<p>Italy’s Campi Flegrei has been restless again when it comes to earthquakes, and a new AI approach is helping scientists see what the ground is really doing. </p>



<p>In a peer-reviewed study, researchers from <a href="https://www.stanford.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford University</a>, along with colleagues at INGV Osservatorio Vesuviano and the <a href="https://www.international.unina.it/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Naples Federico II</a>, reanalyzed continuous seismic records. The team found more than four times as many small earthquakes between January 21, 2022, and March 20, 2025.</p>



<p>The researchers did not detect any direct sign of magma moving upward. Instead, they highlighted very shallow hybrid quakes tied to the hydrothermal system.</p>



<p>That fuller picture matters because small events reveal where the crust is stressed and how energy is moving through the volcanic field. With cleaner detections and sharper locations, scientists can track changes faster and judge when activity starts to cluster in risky ways.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clear-signals-urgent-stakes">Clear signals, urgent stakes</h2>



<p>“Seismicity could change at any time, and that may be the most important thing about this study: this capability of getting a clear view is now operational,” said study co-author Greg Beroza, a geophysics professor at Stanford University.</p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supervolcano-campi-flegrei-naples-italy-solfatara-crater-phlegraean-fields-signs-of-waking-up/">caldera</a> sits within the Neapolitan area, where more than half a million people live and work. That density means even modest shaking or ground movement can disrupt daily life, strain buildings, and complicate evacuations.</p>



<p>History shows why clarity is essential. During the 1982-1984 crisis, uplift and persistent earthquakes damaged structures across Pozzuoli. A major analysis documented that the events triggered the evacuation of about 40,000 people.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-turns-noise-into-earthquake-signals">AI turns noise into earthquake signals</h2>



<p>The team trained a machine learning workflow on continuous waveforms and used it to scan years of data consistently. That created one catalog rather than a patchwork of methods, so patterns stand out instead of becoming blurred.</p>



<p>AI did more than count earthquakes. The workflow sharpened event locations and magnitudes, turning noisy curves into clean signals that line up with mapped features and known hot zones. </p>



<p>That is the kind of precision emergency managers need when activity jumps in hours, not weeks. One payoff is a much clearer view of the caldera’s thin ring shaped structures and shallow faults. </p>



<p>Those features organize the small quakes and help separate background rumble from changes that could matter for public safety.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-volcano-under-quiet-strain">Volcano under quiet strain</h2>



<p>Campi Flegrei is a large caldera, the broad depression left by past eruptions, ringed by faults and dotted with old vents and fuming ground. It is not a single cone, it is a field where different parts can wake up at different times.</p>



<p>The region breathes over years through uplift and subsidence known as bradyseism. Those slow vertical motions have been recorded for centuries and often line up with swarms of small earthquakes.</p>



<p>In the new catalog, most activity sits at very shallow depths and traces a narrow ring fault system consistent with surface features and the zone now rising. </p>



<p>The authors reported no direct signature of magma rising toward the surface in this interval. This lowers near-term eruption concern but does not remove the need for close watching.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-faults-reveal-hidden-stress">Faults reveal hidden stress</h2>



<p>Faults are breaks in rock that slip when stress overcomes strength, and their length and orientation constrain how big an earthquake could be. When small <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earthquakes-and-flood-zones-hidden-risks-in-the-pacific-northwest/">quakes</a> line up along a longer fault, planners can bound the upper size of plausible events rather than guess in the dark.</p>



<p>Seeing faults crisply also helps compare present unrest with past episodes. Shaking that migrates onto a new segment or clusters at the edge of the ring may signal a change in how the system stores and releases pressure.</p>



<p>Those signals are not predictions by themselves. They are inputs to models that weigh where stress is building, how close rocks are to failure, and what level of shaking the built environment can handle.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-refines-risk-planning">AI refines risk planning</h2>



<p>Near real-time detections let observatories update maps of active zones as conditions evolve. That supports decisions like where to inspect bridges, how to stage ambulances, or when to test public alerts before a busy weekend.</p>



<p>Sharper locations and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-detect-major-earthquakes-months-in-advance/">magnitudes</a> also help engineers validate expected shaking levels against what instruments record in town. With that feedback loop, officials can refine microzonation, revisit building priorities, and tune maintenance schedules before the next swarm.</p>



<p>Past experience is a warning here. During 1982-1984, the harbor shallowed and commerce paused, schools closed, and the government approved new housing to relocate residents. </p>



<p>Planning for unrest is not only about eruptions, it is about everyday disruptions that stack up when the ground keeps moving.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-helps-not-predicts">AI helps, not predicts</h2>



<p>The present results point to pressure within a shallow system, not direct <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/magma-layer-keeps-the-yellowstone-supervolcano-dormant/">magma</a> rise, during 2022-2025. That aligns with other independent work that has argued for pressure buildup and evolving stress in the crust during long stretches without eruption.</p>



<p>Unrest can still change quickly. More small quakes could organize into tighter clusters, or uplift rates could shift, and those changes would be visible fast with the new tools.</p>



<p>AI does not replace dense earthquake monitoring or local expertise. It helps analysts keep up when data surge, flag subtle changes that a human might miss after a long night, and focus attention on the signals that matter most.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adw9038" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science</em></a>.</p>



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



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AI detects earthquake surge beneath Europe’s most dangerous volcano

Italy’s Campi Flegrei has been restless again when it comes to earthquakes, and a new AI approach is helping scientists see what the ground is really doing. In a peer-reviewed study, researchers from Stanford University, along with colleagues at INGV Osservatorio Vesuviano and the University of Naples Federico II, reanalyzed continuous seismic records. The team found more than four times as many small earthquakes between January 21, 2022, and March 20, 2025. The researchers did not detect any direct sign of magma moving upward. Instead, they highlighted...

<p>Have you ever wondered about the first humans to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/timeline-early-humans-great-migration-reached-america-challenged-again/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">set foot on South American soils</a>? This question has been the subject of much debate among scholars and scientists alike. Recent evidence, however, suggests that humans were in South America over 20,000 years ago.</p>



<p>Mariano Del Papa, from the <a href="https://unlp.edu.ar" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National University of La Plata</a>, Argentina, recently published his intriguing findings in the open-access journal <em>PLOS ONE</em>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-occupation-in-south-america">Human occupation in South America</h2>



<p>The whos, wheres, and whens of early human occupation of South America have been a long-standing topic of intense debate among researchers.&nbsp;</p>



<p>But, why is it important? It holds the key to understanding early human dispersal across the Americas and possibly even their role in the extinction of large mammals at the end of the Pleistocene Epoch.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The scarcity of direct archaeological evidence, however, keeps throwing a spanner in the works.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-findings-on-the-reconquista-river">New findings on the Reconquista river</h2>



<p>Researchers have hit upon tell-tale signs of butchery on Pleistocene mammal fossils.&nbsp;The fossils, belonging to a giant relative of armadillos called Neosclerocalyptus, seem to have been the dinner of choice.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The cut marks found on the pelvis, tail, and body armor of this creature are consistent with those made by stone tools. Intriguingly, these cuts target areas known for their dense flesh.</p>



<p>Radiocarbon dating tags the fossils at around 21,000 years old, nearly 6,000 years older than other known archaeological evidence in southern South America. This suggests an early human presence in the Americas, contradicting earlier beliefs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-questioning-the-16-000-year-old-theory">Questioning the 16,000-year-old theory</h2>



<p>"The study's evidence puts into question the time frame for the first human peopling of the Americas 16,000 years ago," noted Miguel Delgado, the corresponding author.</p>



<p>This timeline was based on limited evidence and the idea that humans moved from North America to South America through an ice-free path. But recent discoveries along the Reconquista River challenge this theory.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-migration-in-south-america">Human migration in South America</h2>



