<p>Mammals are not only good at hearing sounds, they are especially tuned to voices. A new cross-species study compared humans, dogs, and pigs and mapped how fast the brain flags a voice, then sorts out whether it belongs to one of our own.</p>



<p>The researchers recorded tiny pulses of brain activity while participants listened to people, dogs, and pigs, plus everyday noises. The animals were awake, relaxed, and unmedicated, and the sessions used gentle scalp sensors, not implants.</p>



<p>A team from <a href="https://www.elte.hu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eötvös Loránd University</a> (ELU) focused on two questions that cut to the heart of social hearing in mammals. </p>



<p>The first was whether the brain treats vocal sounds as a distinct category, separate from other noises. The second was whether it goes a step further, recognizing and highlighting voices that belong to members of the same species - a process known as conspecific recognition.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-brain-signals-to-sound">Tracking brain signals to sound</h2>



<p>The setup used non-invasive EEG sensors to track the brain’s fast electrical responses to sound. The signal components the team examined are called event-related potentials, and they are well suited for timing how processing unfolds.</p>



<p>Participants heard short clips such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/laughter-makes-the-stress-of-life-feel-less-overwhelming/">laughs</a>, barks, and grunts, alongside non vocal noises like traffic or a closing door. </p>



<p>The recordings let the researchers compare voice versus non-voice processing, then compare same species voices to all other sounds.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-two-step-brain-response">Two-step brain response</h2>



<p>In humans and pigs, the brain marked any voice very quickly, within about 0.2 seconds after the sound began. </p>



<p>Later, after roughly 0.3 seconds and beyond, all three species showed a second step that tagged same species voices as a special category.</p>



<p>“These patterns were very similar despite the large evolutionary distance between the three species, pointing to shared neural mechanisms that likely predate the divergence of their lineages some 90 million years ago,” said Boglárka Morvai, the study's lead author.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dogs-pigs-and-people">Dogs, pigs, and people</h2>



<p>Dogs did not show the early “any voice” signal as clearly as humans and pigs, even though they live closely with people. </p>



<p>They did show the later step that marked dog sounds as different from other sounds, which matches the idea that same species calls matter most for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gut-bacteria-influence-our-social-behavior-and-sense-of-fairness/">social behavior.</a></p>



<p>Pigs showed both steps and did so on a similar time course to people. That pattern strengthens the case that the early voice flag is a general feature of mammal hearing, not a quirk of primates.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-voice-areas-in-mammals">Voice areas in mammals</h2>



<p>For two decades, brain imaging in humans has found voice sensitive regions in the superior temporal cortex, often called temporal voice areas. </p>



<p>A comprehensive review outlines how these regions support recognition of who is speaking, what they feel, and how the voice changes over time.</p>



<p>Dogs have their own voice sensitive patches too, and they align in function with human areas when both species listen to vocal sounds.</p>



<p> A comparative paper showed that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lost-in-translation-how-we-misread-our-dogs-emotions/">dog</a> and human brains both devote cortex to processing voices, including sensitivity to emotional tone.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-speed-of-voice-detection">Speed of voice detection</h2>



<p>Past EEG work in people has reported early differences between voice and non-voice sounds on the order of a fifth of a second. </p>



<p>One open access article found effects emerging around 0.164 seconds and peaking near 0.2 seconds on frontotemporal sensors.</p>



<p>These timings line up with the early “any voice” response reported in the recent study. The later same species effect fits with known windows for categorical decisions in auditory cognition.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pig-brains-and-voices">Pig brains and voices</h2>



<p>Pigs are increasingly used in neuroscience because their brains share organizational features with ours. </p>



<p>Recent physiology work has mapped clear auditory event-related responses in healthy piglets using scalp EEG, strengthening their value as a model species.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Finding the early voice flag in pigs suggests that this quick detection step is not limited to primates or carnivores. It likely reflects a basic property of mammalian hearing tuned by social life.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-roots-of-voice">Evolutionary roots of voice</h2>



<p>The two-step pattern, first voice detection, then same species sorting, makes evolutionary sense. Fast detection buys time to orient toward a biologically relevant sound, then a later pass adds the social label needed to decide how to react.</p>



<p>If distantly related species share both steps, the underlying circuitry likely traces back to a common ancestor. That is consistent with decades of work showing conserved organization for voice and affect processing across mammals.</p>



<p>All recordings relied on cooperative, awake participation. Dogs and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/selective-breeding-has-dramatically-sped-up-the-evolution-of-pigs/">pigs</a> were measured in calm settings, often near their owners, and no training or sedation was required for them to rest while the sensors recorded.</p>



<p>The protocol emphasizes trust and low stress, which improves data quality and respects the welfare of companion animals. The approach also allows direct comparisons with human EEG.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sorting-same-species-voices">Sorting same-species voices</h2>



<p>Same-species voices carry information about identity, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/experts-identify-the-simple-emotion-that-gives-life-meaning-and-its-not-happiness/">emotion</a>, age, and intent. That richer meaning calls for more processing than a quick voice versus non-voice flag.</p>



<p>The later timing suggests a categorical decision process in which the brain checks acoustic features against learned templates for its own kind. </p>



<p>In humans, that machinery feeds into language, but it operates in social mammals that do not use speech.</p>



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



<p>Future studies can add more species and test a wider range of calls to see how acoustic structure shapes the early and late steps. Portable EEG could expand testing into natural settings where animals communicate most.</p>



<p>Combining EEG with imaging can also map the timing onto brain regions, tying the fast electrical signatures to specific circuits. That could clarify how the two steps interact during real world social listening.</p>



<p>Better models of voice processing can guide assistive tech for people with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drugs-may-be-available-to-prevent-hearing-loss/">hearing</a> or language challenges. They can also inform animal welfare by helping us detect stress or need from vocal cues in pets and livestock.</p>



<p>Cross species designs like this one keep us honest about what is uniquely human and what is widely shared. That distinction matters for both neuroscience and ethics.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1053811925003581?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>NeuroImage</em></a>.</p>



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;</p>



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



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

Mammals share ancient brain mechanisms for voice recognition

Mammals are not only good at hearing sounds, they are especially tuned to voices. A new cross-species study compared humans, dogs, and pigs and mapped how fast the brain flags a voice, then sorts out whether it belongs to one of our own. The researchers recorded tiny pulses of brain activity while participants listened to people, dogs, and pigs, plus everyday noises. The animals were awake, relaxed, and unmedicated, and the sessions used gentle scalp sensors, not implants. A team from Eötvös Loránd University (ELU) focused on...

<p>Have you ever considered the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to unlock the secrets of advanced quantum computing? </p>



<p>This once seemingly impossible feat may soon become a reality, as suggested by new research from Australia's national science agency, <a href="https://www.csiro.au/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CSIRO</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-and-quantum-computing-noise">AI and quantum computing noise</h2>



<p>The research, published in the prestigious <em>Physical Review Research</em> journal, presents a fascinating and important concept. </p>



<p>It indicates AI's remarkable potential to process and resolve <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-computing-giant-leap-forward-breakthrough-ultra-pure-silicon-discovery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum errors</a>, which are famously termed as 'qubit noise'. </p>



<p>Now, why do these quantum errors matter so much in the universe of quantum computing? </p>



<p>This noise, which arises from various sources such as environmental interference and imperfections in the quantum system, apparently is the largest hurdle in transitioning quantum computers from being purely experimental devices to practical, everyday tools. </p>



<p>Overcoming this noise barrier is crucial because it will enable quantum computers to achieve their full potential, performing complex <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-computer-can-instantly-execute-a-task-that-would-normally-take-47-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">calculations at speeds unimaginable</a> with classical computers. </p>



<p>The application of AI in this context could be a significant step towards realizing the dream of functional and reliable quantum computing technology.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moving-from-bits-to-qubits">Moving from bits to qubits</h2>



<p>For those curious about the term 'qubit,' let's delve into a brief overview. In conventional computers, information is stored and processed in 'bits,' each representing either 0 or 1 based on binary principles. </p>



<p>This binary system is the foundation for all computations, from simple arithmetic to complex algorithms, in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/traditional-computers-verify-errors-made-by-quantum-computers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">classical computing</a>.</p>



<p>Quantum computers, however, operate with quantum bits or 'qubits.' Unlike traditional bits, qubits can represent 0, 1, or both 0 and 1 simultaneously, thanks to the principles of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-entanglement-discovery-is-a-revolutionary-step-forward/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum mechanics</a>, specifically superposition. </p>



<p>This allows qubits to exist in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-entanglement-laws-thermodynamics-follow-entropy-rule/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">multiple states at once</a>. Additionally, qubits can exhibit entanglement, where the state of one qubit is intrinsically linked to the state of another, regardless of distance. </p>



<p>These extraordinary properties of qubits promise a level of computing power far beyond that of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-computing-outperformed-new-type-traditional-computing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conventional computers</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-ai-in-quantum-computing">Role of AI in quantum computing</h2>



<p>But here's the catch. Qubits, despite their immense computational potential, are incredibly delicate and prone to disturbances from their environment. </p>



<p>Their fragility leads to quantum computers often churning out 'noise,' or errors, in their outputs, which can significantly impact their performance and reliability. </p>



