<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>Scientists have discovered something wholly unexpected and utterly captivating about the sun. Previously, events shaping our planet - volcanic eruptions, tectonic movement, climate oscillations - were predominantly chalked up to Earth's internal dynamics. But this story now has a new twist: our brilliant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/geomagnetic-storm-warning-issued-astronauts-auroras/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sun</a> also leaves its mark deep within the Earth's magma.</p>



<p>Among those pioneering the study is Wan Bo, a geologist from the <a href="http://english.igg.cas.cn" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute of Geology and Geophysics</a> of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-redox-reactions-in-earth-s-magma">Redox reactions in Earth's magma</h2>



<p>The world of science favors evidence, and what better evidence exists than the redox state of arc magma? </p>



<p>"Redox" state is the perfect balance between oxidizing and reducing conditions within magma formed in volcanic arcs. Here's the stunning part: marine creatures, rich in organic carbon, play a vital role in these deep-Earth chemical reactions, subsequently influencing the redox state of the magma.</p>



<p>Through the subduction of oceanic plates, these carbon-rich organisms make the profound journey from the ocean surface to the Earth's interior. </p>



<p>The presence of this organic carbon decreases the oxidation state of arc magma. Simply put, our magma has a dash of sunlight in it, courtesy of these carbon-laced marine organisms.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-magma-samples-and-sun-s-traces">Magma samples and Sun's traces</h2>



<p>Researchers have collected thousands of magma samples globally, giving us an extraordinary peek into the web of interactions between the surface climate and deep Earth processes. </p>



<p>These samples are crucial for locating metal ores such as copper, tin, and lithium, essential components for renewable energy technologies.</p>



<p>Two proven guides in this exploration have been the levels of vanadium and scandium in the arc magma. The researchers noticed a distinct pattern of the redox state in the magma - more oxidized at higher latitudes and less at lower latitudes. It seems that the sun leaves a different tattoo on the magma according to the Earth's latitude.</p>



<p>“Trying to explain these differences led us to discover this unexpected pattern," said Wan Bo, offering a glance into the fascinating journey of scientific discovery.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sun-seafloor-and-magma">Sun, seafloor and magma</h2>



<p>The sun's influence on Earth's deep interior doesn't end here. Seafloor studies offer more insights into this intriguing relationship. </p>



<p>There exist larger deposits of reduced carbon at lower latitudes. This carbon, upon interaction with sulfur, forms sulfide that is then seamlessly transported into the mantle, further enhancing the overall redox pattern.</p>



<p>"It suggests a strong link between the surface environment and the redox state of the deep Earth, paving new directions for exploring the resources and environmental impacts of subduction systems at different latitudes," noted study co-author Hu Fangyang.</p>



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



<p>The interconnectedness of surface and deep Earth processes could revolutionize our understanding of climate change and its impact on geological formations. </p>



<p>As global temperatures fluctuate, the alterations in organic matter availability at the ocean surface may influence the levels of carbon transported into the Earth's interior. These shifts could result in noticeable changes to the redox state of the magma over time. </p>



<p>Understanding this relationship is critical, as it may provide insights into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/suns-fury-secrets-of-solar-energy-storms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">geothermal activities</a> that contribute to volcanic eruptions and their link to climate variability. </p>



<p>Moreover, the study of these deep-Earth processes might enhance predictive models, allowing scientists to better forecast the effects of climate change on both our planet's surface and subsurface dynamics.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-geochemical-research">Geochemical research</h2>



<p>As the intrigue surrounding the sun's influence on Earth's magma continues to grow, researchers are keen to explore further avenues of investigation. </p>



<p>Future studies may focus on understanding the specific mechanisms by which organic carbon alters the redox state, and how these changes affect volcanic activity and mineral deposits. </p>



<p>Additionally, employing advanced analytical techniques could yield more detailed data on the elemental signature of magma samples, enhancing our comprehension of the geographical and chemical variations across different volcanic arcs. </p>



<p>By embracing interdisciplinary collaboration, scientists across geology, geochemistry, and environmental science can pave the way for groundbreaking discoveries that link the forces of nature shaping our world.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-journey-ahead">The journey ahead</h2>



<p>Despite these captivating findings, the insatiable curiosity and diligence of scientists continue. </p>



<p>As Wan Bo acknowledges, we need more data, especially from global marine and subducted sediments. Nevertheless, this study has opened up new, thrilling avenues for scientific exploration.</p>



<p>So, the next time you bask in the sun's warm rays, take a moment to consider its influence far-reaching, intricate, and entirely awe-inspiring.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-50337-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a></em>.</p>



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The sun affects magma formation deep within the Earth

Scientists have discovered something wholly unexpected and utterly captivating about...

<p>Giant plumes of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sahara-desert-dust-storms-carry-harmful-bacteria-and-fungi-around-the-globe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sahara Desert dust</a> that blow across the Atlantic can influence weather patterns, suppressing the formation of hurricanes and affecting North American weather. </p>



<p>However, a new study published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adn6106" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science Advances</em></a> has shown that thick dust plumes can also lead to heavier rainfall and more potential destruction from landfalling storms.</p>



<p>“Saharan dust, transported across the Atlantic Ocean by trade winds, is the predominant aerosol type during summer and early fall over the tropical Atlantic,” noted the researchers.</p>



<p>“It can efficiently alter atmospheric radiative fluxes in both shortwave and longwave bands and participate in cloud formation by serving as cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) and/or ice nuclei (IN).”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saharan-dust-and-hurricane-precipitation-nbsp">Saharan dust and hurricane precipitation<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>The study uncovered a previously unknown relationship between Saharan dust plumes and hurricane precipitation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Study co-author Yuan Wang is an assistant professor of Earth system science at the <a href="https://sustainability.stanford.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability</a>.</p>



<p>“Surprisingly, the leading factor controlling hurricane precipitation is not, as traditionally thought, sea surface temperature or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humidity-increases-urban-heat-stress/">humidity</a> in the atmosphere. Instead, it’s Sahara dust,” said Wang.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-and-saharan-dust-nbsp">Climate change and Saharan dust&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Previous research indicates that Saharan dust transport may decline in the coming decades, leading to increased hurricane rainfall due to human-caused <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-earth-energy-imbalance-temperature-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>. </p>



<p>However, there is still uncertainty regarding how climate change will affect Saharan dust outflows and the amount of additional rainfall from future hurricanes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Understanding the complex relationships among Saharan dust, ocean temperatures, and hurricane dynamics is critical for predicting and mitigating climate change impacts.</p>



<p>“Hurricanes are among the most destructive weather phenomena on Earth,” said Wang. Even relatively weak hurricanes can cause significant inland flooding and heavy rains.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tropical-cyclone-rainfall">Tropical cyclone rainfall</h2>



<p>The study authors noted that tropical cyclones (TCs) have caused catastrophic damages globally.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“According to global and regional climate models, tropical cyclone rainfall (TCR) is expected to increase with global warming, following the increased water vapor holding capacity in the atmosphere with rising temperature,” wrote the researchers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-underestimated-weather-source-nbsp">Underestimated weather source&nbsp;</h2>



<p>However, as Wang pointed out, dust has not received enough attention in conventional weather and hurricane predictions. Dust particles can have opposing effects on tropical cyclones.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to Wang, a dust particle can make ice clouds form more efficiently in the core of the hurricane, which can produce more precipitation.</p>



