<p>After nearly four decades of stubbornly clinging to life, one of the largest icebergs ever recorded is entering its final act. A23a - the trillion-ton "megaberg," which once sprawled over an area more than twice the size of Greater London - has drifted into the warmer waters of the South Atlantic and has begun to disintegrate rapidly.</p>



<p>In recent weeks, satellite images show vast slabs calving away - some measuring hundreds of square miles - while a blizzard of smaller bergy bits spreads around it, posing hazards to ships as the giant wastes away.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-iceberg-freed-after-30-years">Iceberg freed after 30 years</h2>



<p>A23a’s story stretches back to 1986, when it calved from Antarctica’s Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf and promptly ran aground in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-is-sea-ice-loss-affecting-biodiversity-in-the-weddell-sea/">Weddell Sea</a>, pinned to the seafloor for more than 30 years.</p>



<p>Freed at last in 2020, it joined “iceberg alley,” the conveyor belt of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-circumpolar-current-speed-increasing-rising-sea-levels/">Antarctic Circumpolar Current</a> that sweeps big bergs toward the South Atlantic.</p>



<p>By early 2025, it had loomed into view near South Georgia, raising fears it could block the island’s penguins and seals from their feeding grounds. The berg briefly grounded on shallow banks, then worked loose in late May and accelerated north.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warming-seas-speed-its-demise">Warming seas speed its demise</h2>



<p>Heat and waves are now doing what gravity and time could not. According to an analysis of Copernicus satellite data, megaberg A23a is down to roughly 683 square miles, with a maximum width of about 37 miles - less than half its size at the start of the year. </p>



<p>Its drift speed has jumped too, at times topping 12 miles per day as it rides stronger currents and increasingly rough seas.</p>



<p>“It’s breaking up fairly dramatically,” said Andrew Meijers, a physical oceanographer at the <a href="https://www.bas.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">British Antarctic Survey</a> (BAS). “I’d say it’s very much on its way out - it’s basically rotting underneath." </p>



<p>"The water is way too warm for it to maintain. It’s constantly melting…It won’t be really identifiable within a few weeks.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-made-megaberg-a23a-so-unusual">What made megaberg A23a so unusual</h2>



<p>Iceberg calving is part of the normal life cycle of polar ice, and giant bergs are not unprecedented. But A23a’s persistence and path are striking.</p>



<p>“Most icebergs don’t make it this far,” Meijers said. “This one’s really big, so it has lasted longer and traveled farther than others.”</p>



<p>When BAS researchers sailed alongside it in late 2023 aboard the RRS <em>Sir David Attenborough</em>, the experience was otherworldly.</p>



<p>“It looked like a towering wall emerging from the ocean, stretching from horizon to horizon,” Meijers said. “Some portions were quite pitted and undercut by the action of waves and melt.”</p>



<p>That undercutting is the giveaway. As the berg moves into warmer, saltier water and meets heavier swell, melting hollows its base while cracks propagate through the plate-like ice. Running aground - whether at South Georgia or now on patches of the continental shelf - adds extra stress that hastens the breakup.</p>



<p>“Large bergs have made it a long way north before - one got within 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) of Perth, Australia -  but they all inevitably break up and melt quickly afterward,” Meijers said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-danger-and-opportunity-collide">Danger and opportunity collide</h2>



<p>Icebergs of this size can reshape local ecosystems as they pass. They can temporarily block straightforward routes from island rookeries to offshore feeding grounds, forcing adult <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/penguins-are-threatened-by-mercury-contamination/">penguins</a> and seals to detour and burn energy while chicks and pups wait ashore.</p>



<p>“Potentially, it could interrupt their pathway to feeding sites and force the adults to expend more energy to travel around it,” Meijers said of the South Georgia colonies, which is why the grounding in March drew concern. The berg’s drift around the island reduced that immediate risk.</p>



<p>There may also be benefits. As megabergs like A23a melt, they stir stratified waters and leak micronutrients such as iron into the sunlit surface layer - fertilizer for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dust-from-africa-sparked-a-massive-phytoplankton-bloom/">phytoplankton blooms</a> that can feed krill and fish, and ultimately seabirds and mammals.</p>



<p>BAS researchers sampled waters around A23a in December 2023 to gauge its biogeochemical “footprint.” They paired these results with past deployments of robotic ocean gliders around similar bergs. </p>



<p>Together, the data show how iceberg-borne nutrients and upwelling can boost productivity and even enhance carbon sequestration as organic matter sinks to depth.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-iceberg-s-collapse-tracked-by-satellites">Iceberg's collapse tracked by satellites</h2>



<p>A23a’s decay has unfolded in near-real time thanks to daily satellite imagery, which captures both its changing outline and the swarms of fragments it sheds.</p>



<p>“It is easily observed from space, and daily visual-spectrum satellite snapshots make it easy to track its progress,” Meijers said. </p>



<p>Ocean current maps - also derived from satellites - help project its likely path, though the precise route always depends on winds, waves, and where the berg next snags the seafloor.</p>



<p>For shipping, vigilance is everything. A single monster is easy to avoid; a broken field of smaller floes is not. “As it breaks up over time, the smaller bergs are much harder to track,” Meijers said. Fishing operators may temporarily write off entire regions until the ice debris disperses.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-icebergs-in-a-warming-world">Icebergs in a warming world</h2>



<p>Scientists are careful to distinguish between calving - a natural release valve for ice shelves - and the broader, climate-driven changes transforming Antarctica.</p>



<p>“Icebergs, including megabergs like this one, are a completely normal part of the lifecycle of the Antarctic (and Greenland) ice sheets,” Meijers said. But the context has shifted.</p>



<p>“Observations show that the ice shelves have lost around 6,000 giga (billion) tons of their mass since the year 2000.” </p>



<p>It is a loss “roughly matched by an increase in straight-up melt of the ice shelves” and aligned with measured mass loss from grounded Antarctic ice.</p>



<p>That matters for global sea level - because thinning shelves buttress <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-glaciers-are-reshaping-landscapes-and-national-borders-around-the-world/">glaciers</a> less effectively - and for ocean circulation, as freshwater input alters density and flow. Scientists are especially concerned about potential “tipping points” in West Antarctica, where retreat could become self-sustaining.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-final-days-of-a-giant">Final days of a giant</h2>



<p>No one can say exactly how A23a’s last weeks will play out, only that the megaberg's direction is one-way. Grounding events, wave attacks, and heat from above and below guarantee a cascade of fractures until the berg is a memory and a field of bergy bits.</p>



<p>“Now it’s grounded, it is even more likely to break up due to the increased stresses,” Meijers noted earlier; whether or not it’s currently snagged, the outcome is the same.</p>



<p>For scientists, though, this isn’t just spectacle. It’s a chance to watch, measure, and model how a true giant interacts with the Southern Ocean - how it fertilizes, how it freshens, how it fragments - and to fold those insights into a bigger picture of a warming world.</p>



<p>As Meijers put it, icebergs provide interesting natural laboratories for studying ocean physics, chemistry, and ecosystems. A23a’s long journey is nearly over. The lessons it leaves behind won’t melt away.</p>



<p>Image Credit: MODAPS at NASA/GSFC</p>



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



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



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



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

Antarctica’s megaberg faces its final days in the South Atlantic

After nearly four decades of stubbornly clinging to life, one of the largest icebergs ever recorded is entering its final act. A23a - the trillion-ton "megaberg," which once sprawled over an area more than twice the size of Greater London - has drifted into the warmer waters of the South Atlantic and has begun to disintegrate rapidly. In recent weeks, satellite images show vast slabs calving away - some measuring hundreds of square miles - while a blizzard of smaller bergy bits spreads around it, posing hazards...