<p>This is where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/traditional-computers-verify-errors-made-by-quantum-computers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum error</a> correction codes come to the rescue. These sophisticated algorithms are designed to detect and correct these errors, ensuring that the computations remain accurate and the integrity of the quantum data is maintained. </p>



<p>Without these error correction codes, the practical use of quantum computers would be severely limited.</p>



<p>Dr. Muhammad Usman, the leader of CSIRO's Data61 Quantum Systems Team, reveals the role of AI in making this error correction process efficient. </p>



<p>His team employed an AI neural network syndrome decoder to identify errors and make appropriate corrections.</p>



<p>"Our work for the first time establishes that a machine learning-based decoder can, in principle, process error information obtained directly from measurements on IBM devices and suggest suitable corrections despite the very complex nature of noise," Usman explained.</p>



<p>"In our work, we do not observe error suppression when the error correction code distance is increased, as theoretically anticipated, due to currently large noise levels (above code threshold) in IBM <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-smallest-quantum-light-detector-now-fits-on-silicon-chip/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum processors</a>."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-ai-in-quantum-computing">Future of AI in quantum computing</h2>



<p>What does this mean for the future of quantum computing? Unfortunately, the research didn't observe error suppression when the error correction code distance increased, largely due to the high noise levels in IBM quantum processors. </p>



<p>However, with physical error rates expected to reduce within the next few years, the use of AI could potentially enable error suppression with the increasing code distance, possibly paving the way for full fault-tolerance.</p>



<p>The importance of Dr. Usman's work couldn't be overstated, given the current landscape of quantum computing. </p>



<p>The use of AI in quantum error correction codes represents a transformative moment in the journey of quantum computers from experimental devices to efficacious tools.</p>



<p>So, AI might just turn out to be the magic wand, waving away one of the biggest challenges in quantum computing. No wonder, science never ceases to surprise us, does it?</p>



<p>While we are still some way off from quantum computers becoming a common reality, there's no denying the potential impact this research <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/impossibility-paradox-calculating-incalculable-quantum-realm-particles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">could have on our future</a>. </p>



<p>The combination of AI and quantum computing might just be what we need to make a quantum leap in technology.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://journals.aps.org/prresearch/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevResearch.6.L032004" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Physical Review Research</a></em>.</p>



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



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



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



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

Using artificial intelligence to make quantum computers a reality

Have you ever considered the potential of artificial intelligence (AI)...

<p>Ever wandered into the sea of thoughts where civilizations seemingly disappear and mysteries remain unsolved? Let's unravel the enigma of the Native American group, Cahokia, that people had to mysteriously abandon around 600 years ago.</p>



<p>In the heart of what we now know as Illinois, the civilization thrived to later abandon their six-square-mile city.</p>



<p>Scientific breakthroughs by <a href="https://www.blm.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">US Bureau of Land Management</a> archaeologist Dr. Caitlin Rankin, in collaboration with Washington University in St. Louis, have started to shed light on this mystery.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-abandoning-cahokia">Abandoning Cahokia</h2>



<p>Despite the age-old theory suggesting that the ancient city became unlivable after a catastrophic crop failure and drought, new evidence begs to differ. </p>



<p>After meticulous carbon-dating analysis of deep-cut layers of soil and agricultural remnants, the researchers found that farming practices in Cahokia surprisingly continued unscathed during the drought years.</p>



<p>"The story we once knew is changing," Dr. Rankin affirms, "It's possible that they weren't really feeling the impacts of the drought."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-beyond-drought">Life beyond drought</h2>



<p>So, if drought didn't pave the way for abandonment, what did? </p>



<p>Researchers now believe that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/timeline-early-humans-great-migration-reached-america-challenged-again/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">indigenous residents</a> may have gradually drifted from their city in search of better opportunities. Perhaps the pull of distant loved ones also played a part in this dispersion.</p>



<p>"We saw no evidence that prairie grasses were taking over, which we would expect in a scenario where widespread crop failure was occurring," said Dr. Natalie Mueller, assistant professor of archaeology at <a href="https://wustl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Washington University</a>.</p>



<p>Could this be a testament to resilience? Probably. Or perhaps it's the manifestation of the age-old phenomenon where new generations seek greener pastures, much like today's urban sprawl. </p>



<p>"People probably just spread out to be near kin or to find different opportunities," Dr. Mueller added.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deciding-to-abandon-cahokia">Deciding to abandon Cahokia</h2>



<p>Why wouldn't drought affect a civilization that's right at the heart of a flood plain? </p>



<p>The Cahokia people were no strangers to the hardships of life and were well-prepared for potential droughts with their sophisticated food storage systems.</p>



<p>The duo of Dr. Mueller and Dr. Rankin also highlight that despite the drought, the region may have been destabilized, affecting Cahokia's resources. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-in-cahokia">Life in Cahokia</h2>



<p>The Cahokia unquestionably left their mark on the world, constructing an estimated 120 earthen mounds, boasting the largest city north of Mexico before the arrival of European settlers. </p>



<p>These mounds, akin to pyramids, were likely built to honor and protect the homes of Cahokia's civic leaders. But what's more enthralling is their unmatched agricultural prowess.</p>



<p>"Cahokia's farmers grew at least eight <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/evidence-of-ancient-plant-farming-found-in-east-africa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crops</a>," Dr Mueller said. "These included both warm and cool season grasses, oil seed crops, and highly nutritious pseudo-cereals, each of which is adapted to slightly different conditions."</p>



<p>"In addition, Cahokia had access to an enormous freshwater fishery, one of the great flyways of the world, perennial wetland plants, and "food forests" full of nuts and fruits that had been shaped by local communities for millennia."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-before-cahokia-was-abandoned">Before Cahokia was abandoned</h2>



<p>In addition to their agricultural ingenuity, Cahokia was a nexus of trade and exchange. Artifacts discovered from far-flung locales suggest that this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-humans-ancestors-woodworking-sophisticated-techniques/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ancient</a> city had extensive trade networks stretching across vast distances. </p>



<p>Seashells from the Gulf Coast, copper from the Great Lakes, and mica from the Appalachian Mountains were all found among Cahokia's remnants, illustrating the city's role as an interconnected hub. </p>



<p>These trade relationships not only enhanced Cahokia's wealth but also facilitated cultural exchange, enriching their society with diverse ideas and technologies. </p>



<p>The interconnectedness of Cahokia with other regions shines a light on their sophisticated economy and underscores their importance as a major center of the Mississippian culture.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mystery-within-a-mystery">Mystery within a mystery</h2>



<p>While this new insight disproves the drought theory, the reason for their disappearance remains a bigger mystery than ever. </p>



<p>"The picture is likely complicated,"&nbsp;Dr Rankin noted.&nbsp;"They put a lot of effort into building these mounds, but there were probably external pressures that caused them to leave."</p>



<p>Unquestionably, the story of Cahokia is far from closed. It's an intriguing tale of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dragon-man-skull-sheds-new-light-on-human-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">survival</a>, resilience, and an unsolved puzzle that keeps us searching for more answers.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal<em>&nbsp;<a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/09596836241254488" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Holocene</a>.</em></p>



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;</p>



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



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

Native American civilization of 50,000 people mysteriously vanished

Ever wandered into the sea of thoughts where civilizations seemingly...

<p>In the rugged mountains of Nevada, the coastal Favret Formation is an age-old geological marvel dating back to the Triassic Era over 200 million years ago. The site has long been known as a treasure trove for fossils of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giant-mosasaur-species-discovered-with-strange-screwdriver-like-teeth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea-dwelling</a> creatures from the ancient world, like <em>Benggwigwishingasuchus eremicarminis</em>.</p>



<p>However, a recent discovery takes this understanding to another level, undeniably rewriting the story of life along the Triassic coastlines.</p>



<p>Researchers have come across something quite unexpected -- a new species of an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dwarf-crocodiles-once-hunted-human-ancestors/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extinct crocodile</a> relative named <em>Benggwigwishingasuchus eremicarminis</em>.</p>



<p>The surprising discovery reveals the reign of a fascinating group of animals, pseudosuchian archosaurs, on the coasts during the Middle Triassic, when giant ichthyosaurs ruled the oceanic domain.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coastal-life-of-benggwigwishingasuchus-eremicarminis">Coastal life of <em>Benggwigwishingasuchus eremicarminis</em></h2>



<p>The research was led by Dr. Nate Smith, the Gretchen Augustyn Director and Curator of the <a href="https://nhm.org/research-collections/departments/dinosaur-institute" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dinosaur Institute</a> at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.</p>



<p>"<a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Benggwigwishingasuchus-eremicarminis_triassic-crocodile_credit-Jorge-Gonzalez_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">This exciting new species</a> demonstrates that pseudosuchians were occupying coastal habitats on a global basis during the Middle Triassic," Smith remarked.</p>



<p>Their discovery was in stark contrast to their initial expectations. </p>



<p>"Our first reaction was: What the hell is this? We were expecting to find things like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/largest-known-marine-reptile-a-giant-ichthyosaur-has-been-found/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine reptiles</a>. We couldn't understand how a terrestrial animal could end up so far out in the sea among the ichthyosaurs and ammonites," admitted co-author Dr. Nicole Klein, from the <a href="https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/university/university" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bonn</a>.</p>



