<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>A recent study has uncovered a unique breeding behavior in the Andamanese Charles Darwin's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-frog-day-addressing-environmental-threats-to-frogs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">frog</a> (<em>Minervarya charlesdarwini</em>), endemic to the Andaman Islands. </p>



<p>The research was led by a team of biologists from the <a href="https://www.du.ac.in/%C3%B9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Delhi</a>, the Zoological Survey of India, <a href="https://www.harvard.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard University</a>, and the University of Minnesota.</p>



<p>Published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.3099/0006-9698-577.1.1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Breviora</em></a> of the Harvard Museum of Comparative Zoology, the research describes how this frog species exhibits a combination of unusual reproductive traits.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-reproductive-strategy-of-darwin-s-frog-nbsp">Unique reproductive strategy of Darwin's frog&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The Andamanese Charles Darwin's frog, part of the Dicroglossidae family, displays a distinctive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tree-frogs-live-in-trees-but-lay-eggs-on-the-ground/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reproductive strategy</a>. </p>



<p>Unlike many frogs, these frogs lay terrestrial eggs inside tree cavities or root buttresses above the water surface. The eggs hatch into tadpoles, which then drop into the water below to continue their development.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-upside-down-spawning-a-highly-specialized-trait-nbsp">Upside-down spawning: A highly specialized trait&nbsp;</h2>



<p>During egg-laying, the mating pair adopts an unusual upside-down posture, clinging to the vertical walls of the tree cavity, completely out of the water. This behavior is unprecedented among frogs.</p>



<p>“Upside-down spawning is the most remarkable behavior in this frog,” said study lead author Professor S. D. Biju. “No other frog is known to lay terrestrial eggs inside tree holes in an upside-down position.”</p>



<p>Professor Biju noted that this discovery is fundamental for understanding how the species interacts with its environments and which habitats are essential for its survival.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Such specialized traits also yield insights into the evolution of reproductive modes and behaviors among anuran amphibians.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-vocalizations-used-to-find-mates-nbsp">Complex vocalizations used to find mates&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Additionally, the male frogs exhibit complex vocal behaviors, producing three different types of advertisement calls to attract females, along with an aggressive call used during male-male competition.&nbsp;</p>



<p>When vocal displays fail to deter rival males, physical combat ensues, involving kicking, boxing, and biting. During these altercations, the defending male and the female often move higher up the tree cavity walls to avoid interference from rival males.</p>



<p>Professor James Hanken is curator of herpetology at the Museum of Comparative Zoology and a professor of biology in the Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology at Harvard.</p>



<p>“This finding is an example of the remarkable diversity of amphibians and reproductive behaviors that are still unknown to science, especially from unexplored regions in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-dictates-biodiversity-hotspots/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity hotspots</a> of tropical Asia,” said Professor Hanken.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unusual-breeding-sites-of-darwin-s-frog-nbsp">Unusual breeding sites of Darwin's frog&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Despite their specialized breeding behavior, these frogs have adapted to breed in a variety of unusual and unnatural sites, especially in disturbed forest areas.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers observed them breeding in places like artificially watered plastic sapling bags and discarded containers, such as plastic and metal vessels, left at the forest's edge.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The adaptation to these suboptimal breeding sites is likely a response to habitat loss and competition for limited resources, posing a threat to the species' survival.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-efforts-to-protect-darwin-s-frog-nbsp">Conservation efforts to protect Darwin's frog&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study emphasizes the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect the natural breeding habitats of <em>Minervarya charlesdarwini</em>. The species is currently listed as “Vulnerable” on the <a href="https://www.iucnredlist.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IUCN Red List of Threatened Species</a>, and the degradation of its natural habitat could severely impact its population.</p>



<p>“The frogs’ use of trash for breeding is both surprising and worrying. We now need to know its causes and long-term consequences, and devise ways to protect the natural breeding sites that are critical for the survival of the species,” said co-lead author Sonali Garg.</p>



<p>The research was conducted over three years on the remote islands of the Andaman archipelago, requiring over 55 nights of fieldwork during the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sonoran-monsoon-blaming-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">monsoon season</a>. </p>



<p>The findings are detailed in a paper titled “Tree holes to trash: unique upside-down terrestrial spawning, agonistic interactions, complex mating calls, and unnatural breeding alteration in Minervarya charlesdarwini (Anura, Dicroglossidae),” published in the July 2024 issue of Breviora.</p>



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



<p>The research underscores the unique ecological adaptations of Darwin's frog and the pressing conservation needs of this endemic species.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study also highlights the critical role of natural microhabitats and the potential threats posed by human-induced environmental changes.</p>



<p>“Our findings call for conservation attention to this habitat specialist, which, although locally abundant, is an endemic and threatened species of the Andaman Islands,” concluded the study authors.</p>



<p>Image Credit: S.D. Biju</p>



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



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Darwin’s frogs are breeding in highly unusual places

A recent study has uncovered a unique breeding behavior in...

<p>Have you ever wondered how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lifes-rules-natural-selection-change-significantly-often-daphnia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life on Earth</a> evolved with changing atmospheric conditions? The question is as vast as time itself. But a group of scientists have made it their mission to shed light on this intricate link between life and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-environment-day-2024-a-call-for-land-restoration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environment</a> that has been playing out for over 500 million years.</p>



<p>Enter Dr. Zunli Lu, a renowned geochemistry professor at <a href="https://www.syracuse.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Syracuse University</a> and lead author of an intriguing new study. Dr. Lu partnered with experts from <a href="https://www.stanford.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford</a> and <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oxford</a> Universities.</p>



<p>Together, they've taken a deep dive into Earth's past, examining the link between ancient life forms and their chemical environment during the Phanerozoic Eon, which started about 540 million years ago.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-of-life-and-environment">Evolution of life and environment </h2>



<p>"One of our tasks was to summarize the most important discoveries about carbon dioxide and oxygen in the atmosphere and ocean over the past 500 million years," said Lu.</p>



<p>The team delved deep into how atmospheric changes affected marine life evolution. Still, they were quick to point out that it's a two-way highway; the evolution of life also affected the chemical environment.</p>



<p>"It's not a trivial task to understand how to build a habitable Earth over long time scales," noted Lu.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-and-environment-connection">Life and environment connection</h2>



<p>Interestingly, the Phanerozoic Eon started with high levels of carbon dioxide and low oxygen levels. But life still found a way to thrive, thanks to some unsung heroes - ocean algae.</p>



<p>These tiny life forms embarked on a carbon dioxide munching spree. They locked-up this gas in organic matter and gave out oxygen through photosynthesis. In essence, ocean algae were the first maestros of the atmospheric symphony.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adapting-to-the-beat">Adapting to the beat</h2>



<p>The process of life adapting to its environment and vice versa is incessant. Jonathan Payne, professor of Earth and planetary sciences at Stanford University, emphasized the role of oxygen levels in animal survival.</p>



<p>Algae's actions didn't go unchallenged. As they chomped down carbon dioxide and pumped up oxygen levels, their own carbon-fixation efficiency took a hit. </p>



<p>But the algae weren't about to bow down just yet. They simply <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-lampreys-help-scientists-decode-stem-cell-origins/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolved</a> complex photosynthesis methods, creating internal compartments with controlled chemistry.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-drive-for-efficiency">The drive for efficiency</h2>



<p>"For algae, it's changes in the environmental ratio of O2/CO2 that seems to be key to driving improved photosynthetic efficiency," noted Rosalind Rickaby, a professor in Oxford's Earth Sciences Department. This adaptability potentially broadened the habitability range for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbes-laid-the-foundation-for-early-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">many life forms</a>.</p>