<p>Ongoing research into the impact of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/offshore-wind-farms-can-harm-marine-wildlife/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">offshore wind farm</a> electromagnetic fields (EMFs) on shark development reveals that alternating electric currents produced by underwater wind farm cables seem not to disrupt the growth or survival of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenland-sharks-live-up-to-500-years-whats-their-secret/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sharks</a>.</p>



<p>Offshore wind farms are one of the most common marine renewable energy (MRE) producers and are seen as pivotal in the global transition towards <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/renewable-energy-must-be-doubled-by-2030/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">renewable energy</a>, moving away from fossil fuels that contribute to climate change. </p>



<p>However, their proliferation in marine environments raises questions about their impacts on wildlife. Researchers and energy operators are working together to understand these effects.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wind-farms-and-sharks">Wind farms and sharks</h2>



<p>“Wind farms can induce noise, vibrations, interruptions to ecological continuity, and generate electromagnetic fields at the level of submarine electric cable,” said Julie Lucas, a research associate at France's <a href="https://www.mnhn.fr/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Museum of Natural History</a>. </p>



<p>“They can affect the behavior of electro-sensitive species which use natural electromagnetic fields to move and feed, such as sharks.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-submarine-electric-cables">Submarine electric cables</h2>



<p>These offshore wind farms rely on submarine electric cables (CES) that use either alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC), depending on their function, power output, and cable length.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Currently, wind farms located less than 50km from the coast use AC current, whereas more powerful future wind farms are planned to be located more than 50 km away and will use DC current,” Lucas said.</p>



<p>Both AC and DC currents produce strong magnetic fields in the water surrounding them. “These magnetic fields can affect the behavior of electro- and magneto-sensitive species such as elasmobranchs, which use natural electromagnetic fields to move and feed,” she explained.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The increasing number of offshore wind farms is likely to amplify these effects, while existing information on their impact on marine communities remains patchy.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-impacts-of-offshore-wind-farms">Potential impacts of offshore wind farms</h2>



<p>The experts aimed to identify the effects of the magnetic fields caused by AC and DC currents on the survival, development, and behavior of sharks and other electro-sensitive elasmobranchs.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The team studied two key life stages of the small-spotted catshark (<em>Scyliorhinus canicular</em>), embryo and juvenile, under either control or wind farm-impacted conditions using AC or DC currents. They recorded daily survival, weekly development and growth, and metabolic rate through respirometry for both life stages.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-sharks-respond-to-wind-farms">How sharks respond to wind farms</h2>



<p>“Thankfully, preliminary results suggest that the impact of alternating electromagnetic fields seems to be limited to the factors that we have measured,” Lucas said. However, the full results are still being analyzed and the effects of DC current will be investigated later this year.</p>



<p>“The results of this project will make it possible to understand more precisely how sharks react to electromagnetic fields depending on their intensity and the type of current. They will also improve our knowledge of the impacts of MREs on marine species.”</p>



<p>Lucas hopes that this research can help inform policy to protect marine species and determine what improvements can be made to CES to continue limiting their impact.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This project will provide essential information for managers and decision-makers to meet the challenges of developing MREs without harming <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-biodiversity-could-shift-rapidly-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine biodiversity</a>,” she concluded.</p>



<p>This study is presented at the <a href="https://www.rsb.org.uk/events?event=sebannualconferenceprague2024#:~:text=The%20Society%20for%20Experimental%20Biology's,from%202-5%20July%202024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Society for Experimental Biology Annual Conference in Prague </a>from July 2-5, 2024.</p>



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



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



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



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

Offshore wind farms threaten electro-sensitive sharks

Ongoing research into the impact of offshore wind farm electromagnetic...

<p>Sometimes, the road to discovering the secrets of black holes and their disks isn't a straight line. It's a winding journey through the cosmos, involving years of rigorous research and cutting-edge technology.</p>



<p>Such is the case with a group of dedicated astrophysicists who have been investigating the mysteries of our universe. </p>



<p>In a landmark achievement, they have successfully simulated the intricate process of how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cosmic-lighthouses-emanated-earliest-starlight-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">primordial gas</a> travels from the early universe to form a disk around a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-black-holes-become-supermassive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supermassive black hole</a>.</p>



<p>This simulation challenges established theories and opens new frontiers in understanding the creation and evolution of black holes and galaxies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cosmic-collaboration-at-its-finest">Cosmic collaboration at its finest</h2>



<p>Our journey begins at the esteemed <a href="https://www.caltech.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Caltech</a>, where powerhouse collaborations have birthed an exciting new discovery about the universe we inhabit.</p>



<p>“Our new simulation marks the culmination of several years of work from two large collaborations started here at Caltech,” says Phil Hopkins, the Ira S. Bowen Professor of Theoretical Astrophysics.</p>



<p>Two major collaborations nicknamed FIRE (Feedback in Realistic Environments) and STARFORGE have been diligently working on studying the cosmos on varying scales.</p>



<p>FIRE delves into large-scale universal phenomena such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-galaxy-formation-occurred-much-faster-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy formation</a>, while STARFORGE zeros in on minutia, spotlighting the creation of stars in individual gas clouds.</p>



<p>“But there was this big gap between the two,” Hopkins explains. “Now, for the first time, we have bridged that gap.”</p>



<p>Previously, a significant gap existed between these two scopes of study, making it difficult to get a complete picture of the cosmic order. </p>



<p>But that's all changed now, thanks to this pioneering simulation which bridges the scaling gap, delivering comprehensive insights into the dynamics of the universe.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoding-the-disks-around-black-holes">Decoding the disks around black holes</h2>



<p>Unveiling the secrets of the Cosmos requires not just brilliant minds, but powerful technology.</p>



<p>The new simulation boasts a resolution over 1,000 times greater than its previous counterparts in the field.</p>



<p>To the team’s surprise, as reported in <em>The Open Journal of Astrophysics</em>, the simulation revealed that magnetic fields play a much larger role than previously believed in forming and shaping the huge disks of material that swirl around and feed the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-black-holes-become-supermassive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supermassive black holes</a>.</p>



