</h2>



<p>To combat the entrenched myths surrounding fish intelligence, it is crucial to promote educational initiatives that highlight the findings of scholars like Culum Brown. </p>



<p>Schools, aquariums, and community programs can play pivotal roles in disseminating this knowledge, fostering a more informed public that values fish beyond their ornamental charm. </p>



<p>Future research and outreach efforts can elevate our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-have-20-minute-conversation-with-a-humpback-whale-named-twain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">understanding of aquatic animals</a>, bridging the gap between public perception and scientific reality.</p>



<p>By embracing a more nuanced view of fish cognition, we pave the way for better practices in aquaculture and conservation, ensuring that these fascinating creatures receive the respect and understanding they deserve.</p>



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



<p>But there's another aspect to consider -- the guilt factor. Brown speculates that understating goldfish memory may stem from pet owners' guilt about confining them in small tanks. </p>



<p>This theory is thought-provoking, suggesting that the myth might reflect more on us than on the goldfish.</p>



<p>"It kind of gives us an excuse to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-fleets-hidden-industrial-fishing-activity-exposed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">treat them poorly</a>, because if we have a low opinion of their intelligence, then perhaps we can abuse them and get away with it," Professor Brown concludes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Next time you pass by your pet or a fish tank, remember to appreciate these creatures for what they are—intelligent beings with a memory span defying popular belief. </p>



<p>And, if you own a goldfish, you might want to consider upgrading their home to a larger tank with fellow fish and objects for enrichment. After all, as Brown suggests, they probably remember their experiences longer than you think.</p>



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Goldfish have much better memory skills than previously believed

Have you ever heard the old wives' tale claiming goldfish...

<p>An international team of astronomers has uncovered the veil shrouding the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-galaxy-formation-occurred-much-faster-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">formation and evolution</a> of our Milky Way galaxy. The study shows that our galaxy's thin disk started forming much earlier than what was previously thought.</p>



<p>The research was led by Samir Nepal, a researcher from the Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam (<a href="https://www.aip.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AIP</a>).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-milky-way-formation">Understanding Milky Way formation</h2>



<p>To grasp the importance of this discovery, it is crucial to understand some key aspects of the Milky Way galaxy. The Milky Way is structured into several distinct regions. </p>



<p>At its core lies the central bulge, which is a densely packed area of stars. Surrounding this central bulge is the thick disk, characterized by a higher concentration of stars and gas compared to other regions.</p>



<p>Extending outward from these regions is the thin disk, which contains the majority of the galaxy's stars, including our Sun. </p>



<p>The thin disk region is significant as it is thought to have commenced its formation around 8 to 10 billion years ago, indicating a lengthy process of star formation and evolution.</p>



<p>Understanding these structural components and their histories provides valuable context for interpreting the implications of the recent discovery.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-galactic-map-to-milky-way-formation">Galactic map to Milky Way formation</h2>



<p>Galactic archaeology involves mapping our galaxy's past through the ages, compositions, and movements of stars. These maps, known as chrono-chemo-kinematical maps, help us to piece together the history of our galaxy.</p>



<p>But, how do scientists spot an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-galaxies-formed-from-the-earliest-elements-in-the-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ancient star</a>? Stars are like time capsules. An easy way to step back into the early days of our galaxy is to study very metal-poor stars. </p>



<p>Old, metal-poor stars are the senior citizens of the universe. They formed when everything was mostly hydrogen and helium, before heavier elements were created by new generations of stars.</p>



<p>Sifting through data from the <a href="https://www.esa.int" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Space Agency</a>'s Gaia Mission, the researchers analyzed the stellar neighborhood, about 3,200 light years around our Sun. </p>



<p>The experts found an unexpected number of ancient stars, older than 10 billion years - some even pushing the 13 billion year mark - all in the thin disk orbits.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-behind-the-spectral-signatures">Behind the spectral signatures</h2>



<p>Even though these ancient stars are old, they are not all metal-poor. Some have twice the metal content of our Sun, implying that a rapid phase of metal enrichment took place early in our Milky Way's life.</p>



<p>This surprising discovery suggests that the thin disk of the Milky Way may have started forming billions of years earlier than we previously thought.</p>



<p>"These ancient stars in the disk suggest that the formation of the Milky Way's thin disk began much earlier than previously believed, by about 4–5 billion years,"&nbsp;explained Nepal.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-revamping-the-galactic-timeline">Revamping the galactic timeline</h2>



<p>"Our study suggests that the thin disk of the Milky Way may have formed much earlier than we had thought, and that its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-way-like-galaxies-were-present-in-the-early-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">formation</a> is strongly related to the early chemical enrichment of the innermost regions of our galaxy," noted study co-author Cristina Chiappini.</p>



<p>"The combination of data from different sources and the application of advanced machine learning techniques have enabled us to increase the number of stars with high quality stellar parameters, a key step to lead our team to these new insights."</p>



<p>This discovery puts our galaxy's disk formation timeline on par with those of high-redshift galaxies being observed by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) Radio Telescope. It signifies that cold disks could form and stabilize very early in the universe's history, shedding new light on the evolution of galaxies.</p>



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



<p>The study was made possible by the third data release of the Gaia mission. With the help of innovative machine learning methods, the team analyzed stellar parameters of over 800,000 stars. They compiled an extensive dataset which includes gravity, temperature, metal content, distances, kinematics and age of the stars.</p>



<p>The future looks bright, with similar techniques aiming to analyze millions of spectra, collected by the upcoming 4MIDABLE-LR survey, which is set to kick-start operations in 2025.</p>



<p>So, what does this all mean for us? It reframes our understanding of our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/newly-discovered-stars-milky-way-are-old-as-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">home galaxy</a>. The research not only pushes the boundary of our knowledge of the Milky Way's past, but it also propels the future of galactic exploration in unprecedented ways.</p>



<p>As we uncover more of these cosmic treasures, who knows what other fascinating secrets about our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-galactic-explosion-provides-clues-about-galaxy-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galactic home</a> are waiting to be unearthed? </p>



<p>The study is published in <em><a href="https://arxiv.org/abs/2402.00561" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">arXiv</a></em>. </p>



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Milky Way's thin disk is billions of years older than we thought

An international team of astronomers has uncovered the veil shrouding...

