<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>New research from <a href="https://www.vt.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Virginia Tech</a> reveals that SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-lockdowns-had-unexpected-impacts-on-wildlife-behavior/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COVID-19</a>, is prevalent among various wildlife species. </p>



<p>The study found the virus in six common backyard species and detected antibodies in five of these species, with exposure rates ranging from 40 to 60 percent.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Genetic tracking confirmed both the presence of the virus and unique viral mutations closely matching human variants, supporting human-to-animal transmission.</p>



<p>Animals near hiking trails and high-traffic public areas had the highest exposure rates, indicating that human activities play a significant role in transmitting the COVID virus to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-transmit-more-viruses-to-animals-than-we-catch-from-them/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildlife</a>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-novel-covid-virus-mutations-in-wildlife-nbsp">Novel COVID virus mutations in wildlife<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>Scientists from the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, the Department of Biological Sciences in Virginia Tech’s College of Science, and the Fralin Life Sciences Institute conducted this study, emphasizing the need for broad surveillance due to the identification of novel COVID virus mutations in wildlife. These mutations could be more harmful and transmissible, posing challenges for vaccine development.</p>



<p>However, the researchers stressed that there was no evidence of the virus being transmitted from animals to humans. People should not fear typical interactions with wildlife, as noted by Carla Finkielstein, professor of biological sciences at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The virus can jump from humans to wildlife when we are in contact with them, like a hitchhiker switching rides to a new, more suitable host,” said Finkielstein. She emphasized the virus’s goal to spread and survive, adapting and mutating to thrive in new hosts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-widespread-covid-exposure-among-wildlife">Widespread COVID exposure among wildlife</h2>



<p>Previous studies had primarily identified SARS-CoV-2 in wildlife such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-19-is-circulating-and-evolving-rapidly-in-white-tailed-deer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">white-tailed deer</a> and feral mink. The Virginia Tech study expanded the number of species examined, providing a broader understanding of virus transmission to and among wildlife. </p>



<p>This data suggests widespread exposure in wildlife, particularly in areas with high human activity, which serve as points of contact for cross-species transmission. Signs of the virus were found in deer mice, opossums, raccoons, groundhogs, rabbits, and Eastern red bats.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This study was really motivated by seeing a large, important gap in our knowledge about SARS-CoV-2 transmission in a broader wildlife community,” said Joseph Hoyt, assistant professor of biological sciences and corresponding author on the paper.</p>



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



<p>The research team collected 798 nasal and oral swabs across Virginia from animals either live-trapped and released or treated by wildlife rehabilitation centers. They also obtained 126 blood samples from six species.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Locations varied from urban areas to remote wilderness to compare virus presence in areas with different levels of human activity. Notably, two mice at the same site on the same day had the exact same variant, indicating possible transmission from the same human or between the mice.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-do-humans-pass-covid-to-wildlife">How do humans pass COVID to wildlife?</h2>



<p>Researchers remain uncertain about how the virus is transmitted from humans to animals. While wastewater is one possibility, the scientists believe trash receptacles and discarded food are more likely sources.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“I think the big take-home message is the virus is pretty ubiquitous,” said Amanda Goldberg, the study’s first author and former postdoctoral associate in Hoyt’s lab. </p>



<p>The study focused on Virginia, but many of the species that tested positive are common throughout North America, suggesting they are being exposed in other areas as well. Surveillance across a broader region is urgently needed, Hoyt emphasized.</p>



<p>“The virus is indifferent to whether its host walks on two legs or four. Its primary objective is survival,” said Finkielstein, who is also director of the Virginia Tech Molecular Diagnostics Lab.&nbsp;</p>



<p>She highlighted the importance of sequencing the virus’s genome in these species, a monumental task accomplished by a talented team of molecular biologists, bioinformaticians, and modelers in a state-of-the-art facility. “We understood the critical importance of sequencing the genome of the virus infecting those species,” she said.</p>



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



<p>The researchers stressed the need for continued surveillance to monitor these mutations. Further research is needed to understand how the virus is transmitted from humans to wildlife, spreads within species, and potentially between species.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This study highlights the potentially large host range SARS-CoV-2 can have in nature and really how widespread it might be,” Hoyt said. Understanding which wildlife species might play a role in the long-term maintenance of SARS-CoV-2 in humans requires much more work.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“What we’ve already learned is that SARS CoV-2 is not only a human problem, and it takes a multidisciplinary team to address its impact on various species and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healthy-ecosystems-are-needed-to-prevent-future-pandemics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystems</a> effectively,” Finkielstein concluded.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal<em> </em><a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-49891-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Communications</em></a>.</p>



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COVID virus is prevalent in backyard wildlife species

New research from Virginia Tech reveals that SARS-CoV-2, the virus...

<p>Each year, the 29th of July marks a remarkable day of reverence and adulation for one of nature’s most majestic predators - the tiger. First initiated in the year 2010, the annual celebration of Global Tiger Day brings together 13 tiger range countries to further a shared commitment, labeled as the Tx2, to double the number of wild tigers.</p>



<p>Celebrations in 2016 signified the midpoint of this ambitious objective, and the participation was heartening, to say the least. </p>



<p>The #ThumbsUpForTigers campaign saw WWF offices, organizations, celebrities, government officials, individuals, and families uniting on an international scale to honor the grandeur of this regal feline.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-tiger-day">Global Tiger Day</h2>



<p>“Doubling tigers is about tigers, about the whole of nature - and it's also about us," noted Marco Lambertini, Director General WWF.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This statement embodies the interconnectedness of our existence. The survival of tigers isn't just about conserving a species but preserving the intricate balance of nature - and ensuring our survival.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-tiger-day-in-bhutan-and-nepal">Global Tiger Day in Bhutan and Nepal</h2>



<p>Bhutan, the small Himalayan nation, boasted quite an exhilarating tidbit this year - a wild tiger was spotted within the Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary (BWS). This sighting happened after nearly two decades of tiger absence in the sanctuary, spawning great excitement within the nation.</p>



<p>This Global Tiger Day, also known as International Tiger Day, brings promising news from the Bardia National Park in Nepal. The results from a recent tiger monitoring study showed an increase in tiger numbers. </p>



<p>"It is the Tx2 goal that guides us through these challenges to ensure this iconic species is better protected, so we can save all by saving just one," noted Ghana Gurung,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wwfnepal.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WWF-Nepal</a>&nbsp;Senior Conservation Program Director.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-indonesia-s-need-for-protection">Indonesia's need for protection</h2>



<p>With less than 400 tigers left, Indonesia’s wild tiger population, now confined to the island of Sumatra, is critically <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/are-tigers-endangered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">endangered</a> and in urgent need for protection.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Activities and events on Global Tiger Day drive the message home with poignant reminders like the exhibition of 371 papier mâché tigers at Senayan City Mall in Jakarta.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tigers-in-malaysia-and-india">Tigers in Malaysia and India</h2>



<p>During this Global Tiger Day, <a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&amp;rls=en&amp;q=WWF-Malaysia&amp;ie=UTF-8&amp;oe=UTF-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WWF-Malaysia</a>, along with Maybank, hosted an awareness exhibition about the plight of the national animal. Dr. Dionysius S.K. Sharma, WWF-Malaysia CEO, stated: "We need to combine our efforts at full force to double the number of tigers in the wild."</p>