<p>Long-held beliefs about black hole accretion disks, dating back to the 1970s, were challenged by the new findings.</p>



<p>“Our theories told us the disks should be flat like crepes. But we knew this wasn’t right because astronomical observations reveal that the disks are actually fluffy -- more like an angel cake," Hopkins explains.</p>



<p>"Our simulation helped us understand that magnetic fields are propping up the disk material, making it fluffier.”</p>



<p>The fresh insights suggest that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-way-galaxy-is-surrounded-by-massive-magnetic-fields/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnetic fields</a>, rather than thermal pressure, play an instrumental role in shaping and maintaining these huge disks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-zooming-into-black-holes">Zooming into black holes</h2>



<p>The team’s simulation allows what they term as a “super zoom-in” into a single supermassive black hole, similar to the ones that lie at the heart of many galaxies.</p>



<p>In the new simulation, the researchers performed what they call a "super zoom-in" on a single supermassive black hole, a monstrous object that lies at the heart of many galaxies, including our own <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cosmic-chimney-venting-found-heart-milky-way-galaxy-sagittarius-a/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>.</p>



<p>These ravenous, mysterious bodies contain anywhere from thousands to billions of times the mass of the sun and thus exert a huge effect on anything that comes near.</p>



<p>The simulation follows a giant stream of material torn off a cloud of star-forming gas and its path as it swirls around the supermassive black hole.</p>



<p>“We would have been very excited if we had just seen that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/feeding-frenzy-study-reveals-the-eating-habits-of-black-holes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">accretion disk</a>, but what was very surprising was that the simulated disk doesn’t look like what we’ve thought for decades it should look like.”</p>



<p>The advanced simulation reveals the formation of an accretion disk around the black hole, offering valuable information about the structure and behavior of these disks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-era-of-astrophysics">New era of astrophysics</h2>



<p>To sum up, the new simulation developed by the Caltech team has been instrumental in not only bridging the gap between large and small scales of cosmic research but also in challenging previously held notions about black hole formation.</p>



<p>Their work has brought a revolutionary perspective, proving that the magnetic fields play a greater role than believed, in forming and maintaining the disks around <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flares-shed-light-on-the-milky-ways-supermassive-black-hole/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supermassive black holes</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-accretion-disks-fueling-black-holes">Accretion disks fueling black holes</h2>



<p>In the 1970s, two important papers described the accretion disks fueling supermassive black holes. Scientists assumed that thermal pressure played the dominant role in preventing these disks from collapsing. </p>



<p>Thermal pressure refers to the change in pressure caused by the changing temperature of the gas in the disks. They also acknowledged that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/powerful-magnetic-fields-may-be-key-features-of-black-holes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnetic fields</a> might play a minor role in helping to shore up the disks.</p>



<p>In contrast, the new simulation found that the pressure from the magnetic fields of such disks was actually 10,000 times greater than the pressure from the heat of the gas.</p>



<p>“So, the disks are almost completely controlled by the magnetic fields,” Hopkins says. “The magnetic fields serve many functions, one of which is to prop up the disks and make the material puffy.”</p>



<p>This fascinating research promisingly paves the way for a multitude of enquiries about other aspects of the universe.</p>



<p>From understanding what happens when galaxies merge to exploring the types of stars that form in dense galactic regions, the work by these astronomers is set to change the way we understand our universe forever.</p>



<p>“There’s just so much to do,” Hopkins says.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><em><a href="https://astro.theoj.org/article/94757-forge-d-in-fire-resolving-the-end-of-star-formation-and-structure-of-agn-accretion-disks-from-cosmological-initial-conditions" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Open Journal of Astrophysics</a></em></em>.</p>



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



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



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



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

Mechanism discovered that creates the gas disks around black holes

Sometimes, the road to discovering the secrets of black holes...

<p>New evidence suggests that soy foods have great potential to enhance <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cheese-may-contain-nutrients-that-prevent-cognitive-decline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive</a> abilities among school-aged children.</p>



<p>The pioneering study reveals that an increased intake of isoflavones from soy foods can lead to improved thinking ability and attention span in children.</p>



<p>The research paves a new path for studying the positive implications of soy food on youngsters' cognitive growth.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-isoflavones-in-soy-foods">Exploring isoflavones in soy foods</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-compound-offers-new-hope-for-people-with-food-allergies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Isoflavones</a>, organic compounds rich in soybeans and other related products, have been studied extensively in adults. This research linked soy foods to enhanced memory function. </p>



<p>However, it remained unclear whether the cognitive benefits of soy foods extended to the younger population.</p>



<p>“Soy foods are often not a regular part of children’s diets in the United States,” said Ajla Bristina, a neuroscience doctoral student at the <a href="https://illinois.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign</a>. </p>



<p>“Our study adds evidence of the importance of nutrients found in soy foods for childhood cognition.”</p>



<p>The in-depth analysis illuminated the significant role of nutrients in soy foods and their direct impact on childhood cognition.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cognitive-effects-of-soy-foods-in-children">Cognitive effects of soy foods in children</h2>



<p>For the investigation, the research team analyzed cross-sectional data from 128 children between the ages of 7 and 13.</p>



<p>The researchers closely examined the average nutritional intake from the children’s dietary journals, considering the consumption of macronutrients, micronutrients, vitamins, and isoflavones.</p>



<p>“Soy consumption for individual participants ranged from 0 to 35 mg/day. To put this into perspective, an 8 fl. oz serving of soy milk provides about 28 mg of isoflavones, a serving of tofu provides about 35 mg and half a cup of steamed edamame provides about 18 mg of isoflavones,” said Bristina.</p>



<p>A blend of carefully constructed pencil and paper tests, adapted per grade level, measured children’s general intellectual prowess. </p>



<p>Cutting-edge technology and methods, such as the computerized flanker task and electroencephalographic (EEG) assessments, were used to evaluate attention skills. Brain activity was simultaneously recorded to examine information processing speed.</p>



<p>This marked the first time an investigation combined soy isoflavones and EEG measures to explore cognitive functioning.</p>



<p>“No other studies have examined the association between soy isoflavones and attentional abilities using EEG or similar measures to record electrical activity generated by the brain,” said Bristina.</p>



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



<p>The results were intriguing. The analysis revealed a strong correlation between higher intake of soy-based foods and improved attentional capabilities. </p>



<p>Children who consumed more isoflavones performed better on cognitive tasks and showed quicker <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/caregiver-speech-shapes-infant-language-development/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">information processing</a> compared to their lower intake counterparts.</p>



<p>“The children in our study consumed an average of 1.33 mg of isoflavones per day, which while relatively low, aligns with previously reported values for the United States,” said Bristina. </p>



<p>“Overall, the analysis revealed that the children in the study tended to consume low amounts of isoflavone-containing soy foods."</p>



