<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>



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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>The latest achievement in astronomy, captured by the Webb telescope, reveals a breathtaking view of a rare cosmic phenomenon: the gravitational lensing of RX J1131-1231, a quasar located six billion light-years away. </p>



<p>This visually captivating display, captured in the constellation named <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crater_(constellation)" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Crater</a>, deserves our admiration and is a testament to the dedication and skill of the team of astronomers behind it.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gravitational-lensing-nature-s-own-telescope">Gravitational lensing: Nature's own telescope</h2>



<p>Long before telescopes were invented, nature had its own way of magnifying celestial bodies. </p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/webb-telescope-finds-a-second-lensed-supernova-in-a-distant-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gravitational lensing</a>, predicted first by none other than Albert Einstein in his theory of general relativity, acts as a natural telescope, bending and magnifying distant light sources.</p>



<p>This fascinating phenomenon occurs because any matter in the universe warps the space around it, with the larger masses causing a more visible distortion.</p>



<p>When light passes near these high-mass objects, such as galaxies or black holes, it follows this warped space and appears to deviate from its original path, creating multiple images or even rings known as "<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-galaxy-jwst-er1g-dark-matter-einstein-ring-mystery-solved/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Einstein rings</a>."</p>



<p>This natural magnification allows astronomers to observe distant galaxies and stars that would otherwise be too faint to see, providing a unique window into the far reaches of the cosmos and the history of the universe.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-quasar-rx-j1131-1231">Unique quasar RX J1131-1231</h2>



<p>RX J1131-1231 is way more than just another quasar -- it's one of the best-lensed ones discovered until now. The foreground galaxy misshapes the quasar's image into a bright arc, resulting in not just one, but four images. </p>



<p>What's even more intriguing is that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quasar-j0529-4351-brightest-object-ever-seen-eats-one-star-per-day/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quasar's X-ray emission</a> study could provide clues about the spin speed of the black hole at its center. This could reveal the secret on how black holes evolve over time. Isn't that mind-boggling?</p>



<p>Quick trivia: If a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-black-holes-and-quasars-grew-faster-than-their-galaxies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black hole grows</a> predominantly via galaxy collisions and mergers, it ends up with a fast spinning black hole due to the conservation of angular momentum. </p>



<p>Conversely, random, smaller accretion episodes lead to a slower and less stable spin.</p>



<p>Scientists have recently detected that the black hole in RX J1131-1231 spins at over half the speed of light, suggesting that this black hole grew through multiple smaller galaxy mergers rather than random accretions. </p>



<p>This discovery helps us understand the growth of black holes and provides valuable insights on the dynamic history of the galaxies involved.</p>



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



<p>A quasar is an extremely bright and distant object in the universe. It looks like a star, but it is much more powerful. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quasar-j0529-4351-brightest-object-ever-seen-eats-one-star-per-day/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Quasars</a> are powered by supermassive black holes at the centers of galaxies. </p>



<p>When gas and dust fall into these black holes, they heat up and emit intense radiation. This process creates the bright light we see from Earth.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-black-holes-and-quasars-grew-faster-than-their-galaxies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Quasars</a> were first discovered in the 1960s. Astronomers were puzzled by their unusual properties. They noticed that quasars emitted large amounts of radio waves. Later, they found that quasars also emit X-rays and ultraviolet light.</p>



<p>The light from quasars travels billions of light-years to reach us. This means we see them as they were in the distant past. Studying quasars helps scientists learn about the early universe. Quasars are among the oldest and most distant objects we can observe.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/merging-quasars-cosmic-dawn-reveal-how-early-universe-formed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Quasars</a> can outshine entire galaxies. They are the most luminous objects in the universe. Some quasars are thousands of times more luminous than our Milky Way galaxy.</p>



<p>Despite their brightness, quasars are tiny compared to their host galaxies. A quasar's size is about the same as our solar system. The energy they produce comes from a small region around the black hole.</p>



<p>Quasars also help scientists understand black holes. The intense radiation from quasars provides clues about the behavior of matter near black holes. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dark-matter-and-rx-j1131-1231">Dark Matter and RX J1131-1231</h2>



<p><a href="https://esawebb.org/about/instruments/miri/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Webb’s MIRI</a> (Mid-Infrared Instrument) clicked this fascinating image, as part of a research program to delve into the enigma of dark matter. </p>



<p>This unseen form of matter forms the universe's mass and acts as the cosmic glue holding everything together.</p>



<p>Observations of quasars, particularly RX J1131-1231, are paving the way for astronomers to probe into the secrets of dark matter at unprecedented scales. </p>



<p>The high-energy output of quasars illuminates the surrounding dark matter, providing researchers with incredibly valuable data points.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-redefining-our-understanding-of-the-universe">Redefining Our Understanding of the Universe</h2>



<p>Discoveries made by the <a href="https://esawebb.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Webb telescope</a>, such as RX J1131-1231, are revolutionizing our perspective towards the cosmos and its countless mysteries. </p>



<p>It brings to light the infinite potential of human curiosity and ingenuity. Each revelation answers existing queries, while simultaneously sparking a new wave of exploration. </p>



<p>Who knows? The next game-changing discovery could be just around the corner, offering us a closer look into our cosmos's hidden architecture and potentially shaking the fundamental principles of physics as we know them.</p>



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



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Jeweled ring floating in the cosmos captured by Webb

The latest achievement in astronomy, captured by the Webb telescope,...

<p>Did you know that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tapping-into-the-natural-power-of-plants-for-renewable-energy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a>, just like humans, can fall ill, too? And much like our world, theirs is not immune to disease outbreaks and pandemics. As nature-lovers and responsible stewards of the earth, it's vital we understand how we are unintentionally facilitating the spread of pathogens that cause "plant pandemics."</p>



<p>Two recent studies from <a href="https://www.ucr.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Riverside</a> have revealed that native plants and non-native crops don't play well when they're neighbors. Both being attractive hangouts for pests, they're unwittingly spreading diseases to each other.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pathogen-and-plant-health">Pathogen and plant health</h2>



<p>“We have changed the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-are-intelligent-problem-solvers-that-know-how-to-adapt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">landscape</a>, and it’s created opportunities for pathogens to thrive,” said UCR entomologist Kerry Mauck, who co-authored the studies. “We have introduced pathogens that damage native plants, and on the other side of the coin we have endemic pathogens that mutate to infect crops.”</p>



<p>The research has shed light on a worrying development: the presence of a bacterial pathogen affecting nightshade plants in the wilderness of California.</p>



<p>This pathogen, Candidatus liberibacter solanacearum or CLso, is a close relative of the one causing citrus greening disease, a deadly disease for citrus plants with no known cure.</p>



<p>CLso, transmitted by a small flying insect called a psyllid, is the culprit behind the zebra chip disease in potatoes. It deforms the tubers, rendering them unmarketable and reducing crop yields by a staggering 90%.</p>



<p>“We wanted to know, why did this thing show up so suddenly in the U.S.? The psyllid vector has been here. It’s native. We wondered if maybe the pathogen has also been here longer than we realized,” Mauck said.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Through their exploration of various UC natural reserves and inspection of preserved herbarium specimens dating back to the 1970s, they made a startling discovery. </p>



<p>CLso was present in 15-20% of the plants they examined. But here's the twist: the variants don't harm the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-capture-plant-communication-on-video/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a> they inhabit and are not of the infectious type impacting crops.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pathogen-mutation">Pathogen mutation</h2>



<p>Having unveiled the difference between the wild and crop-infecting pathogen, the researchers have earned funding from the <a href="https://www.usda.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. Department of Agriculture</a> to dive deeper into this disturbing mutation. </p>



<p>They're keen on decoding how this pathogen evolved from being benign to problematic and what lies at the crux of pathogen-plant interaction.</p>



<p>A second, related study published in the <em>Phytobiomes Journal</em> focused on the viral pathogens' movement from crop fields to wild plants. </p>



<p>“Crops such as squash, melons, and potatoes attract aphids and whiteflies that can spread viruses from crops to wild plants,” said Mauck.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pathogen-spreading-in-plants">Pathogen spreading in plants</h2>



<p>A big worry is that a lot of these viruses were introduced in the last few decades. These native plants may be coming face-to-face with pathogens they've never met before. It's like getting an unexpected and unwelcome guest at your door.</p>



<p>A stunning 80% of wild squash plants sampled were found infected with a non-native virus, cucurbit aphid-borne yellows virus, or CABYV. These viral infections stunt the growth of roots - a critical issue in Southern California's arid and hot summer conditions.</p>



<p>“If the plants can’t make roots, they can’t access groundwater or store water in their roots. And wild squash are among the few plant species growing and providing resources in summer, so they’re relied on a lot by other organisms,” Mauck said. </p>



<p>“They’re highways for ants. They provide nectar and pollen. The seeds are eaten by endangered mammals. They’re critical.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preventing-plant-pandemics">Preventing plant pandemics</h2>



<p>These studies emphasize the pressing need for land managers, growers, and plant enthusiasts to join forces in curbing the introduction of plant pathogens into new areas.</p>



<p>When we consider plant trade, there's more at stake than just the plants themselves. We unknowingly transport unwelcome 'plant-demic' instigators along with them. Mauck stresses, “We need to make sure we’re moving only plant material that doesn't contain these unwanted guests.”</p>



<p>Knowledge truly is power. By understanding how plant pathogens move and mutate, we can work towards reducing unwanted pathogen problems, safeguarding both our crops and wild <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-emerged-zygnema-star-algae-conquer-earths-landmass/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a>. </p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://apsjournals.apsnet.org/doi/10.1094/PHYTO-01-24-0025-R" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Phytopathology</a>.</em></p>



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



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

Plant pandemic looms as pathogens move from wild plants to crops

Did you know that plants, just like humans, can fall...

Senior,Man,Smoking,A,Cigarette,At,A,Terrace,While,Having

<p>Ever heard the saying, ‘Prevention is better than cure’? Research now backs this popular cliché, especially in the context of cancer. A recent study by the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.cancer.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Cancer Society</a>&nbsp;found that almost half of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-cancer-rates-in-young-adults-linked-to-accelerated-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">adult</a> cancer deaths in the US could possibly be avoided through certain lifestyle modifications.</p>



<p>The scientist leading this insightful research is Dr. Arif Kamal, the Chief Patient Officer at the American Cancer Society. His findings put a massive spotlight on the role our daily habits play in determining our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-cancer-rates-in-young-adults-linked-to-accelerated-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer risk</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smoking-the-unseen-assassin">Smoking – The unseen assassin</h2>



<p>Diving into the meat of the research, the study highlights some startling findings.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Among adults thirty and over, about 40% of new cancer cases – and nearly half of the deaths – in 2019 were pinned on avoidable risk factors.&nbsp;</p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quitting-smoking-at-any-age-brings-big-and-immediate-health-benefits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Smoking</a> sits at the top of this list, contributing to almost 1 in 5 cancer cases and accounting for nearly a third of all cancer deaths.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-domino-effect-of-lifestyle-on-cancer">Domino effect of lifestyle on cancer</h2>



<p>The study presents an impressive lineup of 18 modifiable risk factors across 30 different cancer types. In 2019, these lifestyle choices colluded to result in over 700,000 new cancer cases and contributed to more than 262,000 deaths.</p>



<p>But how exactly do these lifestyle <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vitamin-d-influences-gut-bacteria-to-help-fight-cancer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">behaviors</a> influence cancer? Well, cancer cells either thrive on DNA damage or find fuel in other sources. </p>



<p>While genetics and environment can create ripe conditions for the disease, modifiable risks tower over these factors, contributing to a significant percentage of cancer cases and deaths.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lifestyle-choices-and-cancer-culprits">Lifestyle choices and cancer culprits</h2>



<p>"Modifiable risks" might sound vague, but 'modifiable' is the key here – it signifies changeability. We're talking about habits that you can actually alter to reduce your risk. </p>



<p>It's time to take a rain check on the roll of the dice of genetics and bad luck, and start feeling a sense of control over your health journey.</p>