<p>This discovery not only shifts our understanding of pseudosuchian distribution but also signifies the diversification of the archosauriforms. </p>



<p>It suggests independent adaptations of different pseudosuchian groups to coastal environments hinting at an intricate process of evolution taking place along the shores.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shaping-the-ancient-world">Shaping the ancient world</h2>



<p>The Triassic era is known for the rise of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/armor-was-a-boomerang-trait-in-the-story-of-dinosaur-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Archosaurs</a>, often termed as "the ruling reptiles".</p>



<p>This group later divided into two surviving lineages -- birds (descendants of dinosaurs) and crocodilians (descendants of pseudosuchian archosaurs like <em>B. eremicarminis</em>).</p>



<p>However, the ancient kin of current <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-remains-shed-new-light-on-crocodilian-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crocodilians</a> presents a mosaic of size, lifestyle, and diversity.</p>



<p>Moreover, the remarkable diversity of pseudosuchians following the End-Permian mass extinction, as suggested by the evolutionary relationships of <em>B. eremicarminis</em> and its relatives, remains a fascinating chapter in evolutionary history, still waiting to be explored.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-richness-of-the-triassic-era">Richness of the Triassic Era</h2>



<p>The diverse portfolio of Triassic reptiles has always been intriguing. </p>



<p>From the gigantic <em>Mambawakale ruhuhu</em> to smaller animals like the newly described <em>B. eremicarminis</em>, they reveal the multiplicity of life forms existing at that time.</p>



<p>The sea-side dweller <em>B. eremicarminis</em> possibly grew up to 5–6 feet in length, and its living habits remain shrouded in mystery due to the lack of a complete skull fossil.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-benggwigwishingasuchus-eremicarminis-honors-history"><em>Benggwigwishingasuchus eremicarminis</em> honors history</h2>



<p><em>Benggwigwishingasuchus eremicarminis</em>, the newly unearthed pseudosuchian, was named with respect to the original human inhabitants of the region where it was found.</p>



<p>"Benggwi-Gwishinga", a Shoshone word meaning "catching fish", was combined with "Sobek", the Greek word for the Egyptian crocodile-headed god, to coin the new genus.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Benggwigwishingasuchus-eremicarminis_triassic-crocodile_credit-Nicole-Klein_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Benggwigwishingasuchus-eremicarminis_triassic-crocodile_credit-Nicole-Klein_1s.jpg" alt="Benggwigwishingasuchus eremicarminis Triassic crocodile species skeleton analysis. Credit: Nicole Klein" class="wp-image-1938927"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Benggwigwishingasuchus eremicarminis Triassic crocodile species skeleton analysis. Credit: Nicole Klein</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>The species epithet 'eremicarminis' translates to "desert song", honoring the supporters of paleontological research in the region. As such, the full name roughly translates as the "Fisherman Croc's Desert Song."</p>



<p>This surprising discovery opens up a new perspective on the biodiversity during the Middle Triassic, shedding light on the significant role of pseudosuchians in shaping the ancient world and hinting at the yet untold stories hidden in the fossil record.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-triassic-coastal-ecosystems">Triassic coastal ecosystems</h2>



<p>The discovery of <em>B. eremicarminis</em> provides valuable insights into the coastal ecosystems of the Triassic period.</p>



<p>These ecosystems were complex and diverse, hosting a variety of life forms ranging from marine reptiles like ichthyosaurs to terrestrial pseudosuchians. </p>



<p>The presence of <em>B. eremicarminis</em> suggests that coastal habitats were crucial in the evolutionary history of these archosaurs, offering them resources and niches that facilitated their survival and adaptation.</p>



<p>Understanding these ancient ecosystems can help us piece together the environmental and biological dynamics that shaped the development of early reptilian life.</p>



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



<p>The study of extinct species like <em>B. eremicarminis</em> offers lessons for modern conservation efforts.</p>



<p>By understanding how ancient animals adapted to their environments and survived through significant climatic and geological changes, scientists can draw parallels to current challenges faced by contemporary wildlife. </p>



<p>The resilience and adaptability of species in the Triassic era underline the importance of preserving diverse habitats and fostering ecological resilience in our present-day ecosystems. </p>



<p>This historical perspective can guide conservation strategies aimed at mitigating the impacts of climate change and habitat destruction, ensuring the survival of today's species for future generations.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsbl.2024.0136" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biology Letters</a></em>.</p>



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;</p>



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



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

New Triassic crocodile species reveals ancient U.S. coastal life

In the rugged mountains of Nevada, the coastal Favret Formation...

Prehistoric,Beehive,Hut,Dingle,Peninsula,County,Kerry,Ireland,Eire,Irish

<p>When we think of the plague, our minds often leap to the 'Black Death' that decimated a third of Europe's population in the 14th century. However, emerging insights paint a different story of another plague from the Stone Age.</p>



<p>The plague, it seems, may have been a dark player in an even earlier history, one carved in the stones and DNA of the Neolithic Age.</p>



<p>Historically, it was believed that the plague had its cruel debut in the Middle Ages. </p>



<p>A fresh wave of research, however, suggests that it had already made its horrific entrance in Scandinavia thousands of years before the '<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-unearth-the-origins-of-the-black-death-pandemic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Black Death</a>.'</p>



<p>Far from being a harmless passerby, it might have unleashed its own silent epidemic.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plague-dna-found-in-stone-age-skull">Plague DNA found in Stone Age skull</h2>



<p>In a groundbreaking collaboration between the <a href="https://www.ku.dk/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Copenhagen</a> and the <a href="https://www.gu.se/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Gothenburg</a>, researchers honed in on the DNA preserved in the teeth and bones of 108 individuals, having met their end some 5000 years ago.</p>



<p>Fascinatingly, 18 of these individuals, or 17%, were found to carry the plague's deadly signature at their time of death. </p>



<p>Even more stirring, the evidence suggests that the plague strain they carried had epidemic potential.</p>



<p>This raises a crucial question: could the plague have been an underlying factor in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-significantly-impacted-neolithic-populations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neolithic decline</a>, a period of severe population decrease that swept over Scandinavia and Northwestern Europe over several centuries 5000 years ago?</p>



<p>While certainly intriguing, this remains a hypothesis. "We cannot – yet – prove that this was exactly how it happened. But the fact that we can now show that it could have happened this way is significant," says Frederik Seersholm, the postdoc who led the DNA analysis.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-archaeology-meets-genetics">Archaeology meets genetics</h2>



<p>The archaeological material serving as a window into the past predominantly originates from passage graves in Sweden, with one individual hailing from a stone cist in Stevns, Denmark. </p>



<p>Cutting-edge deep shotgun sequencing, a technique capable of extracting intricate details from heavily damaged or degraded DNA, acted as the researchers' time machine stepping back into the Neolithic Age.</p>



<p>Through this, they were able to conduct a comprehensive mapping of plague lineages and gain detailed insights into other microbes in the DNA data. </p>



<p>Simultaneously, they got an up-close look at the human DNA - from a broad perspective, right down to the individual level.</p>



<p>"The analyses provided a picture of the social organization that existed back then," says Associate Professor Martin Sikora from the <a href="https://globe.ku.dk/">Globe Institute</a>, also behind the study.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-truth-behind-stone-age-plague-dna">Truth behind Stone Age plague DNA</h2>



<p>The fact that 17% of the individuals whose DNA was analyzed had the plague implies that <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/the-scandinavian-peninsula-in-northern-europe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scandinavia</a> might have been in the tight grip of this deadly disease during the late Stone Age. </p>



<p>In one family, for instance, they observed at least three plague outbreaks over the six generations they were able to map.</p>



<p>This new DNA data provide a compelling challenge to previous theories suggesting that the population plunge at the end of the Neolithic Age could not have been triggered by the plague.</p>



<p>“There have been several theories involving the plague, and one of them suggested that the plague could not have caused an epidemic – but that assumption no longer holds,” states Frederik Seersholm.</p>



<p>As we decode the past with new scientific tools, it appears that the ruthless specter of the plague may have haunted humanity longer and more pervasively than we previously thought.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plague-s-widespread-impact-in-history">Plague's widespread impact in history</h2>



<p>The discovery of plague's presence in Neolithic Scandinavia opens the door to a broader understanding of its potential impact on other ancient civilizations.</p>



<p>This revelation prompts historians and scientists alike to consider whether plague-induced declines may have occurred in other parts of the world during prehistory. </p>



<p>Evidence suggests that ancient trade routes, which facilitated the movement of goods and people, may have also played a crucial role in the spread of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-heightens-risk-of-most-infectious-diseases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">infectious diseases</a>.</p>



<p>By examining skeletal remains and genetic material from various archaeological sites across Europe, Asia, and Africa, researchers can piece together a more comprehensive history of plague outbreaks and their effects.</p>



<p>As we continue to uncover the secrets of our past, it becomes increasingly clear that the story of human civilization is intricately linked with the history of disease. </p>



<p>By investigating these ancient epidemics, we not only honor the lives lost but also equip ourselves with knowledge to combat future pandemics.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07651-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a></em>.</p>



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;</p>



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



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

Stone age farming population decimated by the plague

When we think of the plague, our minds often leap...