<p>India recently hosted a week-long celebration to raise awareness about tiger conservation, emphasizing the vital role these wild tigers play in our ecosystem. </p>



<p>The event featured educational workshops, art exhibitions, and wildlife photography contests, engaging thousands of participants to reflect on the importance of protecting tiger habitats and fostering community responsibility for their preservation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cambodia-china-and-taiwan">Cambodia, China, and Taiwan</h2>



<p>Despite the absence of tigers since 2007, Cambodia remains hopeful, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wwf.org.kh/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WWF-Cambodia</a>&nbsp;is supporting the government's plans to reintroduce tigers. A public event at the AEON Mall marked the day with exhibitions and video competitions.</p>



<p>Evidence of tigers returning and breeding has ignited optimism in Northeast China. A two-day festival was hosted by&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wwfchina.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WWF-China</a>&nbsp;and WWF-Russia, featuring presentations, discussions, and field trips.</p>



<p>DotAsia, a non-profit organisation, along with TRAFFIC East Asia and WWF, accelerated their efforts to support the Tx2 goal. A key discussion point was the role of the internet in wildlife trade, both as a threat and as a possible boon to tiger conservation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-collaborative-international-efforts">Collaborative international efforts</h2>



<p>Conservation of tigers transcends national borders, necessitating collaboration between various countries and organizations. This year, global entities came together to share <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/international-tiger-day-celebrating-one-of-earths-most-majestic-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">successful conservation</a> strategies and resources, creating synergies that can amplify their impact. </p>



<p>Collaborative efforts such as transboundary conservation regions have been highlighted as essential in protecting tiger habitats. By uniting resources and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-is-tracking-endangered-animal-habitats-from-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">knowledge</a>, countries can more effectively combat poaching and habitat loss, ensuring a stable future for wild tiger populations.</p>



<p>Global Tiger Day isn't just another date in our calendars. It is a day that accentuates the vital need to appreciate, respect, and conserve the beautiful yet endangered creature that is the tiger. As we continue in our pursuit of reaching the Tx2 goal, let's remember that every ripple counts in making a wave.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Happy Global Tiger Day, everyone!</p>



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Global Tiger Day: Worldwide support for tiger conservation

Each year, the 29th of July marks a remarkable day...

<p>Have you ever wondered about the small beetles that lurk beneath the surface of Africa's vast savannas? How about their relationship with the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/elephants-use-specific-names-to-address-each-other/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">larger animals</a> like elephants that roam these wide-open lands? </p>



<p>The unsung heroes in this natural spectacle are the dung beetles, whose sheer number and critical function in the savanna landscape is nothing short of remarkable. </p>



<p>Dr. Frank Krell, a seasoned research entomologist associated with the <a href="https://www.dmns.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Denver Museum of Nature &amp; Science</a>, has dedicated more than two decades to studying the enigmatic world of dung beetles in East Africa. </p>



<p>Collaborating with his wife, ecologist Sylvia Krell-Westerwalbesloh, Dr. Krell embarked on a three-year-long project. The research was conducted deep in the heart of East and West African savannas.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beetles-and-elephant-dung">Beetles and elephant dung</h2>



<p>The Science of Nature recently published their latest findings, illuminating a fascinating dynamic. Imagine standing in the African grasslands. You might not realize it, but you'd be standing in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dung-beetles-share-their-workload-with-their-mates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dung beetle heaven</a>.</p>



<p>If an unfortunate circumstance forces you to leave behind <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/do-bugs-bug-humans-more-than-humans-bug-bugs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human</a> waste, it can disappear in less than thirty minutes, thanks to the army of dung beetles. If it’s elephant dung though, things get a bit more complex.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beetle-elephant-relationship">Beetle-elephant relationship</h2>



<p>While studying in Kenya's Laikipia region, the duo noticed that elephant dung attracted a totally different league of dung beetles. And the question was - just how many?</p>



<p>Their investigation had a straightforward approach but needed careful execution. They collected two "boli" or balls of elephant dung, one exposed during the day and the other at night, then took notes.</p>



<p>The results were astounding. They found that while the "day bolus" served meals to just over 3,300 beetles, the sun setting saw an impressive surge in diner numbers - a whopping 13,399 beetles were feasting on the dung pile by the end of the night.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-food-and-shelter-for-beetles">Food and shelter for beetles</h2>



<p>It's known that two pounds of elephant dung serve about 13,400 beetles with food and shelter. Considering an elephant produces around 320 pounds of dung a day, a single elephant can feed over 2 million dung beetles on any given day.</p>



<p>Extrapolate that to the Laikipia-Samburu ecosystem, home to between 5,000 and 7,500 elephants, and you're looking at a staggering 14 billion dung beetles, spanning over an area of about 21,000 square miles - approximately the combined size of Maryland and New Jersey.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-ripple-effect">The ripple effect</h2>



<p>The African savanna elephant is not currently near extinction in East Africa. However, it's classified as threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and has vanished from other parts of the continent. What would happen if elephants disappeared from these areas?</p>



<p>While some beetles might find other food sources, the support system for the 14 billion dung beetles would be disrupted.</p>



<p>The extinction of the largest land mammal would undeniably have far-reaching effects, impacting the lives of billions and billions of smaller creatures that so vitally depend on them. This relationship underscores the complex and beautifully orchestrated symphony that is our natural world.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-efforts">Conservation efforts</h2>



<p>The health of the savanna ecosystem is closely tied to its largest inhabitants. Elephants and dung beetles play vital roles. Monitoring their populations is essential. It helps us understand ecological balance.</p>



<p>Researchers are gathering data to improve conservation strategies and advocate for protective policies. By focusing on both species, we contribute to preserving the complex web of life in the African savanna. This effort promotes a healthier planet for future generations.</p>



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



<p>Exploring the world of dung beetles is fascinating. They play a vital role in the ecosystem and also reveals the delicate balance in nature.</p>



<p>So, the next time you see an elephant or a dung beetle, remember the intricate dance they share in the vast African savannas.</p>



<p>Indeed, every creature, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, plays a critical role in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/groundwater-has-a-vital-role-in-ecosystem-survival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's ecosystem</a>. It prompts us to reflect. How are our actions affecting these delicate balances? And what can we do to ensure its harmony for generations to come?</p>



<p>Every living creature, no matter how small, has a significant role in the grand scheme of our world.</p>



<p>The study is published in <em><a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00114-024-01894-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Science of Nature</a></em>.</p>



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Elephant dung feeds over 2 million beetles daily

Have you ever wondered about the small beetles that lurk...