<p>The implications of this discovery extend far beyond the boundaries of Argentina.&nbsp;If humans were present in South America as early as 21,000 years ago, traditional models of migration through the Bering Land Bridge and subsequent southward spread need to be re-evaluated.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This revelation could signify that early humans were more adaptable and resourceful than previously thought, capable of thriving in diverse environments and overcoming significant geographic barriers much earlier.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The findings call for a fresh examination of archaeological sites across both North and South America, aiming to uncover more evidence that could fill in the gaps of our current understanding.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-path-forward-ongoing-research-efforts">The path forward: Ongoing research efforts</h2>



<p>Delgado and his team are far from done with their research. More excavation, more analysis of the cut marks, and more extensive radiocarbon dating of the fossils are all needed to support these findings.&nbsp;</p>



<p>With each fossil dug up, each cut mark analyzed, and each radioactivity level measured, we inch closer to the truth. It seems that we've merely scratched the surface of this historic tale, and the best chapters may still be waiting to be unearthed.</p>



<p>This discovery reiterates the fact that even in the realm of science, where facts hold sway, there's always room for a little surprise. It also underscores the significance of preserving fossils.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-technology-and-prehistoric-humans">Modern technology and prehistoric humans</h2>



<p>Modern archaeological techniques have greatly improved our understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/persian-plateau-fills-20000-year-gap-early-human-history/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prehistoric humans</a>. Tools like ground-penetrating radar, advanced radiocarbon dating, and DNA analysis from bone fragments provide precise data. </p>



<p>These tools help determine the age and context of findings and offer insights into ancient lifestyles, diets, and migrations. </p>



<p>Researchers like Delgado are finding evidence that extends the timeline of human occupation in South America. Interdisciplinary collaboration among archaeologists, geneticists, and environmental scientists is crucial. </p>



<p>These partnerships could reveal more about our early ancestors, offering a fuller picture of human history and evolution.</p>



<p>As we continue to unearth new evidence and foster cross-disciplinary efforts, we pave the way for groundbreaking <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-oldest-cave-painting-discovered-in-indonesia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">discoveries</a>. These advances could potentially rewrite history books, giving us a deeper understanding of our ancestors' journey.</p>



<p>The study is published in the open-access journal&nbsp;<a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0304956" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>PLOS ONE</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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



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Humans arrived in South America much earlier than we thought

Have you ever wondered about the first humans to set...

<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ants-are-shifting-to-new-habitats-to-cope-with-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ants</a> are well-known for their complex social behaviors and mutualistic relationships with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ants-plants-partnership/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a>, particularly in the tropics. These interactions often involve ants inhabiting hollow swellings in trees and defending them against predators in exchange for food. </p>



<p>While these mutualisms have been observed for centuries, their origins remain a mystery. Recent research led by <a href="https://www.utah.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Utah</a> field biologist Rodolfo Probst has shed new light on this intriguing phenomenon, specifically focusing on the ant genus Myrmelachista.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-yellow-ants-and-understory-trees-nbsp">Yellow ants and understory trees&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Probst's study, published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2024.1214" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences</a>, has investigated Myrmelachista species that typically nest in dead or live stems of plants without specialized mutualistic associations. </p>



<p>However, one group of these species in Central America nests exclusively in live stems of specific understory trees, forming a specialized <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/symbiotic-relationships/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">symbiosis</a> similar to other ant-plant mutualisms. </p>



<p>These tiny yellow ants hollow out the stems without harming the host plants, a behavior commonly observed throughout Central America.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-convergent-evolution-nbsp">Convergent evolution&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The researchers noted that obligatory ant–plant symbioses often appear to be single evolutionary shifts within particular ant lineages; however, convergence can be revealed once natural history observations are complemented with molecular phylogenetics.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Here, we describe a remarkable example of convergent evolution in an ant-plant symbiotic system,” the study authors wrote.</p>



<p>The research revealed that this symbiosis requires complex behaviors and morphological adaptations, thought to occur infrequently in the evolutionary history of life.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The nine species exhibiting these traits were initially believed to share a single common ancestor that evolved this mutualism over a long period of time. However, Probst discovered through DNA sequence data that these species formed two distinct clusters in different parts of the evolutionary tree.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-different-species-develop-similar-traits-nbsp">Different species develop similar traits&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“Using ultraconserved element phylogenomics and ancestral state reconstructions, we show that shifts from opportunistic to obligately symbiotic evolved independently in South and Middle America,” the authors explained.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This suggests that the complex relationship evolved twice independently from non-specialist ancestors around three million years ago - a fascinating case of <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/are-there-cases-of-convergent-evolution-between-reptiles-and-amphibians/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">convergent evolution</a>.</p>



<p>“I wish I could just take a time machine and see it,” Probst said. “Maybe it was the ecology or plant availability that helped those friendships evolve in the first place.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>Probst describes this phenomenon as “evolutionary déjà vu,” where different species develop similar traits due to occupying similar ecological niches.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The coolest part of our paper is that we’re showing that these types of ant-plant friendships evolve multiple times independently. It’s like if it happens, it might happen again if you’re given the appropriate ecological conditions.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-relationships-of-ants-and-trees">Complex relationships of ants and trees</h2>



<p>Probst's co-authors include Jack Longino, a renowned entomologist known as “The Astonishing Ant Man,” and former University of Utah School of Biological Sciences postdoctoral researcher Michael Branstetter, now with the <a href="https://www.ars.usda.gov/pacific-west-area/logan-ut/pollinating-insect-biology-management-systematics-research/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. Department of Agriculture's Pollinating Insect Research Unit</a>. Longino highlights the significance of Probst's findings. </p>



<p>“Rodolfo’s work revealed two independent evolutions of a complex relationship with plants. It suggests that the developmental building blocks for very distinctive or complex features are readily at hand, and can quickly evolve among different sets of species when the conditions arise.”</p>



<p>Probst, a postdoctoral researcher in the School of Biological Sciences and the university’s Science Research Initiative (SRI), has also involved undergraduates in his research, during fieldwork in Costa Rica funded by the University of Utah’s Wilkes Center for Climate Science &amp; Policy.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The group conducted research at the San Gerardo Station in the Bosque Eterno de los Niños (Children’s Eternal Rainforest) nature reserve.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ongoing-research-efforts">Ongoing research efforts</h2>



<p>With ongoing assistance from SRI undergraduates, Probst currently aims to conduct whole genomic sequencing to identify the genes involved in ant-plant associations, delving deeper into a phenomenon that has fascinated naturalists for centuries.</p>



<p>This research not only enhances our understanding of ant-plant mutualisms but also underscores the role of convergent evolution in the development of complex ecological relationships.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By studying these intricate interactions between different species, scientists can gain new insights into the adaptive mechanisms that drive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-are-the-biggest-drivers-of-biodiversity-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a> and the intricate web of life in tropical ecosystems. </p>



<p>Probst's findings highlight the importance of continued research and conservation efforts to protect these remarkable mutualistic relationships and the complex ecosystems they support.</p>



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



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

Evolutionary déjà vu: The symbiotic relationships of trees and ants

Ants are well-known for their complex social behaviors and mutualistic...