<p>Have you ever heard about the mesmerizing red sprite lightning happening high above our atmosphere? Well, it's a thing of beauty captured by none other than the astronauts in space.</p>



<p>Matthew Dominick, the commander of <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>'s <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/mission/nasas-spacex-crew-8/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SpaceX Crew-8 mission</a>, had the fantastic opportunity to witness and photograph the elusive weather phenomenon.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sweeping-dance-of-red-sprites">Sweeping dance of red sprites</h2>



<p>Drawing the curtains back on this spectacle, let's talk about red sprites. These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pillars-of-creation-new-3d-video-nasa-created-as-never-seen-before/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">enigmatic</a> flashes of light occur high above thunder clouds in the mesosphere, a part of the upper atmosphere that extends up to 53 miles above the Earth's surface.</p>



<p>In Dominick's stunning image, these red sprites seemed like blood-red bursts of energy standing vertical off the coast of South Africa. </p>



<p>The red sprites were captured from Dominick's window aboard the International Space Station (ISS), which orbits 250 miles above Earth's surface.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-citizen-science-project-spritacular">Citizen science project "Spritacular"</h2>



<p>NASA, our esteemed space agency, aims to leverage this eye-catching image of the red sprites to encourage <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-skywatching-what-to-look-for-in-april-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">skywatchers</a> on Earth to contribute to their citizen science project, "Spritacular." </p>



<p>This project, entering its third year of operation this October, seeks to gather a citizen-crowdsourced database to help scientists understand these rare phenomena better.</p>



<p>Dominick shared his experience on the social media site X: "Super lucky a few weeks ago when shooting a timelapse of a lightning storm off the coast of South Africa. One of the frames in the timelapse had a red sprite."</p>



<p>He further asked for tips on capturing more of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/double-meteor-shower-delta-aquarids-alpha-capricornids-light-up-night-sky-july-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">intriguing phenomena</a>, noting that perhaps, "the stronger the storm, the better."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-humans-and-sprites">Humans and sprites</h2>



<p>Now, here's where Dr. Burcu Kosar steps in. As the principal investigator for "Spritacular" and a space physicist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, she hopes to bridge the gap between accidental photographers of phenomena like red sprites and the scientists who study them.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/red-sprites_iss_nasa_matthew-dominick_1s.jpg" alt="Red sprite lightning captured from the ISS. Credit: Matthew Dominick" class="wp-image-1938917"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Red sprite lightning captured from the ISS. Credit: Matthew Dominick</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>"People capture wonderful images of sprites, but they're shared sporadically over the internet," Dr. Kosar noted. "Most of the scientific community is unaware of these captures." </p>



<p>"Spritacular," she believes, can bridge this gap and provide a common platform for sharing and studying these amazing nature's light shows.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-join-the-spritacular-initiative">How to join the "Spritacular" initiative</h2>



<p>If you're intrigued by the idea of contributing to "<a href="https://spritacular.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spritacular</a>," getting started is easier than you might think. </p>



<p>First, you need a camera capable of long-exposure photography, which allows you to capture the night sky in detail.</p>



<p>Timing and location are crucial. Red sprites are more likely to be visible during strong thunderstorms. They are especially noticeable over open areas like oceans or large plains.</p>



<p>Once you've captured your images, you can submit them to the "Spritacular" project through their official website. </p>



<p>Detailed guidelines and tutorials are available to help amateurs and professionals alike contribute valuable data.</p>



<p>By participating, you not only get the chance to collaborate with NASA scientists but also become a part of a global community dedicated to uncovering the mysteries of our atmosphere.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexpected-show-of-red-sprites">Unexpected show of red sprites</h2>



<p>NASA explains that Transient Luminous Events (TLEs), including red sprites, are colorful bursts of energy that appear above storms due to lightning activity occurring in and below storms on Earth. </p>



<p>These TLEs are most often captured on camera by accident - typically while taking timelapse images of the Earth with a wide focal-length lens.</p>



<p>On the ISS, these timelapse images are usually captured by scientific instruments mounted outside the space station, like the Atmosphere-Space Interactions Monitor (ASIM).</p>



<p>ASIM's sensor suite collects a broad spectrum of data for scientific research on Earth, including cameras, photometers, X-ray, and gamma-ray detectors.</p>



<p>To maximize the data collection, any images taken from Earth by citizen scientists can complement ASIM's findings, thus enriching the database available to researchers and expanding our understanding of these ethereal phenomena.</p>



<p>Image Credit: ESA/DTU/ A. Mogensen</p>



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;</p>



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



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

Stunning red sprite lightning captured from space

Have you ever heard about the mesmerizing red sprite lightning...

<p>Have you ever wondered how astronauts handle nature's call in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astronauts-are-surprisingly-good-at-flying-in-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">zero gravity</a>? Well, it's about to get a whole lot easier with a new water-based contraption.</p>



<p>A recent study confirms a practical solution to a not-so-glamorous problem of space missions – urine waste management. Researchers from <a href="https://www.cornell.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cornell University</a> have developed a prototype novel urine collection and filtration system for spacesuits.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-supply-for-astronauts">Water supply for astronauts </h2>



<p>Quoting from the novel "Dune," we remember the magnificent stillsuits that allowed the heroes to survive in a desert by recycling every drop of their body's moisture.</p>



<p>Who knew that this fantastic idea would someday be translated into reality? Fortunately, it has been, thanks to Sofia Etlin and her team at Cornell University.</p>



<p>The team's design is an external vacuum-based catheter leading to an osmosis unit. This ingenious system collects and purifies astronauts' urine, converting it back into potable water. </p>



<p>This continuous supply of water comes with multiple safety mechanisms to ensure the astronauts' well-being, noted Etlin, a research staffer at Cornell University and the first author of the study.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-redesigning-spacesuits">Redesigning spacesuits </h2>



<p>NASA's anticipated Moon and Mars missions pose new challenges that require more sophisticated solutions. The conventional Maximum Absorbency Garment (MAG) systems have been a sticking point for astronauts complaining about discomfort and hygiene issues.&nbsp;</p>



<p>With missions expected to last longer than ever before, the existing systems, which haven't seen significant upgrades since the 1970s, are under scrutiny.</p>



<p>“The MAG has reportedly leaked and caused health issues such as urinary tract infections and gastrointestinal distress. Additionally, astronauts currently have only one liter of water available in their in-suit drink bags. This is insufficient for the planned, longer-lasting lunar spacewalks, which can last ten hours, and even up to 24 hours in an emergency,” said Etlin.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-space-travel-hygiene">Future of space travel hygiene</h2>



<p>The researchers have designed a high-tech answer to these problems. This new urine collection device includes an undergarment made of flexible fabric layers, a collection cup shaped and sized differently for males and females, and a vacuum pump connected to an RFID-tagged hydrogel.</p>



<p>“The design includes a vacuum-based external catheter leading to a combined forward-reverse osmosis unit, providing a continuous supply of potable water with multiple safety mechanisms to ensure astronaut wellbeing,” said Etlin.</p>



<p>Once the astronaut urine is collected, it gets recycled through an integrated forward and reverse osmosis filtration system, converting 87% of waste into potable water in just five minutes. Furthermore, the system also provides astronauts with non-caffeinated high-energy drinks, a much-requested feature.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-testing-to-ensure-safe-drinking-water-for-astronauts">Testing to ensure safe drinking water for astronauts </h2>



<p>Everything from control pumps, sensors, and even a liquid-crystal display screen is neatly packed into this device. It's powered by a 20.5V battery and weighs only about eight kilograms&nbsp;(17.6 pounds).&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Our system can be tested in simulated microgravity conditions, as microgravity is the primary space factor we must account for. These tests will ensure the system’s functionality and safety before it is deployed in actual space missions,” noted study lead author Dr. Christopher Mason.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extending-sustainability-with-space-farming">Extending sustainability with space farming</h2>



<p>The implications of this innovative urine recycling system go beyond merely quenching astronauts' thirst. The potential to convert waste into water aligns seamlessly with plans for sustainable space farming. </p>



<p>By integrating the system with hydroponic or aeroponic units aboard spacecraft or future Mars habitats, astronauts could use recycled water to nourish plants. </p>



<p>This not only closes the loop on waste but also plays a critical role in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astronauts-microbiome-health-is-crucial-to-future-space-exploration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">long-term missions</a> by providing fresh produce and contributing to psychological well-being through the presence of greenery in space.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-ahead">Challenges ahead </h2>



<p>Despite the promising developments, challenges remain in ensuring that the system performs flawlessly under the varied and demanding conditions of space travel.</p>



<p>Long-duration missions will require the system to be robust against mechanical failures and resilient enough to adapt to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-space-travel-affect-eye-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unforeseen complications</a>. </p>



<p>Furthermore, ongoing research and iterations will be necessary to enhance <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/space-travel-weakens-astronauts-immune-system-similar-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">efficiency</a> and reduce the system's footprint. </p>



<p>As NASA and other space agencies push the boundaries of human exploration, such innovations will become integral in turning science fiction into reality and fostering a sustainable human presence beyond Earth.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-safe-drinking-water-for-astronauts">Safe drinking water for astronauts </h2>



<p>With the prototype now ready, the team is eager to put this invention to the test under simulated conditions and eventually during actual spacewalks.</p>



<p>Incorporating this system into upcoming space missions could revolutionize our approach to space hygiene. </p>



<p>So the next time you indulge in a refreshing glass of water, remember, astronauts might soon be sipping something a little more…recycled.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal<em>&nbsp;</em><a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/space-technologies/articles/10.3389/frspt.2024.1391200/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Frontiers in Space Technologies</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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



<p>Like what you read?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a>&nbsp;for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;</p>



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



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

New system turns astronauts' urine into safe drinking water

Have you ever wondered how astronauts handle nature's call in...