<p>Have you ever wondered what the universe looked like after the Big Bang when it was still in its infancy, a mere billion years old? With NASA's new Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, we're about to get a glimpse of the cosmic dawn.</p>



<p>This cosmic time machine is set to explore an era known as the cosmic dawn, a significant transition when the universe went from a foggy opacity to the stunning, star-filled expanse we observe today.</p>



<p>Behind this ambitious project is the esteemed astrophysicist Michelle Thaller from NASA's <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Goddard Space Flight Center</a> in Greenbelt, Maryland. </p>



<p>"Something very fundamental about the nature of the universe changed during this time. Thanks to Roman's large, sharp infrared view, we may finally figure out what happened during a critical cosmic turning point," she shares.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-setting-the-stage">Setting the stage</h2>



<p>Imagine the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-matter-does-not-exist-universe-27-billion-years-old-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">universe as a newborn</a>, a hot sea of particles and radiation. As it expanded and cooled down, protons captured electrons, forming neutral atoms and setting the stage for the stars and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-matter-seen-separating-from-normal-matter-after-galaxy-cluster-collision/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a>. </p>



<p>But there was a catch -- these neutral atoms absorbed light, creating a fog that cloaked the cosmic stage, an epoch now known as the cosmic dark ages.</p>



<p>This intriguing period, lasting from around 380,000 to 200 million years after the big bang, was a time of suspense, like an overture before the main performance, culminating in the cosmic dawn when the fog finally lifted. </p>



<p>"We're very curious about how the process happened," adds Aaron Yung from the <a href="https://www.stsci.edu/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Space Telescope Science Institute</a> in Baltimore.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prime-suspects-reveal-cosmic-dawn">Prime suspects reveal cosmic dawn</h2>



<p>So, what caused the fog to lift? The <a href="https://roman.gsfc.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope</a> aims to unmask the culprits. The likely suspects include early galaxies and their black holes.</p>



<p>How? Early galaxies, characterized by massive stars, could produce energetic light capable of breaking up neutral atoms. Meanwhile, black holes could have generated massive radiation, contributing to the same process.</p>



<p>"Roman will excel at finding the building blocks of cosmic structures," says Takahiro Morishita, an assistant scientist at <a href="https://www.caltech.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Caltech</a>/IPAC. </p>



<p>He explains that Roman's wide, clear views could quickly identify dense regions where the "fog" was being cleared, providing data on early galaxy evolution and the cosmic dawn.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-cosmic-dawn-emerged">How the cosmic dawn emerged</h2>



<p>The earliest stars were no ordinary performers. Their intimidating mass and high-energy radiation lit up the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/one-novae-star-explosion-may-be-origin-phosphorus-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">universe</a>, played a part in forming galaxies, and eventually contributed to the emergence of the cosmic dawn. But their lifetime was a fleeting moment on the cosmic scale.</p>



<p>Science theorizes that these celestial heavyweights quickly collapsed to birth black holes. </p>



<p>As the universe was still comparatively smaller, these black holes could have easily merged to form even larger ones. These supermassive black holes may have played key roles in clearing the hydrogen fog of the early universe.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-symphony-of-telescopes">Symphony of telescopes</h2>



<p>The Roman Space Telescope isn't alone in this journey; it pairs with NASA’s <a href="https://webb.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Webb Space Telescope</a>, working as a dynamic duo to illuminate the cosmic dawn. </p>



<p>While Webb probes the early universe with its deeper view, Roman broadens the perspective, examining how common quasars truly are and collecting a massive amount of data on early galaxies. </p>



<p>These combined efforts will give us an unprecedented glimpse into the universe’s early life.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mysteries-of-the-universe-s-transition">Mysteries of the universe’s transition</h2>



<p>As we step back into the throes of the universe's birth with Roman's extensive view, we inch closer to resolving the mystery of cosmic dawn. </p>



<p>Exploring the contributions of early galaxies and quasars, the Roman Space Telescope could decipher how these cosmic elements carved out bubbles in the primordial fog, paving the way for today's clear and expansive cosmic views.</p>



<p>In this cosmic journey, Roman's observations will contribute significantly to understanding how galaxies and their central supermassive black holes emerged from the primordial gas, influencing star formation, and ultimately, the universe as we know it.</p>



<p>With the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, we embark on an enlightening exploration of how our universe transitioned from being opaque to the brilliant cosmos we perceive today. </p>



<p>Guided by a team of stellar scientists and supported by leading industrial partners, this mission shines the spotlight on a transformative period in our cosmic history: The Cosmic Dawn.</p>



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



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During the cosmic dawn of our universe, 'empty' space looked very different

Have you ever wondered what the universe looked like after...

<p>Have you ever wondered how carbon dioxide (CO2) moves through our atmosphere, or how the invisible dance of this particular gas impacts our planet on a global scale? Well, it's about time we pull back the curtain and shed light on this fascinating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/co2-declared-ocean-pollutant-international-court-ruling/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phenomenon</a>.</p>



<p>The expert behind the latest captivating observations of our Earth’s atmosphere is climate scientist Lesley Ott from NASA's <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Goddard Space Flight Center</a> in Greenbelt, Maryland. The research brings us closer to understanding the complex movements of carbon dioxide.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sources-of-carbon-dioxide-in-the-atmosphere">Sources of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere</h2>



<p>Let's start by understanding the patterns of carbon dioxide movement. If we were to imagine the Earth from afar, between January to March of 2020, the swirling patterns of concentrated carbon dioxide would be noticeable, driven by wind patterns and atmospheric circulation.</p>



<p>China, the United States, and South Asia majorly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-weaker-ocean-will-release-more-carbon-into-the-atmosphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">contribute to CO2 emissions</a>. The primary sources of these emissions are power plants, industrial facilities, and automobiles.</p>



<p>Africa and South America's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-carbon-dioxide-emissions-hit-a-record-high-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emissions</a> are largely due to fires, especially those related to land management, controlled agricultural burns, deforestation, and the burning of oil and coal.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mapping-carbon-dioxide-movement-in-atmosphere">Mapping carbon dioxide movement in atmosphere</h2>



<p>The map of carbon dioxide movement was created using a model called GEOS, short for the Goddard Earth Observing System. It's a high-resolution weather model, powered by supercomputers. The resolution of this model is more than 100 times greater than a typical weather model.</p>



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="SC9OGrNocG-3762637-12187" type="single"]</div>



<p>Ott and fellow climate scientists were curious about what GEOS would reveal regarding the movement and density of carbon dioxide. </p>



<p>“We had this opportunity to say: can we tag along and see what really high-resolution CO2 looks like?” Ott said. “We had a feeling we were going to see plume structures and things that we've never been able to see when we do these coarser resolution simulations.”&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-the-pulsing-pattern">Why the pulsing pattern?</h2>



<p>You may be wondering about the pulsation seen in the carbon dioxide distribution patterns. The pulsations are due to the day-night cycles of fires flaring up and dying down and the photosynthetic activities of trees and plants.</p>



<p>Furthermore, the atmospheric layer called the planetary boundary layer also contributes to the pulsation due to its rising and falling motion as the Earth’s surface heats and cools.</p>



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



<p>Understanding patterns of carbon dioxide movement is vital to tackle climate change. As a heat-trapping greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide is the main contributor to Earth's rising temperatures. An excessive amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere causes the Earth to warm too quickly.</p>



<p>Human activities have "unequivocally caused warming," according to the latest report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. This warming leads to extreme weather events and other severe consequences such as intense storms, wildfires, heat waves, and rising sea levels.</p>



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



<p>The challenge for AJ Christensen, a senior visualization designer at <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>, was to show the differences in density of this invisible gas. </p>



<p>“We didn’t want people to get the impression that there was no carbon dioxide in these sparser regions,” said Christensen. “But we also wanted to really highlight the dense regions because that’s the interesting feature of the data. We were trying to show that there’s a lot of density over New York and Beijing.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>These visualizations are important to understand how Earth's systems work and to identify patterns in massive datasets, which can lead scientists closer to deciphering the puzzle of Earth's atmospheric processes. </p>



<p>“What’s happening is you’re stitching together this very complex array of models to make use of the different satellite data, and that’s helping us fill in this broad puzzle of all the processes that control carbon dioxide,” Ott said. </p>



<p>“The hope is that if we understand <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-soil-bacteria-contribute-to-atmospheric-co2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gases</a> really well today, we'll be able to build models that better predict them over the next decades or even centuries.”</p>



<p>Remember, understanding our planet starts with paying attention to the smallest details, even the invisible pattern of gases in our atmosphere.</p>



<p>Video/ Image Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center/Scientific Visualization Studio</p>



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



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

How carbon dioxide travels in the atmosphere

Have you ever wondered how carbon dioxide (CO2) moves through...