<p>Is there more to the phrase "you are what you eat" than we might think? Perhaps we should also be considering - not just what - but <em>when</em> we eat. The timing of meals plays a significant role in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-protein-with-intermittent-fasting-better-weight-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">overall health and well-being</a>. Recent research has shed light upon the benefits of intermittent fasting.</p>



<p>Dr. Krista Varady, a leading scientist in the Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition at the <a href="https://www.uic.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Illinois Chicago</a>, specializes in intermittent fasting with over fifteen years of research in weight management and metabolic diseases.</p>



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



<p>Intermittent fasting is a structured eating pattern. It involves cycles of eating and not eating. This method is designed to manage calorie intake that works within specific timeframes.</p>



<p>The technique has garnered significant attention in the scientific community. In short, the method involves alternating periods of eating and fasting, which can <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fasting-triggers-remarkable-changes-throughout-the-body/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">help regulate metabolism</a> and support weight management.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>This special issue of research features several studies. One notable study, led by Dr. Alaina P. Vidmar from the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and Keck School of Medicine of USC, focuses on type 2 diabetes in adolescents.</p>



<p>This condition is increasing in many communities. The study explores an 8-hour eating window for obese teenagers with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes.</p>



<p>The results? Late time-restricted eating proved to be both safe and effective, leading to meaningful weight loss and a decrease in liver enzymes. Also, there were no negatives concerning sleep, eating behaviors or physical activity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-night-owls-versus-early-birds">Night owls versus early birds</h2>



<p>On another enlightening note, research from Dr. Jess A. Gwin at the U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine delves into our sleep patterns and our eating habits.</p>



<p>Conventional wisdom, and most parents, will tell you not to eat just before bed. This study supports that, pointing out that breakfast skipping and late-night snacking could mess with our sleep quality.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intermittent-fasting-and-fitness">Intermittent fasting and fitness</h2>



<p>One particularly intriguing aspect of intermittent fasting is its impact on exercise performance. Dr. Mark Mattson, a neuroscientist at Johns Hopkins University, played a crucial role in the study.</p>



<p>How does this work? During fasting, the body shifts from using glucose-based energy to ketones, which has been shown to enhance muscle efficiency and reduce recovery times.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Moreover, fasting seems to stimulate the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), aiding mental clarity and cognitive function. This additional benefit is a welcome bonus to any fitness regimen.</p>



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



<p>"Many people stop adhering to standard diets that restrict calories because they become frustrated with having to regularly monitor <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fasting-helps-the-body-fight-inflammation-and-chronic-diseases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food intake</a> day in and day out. Intermittent fasting protocols can bypass this requirement by allowing participants to simply ‘watch the clock’ instead of monitoring calories, while still producing weight loss," said Dr. Varady.</p>



<p>Furthermore, she noted, intermittent fasting does not require the purchase of expensive food products and allows individuals to continue consuming familiar foods, making it a highly accessible diet, especially for lower resource patient groups. </p>



<p>"Although fasting regimens are no more effective than other diet interventions for weight management, these protocols offer individuals an alternative, straightforward approach to addressing obesity by omitting the need for calorie counting." </p>



<p>Dr. Varady pointed out that while weight loss is important, having a diet with a wide variety of nutrient dense foods such as fruits, vegetables and legumes is paramount in maintaining a replete nutritional status. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tips-to-get-started">Tips to get started</h2>



<p>Starting intermittent fasting can be simple with these tips:</p>



<ol>
<li>Pick a fasting schedule that works for you, like:</li>
</ol>



<ul>
<li>16/8 method: Fast for 16 hours and eat during an 8-hour window.</li>



<li>5:2 method: Eat normally for 5 days and cut calories for 2 days.</li>
</ul>



<ol start="2">
<li>Start slowly by gradually increasing your fasting time.</li>



<li>Stay hydrated with water and herbal teas.</li>



<li>Plan your meals to avoid impulsive eating and ensure they are balanced.</li>



<li>Listen to your body; if you feel dizzy or very tired, adjust your plan.</li>



<li>Consult a healthcare professional before starting, especially if you have health issues.</li>
</ol>



<p>The study is published in the <em><a href="https://www.jandonline.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics</a></em>.</p>



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Intermittent fasting could be the key to better health

Is there more to the phrase "you are what you...

<p>Climate models are essential tools for scientists, providing a glimpse into how our climate might change due to human-induced global warming. </p>



<p>As <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-temperatures-increase-scientists-plan-slow-down-rising-heat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global temperatures</a> continue to rise, these models help us predict and prepare for the impacts of an imminent climate crisis. </p>



<p>However, recent findings suggest that our trust in these models might be misplaced, as not all predictions are as accurate as we presume.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-ice-cold-miscalculation">An ice-cold miscalculation</h2>



<p>Right at the center of the stage, in a recently published investigation, stands the Energy Exascale Earth System Model (E3SM). </p>



<p>It is one of the common models employed by geoscientists, but recent research brings up substantial inaccuracies in its predictions. </p>



<p>This research was led by scientists in the Department of Earth System Science at <a href="https://uci.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Irvine</a> and the University of Michigan Department of Climate and Space Sciences and Engineering. </p>



<p>The study revealed that the E3SM overestimates a critical component of our climate system – albedo, or the degree to which <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-slow-antarctica-ice-melt-with-sunlight-reflecting-particles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice reflects sunlight</a> back into space.</p>



<p>The researchers discovered that the E3SM incorrectly magnified the level of sunlight reflection from the ice, causing a miscalculation in predicting the planet's warming.</p>



<p>"We found that with old model versions, the ice is too reflective by about five percent," noted Chloe Clarke, the team's project scientist.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-ice-albedo-matter">Why does ice albedo matter?</h2>



<p>The amount of sunlight received and reflected back by the Earth is paramount in determining the rate at which the planet will continue to heat up. </p>



<p>The E3SM's overestimation of albedo stems from not considering what the team refers to as the "microphysical properties of ice." </p>



<p>In simpler terms, these are factors such as algae and dust that can disrupt the ice's reflecting capabilities. Dark-colored algae and dust can decrease reflectivity, making ice less effective at reflecting sunlight.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dark-ice-absorbs-more-sunlight">Dark ice absorbs more sunlight</h2>



<p>"A large portion of melt from the Greenland Ice Sheet (GrIS) comes from regions with dark bare ice, because dark ice absorbs more incoming sunlight than regions with bright snow," noted the study authors. </p>



<p>The experts pointed out that Earth System Models, which simulate changes in the Earth's climate and the impacts of these changes, prescribe the reflectivity of these dark ice regions as a constant. </p>



<p>"This work shows that treating bare ice as though it has a constant reflectivity is not a good approximation, because the dark ice regions change as the winter snowpack melts and impurities accumulate on the ice surface."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-estimates-of-sea-ice-melt">Estimates of sea ice melt</h2>



<p>The team used satellite data to monitor the albedo of the Greenland Ice Sheet to demonstrate the inaccurate reflection rates in E3SM. </p>



<p>"The model estimates less melt than what would be expected from the ice microphysical properties," stated Clarke. </p>



<p>The discovery of a more accurate ice reflectivity measurement predicted that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenland-ice-sheet-is-approaching-a-critical-tipping-point/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Greenland Ice Sheet</a> is melting at a rate of about six gigatons more than older model versions estimated.</p>



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



<p>These seemingly small inaccuracies can have considerable implications. The team hopes their findings will bolster the efficiency of climate models, illuminating the significance of snow and ice-related climate feedbacks. </p>



<p>The experts now plan to extend their research beyond Greenland. The goal is to get it functional globally and not just valid over Greenland, explained Clarke. This will include applying the findings to glaciers in other regions, such as the Andes and Alaska, to measure the accuracy of the new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/polar-regions-are-rapidly-warming-with-global-consequences/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice albedo</a>.</p>



<p>Our understanding of the Earth's climate is intricate and ever-evolving. This important work allows us to inch closer to a more accurate prediction of our planet's future, unraveling the complexities of our changing climate one small step at a time.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enhancing-the-accuracy-of-climate-models">Enhancing the accuracy of climate models</h2>



<p>As the science of climate modeling continues to advance, the focus on accuracy is more crucial than ever.</p>



<p>Enhancements in climate models, such as the improved understanding of ice albedo, provide more reliable data for predicting future climate scenarios. </p>



<p>These enhancements allow policymakers and scientists to make more informed decisions about climate action. </p>



<p>With continued research and collaboration, we can refine these models to reflect the complexities of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-play-an-overlooked-role-in-the-climate-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's climate system</a> more precisely, ensuring that our strategies to combat climate change are based on the best available science.</p>



<p>The study is published in the <em><em><a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2023JD040241" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres</a></em></em>.</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center Conceptual Image Lab</p>



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Climate models underestimate sea ice melt and global warming

Climate models are essential tools for scientists, providing a glimpse...