<p>"However, those who did consume more soy foods showed faster responses during the attentional tasks and exhibited faster processing speed. No association was observed between soy isoflavone intake and general intellectual ability.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-soy-foods-to-the-rescue">Soy foods to the rescue</h2>



<p>Soy-rich foods, such as tofu, tempeh, or soy-based nuggets, are a beneficial addition to children's diets. </p>



<p>Not only are these foods easily accessible and flexible to be incorporated into various meals, but they also play a crucial role in fortifying cognitive capacities in children.</p>



<p>Bristina noted that snacks like roasted edamame, soy nuts, or soy milk are a good way to incorporate more soy into the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healthy-diet-positively-influences-the-brains-structure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diet</a>. </p>



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



<p>Despite the promising results, the research serves merely as a stepping stone. Future experimental studies are crucial to establish the exact quantity of isoflavone intake required to boost cognitive response times and to understand the implications of soy foods on different cognitive abilities.</p>



<p>“Correlational studies like this are only the first step,” said Bristina. “To better understand the effects of eating soy foods on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-profoundly-impairs-childrens-cognitive-abilities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">children’s cognitive abilities</a> and the precise amount of isoflavone intake necessary to elicit faster response times will require intervention approaches.”</p>



<p>To dive deeper, the research team has initiated a clinical trial to explore the effects of soy foods on children's thinking abilities, metabolism, sex hormones, and gut health.</p>



<p>The research was presented at the <a href="https://nutrition.org/n24/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NUTRITION 2024</a> conference.</p>



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



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



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



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

Soy foods boost cognitive abilities and attention span in children

New evidence suggests that soy foods have great potential to...

<p>The universe's most cryptic puzzle could be on the brink of exposure. Dark matter, cold quantum detectors, particle physics...for the science nerds among us, prepare to be intrigued.</p>



<p>Around 80% of all matter in the universe is invisible. We call it dark matter. It's slipping through us, perhaps trillions of particles every second, almost like an unseen ghost. </p>



<p>We're aware of its existence <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/theory-gravity-exists-without-mass-so-dark-matter-does-not-exist/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">due to the gravitational effects</a> we can observe. However, spotting it directly has always been elusive...until now.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stellar-minds-leading-the-charge">Stellar minds leading the charge</h2>



<p>A team of scientists, hailing from <a href="https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lancaster University</a>, the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a>, and <a href="https://www.royalholloway.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Holloway, University of London</a>, are harnessing quantum technologies to construct unprecedentedly sensitive dark matter detectors. </p>



<p>Amongst these brilliant minds are Dr. Michael Thompson, Professor Edward Laird, Dr. Dmitry Zmeev, and Dr. Samuli Autti from Lancaster, Professor Jocelyn Monroe from Oxford, and Professor Andrew Casey from Royal Holloway.</p>



<p>In the words of <a href="https://www.ukri.org/councils/epsrc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EPSRC</a> Fellow Dr. Autti, "We are using quantum technologies at ultra-low temperatures to build the most sensitive detectors to date. The goal is to observe this mysterious matter directly in the laboratory and solve one of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-matter-does-not-exist-universe-27-billion-years-old-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greatest enigmas in science</a>.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-illuminating-dark-matter-with-quantum-tools">Illuminating dark matter with quantum tools</h2>



<p>There are key clues to the typical density of dark matter in our galaxy. Yet, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-matter-may-reveal-the-origin-of-magnetic-fields/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mass of its particles</a> and how they might interact with standard atoms remain mysteries.</p>



<p>Particle physics puts forth two probable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/existence-of-dark-matter-confirmed-by-new-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dark matter candidates</a>: new particles with interactions so delicate we haven’t seen them yet, and very light, wave-like particles called axions. </p>



<p>This team of scientists is constructing two experiments, each specifically designed to seek one of these candidates.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-type-1-new-particles">Type 1: New particles</h3>



<p>The first type, the new particles with ultra-weak interactions, might be detectable through their collisions with ordinary matter. But hold tight -- it all depends on the mass of the dark matter we're hunting. </p>



<p>Previous searches could pinpoint dark matter particles weighing between five and 1,000 times more than a hydrogen atom. However, what if we’ve been missing the smaller ones?</p>



<p>The Quantum Enhanced Superfluid Technologies for Dark Matter and Cosmology (<a href="https://arxiv.org/abs/2402.00181" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">QUEST-DMC</a>) team aims to broaden the scope, reaching a world-leading sensitivity to collisions with dark matter candidates as light as 0.01 to a few hydrogen atoms. </p>



<p>They are using superfluid helium-3, cooled into a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-entanglement-discovery-is-a-revolutionary-step-forward/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum state</a>, and rigged with superconducting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bose-einstein-condensate-bec-rare-form-quantum-matter-created-with-molecules/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum amplifiers</a> to detect these elusive, lightweight dark matter collisions.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-type-2-axions">Type 2: Axions</h3>



<p>On the other hand, if dark matter <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/visible-matter-dark-matter-evolved-together-big-bang/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">consists of axions</a>, they'd be more than a billion times lighter than a hydrogen atom but a lot more abundant. </p>



<p>Collisions with axions would be off the table, but scientists could look for an electrical signal resulting from axions decaying in a magnetic field. </p>



<p>The Quantum Sensors for the Hidden Sector (<a href="https://qshs.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">QSHS</a>) team is developing a quantum amplifier to search for this axion signal.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-theory-to-reality">From theory to reality</h2>



<p>If you’re thrilled by this scientific endeavor, you’re in for a treat. The team's public exhibit, "A Quantum View of the Invisible Universe," is on display at the Royal Society's <a href="https://royalsociety.org/science-events-and-lectures/summer-science-exhibition" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Summer Science Exhibition</a> from July 2-7, 2024.</p>



<p>From engaging hands-on exhibits to mind-boggling demonstrations, there's something for everyone. There's a gyroscope-in-a-box, depicting dark matter inference from galaxy observations. </p>



<p>There are glass marbles, transparent in liquid, showing how invisible masses can be detected through smart experimentation.</p>



<p>You'll also witness a working model of a dark matter <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-matter-influence-cosmos-galaxies-extends-much-farther-than-believed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">particle collision detector</a> and a replica axion detector. </p>



<p>You can even use a pendulum to create your own parametric amplifier. All, while a luminous dilution refrigerator showcases how the team achieves ultra-low temperatures.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dark-matter-quantum-coldness-and-fun-science">Dark matter, quantum coldness, and fun science</h2>



<p>To recap, a group of brilliant European scientists are on a mission to reveal dark matter. They use advanced quantum technologies to create highly sensitive detectors. </p>



<p>These detectors aim to identify dark matter particles through collisions and electrical signals. Their work could solve one of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-galaxy-jwst-er1g-dark-matter-einstein-ring-mystery-solved/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">universe's greatest mysteries</a>.</p>



<p>As Carlos Frenk, Fellow of the Royal Society and Chair of the Public Engagement Committee, aptly put it: "Science is vital in helping us understand the world we live in – past, present and future." </p>



<p>So why not follow along with these experiments with an open mind, curiosity, and infectious enthusiasm to celebrate tremendous scientific triumphs that enrich our understanding of the universe? You never know, you might just get an up-close look at the Universe's greatest mystery.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10909-024-03142-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Low Temperature Physics</a>.</p>



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



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



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



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

Coldest quantum detectors in the world enlisted to search for dark matter

The universe's most cryptic puzzle could be on the brink...