<p>Delving into the fascinating world of evolution, we uncover the tale of rapid bird evolution that traces its origins to an event of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-predict-a-new-mass-extinction-that-will-wipe-out-humans-and-all-mammals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mass extinction</a>, some 66 million years ago. </p>



<p>Just as non-avian dinosaurs drew their last breath, the avian ancestors saw the dawn of their evolutionary journey.</p>



<p>Interestingly, the aftermath of the mass extinction, known as the end-Cretaceous mass extinction event, was a pivotal milestone in avian history. </p>



<p>It incited shifts in bird genomes, a phenomenon recently unveiled in a study conducted by the renowned <a href="https://umich.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Michigan</a>. </p>



<p>These genomic fluctuations contributed significantly to the expansive diversity of existing bird species, a fact now echoed in the "genomic fossils" nestled within the DNA of birds.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoding-genetic-imprints-from-a-bygone-era">Decoding genetic imprints from a bygone era</h2>



<p>The study, published in Science Advances, holds the key to a deeper understanding of avian genome evolution. </p>



<p>"By studying the DNA of living birds, we can try to detect patterns of genetic sequences that changed just after one of the most important events in Earth's history," noted Jake Berv, the lead author of the study.</p>



<p>The research team succeeded in highlighting the lasting genomic imprints etched by this critical event in Earth's timeline.</p>



<p>Life's blueprint is determined by an organism's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-primate-genome-project-reveals-hidden-evolutionary-secrets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genome</a>, comprising four nucleotides: A, T, G, and C. </p>



<p>Changes in nucleotide composition across the genome can shape the evolutionary potential of an organism, lending it the ability to evolve. </p>



<p>The researchers discovered that the mass extinction event ignited shifts in nucleotide composition, influencing bird development, adult size, and metabolism.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-extinction-to-bird-evolution">From extinction to bird evolution</h2>



<p>Following the mass extinction, surviving bird lineages underwent a dramatic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/snake-evolution-legless-lizards-into-slithering-snakes-100-million-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">transformation</a>. </p>



<p>Within just 3 million to 5 million years, birds developed smaller body sizes and evolved patterns of pre-hatching development. More species started hatching in a delicate embryonic state, also known as "altricial."</p>



<p>These hatchlings, dependent on parental feeding and taking weeks to fledge, are a stark contrast to "precocial" birds that hatch ready to fend for themselves, such as chickens and turkeys.</p>



<p>The study also revealed intriguing links between changes in bird biology and the detected genetic shifts. "We found that adult body size and patterns of pre-hatching development are two important features of bird biology we can link to the genetic changes we're detecting," the authors noted.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-leaps-in-avian-research">Leaps in avian research</h2>



<p>Understanding the relationships between major bird groups has been a long-standing challenge in ornithology and evolutionary biology. </p>



<p>Traditionally, genomic data was examined using models that assumed DNA composition, or the proportion of A, T, G, and C nucleotides, remained constant across evolutionary history.</p>



<p>However, the researchers developed a software tool to track DNA composition over time, allowing for a more fluid model of DNA evolution.</p>



<p>The use of this tool led to exciting discoveries; crucial shifts in DNA composition closely followed the end-Cretaceous mass extinction. </p>



<p>This novel approach allowed the experts to infer which bird traits were tightly linked with these DNA composition shifts, providing unprecedented insights into the impact of mass extinctions on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/for-the-first-time-climate-change-adaptation-is-discovered-at-the-genetic-level/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genetic evolution</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mass-extinctions-and-bird-genomic-evolution">Mass extinctions and bird genomic evolution</h2>



<p>Concluding on an exciting note, the findings of this study anchor mass extinction events as critical players in not just altering biodiversity and ecology but also reshaping the course of genomic evolution. </p>



<p>In the world of science, the ripple effects of the mass extinction that wiped out giant dinosaurs continue to fascinate researchers, offering profound insights into the intricacies of biological evolution.</p>



<p>As we explore the early narratives of birds through these groundbreaking insights into genomic evolution, we are led to a more nuanced understanding of their history. </p>



<p>"This study illustrates that we have probably been missing something," said the researchers, encouraging a fresh perspective in the future of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wood-frogs-achieved-significant-biological-evolution-25-years-salt-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolutionary biology</a>.</p>



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



<p>As we stand on the brink of a new era in avian research, the implications of these findings extend far beyond understanding bird <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/untold-story-of-bird-evolution-revealed-through-genetics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution</a>.</p>



<p>The insights gained from studying genomic changes following mass extinctions can inform conservation strategies aimed at preserving our planet’s avian diversity. </p>



<p>By recognizing the genetic factors that contribute to resilience and adaptability in birds, scientists can better equip conservation efforts to address the challenges posed by climate change and habitat loss.</p>



<p>Moreover, this research lays the groundwork for exploring how other species have adapted and evolved in response to similar catastrophic events throughout Earth’s history. </p>



<p>As we continue to decode the genetic imprints left by these pivotal moments, we gain not only a clearer picture of avian history but also the potential to safeguard the future of countless species facing extinction today. </p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adp0114" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a></em>.</p>



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How a mass extinction triggered bird evolution

Delving into the fascinating world of evolution, we uncover the...

<p>Humans may be partially responsible for the reduction in brain size observed in domestic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-humans-close/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a>. Researchers in Hungary have discovered that domestic dogs possess significantly smaller brains compared to their wild ancestor, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-return-of-the-gray-wolf-triumph-or-tragedy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gray wolf</a>. </p>



<p>This change is attributed to domestic dogs living in less complex environments, which require less cognitive effort than the wild environments gray wolves inhabit.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dog-domestication-occurred-passively-nbsp">Dog domestication occurred passively&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Genetic analyses of the oldest known dog remains indicate that dogs were domesticated in a single event by humans living in Eurasia approximately 20,000 to 40,000 years ago.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to Krishna Veeramah, an assistant professor of evolution at <a href="https://www.stonybrook.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stony Brook University</a>, this process has probably been very complex, involving many generations where distinctive dog traits evolved gradually.</p>



<p>“The current hypothesis suggests that dog domestication likely occurred passively. A population of wolves likely lived on the outskirts of hunter-gatherer camps, feeding on human refuse. Tamer and less aggressive wolves would have been more successful in this environment,” explained Professor Veeramah.</p>



<p>“While humans initially did not gain any direct benefit, over time, a symbiotic [mutually beneficial] relationship developed between the humans and these animals, eventually leading to the dogs we see today.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-size-in-domestic-dogs-nbsp">Brain size in domestic dogs&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The new study, led by László Zsolt Garamszegi from the Institute of Ecology and Botany at the <a href="https://ecolres.hun-ren.hu/en/home/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Center for Ecological Research</a> in Hungary, suggests that other factors might also influence the reduction in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/modern-dogs-have-larger-brains-than-ancient-dog-breeds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain size</a> in domestic dogs, although these factors are not clearly identified. </p>



<p>The researchers noted that in the wild, phenomena like hibernation could contribute to brain size reduction in other canid species.</p>



<p>“The dog is a canid species that was domesticated from its ancestral species the gray wolf at least 15,000 years ago,” the experts wrote.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Over 400 breeds of dogs exist today, and the overall pattern is that relative brain size is dramatically reduced in dogs as compared with the ancestral species, the gray wolf.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>This idea, that domestication has led to smaller brains in dogs, is widely accepted among veterinarians and researchers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-domestic-dogs-require-less-brain-capacity">Domestic dogs require less brain capacity</h2>



<p>Domestic dogs face fewer cognitive challenges, such as foraging for food, avoiding predators, and finding mates, compared to their wild counterparts. This reduced need for brain capacity is believed to have led to a gradual decrease in brain size.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to the researchers, this phenomenon is thought to be a result of the decreased necessity for metabolically costly brain tissue in a domesticated environment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dog-brain-and-body-size">Dog brain and body size</h2>