<p>Flavor seems to vanish when you're floating in space far above the world - maybe even on your way to Mars. As an astronaut, you open your meal packet, anticipating a tasty repast, only to find that your food tastes bland.</p>



<p>This isn't just your imagination; space travelers have long reported that flavor diminishes in zero gravity. But why does this happen?</p>



<p>A new study from <a href="https://www.rmit.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RMIT University</a> may have uncovered some answers to this cosmic culinary conundrum.</p>



<p>The researchers have delved into the complex relationship between our environment, our senses, and our perception of flavor, shedding new light on why <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/watermeal-may-become-an-essential-food-for-astronauts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space meals</a> might be missing that certain zing.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unraveling-the-flavor-mystery-in-space">Unraveling the flavor mystery in space</h2>



<p>The question of why astronauts report that their meals taste bland in space has been a hard nut to crack. With this latest study, we might just be a step closer to finding the answers. </p>



<p>The research focused on common <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soil-microbes-may-shape-the-flavor-of-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food aromas</a> - essentially, the cues our brains use to anticipate how food will taste - and how their perception changes in isolated environments like space.</p>



<p>The research team conducted an experiment using vanilla and almond extracts and lemon essential oil. The participants experienced a simulated version of the International Space Station (ISS) environment, replete with virtual reality goggles. </p>



<p>The results were intriguing: participants found the vanilla and almond aromas more intense in the simulated space environment, while the lemon scent remained steady.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changes-in-aroma-perception">Changes in aroma perception </h2>



<p>According to Dr. Julia Low, the lead researcher from the School of Science, these changes in aroma perception could be traced back to a specific sweet chemical found in vanilla and almond aromas, called <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wild-strawberry-flavor-for-foods-from-a-fungus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">benzaldehyde</a>.</p>



<p>The experts found that a person’s sensitivity to this specific smell and their spatial perception significantly influenced their taste experience.</p>



<p>"A greater sense of loneliness and isolation may also play a role, and there are implications from this study around how isolated people smell and taste food," said Dr. Low.</p>



<p>Interestingly, this is the first study of its kind to include a large sampling size - 54 adults - to capture the variation in personal experiences with taste and aroma in isolated environments.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-personalized-diets-on-earth">Personalized diets on Earth</h2>



<p>But the study's findings aren't limited to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-astronauts-exercise-stay-fit-healthy-space-missions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">astronauts</a> and future space tourists. There's a broader impact, as these findings can help craft personalized diets for people living in relative isolation on Earth, such as residents of nursing homes.</p>



<p>“One of the long-term aims of the research is to make better tailored foods for astronauts, as well as other people who are in isolated environments, to increase their nutritional intake closer to 100 percent," said Dr. Low.</p>



<p>The study also provides new insights into the issue of fluid shift. This is a phenomenon where weightlessness in space causes body fluids to shift from lower to upper parts of the body, causing facial swelling and nasal congestion that can affect smell and taste.</p>



<p>Understanding this phenomenon is important if we want to improve the dining experience of our space explorers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-gateway-to-future-space-nutrition">A gateway to future space nutrition</h2>



<p>Professor Gail Iles from RMIT, a former astronaut instructor and co-researcher, believes this research is crucial for the future of space travel, especially for long-term missions.</p>



<p>“What we’re going to see in the future with the Artemis missions are much longer missions, years in length, particularly when we go to Mars, so we really need to understand the problems with diet and food and how crew interact with their food,” said Professor Iles.</p>



<p>“If astronauts are still not enjoying their food even after fluid shift effects have gone, suggesting that there’s something more to this,” noted Dr. Low.</p>



<p>The study could pave the way for more research into the way we perceive food - both on Earth and beyond.</p>



<p>By fully understanding how isolation and space travel affect our sense of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/taste-buds-are-the-first-line-of-defense-against-eating-too-much-and-too-fast/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">taste</a>, we can begin to create personalized diets that not only satisfy our astronauts but also help them meet their nutritional needs. </p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://ifst.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ijfs.17306" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Journal of Food Science</a></em>.</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA</p>



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Why do astronauts’ meals lose flavor in space?

Flavor seems to vanish when you're floating in space far...

An,Asteroid,In,Open,Space.,Elements,Of,This,Image,Were

<p>Scientists are making discoveries in the cosmic realm, probing deep into the universe's dense cloud cores and uncovering secrets of interstellar ice and "dangling OH" that were once unobservable.</p>



<p>And who's to thank for these revelations? None other than the James Webb Space Telescope (<a href="https://webb.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JWST</a>).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interstellar-ice-and-stars">Interstellar ice and stars</h2>



<p>The team, comprising researchers from Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics (<a href="https://www.mpe.mpg.de/main" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MPE</a>), conducted a pioneering study in the Chamaeleon I region.</p>



<p>Here, they harnessed the power of JWST's Near Infrared Camera (<a href="https://webb.nasa.gov/content/observatory/instruments/nircam.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NIRCam</a>) to measure spectroscopic lines toward hundreds of stars behind the cloud, a technique previously thwarted by high extinction within dense cloud cores.</p>



<p>The study, recently published, divulged a fascinating discovery -- detection of 'dangling OH' spectroscopic features for the first time.</p>



<p>These features indicate that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/water-molecules-discovered-on-an-asteroid-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water molecules</a> aren't fully bound in the ice. They could trace the porosity and evolution of icy grains from molecular clouds to protoplanetary disks, offering significant insights into ice grain structure and its vital role in planet formation.</p>



<p>Thanks to the unprecedented sensitivity of the JWST, we are able to probe ices deep within dense cloud cores, where extinction is so high that they eluded previous observatories.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-making-sense-of-the-spectroscopic-lines">Making sense of the spectroscopic lines</h2>



<p>The probing of dense cloud cores in the Chamaeleon I region, a close section of the Milky Way, revealed starlight interacting with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-collided-with-an-interstellar-cloud-millions-of-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">icy grains</a> before being collected by JWST's large mirror.</p>



<p>Until now, scientists had only observed major, intense absorption features tied to significant species in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-korolev-crater-holds-a-50-mile-wide-sheet-of-solid-ice-that-is-one-mile-thick/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice</a>, including water, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, methanol, and ammonia.</p>



<p>However, the new JWST era, armed with the telescope's large mirror, allows the measurement of much weaker features. </p>



<p>Detailed examinations of these weak spectroscopic features provide insights into the physical conditions of the object.</p>



<p>One such breakthrough has been the first-ever detection of a particular set of very weak bands linked to a small fraction of the water molecules in the ice.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoding-dangling-oh">Decoding 'dangling OH'</h2>



<p>This 'dangling OH' feature, named by laboratory astrophysicists, corresponds to unbound water molecules within the ice. </p>



<p>These features could trace surfaces and interfaces within the icy grains or denote the intimate mix of water with other molecular species in the interstellar ice.</p>