<p>Have you ever wondered how tiny water droplets inside clouds grow large enough to begin their downward journey, manifesting as a refreshing rain shower? This intricate process, influenced by turbulence and fondly called the "rain formation bottleneck," has fascinated scientists globally.</p>



<p>It is of fundamental importance to improving computer model simulations of weather and climate, thus paving the way for enhanced weather forecasts.</p>



<p>In an exciting breakthrough, a research team spearheaded by scientists at the renowned U.S.&nbsp;National Science Foundation National Center for Atmospheric Research&nbsp;(<a href="https://ncar.ucar.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NSF NCAR</a>) made a significant discovery.</p>



<p>Their investigation revealed that the turbulent motions of air within clouds profoundly influence droplet growth and the initiation of rain.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-turbulence-clouds-and-rain-showers">Turbulence, clouds, and rain showers</h2>



<p>The team employed sophisticated computer modeling for detailed observations of droplets within cumulus&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aerosols-have-an-underestimated-effect-on-clouds-and-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">clouds</a>.</p>



<p>The data used was collected during a <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a> field operation, providing invaluable insights into the impacts of turbulence on the tiny droplets that eventually coalesce and become raindrops.</p>



<p>“This research shows that turbulent effects on drop coalescence are critical for the evolution of droplet sizes and the initiation of rain,” expressed  lead author and an esteemed scientist at NSF NCAR, Kamal Kant Chandrakar.  </p>



<p>“Turbulence in cumulus clouds substantially speeds up rainfall and leads to far greater amounts of rain.”</p>



<p>Through their findings, the team discovered that in computer simulations that included&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-has-caused-more-severe-turbulence-on-airplanes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">turbulence</a>, rain formed nearly 20 minutes earlier than in those without turbulence.</p>



<p>Furthermore, the mass of rainwater was more than seven times higher in turbulence-inclusive simulations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-journey-from-tiny-water-droplets-to-rain">Journey from tiny water droplets to rain</h2>



<p>Let's understand &nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/smallest-pollution-particles-affect-rainfall-in-the-amazon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rain formation</a>. The process starts with tiny water droplets in clouds condensing around microscopic particles like dust or salt, known as cloud condensation nuclei (CCN).&nbsp;</p>



<p>As these millions of droplets meet and mingle, they merge into larger droplets that eventually become weighty enough to descend from the cloud and grace us as rain.</p>



<p>The formation of these raindrops can be influenced by a variety of factors, from the distribution of different droplet sizes to turbulent motions and the properties of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-rain-the-growing-threat-of-airborne-microplastics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">particles in the cloud</a>. </p>



<p>Ensuring accurate representation of this process in weather and climate system models is crucial for improving their reliability.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-turbulence-on-rain-formation">Impact of turbulence on rain formation</h2>



<p>Chandrakar and his team used detailed observations of drop size distributions taken by research aircraft flying into cumulus congestus clouds during NASA's 2019 field campaign, the Cloud, Aerosol, and Monsoon Processes Philippines Experiment (<a href="https://espo.nasa.gov/camp2ex/content/CAMP2Ex" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CAMP2Ex</a>). </p>



<p>They developed high-resolution simulations to recreate the cloud conditions observed during the campaign, exploring how the droplets coalesced under different turbulent flows.</p>



<p>These simulations illuminated the fundamental role of turbulence in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-rainfall-gets-an-unpredictable-boost-from-air-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rainfall</a>&nbsp;timing and extent. Contrary to some rain formation theories, the presence of large CCN could not account for the observed sizes and evolution of droplets.</p>



<p>In simulations with large CCN and minimal turbulence, droplet coalescence was slower, yielding less rain.</p>



<p>“The development of rain is fundamental to clouds, weather, and the entire climate system," Chandrakar astutely summed it up. </p>



<p>Deepening our understanding of this process could lead to significant improvements in computer models, enhancing the accuracy of weather forecasts and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earthcare-satellite-will-reveal-the-climate-effects-of-clouds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a>&nbsp;projections, contributing to societal protection.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-importance-of-rain-in-ecosystems">Importance of rain in ecosystems</h2>



<p>Rain is a vital component of the Earth's ecosystem, supporting countless life forms and maintaining the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-endured-a-million-years-of-rain-in-the-carnian-pluvial-event/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">delicate balance of nature</a>. </p>



<p>When raindrops reach the ground, they initiate a series of processes that nourish the flora and fauna. This moisture is essential for plant growth, significantly influencing agriculture and the availability of natural resources.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Furthermore, rain replenishes freshwater sources, such as rivers, lakes, and aquifers, which are critical for human consumption, hygiene, and various industrial processes.</p>



<p>In addition to its ecological significance, rain contributes to the health of many terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. It plays a crucial role in nutrient cycling, as it helps dissolve and transport essential minerals from the soil to plants.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Moreover, rain helps regulate temperatures and mitigate the effects of drought, ensuring the sustainability of diverse habitats.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In urban environments, rainwater harvesting is gaining attention. It is a sustainable practice that helps cities use natural resources efficiently. This method alleviates pressure on existing water supply systems. It also promotes biodiversity and reduces flood risks.</p>



<p>Rain plays a multifaceted role in our environment. It sustains life and supports ecosystems. Understanding its importance helps us appreciate its essential nature. Ultimately, rain contributes to ecological harmony.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2319664121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</em></a>.</p>



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



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

Discovery: How clouds turn tiny water droplets into rain showers

Have you ever wondered how tiny water droplets inside clouds...

<p>Clear air turbulence, the invisible peril haunting the skies, is expected to intensify with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-has-caused-more-severe-turbulence-on-airplanes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>, scientists warn. </p>



<p>As our climate heats up, this silent troublemaker has been studied extensively. Researchers have determined that from 1980 to 2021, the frequency of clear air turbulence increased in the Northern Hemisphere. Now, it’s predicted to become even more common due to global warming.</p>



<p>This might be a bolt from the blue for many, as clear air turbulence is generally unexpected and, unlike other turbulence types, difficult to detect and avoid.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-birthplace-of-clear-air-turbulence">Birthplace of clear air turbulence</h2>



<p>Occasionally, aircraft flying through <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-will-accelerate-jet-stream-winds-and-airplane-turbulence/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">jet streams</a> encounter surges of volatile, upwards-moving air known as vertical wind shear, which leads to turbulence.</p>



<p>Now, as Earth's climate continues to warm up, we can expect an increase in both the speed of jet streams and the prevalence of vertical wind shears, heralding a likely rise in turbulence incidents.</p>



<p>A recent study involved the analysis of extensive data sets and comprehensive model simulations. The results of the study suggest that the frequency of clear air turbulence will increase in most jet stream-affected regions, especially North Africa, East Asia, and the Middle East.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-danger-of-clear-air-turbulence">Danger of clear air turbulence</h2>



<p>The dangers associated with turbulence might be well-known to those who frequently fly, but clear air turbulence, being invisible and unpredictable, poses a unique threat. </p>