<p>For many years, small segments of DNA known as “selfish genetic elements” were considered nonessential, existing only to propagate themselves. </p>



<p>However, researchers at the <a href="https://ucsd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California San Diego</a> (UCSD) have discovered that these elements may play a significant role in the competition among organisms. </p>



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



<p>“Introns containing homing endonucleases are widespread in nature and have long been assumed to be selfish elements that provide no benefit to the host organism. These genetic elements are common in viruses, but whether they confer a selective advantage is unclear,” noted the researchers.</p>



<p>The findings, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.adl1356" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science</em></a>, reveal that the genetic elements, specifically mobile introns in bacteriophages (phages), can indeed confer competitive advantages to their hosts.</p>



<p>“In this work, we studied intron-encoded homing endonuclease gp210 in bacteriophage ΦPA3 and found that it contributes to viral competition by interfering with the replication of a co-infecting phage, ΦKZ," wrote the study authors. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bacteriophages-outcompete-rival-viruses-nbsp">Bacteriophages outcompete rival viruses<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>Bacteriophages, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteriophages-how-bacteria-harness-viruses-to-attack-competitors/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">viruses</a> that infect bacteria, are the most abundant organisms on Earth. The research team discovered that mobile introns act as tools for phages, enabling them to outcompete rival viruses. </p>



<p>“This is the first time a selfish genetic element has been demonstrated to confer a competitive advantage to the host organism it has invaded,” said co-lead author Erica Birkholz, a postdoctoral scholar at UCSD.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-weaponized-genetic-elements-nbsp">Weaponized genetic elements&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Focusing on “jumbo” phages, the researchers analyzed the dynamics within bacterial cells co-infected by two phages. They observed how an enzyme called endonuclease from one phage's mobile intron disrupts the DNA of competing phages.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This enzyme cuts into the rival phage's genome, preventing it from effectively assembling its progeny. As Birkholz noted, “this weaponized intron endonuclease gives a competitive advantage to the phage carrying it.”</p>



<p>The study highlights the importance of these findings in understanding the evolutionary arms race among <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eavesdropping-viruses-the-unseen-war-within-our-cells/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">viruses</a>. </p>



<p>“We were able to clearly delineate the mechanism that gives an advantage and how that happens at the molecular level,” explained co-lead author Chase Morgan, a graduate student at the same university. “This incompatibility between selfish genetic elements becomes molecular warfare.”</p>



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



<p>The implications of this research extend to phage therapy, which is increasingly used to combat <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antibiotic-resistant-bacteria-have-been-found-in-clouds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antibiotic-resistant bacteria</a>. The insights gained could improve the design of phage cocktails, enhancing their efficacy. </p>



<p>“The phages in this study can be used to treat patients with bacterial infections associated with cystic fibrosis,” said senior author Joe Pogliano, a professor of biological sciences at UCSD.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Understanding how they compete with one another will allow us to make better cocktails for phage therapy.”</p>



<p>In essence, this study not only redefines our understanding of selfish genetic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/difference-between-two-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">elements</a> but also provides a deeper insight into viral competition and potential therapeutic applications. </p>



<p>The findings challenge the previous notion of these DNA segments being mere genetic hitchhikers, showing they can significantly impact host survival and evolution.</p>



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



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



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



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

Bacteriophages use ‘selfish genetic elements’ as weapons

For many years, small segments of DNA known as “selfish...

<p>Hooray for fireworks, right? The allure of the night sky lighting up in vivid colors is second to none, especially during prominent celebrations such as the 4th of July. Yet, this awe-inspiring spectacle comes with underlying risks we often ignore: the invisible threat lurking in the air that we breathe.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fireworks-and-air-pollution">Fireworks and air pollution</h2>



<p>In a recent study headed by Greg Carling, a geology professor at Brigham Young University (<a href="https://www.byu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BYU</a>), the hidden danger associated with fireworks was brought to light. </p>



<p>The study cast a spotlight on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/135-million-people-died-prematurely-due-to-pm25-air-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">harmful particulate matter</a> that is unleashed into the air during firework displays.</p>



<p>"We know we're breathing in these particles that are unhealthy during firework events,&nbsp;dust storms, or winter inversions," said Carling. "But what's actually in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chemical-composition-of-us-air-pollution-has-changed-over-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">particulate matter</a>? No one really knew before this study."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-particulate-matter">Particulate matter</h2>



<p>Let's take a moment to understand particulate matter. It consists of tiny fragments of dust, metals, smoke, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-rainfall-gets-an-unpredictable-boost-from-air-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">liquid droplets</a>, and other pollutants. </p>



<p>These particles, especially PM2.5, are incredibly small and can be inhaled deeply into our lungs.</p>



<p>Fireworks significantly contribute to these particles, releasing harmful substances like barium and copper during summer displays, and arsenic, cadmium, lead, and thallium in winter smog. </p>



<p>"We know a bit about the acute problems that elements such as lead cause," said Carling. </p>



<p>"But then there are the chronic problems we don't know about, and that probably should make people think, "Oh, so what's actually harmful and how do we figure out what's harmful?'"</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fireworks-annual-air-quality-hazard">Fireworks: Annual air quality hazard?</h2>



<p>According to Carling's research, fireworks are one of the main contributors to particulate matter along the Wasatch Front, along with mineral dust and winter inversion. </p>



<p>But what sets firework displays apart? It's their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/short-term-pollution-claims-more-than-one-million-lives-per-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">timing</a>. Major firework events fall in July – a time when the pollution levels peak due to these displays.</p>



<p>Carling's team took a two-year-long deep dive into figuring out the contents of these particles. They used air samplers equipped with filters to capture and analyze various sizes of particulate matter. The results were intriguing and, indeed, alarming.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trace-metals-in-the-air-after-fireworks">Trace metals in the air after fireworks</h2>



<p>Increased levels of metals like barium and copper were found during summer fireworks, while arsenic, cadmium, lead, and thallium were more prevalent in winter smog. </p>



<p>These findings are concerning because prolonged exposure to these substances has been linked with serious health complications. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fireworks-can-have-long-lasting-impacts-on-wildlife/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Inhaling these particles</a> over time can lead to respiratory issues like asthma.</p>