<p>Galaxies manage to avoid an early demise by effectively regulating their growth through mechanisms akin to a “heart and lungs,” a new study suggests.&nbsp;</p>



<p>If these mechanisms didn't exist, the Universe would be filled with massive “zombie” galaxies, containing dead and dying stars.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research, published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/mnras/stae1498" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society</em></a>, tackles the mystery of why galaxies are not larger than expected.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inhibited-galaxy-growth">Inhibited galaxy growth</h2>



<p>“Galaxies evolve under the influence of gas flows between their interstellar medium and their surrounding gaseous haloes, known as the circum-galactic medium (CGM),” wrote the researchers.</p>



<p>“Though the CGM is substantially less dense than its associated galaxy’s interstellar medium, this vast reservoir harbors 3–5 times as many baryons and heavy elements.”</p>



<p>“However, estimated star-formation rates in many galaxies are lower than expected given the anticipated surrounding ambient cool-gas inflows.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Although the jets from active galactic nuclei (AGN) are not well understood, it may be possible for energy transfer from the gas jets of AGN to heat the ambient surrounding the host galaxy and moderate these inflows.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heart-at-the-center-of-galaxies">Heart at the center of galaxies</h2>



<p>The researchers propose that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-black-holes-become-supermassive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supermassive black holes</a> at the centers of galaxies act like hearts, while the bipolar supersonic jets they emit function like lungs, regulating the galaxy’s “breathing” and energy distribution.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This regulation limits the amount of gas that galaxies absorb to convert into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/white-dwarf-stars-may-be-billions-of-years-older-than-estimated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stars</a>, preventing uncontrolled growth.</p>



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



<p>“Jets from active nuclei may supply the heating which moderates cooling and accretion from the circum-galactic medium,” wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“While steady overpressured jets can drive a circulatory flow, lateral energy transfer rarely exceeds 3 percent of jet power, after the initial bow shock has advanced.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Here, we explore if pulses in high-pressure jets are capable of sufficient lateral energy transfer into the surrounding environment. We answer this by performing a systematic survey of numerical simulations in an axisymmetric hydrodynamic mode.”&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexpected-behavior-of-galaxies">Unexpected behavior of galaxies</h2>



<p>PhD student Carl Richards developed the theory through these innovative simulations, showing that pulses from the black hole cause jet shock fronts to oscillate, much like a diaphragm in a chest cavity. This action transmits energy throughout the galaxy, slowing gas accretion and growth.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We realized that there would have to be some means for the jets to support the body - the galaxy’s surrounding ambient gas - and that is what we discovered in our computer simulations,” Richards said.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The unexpected behavior was revealed when we analyzed the computer simulations of high pressure and allowed the heart to pulse.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shock-waves-from-high-pressure-jets-nbsp">Shock waves from high-pressure jets&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The high-pressure jets act like bellows, sending out sound waves that suppress the galaxy's expansion. This is similar to the phenomenon seen with sound and shock waves produced by terrestrial activities, such as opening a bottle of champagne or rocket exhausts.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This sent a stream of pulses into the high-pressure jets, causing them to change shape as a result of the bellows-like action of the oscillating jet shock fronts,” Richards explained.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-resistance-to-unchecked-growth-nbsp">Resistance to unchecked growth&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Evidence supporting this theory comes from observations of ripples in extra-galactic media, such as those in the Perseus galaxy cluster, which are believed to be examples of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/transfer-light-waves-sound-waves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sound waves</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These ripples sustain the ambient environment surrounding a galaxy, preventing excessive growth. Conventional cosmological simulations have struggled to account for the flows of gas into galaxies, leading to the mystery of their limited size.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The highly-active black hole at a galaxy's heart provides necessary resistance to unchecked growth.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-striking-the-right-balance-of-galaxy-formation">Striking the right balance of galaxy formation</h2>



<p>“To do this is not easy, however, and we have constraints on the type of pulsation, the size of the black hole and the quality of the lungs,” said co-author Michael Smith, an astronomer at the <a href="https://www.kent.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Kent</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Breathing too fast or too slow will not provide the life-giving tremors needed to maintain the galaxy medium and, at the same time, keep the heart supplied with fuel.”</p>



<p>In addition, galaxies’ lifespans are extended by their internal “heart and lungs,” where the supermassive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/colossal-black-hole-found-in-our-galaxy-is-33-times-the-suns-mass/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black hole</a> engine at its core helps inhibit growth by limiting the amount of gas collapsing into stars from an early stage.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This mechanism has allowed galaxies to exist in their current form, preventing them from burning out and becoming “zombie” galaxies.</p>



<p>Image Credit: Credit ESA/Hubble, L. Calçada (ESO) / C Richards/MD Smith/University of Kent</p>



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



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



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



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

Galaxies have ‘hearts and lungs’ that help them live longer 

Galaxies manage to avoid an early demise by effectively regulating...

Omega Centauri (Cropped)

<p>Omega Centauri is a celestial spectacle, a grand assembly of 10 million stars, observed as a hazy spot in the night sky from our Southern latitudes. </p>



<p>When viewed through a humble telescope, it doesn't seem any different from the numerous other globular clusters we know. </p>



<p>However, a recent scientific study has confirmed a theory that's been debated by astronomers for over a decade: Omega Centauri is home to a central black hole.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enormous-astronomical-discovery">Enormous astronomical discovery</h2>



<p>Leading the study from the <a href="https://www.utah.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Utah</a> and the <a href="https://www.mpia.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck Institute for Astronomy</a>, respectively, Anil Seth and Nadine Neumayer have shed new light on this galactic puzzle, which has eluded astronomers for many years.</p>



<p>In an extraordinary effort, the experts have detected a nearly elusive <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/omega-centauri_star-cluster_black-hole-discovered_NASA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">intermediate-mass black hole</a> in Omega Centauri.</p>



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="hOtwvyWs7s-3735334-12187" type="single"]</div>



<p>“This is a once-in-a-career kind of finding. I’ve been excited about it for nine straight months. Every time I think about it, I have a hard time sleeping,” declared Seth. </p>



<p>“I think that extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence. This is really, truly extraordinary evidence.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-omega-centauri-black-hole">Omega Centauri black hole</h2>



<p>Astronomers have speculated about the existence of an unseen mass near the center of Omega Centauri through the diverse movements of stars within the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-hole-waterfall-discovery-proves-einstein-right-again/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cluster</a>.</p>



<p>However, clarifying whether these were caused due to an intermediate-mass black hole or a group of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/featherweight-black-holes-may-soon-be-revealed-by-nasa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stellar black holes</a> remained a challenge.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/omega-centauri_star-cluster_black-hole-discovered_montage_NASA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/omega-centauri_star-cluster_black-hole-discovered_montage_NASA_1s.jpg" alt="Intermediate black hole discovered in the Omega Centauri star cluster. Credit: NASA" class="wp-image-1938773"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Intermediate black hole discovered in the Omega Centauri star cluster. Credit: NASA</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>"Previous studies had prompted critical questions of 'So where are the high-speed stars?' We now have an answer to that, and the confirmation that Omega Centauri contains an intermediate-mass black hole," said Neumayer.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-all-shapes-and-sizes">All shapes and sizes</h2>



<p>In the world of astronomy, black holes don't come in one-size-fits-all. There are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/monster-black-hole-is-spinning-in-the-nearby-galaxy-m87-study-confurms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stellar black holes</a>, which hold between one and a few dozen solar masses. </p>



<p>Then there are the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/largest-map-of-supermassive-black-holes-unveiled/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supermassive black holes</a>, the behemoths that hold millions or even billions of suns. And in the middle, there should be intermediate-sized black holes, the ones we've struggled to find until now.</p>



<p>“There are black holes a little heavier than our sun that are like ants or spiders -- they’re hard to spot, but kind of everywhere throughout the universe," said Matthew Whittaker, an undergraduate student at the University of Utah and co-author of the study.</p>



<p>"Then you've got <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-black-holes-become-supermassive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supermassive black holes</a> that are like Godzilla in the centers of galaxies tearing things up, and we can see them easily. Then these intermediate-mass black holes are kind of on the level of Bigfoot. Spotting them is like finding the first evidence for Bigfoot -- people are going to freak out.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-closest-black-hole-to-earth">Closest black hole to Earth</h2>



<p>Eluding detection by astronomers, this black hole remained an ambiguous entity until now. After months of rigorous analysis of the stars' motion, the researchers finally identified the "high-speed stars," thus confirming the presence of the intermediate-mass black hole.</p>



<p>Neumayer noted that this is the closest known example of a massive black hole, located at a distance of about 18,000 light-years from Earth. </p>