<p>To investigate whether the brain size of domestic dogs is particularly small relative to their body size when compared to wild canids, the researchers analyzed the brain and body sizes of 25 canid species, including the domestic dog (<em>Canis familiaris</em>), the gray wolf (<em>Canis lupus</em>), and the common <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/raccoon-dogs-may-be-a-growing-threat-to-waterbirds-in-finland/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">raccoon dog</a> (<em>Nyctereutes procyonoides</em>). </p>



<p>The experts found that domestic dogs have experienced a significant reduction in brain size compared to gray wolves. However, the domestic dog's brain is still relatively large compared to some other canid species studied.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-hibernation-nbsp">The role of hibernation&nbsp;</h2>



<p>An interesting finding of the study is that the common raccoon dog stands out as a “more pronounced outlier” in terms of brain size reduction, having an unusually small brain for its body size. The researchers believe this is due to the raccoon dog's hibernation habits.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Prolonged periods of food shortage, such as during hibernation, prevents the evolution of large brains due to their constantly high energy demands,” explained the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The experts conclude that while domestication plays a role in the reduction of brain size in dogs, hibernation also contributes to this phenomenon in wild canids.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The authors caution against viewing domestication as a “uniquely powerful evolutionary force” responsible for shrinking dog brains.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research has been published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2024.0336" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Biology Letters</em></a>.</p>



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



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

Dogs’ shrinking brain size was partially caused by humans 

Humans may be partially responsible for the reduction in brain...

<p>Our planet is an unceasing spectacle of natural miracles. One such marvel that unwrapped itself in recent times involves the unexpected volcanic activity in the enchanting landscape of Iceland. The volcanic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-research-enhances-predictions-on-volcanic-eruptions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eruption</a> reveals surprising insights into magma origins and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-sun-affects-magma-formation-deep-within-the-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">geological processes</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chunks-of-magma-in-volcanic-episode">Chunks of magma in volcanic episode</h2>



<p>The tale of the most recent volcanic episode on the Reykjanes peninsula in Iceland, which is expected to last for centuries, traces back to an extensive pooling of magma, lurking just beneath the surface.</p>



<p>The revelations brought to light by an international team of researchers from the United States, Sweden, and Iceland, made the world sit up and take notice.</p>



<p>The research team included scientists from <a href="https://scripps.ucsd.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography</a>, the Department of Earth Sciences at Uppsala University, and the <a href="https://english.hi.is" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Iceland</a> in Reykjavik. The researchers tramped through the heat and the smoke to bring back the truth cloaked under the raven lava fields.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexpected-findings-about-volcanic-fires">Unexpected findings about volcanic fires </h2>



<p>The recent lavas on the Reykjanes Peninsula were initially considered to have exploded directly from the mantle. But, as it turns out, the story is a bit more complicated.</p>



<p>The research team discovered that the magma, in reality, sprung from the subterranean melting of the Earth's crust.</p>



<p>This melting stemmed from the notorious "Fagradalsfjall Fires" that ignited in 2021. The frequent sampling of the erupted lavas led to a comprehensive analysis of geochemical signals, further reinforcing this revelation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-explosive-magma-pooling-from-volcanic-activity">Explosive magma pooling from volcanic activity</h2>



<p>Volcanoes may seem <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/volcanic-tremors-can-now-be-detected-to-forecast-eruptions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unpredictable</a>, but a little peek into their fiery hearts can reveal their secrets. </p>



<p>“Systematic lava sampling and subsequent analysis of compositional changes in the laboratory, help to decipher what is feeding the volcano at depth,” said first author James Day, a professor of geosciences at Scripps Institute of Oceanography.</p>



<p>“It’s a bit like taking regular measurements of someone’s blood. In this case, the volcano’s ‘blood’ are the molten lavas that emanate so spectacularly from it."</p>



<p>By using the isotopic composition of the element osmium, the research team was able to discern the happenings beneath the volcano.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-magma-ascent-through-earth-s-layers">Magma ascent through Earth's layers</h2>



<p>The theory of magma ascent through Earth’s layers has always been spoken of in hushed tones. The researchers have now made the conversation much louder.</p>



<p>Previously, it was believed that the Fagradalsfjall Fires erupted directly without mingling with the crust, but this study has made a definitive case to the contrary.</p>



<p>The researchers found that the 2021 lavas were indeed tainted by the crust, while the 2022 lavas made a clean pass. The earlier lavas must have gathered in the crust before emerging, and the subsequent eruptions found their way through pre-existing routes to the surface.</p>



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



<p>Volcanic eruptions, like those on the Reykjanes Peninsula, have significant implications for both researchers and society. They can reshape landscapes, impact local climates, and disrupt air travel due to ash clouds. </p>



<p>Studying these events enhances our understanding of geological processes and informs disaster preparedness. Ultimately, Iceland's volcanic activity serves as a reminder of our responsibility to coexist with our dynamic planet.</p>



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



<p>Study co-author Valentin Troll is a professor at Uppsala University and lead author on a recent study in Terra Nova, which investigated the magma plumbing system in the Reykjanes volcanic area.</p>



<p>"It seems that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/icelands-volcanic-eruptions-may-continue-for-decades/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">‘fires’ in Iceland</a> will last for some time longer, possibly years," said Professor Troll.</p>



<p>While the ongoing eruptions spell disaster for the evacuees of the town of Grindavik, they also offer an opportunity for abundant scientific revelations. </p>



<p>These volcanic episodes will shed new light on how lava fields develop and how magma migrates from the Earth's core to the surface, thereby enriching our understanding of these magnificent earthy spectacles.</p>



<p>In a nutshell, these fiery giants of Iceland serve as a reminder of the ever-changing nature of our planet and the formidable forces that sculpt it. It's an enduring saga of fire, rock, and human resilience that continues to enthrall and inspire.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07750-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a></em>.</p>



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



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

Volcanic magma traced to melting in Earth's crust

Our planet is an unceasing spectacle of natural miracles. One...

<p>Generative AI has revolutionized the digital landscape, captivating the world with its ability to create new data such as text, code, images, and videos.</p>



<p>Models like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/infant-learning-mirrors-chatgpts-training/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OpenAI's GPT-4</a> and Stability AI's Stable Diffusion have showcased remarkable proficiency in these areas. </p>



<p>However, these advancements come with a significant challenge: the immense data required to train these models is becoming increasingly scarce, potentially depleting available resources. </p>



<p>As data scarcity looms, synthetic data emerges as a promising alternative. It's not only cheaper and virtually limitless but also poses fewer privacy risks and, in some cases, enhances AI performance. </p>



<p>Yet, recent research by the Digital Signal Processing group at <a href="https://www.rice.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rice University</a> highlights a critical issue: the potential pitfalls of relying on synthetic data, with the stakes higher than ever before.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-problem-of-self-consuming-loops">Problem of "self-consuming" loops</h2>



<p>This research reveals that a diet of synthetic data can significantly impact the future iterations of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gen-ai-and-social-media-divert-peoples-attention-from-climate-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">generative AI</a> models. </p>