<p>Moreover, the presence of heavy metals in the air we breathe has been associated with more severe health problems, including heart diseases. </p>



<p>The persistent nature of these particles means they can migrate from the atmosphere into soil, water, and even our food, creating a continuous cycle of exposure. </p>



<p>This underscores the importance of rethinking how we celebrate with fireworks. Not exactly the kind of festive souvenir you would want, right?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-current-air-quality-standards">Current air quality standards</h2>



<p>Despite having stringent water standards, Utah, where this study was conducted, does not have similar <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/u-s-air-pollution-levels-have-dropped-but-not-for-everyone/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air quality standards</a> for these metals. </p>



<p>Carling points out that both the acute and chronic impacts of these elements should be studied further for adequate protective measures.</p>



<p>These particles are not only harmful but are also persistent. Metals have a knack for migrating from the atmosphere into soil, water, and even our food.</p>



<p>Carling suggests that watching city firework shows instead of setting off personal displays can reduce pollution. By limiting individual fireworks, we can decrease the release of harmful particles into the air. </p>



<p>Additionally, he advises doing indoor workouts during times of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-years-fireworks-send-millions-of-birds-on-erratic-flights/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">poor air quality</a>. This helps limit inhalation of toxins and protects our lungs from harmful pollutants. </p>



<p>These simple changes can make a significant difference. By making more responsible choices, we can enjoy celebrations while also safeguarding our health and the environment. </p>



<p>Let's consider these recommendations to ensure cleaner air and healthier lives for everyone.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fireworks-air-quality-and-the-future">Fireworks, air quality, and the future</h2>



<p>"It's great when research leads toward legislation that can help <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-and-bushes-near-highways-improve-air-quality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">improve things</a>," stated Carling. "Sometimes it's just a paper that gets published and a few scientists read it. But other times, it gets picked up and used to create real solutions."</p>



<p>With the evidence laid bare, it's imperative to rethink our traditions in light of their impact on our health and environment – all that glitters is not gold, right? </p>



<p>So the next time you marvel at a fireworks display, remember the invisible particles that tag along. It’s time to consider cleaner and safer alternatives. Who knows? The solution might already be waiting to happen.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0883292724000118?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Applied Geochemistry</a></em>.</p>



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



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



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



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

Fireworks have an alarming impact on air quality, but drone light shows don't

Hooray for fireworks, right? The allure of the night sky...

<p>Cardiovascular disease is a global epidemic, taking nearly 18 million lives in 2019 alone. What if we could drastically reduce heart disease risk just by making a few changes to our diet?</p>



<p>An important study from <a href="https://www.mcmaster.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">McMaster University</a> and the Hamilton Health Sciences' Population Health Research Institute (<a href="https://www.phri.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PHRI</a>) gives us this hopeful possibility.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-healthy-choices-at-your-grocery-store">Healthy choices at your grocery store</h2>



<p>According to the research, incorporating these six key food items into our diets can greatly reduce our chances of developing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-worsens-cardiovascular-health-risks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiovascular diseases</a> (CVD). And what are these miraculous medicaments, you ask?</p>



<ol start="1">
<li>Fruits<br></li>



<li>Vegetables<br></li>



<li>Legumes<br></li>



<li>Nuts<br></li>



<li>Fish<br></li>



<li>Whole-fat dairy products</li>
</ol>



<p>Regular consumption of these foods could be the secret to combating heart diseases and strokes, responsible for a staggering 85 percent of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-century-of-progress-in-the-fight-against-cardiovascular-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CVD-related deaths</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diet-and-heart-disease-risk">Diet and heart disease risk</h2>



<p>Despite similar investigational undertakings in the past, most focused on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/slimming-down-on-a-western-diet-incredible-new-drug-could-make-it-happen/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Western countries and diets</a>. In a refreshing departure, this study takes an innovative, global approach.</p>



<p>The research team analyzed diet data from 245,000 individuals across 80 countries, casting a broader net than ever before.</p>



<p>Salim Yusuf, the senior author and principal investigator of the study, explains, "The <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37414411/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PURE Healthy Diet Score</a> included a good representation of high, middle, and low-income countries.”</p>



<p>Similarly, Andrew Mente, PHRI scientist and assistant professor at McMaster’s Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, highlights the unique approach.</p>



<p>He notes that unlike previous diet scores, which often blended harmful processed foods with nutrient-rich foods, the PURE Healthy Diet Score focuses on the power of protective foods and moderation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-taking-the-healthy-heart-road">Taking the healthy-heart road</h2>



<p>The PURE Healthy Diet Score suggests eating two to three servings of fruits and veggies every day, along with one serving of nuts and two servings of dairy. </p>



<p>They also recommend having legumes three to four times a week and fish two to three times a week.</p>



<p>Can't imagine your life without grains or meat? No worries -- go for unrefined whole grains and unprocessed meats in moderation as substitutes.</p>



<p>This study is a beacon of hope in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-fuels-cardiovascular-deaths-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fight against CVD</a>. The researchers' dedication to this cause over a significant 25-year period, sans specific funding, shows the value they place on our global heart health.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preventing-health-issues-instead-of-treating-them">Preventing health issues instead of treating them</h2>



<p>The study underscores the potential to combat CVD, one of the world's deadliest health issues, through simple dietary adjustments.</p>



<p>It paints a hopeful picture of a future where health isn't determined by geographical or economic boundaries but by universal access to knowledge about key foods.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adding-the-six-food-formula-to-your-diet">Adding the six-food-formula to your diet</h3>



<p>Making the switch to a heart-healthy diet is much easier than it sounds, and definitely much easier than <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crucial-discoveries-will-improve-cardiovascular-disease-treatment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fighting heart disease</a>. </p>



<p>There are many simple ways to add these six food groups into your daily routine.</p>



<ul>
<li>Start your day with a piece of fruit. Choose an apple, banana, or a handful of berries. These small choices can make a big difference.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>At each meal, fill half your plate with vegetables. Pick a variety of colors to get a range of vitamins and minerals. Try adding more salads or experimenting with new vegetable recipes.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Beans, lentils, and chickpeas are tasty and versatile. Add them to soups, stews, and salads, or use them as a protein-rich base for vegetarian dishes.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Keep a small container of unsalted nuts for a quick, healthy snack. A daily handful can boost your heart health.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Aim to eat fish two to three times a week. Enjoy a simple grilled fish or try a new seafood recipe. The omega-3 fatty acids in fish are great for your heart.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Choose yogurt, cheese, and milk with natural fats. These foods are satisfying and rich in essential nutrients, unlike their low-fat versions which often have added sugars.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diet-heart-disease-and-the-future">Diet, heart disease, and the future</h2>



<p>The study from McMaster University and PHRI shows how important our diet is in preventing heart disease. It might seem hard to strive for a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/outdoor-exercise-amplifies-physical-and-mental-health-benefits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart-healthy life</a>, but small, consistent changes can make a big difference.</p>