<p>This effect is called microphysical enhancement. However, dust can also block solar radiation and cool sea surface temperatures around the hurricane's core, thereby weakening the tropical cyclone.</p>



<p>To understand these dynamics, Wang and his colleagues developed a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/machine-learning-can-more-accurately-predict-ocean-currents/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">machine learning</a> model to predict hurricane rainfall. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dust-optical-depth-nbsp">Dust optical depth<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>Using 19 years of meteorological data and hourly satellite precipitation observations, they found that a key predictor of rainfall is dust optical depth, which measures how much light passes through a dusty plume.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The experts discovered a boomerang-shaped relationship: rainfall increases with dust optical depths between 0.03 and 0.06, then sharply decreases as dust concentration rises further. This means high concentrations of dust shift from enhancing to suppressing rainfall.</p>



<p>“This study uses an XGBoost machine learning model with 19-year meteorological data and hourly satellite precipitation observations to predict TCR for individual storms. The model identifies dust optical depth (DOD) as a key predictor that enhances performance evidently.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saharan-dust-and-tropical-cyclone-rainfall-nbsp">Saharan dust and tropical cyclone rainfall<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>The model also uncovers a nonlinear and boomerang-shape relationship between Saharan dust and TCR, with a TCR peak at 0.06 DOD and a sharp decrease thereafter. This indicates a shift from microphysical enhancement to radiative suppression at high dust concentrations,” the authors explained.</p>



<p>“Normally, when dust loading is low, the microphysical enhancement effect is more pronounced. If dust loading is high, it can more efficiently shield [the ocean] surface from sunlight, and what we call the ‘radiative suppression effect’ will be dominant,” Wang added.</p>



<p>The research highlights not only the power of machine learning algorithms to predict weather patterns, but also the urgent need to consider Saharan dust in hurricane predictions to better understand and mitigate the impacts of climate change.</p>



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



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

Saharan dust can intensify hurricanes

Giant plumes of Sahara Desert dust that blow across the...

<p>According to the <a href="https://climate.copernicus.eu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Copernicus Climate Change Service</a> (C3S), our planet has just experienced its hottest day in recorded history. </p>



<p>On July 22, 2024, the daily global average <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/death-valley-may-reach-the-hottest-temperature-ever-recorded-this-week/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperature</a> reached a new record high of 17.15°C. This exceeded the previous records of 17.09°C set just one day before on July 21, 2024, and 17.08°C set a year earlier on July 6, 2023.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hottest-day-on-record">Hottest day on record</h2>



<p>Based on preliminary data released by C3S on July 24, 2024, Monday, July 22, marked the hottest day in the ERA5 dataset, which has records dating back to 1940.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While the temperature on July 21, 2024 (17.09ºC) was nearly indistinguishable from the previous record of 17.08ºC reached on July 6, 2023, the new record temperature of 17.15°C on July 22 represents a more significant deviation than typical day-to-day variations.</p>



<p>What stands out even more is the significant difference between the temperatures recorded since July 2023 and those of all previous years. The data can be explored in <a href="https://pulse.climate.copernicus.eu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate Pulse</a>, the C3S application that provides historical and near-real-time temperature data from the ERA5 reanalysis dataset.</p>



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



<p>Before July 2023, the previous daily global average temperature record was 16.8°C, set on August 13, 2016. Since July 3, 2023, there have been 58 days that have exceeded that previous record, spread between July and August 2023, and during June and July so far in 2024.</p>



<p>“On July 21st, C3S recorded a new record for the daily global mean temperature. What is truly staggering is how large the difference is between the temperature of the last 13 months and the previous temperature records. We are now in truly uncharted territory and as the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tackling-the-dual-crises-of-climate-and-nature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a> keeps warming, we are bound to see new records being broken in future months and years,” said  C3S Director Carlo Buontempo, commenting on the record set on July 21, 2024.</p>



<p>“We now have a new record, and its value is sufficiently large to indicate with some confidence that this has exceeded the record set only last year. The event is still ongoing and it is possible the date of the peak may still change, but our data suggest we may see slightly lower temperatures in the next few days,” he added, following the new record on July 22, 2024</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-signs-of-the-times">Signs of the times</h2>



<p>Analysis of the years with the highest annual maximum daily global temperatures shows that both 2023 and 2024 have seen annual highs substantially above those recorded in previous years.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Another sign of the global warming trend is the fact that the ten years with the highest annual maximum daily average temperatures are the last ten years, from 2015 to 2024.</p>



<p>The difference between the lowest-ranked of those ten years (2015) and the previous record prior to 2023 (August 13, 2016) was 0.2°C. The jump from the 2016 record to 2023 is 0.28°C, and to the new 2024 record is 0.35°C, highlighting how substantial the warmth of 2023 and 2024 is.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forces-behind-the-hottest-day">Forces behind the hottest day</h2>



<p>But what caused this new record global average temperature? The global average temperature tends to reach its annual peak between late June and early August, coinciding with the Northern Hemisphere summer. This is because the seasonal patterns of the Northern Hemisphere drive the overall global temperatures.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The large land masses of the Northern Hemisphere warm up faster than the oceans of the Southern Hemisphere can cool down during the Northern summer months.</p>



<p>The global average temperature was already at near-record levels in recent days, slightly below the levels of 2023, after being at record levels for the time of year for more than a year.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The analysis suggests that the sudden rise in daily global average temperature is related to much above-average temperatures over large parts of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctica-in-distress-the-escalating-consequences-of-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctica</a>. Such large anomalies are not unusual during the Antarctic winter months and also contributed to the record global temperatures in early July 2023.</p>



<p>What’s more, Antarctic sea ice extent is almost as low as it was at this time last year, leading to much above-average temperatures over parts of the Southern Ocean.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-record-global-temperatures-nbsp">Record global temperatures&nbsp;</h2>



<p>As the global average temperature was already at near-record levels during the first half of July, close to the temperatures seen at this time of year in 2023, and the global average temperature typically reaches its peak at this time of year, it is not completely unexpected that we are seeing global average temperatures of this magnitude.</p>



<p>We expect the daily global average temperature to peak around July 22 or 23, 2024, and then decrease, but with possible further fluctuations in the coming weeks.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As the annual maximum global average temperature typically occurs between late June and early August, these conclusions are preliminary as scientists follow the evolution of the climate in near-real time.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In 2023, there was a second peak in the daily global average temperature on August 4 (reaching 17.05°C) that came close to the record set on July 6, 2023.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hottest-year-on-record">Hottest year on record?</h2>



<p>Whether 2024 will likely be the warmest year on record will largely depend on the development and intensity of the next phase of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/el-nino-event-may-push-earth-towards-its-hottest-year-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">El Niño</a> Southern Oscillation (ENSO) (i.e., when and how strongly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/australian-bushfires-triggered-rare-multi-year-la-nina/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">La Niña</a> develops). </p>



<p>To date, 2024 has been sufficiently warm for it to be quite possible that the full year will be warmer than 2023, but the exceptional warmth of the last four months of 2023 makes it too early to predict with confidence which year will be the warmer.</p>



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



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

Earth just experienced its hottest day ever recorded

According to the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), our planet...