<p>But how does this occur? Professor Richard Baraniuk explained: “The problems arise when this synthetic data training is, inevitably, repeated, forming a kind of a feedback loop - what we call an autophagous or ‘self-consuming’ loop.”</p>



<p>The group's research has delved deep into these feedback loops and concluded that after several generations of such training, the new models can become irreversibly corrupted. </p>



<p>This has been dubbed Model Autophagy Disorder or MAD, a term Baraniuk finds fitting by drawing an analogy to mad cow disease.</p>



<p>MAD cow disease, a fatal neurodegenerative illness in cows, spreads due to the practice of feeding cows the processed leftovers of their slaughtered peers - hence the term “autophagy,” from the Greek auto-, which means “self,” and phagy - “to eat.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unsettling-findings-behind-ai-and-data-security">Unsettling findings behind AI and data security</h2>



<p>Baraniuk and his team presented their startling findings in a paper titled “Self-Consuming Generative Models Go MAD.” </p>



<p>This paper is the first peer-reviewed work on AI autophagy and focuses on generative image models like the popular DALL·E 3, Midjourney, and Stable Diffusion.</p>



<p>The Rice University group studied three variations of self-consuming training loops to provide a realistic representation of how real and synthetic data are combined into training datasets for generative models. </p>



<p>The study revealed that over time, and without enough fresh real data, the models would generate increasingly distorted outputs, lacking either quality, diversity, or both.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sinister-ai-futures-and-data-protection">Sinister AI futures and data protection</h2>



<p>The study paints a chilling picture of potential <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/truth-deception-future-of-ai-artificial-intelligence-lie-detection-machines/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI futures</a>. Image datasets of human faces become gradually distorted with grid-like scars, referred as “generative artifacts,” or increasingly resemble the same person. Datasets of numbers morph into indecipherable scribbles.</p>



<p>“Our theoretical and empirical analyses have enabled us to extrapolate what might happen as generative models become ubiquitous and train future models in self-consuming loops,” said Baraniuk.</p>



<p>"Some ramifications are clear: without enough fresh real data, future generative models are doomed to MADness."</p>



<p>To make their simulations more representative, the researchers introduced a sampling bias parameter to account for “cherry picking” - the tendency of users to favor data quality over diversity. </p>



<p>This choice preserves data quality over a greater number of model iterations but causes an even steeper decline in diversity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-mad-to-catastrophe-doomsday-scenario">From MAD to catastrophe: Doomsday scenario</h2>



<p>“One doomsday scenario is that if left uncontrolled for many generations, MAD could poison the data quality and diversity of the entire <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/internet-addiction-where-do-you-fall-on-the-spectrum/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">internet</a>,” warned Baraniuk.</p>



<p>The implications are staggering. As yet unseen unintended consequences could arise from AI autophagy, even in the short term.</p>



<p>As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, it is crucial to understand and rectify these potential issues before they trigger a digital apocalypse. </p>



<p>The path to success would require careful navigation to avoid the pitfalls of MAD and continue harnessing the power of AI safely.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solutions-to-combat-madness">Solutions to combat MADness</h2>



<p>To tackle the challenges of Model Autophagy Disorder, innovative strategies are needed to mitigate its impact on generative <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-model-gives-air-quality-forecasts-that-are-similar-to-weather-forecasts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI models</a>. One effective approach is integrating diverse data sources into the training process, reducing reliance on repetitive synthetic datasets and enhancing the richness of training data.</p>



<p>Establishing robust data curation practices is also crucial. By implementing protocols to assess the quality and relevance of both real and synthetic data, we can maintain high standards and minimize the risk of generating distorted outputs. Collaborations between AI developers, data scientists, and ethicists can ensure ethical data sourcing and promote integrity.</p>



<p>Exploring adaptive learning algorithms that dynamically adjust training strategies based on incoming data quality and diversity is another key avenue. This adaptability would help AI models self-correct and evolve alongside real-world information.</p>



<p>Lastly, fostering transparency and collaboration within the AI community can facilitate the sharing of insights and best practices. By working together, researchers and developers can address challenges like MAD and develop effective solutions.</p>



<p>While the risks associated with synthetic data and self-consuming loops are significant, proactive measures can ensure a sustainable future for generative AI. Prioritizing diversity, quality, and collaboration can help harness the full potential of AI while safeguarding against MADness.</p>



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



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

Could generative AI go MAD and wreck internet data?

Generative AI has revolutionized the digital landscape, captivating the world...

<p>Ever wondered about the weather conditions down in the deep sea? Like the silent depths, the answer holds more intrigue and revelation than you might first imagine.</p>



<p>Just the latest word in from a compelling new study published in <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-024-01494-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Geoscience</a></em>. It seems the deep sea <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-circumpolar-current-speed-increasing-rising-sea-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">currents</a>, much like our terrestrial weather, are not quite as steady and predictable as we thought.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-weather-in-the-deep-sea">Weather in the deep sea</h2>



<p>The seafloor, the ultimate destination for different kinds of particles, stores a wealth of information. From sand and mud to organic carbon food for seafloor organisms, even pollutants, they all end up there. </p>



<p>These accumulations provide us invaluable clues to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-paradox-ocean-current-collapse-could-plunge-europe-into-cold/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">past climates</a>, natural hazards, and oceanic conditions. It's like a historical archive but with data that extends far beyond human records.</p>



<p>Dr. Mike Clare, the leading scientist on the project from the <a href="https://noc.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Oceanography Centre</a> (NOC), paints a vivid picture of the ocean deep.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“It is important to understand the behavior and pathways of currents that operate in the deep sea, in order to determine pathways of natural and human-made particles and make sense of those records preserved in deposits," said Dr. Clare.</p>



<p>“However, there have been very few direct measurements made of currents that flow across the seafloor in deep waters. Most are made high above the seafloor, over short timescales, and only at individual locations. Until now we have not understood how dynamic seafloor currents can be in the deep sea."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sensing-the-pulse-of-the-ocean">Sensing the pulse of the ocean</h2>



<p>In a trailblazing effort, researchers from the UK, Canada, Germany, and Italy teamed up. Over four years, they analyzed data from the largest array of sensors ever deployed in the deep sea.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Thirty-four deep-sea moorings armed with high-frequency Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (think underwater speed cameras for currents) measured the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-ocean-warming-four-times-faster-than-global-average/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seafloor</a> currents at water depths up to 2.5 km.</p>



<p>The findings challenged longstanding assumptions. Contrary to previous models that suggested a continuous and steady flow of currents, the data collected indicated that the currents were anything but uniform.</p>



<p>The deep ocean currents were characterized by periods of acceleration, moments of slowdown, and even instances where they reversed direction entirely.</p>



<p>This variability was often influenced by local factors, particularly the irregular relief of the seafloor, which created a dynamic interplay that shaped the flow patterns in unexpected ways. </p>



<p>Such insights not only deepen our understanding of oceanic currents but also highlight the intricate relationships between underwater topography and fluid dynamics.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-into-deep-sea-weather">Insights into deep-sea weather</h2>



<p>Professor Elda Miramontes from MARUM - Center for Marine Environmental Sciences and the Faculty of Geosciences at the <a href="https://www.uni-bremen.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bremen</a>, is excited by the novelty and the potential implications of these measurements. </p>