<p>In contrast, our Milky Way's supermassive black hole is situated about 27,000 light-years away.</p>



<p>Black holes are not all the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/awakening-of-a-black-hole-witnessed-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">same</a>. According to study co-author Matthew Whittaker, black holes somewhat resemble the diversity of creatures on Earth.</p>



<p>Stellar black holes are like ants and spiders in that they are ubiquitous yet hard to spot. On the other hand, supermassive black holes are more like Godzilla - easy to spot and fiercely destructive. </p>



<p>The elusive intermediate-mass black hole is comparable to Bigfoot, as it is rarely spotted and highly sought after.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solving-the-omega-centauri-black-hole-puzzle">Solving the Omega Centauri black hole puzzle</h2>



<p>In an effort to understand the formation history of Omega Centauri, Seth and Neumayer cleverly designed a project to commence the search for fast-moving stars.</p>



<p>This would act as a "proverbial smoking gun" and shed light on the black hole's mass. Maximilian Häberle, a doctoral student at the <a href="https://www.mpg.de/institutes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck Institute</a> who led this daunting task, characterized it as the "proverbial search for a needle in a haystack."</p>



<p>Häberle's intensive cataloging of the motion of stars in Omega Centauri, based on the study of over 500 Hubble images, formed the backbone of the research.</p>



<p>As a result of his unwavering pursuit, Häberle spotted seven fast-moving stars in the cluster's center. This incredible discovery indicates the presence of a concentrated mass at least 8,200 suns in size.</p>



<p>"The velocities of the fast-moving stars are significantly higher than the expected central escape velocity of the star cluster, so their presence can be explained only by being bound to a massive black hole," Häberle explained.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-black-holes-omega-centauri-and-the-future">Black holes, Omega Centauri, and the future</h2>



<p>The results suggest that the Omega Centauri black hole is closer to Earth than the 4.3-million-solar-mass black hole at the center of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cosmic-chimney-venting-found-heart-milky-way-galaxy-sagittarius-a/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>.</p>



<p>The findings may potentially confirm the existence of IMBHs in our cosmic neighborhood. This will not only deepen our understanding of black hole <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/powerful-magnetic-fields-may-be-key-features-of-black-holes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution</a> but will also provide clues to intriguing questions about how supermassive black holes grow from IMBHs and what environments favor their formation.</p>



<p>As the team continues this stellar inquiry, their study spotlights the importance of continuous observation and scientific creativity. </p>



<p>The work exemplifies the wonders of space exploration, and the potential it has to reconfigure our understanding of the universe.</p>



<p>The revelation of this intermediate-mass black hole is a monumental step forward in cosmic research. With this impetus, the team plans to delve deeper into the center of Omega Centauri using advanced technology such as the <a href="https://webb.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Webb Space Telescope</a> and the <a href="https://elt.eso.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Extremely Large Telescope</a>.</p>



<p>The research is published in the<em> </em>journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07511-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.</em></p>



<p>Video Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center/ Paul Morris</p>



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;</p>



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



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

Closest massive black hole to Earth found in Omega Centauri

Omega Centauri is a celestial spectacle, a grand assembly of...

<p>After three years of meticulous research, an international team of researchers has discovered a fossilized giant basal tetrapod in Namibia's arid region.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Basal tetrapods are early four-legged vertebrates that lived during the crucial transition from water to land.&nbsp;</p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/gaiasia-jennyae_giant-salamander-like_skeleton_credit-marsicano_1m-2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">This three-meter-long skeleton</a>, found in the Ugab River valley, is the largest ever discovered and challenges the belief that such early vertebrates lived only in the northern hemisphere. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-evolution-of-terrestrial-animals-nbsp">Early evolution of terrestrial animals<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>The discovery provides crucial insights into the early evolution of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-species-adapt-to-warming-faster-than-terrestrial-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">terrestrial animals</a>, highlighting the importance of southern continents in future research.</p>



<p>Supported by <a href="https://past.org.za/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PAST Africa</a> and the <a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.org/society/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Geographic Society</a>, the team of paleontologists from South Africa, Namibia, Argentina, and the US sought evidence of the earliest land-dwelling vertebrates in Gondwana.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Existing from about 550 to 180 million years ago, Gondwana included parts of modern South America, Africa, Antarctica, Australia, and India.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nearly-complete-tetrapod-skeleton">Nearly complete tetrapod skeleton</h2>



<p>While conducting fieldwork in Namibia, the team surveyed the rugged terrain when they made a significant find.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Study co-author Roger Smith is a distinguished professor at the <a href="https://www.wits.ac.za/esi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Evolutionary Studies Institute</a> at Wits University and emeritus research associate at <a href="https://www.iziko.org.za/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Iziko Museums</a>, Cape Town.</p>



<p>“The nearly complete skeleton was preserved in mudstone from an ancient freshwater lake. As the soft tissue decomposed, gasses formed that caused calcium carbonate to crystallize around the bones, creating a hard crust that protected them from being crushed as they were buried deeper,” explained Smith.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-incredible-skeleton-discovery-nbsp">Incredible skeleton discovery<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>Mr. Sibusiso Mtungata, a skilled fossil technician from the Iziko Museum, recounts the moment of discovery.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We had found isolated vertebrae of something big, so we were looking for a more complete <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-describe-the-first-complete-dinosaur-skeleton-ever-identified/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">skeleton</a>,” said Mtungata.</p>



<p>“I came across two round cylinders of rock with bone in the middle which fitted together - and then a third. I called Roger over to help me find more, and as we walked upslope, he spotted a large flat rock which he recognized as the head.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>“When we looked along the edge and saw rows of teeth, we knew we had finally found what we had been searching for - a nearly complete skull and skeleton!”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-skull-with-large-interlocking-fangs-nbsp">Skull with large interlocking fangs&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“As soon as I saw this enormous animal, I knew it was a different species,” said lead author Claudia Marsicano, a paleontologist at the <a href="https://www.uba.ar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Buenos Aires</a>, Argentina.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“There is no record of giant basal tetrapods during the Carboniferous-Permian transition (approximately 299 million years ago) anywhere in the world, and certainly none from the southern continents that made up Gondwana.”</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/gaiasia-jennyae_giant-salamander-like_skeleton_credit-marsicano_1m-2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/gaiasia-jennyae_giant-swamp-creature_credit-gabriel-lio_1s.jpg" alt="Giant, ancient swamp creature, Gaiasia jennyae. Credit: Gabriel Lio" class="wp-image-1938907"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Giant, ancient swamp creature, Gaiasia jennyae. Credit: Gabriel Lio</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>“What caught my attention next was the structure of the front part of the skull, which was sticking out of the ground. It showed unusually large interlocking fangs.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to the experts, it was an ambush predator which ate the fish that lived in the same lake.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-collecting-the-tetrapod-fossil">Collecting the tetrapod fossil</h2>



<p>Collecting the fossil was a difficult process. “The skeleton had already weathered out of the rock, so there was no need for excavation, but the whole team spent hours searching for fragments that had fallen off the skull block and moved downslope,” noted Mtungata.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The skeleton was then transported to the Iziko South African Museum in Cape Town for meticulous preparation in the Karoo Fossil Laboratory, a process that spanned two years.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Mechanical preparation was a challenge because it was too large to CT scan, so I didn’t know what to expect – especially in the palate where teeth of all different sizes were everywhere. And there was up to 10 cm of rock around the vertebrae that needed to be drilled away, creating so much red dust that we had to bring in a special extractor,” said Mtungata.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-distinctive-skull-structure-nbsp">Distinctive skull structure<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>The fossil preparation revealed that the large, flattened skull was adorned with unique patterns and had a distinctive palate structure, with enormous, backward-curved <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dinosaur-teeth-reveal-their-eating-habits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fangs</a> in both the upper and lower jaws.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Initially thought to be a large amphibian, further examination revealed that the skull had features of much older, less evolved four-legged animals, which were previously found only in older rocks in the northern hemisphere.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-early-history-of-tetrapods-nbsp">The early history of tetrapods<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>“We named the new species <em>Gaiasia jennyae</em>. 'Gaiasia' is after Gaias, a nearby desert spring where the fossil was found. 'Jennyae' honors Professor Jennifer Clack, a world-renowned expert in early tetrapod evolution, who passed away in 2020,” said Smith.</p>



<p>The findings indicate that early tetrapods were well-established in Gondwana's cold-temperate regions as early as the Carboniferous-Permian transition.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This discovery challenges previous beliefs about early tetrapod distribution and evolution, which were mostly based on fossils from the northern hemisphere,” Marsicano said.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Our research shows a well-established early Permian fauna, with Gaiasia as an apex predator, in rocks from high-latitude Gondwana, now located in central Namibia. This challenges previous ideas and proves that the early history of tetrapods in Pangea during the Palaeozoic was much more complex than we thought."</p>



<p>The fossils have been returned to Windhoek, where they will soon be on display in the <a href="https://www.gsn.gov.na/museum.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geological Museum of Namibia</a>.</p>



<p>Image Credit: Claudia Marsicano</p>



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



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



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



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

Giant swamp creature found in Namibia was an ambush predator 

After three years of meticulous research, an international team of...