<p>With certain cancers, it's possible to pin the blame on these dangerous lifestyle choices more than others. In 2019, ten types of cancer had over 80% of new cases attributable to modifiable risks.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Sun-seeking behavior led to over 90% of melanoma cases, and HPV infection – preventable with a vaccine – was responsible for almost all cases of cervical cancer.</p>



<p>Smoking might’ve been stealing the spotlight for a while now, but there’s a new (and hefty) player in town – <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/obesity-now-affects-more-than-a-billion-people/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">excess body weight</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Taking the silver medal in contributing to cancer cases, excess body weight was linked to about 5% of new cases in men and nearly 11% in women in 2019. </p>



<p>It even clocked in at more than a third of deaths from cancers of the endometrium, gallbladder, esophagus, liver, and kidney.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-making-healthy-habits-stick">Making healthy habits stick</h2>



<p>Transitioning to a healthier lifestyle isn't just about making quick changes. It's about creating habits that stick. Adopt practices you can keep up with, not just short-term fixes.</p>



<p>Take smoking and overeating, for example. Once these habits settle into your daily routine, they're tough to shake. They often start out small but soon become a big part of your life, making them hard to quit. </p>



<p>Beating these habits isn't easy; it takes a lot of commitment and a smart plan. That means figuring out what triggers them, getting some support, and slowly swapping them out for healthier choices.</p>



<p>By focusing on creating sustainable habits, you're setting the foundation for a healthier future, ensuring that the changes you make today continue to benefit you in the years to come. </p>



<p>This might involve regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, and mental well-being practices, all of which contribute to a more holistic approach to health.</p>



<p>"It's never too late to make these changes," Dr. Plescia assures us. “Turning (health behaviors) around later in life can make a profound difference.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-every-day-is-a-new-chance">Every day is a new chance</h2>



<p>Here's the good news. Shifting to healthier lifestyle habits brings down your risk of cancer in a relatively short time.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Cancer is something your body fights every single day as your cells divide,” Kamal said. “It’s a risk that you face every day, and that also means that the reduction of the risks can benefit you every day as well.”</p>



<p>So, it's time to strap up those shoes, banish that pack of cigarettes, and let's show cancer that it picked the wrong humans to mess with.</p>



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



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Simple lifestyle changes could prevent half of all cancer deaths

Ever heard the saying, ‘Prevention is better than cure’? Research...

<p>Scientists have just unlocked one of nature's most colossal enigmas - a 52,000-year-old woolly mammoth's genome and 3D chromosomal structures. </p>



<p>This incredible achievement is first of its kind for any ancient DNA sample, courtesy of the combined efforts of an international research team.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-woolly-mammoth-dna-discovery">Woolly mammoth DNA discovery</h2>



<p>The project led by is Dr. Erez Lieberman Aiden, Director of the <a href="https://aidenlab.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Center for Genome Architecture</a> at <a href="https://www.bcm.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Baylor College of Medicine</a>. Dr. Aiden, with his team, has assembled the largest scale of ancient DNA fragments ever recorded.</p>



<p>“This is a new type of fossil, and its scale dwarfs that of individual ancient DNA fragments—a million times more sequence,” says Dr Aiden.</p>



<p>He also held the distinction of determining the first-ever karyotype (<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/genetic-twist-in-the-tale-of-the-last-woolly-mammoths/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">complete set of chromosomes</a>) from an ancient sample.</p>



<p>But how did they do it? It involved a constant hunt for perfectly preserved ancient DNA samples and a unique method called Hi-C.</p>



<p>After five years and countless attempts, the researchers finally hit the jackpot in 2018 when they unearthed a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/end-of-an-era-woolly-mammoth-remains-tell-an-intriguing-story/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">well-preserved woolly mammoth</a> in northeastern Siberia.</p>



<p>They believe the mammoth's internal structure is so well-preserved because it was naturally freeze-dried after it died.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-freeze-dried-skin-sample">Freeze-dried skin sample</h2>



<p>The team of scientists meticulously extracted DNA from a skin sample taken behind the mammoth's ear. They utilized the Hi-C method to detect the interacting DNA sections. It's sort of like piecing together a three-billion-piece puzzle.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/woolly-mammoth_permafrost-frozen-foot_credit-love-dalen_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/woolly-mammoth_permafrost-frozen-foot_credit-love-dalen_1s.jpg" alt="A photo of a mammoth foot in a permafrost environment. Credit: Love Dalen" class="wp-image-1938830"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>A photo of a mammoth foot in a permafrost environment. Credit: Love Dalen</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>“Imagine you have a puzzle that has three billion pieces, but you don't have the picture of the final puzzle to work from,” says corresponding author Marc A. Marti-Renom, an ICREA research professor and structural genomicist at the Centre Nacional d’Anàlisi Genòmica (<a href="https://www.cnag.eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CNAG</a>) and the Centre for Genomic Regulation (<a href="https://www.crg.eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CRG</a>) in Barcelona. </p>



<p>“Hi-C allows you to have an approximation of that picture before you start putting the puzzle pieces together.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-results-from-woolly-mammoth-dna">Results from woolly mammoth DNA</h2>



<p>A result of remarkable precision, the analysis not only disclosed that woolly mammoths <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/genetic-twist-in-the-tale-of-the-last-woolly-mammoths/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">had 28 chromosomes</a> - just like Asian and African elephants today, but also retained a substantial amount of physical integrity and detail within the fossilized chromosomes.</p>



<p>By investigating the compartmentalization of genes within the nucleus, the team pinpointed genes that were either active or dormant within the mammoth's skin cells.</p>



<p>It turns out, the mammoth skin cells flaunted distinct gene activation patterns when compared to Asian elephant's skin cells, particularly for the genes related to its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/woolly-mammoths-had-testosterone-driven-aggression-during-mating-season/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">woolly-ness and cold tolerance</a>.</p>



<p>Now we have a woolly mammoth tissue that tells us which genes were switched on and off some 52,000 years ago. That's a massive stride in the field of ancient DNA.</p>



<p>“For the first time, we have a woolly mammoth tissue for which we know roughly which genes were switched on and which genes were off,” says Marti-Renom. </p>



<p>“This is an extraordinary new type of data, and it’s the first measure of cell-specific gene activity of the genes in any ancient DNA sample.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-along-the-way">Challenges along the way</h2>



<p>The journey to sequencing the woolly mammoth <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/genome-mapping-completed-for-dozens-of-common-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genome</a> was riddled with challenges. Ancient DNA is notoriously fragile and often contaminated with modern DNA. This made extraction and analysis particularly daunting.</p>



<p>The cold Siberian environment played a pivotal role in preserving the woolly mammoth’s DNA. It reduced degradation and contamination. </p>



<p>Nevertheless, the team faced difficulties. They struggled to distinguish between the mammoth’s DNA and other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-and-imprint-new-era-dna-transformation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genetic</a> material present in the sample.</p>



<p>Advanced bioinformatics tools and rigorous verification protocols were essential in overcoming these obstacles.</p>



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



<p>This achievement extends beyond woolly mammoths and could significantly impact the study of other extinct <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/end-of-an-era-woolly-mammoth-remains-tell-an-intriguing-story/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a>.</p>



<p>By applying similar methods, scientists might uncover valuable genomic information from various extinct organisms. This can provide insights into their biology, evolution, and the reasons behind their extinction.</p>



<p>Understanding these factors could inform contemporary conservation <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-dna-secrets-revealed-by-genomic-time-machine-and-transposable-elements/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">strategies</a>. This might help prevent the extinction of currently endangered species.</p>



<p>This discovery could be a key player in today's efforts to bring back the woolly mammoth.</p>



<p>So, don't be surprised if you hear more about woolly mammoths in the future. After all, science just made a mammoth leap forward.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(24)00642-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cell</a>.</em></p>



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



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

Woolly mammoth freeze-dried skin has active DNA after 52,000 years

Scientists have just unlocked one of nature's most colossal enigmas...

<p>Most of us have had some of our best ideas in the shower or while taking a leisurely stroll. Some call it a fluke, but cognitive science has a term for it - the shower effect. This is a phenomenon where mundane activities like showering or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/walk-20-minutes-daily-to-boost-your-brain-power/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">walking</a> spark creativity in our minds and assist in problem-solving.</p>



<p>The shower effect has been explored by Zachary Irving, an assistant professor with the <a href="https://philosophy.virginia.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Virginia's Corcoran Department of Philosophy</a>.</p>



<p>Irving's research on this concept subsequently caught the eyes of executives from the international soap and cosmetics company, Lush.</p>



<p>The collaboration has prompted a unique campaign that promises to turn research theory into a tangible experience for everyone. More so, this collaboration is adding a new dimension to Irving's research.</p>



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



<p>Irving, described as "the world's foremost philosopher of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-despite-working-long-hours-an-average-day-in-human-life-may-surprise-you/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mind wandering</a>, if not its first," is an experimental philosopher who uses social science tools to examine how complex scientific and philosophical concepts impact everyday existence. His research investigates what mind wandering is, what it isn't, and why it matters.</p>



<p>Initially, he found that existing definitions of mind wandering failed to accurately describe the phenomenon. </p>



<p>"What they were focused on was distraction in general. They were defining mind wandering as what are called task-unrelated thoughts - in other words, anything that distracts you," said Irving. </p>



<p>"Those seemed very different to me, both from a philosophical standpoint but also from the point of view of how people think about mind wandering."</p>



<p>Irving clarified that mind wandering is not an unconscious process, as assumed. Instead, it is a conscious state without focus, where free association happens organically and without constraints.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mind-wandering-and-the-shower-effect">Mind wandering and the shower effect</h2>



<p>"The issue with focusing on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/intelligent-minds-take-longer-to-solve-difficult-problems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">problem solving</a> is that you're focusing on what you think is relevant about the problem and what you think is important, but sometimes you're wrong," explained Irving. </p>



<p>"When your mind is wandering almost randomly, that's when you hit upon unusual or creative ideas that you otherwise would have ignored."</p>



<p>After extensive empirical studies, Irving concluded that mind wandering can indeed stimulate creativity, and can be triggered by performing moderately engrossing activities like showering or dishwashing.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-power-of-the-shower">Power of the shower </h2>



<p>Following the paper's publication, Irving was approached by product experts from Lush - a British cosmetics and soap retailer known for their minimalistic and visually appealing products. They proposed a collaboration on a marketing campaign called "Power of the Shower." </p>



<p>Irving, taking on the unique role of a philosophical cosmetics influencer, assisted in formulating a shower routine using Lush products that induces mind wandering. </p>



<p>The goal is a multisensory experience aimed at disrupting daily worries and compulsive thoughts, thereby inducing a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-happens-in-the-brain-while-we-are-daydreaming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">state of relaxation</a> and free association.</p>



<p>"This is one of the most exciting partnerships we've done. Being able to integrate the colors, textures and essential oils of Lush products into a powerful mind-melting experience like this is such a fun new way to think about taking care of the body and the mind," said Erica Vega, a brand and product manager with Lush.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pioneering-new-research-directions">Pioneering new research directions</h2>



<p>This unusual partnership has also expanded Irving's research in unprecedented ways. It has allowed him to explore and influence nuanced emotional states that are harder to induce in a lab setting but are crucial for mind wandering. </p>



<p>"The beauty product industry is focused on how to induce very specific emotions: how to make you experience <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/whispered-dreams-how-relaxing-words-tune-our-heartbeat-to-sleep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">relaxation</a> or how to induce the sensation of wonder. The specificity of emotions that they're able to create is really important for what I'm trying to do."</p>



<p>Irving appreciates the unique opportunity to work directly with the public, making his findings accessible and beneficial to everyone. "As a philosopher, you don't get that very often. This way, you can experience the philosophy just by taking a shower."</p>



<p>Christa Acampora is the Dean of the College and Graduate School of Arts &amp; Sciences at UVA.</p>



<p>"As dean, I know that our faculty in Arts &amp; Sciences are engaged in research and creative activities that impact virtually every dimension of our lives. It is rewarding to see this captivate the attention of others with the result of such a surprising partnership with industry," said Acampora.</p>



<p>"I applaud Professor Irving's efforts and creativity in engaging the public in the work that philosophers do while also demonstrating its relevance to their everyday lives."</p>



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



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

Mind wandering in the shower sparks creativity

Most of us have had some of our best ideas...