<p>Dr. Lu noted that the story of Phanerozoic Eon reads like a two-part novel. The first part sees life enhancing Earth's habitability. The second? Adaptation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ripple-effect-on-life-and-environment">Ripple effect on life and environment</h2>



<p>As oxygen levels rose, the impact on Earth's ecosystems became profoundly evident. The increasing availability of oxygen facilitated the evolution of more complex life forms, culminating in the emergence of multicellular organisms. </p>



<p>This transformation allowed for a greater diversity of species and interactions, establishing intricate food webs within marine and terrestrial environments. </p>



<p>The interplay between life and its chemical surroundings prompted a cascade of evolutionary innovations, making ecosystems richer and far more diversified. The message is clear: the story of life on Earth is not just a narrative of survival but a tale of collaboration, adaptation, and interdependence.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-life-on-earth">Future of life on Earth </h2>



<p>Today, the lessons learned from the Phanerozoic Eon bear significant implications for our current and future understanding of habitability. </p>



<p>As climate change and other anthropogenic factors influence our planet's atmosphere and ecosystems, scientists hark back to the past to inform our pathway forward. Understanding the dynamics of life's evolution amid varying environmental conditions may arm us with solutions to modern ecological challenges.</p>



<p>If we can comprehend how life helped shape the Earth over millions of years, we may also find ways to sustain its habitability for generations to come. </p>



<p>This continued exploration invites us to reflect on our role as stewards of the Earth and the responsibility we carry in preserving the delicate balance of our ecosystems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-co-evolution-of-life-and-environment">Co-evolution of life and environment</h2>



<p>This study gives us a fascinating glimpse into our planet's co-evolutionary history. Yet, there's so much more to explore.</p>



<p>According to the authors, the future of this research lies in mapping the spatial patterns of ocean oxygen, biomarkers for photosynthesis, and understanding metabolic tolerance shown in fossil records.</p>



<p>Isn't it astonishing how life and our environment have been dancing this intricate ballet for over 500 million years? And the dance continues, as we humans learn to adapt to our ever-changing world. After all, life, it seems, always finds a way!</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://academic.oup.com/nsr/article/11/6/nwae099/7630191" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Science Review</a></em>.</p>



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How life and environment co-evolved over 500 million years

Have you ever wondered how life on Earth evolved with...

<p>Liquid metals are at the forefront of a new strategy to combat industrial emissions. Despite the global shift towards <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-worlds-renewable-energy-capacity-will-take-a-record-leap-this-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">renewable energy</a>, the harsh reality remains that chemical production contributes to an estimated 10 to 15 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.</p>



<p>An immense 10 percent of total energy consumption worldwide is expended in chemical plants, a number that is steadily climbing. </p>



<p>The major culprit? Energy-intensive chemical reactions that are fundamental to producing a vast array of commodities.</p>



<p>In an intriguing turn of events, researchers from the <a href="https://www.sydney.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Sydney</a> are proposing a radical approach to tackling these emissions - leveraging the "atomic intelligence" of liquid metals to trigger greener, more sustainable chemical reactions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chemical-reactions-heart-of-modern-existence">Chemical reactions: Heart of modern existence</h2>



<p>At the helm of this innovative research is Professor Kourosh Kalantar-Zadeh, head of the School of Chemical Engineering at the University of Sydney.</p>



<p>“People often forget that chemical reactions are at the heart of all we have and use; almost all modern products are created using some sort of chemical reaction," said Professor Kalantar-Zadeh. </p>



<p>Indeed, from high-grade plastics in medical tools to ammonia in agriculture, the production process of most modern commodities involves chemical reactions that consume significant energy, consequently leading to burgeoning <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenhouse-gas-emissions-reach-another-all-time-high/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gas emissions</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-liquid-metal-future-of-chemical-reactions">Liquid metal: Future of chemical reactions?</h2>



<p>The research team proposes that many chemical reactions could be made more efficient using liquid metals. These reactions include green hydrogen production, synthesis of structured chemicals like polymers used in household items, and decomposition of materials like microplastics and PFAS. </p>



<p>"Using liquid metals for chemical reactions is still a very new concept; most chemical reactions still rely on decades-old processes. Tapping into the ‘atomic intelligence’ of metals in liquid form to drive reactions remains largely unexplored but holds huge potential for transforming the future of chemical industries,” noted Professor Kalantar-Zadeh.</p>



<p>Last year, the team pioneered a technique using liquid metals, aiming to replace traditional, energy-guzzling processes that rely on solid catalysts (solid metals or compounds) for triggering chemical reactions.</p>



<p>The innovative methodology involves creating a range of products, including plastics, fertilizers, fuels, and feedstock.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-low-temperature-reactions-the-way-forward">Low-temperature reactions: the way forward?</h2>



<p>The team's revolutionary approach allows chemical reactions to be incited at lower temperatures. This is a stark contrast with current methods requiring metals to be heated to several thousand degrees centigrade.</p>



<p>Liquid metals can dissolve catalytic metals like tin, copper, silver, and nickel at lower temperatures. This results in alloys that facilitate chemical reactions at low energy, thus presenting a profound stride towards a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nature-inspires-solutions-for-a-sustainable-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sustainable future</a> for chemical industries.</p>



<p>The innovative research offers a roadmap demonstrating the transformative potential of altering the nature of chemical reactions.</p>



<p>As more industries recognize this potential, the possibilities are boundless, and a more sustainable future might just be within our reach.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-properties-of-liquid-metals">Unique properties of liquid metals</h2>



<p>Liquid metals, such as gallium and mercury, exhibit remarkable properties that make them ideal candidates for revolutionizing chemical processes. </p>



<p>One of the most significant advantages of liquid metals is their ability to remain in a liquid state at relatively low temperatures, allowing them to be used as efficient solvents and catalysts.</p>



<p>Additionally, liquid metals possess excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, which can further optimize reaction conditions and improve overall efficiency. This conductivity allows for better heat management during chemical processes, minimizing energy waste and enhancing the stability of reactions.</p>



<p>Furthermore, their unique atomic structure enables liquid metals to create dynamic environments for molecular interactions, potentially leading to the development of new materials and products.</p>



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



<p>As researchers continue to explore the applications of liquid metals in chemical reactions, the potential for innovation is vast. </p>



<p>From producing cleaner fuels to developing more sustainable materials, liquid metals may well serve as a cornerstone for the future of green chemistry, driving significant reductions in industrial emissions and paving the way for a more sustainable world. </p>



<p>The integration of this technology would not only change the landscape of chemical production but could also contribute to global efforts in combating climate change.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adn5871" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a></em>.</p>



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Liquid metals may create a greener future for chemical production

Liquid metals are at the forefront of a new strategy...