<p>In our accelerating drive towards creating a sustainable future, an international team of scientists has achieved a breakthrough. Using an innovative blend of lasers and 2D materials, the experts have made significant progress in plastic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hungry-bacteria-will-devour-plastic-waste/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recycling</a>.</p>



<p>The novel method involves breaking down plastic molecules into their smallest parts, paving the way for cost-efficient and ecologically friendly recycling.</p>



<p>Unveiling this pioneering approach, the research team explained its working mechanism. The key to this breakthrough lies in harnessing transition metal dichalcogenides, a type of two-dimensional material, onto which plastic is layered.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The subsequent exposure to a laser triggers a reaction that breaks down the plastics into their most minuscule constituents.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-leap-towards-a-greener-future">Leap towards a greener future</h2>



<p>The potential implications of this discovery extend far beyond mere plastic&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/recycling-is-not-enough-to-address-the-plastic-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recycling</a>, as noted by Yuebing Zheng, a professor in the Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering at the <a href="https://www.cockrell.utexas.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cockrell School of Engineering</a> at the University of Texas at Austin.</p>



<p>"By harnessing these unique reactions, we can explore new pathways for transforming environmental&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-can-make-other-pollutants-more-toxic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollutants</a>&nbsp;into valuable, reusable chemicals, contributing to the development of a more sustainable and circular economy," said Professor Zheng.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cross-continental-collaboration">Cross-continental collaboration </h2>



<p>This promising research was the product of collaboration from various universities worldwide, including specialists from institutions such as&nbsp;The University of California,&nbsp;Tohoku University,&nbsp;Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory,&nbsp;Baylor University, and Pennsylvania State University.</p>



<p>The findings have the potential to revolutionize our approach to the mounting crisis of plastic waste. </p>



<p>The urgency of tackling&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-pollution-is-making-the-ocean-more-acidic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">p</a><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-pollution-is-making-the-ocean-more-acidic/">lastic pollution</a>&nbsp;cannot be overstated.&nbsp;It is a pressing crisis threatening our environment, with copious amounts of plastic waste amassing in landfills and oceans each year.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Traditional methods of plastic degradation are proving insufficient, with high energy consumption and potential harm to the environment.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chemistry-behind-plastic-recycling">Chemistry behind plastic recycling</h2>



<p>At the heart of this research is the production of luminescent carbon dots.&nbsp;A reaction driven by low-power light, called C-H activation, is triggered to break the chemical bonding of the plastics. Consequently, the bonds are remodeled into luminescent carbon dots.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These carbon-based nanomaterials hold numerous applications, potentially serving as memory storage devices in future computing technology.</p>



<p>The C-H activation process is not limited to plastics. It can be applied to a wide array of long-chain organic compounds. This includes polyethylene and surfactants. These are typically used in nanomaterials systems.</p>



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



<p>With this research, we are a step closer to conquering the plastic waste menace. However, this method still needs further refinement.&nbsp;The light-driven C-H activation process requires optimization and expansion to reach an industrial scale.</p>



<p>The research is supported by several institutions, including the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, and the National Natural Science Foundation of China.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Their investment in this endeavor is bringing us closer to not only a clean environment but also a cleaner conscience.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-impacts-of-plastic-recycling">Global impacts of plastic recycling</h2>



<p>The global implications of this laser recycling method are substantial. In regions where plastic waste management infrastructure is lacking, this innovative approach could provide a scalable and efficient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-production-increases-create-identical-plastic-pollution-increase/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solution</a>. </p>



<p>By converting plastic waste into valuable carbon dots, countries can simultaneously address pollution and create economic opportunities.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Furthermore, the reduction of plastic pollution contributes to improved marine and terrestrial ecosystems, crucial for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/effective-conservation-efforts-key-to-saving-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bio</a><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/effective-conservation-efforts-key-to-saving-biodiversity/">diversity conservation</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This aligns with multiple sustainability goals set by international bodies, underscoring the broad-reaching environmental significance of adopting such pioneering technologies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bridging-science-and-industry">Bridging science and industry</h2>



<p>Collaboration between scientific research and industrial application remains pivotal for the success of this project.&nbsp;The development of industry partnerships will enable the transition from laboratory experiments to real-world applications.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Large-scale plastic producers and waste management companies can benefit immensely by integrating this new recycling process into their operations.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The interdisciplinary nature of the research also highlights the necessity for continued cross-sector communication to refine and adapt the technology.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As the method gains traction, governmental policies are expected to increasingly support innovative recycling technologies. This will foster a collaborative environment between academia, industry, and policymakers. Together, they will bring us a major step closer to a sustainable future.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-49783-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Communications</em>.</a></p>



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



<p>Like what you read?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a>&nbsp;for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;</p>



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



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

Lasers may completely transform the future of plastic recycling

In our accelerating drive towards creating a sustainable future, an...

Attack,Of,The,Asteroid,On,The,Earth,"elements,Of,This

<p>When we think about unexpected events, asteroid impacts are typically quite low on the list. After all, a large asteroid colliding with Earth is highly unlikely in the foreseeable future. </p>



<p>However, given the potential catastrophic damage that such an event could cause, experts from NASA have made it a priority to plan for this distant possibility.</p>



<p>Every two years, a special branch of NASA, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory's (<a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JPL</a>) Center for Near Earth Object Studies (<a href="https://cneos.jpl.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CNEOS</a>), leads a hypothetical exercise where scientists and decision-makers simulate an asteroid impact scenario.</p>



<p>The goal of these exercises, involving both federal and international agencies, is to address the uncertainties tied to an asteroid strike.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-grand-schemers-of-disaster-prep">Grand schemers of disaster prep</h2>



<p>CNEOS, based in Southern California, has been instrumental in formulating these disaster management exercises for over a decade. </p>



<p>These specialists are tasked with the crucial job of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/two-large-asteroids-will-pass-near-earth-this-week/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tracking and classifying</a> asteroids and comets, in addition to identifying potential threats to Earth.</p>



<p>Paul Chodas, director of CNEOS, sheds light on the painstaking nature of these drills. </p>



<p>"These hypothetical scenarios are complex and take significant effort to design, so our purpose is to make them useful and challenging for exercise participants and decision-makers," he explains.</p>



<p>By honing their processes and procedures, the team becomes better equipped to formulate an effective plan of action in case of actual threats, filling any gaps in the planetary defense community's knowledge.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-and-asteroid-impact-scenario">Earth and asteroid impact scenario</h2>



<p>This year’s simulation brought the 'what if' into alarming focus. Imagining a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/27500-hidden-near-earth-asteroids-discovered-using-google-cloud/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hypothetical asteroid</a> of considerable size, the team calculated a 72% chance of it striking Earth in 14 years.</p>



<p>Potential impact locations included heavily populated areas across North America, Southern Europe, and North Africa. However, there was also a substantial 28% chance that the asteroid would entirely miss Earth. </p>



<p>Once in close proximity to the Sun, further observation of the asteroid was deemed impossible for the next seven months, leaving decision-makers in a quandary concerning what to do next.</p>



<p>“This was a very successful tabletop exercise, with nearly 100 participants from U.S. government agencies and, for the first time, international planetary defense experts,” said Terik Daly from APL, who coordinated the exercise. </p>



<p>“An asteroid impact would have severe national and international ramifications, so should this scenario play out for real, we’d need international collaboration.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-team-takes-clues-from-reality">Global team takes clues from reality</h2>



<p>These simulations are a collaborative endeavor. Participants include NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office (<a href="https://science.nasa.gov/planetary-defense/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PDCO</a>), the Federal Emergency Management Agency Response Directorate (<a href="https://www.fema.gov/about/offices/response" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FEMA Response</a>), and the Department of State Office of <a href="https://www.state.gov/bureaus-offices/under-secretary-for-economic-growth-energy-and-the-environment/bureau-of-oceans-and-international-environmental-and-scientific-affairs/office-of-space-affairs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Space Affairs</a>.</p>



<p>Earlier this year, nearly 100 participants from various U.S. government agencies gathered in Laurel, Maryland, at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (<a href="https://www.jhuapl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JHUAPL</a>).</p>



<p>For the first time, international planetary defense experts were also part of this event, highlighting the need for global cooperation in handling such potential crises.</p>



<p>To make the scenario more realistic, the CNEOS team simulated all the observations leading up to the exercise. </p>



<p>“At this point in time, the impact was likely but not yet certain, and there were significant uncertainties in the object’s size and the impact location,” said Davide Farnocchia, a navigation engineer at JPL and CNEOS, who led the design of the asteroid’s orbit. </p>



<p>“It was interesting to see how this affected the decision-makers’ choices and how the international community might respond to a real-world threat 14 years out.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shields-up-averting-potential-disaster">Shields up: Averting potential disaster</h2>



<p>Among the remarkable scientists pioneering asteroid deflection missions is the team behind the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (<a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/dart/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DART</a>). </p>



<p>This mission was a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-dart-mission-proves-humanity-can-be-saved-from-asteroid-collision/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">monumental success</a> and has provided foundations for future asteroid deflection efforts.</p>



<p>The process behind this isn't as simple as playing cosmic billiards, though. It involves years of preparation and planning, requiring advanced observatories capable of detecting hazardous asteroids as early as possible. </p>