<p>Interestingly, these 'dangling OH' features had been actively searched for since the 1990s, but space observatories lacked the required spectral resolution and sensitivity. </p>



<p>It was hoped that their detection could be used to trace the porosity of the ices. Their presence could signal fluffy grains with high porosity, while their absence could indicate compaction and aggregation.</p>



<p>"The detection of the water dangling bond feature in the ice mantles demonstrates the importance of laboratory astrophysics to interpret JWST data," says Barbara Michela Giuliano, one of the authors of the study.</p>



<p>Giuliano further emphasized the need for extensive lab support to disentangle the spectral properties observed within dense regions of the interstellar medium and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-stars-shape-planetary-systems-like-ours-with-ultraviolet-radiation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">protoplanetary disks</a>.</p>



<p>"The high sensitivity of JWST, together with impressive advancements in laboratory astrophysics, is finally allowing us to study in detail the physical structure and chemical composition of interstellar ices," noted Paola Caselli, who also contributed to the paper. "It is exciting to be part of this endeavor."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interstellar-ice-dangling-oh-and-planets">Interstellar ice, dangling OH, and planets</h2>



<p>The study confirmed the presence of potentially 'fluffy' <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extraterrestrial-life-moons-planets-detected-single-grain-ice-floating/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">icy grains</a> in the cloud, characterized by their porous and loosely bound structure, which significantly impacts the chemistry and degree of chemical complexity that can build up in these regions. </p>



<p>This discovery not only alters our understanding of the microphysical properties of interstellar ice but also offers a fresh perspective on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planet-formation-new-insights-mechanics-physics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planet formation</a>. </p>



<p>By revealing the intricate processes that govern the spatial distribution and evolution of ices, researchers can now better comprehend how these ices transition from molecular clouds to protoplanetary disks and ultimately integrate into forming planets. </p>



<p>This enhanced understanding is crucial for developing more accurate models of planetary system formation and the potential for habitability on newly formed planets.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41550-024-02307-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Astronomy</a></em>.</p>



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'Dangling OH' discovered within interstellar ice in deep space

Scientists are making discoveries in the cosmic realm, probing deep...

<p>Say you're sipping on your morning cup of coffee, or quenching your thirst with a glass of crisp, cool water. Hidden within this seemingly harmless act is a persistent threat. This threat comes in the form of ‘forever chemicals,' or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and scientists have discovered they are vulnerable to some bacteria.</p>



<p>But, before your sip becomes a gulp of fear, there is a promising solution – a team of tenacious bacteria that seem to have a knack for getting under these stubborn PFAS ‘forever chemicals’.</p>



<p>The heroes of our story are bacteria from the genus Acetobacterium. This research was led by Yujie Men, an associate professor at <a href="https://www.ucr.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Riverside</a>. How and why are bacteria important in the battle against PFAS?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breaking-the-unbreakable">Breaking the unbreakable</h2>



<p>PFAS are dubbed ‘forever chemicals’ due to their extremely strong carbon-fluorine bonds, making them incredibly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wild-boar-found-with-alarming-levels-of-forever-chemicals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">persistent in the environment</a>. </p>



<p>As you can guess, this persistence presents a significant challenge when it comes to treating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/epa-reveals-new-evidence-of-forever-chemicals-in-drinking-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">polluted water sources</a>.</p>



<p>However, the Acetobacterium bacteria, commonly found in wastewater environments worldwide, have shown a unique ability to break these obstinate bonds. </p>



<p>This ability was revealed in a study by the UCR research team published in the journal <em>Science Advances</em>.</p>



<p>"This is the first discovery of a bacterium that can do reductive defluorination of PFAS structures," stated Yujie Men, the study’s corresponding author. </p>



<p>However, he did point out one limitation - these bacteria were effective only on unsaturated PFAS compounds, which contain double carbon-to-carbon bonds.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enzymes-bacteria-and-pfas">Enzymes, bacteria, and PFAS</h2>



<p>It's not just the bacteria that are the heroes here - their weapons have names too. These weapons, or enzymes, are the real game changers. Enzymes are proteins that act as catalysts for biochemical reactions. </p>



<p>After closely examining our microbial friends, the scientists were able to identify the specific enzymes responsible for cleaving carbon-fluorine bonds.</p>



<p>This finding is nothing short of exciting, as it could pave the way for creating more effective enzymes. </p>



<p>"If we can understand the mechanism, maybe we can find similar enzymes based on the identified molecular traits and screen out more effective ones,” Men shared his optimism.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-removing-pfas-in-water-with-bacteria">Removing PFAS in water with bacteria</h2>



<p>Using bacteria to treat groundwater is not only possible but cost-effective as well. </p>



<p>This process involves injecting the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pfas-forever-chemicals-sent-to-land-ocean-waves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">polluted</a> groundwater with the preferred bacteria species along with nutrients to increase their population. </p>



<p>This approach sees the microorganisms destroy pollutants before the water reaches our taps and wells.</p>



<p>The need for such solutions becomes even more critical with recent restrictions imposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA.) </p>



<p>The EPA now limits the presence of certain PFAS compounds in tap water to only four parts per trillion. This new regulation has water providers scrambling for PFAS cleanup solutions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-dawn-for-pfas-cleanup">New dawn for PFAS cleanup</h2>



<p>The success of bacteria and microbiological solutions in neutralizing PFAS has opened doors to exploring the potential of these resilient microbes against other persistent chemicals.</p>



<p>For instance, consider polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dioxins, two notorious environmental pollutants. </p>



<p>PCBs, historically used in various industrial applications, are known to resist natural degradation, posing significant hazards to both human health and ecosystems.</p>



<p>Similarly, dioxins, byproducts of various industrial processes, are highly toxic and have been linked to severe health effects including cancer and reproductive issues.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-other-trains-to-treat-forever-chemicals">Other trains to treat forever chemicals</h2>



<p>Just as Acetobacterium has shown promise against PFAS, research teams worldwide are investigating other microbial strains that might prove effective against PCBs and dioxins. </p>



<p>By deciphering the enzymatic pathways and genetic traits that enable these microbes to attack such sturdy chemical structures, scientists are optimistic about developing innovative and sustainable methods for decontaminating polluted sites. </p>



<p>The amalgamation of microbiology and environmental science thus heralds a promising future where natural organisms play a pivotal role in restoring and maintaining the purity of our water sources.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-significance">Study significance</h2>



<p>Men’s research doesn’t stop at identifying the bacteria and their enzymes. He has been proactive in his approach to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/toxic-pfas-forever-chemicals-released-by-dupont-and-chemours-caused-significant-harm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tackling PFAS pollution</a>. </p>



<p>Last year, Men had identified other microorganisms that cleave the carbon-chlorine bond in chlorinated PFAS compounds, leading to pollutant destruction. </p>



<p>His recent discovery expands the range of PFAS compounds that can be biologically destroyed using certain kinds of bacteria.</p>



<p>In a world where chemicals underpin our lifestyle but also <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/creators-of-forever-chemicals-covered-up-the-toxic-dangers-for-decades/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pose invisible threats</a>, it's vital that we keep pushing the boundaries of science for solutions. </p>



<p>As we continue sipping our water and basking under the sun, let's appreciate the unseen heroes - like the Acetobacterium bacteria and researchers like Yujie Men - who are tirelessly working to ensure our water remains safe.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.ado2957" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science Advances</em></a>.</p>



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Bacteria discovered that destroys PFAS 'forever chemicals'

Say you're sipping on your morning cup of coffee, or...