<p>Is there more in a name than we realize? It seems like there is, according to a fascinating new study led by Dr. Yonat Zwebner from Reichman University’s <a href="https://www.runi.ac.il/en/schools/business/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arison School of Business</a>. Who would have thought that our names might have a role in shaping our faces?</p>



<p>Dr. Zwebner conducted the research in collaboration with Dr. Moses Miller, Professor Jacob Goldenberg, Noa Grobgeld, and Professor Ruth Mayo of <a href="https://en.huji.ac.il" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hebrew University</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-name-and-face-connection">Name and face connection</h2>



<p>This study posits that a person’s face tends to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-do-not-have-free-will-stanford-scientist-robert-sapolsky/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolve</a> to mirror their name. How interesting is that? But how does this happen?</p>



<p>The researchers examined whether parents choose a baby’s name based on their appearance, or if the individual’s facial appearance changes over time to match the name given by their parents. The findings are genuinely incredible.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-matching-names-to-faces">Matching names to faces</h2>



<p>The researchers carried out an intriguing experiment where 9- to 10-year-old children and adults were asked to match faces to names. </p>



<p>Both <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/babies-use-their-mothers-scent-to-see-faces/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">children</a> and adults were able to correctly match adult faces to their respective names, significantly above what could be attributed to pure chance. However, when it came to matching children’s faces and names, the participants couldn’t make as many accurate associations.</p>



<p>It doesn't end there! In another part of this study, a machine learning system was presented with a vast database of human faces. </p>



<p>The system recognized that the representations of adult faces with the same name were remarkably more similar to each other than faces of adults with different names.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-self-fulfilling-prophecy">Self-fulfilling prophecy</h2>



<p>The bottom line? The researchers concluded that the similarity between a person’s face and their name can be seen as a self-fulfilling prophecy. </p>



<p>Our facial appearance may change over a long period to align with the social stereotypes associated with our names. Just think about it – does your name influence how you look?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-social-expectations">Impact of social expectations</h2>



<p>There's something profound that this study highlights – the broad impact of social expectations. Do you ever think about how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/people-with-many-facial-expressions-seem-more-social-and-likeable/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social constructs</a> shape us? According to Dr. Yonat Zwebner, the research demonstrates that social constructs do exist, a theory that has been difficult to prove.</p>



<p>“Our research highlights the broader significance of this surprising effect — the profound impact of social expectations. We have demonstrated that social constructs, or structuring, do exist — something that until now has been almost impossible to test empirically," said Dr. Zwebner.</p>



<p>"Social structuring is so strong that it can affect a person’s appearance. These findings may imply the extent to which other personal factors that are even more significant than names, such as gender or ethnicity, may shape who people grow up to be.”</p>



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



<p>The implications of this study extend beyond mere curiosity about names and faces; they venture into the realm of personal identity and self-perception. </p>



<p>If our names can indeed influence our physical traits, how does this shape our understanding of ourselves? It opens up a dialogue about the role of identity — are we merely shaped by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-power-of-diversity-in-friendships/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">societal expectations</a>, or do we possess agency over how we choose to present ourselves? </p>



<p>The alignment of personal identity with societal constructs could potentially lead individuals to ingratiate themselves with the traits associated with their names, impacting everything from career choices to social interactions.</p>



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



<p>This groundbreaking research raises several intriguing questions, highlighting the need for further exploration. </p>



<p>Future studies could delve into the extent to which various social constructs, such as cultural background or socioeconomic status, influence the connection between names and faces. </p>



<p>Additionally, understanding whether these effects manifest similarly across different cultures could provide deeper insights into the universality of social expectations. </p>



<p>As we broaden our inquiry into the interplay of names, faces, and identity, we may uncover further layers of complexity in the ways societal constructs shape our lives and perceptions.</p>



<p>What's in a name? Much more than we ever imagined, according to this study. It gives us food for thought about the powerful social structures that quietly shape our lives and even our faces, every day.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2405334121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a></em>.</p>



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People's faces gradually evolve to match their names

Is there more in a name than we realize? It...

<p>Another exciting chapter has recently unfolded in the endlessly fascinating universe. Astronomers around the globe were stunned by an event named the BOAT, short for the brightest-of-all-time gamma-ray burst (GRB).</p>



<p>Experts took a new look at the gamma-ray burst, which happened in October 2022, and made an amazing discovery. Using data from NASA’s Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope, scientists have detected a feature that has never been seen before. </p>



<p>The research was led by Maria Edvige Ravasio, who is associated with <a href="https://www.ru.nl/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Radboud University in Nijmegen</a>, Netherlands. She is also affiliated with Brera Observatory, part of the Italian National Institute of Astrophysics (INAF) located in Merate, Italy.</p>



<p>The team saw something unusual, a high-energy peak, which turned out to be the first high-confidence emission line ever seen in 50 years of studying GRBs.</p>



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="UioMvapp4o-3764512-12187" type="single"]</div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-an-emission-line">What's an emission line?</h2>



<p>When matter interacts with light, energy can be absorbed and reemitted in specific ways. These interactions can either brighten or dim certain colors (or energies), creating key features when the light is dispersed across a spectrum, similar to the colors of a rainbow.</p>



<p>The features can tell us a lot about the interaction, such as what chemical elements were involved. </p>



<p>At higher energies, these spectral features can reveal specific particle processes, like when matter and antimatter annihilate each other to produce gamma rays.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-feature-unique-to-the-boat">A feature unique to the BOAT</h2>



<p>Study co-author Om Sharan Salafia from the INAF-Brera Observatory in Milan explained that while some previous studies reported possible evidence for absorption and emission features in other GRBs, they ended up being just statistical fluctuations.</p>



<p>What the experts saw in the brightest gamma-ray burst is different. They ran the numbers and determined that the odds this feature is just a noise fluctuation are less than one chance in half a billion.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-story-of-gamma-ray-bursts">Story of gamma-ray bursts</h2>



<p>Gamma-ray bursts are the most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-pinpoints-location-farthest-gamma-ray-bursts-in-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">potent explosions in the cosmos</a>. These massive cosmic fireworks emit an exorbitant amount of gamma rays, the highest-energy form of light.</p>



<p>The most typical type occurs when the core of a star exhausts all its fuel, causing it to collapse and form a rapidly spinning black hole. </p>



<p>Matter falling into the black hole powers oppositely directed particle jets that blast through the star’s outer layers at nearly the speed of light. Earth detects a gamma-ray burst only when one of these jets points almost directly toward it.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intensity-of-the-brightest-gamma-ray-burst">Intensity of the brightest gamma-ray burst </h2>



<p>The BOAT, or GRB 221009A as it is formally known, erupted on October 9, 2022. It saturated most gamma-ray detectors in orbit, including those on Fermi, preventing them from measuring the blast's most intense part.</p>



<p>Reconstructed observations coupled with statistical arguments suggest that if the BOAT were part of the same population as previously detected GRBs, it would likely be the brightest burst to appear in Earth’s skies in a whopping 10,000 years.</p>



<p>The unusual emission line showed up almost 5 minutes after the BOAT's detection and well after it had dimmed enough to end saturation effects for Fermi. </p>



<p>The emission line lingered for at least 40 seconds, peaking with energy of about 12 MeV (million electron volts). To put this into perspective, the energy of visible light ranges from 2 to 3 electron volts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-made-the-spectral-feature">What made the spectral feature?</h2>



<p>The team suspects the most likely cause of this spectral feature is the annihilation of electrons and their antimatter counterparts, positrons. </p>



<p>“When an electron and a positron collide, they annihilate, producing a pair of gamma rays with an energy of 0.511 MeV,” said study co-author Gor Oganesyan at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gssi.it/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gran Sasso Science Institute</a>&nbsp;in L’Aquila, Italy. </p>



<p>“Because we’re looking into the jet, where matter is moving at near light speed, this emission becomes greatly blueshifted and pushed toward much higher energies.”</p>



<p>So, to produce an emission line peaking at 12 MeV, the annihilating particles were likely moving toward us at roughly 99.9% the speed of light.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-many-unknowns-in-gamma-ray-bursts">Many unknowns in gamma-ray bursts</h2>



<p>“After decades of studying these incredible cosmic explosions, we still don’t understand the details of how these jets work,” noted Elizabeth Hays, the Fermi project scientist at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center</a>&nbsp;in Greenbelt, Maryland. </p>



<p>“Finding clues like this remarkable emission line will help scientists investigate this extreme environment more deeply.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>In the end, it's just another day in the universe. Each second brings <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-helping-nasa-swift-pinpoint-location-gamma-ray-bursts-grbs-most-violent-explosions-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new discoveries</a>, new mysteries, and new chances to understand the cosmos around us better. This latest finding is yet another milestone in our quest to unravel the cosmic truths.</p>



<p>Video Credit: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA</p>



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Brightest gamma-ray burst ever recorded had a rare energy peak

Another exciting chapter has recently unfolded in the endlessly fascinating...