<p>"Clear air turbulence is the main cause of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aviation-emissions-big-data-analysis-sparks-new-concerns/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aviation</a> turbulence, causing approximately 70% of all weather-related accidents over the United States," explained Mohamed Foudad, an atmospheric scientist at the <a href="https://www.reading.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Reading</a>.</p>



<p>Foudad and his team have been leading the research into this phenomenon, including the potential impacts of climate change.</p>



<p>"We now have high confidence that climate change is increasing clear air turbulence in some regions," noted Foudad. Aviation engineers need to take this into account when designing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-flight-inspires-the-design-of-future-aircraft/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">future aircraft</a>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-turbulence-trends-predicting-the-intensity">Turbulence trends: Predicting the intensity</h2>



<p>The team of scientists led by Foudad used 11 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-temperature-increase-2023-blew-past-all-climate-models/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate models</a> to decipher past and future shifts in clear air turbulence.</p>



<p>The researchers performed 20 computer simulations based on potential future warming increases, from 1 degree Celsius (equivalent to current warming) to 4 degrees Celsius.</p>



<p>Upon reanalyzing atmospheric data from 1980 to 2021, they discovered that moderate-to-severe clear air turbulence swelled by approximately 60 to 155 percent over North Africa, East Asia, the Middle East, the North Atlantic, and the North Pacific.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-navigating-the-invisible-threat">Navigating the invisible threat </h2>



<p>While forecasting clear air turbulence is both difficult and costly, an upswing could present safety issues for aircraft. </p>



<p>According to the researchers, further analyses could reveal whether future flights might be safer cruising at altitudes higher or lower than the current norm.</p>



<p>Nonetheless, the good news is that modern aircraft are built to withstand potent turbulence. "We will see more of these accidents, but people should also be aware that aircraft are designed to resist the worst turbulence that could happen," noted Foudad.</p>



<p>To navigate the skies safely amidst the challenges posed by climate change, collaboration across scientific, engineering, and aviation fields is crucial.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strategies-for-safer-flights">Strategies for safer flights</h2>



<p>As the threat of clear air turbulence grows due to climate change, it becomes essential to develop strategies that enhance safety for both passengers and crew. </p>



<p>Airlines and aviation authorities are exploring various approaches to better predict and manage turbulence encounters.</p>



<p>One promising method involves the integration of advanced weather forecasting systems that utilize machine learning algorithms to analyze atmospheric conditions in real time. These systems can provide pilots with timely alerts about potential turbulence, allowing them to adjust flight paths proactively. </p>



<p>Additionally, equipping aircraft with better sensors that detect changes in air pressure and wind patterns could help in identifying turbulence before it becomes a significant issue.</p>



<p>In collaboration with meteorological agencies and research institutions, the aviation industry can continually refine these strategies, adapting to the emerging challenges posed by climate change. </p>



<p>By investing in technology, training, and education, the goal of safer skies amidst increasing clear air turbulence becomes a more achievable reality.</p>



<p>The study is published in the <em><a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2023JD040261" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres</a></em>.</p>



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



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

Clear air turbulence expected to intensify in a warmer climate

Clear air turbulence, the invisible peril haunting the skies, is...

<p>For years, we've been striving to understand the intricacies of one of nature's most profound mysteries -&nbsp;human<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/where-in-the-brain-does-consciousness-reside-scientists-think-they-might-know/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> consciousness</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This enigmatic phenomenon has puzzled scientists and philosophers alike, as the experts strive to to unravel the intricate relationship between the brain and our conscious experience. Understanding this complex interplay could shed light on the nature of consciousness itself.</p>



<p>What's the secret to its formation in the brain? How do neural networks give rise to the subjective experience of awareness?</p>



<p>Professor Ekrem Dere from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ruhr University Bochum</a>, Germany, proposes a novel approach to this timeless enigma. He advocates for defining conscious cognitive processes through meticulous behavioral observations and the analysis of learning curves.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This groundbreaking research aims to shed light on the underlying mechanisms that drive conscious thought and perception, offering new insights into the essence of what it means to be aware.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-consciousness-and-eureka-moments">Human consciousness and Eureka moments</h2>



<p>We've all experienced those sudden moments of insight, where the solution to a problem suddenly materializes in our mind. According to Professor Dere, these epiphanies are not accidents, but likely the result of conscious processes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-learning-how-the-brain-stores-new-information/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Learning</a>&nbsp;is often not a gradual process, but takes place in leaps and bounds; humans and animals experience sudden epiphanies every now and then," said Professor Dere, implying an intricate connection between our consciousness and these "Eureka" moments.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-gradients-of-human-consciousness">Complex gradients of human consciousness</h2>



<p>Dozing off in a cozy chair has a vastly different level of consciousness than fervently typing away at an email.&nbsp;The former might involve a dreamy, semi-aware state, while the latter demands full&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/from-daydream-to-awareness-the-brains-alert-mechanism/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">alertness</a>&nbsp;and mental acuity.</p>



<p>Our consciousness isn't binary; it exists in gradients, reflecting the wide range of cognitive engagement we experience daily. "There are different levels of consciousness, depending on whether we're sleeping or writing an email," said Professor Dere.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Solving a complex problem, for instance, requires conscious cognitive information processing at the apex of this gradation, where our mental faculties are fully activated, allowing us to navigate intricate challenges with heightened clarity and focus.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-profiling-conscious-cognition">Profiling conscious cognition</h2>



<p>To scientifically study the neurobiological correlates of these conscious processes, Professor Dere suggests presenting a task to a human or animal that can only be solved through conscious cognitive information processing, without any preconceived solution.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, one may not utilize this type of processing throughout the entire duration of the task, which introduces a challenge.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-marker-of-conscious-cognition">Marker of conscious cognition</h2>



<p>Our learning performance doesn't always improve steadily but happens in jumps or stages, reflecting the non-linear nature of cognitive development.</p>



<p>These phases of discontinuous learning after an insight may serve as timestamps indicating when conscious cognitive information processing must have taken place.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Sudden leaps in understanding provide critical data points that highlight the moments of active engagement and conscious thought.</p>



<p>By comparing these moments to other points in time during task processing, scientists can observe and understand the mechanisms used in conscious&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/visual-masking-your-brain-can-see-things-without-your-knowledge/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">information processing</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This comparative analysis allows researchers to pinpoint the exact instances when conscious cognition is at work, offering deeper insights into how we learn, solve problems, and make decisions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jigsaw-of-human-consciousness">Jigsaw of human consciousness</h2>



<p>This groundbreaking research proposes a novel approach to studying consciousness, but it also has the potential to transform our understanding of conscious cognitive processes in both humans and animals.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As we continue to explore the depths of our consciousness, each eureka moment uncovers another piece of this complex jigsaw puzzle that is the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/largest-ever-3d-map-of-human-brain-created-by-harvard-and-google/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human brain</a>.</p>



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



<p>Recent studies suggest that emotions play a crucial role in shaping our conscious experiences.&nbsp;Emotions not only influence our decisions but also affect the way we process information and our ability to learn.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The connection between emotions and consciousness could provide deeper insights into how we experience those eureka moments. </p>



<p>For instance, being in a positive emotional state might facilitate greater insight during complex tasks, while negative emotions could create barriers to effective problem resolution.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Investigating these emotional dimensions could lead to a deeper understanding of consciousness. This approach may help create more comprehensive models. By integrating both cognitive and emotional factors, we can gain valuable insights into the mind.</p>



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



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

Understanding human consciousness through 'eureka' moments

For years, we've been striving to understand the intricacies of...