<p>For centuries, the evolution of brain size has been a point of contention, a mystery wrapped in scientific theories and debates. However, a new study has finally cleared the clouds shrouding this age-old controversy. </p>



<p>So, what's the truth? Do larger animals have proportionally larger brains? Not quite. And as it turns out, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-brain-development-aligns-closely-with-other-primates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">humans</a> are the odd ones out in this evolutionary trend.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-and-body-size-relationship">Brain and body size relationship</h2>



<p>The study, conducted by noted researchers at the <a href="https://www.reading.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Reading</a> and <a href="https://www.reading.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Durham University</a>, engaged an impressive dataset.</p>



<p>The team collated brain and body measures from approximately 1,500 different species, one of the largest datasets ever amassed for such a study. What they unveiled was fascinating.</p>



<p>"For more than a century, scientists have assumed that this relationship was linear - meaning that brain size gets proportionally bigger, the larger an animal is. We now know this is not true," noted Professor Chris Venditti from the University of Reading.</p>



<p>"The relationship between brain and body size is a curve, essentially meaning very large animals have smaller brains than expected."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rules-exceptions-and-the-human-phenomenon">Rules, exceptions, and the human phenomenon</h2>



<p>The research uncovered a simple association between brain and body size across all mammals. This connection allowed the experts to identify the outliers – species that defy this standard curve.</p>



<p>Chief among these rebels was our own species, Homo Sapiens. We have evolved more than 20 times faster than all other mammal species, resulting in the impressive brain size that characterizes us today.</p>



<p>But this defiance isn't exclusive to humans. Mammalian groups showed diverse evolutionary patterns, striding towards both smaller and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/modern-dogs-have-larger-brains-than-ancient-dog-breeds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">larger brain</a> sizes.</p>



<p>For instance, bats swiftly brought down their brain size at inception, only to exhibit prolonged stagnation in relative brain size changes thereafter. This inertia suggests possible evolutionary constraints linked to the demands of flight.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-variations-and-constraints-in-brain-size-evolution">Variations and constraints in brain size evolution</h2>



<p>Drilling deeper into these variations, the researchers delineated three specific animal groups that showcased the most distinct rapid brain size changes: primates, rodents, and carnivores.</p>



<p>In these trios, a unique trend emerged - the Marsh-Lartet rule, a tendency for relative brain sizes to increase with time. But, as the study notes, this rule is not universally applicable across all mammals.</p>



<p>Furthermore, the research contradicts the previously held belief that larger animals have proportionally larger brains.</p>



<p>“Our model has a simplicity that means previously elaborate explanations are no longer necessary – relative brain size can be studied using a single underlying model,” said Professor Rob Barton of Durham University.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-enigma-of-the-curious-ceiling">The enigma of the curious ceiling</h2>



<p>“Our results reveal a mystery. In the largest animals, there is something preventing brains from getting too big," noted Dr. Joanna Baker of the University of Reading.</p>



<p>Is it simply that maintaining large brains beyond a certain size is too energy-consuming? The researchers have their hunches about constraints and limitations, but what causes this "curious ceiling" is still open for exploration.</p>



<p>This intriguing research challenges long-held beliefs about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/octopus-and-squid-senses-linked-to-human-brain-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain evolution</a>, and unravels unexpected trends and anomalies in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/differences-in-the-mammalian-and-reptilian-brain-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mammalian brain</a> size evolution.</p>



<p>Indeed, the brain size riddle has been decrypted, but its intricacies continue to spur deeper exploration.</p>



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



<p>The revelations from this study prompt a re-examination of cognitive capabilities across species. If brain size does not directly correlate with body size, what does this mean for intelligence and problem-solving skills in animals? </p>



<p>Researchers are now considering other factors such as neural density, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mammals-share-the-same-brain-structure-with-the-exception-of-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain structure</a>, and connectivity to better understand cognitive prowess.</p>



<p>Moreover, the study's insights into evolutionary constraints suggest that cognitive capabilities might be influenced by ecological demands and metabolic limits. </p>



<p>For example, the energy-intensive nature of flight could explain why bats have relatively smaller brains. Understanding these trade-offs could shed light on the adaptive strategies that have shaped brain evolution across diverse environments.</p>



<p>In sum, this groundbreaking research not only demystifies the age-old brain size riddle but also opens up new avenues for exploring the complexities of brain function and evolution. </p>



<p>As scientists delve deeper into these questions, we may uncover even more surprising truths about the nature of intelligence and adaptation in the animal kingdom.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-024-02451-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution</a></em>.</p>



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Bigger animals do not always have bigger brains

For centuries, the evolution of brain size has been a...

<p>Have you ever felt a tingling sensation crawling down from your scalp, making its way down to your neck, and spreading its calming effect through your spine? You're not alone. Welcome to the fascinating world of ASMR, or Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response.</p>



<p>ASMR is a zone that millions of people around the world already find incredibly soothing, and some even say it helps them sleep.</p>



<p>But what exactly orchestrates this sensation, causing it to take the internet world by storm? Let's dive deeper.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unveiling-the-science-of-tingles">Unveiling the science of tingles</h2>



<p>ASMR, quite the new kid on the scientific block, is starting to turn heads among researchers. The relaxing tingles and calm that people report after watching <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSN1j4-NZ3dzC7_HKckmK3Q" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ASMR videos</a> are believed to be tied to our brain's reward circuitry. </p>



<p>Essentially, when you're enjoying your slice of ASMR, your mind secretes a cocktail of 'feel good' neurochemicals, think endorphins and oxytocin. This release of neurochemicals creates a sense of well-being and relaxation. </p>



<p>The outcome? Your heart rate takes a soothing dip, stress evaporates, and you’re left in a tranquil state. </p>



<p>Some studies suggest that this calming effect might even help with anxiety and insomnia, making ASMR a potential tool for mental health and well-being. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-asmr-triggers-keys-to-tranquility">ASMR triggers: Keys to tranquility</h2>



<p>What triggers one person's ASMR might not do the same for another. Here are some common audio and visual prompts that are known to spread the tingling delight:</p>



<ul>
<li>Whispering: Gentle whispered words painting an ambiance of serenity.<br></li>



<li>Tapping: Light, rhythmic tap-tap-tap sounds.<br></li>



<li>Brushing: The audio of a brush gliding on surfaces or through hair.<br></li>



<li>Role-Playing: ASMR creators crafting situations such as haircuts or medical exams.<br></li>



<li>Crinkling: The sound of rustling paper or plastic that triggers the spine-tingling effect.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meet-the-asmr-community">Meet the ASMR community</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=asmr" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">YouTube is the playground</a> for ASMR creators (or ASMRtists), the artists who curate the tingling trips that captivate audiences worldwide. </p>



<p>These creators utilize a variety of techniques, from whispering and tapping to more intricate role-playing scenarios, all designed to trigger that soothing tingling sensation. </p>



<p>Some of these artists have won the loyalty of millions of viewers, who tune in regularly for their calming and therapeutic content. </p>



<p>Armed with top-notch microphones and often studio-quality equipment, they ensure that no detail of the sound is lost, promising their audience a truly immersive and sensory-rich journey.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-asmr-touches-lives">How ASMR touches lives</h2>



<p>ASMR transcends mere tingles and relaxation; it serves as an invaluable tool for many individuals in their daily lives. This phenomenon is often integrated into evening routines, where people leverage the gentle sounds and soothing voices to transition from a stressful day into a state of calm.</p>



<p>For those grappling with sleep issues or anxiety, ASMR proves to be immensely beneficial. It facilitates easier sleep onset and helps in alleviating stress by creating a serene auditory environment.</p>



<p>ASMR content creators, or ASMRtists, meticulously craft their material to provide comfort and relaxation. This dedication often fosters a deep connection between them and their audience, akin to having a friend who truly understands their needs.</p>



<p>The sense of personal attention and connection offered by ASMR videos can significantly enhance mental well-being. In essence, ASMR is not merely a sensory experience but a supportive ally in the quest for emotional and psychological balance.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-and-why-does-it-work">How and why does it work?</h2>



<p>The power of this phenomenon lies in its remarkable ability to mimic personal attention when the listener is the only person in the room.</p>



<p>When you engage with an ASMR video, it feels as though the creator is speaking directly to you, employing soft-spoken words, gentle sounds, and deliberate actions. This orchestrates a sense of intimacy and connection.</p>



<p>Neuroscientifically, the brain responds to this simulated social interaction by releasing endorphins and oxytocin, chemicals known to enhance relaxation and overall well-being. </p>



<p>Many individuals report that ASMR aids in reducing stress, combating insomnia, and improving mood, thus emerging as a valuable tool for mental health and self-care.</p>



<p>Understanding ASMR's intricate impact on the brain invites us to explore its broader implications. Could this phenomenon reshape our approaches to relaxation and mental health?</p>



<p>By delving deeper, we uncover fascinating insights into how seemingly simple sensory experiences can profoundly influence our emotional and psychological states.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-asmr-as-a-friend-to-mental-health">ASMR as a friend to mental health</h2>



<p>ASMR provides an accessible way to combat anxiety, depression, and insomnia for many enthusiasts.</p>



<p>This sensory phenomenon, characterized by tingling sensations typically starting on the scalp, often helps people relax and unwind.</p>



<p>Despite calling for more research to establish this link, the countless personal stories and testimonials of people finding relief through ASMR are compelling and aplenty.</p>



<p>These experiences suggest that ASMR has the potential to be a valuable tool for mental health and well-being.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critics-doubters-and-haters">Critics, doubters, and haters</h2>



<p>Every coin has two sides, and ASMR is no exception. Some individuals perceive these videos as eerie or simply irritating, often describing the sounds and visuals as unsettling or discomforting.</p>



<p>Critics often question the scientific foundation of the phenomenon, suggesting that the effects could be attributed to a placebo or heightened suggestibility. They argue for more rigorous research to validate the claims made by ASMR enthusiasts.</p>



<p>However, despite this skepticism, many who advocate for ASMR experience tangible benefits. These individuals report profound relaxation, reduced anxiety, and improved sleep quality. For them, it's not just a fleeting trend but a valuable tool for enhancing their well-being.</p>



<p>If ASMR piques your curiosity, the best approach is to explore various types of videos. To enrich your experience, consider finding a quiet environment, using high-quality headphones, and experimenting with different artists and triggers.</p>



<p>Engaging with ASMR offers an opportunity to explore its potential benefits deeply, fostering a broader understanding of how sensory experiences can impact well-being.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-road-ahead-for-asmr">Road ahead for ASMR</h2>



<p>In summary, ASMR, or Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, can help people relax and feel calm. They work by triggering the brain to release 'feel good' chemicals, which slow heart rates and reduce stress.</p>



<p>Common ASMR triggers include whispering, tapping, and brushing. People use ASMR for various reasons like winding down after a stressful day or helping with sleep problems.</p>



<p>The soothing sounds and gentle voices in ASMR videos can make viewers feel connected to the creators, almost like having a supportive friend.</p>



<p>ASMR also has its critics who find the videos unsettling or question the science behind it. They argue that the effects could be due to a placebo or suggestibility.</p>



<p>Despite this, many fans experience genuine relaxation and reduced anxiety thanks to ASMR. To explore ASMR, find a quiet spot, use good headphones, and try different triggers.</p>



<p>As its fanbase continues to grow, ASMR is proving not to be just a passing trend. With more in-depth studies on the horizon, we can hope to understand the mechanics and potential benefits of ASMR better. Meanwhile, the tingling sensations are here to soothe and relax millions.</p>



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



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ASMR: Science and sensation behind the tingles and tranquility

Have you ever felt a tingling sensation crawling down from...