<p>“Every picture tells a story,” or so the saying goes. True enough, but what if those <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/negev-petroglyphs-ancient-art-rock-carvings-face-erosion-fungi-lichens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pictures</a> tell the story of an ancient culture and its intricate relationships with the natural world? </p>



<p>In the wilderness of the Colombian Amazon, a secretive canvas of rock art explores this very tale. It takes us back to the early settlers of the continent - meeting, marveling, and making meaning of the animals they encountered.</p>



<p>This adventure into human history is led by an international team of researchers from the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a>, <a href="https://www.udea.edu.co/">Universidad de Antioquia</a>, Medellín, and the <a href="https://unal.edu.co" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Universidad Nacional de Colombia</a>. The findings take us on a visual journey through time, culture, and ecology.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-amazon-rock-art">Ancient Amazon rock art</h2>



<p>Located in the Serranía de la Lindosa, Cerro Azul – a free-standing table-top hill near the Guayabero River – has proven to be a vital page in the storybook of man's early days in Amazonia. </p>



<p>The hill hides a trove of rock art, a gallery of vivid ochre <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-humans-used-lava-tubes-for-homes-middle-east-saudi-arabia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">paintings</a> that serve as a testament to the lives and beliefs of the region's early settlers.</p>



<p>“These rock art sites include the earliest evidence of humans in western Amazonia, dating back 12,500 years ago," said Dr. Mark Robinson, associate professor in Exeter's Department of Archaeology and History.</p>



<p>"As such, the art is an amazing insight into how these first settlers understood their place in the world and how they formed relationships with animals.” </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-amazon-through-the-lens-of-rock-art">Amazon through the lens of rock art</h2>



<p>The team's detailed study of animal remains from nearby excavations - alongside analysis of the artistic depictions - revealed an intriguing discrepancy. </p>



<p>While the remains suggest a diverse diet that included mammals, reptiles, and even fish, it appears the artists weren't merely <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-oldest-cave-painting-discovered-in-indonesia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">painting</a> what was on the dinner table.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/amazon_prehistoric-rock-art_animals_panels2_UExeter_1s.jpg" alt="a) avian/human at Las Dantas, b) lizard with round, human-like head at Currunchos, c) bird/plant/human with penis at Principal, d) sloth/human at Demoledores, e) Unknown quadruped with tail and penis at Reserva, f) Deer/human at Principal. Credit: University of Exeter" class="wp-image-1940207"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>a) avian/human at Las Dantas, b) lizard with round, human-like head at Currunchos, c) bird/plant/human with penis at Principal, d) sloth/human at Demoledores, e) Unknown quadruped with tail and penis at Reserva, f) Deer/human at Principal. Credit: University of Exeter</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>Interestingly, the animal bones' proportions didn't match the proportional representation of animals in the art. </p>



<p>This raises fascinating questions about the significance of certain species in indigenous Amazonian culture, further underlining the complexities of the relationships these early settlers forged with the animals around them.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-art-and-the-supernatural">Art and the supernatural</h2>



<p>Indeed, the visually stunning renditions of animals and humans transforming into one another alluded to a rich mythology that guided generations of Amazonians. </p>



<p>This hints at a profound spiritual aspect, suggesting that certain species were revered and believed to possess supernatural connections, warranting complex rituals from specialists.</p>



<p>“The Indigenous people of Cerro Azul and the surrounding lands hunted and depicted a diverse array of animals from different ecologies – from aquatic fish to arboreal monkeys; terrestrial deer to aerial birds, both nocturnal and diurnal," noted Dr. Javier Aceituno, of Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín.</p>



<p>"They had intimate knowledge of the various habitats in the region and possessed the relevant skills to hunt animals and harvest plants from each, as part of a broad subsistence strategy.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-big-cats-and-power-symbols">Big cats and power symbols</h2>



<p>Adding another layer of intrigue to the study are the species noticeably absent from the rock art. Big cats, despite their position as apex predators, were strikingly missing from the painted panels. </p>



<p>This absence prompts the researchers to theorize that the artists may have been restricted from depicting powerful beasts, like the jaguar, adding a new dimension to their findings.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/amazon_prehistoric-rock-art_animals_panels1_UExeter_1s.jpg" alt="a) fishing; b, c, e) hunting; d) monkey leaping/transforming sequence; f) and an unknown animal with circular feet and curved head elements. Credit: University of Exeter" class="wp-image-1940205"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>a) fishing; b, c, e) hunting; d) monkey leaping/transforming sequence; f) and an unknown animal with circular feet and curved head elements. Credit: University of Exeter</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>On the other hand, the abundant illustrations of figures combining human and animal characteristics reveal a complex mythology of transformation between animal and human states, a traditional belief still prevalent in many modern Amazonian communities.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-from-amazon-rock-art">Learning from Amazon rock art</h2>



<p>The artwork not only paints a picture of humanity's relationship with animals but also showcases a broad understanding and exploitation of diverse environments in the region, including savannah, flooded forests, and rivers.</p>



<p>Professor Jose Iriarte of Exeter offered his perspective on the value of these findings. "Our approach reveals differences between what indigenous communities exploited for food and what is conceptually important to represent - and not represent - in art," said Inarte.</p>



<p>"Though we cannot be certain what meaning these images have, they certainly do offer greater nuance to our understanding of the power of myths in indigenous communities. They are particularly revealing when it comes to more cosmological aspects of Amazonian life, such as what is considered taboo, where power resides, and how negotiations with the supernatural were conducted.”</p>



<p>The findings shed light on the intricate tapestry of Amazonian life thousands of years ago, still echoing through the timeless rock art of Cerro Azul.</p>



<p>Our journey through the annals of human cultural history continues, filling the gaps one discovery after another, allowing us a glimpse into the complex rhythms of ancient life that continue to resonate in our modern world.</p>



<p>The study is published in the <em><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0278416524000448?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Anthropological Archaeology</a></em>.</p>



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



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Rock art reveals early human ties with Amazon animals

“Every picture tells a story,” or so the saying goes....

<p>New research from the <a href="https://www.rom.on.ca/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Ontario Museum</a> (ROM) highlights a significant, yet previously overlooked source of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenhouse-gas-emissions-reach-another-all-time-high/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gas emissions</a>: drying lake beds, specifically Utah's Great Salt Lake. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-drying-lake-beds-and-climate-change-nbsp">Drying lake beds and climate change&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.oneear.2024.07.001" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>One Earth</em></a>, reports that in 2020, the desiccated bed of Great Salt Lake released 4.1 million tons of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. </p>



<p>This finding underscores the potential for drying lake beds to become substantial contributors to climate change, exacerbated by global warming.</p>



<p>“Human-caused desiccation of Great Salt Lake is exposing huge areas of lake bed and releasing massive quantities of greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere,” said Soren Brothers, the study’s lead researcher and ROM’s Allan and Helaine Shiff Curator of Climate Change.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-all-activities-contributing-to-emissions">Addressing all activities contributing to emissions</h2>



<p>Brothers noted that the significance of lake desiccation as a driver of climate change needs to be addressed in greater detail and considered in climate change mitigation and watershed planning.</p>



<p>According to the study authors, it is crucial that all activities contributing to GHG emissions be fully accounted for as societies adopt strategies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to halt the progress of climate change.</p>



<p>“Inland waters are a critical component of the global carbon cycle, emitting large quantities of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) to the atmosphere and annually burying a similar quantity of organic carbon as is buried in oceans,” the researchers added.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fluctuating-levels-of-saline-lakes">Fluctuating levels of saline lakes</h2>