<p>There is a prevalent myth about drinking echoing through the corridors of our society, one that suggests a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-single-glass-of-wine-a-night-could-lead-to-cognitive-decline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glass of wine</a>&nbsp;a day keeps the doctor away.&nbsp;Despite the popularity of this "conventional wisdom" on alcohol drinking, it is based on flawed scientific research - according to a recent report.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-myth-of-drinking-alcohol">Myth of drinking alcohol</h2>



<p>Numerous studies over time have revealed an intriguing possibility. Moderate drinkers may lead longer, healthier lives (including lower risks of heart disease and other chronic ailments) compared to those who abstain. This suggests that moderate alcohol consumption could be beneficial for overall health.</p>



<p>The consequence of such suggestions? An unfounded belief that alcohol is somewhat of a magical health potion.</p>



<p>Nonetheless, several other reports have painted a less rosy picture of the effects of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/moderate-alcohol-intake-offers-no-protection-against-obesity-or-diabetes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moderate alcohol consumption</a>. A new analysis has illuminated why this discrepancy exists.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-questionable-research-on-drinking-alcohol">Questionable research on drinking alcohol </h2>



<p>Researchers at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.uvic.ca/research/centres/cisur/index.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Victoria's Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research</a>&nbsp;have identified significant design flaws in studies linking moderate drinking to health benefits.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The main issue with these studies lies in their focus group - older adults. These studies have failed to consider the lifetime drinking habits of these individuals.</p>



<p>Consequently, moderate drinkers were compared to a group of "abstainers" and "occasional drinkers" comprising older adults.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Some of these individuals had quit drinking or reduced their alcohol intake due to the onset of various health concerns.</p>



<p>These flawed comparisons have skewed the appearances, making moderate drinkers look ostensibly healthier. However, as the researchers note, appearances can be quite deceiving in this context.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-revisiting-the-data">Revisiting the data</h2>



<p>The research team reviewed 107 published studies exploring the relationship between drinking habits and longevity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Following a review of the accumulated data, it seemed as if light to moderate drinkers had a 14% lower risk of dying during the study period compared to abstainers.</p>



<p>Things took a dramatic turn when the researchers explored further. The studies deemed "higher quality" included younger participants.</p>



<p>The studies differentiated between former drinkers and lifelong abstainers, revealing no connection between moderate alcohol drinking and increased longevity.</p>



<p>It was only the "lower quality" studies that established such a correlation. "If you look at the weakest studies, that’s where you see health benefits," noted the researchers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-myth-of-moderate-drinking-and-longevity">Myth of moderate drinking and longevity</h2>



<p>The belief that moderate drinking can lead to a longer, healthier life isn't something new - it's an idea that has existed for decades.&nbsp;</p>



<p>One example is the French paradox. This theory, popularized in the 1990s, proposed that red wine was the secret behind the relatively low rates of heart disease in France, despite rich, fatty diets. This perspective of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alcohol-has-a-hidden-impact-on-heart-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">alcohol</a>&nbsp;as a health tonic still seems to be deeply ingrained in the public's imagination.</p>



<p>However, the stark reality is that moderate drinking likely does not prolong life. Instead, it potentially invites health risks, including an increased likelihood of certain cancers. Hence, no major health organization has ever posited a risk-free level of alcohol consumption.</p>



<p>"There is simply no completely ‘safe’ level of drinking," concluded lead researcher Tim Stockwell.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-factors-and-drinking-habits">Social factors and drinking habits</h2>



<p>Beyond the scientific debate about the health implications of moderate drinking, it's essential to consider the social factors that shape drinking habits and perceptions. Cultural norms, peer influences, and social settings often play significant roles in how individuals approach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/genetics-behind-different-levels-alcohol-consumption-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">alcohol consumption</a>.</p>



<p>Many people drink to socialize, celebrate, or relax after a long day. This makes moderate drinking seem normal. However, the pressure to fit in can cause some to drink more than they plan. This blurs the line between moderation and excess.</p>



<p>Studies indicate that the context of alcohol consumption affects its health impacts. For instance, social drinking can result in larger quantities consumed quickly, potentially undermining the benefits of moderate drinking.</p>



<p>Additionally, the impact of alcohol on mental health cannot be overlooked. While some may turn to alcohol as a means of relaxation or coping with stress, it can contribute to anxiety and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seven-healthy-lifestyle-habits-that-prevent-depression/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">depression</a>&nbsp;over time.</p>



<p>This cyclical relationship complicates the narrative around moderate drinking. The context and purpose behind consumption are crucial. They matter just as much as the quantity consumed.</p>



<p>Understanding the social aspects of drinking is crucial. It helps individuals make informed choices about their alcohol consumption. This knowledge can lead to healthier lifestyles. Moreover, prioritizing well-being over social pressures is essential.</p>



<p>Exploring myths about alcohol drinking needs a balanced view, looking at both science and social factors.</p>



<p>The study is published in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jsad.com/doi/10.15288/jsad.23-00283" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs</em></a>.</p>



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



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

Drinking alcohol in moderation does not prolong life

There is a prevalent myth about drinking echoing through the...

<p>Cicada wings, with their antibacterial properties, are fascinating scientists this summer. Trillions of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/do-periodical-cicadas-eat-when-theyre-above-ground/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">periodical cicadas</a>, members of the genus Magicicada, have emerged after years of dormancy, creating a spectacle that some likened to a "cicadapocalypse."</p>



<p>For many, this event feels mesmerizing, mysterious, and magical. It's also a great opportunity for scientific discovery and innovation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-antibacterial-properties-of-cicada-wings">Antibacterial properties of cicada wings</h2>



<p>This year marked a rare and extraordinary event in the state of Illinois. Both the 13-year Brood XIX and the 17-year Brood XIII of the Magicicada genus emerged at the same time. This rare event had not occurred since 1803, and won't happen again for another 221 years.</p>



<p>The mass emergence of cicadas signaled a seminal moment for the researchers and entomologists at the <a href="https://beckman.illinois.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology</a>, a renowned research center that is part of the <a href="https://illinois.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign</a>. </p>



<p>The team had an unprecedented abundance of cicadas at their disposal, thanks to the unique environmental phenomenon. </p>



<p>Excited by the potential, the experts set out to use these cicadas for various innovative research applications, exploring the unique properties and behaviors of the insects.</p>



<p>The projects included materials science, studying cicada wings for new materials, and microbiology, examining microorganisms in their habitats to understand ecosystem health and interactions better.</p>



<p>This diverse range of research not only promised to yield groundbreaking discoveries but also highlighted the importance of biodiversity in scientific innovation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unusual-characteristics-of-cicada-wings">Unusual characteristics of cicada wings</h2>



<p>A critical area of study revolves around the unusual properties of a cicada's wing. Yutao Chen, a graduate student at Beckman studying under Professor Marianne Alleyne, delved into the microscopic world of cicada wings. </p>



<p>"Cicada wings are superhydrophobic, meaning they're really waterproof, and they also have excellent antibacterial properties," explained Chen, whose research focuses on fabricating functional cicada-inspired surfaces.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-nanoscale-features">Hidden nanoscale features</h2>