<p>With this knowledge, we can take steps to make heart disease preventable. The promise of prevention is within reach. Rethink your food choices, take care of your heart, and move towards a healthier life.</p>



<p>Think about more than just what you eat. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/metamorphosis-exercise-triggers-molecular-changes-in-major-organs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Regular exercise</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exercise-significantly-lowers-heart-disease-risk-by-reducing-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stress management</a>, and enough sleep can all boost heart health.</p>



<p>Find activities you enjoy like walking, yoga, or cycling. Aim to create a daily routine that supports your well-being.</p>



<p>Finally, the next time you’re grocery shopping, remember: it’s not just about filling your stomach -- it’s about protecting your heart. Are you ready for a healthier you? Start today!</p>



<p>The full study was published in the <a href="https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>European Heart Journal</em></a>.</p>



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



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



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



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

Six key foods are now proven to dramatically reduce heart disease risk

Cardiovascular disease is a global epidemic, taking nearly 18 million...

<p>Solar energy, a clean and renewable source that could potentially power our entire planet, is yet to be fully exploited due to the challenges surrounding its efficiency. But if we think we've exhausted all research avenues for enhancing solar power efficiency, we couldn't be more wrong.</p>



<p>In a new study led by <a href="https://www.yale.edu/">Yale University</a>, experts suggest that the solution to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/suns-fury-secrets-of-solar-energy-storms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar energy</a> efficiency may lie beneath the tropical coral reefs.</p>



<p>Stepping away from conventional thinking, giant clams possess what could be the most efficient solar energy systems found on Earth.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solar-energy-conversion">Solar energy conversion </h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-will-increase-the-value-of-solar-panels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Solar panel</a> and biorefinery designers could learn a thing or two from iridescent giant clams living near tropical coral reefs, according to the researchers.</p>



<p>"It's counter-intuitive to a lot of people, because clams operate in intense sunlight, but actually they're really dark on the inside," said Alison Sweeney, associate professor of physics and of ecology and evolutionary biology in <a href="https://fas.yale.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yale’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences</a>. </p>



<p>"The truth is that clams are more efficient at solar energy conversion than any existing solar panel technology.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-efficiency-of-giant-clams">Understanding the efficiency of giant clams</h2>



<p>Giant clams boast precise geometry with dynamic, vertical columns of photosynthetic receptors covered by a thin, light-scattering layer.</p>



<p>In a recently published study, the research team presents an analytical model for determining the maximum efficiency of photosynthetic systems based on the geometry, movement, and light-scattering characteristics of giant clams.</p>



<p>It is the latest in a series of research studies from Sweeney’s lab that highlight biological mechanisms from the natural world that could inspire new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nature-inspires-solutions-for-a-sustainable-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sustainable materials</a> and designs.</p>



<p>The researchers specifically focused on the impressive solar energy potential of iridescent giant clams that inhabit the shallow waters of Palau in the Western Pacific. </p>



<p>The clams’ unique adaptation involves vertical cylinders of single-celled algae growing on their surface, which effectively absorb sunlight after it’s scattered by a layer of cells called iridocytes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-symbiosis-at-its-best">Symbiosis at its best</h2>



<p>The way the clams function is both captivating and insightful. The setup of algae in vertical columns, parallel to the incoming light, enables the algae to absorb sunlight at the most efficient rate. </p>



<p>This process is facilitated by the scattering of light by the iridocytes, which ensures uniform distribution around each vertical algae cylinder.</p>



<p>Based on the giant clams’ geometry, Sweeney and her colleagues developed a model to calculate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tapping-into-the-natural-power-of-plants-for-renewable-energy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum efficiency</a> - the ability to convert photons into electrons. </p>



<p>The researchers also factored in fluctuations in sunlight, based on a typical day in the tropics with a sunrise, midday sun intensity, and sunset. The quantum efficiency was 42%.</p>



<p>But then the researchers added a new wrinkle: the way giant clams stretch themselves in reaction to changes in sunlight. </p>



<p>“Clams like to move and groove throughout the day,” Sweeney said. “This stretching moves the vertical columns farther apart, effectively making them shorter and wider.” </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quantum-efficiency-of-giant-clams">Quantum efficiency of giant clams</h2>



<p>With this new information, the clam model’s quantum efficiency jumped to 67%. By comparison, Sweeney said, a green leaf system’s quantum efficiency in a tropical environment is only about 14%.</p>



<p>According to the researchers, an intriguing comparison would be northern spruce forests. </p>



<p>These boreal spruce forests, surrounded by fluctuating layers of fog and clouds, share similar geometries and light-scattering mechanisms with giant clams, but on a much larger scale, and their quantum efficiency is nearly identical.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biodiversity-and-solar-efficiency">Biodiversity and solar efficiency</h2>



<p>“One lesson from this is how important it is to consider biodiversity, writ large,” Sweeney said. “My colleagues and I continue to brainstorm about where else on Earth this level of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/growing-crops-at-solar-farms-increases-panel-efficiency/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar efficiency</a> might happen. It is also important to recognize we can only study biodiversity in places where it is maintained.”</p>



<p>“We owe a major debt to Palauans, who put vital cultural value on their clams and reefs and work to keep them in pristine health."</p>



<p>Such examples may offer inspiration and insights for more efficient sustainable energy technology.</p>



<p>“One could envision a new generation of solar panels that grow algae, or inexpensive plastic solar panels that are made out of a stretchy material,” said Sweeney.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://journals.aps.org/prxenergy/abstract/10.1103/PRXEnergy.3.023014" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PRX Energy</a></em></p>



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



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



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



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

Giant clams may be the most efficient solar energy systems on Earth

Solar energy, a clean and renewable source that could potentially...

<p>The carbon footprint of human activity has never been more evident, particularly when it comes to travel. </p>



<p>New research led by scientists at the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Leeds</a> has shed light on the often-overlooked <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/yellowstone-tourism-generates-over-1-megaton-carbon-annually/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emissions</a> from long-distance travel. The research offers a new perspective on the scale at which traveling contributes to the ongoing climate crisis.</p>



<p>"The transport sector accounts for 30% of global energy use&nbsp;and 37% of global carbon dioxide emissions. Despite its large share in national emissions, transport has been one of the most difficult sectors to decarbonize," wrote the study authors.</p>



<p>"For example, between 1990 and 2019, emissions from other end-use sectors in the United Kingdom were reduced by 44% while those from transport were reduced by less than 5%, leaving transport with an increasingly larger share of emissions over time."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-carbon-consequences-of-long-distance-travel">The carbon consequences of long-distance travel</h2>



<p>The Leeds study has revealed new insights into the environmental impact of various travel patterns, particularly in the United Kingdom. According to the researchers, even minor long-distance travel contributes significantly to the global carbon footprint. </p>