<p>Great Salt Lake’s water levels vary yearly, mainly depending on the volume of meltwater from surrounding mountains. However, human activities like agriculture, industry, and municipal water use have significantly depleted the lake over the years.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Globally, similar patterns are observed in other iconic saline <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-lakes-produce-less-methane-than-previously-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lakes</a> such as the Aral Sea, Lake Urmia, and the Caspian Sea. </p>



<p>The drying of these lakes not only destroys critical habitats and degrades air quality but also accelerates climate change by emitting greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane from exposed sediments.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emissions-from-drying-lake-beds">Emissions from drying lake beds</h2>



<p>The research team measured carbon dioxide and methane emissions from the exposed sediments of Great Salt Lake between April and November 2020.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These measurements were compared with estimates of aquatic emissions to determine the anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions associated with the lake's desiccation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The findings indicated that the lake bed emitted 4.1 million tons of greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide (94%), accounting for approximately a 7% increase in Utah's human-caused greenhouse gas emissions for that year.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measuring-emissions-in-great-salt-lake">Measuring emissions in Great Salt Lake </h2>



<p>Fieldwork was conducted while Soren Brothers was an assistant professor of limnology at <a href="https://www.usu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Utah State University</a> (USU). The lead author, Melissa Cobo, was a master’s student at USU, and co-author Tobias Goldhammer is a researcher at the <a href="https://www.igb-berlin.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leibniz Institute for Freshwater Research </a>(IGB Institute) in Berlin, Germany. </p>



<p>The team measured greenhouse gas emissions every two weeks using a portable analyzer attached to a closed chamber. They visited seven sites at the south end of the lake and sampled three additional locations during an intensive three-day campaign to determine spatial variability.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-aims-to-reduce-methane-emissions-from-lakes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">methane</a> is 28 times more potent as a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide, the global warming impact was calculated in “carbon dioxide equivalents” to reflect methane's greater impact.</p>



<p>The data showed that greenhouse gas emissions from the dried lake bed were strongly related to warm temperatures, even at sites exposed for over two decades.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-driver-of-atmospheric-warming-nbsp">A new driver of atmospheric warming&nbsp;</h2>



<p>To assess whether the lake had historically been a significant greenhouse gas source, the team also measured near-shore emissions and analyzed water chemistry.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The results indicated that the lake itself was not likely a significant greenhouse gas emitter, making the current emissions from the dried bed a novel driver of atmospheric warming.</p>



<p>As climate change exacerbates drought conditions in arid regions, the desiccation of rivers and lakes could contribute to feedback loops that accelerate climate change. This underscores the need for these emissions to be considered in global greenhouse gas output assessments and in the development of reduction policies.</p>



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



<p>The implications of this study are broad and significant. If similar greenhouse gas emissions are occurring from other drying lakes around the world, the cumulative effect on global greenhouse gas levels could be substantial.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research highlights the need for more comprehensive monitoring and mitigation strategies for drying lakes as part of global efforts to combat <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/safety-on-frozen-lakes-declining-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>.</p>



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Drying lake beds are a major source of harmful emissions

New research from the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) highlights a...

<p>Prepare for an extraordinary celestial light show this week that promises to captivate your imagination! On July 30th, we will witness a remarkable occurrence: two meteor showers, the Delta Aquarids and the Alpha Capricornids, will peak simultaneously.</p>



<p>The Delta Aquarids are known for their bright and speedy meteors, while the Alpha Capricornids are famous for their slower, more colorful shooting stars.</p>



<p>This unique combo is set to light up the night sky in a stunning display of meteors, creating a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/double-meteor-shower-delta-aquarids-alpha-capricornids-light-up-night-sky-july-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">breathtaking spectacle</a> you won’t want to miss.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-science-of-meteor-showers">Science of meteor showers</h2>



<p>First, let's briefly explore the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/full-buck-moon-joins-perseids-meteor-shower-stellar-show-this-weekend/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">captivating phenomenon</a> of meteor showers. These celestial events occur when our planet passes through the debris left by comets or asteroids.</p>



<p>As Earth orbits the sun, it occasionally intersects these trails of cosmic remnants, leading to the awe-inspiring display of a meteor shower.</p>



<p>Meteoroids, the fragments we observe, vary significantly in size, ranging from minuscule grains of sand to sizable rocks. </p>



<p>Upon entering our atmosphere, they travel at incredible speeds, often surpassing 100,000 miles per hour.</p>



<p>The intense friction generated during their descent heats these particles, causing them to glow and illuminate the night sky in a stunning spectacle. </p>



<p>This dazzling display is commonly referred to as meteors or, in a more poetic sense, "shooting stars."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meteoroids-meteorites-and-meteors">Meteoroids, meteorites, and meteors</h2>



<p>Now, let’s clarify some cosmic terminology to eliminate any confusion and learn the difference between meteoroids, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/iron-meteorites-reveal-unexpected-metal-distribution-in-solar-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">meteorites</a>, and meteors.</p>



<p>Meteoroids are essentially small rocks or particles that zip through the vastness of space. </p>



<p>When they ignite upon entering the Earth's atmosphere due to the immense heat generated by their rapid descent, they transform into meteors.</p>



<p>But what happens if a meteoroid survives this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eta-aquarids-see-up-to-50-shooting-stars-per-hour-this-weekend/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fiery journey</a>? If a piece makes it through the atmosphere and lands on the Earth's surface, it is known as a meteorite.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/thousands-of-meteorites-vanish-in-antarctica-due-to-melting-ice/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Meteorites can provide valuable insights</a> into the composition of our solar system, as many of them are remnants from the early days of its formation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meet-the-stars-of-the-show">Meet the stars of the show</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-delta-aquarids">Delta Aquarids</h3>



<p>The Delta Aquarids meteor shower is a captivating annual event that lights up the night sky, especially for those in the Southern Hemisphere. </p>



<p>This shower gets its name because its radiant point -- the spot in the sky where the meteors appear to originate -- is near the star <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delta_Aquarii" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Delta Aquarii</a> in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquarius_(constellation)" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">constellation Aquarius</a>.</p>



<p>The Delta Aquarids are believed to be remnants of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/96P/Machholz" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">comet 96P Machholz</a>, which orbits the Sun approximately every five years. As this comet travels close to the Sun, it sheds particles that spread out along its orbit. </p>



<p>When Earth passes through this debris trail, the particles enter our atmosphere, causing the meteor shower. These particles, often just the size of a grain of sand, burn up due to friction with the atmosphere, creating the bright streaks we see as meteors.</p>



<p>One of the unique features of the Delta Aquarids is their long-lasting peak. Unlike other meteor showers that might peak for just one night, the Delta Aquarids have a broad peak period, typically from late July to early August. </p>



<p>During this time, stargazers can see up to 20 meteors per hour under ideal viewing conditions. The meteors are known for their faint, long trails, which can be especially beautiful against a dark, moonless sky.</p>



<p>The Delta Aquarids are part of a larger family of meteor showers associated with the same comet. This shower's meteors travel at an average speed of around 25 miles per second (40 kilometers per second), which is relatively slow compared to other meteor showers. This slower speed allows the meteors to create longer-lasting trails.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alpha-capricornids">Alpha Capricornids</h3>



<p>The Alpha Capricornids meteor shower is an intriguing celestial event that offers a stunning display of bright meteors. Originating from the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capricornus" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">constellation Capricornus</a>, this shower typically peaks around late July.</p>



<p>The Alpha Capricornids are believed to be associated with the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/169P/NEAT" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">comet 169P/NEAT</a>. As this comet orbits the Sun, it leaves behind a trail of debris. When Earth passes through this debris, the particles enter our atmosphere, causing the meteors we see. </p>