<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lack-of-sexual-satisfaction-linked-to-rapid-memory-decline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Memory loss</a> and attention deficit are common complaints among those who have recovered from severe COVID-19. However, a new study from the <a href="https://www.fearp.usp.br/en/index.php/where-we-are/university-of-sao-paulo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of São Paulo</a> (USP) in Brazil reveals that even individuals with mild COVID cases can experience cognitive impairments more than 18 months after infection. </p>



<p>This finding underscores the importance of comprehensive rehabilitation for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/abzymes-new-discovery-cause-long-covid-symptoms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">long COVID</a> sufferers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-covid-infection-and-cognitive-impairment-nbsp">COVID infection and cognitive impairment<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>The study, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s40359-024-01740-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>BMC Psychology</em></a>, collected data from 302 volunteers and found cognitive impairment in 11.7 percent of mild cases, 39.2 percent of moderate cases, and 48.9 percent of severe cases. These results highlight the significant impact of neuroinflammation caused by SARS-CoV-2.</p>



<p>“Although the damage done by the disease in terms of memory loss, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/information-overflow-attention-spans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">attention</a> deficit, and slow processing increases in proportion to its severity, the same problems affect a far from negligible number of people – around 100 in our study – who had mild or moderate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/men-infected-with-even-mild-covid-cases-experience-long-term-decline-in-semen-quality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COVID</a>,” explained Antônio de Pádua Serafim, the study’s first author and a professor at the Institute of Psychology (IP-USP).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-memory-and-attention-impairments-nbsp">Memory and attention impairments<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>The results of the study emphasize the potential impact of neuroinflammation due to COVID-19 infection. Memory and attention impairments are not limited to those who were intubated or received intensive care.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Some of the data analyzed in the study were from patients who didn’t require intensive care or didn’t even have sufficient symptoms to be hospitalized and nevertheless exhibited memory loss and attention deficit,” Serafim noted. “The findings therefore opened our eyes to the question of neuroinflammation due to COVID-19.”</p>



<p>Attention and memory are crucial <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psychedelic-drugs-secreted-from-toad-skin-greatly-improve-cognitive-functioning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive functions</a> that significantly affect daily life. Participants with poor memory and attention test scores reported difficulties recalling words or performing routine activities, such as forgetting pots on the stove or failing to pick up children from school. </p>



<p>“Attention is the primary function in all mental activity, and this explains why attention deficit has such a huge impact on people’s daily lives. Impairment of attention in turn affects memory. This also affects processing activity, which involves rapid decision-making based on information,” Serafim explained.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-impairments-in-covid-recovery-nbsp">Addressing impairments in COVID recovery<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>The study, funded by the <a href="https://fapesp.br/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">São Paulo Research Foundation</a> (FAPESP), points to the importance of addressing cognitive impairments in COVID-19 recovery. Serafim and his colleagues at USP are developing programs to mitigate these cognitive losses. </p>



<p>They are exploring non-invasive techniques like neurostimulation and neurofeedback to enhance brain function through neuromodulation, which stimulates synaptic connections.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We have only case studies so far. For example, in the case of a physician who was in the intensive care unit for 34 days, we conducted a neurofeedback protocol often used to study patients with attention deficit disorder, and he made a good recovery. But that was an isolated case,” Serafim said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emotional-and-cognitive-difficulties-persist-nbsp">Emotional and cognitive difficulties persist<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>Despite the end of the severe phase of the pandemic, the cognitive sequelae persist. Serafim emphasized the need for effective intervention programs to address both emotional and cognitive difficulties resulting from COVID-19.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Serafim said that based on the knowledge his team has acquired so far regarding cognitive stimulation and rehabilitation techniques, he believes it may be possible to obtain an improvement in neural connectivity by means of brain training to stimulate overall cognitive ability.</p>



<p>“Many people were infected, and many have sequelae of this kind. However, we don’t have an effective program to intervene not only in the emotional aspects but also in the cognitive difficulties resulting from COVID-19,” said Serafim.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rehabilitation-programs-are-needed">Rehabilitation programs are needed</h2>



<p>The researchers noted that the findings provide empirical evidence regarding cognitive effects post-COVID-19, particularly in individuals experiencing severe disease manifestations.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Moreover, our study has demonstrated the presence of cognitive difficulties in individuals infected with mild and moderate symptoms, emphasizing the intricate nature of factors associated with COVID-19, as underscored in the existing literature.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>The experts said they have also highlighted the need for a comprehensive, multidimensional approach in rehabilitation programs to address the enduring cognitive impacts of COVID-19.</p>



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



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

Even mild COVID can cause prolonged cognitive impairment

Memory loss and attention deficit are common complaints among those...

<p>A new study, published in the scientific journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ece3.11658" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Ecology and Evolution</em></a>, has recently explored the potential maximum sizes of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/large-dinosaurs-did-not-necessarily-grow-faster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dinosaurs</a>, specifically focusing on the famous Tyrannosaurus Rex. </p>



<p>Dr. Jordan Mallon of the<a href="https://nature.ca/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Canadian Museum of Nature</a> and Dr. David Hone of <a href="https://www.qmul.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queen Mary University of London</a> used computer modeling to estimate that T. rex might have been 70 percent heavier than current fossil evidence suggests.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-s-largest-animals">Earth's largest animals</h2>



<p>The researchers aimed to understand how dinosaurs could have <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dinosaurs-may-have-become-warm-blooded-180-million-years-ago/">evolved</a> to such massive sizes. The study highlights that most known dinosaur species come from just a few specimens, making it unlikely that we have discovered the largest individuals.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Dinosaurs are the largest animals ever to have walked the earth. Accordingly, they inspire awe among the public, and frequently the question is asked: ‘Which is the biggest?’ But which is the biggest dinosaur (or example of some subclade or ecological guild) ever found and which is the biggest that ever lived are two separate considerations,” noted the researchers.</p>



<p>“The first is relatively straightforward to answer, notwithstanding complications in estimating body mass and comparing skeletons of variable completeness. The second consideration is the more difficult to address.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-analyzing-the-size-of-t-rex">Analyzing the size of T. rex</h2>



<p>To address this, Mallon and Hone created computer models considering variables like population size, growth rate, lifespan, and the incompleteness of the fossil record. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/were-there-three-distinct-species-of-tyrannosaurus-rex/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">T. rex</a> was chosen due to the extensive data available on this iconic dinosaur. </p>



<p>By using living alligators as a reference for body-size variance at adulthood, the researchers modeled size differences with and without considering sex differences.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The team found that the largest known T. rex fossils likely fall in the 99th percentile, representing the top one percent of body size. However, discovering an individual in the top 99.99 percent would require another 1,000 years of fossil excavation at the current rate.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-size-of-t-rex">Surprising size of T. rex</h2>



<p>According to their computer models, the largest individual T. rex that could have existed may have been 70 percent&nbsp; more massive than the current largest-known specimens, potentially weighing up to 15 tons compared to the previous estimate of 8.8 tons.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Additionally, these giant T. rexes could have been 25 percent longer, reaching up to 15 meters.</p>



<p>Dr. David Hone, from Queen Mary University of London, emphasized the significance of their findings, noting that there are hints of larger individuals in isolated bones and fragments. This suggests that larger dinosaurs existed but have yet to be discovered.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Some isolated bones and pieces certainly hint at still larger individuals than for which we currently have <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-dinosaur-comptonatus-chasei-most-complete-discovered-unique-traits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">skeletons</a>,” he said.</p>