<p>"These are the first measurements of deep-sea currents across such a large area, long duration and so close to the seafloor. This makes them extremely valuable as they will help improve our models for reconstructing past changes related to climate change in the ocean," noted Professor Miramontes.</p>



<p>“The ocean bottom currents offshore Mozambique are far more variable than we expected," said study lead author Dr. Lewis Bailey. "Just like currents in the upper ocean, their intensity changes between seasons and can even flip backwards and forwards over the course of several hours."</p>



<p>Study co-author Dr. Ian Kane said that seeing how these currents behave is a bit like observing the weather in Manchester - always changing and often surprising. </p>



<p>"But observing change in the deep sea is really challenging and, until now, we have had a poor understanding of what background conditions are like in the deep-sea," noted Dr. Kane.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-deep-sea-dynamics">Understanding deep sea dynamics</h2>



<p>Amusing to Dr. Clare, this study underlines the importance of sustained deep-sea observations, which provide critical information on understanding the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/atlantic-ocean-currents-slowing-as-water-temperature-rises/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean</a>. </p>



<p>"More detailed observations are critical for understanding the important role bottom currents play in transporting sediment, carbon and pollutants across our planet."</p>



<p>With these breakthrough findings, we have taken a significant stride towards understanding our oceans better. However, the mysteries of the deep are still far from fully unveiled. </p>



<p>As we continue exploring, what other surprises might the deep sea have in store for us? Only time, and our ceaseless curiosity, will tell.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-024-01494-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Geoscience</em></a>.</p>



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



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

Weather in the deep sea is not as predictable as we thought

Ever wondered about the weather conditions down in the deep...

Hand,Opens,Universe,Shocking,Discovery,Life,Is,A,Computer,Simulation

<p>Have you ever considered the possibility that our reality might be an intricately crafted computer simulation? There is a name for this theory -- Simulation Hypothesis -- and it is now being tested in quantum lab experiments.</p>



<p>Though it may initially resemble a plot from the latest sci-fi blockbuster, a dedicated group of researchers is rigorously exploring this intriguing concept.</p>



<p>They are investigating the philosophical implications and technological advancements that could render such a simulation plausible.</p>



<p>Are we merely <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/simulation-hypothesis-are-humans-living-in-a-simulated-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">characters in a grand digital narrative</a>, or is there a deeper truth waiting to be uncovered?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quantum-experiments-to-prove-simulation-hypothesis">Quantum experiments to prove Simulation Hypothesis</h2>



<p>At California State Polytechnic University in Pomona (<a href="https://www.cpp.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CPP</a>), a remarkable team of scientists is preparing to embark on mind-bending experiments that could challenge and redefine the fundamental principles of physics.</p>



<p>Leading this ambitious initiative is <a href="http://www.doorwaytothefuture.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thomas Campbell</a>, a distinguished former <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a> physicist renowned for his expertise in complex theoretical models and space exploration. His extensive experience and innovative perspective are invaluable assets to the team.</p>



<p>Collaborating closely with Campbell is <a href="https://www.cpp.edu/faculty/fkhoshnoud/index.shtml" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Farbod Khoshnoud</a>, who heads a dedicated research group at CalPoly, Pomona.</p>



<p>Together, they are venturing into uncharted realms of physics, pushing the boundaries of our understanding.</p>



<p>This partnership promises to enrich the academic community, aiming to ignite new ideas that could revolutionize our comprehension of the universe.</p>



<p>What implications might these discoveries have for our understanding of the natural world?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quantum-mechanics-where-reality-gets-weird">Quantum mechanics: Where reality gets weird</h2>



<p>First, in order to really understand these experiments, we need to understand some basics about the mysterious world of quantum mechanics. This scientific field shakes and bakes our basic understanding of the universe.</p>



<p>So, what's weird about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/impossibility-paradox-calculating-incalculable-quantum-realm-particles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum physics</a>? </p>



<p>Well, the smallest parts of our universe, like atoms and subatomic particles, don’t follow the normal rules of classical physics we see every day. They act in strange and unexpected ways.</p>



<p>Campbell is taking this a step further. He thinks quantum mechanics is more than just a way to decode how tiny particles behave. He believes it reveals deep truths about reality itself.</p>



<p>By studying complex and baffling ideas from the quantum realm like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/full-chemical-complexity-of-quantum-decoherence-finally-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">superposition</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-entanglement-discovery-is-a-revolutionary-step-forward/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">entanglement</a>, and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/radical-new-theory-finally-unites-gravity-spacetime-and-the-quantum-realm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">uncertainty principle</a>, Campbell suggests we might soon grasp how the universe works. This understanding could change how we see existence.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-is-our-universe-a-big-cosmic-video-game">Is our universe a big cosmic video game?</h2>



<p>Campbell suggests that our reality operates in a manner <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/simulation-hypothesis-are-we-living-in-a-computer-simulation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">akin to a video game</a>, generating imagery and experiences "on demand" for its conscious observers, much like how a game creates environments based on player interactions.</p>



<p>"In essence, what you do not see does not exist," Campbell asserts, prompting us to reflect on the profound implications of this perspective.</p>



<p>This notion raises intriguing questions about the nature of perception and reality, challenging our fundamental understanding of existence.</p>



<p>While some may find this idea unconventional, it resonates with interpretations of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/matter-spacetime-gravitational-waves-fabric-of-the-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum mechanics</a>, which also emphasize the role of observation in shaping reality.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-simulation-hypothesis-the-experiments">Simulation Hypothesis: The experiments</h2>



<p>The intriguing aspect of Campbell's work lies in its profound exploration of the relationship between consciousness and the very fabric of reality.</p>



<p>Unlike many traditional theories that treat consciousness as a mere byproduct of simulation, Campbell posits that it is fundamental to existence itself -- essentially the bedrock upon which the entire simulation operates.</p>



<p>Through a series of meticulously designed experiments, Campbell is placing his controversial theory under the microscope for rigorous examination.</p>



<p>These lab trials are not just a casual inquiry; they aim to delve deep into the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/manipulating-quantum-dance-of-spinning-electrons/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">peculiar quantum effects</a> that have been observed in the famous double-slit experiment as well as in the intriguing quantum eraser setups.</p>



<p>Researchers are actively seeking evidence to support the notion that reality behaves in response to conscious observation, much like a simulation, rather than as a fixed and independent world.</p>



<p>Each experiment serves as a step toward unraveling the complex interplay between our minds and the universe around us, raising questions about the very nature of existence and perception.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-simulation-hypothesis-experiments-and-the-future">Simulation Hypothesis experiments and the future</h2>



<p>If Campbell's experiments bear fruit, it could mean a paradigm shift in how we comprehend our universe and our role within it. However, these experiments are unlikely to bring absolute proof that we inhabit a simulation.</p>



<p>Science always seeks to refine our understanding and build up evidence, so think of these experiments as more of a launchpad than a destination.</p>



<p>For now, the research teams are busy as bees, setting up their experiments, ready to dive into the data. The world watches, curious brains included, anticipating what they unearth.</p>



<p>Check out <a href="https://www.testingthehypothesis.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TestingtheHypothesis.com</a> if you're hungry for more details. The website houses a wealth of information about each experiment and acts as a hub for updates about this leading-edge research.</p>



<p>As we wait for the outcome, one certainty shines bright: the pursuit to decode the essence of reality keeps pushing the limits of science and philosophy. Whether we're in a simulation or not, the journey to discover the truth promises to enthrall.</p>



<p>The full premise behind this new study was published in the <em><a href="https://ijqf.org/archives/4105">International Journal of Quantum Foundations</a></em>.</p>



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



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'Simulation Hypothesis' has leaped into serious quantum lab experiments

Have you ever considered the possibility that our reality might...