<p>Have you ever wished you could slow down the ticking clock of aging? Science might have come a smidgen closer to granting your wish. Researchers have developed a new anti-aging drug that claims to significantly increase lifespan, adding up to 25% more healthy, vibrant years.</p>



<p>The brain behind this exciting development is none other than Professor Stuart Cook from the UK's Medical Research Council Laboratory of Medical Science (<a href="https://lms.mrc.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MRC LMS</a>).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fighting-age-with-interleukin-11">Fighting age with interleukin-11</h2>



<p>Cook, along with a team of scientists, discovered that a protein we inherited from fish 450 million years ago called interleukin-11 might be the cause of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discrimination-speeds-up-aging-molecular-level/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">age-accelerating effects </a>in our body.</p>



<p>"These findings are very exciting. The treated mice had fewer cancers, and were free from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drinking-tea-delays-biological-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">usual signs</a> of aging and frailty, but we also saw reduced muscle wasting and improvement in muscle strength," Professor Cook declared. </p>



<p>The potential of this elaboration could eventually benefit humans as well!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protein-of-interest-interleukin-11">Protein of interest: Interleukin-11</h2>



<p>Interleukin-11 has been linked to a host of health woes, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fasting-helps-the-body-fight-inflammation-and-chronic-diseases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chronic inflammation</a>, organ tissue scarring, metabolism disorders, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/resistance-exercise-in-the-evening-can-improve-sleep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">muscle wasting</a>, and cardiac fibrosis.</p>



<p>By switching off this protein, scientists found that the lifespan of rats could be extended by 25%.</p>



<p>In the experiments conducted, the treated rats displayed not just longevity but also a lower risk of cancer, no gray hair, improved vision, and better muscle functionality. </p>



<p>These rats, equivalent to a 55-year-old human, lived for an average of 155 weeks, compared to the 120 weeks for those not treated. Who wouldn't want an extra 35 weeks of life?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interleukin-11-impact-on-aging-and-lifespan">Interleukin-11 impact on aging and lifespan</h2>



<p>While these findings are only confined to rats at the moment, Cook tantalizingly suggests that the results have the potential to be replicated in humans.</p>



<p>"Anti-IL-11 treatments are currently in human clinical trials for other conditions, potentially providing exciting opportunities to study its effects in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/harvard-scientists-fountain-of-youth-pill-sparks-controversy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aging humans in the future</a>," Cook commented.</p>



<p>Cook's ambitious endeavors aim to make anti-IL-11 therapy widely available worldwide, ensuring healthier and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-aging-discovered-in-plant-leaves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prolonged lives</a> for people. </p>



<p>However, he admits the road ahead is fraught with obstacles as raising funds for clinical trials in this area and getting approvals for drugs to treat aging is an uphill task.</p>



<p>Assistant Professor Anissa Widjaja from <a href="https://www.duke-nus.edu.sg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Duke-NUS Medical School</a>, Singapore, also played a vital role in the project.</p>



<p>"This project started back in 2017 when a collaborator of ours sent us some tissue samples for another project," Widjaja recounts. </p>



<p>Out of curiosity, she tested the samples for IL-11 levels and found that these levels increased with age.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-road-to-human-trials">Road to human trials</h2>



<p>Transitioning from promising results in rodents to successful human trials involves a meticulous process. </p>



<p>Although anti-IL-11 treatments are being tested in humans for other ailments, applying this therapy <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/high-blood-pressure-drug-called-rilmenidine-dramatically-slows-aging-in-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">specifically for aging</a> poses new challenges.</p>



<p>Researchers must navigate regulatory landscapes, ensure the safety and efficacy of treatments, and verify that the benefits observed in rats translate effectively to humans. </p>



<p>Despite these hurdles, the scientific community remains optimistic that this breakthrough could eventually revolutionize how we approach aging.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-aging-and-lifespan-research">Future of aging and lifespan research</h2>



<p>This pioneering work opens up numerous avenues for further research. Scientists are eager to explore how IL-11 interacts with other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pregnancy-may-speed-up-aging-in-women/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">proteins and pathways</a> associated with aging. </p>



<p>Furthermore, the quest to develop drugs targeting IL-11 could pave the way for combination therapies, where multiple aspects of the aging process are addressed simultaneously. </p>



<p>As research progresses, the goal is not just to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/anti-aging-molecule-extends-lifespan-by-improving-cellular-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extend lifespan</a> but to enhance the quality of life during those added years, bringing us closer to a future where aging can be managed with the same precision as many chronic diseases today.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-healthier-lives-not-just-longer-lives">Healthier lives, not just longer lives</h2>



<p>Their research has provided an important leap toward a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/muscles-defy-aging-with-remarkable-resilience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">better understanding</a> of aging. The therapy could potentially extend not just longevity but also reduce frailty and physiological manifestations of aging. The future indeed looks promising.</p>



<p>In conclusion, while the road to unlocking the secret to youth may still be long and winding, recent advancements do provide a glimmer of hope. </p>



<p>So, fingers crossed, who knows the day we <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/harvard-scientists-fountain-of-youth-pill-sparks-controversy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drink from the fountain of youth </a>may not be as far off as we think!</p>



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



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

New anti-aging drug boosts lifespan by 25% while preventing cancer and gray hair

Have you ever wished you could slow down the ticking...

<p>Recent research from the <a href="https://www.unl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Nebraska–Lincoln</a> has provided significant insights into mammalian ecosystems and species diversity in North America by examining the fossil record from 66 million years ago. </p>



<p>The study, led by Alex Shupinski and co-authored by Kate Lyons, was published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2024.0778" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Proceedings of the Royal Society B</em></a>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mammalian-species-diversity-nbsp">Mammalian species diversity<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>The research delves into how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-geographic-isolation-shaped-global-species-habitat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mammalian species</a> diversity has evolved over the first 65 million years of the Cenozoic era, up until the arrival of humans, and investigates how climate and environmental changes have influenced animal life on the continent.</p>



<p>“Beginning 66 million years ago, we go from a completely sub-tropical environment across North America to grasslands to a frozen savanna, and finally, reaching the Ice Age,” said Shupinski.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“It's showing how species changed through time, through many ecological, environmental and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-climate-change-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climatic changes</a> and it allows us to compare across those events and at different spatial scales.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-functional-diversity-of-mammals-nbsp">Functional diversity of mammals<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>The researchers divided the fossil record into million-year increments and used three indices of functional diversity to examine mammalian communities on local and continental scales. Functional diversity quantifies changes in community structures using mammalian traits.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study revealed that, for most of the Cenozoic era, local and continental measures of functional diversity differed. However, during the first 10 million years of the era, immediately following the extinction of non-avian <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dinosaurs-were-going-strong-when-the-deadly-asteroid-struck/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dinosaurs</a>, all measures of functional diversity, both locally and across the continent, increased.</p>



<p>“That was fascinating to see, that for most of the Cenozoic, functional diversity was uncoupled across time and spatial scales, except this one time,” said Shupinski.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“For 10 million years, all the measures are changing in the same way. Then, around 56 million years ago, we get this massive immigration of mammals into North America from other continents, and at that point, we see a divergence of functional diversity.”</p>



<p>“Communities are changing at different times, at different rates and in different directions. We might see locally, the diversity of roles increasing, but continentally, they’re decreasing.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changes-among-mammalian-species">Changes among mammalian species</h2>



<p>Lyons pointed out that some changes among mammalian species can be attributed to environmental changes, such as cooling and warming periods or the transition from forested areas to grasslands. However, these changes were not as disruptive as the mass extinction of dinosaurs.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“That is why this could potentially be a way to pinpoint areas of the globe or communities that are under particular stress.”</p>