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



<p>The study contributes to ongoing debates about the biggest fossil animals. Many of the largest dinosaurs are known from a single specimen, making it difficult to determine if that individual represents the average size of the species. Thus, the largest displayed skeletons in museums might not be the largest individuals of their species.</p>



<p>“Our study suggests that, for big fossil animals like T. rex, we really have no idea from the fossil record about the absolute sizes they might have reached. It’s fun to think about a 15-ton T. rex, but the implications are also interesting from a biomechanical or ecological perspective,” said Dr. Jordan Mallon, a paleontologist at the Canadian Museum of Nature.</p>



<p>“It’s important to stress that this isn’t really about T. rex, which is the basis of our study, but this issue would apply to all dinosaurs, and lots of other fossil species. Arguing about ‘which is the biggest?’ based on a handful of skeletons really isn’t very meaningful,” Hone added.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-true-size-of-t-rex">Understanding the true size of T. rex</h2>



<p>The study provides new insights into the possible sizes of the T. rex and other dinosaurs, suggesting that the largest individuals were likely much bigger than those currently known.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By using computer modeling and considering various factors, the researchers have opened up new possibilities for understanding the true scale of these ancient giants.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-body-sizes-of-fossil-species-nbsp">Body sizes of fossil species<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>The researchers noted that the findings serve as an important reminder that body size comparisons of fossil species should entail ontogenetically controlled statistical parameters (e.g., means and variances).&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Simply comparing the largest known individuals ignores the realities of intraspecific variation and sampling intensity, and is more likely to lead to claims that are debatable, if not outright misleading,” wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We maintain that the rigid pursuit to establish ‘which is biggest’ can distract from more interesting biological questions posed by the immensity of the non-avian dinosaurs.”</p>



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



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

T. rex was about 70 percent bigger than we thought

A new study, published in the scientific journal Ecology and...

<p>The quest for gold is not only about the grueling years of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coaches-can-improve-athletes-lives-by-being-authentic-leaders/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">training an Olympic athlete</a> endures. It's also about timing. And, not the proverbial "timing is everything." We're delving into the age factor. </p>



<p>Enter the realm of statistics, where a team from the <a href="https://uwaterloo.ca" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Waterloo</a> has revealed a fascinating insight: the age when a track-and-field athlete's performance hits its pinnacle.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-track-and-field">Track and field</h2>



<p>Track-and-field, a conglomerate of running, jumping, throwing, and combined event disciplines, has its athletes' career trajectories often mapped as a bell curve. </p>



<p>After several years of rigorous training, the athletes finally conquer their personal Everest or "peak" at a particular age, only to see their performance level slowly descend thereafter.</p>



<p>Study lead author David Awosoga, a master’s student in data science, provides a fresh perspective. He points out the uniqueness of track-and-field.</p>



<p>"Unlike other Olympic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/watching-sports-has-a-very-positive-impact-on-mental-and-physical-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sports</a> such as soccer and tennis that have high-profile competitions outside the Games, the Olympics is the largest stage upon which track-and-field athletes compete," said Awosoga.</p>



<p>"Because the Olympics occur only once every four years, track-and-field athletes must carefully consider when and how they should train to maximize their probability of qualifying for the Olympics while at their personal peak."</p>



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



<p>The research team from the University of Waterloo embarked on a statistical journey, examining data from every track and field athlete who participated in an individual event at the Olympics since the 1996 Games in Atlanta. </p>



<p>The goal was to determine the age at which an Olympic track-and-field athlete reaches their peak performance. The factors taken into account were gender, nationality, event type, duration of elite-level training, and whether the year was Olympic or not.</p>



<p>Here's what the team discovered: the average age of participation for both genders over the past three decades is remarkably consistent, standing just shy of 27 years old. </p>



<p>"Interestingly enough, our analysis also demonstrated that the median peak age for these athletes was 27," said Awosoga.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-going-downhill-after-27">Going downhill after 27?</h2>



<p>The analysis also revealed that after 27, there's only a 44 percent chance that an athlete's peak lies in the future, and the percentage drops every subsequent year.</p>



<p>"Age, however, isn’t the only factor in an athlete’s peak. What’s really exciting is that we also found that knowing it’s an Olympic year actually helps predict an athlete’s performance," noted study co-author Matthew Chow, an undergraduate economics student.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-experience-and-athlete-age">Experience and athlete age</h2>



<p>As athletes approach their peak ages, experience becomes a vital asset in their performance. Many track-and-field athletes hone their skills through years of competition, learning to navigate the pressures of high-stakes events. </p>



<p>This accumulated wisdom often allows them to adjust their strategies and tactics effectively, enhancing their overall performance. </p>



<p>For athletes beyond their mid-twenties, this combination of physical capability and seasoned judgment can lead to remarkable breakthroughs, often allowing them to defy age-related trends.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-psychological-factors-affecting-peaks">Psychological factors affecting peaks</h2>



<p>Equally important to the discussion of peak performance is the psychological component. Mental fortitude plays a significant role in an athlete's ability to compete at their highest level. </p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/embracing-stress-mindset-is-actually-a-good-thing-for-athletes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Factors</a> such as motivation, focus, and confidence are critical, particularly during the crucial moments of the Olympics. Studies reveal that athletes who cultivate a strong mental game often perform better, regardless of their age. </p>



<p>The pressure of the Olympic stage can either elevate or hinder performance, making the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mental-fatigue-impairs-athletic-performance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psychological aspect</a> a key focus area for athletes and coaches alike. </p>



<p>Understanding how to manage anxiety and leverage support systems can be instrumental in ensuring that an athlete not only reaches but also sustains their peak.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-guide-to-hitting-the-peak">A guide to hitting the peak</h2>



<p>While the researchers stress that their analysis is primarily theoretical, they envision the findings proving beneficial for athletes and fans alike. They present a list of variables that can be instrumental in predicting an athlete's peak. </p>



<p>"You can’t change the year of the Olympics, your genetics, or your nationality, but you might modify your training regimes to better align with these biological and external factors," said Awosoga.</p>



<p>When we watch these athletes compete, we are looking at a statistical rarity, someone at the peak of their physical prowess and simultaneously enjoying the perfect timing.</p>



<p>"This kind of research really helps us appreciate how hard it is to make it to the Olympics in the first place," said Chow.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://academic.oup.com/jrssig/article/21/3/6/7686552" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Significance</a></em>.</p>



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



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At what age do Olympic athletes perform their best?

The quest for gold is not only about the grueling...