<p>A recent study led by Syed Ayaz, a graduate research assistant at the <a href="https://www.uah.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Alabama in Huntsville</a> (UAH), has investigated kinetic Alfvén waves and their potential role in heating the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/large-coronal-hole-from-geomagnetic-storm-prompts-aurora-alert-for-northern-us/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar corona</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Ayaz's research, under the guidance of the <a href="https://www.uah.edu/cspar" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Center for Space Plasma and Aeronomic Research</a> (CSPAR), addresses the long-standing mystery of why the corona - the sun’s outer atmosphere - is significantly hotter than the sun’s surface.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-mechanism-behind-coronal-heating">The mechanism behind coronal heating</h2>



<p>“For decades, Alfvén waves have been proven to be the best candidates for transporting energy from one place to another,” said Ayaz.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This paper utilizes a novel approach to model energetic particles in space plasmas, as observed by satellites like Viking and Freja, to answer how the electromagnetic energy of the waves, interacting with particles, transforms into heat during the damping process as the waves move through space.”</p>



<p>This energy transport could be crucial in understanding the mechanism behind coronal heating, as these waves might transfer energy from the sun's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/solar-dynamo-sun-magnetic-field-origin-generated-near-surface/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnetic fields</a> to the plasma in the corona, raising its temperature.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-perplexing-heat-of-the-sun-s-corona">Perplexing heat of the sun's corona</h2>



<p>The study primarily focuses on the perturbed electromagnetic fields, Poynting flux vector, and the power delivery rate of kinetic Alfvén waves within the solar atmosphere. </p>



<p>The corona extends about eight million kilometers above the sun's surface and is perplexing because it reaches temperatures over a million degrees Kelvin, vastly exceeding the sun's surface temperature of approximately 6,500 degrees.</p>



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



<p>Dr. Gary Zank, director of CSPAR and the Aerojet Rocketdyne chair of the UAH Department of Space Science, emphasized the significance of Ayaz's work. </p>



<p>“Syed is one of our outstanding students who is just starting out on his research career. His abiding interest in Alfvén waves has now resulted in his investigation of these waves at very small scales, the so-called kinetic scale in a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plasma-rain-sun/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plasma</a>."</p>



<p>Dr. Zank noted that this research offers important insights into the critical problem of how energy in a magnetic field is transformed to heat a plasma comprising charged particles like protons and electrons.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-kinetic-alfven-waves">The role of kinetic Alfvén waves</h2>



<p>Kinetic Alfvén waves (KAWs) are oscillations of ions and magnetic fields in the solar plasma, originating from movements in the photosphere, the sun's outer layer that emits visible light. These waves are crucial in the energy transfer process in plasma environments.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“My primary interest in these waves was sparked by the launches of the Parker Solar Probe and Solar Orbiter missions, which raised the crucial question of how the solar corona is heated,” said Ayaz.</p>



<p>The research team focused on how KAWs facilitate heating and energy exchange within the corona. Observations from various spacecraft and theoretical studies have consistently shown that KAWs dissipate and contribute to heating the solar corona as they travel through space.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transferring-energy-to-plasma-particles-nbsp">Transferring energy to plasma particles&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Kinetic Alfvén waves operate on small kinetic scales and are capable of supporting parallel electric and magnetic field fluctuations, which enable them to transfer energy to plasma particles.</p>



<p>“The present work utilizes and explores the Landau damping mechanism, which occurs when particles moving parallel to a wave have velocities comparable to the wave's phase velocity,” noted Ayaz.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The Landau damping mechanism allows for an exponential decrease in particular waveforms within the plasma, either transferring energy from the wave to the particles or vice versa, depending on their interaction.</p>



<p>The study's findings suggest that KAWs dissipate rapidly, transferring their energy to plasma particles, which then accelerates them over large distances. This energy transfer has significant implications for the dynamics of the solar plasma, contributing to the overall heating of the corona.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-energy-dynamics-within-the-sun-s-corona-nbsp">Energy dynamics within the sun's corona&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The insights gained from this research are essential for understanding the complex processes at work in the sun's atmosphere.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study advances our knowledge of the energy dynamics within the corona and provides a framework for future investigations into solar and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-jupiters-magnetosphere-will-help-us-predict-space-weather/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space weather</a> phenomena.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Ayaz's work, supported by CSPAR and the Department of Space Science, represents a significant step forward in heliophysics research, with potential applications in understanding the behavior of plasmas in various astrophysical settings.</p>



<p>“The analytical insights gleaned from this study find practical application in understanding phenomena within the solar atmosphere, particularly shedding light on the significant role played by nonthermal particles in the observed heating processes,” concluded the researchers.</p>



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



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Why is the sun’s corona hotter than its surface? 

A recent study led by Syed Ayaz, a graduate research...

<p>Migration is at the forefront of the climate crisis, as the globe faces unprecedented environmental challenges, including extreme weather events, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-are-the-biggest-drivers-of-biodiversity-loss/">bio</a><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-are-the-biggest-drivers-of-biodiversity-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diversity loss</a>, and resource scarcity.</p>



<p>Humanity's response needs to be reimagined, with a growing recognition that international collaboration and coordinated efforts are crucial. </p>



<p>As rising temperatures and sea levels threaten landscapes and displace communities worldwide, the movement of people from their homes has become an urgent reality that cannot be ignored. </p>



<p>Climate-induced migration is not a distant concern; it is a pressing issue that is happening now, demanding immediate attention and comprehensive action to address its complexities and impacts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urgent-need-to-rethink-climate-migration">Urgent need to rethink climate migration</h2>



<p>An impactful study published recently by climate and social scientists from reputed institutions such as <a href="https://www.wur.nl/en/education-programmes/wageningen-university.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wageningen University</a>, <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a>, and <a href="https://www.nju.edu.cn/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nanjing University</a> puts forth a strong argument.</p>



<p>The experts emphasize the importance of facilitating movement among different geographical locations to ensure stability and prosperity in the face of the climate crisis.</p>



<p>Professor Marten Scheffer of Wageningen University stated: "Millions of people are projected to be displaced by sea-level rise in the next decades, and two billion could be exposed to extreme heat beyond their experience by the end of the century."</p>



<p>Ignoring or underestimating the shift in human populations could lead to global discord and a divided world.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breaking-borders-not-spirits">Breaking borders, not spirits</h2>