<p>Lyons further noted that we may be entering a sixth mass extinction event, and if so, we might expect to see communities that are on the vanguard of that extinction respond in a similar way, based on the patterns we see after the extinction of the non-avian dinosaurs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-for-mammal-conservation-nbsp">Insights for mammal conservation&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study offers a thorough analysis of the age of mammals, which is valuable for the field of conservation paleobiology.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Tracking past changes in ecosystems over long periods helps scientists and the public better understand the current <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-biodiversity-crisis-is-actually-worse-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity crisis</a>. </p>



<p>“If we are looking at the modern (crises) and we see a similar response in the functional diversity of modern community structures, it may be a conservation tool as we can highlight some of these communities that are experiencing the most disturbance and that are at highest risk of change and disturbance in their ecological services and function,” Shupinski said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-resilience-of-mammalian-communities-nbsp">Resilience of mammalian communities&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The research highlights the resilience and adaptability of mammalian communities in the face of environmental challenges and mass extinction events.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By examining the fossil record and understanding how species diversity has evolved, scientists can gain insights into how current and future biodiversity crises might unfold and develop strategies to mitigate their impacts.</p>



<p>The study's findings underscore the importance of understanding historical biodiversity patterns to better address present and future ecological challenges.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By investigating the fossil record and analyzing changes in species diversity, researchers can provide valuable information that informs conservation efforts today.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The work of Shupinski, Lyons, and their colleagues serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of ecosystems and the ongoing need to study and preserve the diversity of life on Earth.</p>



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



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How mammals have evolved over 66 million years

Recent research from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln has provided significant...

<p>Ever found yourself certain of a memory that later turned out to be a tad off the mark? While we're known as species capable of 'distorted' recall, it turns out we're not alone in the animal kingdom. A surprising entrant in this league of "detours from accuracy" in memory is the humble cuttlefish.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-memory-of-cuttlefish">Memory of cuttlefish</h2>



<p>We start by throwing the spotlight on the star of our story -- the cuttlefish. More specifically, the research by Dr. Christelle Jozet-Alves and her team from the <a href="https://www.unicaen.fr" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Caen in Normandy</a>, France. </p>



<p>Their astounding discovery? Cuttlefish, like us, can form false memories.</p>



<p>“Forming false memories is different from making memory errors,” Jozet-Alves clarifies.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Indeed, their findings imply that cuttlefish do not record events like a reel of film, but rather reconstruct incidents in their minds, associating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiny-songbirds-are-masters-of-memory-and-adaptation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diverse elements</a> present at the time.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexpected-memory-masters">Unexpected memory masters</h2>



<p>Cuttlefish were already recognized for having <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cuttlefish-camouflage-is-much-more-complex-and-mind-boggling-than-initially-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">episodic-like memory</a>, a trait only found in higher order animals. </p>



<p>They can recall what happened to them in the past. But the fascinating part is how they recall these memories.</p>



<p>Is it a replay or a reconstruction? The answer would determine their susceptibility to memory distortions. With this question in mind, Jozet-Alves and her team embarked on their investigation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cuttlefish-memory-manipulation">Cuttlefish memory manipulation </h2>



<p>The researchers designed a series of events that shared many common features to induce false memories in the cuttlefish. </p>



<p>The plan was to convince these creatures they'd seen their favorite snack - shrimp - in a specific tube when they hadn't.</p>



<p>Here's how they went about it. They started off by showing the cuttlefish three different tubes - one with the coveted shrimp, one with a less-preferred crab, and an empty one. </p>



<p>Each tube had a unique visual pattern. Next, they exposed the cuttlefish to a 'misleading event' where they made the contents of the shrimp and the empty tube invisible. The visual patterns and odors, however, overlapped.</p>



<p>Now the real test. Would the cuttlefish falsely remember the presence of shrimp in the otherwise empty tube due to its second appearance along with the shrimp tube?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-revealing-results">Revealing results</h2>



<p>The scientists then put this question to the test. They allowed the cuttlefish to choose between the crab tube and the supposedly-empty tube, both with their content hidden. </p>



<p>The consensus? The cuttlefish often chose the empty tube over the crab-filled one.</p>



<p> This choice indicated that the misleading information had indeed altered their memories, making them believe the empty tube contained shrimp.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cuttlefish-variation-in-memory">Cuttlefish variation in memory</h2>



<p>“What was surprising was that the susceptibility to form false memories seems different between individuals,” Jozet-Alves said.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Some appeared unaffected when exposed to a misleading event while other did form false memories. This phenomenon is commonly found in our own species in which this susceptibility varies among individuals and within <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forgetting-things-is-a-natural-part-of-the-memory-process/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">individuals</a>.”</p>



<p>While there is need for more research, the evidence suggests that cuttlefish can store fragments of memory and reconstruct them, potentially optimizing memory storage. </p>



<p>However, some cuttlefish did not seem to form false memories, indicating a level of resistance. </p>



<p>Further research will delve into why all individuals are not sensitive to the formation of false memory and whether it could change within an individual.</p>



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



<p>The discovery of false memories in cuttlefish provides a valuable perspective on the study of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bigger-animals-do-not-always-have-bigger-brains/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">memory in humans</a>. By understanding how these cephalopods process and potentially distort their memories, researchers can draw parallels and contrasts with human memory mechanisms. </p>



<p>This could provide insights into why certain individuals are more susceptible to false memories and how such memories can be manipulated or controlled. </p>



<p>The implications extend to various fields such as psychology, neurology, and even artificial intelligence, where understanding memory formation and retrieval is critical.</p>



<p>Furthermore, by studying memory errors in cuttlefish, new strategies could emerge to address memory-related disorders in humans, offering hope for enhanced cognitive therapies and interventions.</p>



<p>So, next time you're second-guessing a memory, pause for a moment and think of our new friends, the cuttlefish. It seems that a "recollective detour" isn't a flaw exclusive to us but a fascinating feature present in even our underwater counterparts.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal<em>&nbsp;</em><a href="https://www.cell.com/iscience/fulltext/S2589-0042(24)01547-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>iScience</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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



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Cuttlefish form false memories of events similar to humans

Ever found yourself certain of a memory that later turned...

<p>A recent study led by researchers at the <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cambridge</a> reveals that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mindfulness-protects-against-work-stress-burnout/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mindfulness</a> training may induce altered states of consciousness, such as disembodiment and unity. </p>



<p>The researchers emphasize the importance of awareness among mindfulness teachers and students about these potential side effects.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mindfulness-training-and-altered-states-nbsp">Mindfulness training and altered states&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study involved a randomized controlled trial conducted from September 2015 to January 2016, assessing the effectiveness of mindfulness training in managing examination <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/look-at-stress-as-a-challenge-rather-than-a-threat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stress</a>. </p>



<p>Participants who received mindfulness training were more likely to experience these altered states compared to those in the control group. The findings are detailed in a paper published in the journal <em>PLoS ONE</em>.</p>



<p>Mindfulness-based programs have surged in popularity, with 15% of UK adults having learned some form of mindfulness, often to manage stress, depression, or anxiety.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Anecdotal evidence suggests mindfulness can alter sensory perceptions, self, and body boundaries, similar to effects induced by psychotropic drugs.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study's lead author, Dr. Julieta Galante, noted the challenge of discerning whether these experiences result from mindfulness practice or if individuals prone to such experiences are more likely to practice mindfulness.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-experiencing-unity-and-disembodiment-nbsp">Experiencing unity and disembodiment&nbsp;</h2>



<p>During the follow-up study, participants were asked to complete a questionnaire exploring 11 dimensions of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/meditation-reveals-common-altered-states-of-consciousness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">altered states of consciousness</a>, including spiritual experiences, blissful states, disembodiment, and unity. </p>