<p>The world's largest living species of monitor lizard, the formidable Komodo dragon, has recently offered science another fascinating insight into its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/feeding-strategies-of-komodo-dragons-mimic-prehistoric-predators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deadly arsenal</a>. This time, it is not inside their venomous saliva, but rather in their teeth. </p>



<p>Researchers from <a href="https://www.kcl.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">King’s College London</a>, led by Dr. Aaron LeBlanc, have discovered that the serrated edges of Komodo dragons’ teeth are actually tipped with iron.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-komodo-dragon-teeth">Komodo dragon teeth</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/how-big-do-komodo-dragons-get/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Komodo</a> dragons, hailing from Indonesia, are known for their predatory efficiency. They sport sharp, curved teeth that are reminiscent of many carnivorous dinosaurs and capable of tearing apart various types of meat.</p>



<p>Whether it's small reptiles and birds, or larger game like deer, horses, or water buffalo, nothing stands a chance against the ferocious bite of the Komodo dragon.</p>



<p>The research team found that many reptiles contain iron in their teeth. Still, the Komodo dragons have managed to concentrate this iron along the cutting edges and tips of their teeth, staining them with an identifiable orange hue.</p>



<p>This is a stark contrast to crocodiles and other monitor <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-lizards-have-evolved-to-resist-deadly-snake-venom/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lizards</a> where the iron presence is so small, it's virtually invisible.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-concentrated-iron-coating">Concentrated iron coating</h2>



<p>To delve deeper into this unexpected discovery, the team collected skulls and teeth of Komodo dragons from various museums. </p>



<p>Also, they studied the teeth of Ganas, a 15-year-old Komodo dragon who had spent his life at ZSL conservation zoo, London Zoo. Using advanced imaging and chemical analysis, the researchers were able to understand the peculiar makeup of the lethal <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/komodo-dragon-varanus-komodoensis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Komodo</a> teeth. </p>



<p>They found a concentrated iron coating on top of their tooth serrations and tips. This sturdy layer keeps the teeth sharp, ready to rip flesh apart at a moment’s notice.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meat-eating-dinosaurs">Meat-eating dinosaurs </h2>



<p>The implications of this research are far-reaching. The findings open up new queries and opportunities for studying how extinct species such as dinosaurs lived and hunted.</p>



<p>Dr. Aaron LeBlanc, the study's lead author and lecturer in Dental Biosciences at King’s College London, emphasized the plan to use this research to learn more about the lifestyles of carnivorous dinosaurs. However, he pointed out a crucial obstacle in their path.</p>



<p>According to Dr. LeBlanc, current technology is unable to identify whether fossilized dinosaur teeth contained high iron levels due to chemical alterations during the fossilization process.</p>



<p>What the researchers did find is that larger meat-eating dinosaurs, like tyrannosaurs, had altered the structure of their teeth.</p>



<p>Hence, they concluded that while Komodo dragons altered their teeth's chemistry, some dinosaurs changed their dental enamel structure to maintain a sharp cutting edge.</p>



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



<p>Dr. LeBlanc and his team hope that further analysis will uncover other markers in the iron coating unaffected by fossilization. Identifying these markers could confirm whether dinosaurs indeed had iron-coated teeth, dramatically enriching our understanding of these fearsome predators.</p>



<p>The Komodo dragon, despite its fascinating biology, faces serious threats to its survival including habitat loss, tourism, and poaching.</p>



<p>Conservation efforts led by organizations like the WWF focus on protecting their habitats and ensuring these ancient predators thrive through the establishment of protected areas and sustainable tourism practices.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-the-komodo-dragon">Protecting the Komodo dragon</h2>



<p>Educating the public about the Komodo dragon's ecological significance and the challenges it faces is crucial for its conservation. By fostering an appreciation for these unique reptiles, communities can be encouraged to participate in protective measures and support conservation initiatives.</p>



<p>Schools and institutions around the world can raise awareness about biodiversity. They can implement programs that showcase its importance. Apex predators like the Komodo dragon play a critical role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Educating others about this is essential.</p>



<p>Increased public engagement can lead to a collective effort to safeguard these extraordinary creatures and their habitats.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-komodo-dragons">Understanding Komodo dragons </h2>



<p>This fascinating discovery adds more depth to our understanding of these majestic creatures, aiding conservation efforts aimed at their protection.</p>



<p>“As the world’s largest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giant-sea-lizard-khinjaria-had-teeth-like-daggers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lizards</a>, Komodo dragons are inarguably impressive animals. Having worked with them for 12 years at London Zoo, I continue to be fascinated by them and these findings further emphasize just how incredible they are," explained </p>



<p>Study co-author Dr. Benjamin Tapley is Curator of Reptiles and Amphibians at ZSL.</p>



<p>“Komodo dragons are sadly endangered, so in addition to strengthening our understanding of how iconic dinosaurs might have lived, this discovery also helps us build a deeper understanding of these amazing reptiles as we work to protect them,” said Dr. Tapley.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-024-02477-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution</a></em>.</p>



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



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

Komodo dragons have iron-tipped teeth to rip apart flesh

The world's largest living species of monitor lizard, the formidable...

<p>The marvel of symbiosis highlights the intricate interplay between different organisms, each playing a crucial part in their mutual survival and progress.</p>



<p>This biological phenomenon demonstrates how life forms, despite their differences, can forge beneficial relationships that enhance their existence.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-bacteria-symbiosis-in-action">Plant-bacteria symbiosis in action</h2>



<p>A particular and striking example of such interdependence is found in the relationship between leguminous plants and soil bacteria, also known as Rhizobia. This fascinating partnership allows <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-legumes-and-their-symbiotic-bacteria-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">legumes</a> to thrive in low-nitrogen environments, a feat that is challenging for many plants.</p>



<p>Rhizobia have a unique ability to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form the plants can utilize - ammonium. This nitrogen fixation process is vital for the legumes' growth and development, enabling them to flourish even in nutrient-poor soils.</p>



<p>But where do these beneficial bacteria reside? Quite intriguingly, they find a home within specialized structures called root nodules that form on the roots of leguminous plants.</p>



<p>These nodules provide a protective environment where the Rhizobia can live and function, facilitating a continuous exchange of nutrients that supports the health and productivity of both partners in this remarkable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-symbiotic-relationships-evolve-between-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">symbiotic relationship</a>.</p>



<p>This mutualistic interaction not only underscores the complexity and elegance of natural processes but also has significant implications for sustainable agriculture and ecosystem management.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unraveling-plant-bacteria-interaction">Unraveling plant-bacteria interaction</h2>



<p>The interaction, however, is far from simplistic. An uncontrolled formation of numerous root nodules can significantly hinder root function, impeding the plant's ability to absorb water and nutrients effectively.</p>



<p>A precise regulation over both the distribution and the amount of root nodules is required for the plants to survive. The intricate mechanisms underpinning this regulation remained largely undiscovered.</p>



<p>However, recent studies on Lotus japonicus, a model legume plant, have begun to unveil these complexities.</p>



<p>The studies have shed light on the sophisticated biological controls that manage nodule formation, ensuring that the symbiotic relationship between legumes and Rhizobia is both efficient and beneficial.</p>



<p>This groundbreaking research is a collaborative effort conducted by the National Institute for Basic Biology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Hokkaido University, Kwansei Gakuin University, RIKEN, and Aichi University of Education.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dancing-with-the-rhythm">Dancing with the rhythm</h2>



<p>The interaction between legume <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/symbiotic-relationship-plant-roots-underground-mycorrhizal-fungi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">roots</a> and Rhizobia is dictated by a rhythmic gene expression occurring every six hours. This rhythmic pattern influences the root regions susceptible to Rhizobial infection and the distribution of nodules.</p>



<p>"When Rhizobia infect legume roots, root epidermal cells form infection threads, membranous tube-like structures guiding the bacteria to the inner root tissue where they can fix <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-plants-produce-their-own-nitrogen-fertilizer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nitrogen</a>," explained study co-author Dr. Takashi Soyano.</p>