<p>We live in an expansive universe, brimming with celestial bodies that conceal enigmas and secrets. Today, we delve into the intriguing revelations about the exoplanet LHS 1140 b, a possible super-Earth that teems with the potential of water, ice, and even life.</p>



<p>The explorers behind this study, an international team of astronomers led by <a href="https://www.umontreal.ca/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Université de Montréal</a>, stumbled upon this riveting discovery, challenging the preceding presumption of this exoplanet as a mini-Neptune.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lhs-1140-b-in-the-goldilocks-zone">LHS 1140 b in the 'Goldilocks' Zone</h2>



<p>Though initially speculated to be a mini-Neptune when discovered, new analysis paints a different portrait of LHS 1140 b, an exoplanet located just 48 light-years away in the constellation Cetus. </p>



<p>The findings suggest it could be one of the most promising exoplanets in its star’s habitable region -- or "Goldilocks' zone" -- circling a low-mass red dwarf star, potentially harboring an atmosphere and maybe even an ocean of liquid water that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trappist-1-has-seven-earth-like-planets-that-may-support-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">could support life</a>.</p>



<p>Why the fuss about this particular exoplanet? Well, it orbits its star at a distance that is just right - not too hot, not too cold - for liquid water (and thus, life as we know it) to exist. </p>



<p>LHS 1140 b resides in what is also known as the "<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-expands-the-habitable-zone-where-we-may-find-alien-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitable zone</a>" and is one of the closest exoplanets to Earth that has been found in this important region so far. Exciting thought, to say the least.</p>



<p>The researchers, led by Charles Cadieux, a Ph.D. student at UdeM's Trottier Institute for Research on Exoplanets (<a href="https://exoplanetes.umontreal.ca/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">iREx</a>), supervised by professor René Doyon, reported that LHS 1140 b is 1.7 times the size of Earth and 5.6 times its mass.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mysteries-of-lhs-1140-b-unveiled">Mysteries of LHS 1140 b unveiled</h2>



<p>Is LHS 1140 b a mini-Neptune with a thick, hydrogen-rich atmosphere or a super-Earth with a rocky surface? Or perhaps a "<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planet-k2-18-b-studied-again-confirm-presence-dms-gas-only-produced-by-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hycean world</a>" with a global ocean enveloped by a hydrogen-rich atmosphere? </p>



<p>These were the questions that intrigued the team of astronomers. They looked for answers using the James Webb Space Telescope (<a href="https://webb.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JWST</a>) and in December 2023, they got "director's discretionary time" (DDT) to observe two transits of the exoplanet.</p>



<p>Surprisingly, their findings excluded the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mini-neptune-toi-4633c-habitable-zone-binary-star-system-puzzles-astronomers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mini-Neptune</a> scenario, adding weight to the suggestion that LHS 1140 b might be a super-Earth, possibly with a nitrogen-rich atmosphere. </p>



<p>If corroborated further, this could make LHS 1140 b the first temperate planet to show evidence of a secondary atmosphere, formed post the planet’s initial formation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-snowballs-ice-and-liquid-water">Snowballs, ice, and liquid water</h2>



<p>Analysis leads researchers to believe that 10 to 20 percent of LHS 1140 b might consist of water, implying it could be a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hubble-finds-a-water-rich-planet-with-a-steamy-atmosphere-named-gj-9827d/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water world</a>, possibly a snowball or ice planet with a potential liquid ocean at the sub-stellar point. </p>



<p>This region is the area of the planet’s surface always facing the system’s host star due to the planet’s expected synchronous rotation (like the Earth’s Moon).</p>



<p>So, what does this all mean? Cadieux, the lead author of the new study, puts it beautifully, saying, “Of all currently known temperate exoplanets, LHS 1140 b could well be our best bet to one day indirectly confirm liquid water on the surface of an alien world beyond our Solar System.”</p>



<p>While it's still a tentative result, the suggested nitrogen-rich atmosphere on LHS 1140 b implies the planet has retained a substantial atmosphere, creating conditions <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-finds-17-exoplanets-that-have-oceans-and-possibly-alien-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supportive of liquid water</a>.</p>



<p>If this fascinating exoplanet does bear an Earth-like atmosphere, it would be a snowball planet with a "bull’s-eye" ocean about 4,000 kilometers in diameter, half the surface area of the Atlantic Ocean, possibly with a pleasant 20 degrees Celsius at the center.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lhs-1140-b-and-future-habitability-studies">LHS 1140 b and future habitability studies</h2>



<p>Exoplanet LHS 1140 b stands out as an exceptional candidate for future habitability studies due to its potential atmosphere and the right conditions for liquid water. </p>



<p>However, confirming this and distinguishing between the snowball planet and bull’s-eye ocean planet scenarios requires more observations.</p>



<p>According to Doyon, detecting an Earth-like atmosphere on a temperate planet would push the Webb’s capabilities to the max. </p>



<p>He asserts, “The current hint of a nitrogen-rich atmosphere begs for confirmation with more data. We need at least one more year of observations to confirm that LHS 1140 b has an atmosphere, and likely two or three more to detect carbon dioxide.”</p>



<p>So, the quest continues, and as we do, we inch closer to answering the age-old question - are we alone in the universe? Only time will tell, but the discovery of LHS 1140 b rouses hope in even the faintest of hearts.</p>



<p>A preprint version of the UdeM study is currently available on <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.48550/arxiv.2406.15136" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>arXiv</em></a>.</p>



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Exoplanet close to Earth is our 'best bet' yet at finding alien ocean life

We live in an expansive universe, brimming with celestial bodies...

<p>Have you ever wondered what a gas giant might smell like? One nearby exoplanet, HD 189733 b, sure does make its presence known with a scent that you'd probably want to avoid -- it smells like rotten eggs.</p>



<p>Understandably, this aromatic aspect is actually extremely fascinating to our scientists.</p>



<p>Meet HD 189733 b, <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/exoplanet_HD-189733b_star_rotten-eggs_hydrogen-sulfide_credit-roberto-moral_JHU_2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a Jupiter-sized exoplanet</a> that orbits a star relatively close to our own cosmic neighborhood.</p>



<p>Recent research from <a href="https://www.jhu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Johns Hopkins University</a> reveals that this planet is abundant in hydrogen sulfide, a gas notorious for its rotten egg smell.</p>



<p>Dr. Guangwei Fu, the lead researcher and an astrophysicist at Johns Hopkins, spearheaded this fascinating study.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hd-189733-b-has-hydrogen-sulfide">HD 189733 b has hydrogen sulfide</h2>



<p>“Hydrogen sulfide is a major molecule that we didn’t know was there. We predicted it would be, and we know it’s in Jupiter, but we hadn’t really detected it outside the solar system,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://physics-astronomy.jhu.edu/directory/guangwei-fu/">Fu</a>. </p>



<p>“We’re not looking for life on this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/habitable-exoplanet-gliese-12-b-only-40-light-years-away-earth-like-temperatures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planet</a> because it’s way too hot, but finding hydrogen sulfide is a stepping stone for finding this molecule on other planets and gaining more understanding of how different types of planets form.”</p>



<p>By uncovering these elements, we pave the way toward a deeper understanding of the cosmos.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-galactic-benchmark">Galactic benchmark</h2>



<p>HD 189733 b is practically in our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-sized-exoplanet-orbiting-ultracool-dwarf-star-discovered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">astronomical backyard</a>, located merely 64 light-years away. Notably, it’s the closest "hot Jupiter" we can observe transiting its star.</p>



<p>This proximity, coupled with its rapid two-Earth-day orbit, makes it an ideal subject for in-depth studies of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasas-habitable-worlds-observatory-hwo-telescope-aims-find-inhabited-planets-by-2050/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exoplanetary</a> atmospheres. </p>



<p>Studying such close exoplanets can revolutionize our understanding of atmospheric dynamics. This intriguing prospect is what drives scientists to explore and unravel the mysteries of distant worlds.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hellish-haven-with-glass-rain">Hellish haven with glass rain</h2>



<p>HD 189733 b was first observed back in 2005 and earned the nickname 'hot Jupiter' due to its similar chemical makeup to Jupiter, but with much more sizzling temperatures.</p>



<p>The planet is 10% larger than Jupiter and maintains a blazing average temperature of 1,700°F (926°C). This searing heat is a result of its close proximity to the host star.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/exoplanet_HD-189733b_rotten-eggs_hydrogen-sulfide_credit-roberto-moral_JHU_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/exoplanet_HD-189733b_rotten-eggs_hydrogen-sulfide_credit-roberto-moral_JHU_1s.jpg" alt="Exoplanet HD 189733 b smells like rotten eggs due to hydrogen sulfide. Credit: Roberto Moral/JHU" class="wp-image-1938653"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Exoplanet HD 189733 b smells like rotten eggs due to hydrogen sulfide. Credit: Roberto Moral/JHU</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>Another shocking aspect of HD 189733 b is its unprecedented weather conditions. Imagine winds so powerful that they sweep glass-like silicate particles at a blistering speed causing a sideways rain.</p>



<p>“HD 189733 b is not only a gas giant planet, but also a ‘giant’ in the field of exoplanets because it is one of the first transiting exoplanets ever discovered,” said Fu.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glass-rain-on-hd-189733-b-and-its-implications">Glass rain on HD 189733 b and its implications</h3>



<p>The phenomenon of glass rain on HD 189733b is both extraordinary and terrifying. These microscopic shards of glass, composed primarily of silicates, are propelled by fierce winds across the planet’s atmosphere.</p>



<p>At speeds reaching up to 5,000 miles per hour, this glass rain doesn't fall gently like rain on Earth; instead, it lashes horizontally, creating a truly alien meteorological event. </p>



<p>The incorporation of these high-speed silicate particles transforms the weather into a hazardous spectacle, where the atmosphere becomes a symphony of sharp, swirling fragments.</p>



<p>This unique scenario not only highlights the diversity of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasas-habitable-worlds-observatory-hwo-telescope-aims-find-inhabited-planets-by-2050/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exoplanetary</a> climates but also underscores the violent and inhospitable nature of some celestial bodies in our universe.</p>



<p>Such extreme weather patterns offer invaluable insights into atmospheric <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trappist-1-has-seven-earth-like-planets-that-may-support-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dynamics</a> and the complex interactions between a planet and its stellar environment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sulfur-s-role-on-exoplanet-hd-189733">Sulfur’s role on exoplanet HD 189733</h2>



<p>“Sulfur is a vital element for building more complex molecules, and -- like carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and phosphate -- scientists need to study it more to fully understand how planets are made and what they’re made of,” Fu said.</p>



<p>The observation of hydrogen sulfide gives scientists a new tool to track sulfur in gas planets outside our solar system. </p>



<p>The implications of this discovery are huge. As per Fu, studying more hot Jupiters might give insights on how these planets form as compared to our own Jupiter.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saying-no-to-methane">Saying no to methane</h2>



<p>The egg-smelling exoplanet HD 189733 b also surprised astronomers by ruling out any presence of methane in its atmosphere, countering previous claims about the molecule’s abundance. </p>



<p>"We had been thinking this planet was too hot to have high concentrations of methane, and now we know that it doesn’t," Fu clarified.</p>



<p>In the near future, Fu’s team plans to track sulfur in more exoplanets and figure out how high levels of the compound might influence how they form near their parent stars. </p>



<p>"We want to know how these kinds of planets got there, and understanding their atmospheric composition will help us answer that question," Fu elucidated.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-egg-smelling-exoplanet-s-significance">Egg-smelling exoplanet's significance</h2>



<p>“This Jupiter-mass planet is very close to Earth and has been very well studied. Now we have this new measurement to show that indeed the metal concentrations it has provide a very important anchor point to this study of how a planet’s composition varies with its mass and radius,” Fu said. </p>



<p>“The findings support our understanding of how planets form through creating more solid material after initial core formation and then are naturally enhanced with heavy metals.”</p>



<p>It is noteworthy that this crucial research was supported by NASA through the JWST GO program. The findings from this study not only enhance our knowledge about exoplanets but provide valuable insights that could potentially revolutionize our understanding of planetary formation and composition. </p>



<p>So, even though HD 189733 b might smell a bit funky, its importance in our quest to understand the cosmos is nothing to snicker at.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07760-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature</em></a>.</p>



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Deadly exoplanet with 'glass rain' smells like rotten eggs

Have you ever wondered what a gas giant might smell...