<p>Unity experiences involve a dissolution of borders, integrating perception of time and space, while disembodiment includes sensations of floating or dissolved body boundaries.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Of the 670 participants in the trial, about a third completed the questionnaire. The results showed that mindfulness-trained individuals were twice as likely to experience unity and disembodiment compared to the control group.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Additionally, the more hours spent on mindfulness practice, the higher the likelihood of experiencing unity, disembodiment, or blissful states.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-results-align-with-previous-research">Results align with previous research</h2>



<p>“Although we can’t say definitively, our results at least suggest the possibility that mindfulness training causes these experiences of unity and disembodiment,” said Dr. Galante.</p>



<p>She noted that the research aligns with other studies showing that people who practice mindfulness training are more likely to describe experiencing a sense of relaxed self-boundaries and broadening their spatial awareness beyond the physical body.</p>



<p>“I’ve benefited a lot personally from meditation and mindfulness and I’ve also had many of these experiences,” said Dr. Galante.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“They were intense, and at first I found it difficult to share them with my meditation teacher. I didn’t know if they were normal or desirable or if they were a sign of problems with my <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/millions-of-americans-have-lost-years-of-time-to-poor-mental-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mental health</a>.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meditation-and-insightful-experiences-nbsp">Meditation and insightful experiences&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study found that 43% of participants who meditated in the six months prior reported unity experiences, 47% reported blissful states, 29% reported disembodiment experiences, and 25% reported insightful experiences.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While many altered states are pleasant, some can be startling or alarming. Dr. Galante highlighted the importance of informing individuals about the possibility of encountering these experiences during mindfulness practice.&nbsp;</p>



<p>If participants are aware, they are less likely to be disturbed and can discuss any concerns with their mindfulness teacher or doctor.</p>



<p>“There may be nothing wrong with their experience, but it may be useful for them to check in with their mindfulness teacher, and if the experience was negative, to also consider discussing it with their doctor,” noted Galante.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-effects-of-mindfulness-training-nbsp">Effects of mindfulness training&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study provides valuable insights into the effects of mindfulness training, emphasizing the need for awareness and open communication about potential altered states of consciousness.&nbsp;</p>



<p>It underscores the mental and physical health benefits of mindfulness while recognizing and managing its potential side effects.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The findings enhance the understanding of how mindfulness training can affect individuals, providing a foundation for future research and better-informed mindfulness practices.</p>



<p>According to the study authors, the results provide a novel suggestion of causal links between mindfulness practice and specific altered states of consciousness.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“To optimize their impact, practitioners and teachers need to anticipate and handle them appropriately,” said the researchers. “Future studies need to confirm findings and assess mechanisms and clinical implications.”</p>



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



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Mindfulness can lead to altered states of consciousness

A recent study led by researchers at the University of...

<p>A new study led by Sarah Kienle, a biologist at <a href="https://www.baylor.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Baylor University</a>, has analyzed the first paired observations of sexual behavior and vocalizations in wild <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-reveal-new-features-of-the-elusive-leopard-seal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">leopard seals</a>. </p>



<p>Published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00300-024-03275-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Polar Biology</em></a>, this research represents a significant advancement in understanding the behavior of one of the planet's most elusive apex predators. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-courtship-rituals-of-leopard-seals">Complex courtship rituals of leopard seals</h2>



<p>Supported by a grant from the <a href="https://www.nsf.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Science Foundation</a>, Kienle and her team have now completed their third published study on leopard seals, shedding light on the complex courtship rituals of these solitary animals.</p>



<p>Kienle's team observed a two-hour <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/male-peacocks-courtship-display/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">courtship</a> interaction between a male and female leopard seal in Laguna San Rafael, Chile. They documented a variety of behaviors and vocalizations, which highlighted the intricate nature of leopard seal courtship. </p>



<p>During this period, the male produced 65 underwater calls, mainly low- and high-double trills directed at the female, who in turn made seven in-air calls, including thump pulses, nose blasts, and growls.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These observations indicate a sophisticated courtship process involving both in-air and underwater communication.</p>



<p>The female remained primarily on the ice, producing in-air calls, while the male engaged in underwater vocalizations seemingly directed toward her.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reproductive-biology-of-leopard-seals">Reproductive biology of leopard seals</h2>



<p>The findings offer new insights into the reproductive biology of leopard seals, previously understood mainly through sparse observations and studies of captive animals.</p>



<p>“This study marks a significant step forward in our understanding of leopard seal behavior in the wild,” said Kienle, who leads the Comparative Ecophysiology of Animals Lab (CEAL) at Baylor.</p>



<p>“The detailed observations of courtship behaviors and vocal interactions offer a unique glimpse into the reproductive strategies of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-solitary-animals-like-cats-live-in-groups/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solitary animals</a>,” </p>



<p>Kienle's lab focuses on understanding how different animals function within their often-changing environments.</p>



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



<p>This groundbreaking research not only enhances our understanding of leopard seal biology but also emphasizes the importance of continued study and conservation efforts for these remarkable marine predators.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Leopard seals are important Southern Ocean predators; understanding their reliance on sea ice and the drivers of reproductive success within and between populations is crucial for predicting how this species is - and will - respond to rapidly changing conditions across the southern hemisphere,” explained Kienle.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-leopard-seal-breeding-territory">Leopard seal breeding territory</h2>



<p>According to the experts, leopard seals are breeding in South America, particularly in Laguna San Rafael.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“More broadly, these observations of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/male-pheromone-enhances-sexual-behavior/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sexual behavior</a> and leopard seal pups in South America correspond with a recent review of sightings of leopard seal births and pups, which showed most sightings of newborns and pups occurred outside Antarctica,” the researchers noted. </p>



<p>“These data provide additional evidence that leopard seals can - and are - breeding outside of Antarctic pack ice.”</p>



<p>Future research aims to expand upon these findings by collecting paired in-air and underwater acoustic and video data of known sex individuals to better understand competition, territoriality, and female choice in leopard seal mating behavior.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-resilience-to-extreme-climate-disturbances">Resilience to extreme climate disturbances</h2>



<p>Kienle and her colleagues published their first study on leopard seals in 2022 in the journal <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2022.976019/full?&amp;utm_source=Email_to_authors_&amp;utm_medium=Email&amp;utm_content=T1_11.5e1_author&amp;utm_campaign=Email_publication&amp;field=&amp;journalName=Frontiers_in_Marine_Science&amp;id=976019" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Frontiers in Marine Science</em></a>. </p>



<p>The study revealed that leopard seals have flexible movement patterns and dive behaviors, potentially offering the resilience needed to survive extreme climate and environmental disturbances around Antarctica and beyond.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stress-physiology-of-leopard-seals">Stress physiology of leopard seals</h2>



<p>In 2023, the team published a second study in <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fmars.2023.1179236/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Frontiers in Marine Science</em></a>, focusing on the stress physiology of leopard seals. </p>



<p>Led by Emily S. Sperou, a Baylor Ph.D. student in biology, this research examined how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cortisol-indicate-stressed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cortisol</a> - an important stress hormone - varies among leopard seals. They discovered that leopard seals have the highest cortisol concentrations of any pinniped, which includes seals, sea lions, and walruses.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-leopard-seals-nbsp">Understanding leopard seals&nbsp;</h2>



<p>This series of studies significantly advances our understanding of leopard seal behavior, physiology, and ecology.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The detailed observations and findings provide a foundation for future research and conservation efforts, highlighting the importance of studying these elusive marine predators in their natural habitats.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By continuing to investigate the behavior and biology of leopard seals, researchers hope to uncover more about their role in the Southern Ocean ecosystem and how they may adapt to a rapidly changing environment.</p>



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



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Fascinating mating behavior of leopard seals revealed

A new study led by Sarah Kienle, a biologist at...

<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>



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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>



<p>-----</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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