<p>Unlike many meteor showers, the Alpha Capricornids are known for producing bright, slow-moving fireballs. These fireballs can be exceptionally brilliant and can stand out even in light-polluted areas.</p>



<p>One of the most striking features of the Alpha Capricornids is the relatively low number of meteors per hour, usually around five, but the quality makes up for the quantity.</p>



<p>The meteors tend to be larger and slower, providing a more prolonged and impressive display. The fireballs produced can sometimes be so bright that they cast shadows and are visible for several seconds.</p>



<p>The Alpha Capricornids are unique because they don't produce as many meteors as some other showers, but the ones they do produce are often very bright and impressive. </p>



<p>These meteors travel at a slower speed of around 15 miles per second (25 kilometers per second), allowing for longer-lasting fireballs that are easier to observe.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stargazing-101-watching-two-meteor-showers">Stargazing 101: Watching two meteor showers</h2>



<p>The fusion of these two showers creates a unique astronomical spectacle, with meteors potentially visible every couple of minutes, providing stargazers with an enchanting experience that highlights the beauty and mystery of our universe.</p>



<p>For a truly comfortable and enjoyable viewing experience, it’s best to find a spot far away from the bright lights of the city.</p>



<p>Consider heading to a rural location or a designated dark sky park, where the atmosphere is free from light pollution that can spoil your stargazing experience and significantly hamper the visibility of these beautiful heavenly bodies.</p>



<p>Once you’ve settled in, give your eyes about 20 to 30 minutes to adjust to the darkness; this time allows your pupils to expand and enhances your ability to see the stars and meteors clearly. After this adjustment period, you’ll be ready to fully appreciate the celestial show above.</p>



<p>To ensure maximum comfort while you gaze up at the night sky, make sure to lie on a cozy blanket or settle into a reclining chair that supports your back and neck.</p>



<p>While you don’t necessarily need binoculars or telescopes to enjoy meteor showers, having a pair on hand can enrich your experience when observing constellations and planets.</p>



<p>A red flashlight is also a handy tool; it allows you to navigate around in the dark without disturbing your night vision or ruining the experience for others.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-two-meteor-showers-connecting-humans-and-space">Two meteor showers connecting humans and space</h2>



<p>Experiencing a meteor shower transcends mere observation by serving as a compelling reminder of the vast wonders beyond our planet. </p>



<p>As you recline and witness meteors blazing across the sky, you are not simply observing a natural spectacle but engaging with the universe in a significant manner. </p>



<p>This is a moment to be shared with loved ones, providing an opportunity to appreciate the beauty and mystery of the cosmos.</p>



<p>The combination of these two meteor showers, Delta Aquarids and the Alpha Capricornids, presents a distinct chance to immerse yourself in the night sky's splendor.</p>



<p>Whether you are a seasoned stargazer or simply someone who delights in gazing upward, this celestial event promises to inspire awe and provoke reflection.</p>



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Two meteor showers combine tomorrow into one spectacular show

Prepare for an extraordinary celestial light show this week that...

<p>When Northeastern graduate Camille Martin and associate professor Leila Deravi co-founded <a href="https://seaspireskincare.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Seaspire</a>, a skincare ingredients company inspired by pigments in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/octopus-and-squid-senses-linked-to-human-brain-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">octopus</a> and squid, they aimed to create products that benefit both the skin and the environment. Recent research indicates they are succeeding.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enhancing-sunscreen-protection-nbsp-with-cephalopods">Enhancing sunscreen protection&nbsp;with cephalopods </h2>



<p>A study published in the<em> </em><a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/ics.12993" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>International Journal of Cosmetic Science</em></a><em> </em>has revealed that Xanthochrome, a synthesized molecule found in cephalopods such as squid, octopus, and cuttlefish, enhances <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ultimate-natural-sunscreen/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sunscreen</a> protection when combined with zinc oxide without harming coral reefs.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Deravi, Seaspire's scientific adviser, noted that these safety findings are crucial because there are a lot of toxicities involved with (traditional) UV filters in sunscreens.</p>



<p>“Some of the chemical UV-filters in particular are known to create reactive oxygen species that are not only bad for the environment but can also seep into our skin and cause systemic toxicities,” said Deravi.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inspiration-for-natural-skincare-ingredients-nbsp">Inspiration for natural skincare ingredients&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The industry is enthusiastic about environmentally friendly innovations, added Martin, who earned her PhD in chemistry from <a href="https://www.northeastern.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northeastern University</a> in 2019 and has served as Seaspire's CEO since its inception.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Everything we do as a biotechnology company is centered around leveraging marine animals as a source of inspiration for the next generation of skincare ingredients,” explained Martin.</p>



<p>The goal of Seaspire is to make Xanthochrome accessible to skincare product manufacturers and distributors along the supply chain, ultimately incorporating it into a variety of products, including sunscreens, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-intelligence-identifies-new-anti-aging-compounds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">anti-aging</a> applications, and functional color cosmetics.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We are just wrapping up the research and development on it now and actively looking for partnerships to bring this to market,” Deravi said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chemical-compounds-for-sunscreen-protection-nbsp">Chemical compounds for sunscreen protection&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Xanthochrome, produced as a brown, textured powder, possesses potent antioxidant and skin restorative properties while providing light scattering qualities that protect against photoaging.&nbsp;</p>



<p>It is the trade name for a chemically synthesized version of xanthommatin, a molecule found in the skin of cephalopods and insects.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The secret to the cephalopods' unique coloration is derived from its multifunctional chemical compounds, which we identified in our lab at Northeastern,” Deravi explained.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-antioxidant-properties-of-cephalopod-skin-nbsp">Antioxidant properties of cephalopod skin&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Martin's Ph.D. work was the first to demonstrate that these small molecules inside cephalopod skin, contributing to the animal's camouflage, also have significant antioxidant properties.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“They're free radical scavengers, which are very important for skin health and skin barrier function,” Deravi said. Additionally, these molecules exhibit crucial optical properties that protect against sunlight exposure, functioning similarly to UV filters in sunscreens.</p>



<p>“We didn't create a new molecule. We were able to isolate and characterize the properties of the biomolecules found within cephalopods, engineer a bio-identical version of the naturally occurring material, and position Xanthochrome as a new active ingredient that provides a wide range of skincare benefits,” Martin explained. This innovation offers a single molecule with multiple functions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-boosting-the-power-of-zinc-oxide-nbsp">Boosting the power of zinc oxide&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Unlike parabens often found in sunscreens, previous research showed that Xanthochrome is not an endocrine disruptor. The latest study indicates that it boosts the ultraviolet protection of zinc oxide, which the U.S. Food and Drug Administration deems a safe and effective sunscreen ingredient, by 28% and enhances visible light blocking potential by 45%.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Moreover, Xanthochrome did not adversely affect coral cuttings even at concentrations five times higher than those used in typical formulations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commitment-to-sustainable-solutions">Commitment to sustainable solutions</h2>



<p>Martin and Deravi hope that skincare manufacturers will recognize Xanthochrome as a next-generation ingredient akin to retinoids, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We're creating products that can really be applied and adopted across a wide range of users,” Martin said. “We are creating something that is not only safe for all people but also the environment.”</p>



<p>Deravi emphasized the importance of proving the safety of new raw materials for both humans and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-plastic-pollution-has-become-a-global-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean</a>, where products eventually end up.</p>



<p>Seaspire's mission reflects a commitment to innovative, sustainable solutions in skincare, drawing inspiration from the natural world to address modern challenges in environmental and personal health. As they advance towards market readiness, their work underscores the potential for marine-inspired biotechnology to revolutionize skincare.</p>



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Octopus pigments boost the power of sunscreen protection

When Northeastern graduate Camille Martin and associate professor Leila Deravi...