<p>Curiosity, it has driven humanity since the dawn of time. And sometimes, it's what makes us stumble upon a surprising find on a peaceful walk along the beach. And in this case, we are talking about an incredible <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-dinosaur-species-discovered-zimbabwe-named-musankwa-sanyatiensis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">discovery</a> of a dinosaur named <em>Comptonatus chasei</em>.</p>



<p>Nick Chase, an avid fossil collector, had managed to unearth a <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/dinosaur_Comptonatus-chasei_hip-bone_credit-Plymouth_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">125-million-year-old dinosaur</a> at Compton Bay, Isle of Wight in 2013.</p>



<p>Unfortunately, Nick couldn't live to see the full glory of his find, as he passed away due to cancer. But his dedication lives on in the discovery that took the world of paleontology by storm.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dinosaur-enthusiasts-nick-and-jeremy">Dinosaur enthusiasts Nick and Jeremy</h2>



<p>Taking the reins after Nick's demise, Jeremy Lockwood, a retired GP, and a <a href="https://www.port.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Portsmouth</a> PhD student has been on the front-line of the dinosaur's analysis. </p>



<p>Lockwood's journey involved years of examining a massive 149-bone skeleton that lay before him.</p>



<p>Honoring Nick's commitment and unparalleled knack for fossil hunting, Lockwood christened the new-found genus and species, '<em>Comptonatus chasei</em>'.</p>



<p>“Nick had a phenomenal nose for finding dinosaur bones - he really was a modern-day Mary Anning. He collected fossils daily in all weathers and donated them to museums. I was hoping we’d spend our dotage collecting together as we were of similar ages, but sadly that wasn’t to be the case," Jeremy recalled.</p>



<p>Despite his many wonderful discoveries over the years, including the most complete <em>Iguanodon</em> skull ever found in Britain, this is the first dinosaur to be named after him.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cracking-the-dinosaur-genus">Cracking the dinosaur genus</h2>



<p>Initially thought to be a 'Mantellisaurus', the new specimen turned out to play a significant role in unveiling more about dinosaur <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/koleken-inakayali-dinosaur-arms-smaller-than-t-rex/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diversity</a>. </p>



<p>In fact, Comptonatus chasei marks the second genus ever to be described by Lockwood. And what's more intriguing? Its pubic hip bone was as large as a dinner plate!</p>



<p>Now, if you're anything like me, you might be wondering, why in the world did this dinosaur need a <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/dinosaur_Comptonatus-chasei_hip-bone_credit-Plymouth_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dinner-plate-sized pubic hip bone</a>?</p>



<p>According to Lockwood, it's all speculation but possibilities include altered locomotion, better support for stomach contents, or even a unique breathing technique.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comptonatus-chasei-and-evolving-ecosystems"><em>Comptonatus chasei</em> and evolving ecosystems</h2>



<p>Lockwood's dinosaur -- Comptonatus, a name derived from its discovery site, Compton Bay and 'tonatus', Latin for 'thunderous' -- weighed around a ton, similar to a large male American bison.</p>



<p>Fossil footprints nearby suggest these dinosaurs lived in herds and could have caused quite the rumble when startled by predators!</p>



<p>"<em>Comptonatus</em> is a fantastic dinosaur <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dinosaur-discovery-reveals-ancient-alaska-warm-lush-landscape/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">specimen</a>: one of the most complete to be found in the UK in a century," " stated Dr. Susannah Maidment, a senior researcher, and palaeontologist at the Natural History Museum. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/dinosaur_Comptonatus-chasei_hip-bone_credit-Plymouth_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/dinosaur_Comptonatus-chasei_hip-bone_credit-Plymouth_1s.jpg" alt="Hip bone of Comptonatus chasei discovered in the UK. Credit: Plymouth" class="wp-image-1938789"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Hip bone of Comptonatus chasei discovered in the UK. Credit: Plymouth</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>"Its recognition as a new species is due to incredibly detailed work by NHM Scientific Associate Dr Jeremy Lockwood, whose research continues to reveal that the diversity of dinosaurs in southern England in the Early Cretaceous was much greater than previously realised.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"The specimen, which is younger than <em>Brighstoneus </em>but older than <em>Mantellisaurus</em> (two <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-dinosaur-species-identified-on-the-isle-of-wight/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">iguandontian dinosaurs</a> closely related to <em>Comptonatus</em>) demonstrate fast rates of evolution in iguandontian dinosaurs during this time period, and could help us understand how ecosystems recovered after a putative extinction event at the end of the Jurassic Period."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-of-comptonatus-chasei-discovery">Implications of <em>Comptonatus chasei</em> discovery</h2>



<p>The Isle of Wight has witnessed an astonishing increase in new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/isle-of-wight-fossils-suggest-that-europe-had-unique-plant-eating-dinosaurs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dinosaur species</a> named in the last five years. From four in the entirety of the 1900s to eight new species today.</p>



<p>"This really is a remarkable find. It helps us understand more about the different types of dinosaurs that lived in England in the Early Cretaceous. This adds to recent research that shows that Wessex was one of the world’s most diverse ecosystems,” Lockwood beams with pride.</p>



<p>The fossil now graces the collections at the Dinosaur Isle Museum in Sandown on the Isle of Wight.</p>



<p>“This extraordinary discovery at National Trust's Compton Bay highlights the rich natural heritage of the Isle of Wight…We are thrilled to be part of this ongoing journey of discovery and scientific advancement," stated Mike Greenslade, General Manager for the National Trust on the Isle of Wight.</p>



<p>This tale of dinosaur genus <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/megaraptor-species-named-fujianipus-yingliangi-discovered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">discovery</a> reminds us of the wonders that lay beneath the soils and the seas, waiting to be unearthed. It calls on us to explore, to learn, and to understand the world that existed before us. </p>



<p>&nbsp;The paper is published today in the&nbsp;<em><a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/toc/tjsp20/current" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Systematic Palaeontology</a>.&nbsp;</em></p>



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New dinosaur discovery is most complete skeleton ever found

Curiosity, it has driven humanity since the dawn of time....

<p>In a groundbreaking study that sheds light on early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/grasslands-crucial-role-global-agriculture-environment-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">farming practices</a> in equatorial eastern Africa, a plethora of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/prehistoric-humans-used-ancient-plant-fiber-technology-to-make-tools-39000-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ancient plant</a> remains have been unearthed near the Lake Victoria region of Kenya.</p>



<p>This fascinating finding confirms the long-standing belief that this region was pivotal in early agriculture. The challenge has been the lack of concrete evidence from actual physical crops.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-historic-plant-farming-discovery">Historic plant farming discovery</h2>



<p>Archaeologists and academics from various institutions have joined hands to produce the largest and most extensively dated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/olives-were-first-cultivated-7000-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">archaeobotanical</a> record from interior east Africa - a region previously unsuccessful in yielding ancient plant remains.</p>



<p>The research resolves the lack of clarity surrounding the origins of early plant farming in the expansive and diverse region of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.</p>



<p><em>“</em>There are many narratives about how agriculture began in east Africa, but there’s not a lot of direct evidence of the plants themselves," said Natalie Mueller, an assistant professor of archaeology at <a href="https://wustl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Washington University in St. Louis</a>.</p>



<p>Through the activities conducted at Kakapel Rockshelter, Mueller and the team discovered an extensive assemblage of plants, including numerous crop remains. </p>



<p>This notable past underlines a history of diverse and adaptable farming systems, standing as an antithesis to current stereotypes about Africa.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoding-early-agricultural-practices">Decoding early agricultural practices</h2>



<p>The research unveils a slow yet steady introduction of various crops sourced from different parts of Africa. </p>



<p>Of significant importance are the remnants of the cowpea, discovered at Kakapel and dating back 2,300 years. Cowpea, believed to have its origins in West Africa, marks the earliest known arrival of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/grapevines-first-domesticated-in-israel-11000-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">domesticated crop</a> in eastern Africa.</p>



<p>“Our findings at Kakapel reveal the earliest evidence of domesticated crops in east Africa, reflecting the dynamic interactions between local herders and incoming Bantu-speaking farmers," noted Emmanuel Ndiema from the National Museums of Kenya.</p>



<p>This finding underscores Kenya’s deep-seated agricultural roots, while fostering an understanding of how past human adaptations can guide future food security and environmental sustainability.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-insights-from-kakapel-rockshelter">Unique insights from Kakapel Rockshelter </h2>



<p>Located north of Lake Victoria, near the Kenya-Uganda border, the Kakapel Rockshelter is a nationally recognized archaeological site. </p>



<p>Its rich deposits chronicle more than 9,000 years of human occupation, providing a unique insight into the evolution of human societies.</p>



<p>“Kakapel Rockshelter is one of the only sites in the region where we can see such a long sequence of occupation by so many diverse communities," said Steven T. Goldstein, an anthropological archaeologist at the <a href="https://business.pitt.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Pittsburgh</a>.</p>



<p>The techniques employed during the excavation have effectively captured the arrival of domesticated plants in the region and their subsequent impact on the human ecosystem.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-letting-the-crops-tell-a-story">Letting the crops tell a story</h2>



<p>The importance of the research extends to numerous fields, including historical linguistics, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-science-is-becoming-increasingly-critical-to-society/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant science</a> and genetics, African history, and domestication studies.</p>



<p>Mueller continues to explore the enigma of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wild-desert-plants-are-not-immune-to-crop-viruses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wild plants</a> in the oldest parts of the site. “This is where human evolution occurred. If we can get that kind of information from this assemblage, then that is a great contribution.”</p>



<p>Hence, the research not only enriches our knowledge of early agricultural practices but also holds the potential to redesign Africa’s agricultural narrative.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interdisciplinary-insights-into-early-farming">Interdisciplinary insights into early farming</h2>



<p>Understanding early farming practices in East Africa necessitates an interdisciplinary approach that blends archaeology, anthropology, botany, and paleoclimatology. </p>



<p>The collaboration between diverse scientific fields has unveiled a comprehensive picture of how ancient civilizations adapted to their environment. </p>



<p>For instance, isotope analysis of plant remains provides clues about past climate conditions, while genetic studies trace the lineage and domestication pathways of staple crops like cowpea and sorghum.</p>



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



<p>The profound insights gleaned from the study of early agricultural practices in East Africa provide invaluable lessons for modern agriculture. </p>



<p>The resilience and adaptability demonstrated by ancient farming communities are particularly relevant in the context of contemporary challenges such as climate change, soil degradation, and food insecurity. </p>



<p>By revisiting and integrating traditional agricultural knowledge, contemporary farmers can develop sustainable practices that align with ecological balance and long-term productivity.</p>



<p>Moreover, the interdisciplinary approach adopted in this research paves the way for future studies. </p>



<p>There is a growing need for continued exploration into the genetic diversity of indigenous crops, the rediscovery of forgotten agricultural techniques, and the application of advanced technologies to decode historical data. </p>



<p>This ongoing research holds the potential to not only clarify the agricultural heritage of East Africa but also to guide innovative solutions that can be adapted globally.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2023.2747" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences</a></em>.</p>



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



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

Evidence of earliest plant farming by humans discovered in East Africa

In a groundbreaking study that sheds light on early farming...