<p>The secret of the cicada wing's magical properties lies in its hidden nanoscale features. When magnified 10,000 times, the cicada wing reveals its true complexity.</p>



<p>What appears to be a smooth surface has microscopic structures known as nanopillars. These tiny features contribute to the wing's unique characteristics.</p>



<p>Distributed uniformly across each wing, these nanopillars are the key to the wings' remarkable hydrophobic and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dragonfly-wings-inspire-antibacterial-medical-implants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antibacterial properties</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>When microbes touch the nanopillars, they suffer physical damage to their outer membranes. This process effectively eliminates the microbes. It showcases the remarkable defensive mechanisms found in cicada wings.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-antibacterial-surfaces-inspired-by-cicadas">Antibacterial surfaces inspired by cicadas</h2>



<p>To mimic these natural antibacterial features, Chen used an advanced method known as nanoimprinting lithography. This technique makes it possible to copy the tiny nanopillars from cicada wings onto a type of plastic called polystyrene.</p>



<p>The resulting material is precisely textured with nanopillars, giving it the power to effectively destroy bacteria. This demonstrates the material's potential for innovative applications. It could be used to create self-cleaning and antibacterial surfaces.</p>



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



<p>Chen's work is far from over. In fact, he intends to experiment with other fabrication techniques and observe more dynamic interactions between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-and-imprint-new-era-dna-transformation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacteria</a> and replicated surfaces. </p>



<p>With over 95% of bacteria destroyed within 3 hours by the replicated nanopillars, the future holds promise for the development of durable, antibacterial surfaces inspired by a humble <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insect-wings-inspire-new-method-to-kill-bacteria-on-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insect's wing</a>.</p>



<p>We learn from nature. This is the essence of bioinspired design. It leads us into a new era of scientific discovery and also sparks technological innovation.</p>



<p>With the magic of the cicada as our muse, who knows what we might uncover next?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-significance-of-cicadas">Cultural significance of Cicadas</h2>



<p>In Japan, cicadas are cherished for their melodic songs, which are an integral part of summer festivals. Their presence is often associated with poetry and reflective thoughts on the transient beauty of life. </p>



<p>Similarly, in Native American cultures, cicadas are viewed as symbols of resilience and perseverance, echoing their remarkable life cycle.</p>



<p>Moreover, cicadas have become subjects of scientific curiosity and environmental study. Their unique life cycles, which include long periods of dormancy followed by a vivid emergence, offer insights into ecological balance and the effects of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-insect-decline-what-are-the-causes-and-consequences/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As researchers continue to study cicadas, their cultural and scientific importance highlight the connections between life and nature.</p>



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



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Cicada wings inspire new antibacterial technologies

Cicada wings, with their antibacterial properties, are fascinating scientists this...

<p>Astronomers have uncovered the secrets behind an epic collision of two massive galaxy clusters, showing that dark matter and regular matter can actually separate during these huge events.</p>



<p>Located billions of light-years away, these clusters are home to thousands of galaxies and provide deep insights into the complexities of our universe.</p>



<p>When they collided, the dark matter -- an invisible substance affected by gravity but not light -- moved ahead of the normal matter, which <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/twisted-galaxies-millions-of-light-years-away-captured-by-the-vlt-telescope/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">includes gas and stars</a>.</p>



<p>What does this mean for our understanding of cosmic structures? </p>



<p>As we delve deeper into these phenomena, we uncover not just the mechanics of the universe, but also the broader implications that could reshape our comprehension of cosmic interactions and their relevance to the natural world.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dark-matter-and-galaxy-clusters">Dark matter and galaxy clusters</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/1500-billion-orphan-stars-discovered-in-the-perseus-galaxy-cluster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Galaxy clusters</a> are immense cosmic structures held together by gravity. Only 15% of their mass is normal matter, primarily hot gas, stars, and planets, while the remaining 85% is dark matter. </p>



<p>During the collision of the clusters, known collectively as MACS J0018.5+1626, the galaxies themselves mostly remained undamaged due to the vast spaces between them. </p>



<p>However, the gas between the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/titanic-galaxy-cluster-collision-defies-all-current-understanding-of-the-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies collided</a>, becoming turbulent and superheated. While both dark and normal matter are influenced by gravity, the normal matter also interacts via electromagnetism, which slowed it down during the collision. </p>



<p>Consequently, the dark matter moved ahead, decoupling from the normal matter.</p>



<p>“The dark matter is like the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/existence-of-dark-matter-confirmed-by-new-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sand and flies ahead</a>,” said lead author Emily Silich, a graduate student working with Jack Sayers, a research professor of physics at <a href="https://www.caltech.edu/">Caltech</a> and principal investigator of the study.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-macs-j0018-5-is-a-treasure-trove">MACS J0018.5 is a treasure trove</h2>



<p>A similar decoupling of dark and normal matter was previously observed in the Bullet Cluster. However, the orientation of the <a href="https://youtu.be/t7FBmBj7p0U" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MACS J0018.5 collision was different, providing a unique perspective</a>. </p>



<p>“With the Bullet Cluster, it's like we are sitting in a grandstand watching a car race,” Sayers said. “In our case, it's more like we are on the straightaway with a radar gun, standing in front of a car as it comes at us and are able to obtain its speed.”</p>



<p>To measure the speed of the gas in the cluster, researchers employed the kinetic Sunyaev-Zel'dovich (SZ) effect. </p>



<p>This effect occurs when photons from the cosmic microwave background scatter off electrons in hot gas, causing a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astronomers-discover-planetary-system-that-resembles-tatooine-from-star-wars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Doppler shift</a>. By measuring this shift, scientists can determine the speed of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sign-of-life-found-in-the-clouds-surrounding-venus/">gas clouds</a> within galaxy clusters.</p>



<p>“The Sunyaev-Zeldovich effects were still a very new observational tool when Jack and I first turned a new camera at the CSO on galaxy clusters in 2006,” said Sunil Golwala, a professor of physics and Silich's faculty PhD advisor. </p>



<p>“We look forward to a slew of new surprises when we put next-generation instruments on the telescope at its new home in Chile.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-normal-and-dark-matter-separate-in-clusters">Normal and dark matter separate in clusters</h2>



<p>By 2019, researchers had used the kinetic SZ effect to measure the gas speed in several galaxy clusters and Keck Observatory data to determine the speed of the galaxies, which also indicates the dark matter's speed. </p>



<p>However, they noticed an anomaly in MACS J0018.5: the hot gas was moving in the opposite direction to the dark matter. Initially, they thought it might be a data error. </p>



<p>“We had this complete oddball with velocities in opposite directions,” Sayers explained. "And then Emily got involved and untangled everything.”</p>



<p>Silich used data from the <a href="https://chandra.harvard.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chandra X-ray Observatory</a> to analyze the temperature and location of the gas and its shock levels. “These cluster collisions are the most energetic phenomena since the Big Bang," she said. </p>



<p>The team also collaborated with Adi Zitrin from <a href="https://www.bgu.ac.il/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ben-Gurion University of the Negev</a> in Israel to map the dark matter using gravitational lensing and with John ZuHone from the <a href="https://www.cfa.harvard.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Center for Astrophysics at Harvard Smithsonian</a> to simulate the cluster collision.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cluster-collisions-and-dark-matter-discoveries">Cluster collisions and dark matter discoveries</h2>