<p>New research has revealed that the surface of Uranus' moon Ariel is coated with a significant amount of carbon dioxide ice, particularly on its trailing hemisphere, which always faces away from the moon's direction of orbital motion.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This discovery is surprising because even in the frigid environment of the Uranian system, carbon dioxide typically turns to gas and escapes into space.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uranus-moon-may-have-molecules-within">Uranus’ moon may have molecules within</h2>



<p>Scientists have theorized that something must be supplying the carbon dioxide to Ariel's surface.&nbsp;</p>



<p>One popular hypothesis suggests that interactions between the moon's surface and charged particles in Uranus' magnetosphere create carbon dioxide through radiolysis, a process where molecules are broken down by ionizing radiation.</p>



<p>However, a new study published in the <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.3847/2041-8213/ad566a" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Astrophysical Journal Letters</em></a> supports an alternative theory: that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-carbon-dioxide-travels-in-the-atmosphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon dioxide</a> and other molecules are emerging from within Ariel, possibly from a subsurface liquid ocean. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-dioxide-deposits-on-uranus-moon">Carbon dioxide deposits on Uranus’ moon</h2>



<p>The research, led by Richard Cartwright from <a href="https://www.jhuapl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory</a> (APL), used NASA's <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/lift-off-the-james-webb-telescope-is-headed-to-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Webb Space Telescope</a> to collect chemical spectra of Ariel's surface and compared them with spectra of simulated chemical mixtures in the lab. </p>



<p>The experts found that Ariel has some of the most carbon dioxide-rich deposits in the solar system, with an estimated thickness of at least 10 millimeters (0.4 inches) on the moon's trailing hemisphere.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-monoxide-on-ariel-s-surface">Carbon monoxide on Ariel's surface</h2>



<p>Additionally, the study detected clear signals of carbon monoxide on Ariel's surface. “It just shouldn't be there. You've got to get down to 30 Kelvin [minus 405 degrees Fahrenheit] before carbon monoxide's stable,” Cartwright said. </p>



<p>Ariel's surface temperature averages around 65 degrees Fahrenheit warmer, suggesting that carbon monoxide must be actively replenished.</p>



<p>Radiolysis could contribute to this replenishment. Laboratory experiments have demonstrated that radiation bombardment of water ice mixed with carbon-rich material can produce both carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, indicating a potential source for the rich abundance of these molecules on Ariel's trailing hemisphere.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-many-questions-remain-unanswered-nbsp">Many questions remain unanswered&nbsp;</h2>



<p>However, many questions remain about Uranus' magnetosphere and its interactions with the planet's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-four-uranus-moons-may-have-oceans-that-are-miles-deep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moons</a>. </p>



<p>Even during Voyager 2's flyby of Uranus nearly 40 years ago, scientists suspected that these interactions might be limited due to the 58-degree offset between Uranus' magnetic field axis and the orbital plane of its moons. Recent models have supported this prediction.</p>



<p>Instead, the bulk of the carbon oxides on Ariel may come from chemical processes occurring in a subsurface water ocean, with these molecules escaping through cracks in Ariel's icy exterior or even through eruptive plumes.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-does-ariel-have-liquid-water">Does Ariel have liquid water?</h2>



<p>The new spectral observations also hint that Ariel's surface might contain carbonate minerals, which can only form through interactions between liquid water and rocks.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“If our interpretation of that carbonate feature is correct, then that is a pretty big result because it means it had to form in the interior,” Cartwright said. “That's something we absolutely need to confirm, either through future observations, modeling or some combination of techniques.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-geological-activity-on-uranus-moon">Geological activity on Uranus’ moon</h2>



<p>Ariel's surface features, including gash-like canyons, crisscrossing grooves, and smooth spots believed to result from cryovolcanic spills, have led researchers to suspect that the moon may have been or still might be geologically active.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A 2023 study led by APL's Ian Cohen even suggested that Ariel and/or its sister moon Miranda could be emitting material into Uranus' <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-jupiters-magnetosphere-will-help-us-predict-space-weather/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnetosphere</a>, potentially through plumes.</p>



<p>“All these new insights underscore how compelling the Uranian system is,” Cohen said. “Whether it's to unlock the keys to how the solar system formed, better understand the planet's complex magnetosphere or determine whether these moons are potential ocean worlds, many of us in the planetary science community are really looking forward to a future mission to explore Uranus.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dedicated-missions-to-uranus-are-needed">Dedicated missions to Uranus are needed</h2>



<p>In 2023, the planetary science community, through its <a href="https://www.nationalacademies.org/our-work/planetary-science-and-astrobiology-decadal-survey-2023-2032" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Planetary Science and Astrobiology decadal survey</a>, prioritized the first dedicated mission to Uranus, raising hopes for a future scientific voyage to the turquoise ice giant.</p>



<p>Cartwright views this as an opportunity to gather valuable data about the solar system's ice giants and their potentially ocean-bearing moons. These findings could have implications for understanding similar worlds in other stellar systems.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Additionally, a mission to Uranus could provide concrete answers that are only possible through direct exploration. Most of Ariel's observed grooves, which are suspected to be openings to its interior, are on its trailing side. If carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide are leaking through these grooves, it could explain their abundance on Ariel's trailing side.</p>



<p>“It's a bit of a stretch because we just haven't seen much of the moon's surface [Voyager 2 captured only about 35% of Ariel's surface during its brief flyby],” Cartwright cautioned. “We're just not going to know until we perform more dedicated observations.”</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA/Jet Propulsion Laboratory</p>



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Uranus’ moon Ariel may have a hidden ocean

New research has revealed that the surface of Uranus' moon...

<p>NASA's devoted team at the Glenn Research Center in Cleveland is making headlines again. They have successfully <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-receives-deep-space-laser-message-psyche-mission-140-million-miles-away/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">transmitted</a> 4K video footage from an aircraft to the International Space Station (<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/international-space-station/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ISS</a>) and back, using optical or laser communications. </p>



<p>This impressive achievement, a first in the history of space exploration, is a part of a series of tests intended to facilitate live video coverage of astronauts on the moon during the Artemis missions.</p>



<p>The scientist orchestrating this feat, Dr. Daniel Raible, Principal Investigator for the High-Rate Delay Tolerant Networking (<a href="https://www1.grc.nasa.gov/space/scan/acs/tech-studies/dtn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HDTN</a>) project at Glenn, has gone on record to share the significance of this achievement.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bye-radio-waves-welcome-laser-communications">Bye radio waves, welcome laser communications</h2>



<p>For years, NASA has used radio waves to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-sent-pet-photos-to-the-space-station-using-lasers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">send information to and from space</a>. Now, they are pivoting to a more efficient method. </p>



<p>Laser communication, which uses infrared light, has the potential to transmit 10 to 100 times more data, and do it faster than the traditional radio frequency systems. </p>



<p>This is a game changer for space missions. But how did they accomplish this extraordinary feat?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-successful-laser-communications">Successful laser communications</h2>



<p>In collaboration with the Air Force Research Laboratory and NASA's Small Business Innovation Research program, the Glenn engineers installed a portable laser terminal under a Pilatus PC-12 aircraft. Data was then sent from the aircraft to an optical ground station in Cleveland. </p>



<p>From there, data traveled over an Earth-based network to NASA's White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico. </p>



<p>In a marathon of transmissions, the data traveled 22,000 miles from Earth to NASA's Laser Communications Relay Demonstration (<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/stmd/tech-demo-missions-program/laser-communications-relay-demonstration-lcrd-overview/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LCRD</a>), an orbiting experimental platform. The LCRD then relayed the signals to the ISS before they were sent back to Earth.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-boosting-space-communication">Boosting space communication</h2>