<p>The Near-Earth Object Surveyor (<a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/missions/near-earth-object-surveyor" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NEOS</a>), an infrared space telescope slated for launch in late 2027, plays a significant role in achieving this mission.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-near-earth-objects-neos">Understanding Near-Earth Objects (NEOs)</h2>



<p>Near-Earth objects (NEOs) are space rocks that come close to Earth's orbit, including both asteroids and comets. </p>



<p>NEOs come in a wide range of sizes. Some are just a few meters across, while others can be kilometers in diameter. </p>



<p>Even small NEOs can cause significant damage if they collide with Earth, and large ones could lead to catastrophic events.</p>



<p>Many NEOs contain ancient materials from the early solar system. Studying these materials can give us insights into how planets and other celestial bodies formed and evolved.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-past-lessons-and-future-preparations">Past lessons and future preparations</h2>



<p>Let's be honest. The idea of asteroid impacts may sound like a storyline lifted straight from a blockbuster movie script. But the effects of such celestial encounters are very real and potentially devastating.</p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/history/115-years-ago-the-tunguska-asteroid-impact-event/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tunguska event</a> of 1908 serves as a grim reminder. A small asteroid exploded above Siberia, flattening approximately 80 million trees over an area stretching 800 square miles. </p>



<p>More recently, the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chelyabinsk_meteor" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chelyabinsk meteor</a> in 2013 shook Russia, causing extensive injuries and property damage due to the resulting shockwave.</p>



<p>In light of past events and the potential risks they pose, NASA employs a comprehensive approach that consists of proactive and reactive strategies.</p>



<p>Proactively, missions like DART are integral to developing techniques to alter an asteroid's course. Infrared space telescopes like the Near-Earth Object Surveyor aim to spot and classify potentially dangerous objects long before they become a threat.</p>



<p>Reactively, NASA has established emergency response exercises to ensure global coordination and swift decision-making processes are in place.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-earth-from-asteroids">Protecting Earth from asteroids</h2>



<p>NASA's asteroid impact exercises serve as a stark reminder of the potential threats lurking in the cosmos. </p>



<p>These exercises simulate scenarios where an asteroid might be on a collision course with Earth, challenging scientists to develop effective strategies for deflection or mitigation.</p>



<p>Yet, they also highlight our abilities to strategize, collaborate, and leverage advanced technology in the face of such dangers. </p>



<p>By bringing together experts from diverse fields, from astronomy to engineering, these exercises foster innovation and preparedness.</p>



<p>Do you feel safer knowing about the measures in place? </p>



<p>Let's continue our vigilance because, as the saying goes, "Forewarned is forearmed." Every step we take today could be crucial for protecting our planet tomorrow.</p>



<p>Next time you look up at the night sky, remember the unsung heroes of space working tirelessly to safeguard our planet. Because as we've learned, the best offense can often be a great defense.</p>



<p>To find out the outcome of the exercise, <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ttx5-quicklook-report-final.pdf?emrc=668d897c4e794" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">read NASA’s preliminary&nbsp;summary</a>.</p>



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;</p>



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



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

NASA and AI found out what would happen if a small asteroid hit Earth

When we think about unexpected events, asteroid impacts are typically...

<p>The discovery of the Higgs boson has been a captivating journey for physicists worldwide since the particle was first detected in the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) about twelve years ago. </p>



<p>This monumental finding, confirming the existence of the elusive particle theorized almost half a century prior, has unlocked new avenues of exploration and understanding in particle physics. </p>



<p>Despite dedicated research, the properties of this enigmatic particle remain somewhat shrouded in mystery. </p>



<p>Today, the scientific community embraces a new breakthrough that brings us a step closer to understanding the origin of the Higgs boson.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-higgs-boson">Understanding the Higgs Boson</h2>



<p>This exciting breakthrough comes from an international group of theoretical physicists, including members from the <a href="https://www.ifj.edu.pl/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute of Nuclear Physics</a> of the Polish Academy of Sciences. </p>



<p>These scientists have pooled their expertise and resources in a concerted effort to unravel the complexities of the Higgs boson. </p>



<p>For many years, the Higgs boson has remained the crowning glory of discoveries made with the <a href="https://home.cern/science/accelerators/large-hadron-collider" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Large Hadron Collider</a>. </p>



<p>Yet, understanding its properties has proven to be a colossal challenge, mainly due to the scientific hurdles encountered during experimental and computational studies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-maze-of-the-standard-model">Complex maze of the Standard Model</h2>



<p>Established in the 1970s, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-entanglement-spooky-action-at-a-distance-persists-between-top-quarks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Standard Model</a> is a theoretical framework designed to explain the elementary particles of matter accurately. </p>



<p>From <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gluons-quarks-and-mystery-what-makes-proton-spin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quarks to electrons</a>, this model has been instrumental in understanding how various electromagnetic and nuclear forces interact. </p>



<p>The Higgs boson, discovered thanks to the LHC, is the coveted jewel of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-fifth-force-of-nature-subatomic-particles-are-defying-the-laws-of-physics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Standard Model</a>. It holds a pivotal role in the mechanism that bestows masses to other elementary particles. </p>



<p>Without the Higgs field, particles would not have mass, and the universe as we know it would be drastically different.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-delving-deeper-into-the-quantum-realm">Delving deeper into the quantum realm</h2>



<p>Dr. Rene Poncelet from the IFJ PAN, part of this important research, provides clarity on the significance of their work. </p>



<p>"We have focused on the theoretical determination of the Higgs boson cross section in gluon-gluon collisions. These collisions are responsible for the production of about 90% of the Higgs, traces of whose presence have been registered in the detectors of the LHC accelerator," Poncelet explained. </p>



<p>This work delves deeper into the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/impossibility-paradox-calculating-incalculable-quantum-realm-particles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum realm</a>, where interactions are governed by the rules of quantum mechanics, offering deeper insights into the fundamental workings of our universe.</p>



<p>One of the co-authors of this research, Prof. Michal Czakon from the RWTH, explains why their work is a scientific achievement. </p>



<p>"The essence of our work was the desire to take into account, when determining the active cross section for the production of Higgs bosons, certain corrections that are usually neglected because ignoring them significantly simplifies the calculations," Czakon claims. </p>



<p>"It’s the first time we have succeeded in overcoming the mathematical difficulties and determining these corrections." </p>



<p>This finding is a triumph over mathematical challenges and a testament to the rigorous and meticulous nature of scientific inquiry.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seeing-the-bigger-picture">Seeing the bigger picture</h2>



<p>This work has contributed to a more profound understanding of the Higgs bosons and opened avenues for further research. </p>



<p>The team's findings indicate that the mechanisms responsible for the formation of Higgs bosons, at least for now, show no signs of diverging from the established physics. </p>



<p>However, questions still abound:</p>



<p>Why do elementary particles carry the masses they do? </p>



<p>Why do they form families? </p>



<p>What exactly is <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hubble-discovers-dark-matter-clump-center-draco-dwarf-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dark matter</a>? </p>



<p>What causes the dominance of matter over antimatter in the Universe? </p>



<p>These inquiries take us beyond the scope of the Standard Model, hinting at the existence of "new physics." The pursuit to answer these questions is not just about theoretical curiosity; it has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of the universe and even lead to new technologies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-next-for-the-higgs-boson-god-particle">What's next for the Higgs Boson "God particle"</h2>



<p>In the coming years, as more particle collisions are observed with the fourth research cycle of the LHC, reducing measurement uncertainties and bringing us closer to understanding the Higgs boson may be possible. </p>



<p>Each new cycle of experiments at the LHC is like turning a page in a giant book of the universe, revealing new insights and deepening our comprehension of the cosmos. </p>



<p>For now, the Standard Model remains secure, standing strong in the face of mysteries yet to be unraveled in the world of quantum mechanics. Let's brace ourselves; the quest to solve these mysteries promises to be nothing short of fascinating. </p>



<p>This journey reflects the enduring human spirit to explore the unknown, a spirit that has driven scientific and technological progress throughout history.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://journals.aps.org/prl/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevLett.132.211902" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Physical Review Letters</a></em>.</p>



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



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



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



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

Higgs boson ‘God particle’ still remains a quantum mystery after 12 years

The discovery of the Higgs boson has been a captivating...

<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>



<p>Like what you saw and read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>—–</p>



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



<p>—–</p>

Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p id="block-43e218f4-0391-477c-8396-eb777c8c80a3">Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



<p 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>



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



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



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

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>



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



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



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



<p></p>

Social modeling affects our food choices

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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>



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



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



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

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>



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



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



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

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>



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



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



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

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>



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



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



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

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>



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



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



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

The 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>



<figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter 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://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
</div></figure>



<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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



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



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



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



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



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="G9bUoxcjr4-2511624-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="iuA5mpp3jv-1641775-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="QGPzYnXEtN-1712599-12187" type="single"]</div>



<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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="X0f6OHYoI4-2310561-12187" type="single"]</div>



<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?

[sendtonews key="X0f6OHYoI4-2310561-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="JRaP49ISmm-2357509-12187" type="single"]</div>



<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

[sendtonews key="JRaP49ISmm-2357509-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

News coming your way