<p>Countries have traditionally seen migration in terms of borders and national security only, but the researchers are urging a shift in perspective.</p>



<p>The study highlights the increasing instances of climate-related <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/is-migration-a-good-response-to-climate-change-the-answer-is-complicated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migration</a> within countries, where individuals leave areas affected by long-term agricultural productivity decline or escape from extreme conditions such as coastal erosion. This internal migration plays out differently across nations.</p>



<p>Large countries with varied climate zones have a relative advantage, while smaller nations face significant challenges. </p>



<p>The study also points out the inherent wealth disparity that hinders internal and inter-state migration.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-barriers-to-climate-migration">Barriers to climate migration</h2>



<p>"While many animal species are already changing their geographical distribution in response to climate change, humanity now faces increasing barriers to this," noted Professor Tim Lenton.</p>



<p>"Global warming exacerbates existing inequalities, making habitability a major political challenge of this century."</p>



<p>The researchers maintain that the solution lies in global cooperation to address migration flows and demand for labor, benefiting both the Global South and the developed world.</p>



<p>The paper also proposes a major reform in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-food-system-must-change-if-nations-hope-to-reduce-greenhouse-gas-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food system</a>, suggesting that migration can increase production while conserving nature. They suggest a shift towards plant-based diets and reducing meat consumption.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-migration-can-be-a-win-win">Climate migration can be a win-win</h2>



<p>Far from seeing migration as a threat, the researchers argue that it can actually be a win-win for both people and the climate.</p>



<p>However, this requires global leaders to constructively communicate the economic benefits of migration and effective integration. </p>



<p>"Every corner of the world needs to anticipate the coming <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-crisis-global-supply-chains-face-25-trillion-in-losses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate crisis</a> and promote the safe and beneficial movement of people as conditions change," said Professor Neil Adger.</p>



<p>Embracing this outlook on migration is not just about ensuring a better future for those on the move but for our planet as a whole. </p>



<p>Integrating the movement of people into our strategies to combat climate change is not just necessary - it is urgent.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-technology-in-managing-migration">The role of technology in managing migration </h2>



<p>Technology plays a crucial role in managing climate-induced migration by offering innovative solutions to make migration safer and more efficient.</p>



<p>Data analytics and GIS can predict <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-migration-patterns-will-result-in-rapidly-aging-coastal-populations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migration patterns</a> and identify at-risk areas, allowing for proactive resource allocation and reducing the humanitarian impact of displacement.</p>



<p>Additionally, technology enhances communication for migrants, providing information on safe routes, available services, and legal rights through mobile apps and platforms. Social media helps build networks and fosters a sense of community among migrants.</p>



<p>Investing in sustainable technologies, such as renewable energy and climate-resilient infrastructure, creates economic opportunities for displaced populations. </p>



<p>By integrating technology into migration strategies, we can address immediate needs and build a more resilient future, turning migration into an opportunity for global collaboration and growth.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/one-earth/abstract/S2590-3322(24)00312-9?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS2590332224003129%3Fshowall%3Dtrue" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>One Earth</em></a>.</p>



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



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

Climate migration is an urgent reality that cannot be ignored

Migration is at the forefront of the climate crisis, as...

<p>The digital age is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, the internet and corresponding technological advancements are a blessing, creating a world more interconnected than ever. But on the other, they've paved the way for a pervasive issue - the misinformation and rumors that spreads like nuclear reactions.</p>



<p>In our modern climate of misinformation, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/more-than-48-million-americans-deny-that-climate-change-is-real/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">falsehoods, and rumors</a>, distinguishing truth from fiction as data zips around the planet often seems like an uphill battle.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spread-of-misinformation-and-rumors">Spread of misinformation and rumors</h2>



<p>The research was carried out by Wenrong Zheng, a researcher from <a href="https://english.sdnu.edu.cn" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shandong Normal University</a>, and his dedicated team. </p>



<p>They've been working tirelessly to understand this digital-age phenomenon. And the critical findings of their study were recently published by the <em>American Institute of Physics</em>.</p>



<p>Can we look at rumor propagation in a new light? Yes, indeed! </p>



<p>Ditching the conventional epidemic models, Zheng's team found inspiration in a somewhat unexpected place: nuclear reactions. </p>



<p>According to their modified model, rumors act like neutrons, the particles that initiate nuclear fission. When individuals encounter these 'rumor neutrons,' they send them spiraling into other people, sparking a chain reaction. </p>



<p>“When individuals encounter rumors, they are influenced by their personal interests and decide whether to spread or whether repeated exposure is needed before spreading,” said Zheng. </p>



<p>“Based on different considerations of uranium fission thresholds, individuals are divided into groups based on the influence of their own interest thresholds, fully considering individual behavior and differences, which is more in line with the reality.”</p>



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



<p>Did you guess that education plays a crucial role in rumor propagation?  </p>



<p>“The extent of rumor propagation is closely related to the proportion of rational internet users. This reflects the importance of education: the higher the level of education, the easier it is to question rumors when receiving information that is difficult to distinguish between right and wrong,” Zheng corroborates. </p>



<p>If you're educated, chances are you'll scrutinize the information before accepting it blindly.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-avoid-spreading-misinformation">How to avoid spreading misinformation</h2>



<p>So, what can we do about the spread of misinformation? The team's research provides some vital pointers. </p>



<p>The researchers found that rumors propagate on a smaller scale initially, so monitoring by official platforms is key.</p>



<p>When governmental and official media detect potential rumors, they should verify the content and offer corrections. This would enable rational citizens to prevent further <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gossiping-may-actually-be-beneficial-to-society/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rumor propagation</a> effectively.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-countering-disinformation">Countering disinformation</h2>



<p>The research done by Zheng and his team is a major step in understanding and mitigating rumor propagation. </p>



<p>Their nuanced, nuclear fission-inspired model offers fresh insights that could guide future strategies to combat disinformation. </p>



<p>However, the battle against misinformation online is ongoing, and we, as responsible netizens, have a pivotal role to play.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-social-media-algorithms">Role of social media algorithms</h2>



<p>In an era dominated by social media, the algorithms that dictate what content users see play a pivotal role in the dissemination of information. </p>



<p>These complex systems curate feeds based on user preferences, often prioritizing engaging, sensational content over factual accuracy.</p>



<p>Algorithms are not inherently good or bad; it depends on how we choose to use them. This presents a unique opportunity -- by refining algorithms to promote accountability and accuracy, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/doomscrolling-threatens-our-mental-well-being/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social media platforms</a> could significantly reduce the reach of false information.</p>



<p>If users are consistently provided with a diverse range of reliable sources, they may be empowered to challenge misleading narratives and engage in healthy discourse.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-empowering-citizens-to-avoid-misinformation">Empowering citizens to avoid misinformation</h2>



<p>As research indicates, empowering individuals with media literacy skills is crucial in the fight against misinformation. </p>



<p>Educational initiatives aimed at enhancing critical thinking and analytical skills can equip citizens to evaluate information critically.</p>



<p>Workshops, online courses, or community programs can introduce individuals to techniques for fact-checking, recognizing bias, and analyzing sources. </p>