<p>In our cosmic backyard, a fascinating phenomenon known as gravitational waves has been quietly reshaping the way we understand the universe. </p>



<p>Originating from violent cosmic incidents and carrying whispers from far corners of the universe, these elusive ripples in the fabric of space-time were first observed in 2015. </p>



<p>Today, we delve into a new study by <a href="https://profiles.ucr.edu/app/home/profile/yanou" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yanou Cui</a> from the <a href="https://www.ucr.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Riverside</a>, which opens up fresh avenues of thought in this field.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dancing-to-the-tune-of-simple-matter">Dancing to the tune of simple matter</h2>



<p>Cui's study, appearing in the respected journal <em>Physical Review Letters</em>, revolves around a particular kind of ultra-light <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-matter-may-reveal-the-origin-of-magnetic-fields/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scalar field matter</a>. Imagine the incredibly small mass of an electron. </p>



<p>Now, think of something a million or a billion times lighter than that. Mind-boggling, isn't it? These ultra-light particles, with no internal spin, pervade the universe, behaving more like waves than particles.</p>



<p>“This mechanism of creating detectable gravitational wave backgrounds may shed light on the puzzling <a href="https://news.berkeley.edu/2023/06/28/after-15-years-pulsar-timing-yields-evidence-of-cosmic-gravitational-wave-background/">gravitational wave signal recently captured by pulsar timing observatories</a>,” Cui explained. </p>



<p>“Another exciting implication is that the very same form of matter may be identified as dark matter, the mysterious substance believed to make up most of the universe's mass which has puzzled scientists for decades.” </p>



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



<p>To hear the tune of gravitational waves, they have to be loud enough and fall within detectable frequency ranges. These waves are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/matter-spacetime-gravitational-waves-fabric-of-the-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ripples in spacetime</a> caused by some of the most energetic processes in the universe. </p>



<p>Cui's research suggests that these simple forms of matter, such as primordial fields, kicked off a detectable background of gravitational waves shortly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/visible-matter-dark-matter-evolved-together-big-bang/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">after the Big Bang</a>. This background provides a cosmic fingerprint of events that took place in the early universe. </p>



<p>Once the universe's expansion rate overtakes the mass of the scalar field, the production of these gravitational waves comes to a halt. </p>



<p>This transition marks a significant moment in the evolution of the universe, offering insights into the fundamental processes that have shaped our cosmos.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-post-big-bang-universe">Post-Big Bang universe</h2>



<p>Imagine a universe merely a fraction of a second old, its expansion rate on par with the mass of the simple scalar field matter we just discussed. </p>



<p>During this almost incomprehensibly brief moment, the universe was a hot, dense state, filled with an incredibly energetic mix of particles and radiation.</p>



<p>It's during this narrow time window that gravitational waves were born, rippling through the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/twisted-galaxies-millions-of-light-years-away-captured-by-the-vlt-telescope/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fabric of spacetime</a>. </p>



<p>As the universe expanded beyond this point, cooling and evolving, particle production stopped due to internal mechanisms, transitioning into a more stable phase. </p>



<p>This early era laid the foundation for the complex structures we observe in the cosmos today.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dark-matter-breakthrough">Dark matter breakthrough?</h2>



<p>Why haven't we come across these simple matter forms before? The answer lies in their elusive nature. Cui notes that their interaction with known matter is through a feeble gravitational connection, making them incredibly difficult to detect. </p>



<p>"The gravitational wave signal we demonstrated is the way to detect them," emphasizes Cui. By identifying this matter as, potentially, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hubble-discovers-dark-matter-clump-center-draco-dwarf-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dark matter</a>, we can finally start unravelling this cosmic mystery.</p>



<p>The potential identification of this ultra-light scalar field matter as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-matter-may-consist-of-particles-that-travel-faster-than-light/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dark matter</a> is no small feat. This discovery not only helps us understand the composition of the enigmatic dark matter but also provides a plausible explanation for the baffling pulsar timing observations made last year. </p>



<p>These observations had left many scientists puzzled, as the timing anomalies could not be easily explained by existing models. By linking these anomalies to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/theory-gravity-exists-without-mass-so-dark-matter-does-not-exist/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dark matter</a>, researchers are opening up new avenues for further study and experimentation. </p>



<p>This breakthrough could significantly advance our knowledge of the universe and its underlying mechanisms, potentially leading to more groundbreaking discoveries in the field of astrophysics.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-demystifying-gravitational-waves-and-dark-matter">Demystifying gravitational waves and dark matter</h2>



<p>This research is more than a scientific study - it's an invitation to explore the universe as never before. Cui's work lays the groundwork for us to use the cosmos as a gigantic laboratory, testing and probing fundamental physics principles.</p>



<p>When it comes to the cosmos, nothing exists in isolation. Cui's research underscores the interconnectedness of cosmic phenomena. </p>



<p>The discovery and study of gravitational waves lead us to insights into dark matter, one of the most elusive elements of the universe.</p>



<p>Yanou Cui's research on gravitational waves and ultra-light scalar field matter provides a significant headway in solving the cosmic conundrum. It reminds us of the importance of exploring the universe with an open mind and inventive strategies.</p>



<p>With each discovery, we come closer to understanding the universe's intricate fabric, and every step forward on this journey unravels the secrets of the cosmos and our place within it. Stay tuned as we continue to decode the universe, one gravitational wave at a time.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://journals.aps.org/prl/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevLett.133.021004">Physical Review Letters</a></em>.</p>



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



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Gravitational waves, dark matter, and the big bang

In our cosmic backyard, a fascinating phenomenon known as gravitational...

<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>



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Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<p>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>



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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>



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



<p></p>

Social modeling affects our food choices

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y4eLFNYrKE On the unforgiving landscape of North Greenland, temperatures drop...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow3JH03PqEQ
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">New York is the site of the world's oldest forest.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-385-million-year-old-trees-discovered">385-million-year-old trees discovered</h2>



<p>Scientists have uncovered something extraordinary just two hours north of New York City. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-oldest-forest-discovered-close-to-new-york-city/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">world's oldest forest</a>, dating back 385 million years, offers a window into how Earth's first complex forests shaped our planet's atmosphere.</p>



<p>Located near <a href="https://townofcairo.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cairo, New York</a>, in Greene County, these weren't merely primitive plants struggling to survive. These were sophisticated trees with root systems remarkably similar to modern forests. This ancient woodland predates dinosaurs by 140 million years.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-cairo-forest-discovery">The Cairo forest discovery</h2>



<p>385 million years ago, upstate New York was a tropical paradise near the equator. Thanks to continental drift, this ancient forest has traveled thousands of miles to its current location.</p>



<p>The fossil forest sits in an abandoned quarry, roughly half the size of a football field. This represents just a slice of what was likely a massive forest system stretching from New York into Pennsylvania.</p>



<p>Charles Ver Straeten, curator of sedimentary rocks at the <a href="https://www.nysm.nysed.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York State Museum</a>, made the discovery in 2009. While scouting the former highway department property, his trained eye spotted wandering patterns in the stone that looked like marine features.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-revolutionary-age-and-preservation">Revolutionary age and preservation</h2>



<p>The site contains 385-million-year-old rocks with fossilized woody roots forming horizontal patterns up to 18 feet (5.5 meters) wide. As Christopher Berry, a paleobotanist at Cardiff University, explains: "You are walking through the roots of ancient trees."</p>



<p>This discovery pushes back advanced tree evolution by millions of years. The research, published in <em><a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a></em> in December 2019, fundamentally changes our understanding of when complex forests first emerged.</p>



<p>Researchers believe a massive flood buried the forest floor, creating perfect fossilization conditions. Over millions of years, sediment hardened into rock, preserving these root patterns like nature's time capsule.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meet-archaeopteris-the-first-modern-tree">Meet <em>Archaeopteris</em>: the first modern tree</h2>



<p>The star of this ancient forest is <em>Archaeopteris</em> – not to be confused with the feathered dinosaur <em>Archaeopteryx</em>. This tree was far older and more revolutionary.</p>



<p>William Stein from <a href="https://www.binghamton.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Binghamton University</a> describes the roots as "strikingly modern, essentially what you'd see outside in my yard right now." These weren't simple root systems you'd expect from ancient plants.</p>



<p>Some fossilized roots are six inches (15 centimeters) in diameter, forming 36-foot-wide (11-meter) patterns. These giants grew up to 65 feet (20 meters) tall with five-foot-diameter (1.5-meter) trunks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-changing-impact">Climate-changing impact</h2>



<p>These trees fundamentally changed Earth's environment. Kevin Boyce, a Stanford University geoscientist, explains how their deep roots triggered "weathering," chemical reactions that pulled carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.</p>



<p>This process dropped atmospheric CO2 levels from 10-15 times higher than today to roughly modern concentrations. These ancient trees helped create atmospheric conditions that made complex life possible.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-forest-ecosystem">Ancient forest ecosystem</h2>



<p>The forest was remarkably diverse. Scientists identified <em>Eospermatopteris</em>, palm tree-like plants with short roots that reached 30 feet (9 meters) tall but lacked woody structure. The forest also housed cladoxylopsids and a mysterious third species still being studied.</p>



<p>All reproduced through spores rather than seeds – millions of years before seeds evolved. This tropical environment had no grass, flowers, or flying insects, just towering trees creating Earth's first complex forest canopy.</p>



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



<p>Before this finding, the Gilboa forest, located 25 miles (40 kilometers) away, held the "oldest forest" title. Cairo's trees are 2-3 million years older, showing that complex forest ecosystems developed much faster than scientists believed possible.</p>



<p>Patricia Gensel, a <a href="https://www.unc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of North Carolina</a> paleobotanist, notes: "The size of those root systems is really changing the picture. Even 20 years ago, researchers assumed trees with such complex root systems didn't evolve so early."</p>



<p>The Cairo site presents three unique root systems, suggesting Devonian period forests were diverse ecosystems with different trees occupying different environmental niches, much like today's forests.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-preservation-efforts">Modern preservation efforts</h2>



<p>In 2022, New York State Senator Michelle Hinchey secured a $170,000 grant for the town of Cairo to construct specialized fencing around the fossil forest site. The town plans to conduct a feasibility study exploring the possibility of creating an educational center and working lab on-site.</p>



<p>Joe Hasenkopf, chair of the Cairo Planning Board, hopes to partner with educational institutions to create a research facility serving scientists, students, and the public.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lessons-for-today-s-climate">Lessons for today's climate</h2>



<p>Why does a 385-million-year-old forest matter today? It shows how dramatically forests can change Earth's climate. These ancient woodlands created the atmospheric conditions supporting complex life.</p>



<p>Understanding how prehistoric forests transformed the planet helps us appreciate modern forests' critical role in addressing climate change. Forests remain Earth's most effective carbon capture systems.</p>



<p>These prehistoric trees changed Earth's atmosphere by pulling massive amounts of carbon dioxide from the air. As we face modern climate challenges, this ancient forest reminds us of trees' incredible power to transform our planet's environment.</p>



<p>The next time you walk through a forest, remember you're experiencing an ecosystem whose blueprint was established 385 million years ago in upstate New York. These ancient pioneers didn't just survive – they thrived and changed the world forever.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em>Current Biology</em>.</p>



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



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

Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow3JH03PqEQ New York is the site of the world's oldest...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Veg4HmmRVZY
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Our bodies hits two 'aging cliffs' at these ages.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scientists-map-exact-ages-when-your-body-rapidly-ages">Scientists Map Exact Ages When Your Body Rapidly Ages</h2>



<p>Scientists have <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-bodies-begin-breaking-down-two-very-precise-ages/#google_vignette">discovered that aging</a> isn't the gradual, steady process many assume it to be. Instead, researchers from Stanford Medicine have found that our bodies undergo dramatic molecular changes at two specific ages: 44 and 60. This research, published in Nature Aging, reveals that aging happens in sudden bursts rather than smooth transitions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-two-waves-of-rapid-aging">Two waves of rapid aging</h2>



<p>The Stanford study tracked over 135,000 different molecules and microbes in 108 participants aged 25 to 75 over several years. Results showed that 81% of all molecules studied exhibited non-linear changes, meaning they shifted dramatically at certain ages rather than changing gradually over time.</p>



<p>Michael Snyder, chair of genetics at Stanford School of Medicine and the study's senior author, noted significant findings. "We're not just changing gradually over time; there are some really dramatic changes. It turns out the mid-40s is a time of dramatic change, as is the early 60s. And that's true no matter what class of molecules you look at."</p>