<p>These innovative experiments are more than just technological wonders. “We can now build upon the success of streaming 4K HD videos to and from the space station to provide future capabilities,” noted Dr. Raible.</p>



<p>Think about it. Video conferencing from the moon. For the Artemis astronauts, this will be instrumental in coordinating activities and maintaining crew health.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-refining-the-technology">Refining the technology</h2>



<p>After every experimental flight, the devoted team at Glenn continued to refine their technology. They found that testing space technology through aeronautics was more practical and cost-effective than ground or space testing. </p>



<p>James Demers, the chief of aircraft operations at Glenn, emphasized the importance of getting “new ideas out of the lab and flown in the relevant environment.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-era-of-space-exploration">A new era of space exploration</h2>



<p>The flights form part of an ambitious NASA initiative – to stream high-bandwidth video and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-sends-missy-elliotts-hip-hop-music-to-venus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">data from deep space</a>. Future human missions beyond low Earth orbit will harness these technologies. </p>



<p>As NASA seeks to capture high-definition data on the moon and beyond, it's the start of a laser communication era at NASA’s Space Communications and Navigation (<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/space-operations/space-communications-and-navigation-scan-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SCaN</a>) program.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-laser-communication">Impact of laser communication</h2>



<p>The shift to laser communication not only revolutionizes <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/voyager-1-resumes-messages-to-earth-from-15-billion-miles-away/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">data transmission</a> but also amplifies scientific research capabilities. </p>



<p>By enabling high-density data transfer, researchers can access real-time information from distant missions, leading to enhanced decision-making and swift technological advancements.</p>



<p>This ability to quickly and efficiently transmit large datasets is especially crucial for missions exploring outer planets, where the delays of traditional communication methods can hinder timely responses to critical situations. </p>



<p>With laser communications, scientists can monitor experiments and collect data in near real-time, opening new frontiers in space research.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-collaboration-and-future-prospects">Collaboration and future prospects</h2>



<p>NASA's exploration of laser communications really highlights how crucial collaboration is between different institutions and industries. </p>



<p>By teaming up with the Air Force Research Laboratory and innovative private sector companies, they've created a space where creativity and technological breakthroughs can thrive together.</p>



<p>As NASA looks toward the future, the continuation of these collaborations is key to overcoming the challenges of interstellar communication. </p>



<p>This united approach not only aims to establish a solid framework for future explorations but also inspires the next generation of engineers and scientists to push the boundaries of what is possible in space communication, ensuring that the journeys to the stars remain within reach.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-next-in-this-chapter">What’s next in this chapter?</h2>



<p>While the initial experiments on the ISS have concluded, researchers aren't stopping just yet. They'll continue to test 4K video streaming capabilities from the PC-12 aircraft throughout July. The goal is to develop technologies that'll usher in humanity's return to the lunar surface through Artemis.</p>



<p>The feats of the Glenn Research Center team have set the stage for a new era of space communication. Laser, not radio waves, will be the language of choice for data transmission. And when astronauts set foot on the moon once again, we on Earth will be able to witness it with unprecedented clarity.</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA/Dave Ryan</p>



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NASA just streamed a 4k video to the space station and back

NASA's devoted team at the Glenn Research Center in Cleveland...

<p>Remember the game of “Memory” you played as a kid, where you had to match pairs of cards stacked face down? Well, humans aren't the only ones who can play this game - bacteria can also remember, or so suggests a recent study led by Dr. Ilana Kolodkin-Gal from the Scojen Institute for Synthetic Biology at <a href="https://www.runi.ac.il/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reichman University</a>.</p>



<p>No, these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-and-imprint-new-era-dna-transformation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacteria</a> aren't flexing their tiny brains to match pairs of cards. Instead, they're remembering something far more crucial to their survival: how to form beneficial relationships with their hosts - be it a plant or a human.</p>



<p>This is particularly true for the bacteria Bacillus subtilis, which is widely utilized as a probiotic and a biological control agent.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bacteria-memory-spans-generations">Bacteria memory spans generations</h2>



<p>These bacteria can recall the required genes associated with colonization and symbiosis with their host even after they’ve been disconnected from the host. </p>



<p>This uncanny ability, which can last for generations, empowers the bacteria to resettle with a new host swiftly and more efficiently than those bacteria that haven’t had any previous stable interaction with a host.</p>



<p>But, what's the secret behind this bacteria's exceptional memory? Besides the usual suspects - genes - the answer also lies in the circumstances under which these genes are activated.</p>



<p>The experts discovered that the genes with multigenerational inheritance patterns showcased resistance to stress, emphasizing the critical role of the defenses developed by the bacteria during their colonization.</p>



<p>Such multigenerational benefits could explain why the association between beneficial bacteria and their hosts remains stable over time. The research team speculates that similar mechanisms could play a role in the human gut, where beneficial probiotic bacteria from the same group ensure long-term protection against disease.</p>



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



<p>The findings from Dr. Kolodkin-Gal’s research on Bacillus subtilis have significant implications for the use of probiotics in both agriculture and healthcare. </p>



<p>Understanding how these bacteria remember and react to their hosts can lead to more effective probiotic formulations. </p>



<p>In agriculture, this knowledge can improve the stability and efficacy of beneficial microbes applied to crops, enhancing plant health and yield. </p>



<p>In human health, it suggests that selecting probiotic strains with a proven history of engagement with the human gut could lead to more robust outcomes in managing gut health and preventing diseases.</p>



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



<p>As the field of microbial memory continues to grow, future research will likely focus on decoding the specific genetic mechanisms that allow for memory and adaptation in various bacterial species. </p>



<p>Exploring how environmental factors influence these memories could provide insights into not only bacterial behavior but also their interactions with different hosts.</p>



<p>Additionally, studying other microbial communities beyond Bacillus subtilis may reveal universal principles of memory and association that extend to the human microbiome, ultimately enhancing therapeutic strategies for a variety of health conditions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bacteria-memory-for-a-better-future">Bacteria memory for a better future</h2>



<p>This intriguing study was carried out with the support of Jonathan Friedman's group from the <a href="https://en.huji.ac.il" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hebrew University of Jerusalem</a> and Asaph Aharoni's group from the <a href="https://www.weizmann.ac.il/pages/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Weizmann Institute of Science</a>.</p>



<p>Also contributing were Dr. Omri Gilhar from the Weizmann Institute of Science and Dr. Liat Rahamim-Ben Navi from the Scojen Institute at Reichman University. </p>



<p>Dr. Ilana Kolodkin-Gal elaborated on the broader implications of the study.</p>



<p>"Our research findings open the door to the manipulation of the identified genes to create synthetic circuits with memory for agricultural and industrial applications, and to improve the engineering of probiotic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-microbes-discovered-destroys-pfas-forever-chemicals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacteria</a>, whose average lifespan is about 30 minutes. We aim for them to act in accordance with the signal they receive for hours or even days."</p>



<p>The potential applications are significant. Picture a world with even more effective probiotics, engineered with a memory that makes them work longer and better. Or consider the agricultural industry, which could utilize bacteria with a lasting memory to enhance <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/engineered-plant-microbiomes-the-future-of-crop-protection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crop health</a> and productivity. </p>



<p>The possibilities are as vast as they are exciting. While this is just the beginning, the journey to unlock the full potential of these memory-endowed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-keep-up-a-precise-rhythm-to-partner-with-bacteria/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacteria</a> is well underway.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0944501324002155?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microbiological Research</a></em>.</p>



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



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Bacteria have a memory of interactions with their hosts

Remember the game of “Memory” you played as a kid,...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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<p>—–</p>

Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>

Social modeling affects our food choices

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

[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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