<p>By fostering these competencies, society cultivates a more informed populace that can navigate the complex landscape of information.</p>



<p>An educated public is less susceptible to the allure of rumors, ultimately cultivating a culture of inquiry and discernment that significantly dampens the spread of disinformation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nuclear-reaction-and-spreading-misinformation">Nuclear reaction and spreading misinformation</h2>



<p>In sum, misinformation, like a neutron starting a nuclear reaction, spreads rapidly in today's digital age. But all's not lost. </p>



<p>Scientific research like Zheng's is helping us understand the spread dynamics better and providing cues for possible mitigation. </p>



<p>Remember, staying educated, questioning the information we receive, and relying on only <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/political-views-change-our-perception-of-the-past-and-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">credible sources</a> can go a long way in combating this online avalanche of disinformation. After all, don't we all want a truthful, reliable digital world for ourselves?</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://pubs.aip.org/aip/adv/article/14/7/075326/3304858/A-rumor-propagation-model-based-on-nuclear-fission" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AIP Advances</a></em>.</p>



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



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

Digital misinformation and rumors spread like nuclear reactions

The digital age is a double-edged sword. On the one...

<p>It can be hard to wrap your head around quantum science and the 'out-there' concepts it embodies, like "trapped atoms" mentioned in this article title. But, in essence, it's all about exploring the untapped potentials of our universe... and turning them into reality.</p>



<p>With the power to enhance computer processing to levels currently unimaginable, scientists trapped cesium atoms on an integrated photonic circuit, creating a sophisticated system akin to a transistor but for light.</p>



<p>This breakthrough could potentially birth a quantum network based on cold-atom integrated nanophotonic circuits.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quantum-transistors-and-trapped-atoms">Quantum transistors and trapped atoms</h2>



<p>The brains behind this work is none other than Associate Professor Chen-Lung Hung of <a href="https://www.purdue.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Purdue University</a> College of Science, who also serves at the Purdue Quantum Science and Engineering Institute. With an exceptional team by his side, they've shared their fascinating findings in <em>Physical Review X</em>.</p>



<p>“We developed a technique to use lasers to cool and tightly trap atoms on an integrated nanophotonic circuit,” explains Hung.</p>



<p>Think about light traveling through an incredibly thin photonic 'wire' or waveguide - so thin, it's about 200 times thinner than a strand of human hair.</p>



<p>The atoms are cooled down to temperatures just above absolute zero, making them almost stationary.</p>



<p>These chilled atoms can then be locked onto the waveguide using a 'tractor beam,' positioned merely 300 nanometers away (roughly the size of a virus).</p>



<p>"Using state-of-the-art nanofabrication instruments in the Birck Nanotechnology Center, we pattern the photonic waveguide in a circular shape at a diameter of around 30 microns (three times smaller than a human hair) to form a so-called microring resonator. Light would circulate within the microring resonator and interact with the trapped atoms," Hung enthused.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-atomic-transistor-is-a-game-changer">Atomic-transistor is a game changer</h2>



<p>What sets their innovation apart is the ingenious use of confined atoms to manipulate the flow of light through the circuit. This process functions similarly to how a transistor controls electrical currents in traditional electronics.</p>



<p>When the atoms are in the right quantum state, they allow photons to pass through seamlessly, enabling efficient light transmission.</p>



<p>Conversely, when the atoms are in the wrong state, the photons are blocked, effectively halting the flow of light.</p>



<p>This precise control over light flow opens up exciting possibilities for advancements in optical computing and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secure-quantum-communication-one-step-closer-reality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">communication technologies</a>, potentially leading to faster and more efficient data processing systems.</p>



<p>Xinchao Zhou, a Purdue Physics and Astronomy graduate student and recipient of this year's Bilsand Dissertation Fellowship, explains this first-of-its-kind phenomenon.</p>



<p>“We have trapped up to 70 atoms that could collectively couple to photons and gate their transmission on an integrated photonic chip. This has not been realized before,” says Zhou.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-of-trapped-atoms">Potential of trapped atoms</h2>



<p>The implications of this technology are poised to transform the landscape of science. Could this platform become a crucial link in the future of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-computer-can-instantly-execute-a-task-that-would-normally-take-47-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum computing</a> based on neutral atoms?</p>



<p>It has the potential to advance our understanding of collective light-matter interactions and facilitate the synthesis of quantum degenerate gases or ultracold molecules.</p>



<p>The atom-coupled integrated photonic circuit, unlike conventional electronic transistors, operates on quantum superposition principles.</p>



<p>Chen-Lung Hung expounds, "This allows us to manipulate and store quantum information in trapped atoms, which are quantum bits known as qubits."</p>



<p>The circuit can then transfer this stored <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/molecules-scramble-quantum-information-equally-well-black-holes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum information</a> into photons, establishing a network with other similar circuits through the photonic wire.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-new-quantum-states">Exploring new quantum states</h2>



<p>What lies ahead is equally, if not more, thrilling than our current endeavors. The team is poised to meticulously arrange the trapped atoms in an orderly array along the photonic waveguide, thereby enhancing their collective coupling to this innovative structure.</p>



<p>Additionally, they are contemplating the prospect of cooling the atoms further, approaching absolute zero, to engender a strongly interacting Bose-Einstein condensate gas.</p>



<p>This is just the beginning. Exploring new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/using-artificial-intelligence-ai-to-make-quantum-computers-reality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum states</a> on an integrated photonic circuit, studying few- and many-body physics through atom-photon interactions, or even creating cold molecules from the trapped atoms; the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/building-quantum-computers-just-got-easier-with-new-technique/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">possibilities are boundless</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-quantum-networks-and-trapped-atoms">Future of quantum networks and trapped atoms</h2>



<p>We're on the cusp of a quantum revolution that promises to redefine our understanding of technology and information, literally <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-quantum-revolution-will-impact-all-aspects-of-society/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">transforming our world</a>.</p>



<p>Purdue University is at the forefront of this work, led by the brilliant Chen-Lung Hung and his dedicated team of researchers.</p>



<p>Their innovative efforts offer a fascinating glimpse into a future where quantum networks and advanced quantum computing could be seamlessly integrated into the fabric of our everyday reality, changing how we process information and how we connect and communicate.</p>



<p>For those who are just beginning to explore the vast ocean of quantum computing, this research highlights how these qualities can spark paradigm-shifting discoveries that push the boundaries of what's possible.</p>



<p>As we delve deeper into this exciting field, the implications for industries ranging from cybersecurity to drug discovery are immense and potentially life-changing.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://journals.aps.org/prx/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevX.14.031004" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Physical Review X</a></em>.</p>



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



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Trapped atoms are forced to serve as transistors for a quantum network

It can be hard to wrap your head around quantum...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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<p>—–</p>

Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>

Social modeling affects our food choices

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists discover we age in bursts

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists solve the mystery of tickling

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>



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



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

Retired professor claims he solved time travel

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Santiago, the capital city of Chile. The city is located in the center of the Santiago Metropolitan Region, which has a population of about eight million people.&nbsp;</p>



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



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



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



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



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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