<p>"We noticed that these oscillation regions coincide with areas where infection threads are densely formed, leading us to think that this rhythmic gene expression might be related to the determination of nodule formation sites."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cytokinin-the-symbiotic-maestro">Cytokinin: The symbiotic maestro</h2>



<p>Moreover, another key discovery centered on the crucial role of the plant hormone cytokinin in this intricate process. This hormone is pivotal for maintaining the rhythmic gene expression that governs the interaction between legume roots and Rhizobia.</p>



<p>The research team observed distinct oscillatory patterns of genes involved in cytokinin biosynthesis, metabolism, and signaling following rhizobial inoculation. </p>



<p>The findings suggest that cytokinin is not only essential for initiating nodule formation but also for regulating the periodic responses that ensure an optimal balance of root nodules.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-linking-symbiosis-and-evolution">Linking symbiosis and evolution</h2>



<p>Root nodule symbiosis is not an isolated phenomenon. It occurs in the monophyletic nitrogen-fixing clade, inclusive of four orders - Fabales, Rosales, Cucurbitales, and Fagales - indicating a shared evolutionary acquisition to interact with nitrogen-fixing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/symbiotic-bacteria-provide-nutrients-to-seagrasses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacteria</a>.</p>



<p>The legume family in the order Fabales, where most species engage in root nodule symbiosis, uniquely incorporated the cytokinin pathway as an important regulatory module for the symbiosis.</p>



<p>"The discovery of periodic cytokinin responses was unexpected, raising several questions, including the molecular mechanisms that establish this periodicity and how these periodic responses shape the infection regions," said Dr. Soyano.</p>



<p>Addressing these questions can further our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of root nodule symbiosis and propel research on the spatial control of organ development through periodic responses mediated by plant hormones.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adk5589" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a></em>.</p>



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

Plants keep up a precise rhythm to partner with bacteria

The marvel of symbiosis highlights the intricate interplay between different...

<p>In a compelling display of cosmic detective work, scientists have leveraged the Universe's most precise timekeepers -- pulsars -- to potentially uncover evidence of dark matter.</p>



<p>These rapidly spinning <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neutron-star-collisions-push-the-limits-of-extreme-physics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neutron stars</a> emit beams of radiation at exact intervals, akin to cosmic lighthouses, making them exceptionally reliable for measuring time.</p>



<p>Pulsars are offering insights beyond cosmic time. Their steady 'ticking' might have brought us closer to unlocking one of the Universe's greatest mysteries.</p>



<p>By meticulously analyzing the timing irregularities in their pulses, scientists are gathering clues that could help unravel the enigmatic nature of dark matter, which comprises about 27% of the Universe.</p>



<p>Leading these discoveries is Professor John LoSecco from the <a href="https://www.nd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Notre Dame</a>, presenting his research at the <a href="https://nam2024.hull.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Astronomy Meeting</a> at the University of Hull.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-dark-matter-with-pulsar-precision">Tracking dark matter with pulsar precision</h2>



<p>"Science has developed very precise methods to measure time," Professor LoSecco explained. "On Earth we have atomic clocks and in space we have pulsars."</p>



<p>Pulsars' clockwork-like precision has long captivated astronomers. These dense, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cosmic-mystery-solved-the-puzzling-behavior-of-a-pulsar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rapidly spinning remnants</a> of massive stars emit beams of radiation that sweep across the cosmos like a lighthouse beam. </p>



<p>As these beams intersect with Earth, we perceive them as regular pulses of radio waves. The accuracy of these pulses is astonishing, measurable to nanosecond precision, making pulsars some of the universe's most precise natural clocks.</p>



<p>This extraordinary precision transforms them into invaluable tools for studying various cosmic phenomena, including the elusive presence of dark matter.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gravitational-lensing-pulsars-and-dark-matter">Gravitational lensing, pulsars, and dark matter</h2>



<p>Dark matter has puzzled astronomers for decades. Though we can't directly observe it, we know it exists due to its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-detect-highest-energy-gamma-rays-ever-from-a-pulsar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gravitational effects</a> on visible matter. </p>



<p>Unlike ordinary matter, dark matter doesn't interact with light or other forms of electromagnetic radiation, making it invisible to our telescopes.</p>



<p>Scientists estimate that dark matter comprises about 85% of the Universe's matter. Its presence is deduced from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/theory-gravity-exists-without-mass-so-dark-matter-does-not-exist/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gravitational influences</a> on visible matter, yet its nature remains one of modern physics' most significant unsolved mysteries. </p>



<p>Professor LoSecco's research leverages the fascinating phenomenon known as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-galaxy-jwst-er1g-dark-matter-einstein-ring-mystery-solved/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gravitational lensing</a>. Predicted by Einstein's theory of general relativity, this effect occurs when the gravity of a massive object bends the path of light traveling near it. </p>



<p>"While gravitation has been known to slow down light for more than a century, there have been very few applications so far," Professor LoSecco noted.</p>



<p>In this case, the researchers were looking for tiny delays in the arrival times of radio pulses from pulsars. These delays could indicate that the radio waves had traveled around an unseen <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-matter-might-be-driving-force-behind-black-hole-mergers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">concentration of mass</a> - potentially a dark matter object - somewhere between the pulsar and our telescopes on Earth.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cosmic-hide-and-seek">Cosmic hide and seek</h2>



<p>Professor LoSecco and his team analyzed data from the PPTA2 survey release from the <a href="https://www.atnf.csiro.au/research/pulsar/ppta/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Parkes Pulsar Timing Array</a>. </p>



<p>This ongoing project collects precise measurements of pulse arrival times using data from seven different radio telescopes around the world.</p>



<p>The team studied the timing of pulses from 65 'millisecond pulsars', which rotate hundreds of times per second. </p>



<p>They were looking for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-energy-flash-brighter-than-a-galaxy-traveled-8-billion-light-years-to-reach-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">specific patterns of deviation</a> in the arrival times of these pulses that could indicate the presence of dark matter.</p>



<p>"We take advantage of the fact that the Earth is moving, the Sun is moving, the pulsar is moving, and even the dark matter is moving," Professor LoSecco explained. </p>



<p>"We observe the deviations in the arrival time caused by the change in distance between the mass we are observing and the line of sight to our 'clock' pulsar."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tantalizing-results">Tantalizing results</h2>



<p>The results of this cosmic hunt were nothing short of fascinating. Professor LoSecco's team identified approximately a dozen incidents that appear to be interactions with dark matter.</p>



<p>One particularly compelling finding suggested a distortion caused by an object with about 20% of the Sun's mass.</p>



<p>"This object could be a candidate for dark matter," Professor LoSecco noted.</p>



<p>To put this in perspective, a mass the size of the Sun can produce a delay of about 10 microseconds in the arrival time of pulsar signals.</p>



<p>The observations made by Professor LoSecco's team boast resolutions on the order of nanoseconds - 10,000 times smaller.</p>



<p>This remarkable precision enables the detection of much smaller masses that could be candidates for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-matter-does-not-exist-universe-27-billion-years-old-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dark matter objects</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-following-pulsar-paths-to-dark-matter">Following pulsar paths to dark matter</h2>



<p>In summary, this important research provides tantalizing evidence of dark matter while holding vast implications for other areas of astrophysics. </p>



<p>As a side effect, it improves the pulsar timing data sample, which is used to search for low-frequency gravitational radiation.</p>



<p>Dark matter objects add 'noise' to that data. By identifying and removing this noise, researchers can clean the samples of some variability, potentially improving the accuracy of searches for gravitational waves.</p>



<p>"The true nature of dark matter is a mystery," Professor LoSecco concluded. "This research sheds new light on the nature of dark matter and its distribution in the Milky Way and may also improve the accuracy of the precision pulsar data."</p>



<p>These findings invite us to ponder the broader implications of dark matter in our universe. As we continue to explore these cosmic mysteries, we stand on the brink of revolutionary discoveries that could reshape our understanding of the cosmos.</p>



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



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Pulsars are helping astronomers pinpoint dark matter

In a compelling display of cosmic detective work, scientists have...