<p>The first wave of changes occurs around age 44, affecting molecules related to alcohol metabolism, caffeine processing, lipid <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/age-related-changes-in-metabolism-dont-match-our-expectations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">metabolism</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heart-disease-remains-the-leading-cause-of-death-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiovascular disease</a>, and skin and muscle function. The second wave hits around age 60, involving changes in carbohydrate metabolism, immune regulation, kidney function, and again cardiovascular and muscle health.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-happens-during-these-aging-bursts">What happens during these aging bursts</h2>



<p>During the mid-40s transformation, researchers observed significant changes in how the body processes alcohol and fats. This period often coincides with increased stress levels in many people's lives, potentially contributing to lifestyle factors that accelerate these molecular shifts.</p>



<p>"It's possible some of these changes could be tied to lifestyle or behavioral factors that cluster at these age groups, rather than being driven by biological factors," Snyder explained. For instance, alcohol metabolism dysfunction might result from increased consumption during the typically stressful mid-40s period.</p>



<p>The changes at age 60 are perhaps less surprising, as this is when many age-related diseases begin to manifest more prominently. The molecular shifts affect immune function and kidney health, both critical for maintaining overall wellness as we enter our senior years.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-latest-research-confirms-aging-patterns">Latest research confirms aging patterns</h2>



<p>Recent 2025 studies have validated these findings. Research examining tissue samples from 76 people found similar aging patterns, noting an "inflection point" between ages 45 and 55.</p>



<p>Scientists discovered that blood vessels, particularly the aorta, age fastest among all body tissues. This vascular aging may drive aging in other body parts, highlighting cardiovascular health's central role in the aging process.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cellular-changes-and-microbiome-shifts">Cellular changes and microbiome shifts</h2>



<p>The Stanford research revealed that these aging bursts affect our microbiome – the trillions of bacteria, viruses, and fungi living in and on our bodies. These microbial communities undergo substantial shifts during both aging periods, potentially affecting everything from digestion to immune function.</p>



<p>Additionally, researchers found that protein production and gene expression begin to fall out of sync as we age. This breakdown in cellular communication becomes especially pronounced during the two aging waves, contributing to the accumulation of damaged proteins associated with diseases such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alzheimers-may-not-be-brain-disorder-important-data-was-fabricated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alzheimer's</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-implications-and-longevity-considerations">Health implications and longevity considerations</h2>



<p>Understanding these aging patterns has important implications for healthcare strategies. Research suggests that people should pay particular attention to their health during their 40s and 60s, when these dramatic molecular changes occur.</p>



<p>Snyder emphasized the importance of proactive health measures. "I'm a big believer that we should try to adjust our lifestyles while we're still healthy," he noted. This might include increasing exercise to protect heart health and maintain muscle mass, or reducing alcohol consumption in the 40s as the body's ability to metabolize it declines.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-approaches-to-anti-aging-treatment">New approaches to anti-aging treatment</h2>



<p>Aging research has seen notable advances in 2025. Harvard Medical School scientists developed chemical cocktails that reverse cellular aging without genetic modification. These six combinations restored aged cells to youthfulness in under a week, offering safer alternatives to gene therapy.</p>



<p>Researchers identified new biomarkers like "InflammAge," a saliva-based test measuring chronic inflammation associated with aging. This non-invasive approach could change how we monitor aging and intervention.</p>



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



<p>Emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, cellular reprogramming, and senolytic therapies, are opening new possibilities for extending healthspan. Companies develop treatments targeting aging's fundamental mechanisms rather than just managing age-related diseases.</p>



<p>The Stanford findings provide a roadmap for implementing preventive measures. Rather than waiting for symptoms, people can prepare for and potentially mitigate these predictable aging waves.</p>



<p>As aging understanding evolves, one thing becomes clear: aging isn't inevitable decline, but specific biological events we may learn to prevent or reverse. The key is recognizing when these transitions occur and taking proactive health steps during vulnerable periods.</p>



<p>The study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/nataging" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Aging</a></em>.</p>



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



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

Scientists discover we age in bursts

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Veg4HmmRVZY Our bodies hits two 'aging cliffs' at these ages....

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqlF0XKzHY4
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The hidden science behind tickling.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scientists-discover-the-brain-s-tickling-command-center">Scientists discover the brain's 'tickling command center'</h2>



<p>Researchers have finally solved one of humanity's most enduring mysteries: why we can't <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/after-centuries-of-debate-we-still-dont-know-how-tickling-works/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tickle</a> ourselves and what makes some people incredibly ticklish while others barely react? Recent scientific discoveries are revolutionizing our understanding of this peculiar human behavior.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breakthrough-discovery-in-the-brain">Breakthrough discovery in the brain</h2>



<p>In 2023, Dr. Michael Brecht's team at <a href="https://www.hu-berlin.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Humboldt University</a>-<a href="https://www.hu-berlin.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Berlin</a> made a major discovery published in the <a href="https://www.cell.com/iscience/fulltext/S2589-0042(22)01991-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">journal <em>Neuron</em></a>. They identified the brain's actual "tickling command center" – specific neurons in a region called the periaqueductal gray that control both tickling responses and play behavior.</p>



<p>When researchers used cutting-edge optogenetic technology to shut down these neurons in laboratory rats, something remarkable happened. The animals completely lost their ability to be tickled or engage in playful behavior.</p>



<p>"We found that global blockade of the rat periaqueductal gray with either muscimol or lidocaine interfered with ticklishness and play," the research team reported in their study.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-two-types-of-tickling-revealed">Two types of tickling revealed</h2>



<p>What we call "tickling" is two completely different phenomena, according to the latest research. Light tickling – that feathery sensation that makes you want to scratch – is essentially your body's sophisticated bug detection system. This alerts you to potential insects or parasites on your skin.</p>



<p>Deep tickling – the kind that makes you laugh uncontrollably – involves complex brain circuits and is fundamentally social. You literally cannot tickle yourself with this type of stimulation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-self-tickling-is-impossible">Why self-tickling is impossible</h2>



<p>Your cerebellum acts like a prediction machine, recent findings show. When you move your own hand to touch yourself, your brain generates precise predictions about what you will feel and then cancels out the tickling sensation through neural inhibition.</p>



<p>When someone else tickles you, your brain can't predict their movements, so the full tickling response activates. It's like your brain's way of distinguishing between self and others.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-individual-differences-explained">Individual differences explained</h2>



<p>Individual differences in ticklishness depend on genetics, psychology, and even trust. Dr. Xinzhong Dong at <a href="https://www.jhu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Johns Hopkins University</a> notes that people with denser nerve endings tend to be more sensitive.</p>



<p>Psychological factors matter just as much. You respond more strongly when tickled by people you trust, and anxiety completely shuts down tickling responses. This explains why the same physical stimulus can produce completely different reactions depending on who's doing the tickling.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-controlling-your-ticklishness">Controlling your ticklishness</h2>



<p>Science offers answers for controlling your ticklishness. You can reduce tickling sensitivity through systematic desensitization – gradual exposure in controlled settings.</p>



<p>Dr. Konstantina Kilteni's 2025 research, published in <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adt0350" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a></em>, reveals another technique: place your hand on the tickler's hand. This allows your brain to partially predict the sensations, reducing the tickling response by up to 90 percent.</p>



<p>"Your brain is essentially learning to override its own reflexes," Kilteni explained in her review of tickling research.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-purpose-discovered">Evolutionary purpose discovered</h2>



<p>From an evolutionary perspective, tickling serves vital functions according to <a href="https://www.umd.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Maryland</a> researcher Dr. Robert Provine's extensive studies. It trains our defense reflexes for vulnerable body areas and facilitates social bonding between family members.</p>



<p>Tickling-induced laughter is actually one of the first forms of communication between infants and caregivers. "Tickle involves a neurological self/nonself discrimination, providing the most primitive social scenario," Provine noted in his research.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clinical-applications-emerge">Clinical applications emerge</h2>



<p>Research shows people with autism spectrum disorder perceive touches as more ticklish than people without the condition. Investigating this difference could provide insight into brain differences and help advance autism research.</p>



<p>People with schizophrenia tend to experience self-touches similarly to external tickles, allowing them to essentially tickle themselves. This suggests altered sensory prediction mechanisms in the condition.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-animal-research-reveals-universal-nature">Animal research reveals universal nature</h2>



<p>Scientists have discovered that many species beyond humans are ticklish. Rats emit ultrasonic "laughs" when tickled, while chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans all respond to tickling stimulation.</p>



<p>This widespread occurrence across species suggests that tickling serves fundamental biological and social functions that evolved long before humans developed complex language and culture.</p>



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



<p>Dr. Kilteni argues that tickling research deserves more scientific attention. "It is a complex interplay of motor, social, neurological, developmental, and evolutionary aspects," she stated in her recent review.</p>



<p>New haptic technologies and advanced research methodologies now permit scientists to investigate tickle sensation with unprecedented precision. Standardized experimental methods using mechanical tickling devices ensure consistent results across studies.</p>



<p>Recent findings published in <em>Science Advances</em> show that tickling research is opening new doors in neuroscience, potentially leading to a better understanding of social behavior, sensory processing, and neurological conditions.</p>



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



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Scientists solve the mystery of tickling

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqlF0XKzHY4 The hidden science behind tickling. Scientists discover the brain's...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elr4948_uOU
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dr. Ronald Mallett from the University of Connecticut reveals secret mission to create working time travel device.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-could-an-equation-truly-bend-time-a-physicist-s-decades-long-quest-to-rewrite-reality">Could an equation truly bend time? A physicist's decades-long quest to rewrite reality</h2>



<p>Imagine the impossible: stepping back through time in a time machine, not in fantasy, but through a scientific endeavor driven by profound personal loss. For <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astrophysicist-says-hes-cracked-the-equation-for-time-travel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Ronald Mallett</a>, a distinguished astrophysicist and professor emeritus at the <a href="https://uconn.edu/">University of Connecticut</a>, this deeply human longing has fueled a lifelong mission. He claims to have discovered the equation that could unlock temporal displacement, pushing boundaries once deemed purely science fiction.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-profound-grief-that-forged-a-vision">A profound grief that forged a vision</h2>



<p>Mallett's extraordinary pursuit began with devastating tragedy in 1955. At merely 10 years old, he endured his father Boyd's sudden death—a television repairman whose passion for science had ignited a similar spark in his young son. Boyd Mallett, only 33, succumbed to a heart attack, leaving behind a grief-stricken child searching for solace.</p>



<p>That solace came through H.G. Wells' <em>The Time Machine</em>. Within its pages, Mallett found a captivating concept: "Time is only a kind of Space." These words transformed from a literary phrase into a guiding principle, becoming the driving force behind his unwavering commitment to unraveling time's fundamental mysteries.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-humble-beginnings-to-academic-heights">From humble beginnings to academic heights</h2>



<p>Mallett's journey was far from straightforward. After serving in the Air Force during the Vietnam War era, he utilized the GI Bill for higher education, earning his Ph.D. in physics from Pennsylvania State University in 1973 at the age of 28.</p>



<p>In 1975, he made history as the first African American professor in the University of Connecticut's physics department, achieving full professorship in 1987 before retiring in 2024 as professor emeritus.</p>



<p>Throughout these successful academic years, Mallett harbored his radical ambition as a closely guarded secret. "I kept my time travel goal a secret," he confessed. "I worried people would think I was nuts." His public research centered on black holes, serving as a "cover story" while he quietly developed his revolutionary time travel theory.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-breakthrough-moment">The breakthrough moment</h2>



<p>His pivotal insight arrived while hospitalized for a heart condition—a profound irony given his father's heart attack started this journey. The breakthrough was elegantly simple yet revolutionary: "If gravity can bend time, and light can create gravity, then light can bend time."</p>



<p>"It turns out that black holes can create a gravitational field that could lead to the creation of time loops that could allow us to go back in time," he explained.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-blueprint-for-a-temporal-vortex">The blueprint for a temporal vortex</h2>



<p>Mallett's vision for a functioning time machine replicates spacetime-warping phenomena around black holes. He offers a compelling analogy: "Picture a cup of coffee. Stir it with a spoon, and the coffee swirls. A spinning black hole does the same to spacetime."</p>