<p>The researchers discovered that the clusters, before colliding, were moving toward each other at about 3000 kilometers per second. </p>



<p>The collision's orientation and the separation of dark and normal matter explained the odd velocity measurements. </p>



<p>This research provides a new method to directly probe the behavior of dark matter, offering insights into its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-matter-might-be-driving-force-behind-black-hole-mergers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mysterious nature</a>.</p>



<p>“This study is a starting point to more detailed studies into the nature of dark matter,” Silich said. “We have a new type of direct probe that shows how dark matter behaves differently from normal matter.”</p>



<p>In the future, more studies like this one could reveal additional clues about dark matter, helping scientists understand how such a mysterious substance interacts with the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-map-all-of-the-matter-in-the-universe/">universe</a>.</p>



<p>The discovery utilized data from multiple observatories, including the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory, the W.M. Keck Observatory, NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory, the Hubble Space Telescope, the European Space Agency's Herschel Space Observatory, and the Atacama Submillimeter Telescope Experiment in Chile. Some of the data was collected decades ago, with full analysis occurring over the past few years.</p>



<p>The research is published in the <a href="https://authors.library.caltech.edu/records/7zhx0-mvp60" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Astrophysical Journal</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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



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

Dark matter seen separating from normal matter after galaxy cluster collision

Astronomers have uncovered the secrets behind an epic collision of...

<p>The captivating world of quantum mechanics is constantly evolving, revealing complexities that challenge our perception of reality. Recent advancements illuminate the puzzling wave functions of entangled photons, providing remarkable insights into the behavior of these fundamental particles.</p>



<p>At the forefront of this research are experts from the <a href="https://www.uottawa.ca/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Ottawa</a> and <a href="https://www.uniroma1.it/en/pagina-strutturale/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sapienza University</a> of Rome. Their innovative approach allows for real-time visualization of entangled photon wave functions, pushing the boundaries of what we thought possible in quantum science.</p>



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



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-entanglement-discovery-is-a-revolutionary-step-forward/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Quantum entanglement</a> is a mind-boggling phenomenon that underscores the profound interconnectedness of two particles. </p>



<p>When the state of one particle changes, it can instantly influence the state of the other, regardless of the distance separating them.</p>



<p>Consider the analogy of a pair of shoes: if you pick a left shoe, you immediately know the other has to be the right one. </p>



<p>This scenario elegantly illustrates the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-entanglement-laws-thermodynamics-follow-entropy-rule/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nature of entanglement</a>, where the properties of these particles are intertwined in ways that challenge our conventional understanding of physics.</p>



<p>Central to quantum mechanics is the wave function, which encapsulates the quantum state of a system. Just as knowing a shoe's size and color aids in its identification, the wave function provides essential information -- such as position and velocity -- about quantum particles.</p>



<p>For scientists, grasping the significance of the wave function is crucial, as it empowers them to predict the outcomes of various measurements effectively. </p>



<p>As physicist Richard Feynman wisely noted, "If you think you understand quantum mechanics, you don't understand <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/radical-new-theory-finally-unites-gravity-spacetime-and-the-quantum-realm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum mechanics</a>."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-capturing-entangled-photons">Capturing entangled photons</h2>



<p>Traditionally, visualizing the wave function for complex systems like two entangled photons has necessitated a technique known as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-smallest-quantum-light-detector-now-fits-on-silicon-chip/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum state</a> tomography.</p>



<p>This method involves extensive measurements and can be quite time-consuming, often extending over hours or even days. </p>



<p>Furthermore, results can be compromised by noise and the intricacies of the setup, presenting challenges to accurate measurement.</p>



<p>To illustrate this, think of traditional tomography as reconstructing a 3D object from its 2D shadows cast on different walls -- an elaborate task that demands significant computational resources and time.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/quantum-entanglement_photons_Biphoton-state-holographic-reconstruction_credit_Nature-Photonics_1s.jpg" alt="A) Coincidence image of interference between a reference SPDC state and a state obtained by a pump beam with the shape of a Ying and Yang symbol (shown in the inset). The inset scale is the same as in the main plot. B) Reconstructed amplitude and phase structure of the image imprinted on the unknown pump. Credit: Nature Photonics" class="wp-image-1940052"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>A) Coincidence image of interference between a reference SPDC state and a state obtained by a pump beam with the shape of a Ying and Yang symbol (shown in the inset). The inset scale is the same as in the main plot. B) Reconstructed amplitude and phase structure of the image imprinted on the unknown pump. Credit: Nature Photonics</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>However, recent advancements have introduced a pioneering technique that addresses these limitations.</p>



<p>Inspired by digital holography in classical optics, the new method involves capturing a single image, known as an interferogram. This image results from the interference of light scattered by an object with a reference beam.</p>



<p>For entangled photons, researchers have enhanced this concept by superimposing a well-known <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/full-chemical-complexity-of-quantum-decoherence-finally-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum state</a> with the unknown one, enabling them to capture the spatial distribution of simultaneous photon arrivals -- referred to as a coincidence image.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-tech-photon-visualization">High-tech photon visualization</h2>



<p>The success of this experiment relies on the use of an advanced camera that captures events with nanosecond precision at each pixel.</p>



<p>This high-resolution capability is crucial for revealing the intricate interference patterns that underpin the innovative visualization technique we are exploring.</p>



<p>Dr. Alessio D'Errico, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Ottawa and co-author of the study, highlighted the remarkable efficiency of this approach.</p>



<p>"This method is exponentially faster than previous techniques, requiring only minutes or seconds instead of days," D'Errico explained.</p>



<p>"Importantly, the detection time remains unaffected by the complexity of the system, providing a solution to the long-standing scalability challenge in projective tomography."</p>



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



<p>This breakthrough represents a significant achievement for academic research while holding profound implications for the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-quantum-revolution-will-impact-all-aspects-of-society/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">future of quantum technology</a>.</p>



<p>By facilitating faster and more accurate characterization of quantum states, this innovative method can propel advancements in quantum communication, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/building-quantum-computers-just-got-easier-with-new-technique/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum computing</a>, and quantum imaging techniques.</p>



<p>For example, enhancing our understanding and manipulation of entangled states could pave the way for more secure communication channels and advanced computational systems that surpass the capabilities of classical computers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-entangled-photons-and-the-quantum-future">Entangled photons and the quantum future</h2>



<p>The potential applications are both vast and diverse. In the realm of quantum computing, precise control over quantum states is essential for creating algorithms capable of solving problems deemed impossible by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/traditional-computers-verify-errors-made-by-quantum-computers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">traditional computers</a>.</p>



<p>In quantum communication, secure data transmission can be realized by leveraging the unique properties of entangled particles.</p>



<p>Moreover, quantum imaging stands to benefit as well, offering the possibility of high-resolution imaging at previously unattainable scales and sensitivities.</p>



<p>This research not only addresses fundamental questions about the nature of reality at the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/impossibility-paradox-calculating-incalculable-quantum-realm-particles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum level</a>, but it also lays the groundwork for practical applications that have the potential to transform industries and enhance our everyday lives.</p>



<p>The future of quantum technology looks brighter than ever, thanks to the pioneering work of brilliant scientists like Dr. Alessio D'Errico and his international collaborators.</p>



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



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

Quantum dance of entangled photons captured in real-time

The captivating world of quantum mechanics is constantly evolving, revealing...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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<p>—–</p>

Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>

Social modeling affects our food choices

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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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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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>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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