<p>A team of researchers has recently captured unprecedented footage of an endangered basking shark being struck by a boat off the coast of Ireland in April. This incident provided unique data on the impact of ship strikes on large marine animals. </p>



<p>“This is the first ever direct observation of a ship strike on any marine megafauna that we’re aware of,” said study lead author Taylor Chapple, a shark researcher at <a href="https://oregonstate.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oregon State University</a> (OSU)'s Hatfield Marine Science Center. </p>



<p>“The shark was struck while feeding on the surface of the water and it immediately swam to the seafloor into deeper, offshore waters, a stark contrast to its behavior prior to the strike. Our findings demonstrate the risk and impact of vessel strikes and the need for measures to reduce this risk.”</p>



<p>Unfortunately, researchers could not determine if the shark recovered, as the tag released itself seven hours later, showing no resumption of normal activities.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-the-issue-of-ship-strikes">Addressing the issue of ship strikes</h2>



<p>The study, published in the journal <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fmars.2024.1430961/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Frontiers in Marine Science</em></a>, highlights the importance of addressing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/thousands-of-whales-are-killed-by-ship-strikes-each-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vessel strikes</a>, which pose significant risks to marine life. </p>



<p>“Overlap between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-megafauna-extinctions-will-compromise-critical-ecosystem-services/">marine megafauna</a> and maritime activities has long been, and is increasingly, a topic of concern, especially given the increase in maritime traffic and the continued declines of some species. It has been demonstrated that phenomena such as the formation of ‘marine roads’ (i.e., shipping routes) pose significant risk to large surface-active marine megafauna,” wrote the study authors.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-basking-sharks-feeding-habits-nbsp">Basking sharks’ feeding habits&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Basking sharks, the second-largest known fish, are particularly vulnerable due to their surface feeding habits, similar to some whales. These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jaws-of-most-shark-species-show-little-variation-over-millions-of-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sharks</a> are listed as globally endangered, and Ireland is a crucial aggregation site for them.</p>



<p>In 2022, basking sharks in Ireland gained protection under the country’s Wildlife Act. The establishment of Ireland’s first National Marine Park earlier this year, protecting 70,000 acres of land and sea in County Kerry, aims to safeguard these sharks.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Researchers conducted a study within the park's boundaries, tagging the basking shark to study its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nurse-sharks-have-surprisingly-flexible-foraging-behavior/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">foraging behavior</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ship-strikes-have-lasting-impacts-nbsp">Ship strikes have lasting impacts<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>After tagging, data showed the shark continued normal feeding for several hours, occasionally diving, until it made a quick evasive movement followed by the keel of a boat cutting across its back.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The shark then swam rapidly to the seafloor. Video footage revealed visible damage but no open wounds. Vessel strikes, even if non-lethal, can have lasting impacts on marine animals.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vulnerability-of-basking-sharks-nbsp">Vulnerability of basking sharks<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>Nicholas Payne, co-author and assistant professor at <a href="https://www.tcd.ie/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trinity College Dublin</a>, stressed the vulnerability of basking sharks to boats due to their surface feeding behavior. </p>



<p>“The fact that a shark we fitted our ‘Fitbit’ to was struck in this area within a few hours underlines just how vulnerable these animals are to boats and highlights the need for greater education in how to mitigate against such strikes.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>The incident underscores the need for greater education and measures to mitigate such strikes.</p>



<p>Further research is necessary to understand how often basking sharks occupy habitats where they are not visible at the surface.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-an-endangered-species-nbsp">Protecting an endangered species<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>Alexandra McInturf, a research associate in Chapple’s Big Fish Lab at OSU and co-coordinator of the <a href="https://www.baskingshark.ie/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Irish Basking Shark Group</a>, emphasized the critical need to study basking shark behavior in Ireland, one of the few places globally where they are still observed regularly. </p>



<p>“This research raises additional questions about whether and how often the sharks are actually occupying such habitats when they are not clearly visible at the surface,” said McInturf.</p>



<p>“Given that Ireland is one of the only locations globally where basking sharks are still observed persistently, addressing such questions will be critical to informing not only our ecological understanding of the basking shark, but also the conservation of this globally endangered species.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-marine-life-and-human-activities">Marine life and human activities</h2>



<p>The incident highlights the pressing need for continued efforts to protect marine life from human activities and ensure the survival of endangered species like the basking shark.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The data gathered from this event provide crucial insights into the risks these animals face and underscore the necessity for protective measures to mitigate vessel strikes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The findings also offer valuable information for future conservation strategies and reinforce the importance of ongoing research to better understand and protect marine megafauna.</p>



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



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

Basking sharks are exceptionally vulnerable to ship strikes

A team of researchers has recently captured unprecedented footage of...

<p>Forests may hold an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/non-timber-forest-products-provide-opportunities-to-reduce-poverty/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">overlooked solution</a> to food scarcity in low- and middle-income countries - one that also promotes sustainable practices and carbon capture. This solution, standing tall around us for centuries, has remained largely underexplored in this context. </p>



<p>A recent research project has highlighted the potential of forests to drastically reduce&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/carolina-azolla-plant-could-help-reduce-global-food-insecurity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food insecurity</a>, particularly in countries like Liberia.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In this West African nation, an impressive 84% drop in food insecurity was observed among households participating in forest-based activities.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-liberia-a-case-study">Liberia: A case study</h2>



<p>Liberia was the focus of the study, which was led by experts from the <a href="https://www.nd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Notre Dame</a> and <a href="https://www.fgcu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Gulf Coast University</a>. </p>



<p>In collaboration with the Liberian government and the World Bank, the team conducted an extensive survey in 2019, collecting data from nearly 3,000 households living adjacent to forests across all 15 counties of Liberia.</p>



<p>The scientists discovered that when households reported engaging in forest-based activities like collecting and processing timber, hunting bushmeat or gathering edible plants, their food insecurity dropped dramatically. The study showed that these households experienced almost three fewer months of food insecurity per year.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forests-for-food-security">Forests for food security</h2>



<p>"Forests are a vital source of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seed-systems-will-play-a-key-role-in-future-food-security/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food security</a> for forest-adjacent households in Liberia," said Professor Daniel C. Miller from Notre Dame’s Keough School of Global Affairs. </p>



<p>Unfortunately, food insecurity is severe in many countries in sub-Saharan Africa. In Liberia, most rural households lack access to enough food for their daily caloric intake requirements throughout the year.</p>