<p>In Einstein's general relativity, the universe is a dynamic fabric woven from space and time. Massive objects like black holes warp this fabric—an effect we perceive as gravity. Mallett theorizes that an intense, continuous, circulating beam of light from a ring of powerful lasers could replicate this gravitational torsion, effectively twisting time into a loop.</p>



<p>This "time loop" would theoretically allow information—or perhaps matter—to travel backward in time. He detailed this mathematical concept in his 2006 autobiography, <em>Time Traveler: A Scientist's Personal Mission to Make Time Travel a Reality</em>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-published-research-and-recognition">Published research and recognition</h2>



<p>His work, published in respected journals including <em><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/physics-letters-a" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Physics Letters A</a></em> and <em><a href="https://link.springer.com/journal/10701" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Foundations of Physics</a></em>, suggests circulating laser light could generate gravitational fields potent enough to create closed timelike curves, enabling time travel for data.</p>



<p>Mallett's research has gained worldwide media attention, featured on <a href="https://www.thisamericanlife.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Public Radio's <em>This American Life</em></a>, the <a href="https://www.history.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">History Channel</a>, and <a href="https://www.today.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBC's <em>Today Show</em></a>. The widespread interest reflects both his compelling personal story and rigorous scientific approach.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-galactic-hurdles-and-persistent-skepticism">The galactic hurdles and persistent skepticism</h2>



<p>While Mallett's equations captivate imagination, the path to reality faces immense obstacles. The energy requirement is staggering—Mallett acknowledges needing "galactic amounts of energy," far beyond current technological capabilities.</p>



<p>There's also a poignant limitation: even if realized, his machine could only send information back to when it was first activated, meaning it couldn't transport him to 1955 to prevent his father's death.</p>



<p>The scientific community remains skeptical. Physicists Ken Olum and Allen Everett argue that Mallett's proposed laser ring would need to be larger than the observable universe to achieve the necessary spacetime distortion. They invoke Stephen Hawking's chronology protection conjecture, suggesting physics may prevent macroscopic time travel.</p>



<p>Astrophysicist Paul Sutter has voiced doubts about Mallett's underlying mathematics, while science writer Brian Clegg finds the concept intriguing enough to warrant experimental investigation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-legacy-that-transcends-time">A legacy that transcends time</h2>



<p>Now approaching 80, Dr. Mallett remains steadfast. "I believe my work will show time travel is possible," he asserts. "Future generations will build on it in ways we can't yet imagine."</p>



<p>His equations, though yet to physically bend time, have bent our collective imagination. Ongoing public interest, evidenced by his continued media appearances and Spike Lee's film adaptation of his memoir, underscores his ideas' profound impact.</p>



<p>More than a scientific pursuit, Mallett's story testifies to human resilience, intellectual courage, and hope's enduring power. Whether his theoretical time machine ever materializes, his legacy is immeasurable—inspiring countless individuals to challenge conventional limits and perceive time not as an unyielding barrier, but as a boundless frontier awaiting exploration.</p>



<p></p>



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



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Retired professor claims he solved time travel

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elr4948_uOU Dr. Ronald Mallett from the University of Connecticut reveals...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prrq8Ql81zk
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Acid rain and a crisis solved.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-don-t-we-ever-hear-about-acid-rain-anymore-the-environmental-crisis-that-was-solved">Why don't we ever hear about "acid rain" anymore? The environmental crisis that was solved</h2>



<p>Remember the 1980s when acid rain dominated headlines? Dire warnings about rain eating buildings, killing fish, and destroying forests filled every news cycle. Then, almost like magic, acid rain vanished from public discourse. What happened? Did we actually solve one of the late 20th century's most pressing environmental challenges?</p>



<p>The answer might surprise you. Unlike many environmental issues that drag on indefinitely, acid rain represents one of modern history's most successful ecological recovery stories. It's a tale of science, politics, and technology working together to tackle what seemed impossible.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What was acid rain?</strong></h2>



<p>Acid rain isn't regular rain having a bad day – it's precipitation that became significantly more acidic due to air pollution. When power plants, factories, and vehicles burn fossil fuels, they release sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) into the atmosphere.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The science behind it</strong></h2>



<p>Think of acid rain as nature's chemistry experiment gone wrong. These compounds react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to form sulfuric and nitric acids. When mixed with water vapor in clouds, they create precipitation with dangerously low pH levels.</p>



<p>While clean rain has a pH of about 5.6, acid rain could drop as low as 4.2 to 4.4 – roughly as acidic as tomato juice or coffee. According to US Geological Survey documentation, Scottish chemist Angus Smith first coined "acid rain" in 1872, but it didn't become a household phrase until the 1960s and 1970s when Swedish scientist Svante Odén documented its devastating effects on Scandinavian lakes and European forests.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The crisis at its peak</strong></h2>



<p>During the height of public concern, environmental damage was both widespread and visible. This wasn't some abstract future threat – people could see destruction happening in real-time.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Environmental devastation</strong></h2>



<p>The most dramatic impacts were impossible to ignore. Research documented by the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation shows that in the Adirondack Mountains, more than 200 lakes became so acidic they couldn't support fish life. The Adirondack Council reports that 409 lakes once supported brook trout, but many lost their fish populations due to acid rain.</p>



<p>By 1976, when scientists cataloged all acidified lakes in the Adirondack Park, researchers found that half of the lakes over 2,000 feet above sea level had no fish, according to studies published in environmental journals. The acidification process worked like a slow-motion disaster. As acid rain fell into watersheds, it gradually lowered pH levels. Fish couldn't survive in acidic water, and their food sources died off too.</p>



<p>Trees at high elevations showed stress directly linked to acid rain. It weakened them by leaching nutrients and making them susceptible to disease. Historical records show Germany's Black Forest saw nearly half its trees damaged by the mid-1980s.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic impact</strong></h2>



<p>Acid rain wasn't just environmental – it was expensive. Acidic precipitation corroded infrastructure, buildings, and monuments. Historic stone structures deteriorated at accelerated rates. Tourism suffered as lakes became fishless and forests declined. EPA economic analyses from the period documented repair costs mounting into billions annually.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The solution: government action and technology</strong></h2>



<p>Transformation from crisis to success required unprecedented cooperation between governments, industries, and environmental groups.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The Clean Air Act of 1990</strong></h2>



<p>The turning point came with the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, signed by President George H.W. Bush. This represented a fundamentally new approach to environmental regulation, as documented in EPA historical records.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Cap-and-trade success</strong></h2>



<p>Instead of mandating specific technologies, the 1990 amendments introduced something revolutionary: a cap-and-trade system for sulfur dioxide emissions. EPA program documentation shows this market-based approach set overall limits but allowed companies to trade emission allowances.</p>



<p>The genius was harnessing market forces to find cost-effective pollution reduction. Companies reducing emissions cheaply could sell excess allowances to those facing higher costs. Research published in environmental economics journals and EPA progress reports shows this resulted in dramatic SO2 reduction at a fraction of projected costs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Technology advances</strong></h2>



<p>Policy provided the framework, but technology made reductions possible. Studies in atmospheric science journals document the widespread adoption of flue gas desulfurization systems ("scrubbers") that removed sulfur dioxide before it reached the atmosphere. By the 2000s, new installations could remove over 95% of SO2 emissions, according to EPA technical reports.</p>



<p>The push coincided with cleaner energy development. Natural gas produces fewer sulfur compounds than coal. Wind and solar, emerging in the 1990s, captured growing market share, reducing reliance on high-sulfur coal.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-we-don-t-hear-about-it-today"><strong>Why we don't hear about it today</strong></h2>



<p>Why did acid rain disappear from headlines? Simple: the problem was largely solved.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Success doesn't make news</strong></h2>



<p>There's an old journalism saying: "If it bleeds, it leads." Environmental success stories don't generate urgency like crisis reporting. Media attention shifted to other challenges: climate change, plastic pollution, and biodiversity loss. There's only so much environmental anxiety the public can absorb, and newer concerns replaced acid rain.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Mission accomplished</strong></h2>



<p>The primary reason is beautifully simple: interventions worked. EPA monitoring data shows sulfur dioxide emissions dropped over 90% since 1990. Academic research published in environmental science journals confirms pH levels in formerly affected areas returned closer to normal. This represents one of history's most dramatic environmental recoveries. Studies by the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation show fishless lakes now support healthy populations. Forests recovered, and building damage slowed dramatically.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-is-it-really-gone"><strong>Is it really gone?</strong></h2>



<p>The crisis is largely resolved, but monitoring data shows the problem isn't completely eliminated – it's managed to acceptable levels. Some areas still experience occasional events during high pollution periods. International environmental research indicates that rapidly industrializing Asian countries face similar problems to what we experienced decades ago, though they're implementing successful strategies.</p>



<p>EPA research shows nitrogen oxide emissions proved more challenging than sulfur dioxide, coming from vehicles and mobile sources. Climate science studies suggest changing weather patterns add complexity to how acid rain forms and falls.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What this teaches us</strong></h2>



<p>The acid rain experience proves that seemingly intractable environmental problems can be solved with scientific understanding, political will, and technological innovation. Environmental monitoring data shows recovery speed was remarkable – within a decade, measurable improvements appeared in air quality and ecosystem health.</p>



<p>Success came from bipartisan support across party lines. Policy analysis studies show the market-based approach appealed to those preferring economic incentives while achieving environmental goals. This support created lasting policy surviving political changes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Conclusion</strong></h2>



<p>Acid rain's disappearance from public consciousness represents environmental science's greatest success stories. Through effective regulation, technological innovation, and international cooperation, we transformed an overwhelming crisis into a manageable challenge.</p>



<p>Today's silence isn't because we forgot – it's because we solved it. The 1990 Clean Air Act, combined with technology and energy market changes, reduced acid rain emissions over 90%, according to comprehensive EPA data analysis.</p>



<p>This success offers hope for current challenges. It proves complex problems can be solved when science, policy, and technology work together. As we face climate change and plastic pollution, acid rain reminds us that dramatic positive change is possible.</p>



<p>Next time someone asks whether environmental regulations work, remember acid rain. It's proof that sometimes, we get it right.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<p><strong>Sources:</strong> <em>This article draws from EPA official documentation and progress reports, peer-reviewed research published in environmental and atmospheric science journals, historical data from the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation records, US Geological Survey publications, policy analysis studies, and environmental monitoring data collected over three decades.</em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions</strong></h2>



<p><strong>1. Is acid rain completely gone?</strong> No, but EPA monitoring shows it's reduced to manageable levels. US sulfur dioxide emissions dropped over 90% since 1990, making acid rain much less severe than the 1980s crisis.</p>



<p><strong>2. How long did solving take?</strong> Environmental monitoring data shows significant improvements began within 5-10 years of 1990s emission controls. Full ecosystem recovery took longer – some areas need 20-30 years for complete recovery.</p>



<p><strong>3. What made the solution successful?</strong> Clear scientific understanding, visible damage motivating action, bipartisan support, available technology, and innovative market-based policies like cap-and-trade.</p>



<p><strong>4. Do other countries have acid rain problems?</strong> Yes, particularly rapidly industrializing Asian countries. However, international environmental research shows many implement similar successful control strategies.</p>



<p><strong>5. Could acid rain return?</strong> Potentially, if regulations weaken or we return to high-sulfur coal without controls, though effects would take years to become severe according to environmental projections.</p>



<p><strong>6. Can you recommend any teaching tools on the subject of "acid rain"?</strong> The United States Environmental Protection Agency produced a wonderful teacher's guide for ages 14 and under that you can find on the EPA website here: <a href="https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-03/documents/teachersguide.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-03/documents/teachersguide.pdf</a></p>



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prrq8Ql81zk Acid rain and a crisis solved. Why don't we...

<p>Scientists are transforming chocolate into a functional food by infusing it with probiotics and prebiotics, aiming to create a treat that satisfies cravings while supporting gut health. </p>



<p>The challenge lies in maintaining chocolate's beloved texture and flavor while adding health benefits.</p>



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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...

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



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



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



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



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



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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