<p>While the causes range from extreme weather events to political instability and poor agricultural productivity, the researchers argue that forests may prove more resilient to these stressors. </p>



<p>They suggest that forests could become increasingly vital in countries like Liberia where forests make up nearly 69 percent of the country's land area.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forests-an-essential-food-source">Forests: An essential food source</h2>



<p>The study authors argue that the manifold contributions of forests are tragically understudied and undocumented. While forest resources can never substitute for large scale agriculture, they can serve as an essential food source, particularly in lean times.</p>



<p>The study involved strategies such as using forest-specific data obtained at the national level. The researchers believe that the same approach could be useful in other economically poor yet forest-rich countries in West Africa and beyond.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-development-and-well-being">Human development and well-being </h2>



<p>Forests are not only beneficial for their climate and environmental benefits but also for their potential to support human development and well-being. This research further strengthens the argument that forests are invaluable resources.</p>



<p>Going forward, the researchers plan to explore how forest governance, particularly at the community level, can influence the benefits that can be accessed by people living near forest. </p>



<p>The study findings could be useful for policymakers focused on forest management and conservation.</p>



<p>“The benefits that forests create for the citizens of a country are yet another reason why forests are worth managing well and conserving,” said Miller. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-policy-implications-and-future-directions">Policy implications and future directions</h2>



<p>The findings of this study have significant implications for policy development in forest-rich countries facing food insecurity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Policymakers can leverage this data to create integrated strategies that not only focus on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/market-based-strategies-fall-short-on-forest-conservation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forest conservation</a>&nbsp;but also harness the potential of forests to alleviate food scarcity. By instituting community-level forest management programs, governments can ensure that local populations derive maximum benefits from forest resources while maintaining ecological balance.</p>



<p>Furthermore, international organizations and donors could support such initiatives by funding research and development programs that aim to understand the multifaceted benefits of forests. </p>



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



<p>The study advocates for a holistic approach to protect and sustainably manage forest resources. Forest conservation should be intertwined with human development goals to ensure that the benefits of forests are shared equitably among those most in need.</p>



<p>This integrated model could serve as a blueprint for other countries in the region and beyond. It demonstrates how natural resources can be utilized sustainably to foster development and well-being.</p>



<p>In conclusion, forests are more than just carbon sinks and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forest-biodiversity-benefits-from-large-herbivores-like-elephants-and-moose/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a> hotspots; they are vital lifelines for millions of people. The integration of forest-based activities into national food security strategies could revolutionize the way we address hunger and malnutrition, providing a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mixed-forests-with-many-tree-species-are-more-effective-at-carbon-storage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sustainable</a> and resilient solution for future generations.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12571-024-01468-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Food Security</em></a>.</p>



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



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Forests help reduce food insecurity in rural communities

Forests may hold an overlooked solution to food scarcity in...

<p>The popularity of small electric vehicles, especially <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/direct-evidence-electric-vehicles-measurably-reduce-carbon-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">e-scooters and e-bikes</a>, has skyrocketed over the past few years. These vehicles are no longer just interesting curiosities but are now woven into the fabric of urban transport, changing how we navigate our cities. However, with this rapid rise in electric vehicle use comes a surge in accidents.</p>



<p>The boom of these "micromobility" devices has led to a worrisome increase in injuries and hospitalizations, as discovered by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco (<a href="https://www.ucsf.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCSF</a>).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-accidents-with-electric-vehicles">Accidents with electric vehicles</h2>



<p>The study was led by Dr. Adrian Fernandez, chief resident in the Department of Urology at UCSF. The team analyzed the injuries and hospitalizations from various small electric vehicles. The results reveal a pressing issue that needs to be addressed.</p>



<p>According to the analysis, e-bike injuries have doubled every year from 2017 to 2022, while e-scooter injuries have risen by 45 percent. The research suggest that e-riders are slightly older than traditional riders and use helmets less often.</p>



<p>Furthermore, e-scooter riders were more prone to internal injuries than traditional scooter riders. In contrast, non-electric vehicle riders were more likely to experience upper extremity injuries.</p>



<p>“The U.S. had a remarkable increase in micromobility injuries during the study period. This increase in accidents not only introduced a demographic shift but also underscores an urgency for added safety measures. We can't deny the health and environmental benefits of micromobility vehicle use, but we need to make structural adjustments to promote safe riding,” noted Dr. Fernandez.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-low-cost-electric-vehicles">Low-cost electric vehicles</h2>



<p>Micromobility has grown 50-fold in the last decade, especially in populated regions with the roll-out of electric-powered vehicles and ride-sharing platforms. </p>



<p>These low-cost, green scooters and bikes zipping up to 28 miles an hour have become a convenient and affordable option, easing congestion and aiding riders to cover more distance with lesser effort. However, the study shows that these vehicles could be potentially dangerous, particularly for beginners.</p>



<p>For the investigation, the researchers analyzed data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.</p>



<p>This system has been capturing statistics from emergency departments about consumer product-related injuries since 1978. The scientists examined various factors such as type of injury (blunt, orthopedic, neurological, dental); the injury region (head, neck, trunk, extremities); and helmet usage.</p>



<p>Following the crumb trail of data, the researchers discovered that e-bike injuries surged from 751 in 2017 to 23,493 in 2022. E-scooter injuries escalated from 8,566 to 56,847 in the same period. In total, close to 2.5 million bicycle injuries and 304,000 scooter injuries were recorded, including 45,586 e-bike injuries and 189,517 e-scooter injuries in the U.S.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-injuries-from-electric-vehicle-accidents">Injuries from electric vehicle accidents</h2>



<p>It turns out, both traditional and electric bike and scooter <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-ai-system-detects-animals-on-roads-to-prevent-accidents/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">injuries</a> were more common in urban areas compared to rural settings. </p>



<p>Furthermore, electric bike and scooter riders were older and more prone to indulge in risky behaviors like riding without a helmet or while under the influence. Shockingly, the median age for injured e-scooter riders was 30 years, higher compared to just 11 years for conventional scooter riders.</p>



<p>“Our findings stress a worrying trend: helmet usage is conspicuously lower among electric vehicle users, and risky behaviors like riding under the influence are more common,” said study co-first author Kevin D. Li.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-safety-challenges-of-micromobility-vehicles">Safety challenges of micromobility vehicles</h2>



<p>To mitigate these escalating hazards, a multi-pronged response is vital. This includes building a better infrastructure to accommodate these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/electric-car-batteries-may-soon-be-made-of-rock/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">compact vehicles</a>, educating people about the importance of helmet usage and sober riding. </p>



<p>"Understanding and addressing the safety challenges posed by micromobility vehicles is critical as they become more embedded in our daily lives," noted study senior author Dr. Benjamin N. Breyer.</p>



<p>"This not only involves adapting our urban landscapes but also fostering a culture of safety among riders. By doing so, we can harness the full potential of micromobility to create <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-future-is-electric-epa-sets-strictest-ever-vehicle-emission-rules/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">more sustainable</a>, healthy, and safe urban environments."</p>



<p>So America, as we shift gears towards a greener future, let’s ensure this exciting ride is a safe one.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2821387" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JAMA Network Open</a></em>.</p>



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Are small electric vehicles safe? Rising accident rates say no

The popularity of small electric vehicles, especially e-scooters and e-bikes,...

<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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