<p>For UK residents, journeys spanning more than 50 miles one way - while making up less than 3% of all trips - are responsible for a staggering 70% of all travel-related <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/direct-evidence-electric-vehicles-measurably-reduce-carbon-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon emissions.</a></p>



<p>The impact is even more pronounced when it comes to international travel. Although accounting for a mere 0.4% of total trips, international journeys are responsible for 55% of emissions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increase-in-long-distance-travel">Increase in long-distance travel </h2>



<p>Over the past 25 years, travel patterns have shifted. There has been a slight decline in domestic car journeys. However, this reduction has been overshadowed by a substantial increase in international air travel, driven largely by leisure and family visits.</p>



<p>"Flying internationally for leisure and social purposes has emerged as a crucial segment because of both its large share in mileage and emissions footprint and its continued growth over the past two decades compared with other travel purposes and modes," wrote the researchers.</p>



<p>"Post-COVID-19 international travel statistics also show that these two segments are still thriving."</p>



<p>The findings highlight the disproportionate environmental impact of long-distance and international travel, emphasizing the need for more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/travelers-are-ready-for-more-affordable-eco-friendly-options/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sustainable travel options</a> and practices to mitigate the growing carbon footprint of global mobility.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-perspective-on-long-distance-travel">A new perspective on long-distance travel </h2>



<p>The study has reiterated the need for a change in strategy to combat the climate impacts of travel.</p>



<p>Dr. Zia Wadud is the study's lead researcher from the <a href="https://environment.leeds.ac.uk/transport" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute for Transport Studies and School of Chemical and Process Engineering</a>.</p>



<p>"The scale of the impact of long-distance travel is very large indeed. That just less than 3% of our trips are responsible for around 60% of miles and 70% of emissions shows how important long-distance travel is in the fight to combat climate change," noted Dr. Wadud.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-changes-to-reduce-carbon-emissions">Potential changes to reduce carbon emissions</h2>



<p>According to the research, if all car journeys under eight miles were transferred to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/active-travel-can-greatly-reduce-co2-emissions-in-the-city/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">walking or cycling</a>, there would be a 9.3% reduction in carbon emissions.</p>



<p>This shift, though, would require altering approximately 55% of all journeys, as most travel is local and relies on cars. </p>



<p>The researchers created a new metric, emission reduction sensitivity, which was applied to evaluate the types of travel that could be modified to maximize a reduction in carbon emissions from passenger travel.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-path-to-a-sustainable-future">Path to a sustainable future</h2>



<p>Dr. Muhammad Adeel, a co-author from the <a href="https://www.uwe.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of the West of England</a>, voiced his concern that this issue needs urgent attention.</p>



<p>"Whilst efforts to move local journeys to more sustainable modes of transport are really positive, by omitting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aviation-emissions-big-data-analysis-sparks-new-concerns/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aviation emissions</a> from national statistics – as is the case at the moment in nearly all countries – we are not getting a holistic picture and ignoring a large part of the problem," said Dr. Adeel.</p>



<p>This study offers a wake-up call for everyone - from policymakers to the public - to rethink their travel's carbon impact, prioritize long-distance trips, especially flights, and realize the largest reductions.</p>



<p>It underscores that the burden of combating climate change should not fall only on local and commuter journeys but also on long-distance travel, particularly international flights.</p>



<p>The path to a sustainable future is not clear-cut, but every step we take toward reducing our carbon footprint counts.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41560-024-01561-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Energy</a></em>.</p>



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



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



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



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

The hidden carbon footprint of long-distance travel

The carbon footprint of human activity has never been more...

<p>Over the years, the celestial structures of the 'Pillars of Creation' nestled in the heart of Messier 16 have dazzled the world's imagination, thanks to the Hubble Space Telescope of NASA.</p>



<p>First made famous in 1995 by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope, these formations deep within M16, also known as the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-energy-is-ripping-the-universe-apart-but-we-arent-sure-how/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eagle Nebula</a>, continue to captivate stargazers across the globe.</p>



<p>Frank Summers, the principal scientist at the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, led this initiative. </p>



<p>In collaboration with NASA's <a href="https://universe-of-learning.org/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Universe of Learning</a>, Summers and his team harnessed data from NASA's Hubble and <a href="https://webb.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Webb</a> space telescopes to create a new 3D visualization of these celestial wonders.</p>



<p>The result is the most detailed and comprehensive multi-wavelength film ever produced of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/messier-82-unlocking-the-mysteries-of-star-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star-forming</a> clouds.</p>



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="aQ0DhbtADY-3719451-12187" type="single"]</div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-messier-16-eagle-nebula-pillars-of-creation">Messier 16, Eagle Nebula, Pillars of Creation</h2>



<p>Also known as Messier 16 (M16), the Eagle Nebula is a youthful cluster of stars nestled in the Serpens constellation. Its discovery traces back to Jean-Philippe de Cheseaux in the mid-18th century.</p>



<p>Serving as the nebula's highlight, the Pillars of Creations are active star-forming regions, and truly a sight to behold. </p>



<p>Spanning 4 to 5 light-years, they may seem small against the expansive 70 by 55 light-year canvas of the Eagle Nebula, but they're anything but insignificant.</p>



<p>Located a whopping 7,000 light-years from Earth, our star-cluster friend still manages to catch the eye. With an apparent magnitude of 6, amateur astronomers can spot it through a small telescope, especially in July. </p>



<p>For a detailed view of the Pillars of Creation, though, you'll need a more powerful telescope and clear skies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-perspectives-new-insights">New perspectives, new insights</h2>



<p>"By flying past and amongst the pillars, viewers experience their three-dimensional structure and see how they look different in the <a href="https://hubblesite.org/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hubble</a> visible-light view versus the Webb infrared-light view," explained Summers.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/pillars-of-creation_webb-hubble-mosaic_NASA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/pillars-of-creation_webb-hubble-mosaic_NASA_1s.jpg" alt="'Pillars of Creation' in new 3D video from NASA, seen here in Webb/Hubble mosaic. Credit: NASA" class="wp-image-1937976"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>'Pillars of Creation' in new 3D video from NASA, seen here in Webb/Hubble mosaic. Credit: NASA</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>"The contrast helps them understand why we have more than one space telescope to observe different aspects of the same object."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-piecing-together-the-pillars-of-creation">Piecing together the Pillars of Creation</h2>



<p>The Pillars of Creation consist of cool molecular hydrogen and dust. They are constantly changing. This transformation happens because of harsh ultraviolet light emitted by nearby young stars. These stars also produce strong winds. </p>



<p>The ultraviolet light and winds impact the pillars, altering their structure.</p>



<p>As you delve deeper into the visualization, you'll notice finger-like structures, larger than the solar system itself, protruding from the tops of the pillars. Concealed within these fingers are embryonic stars. </p>



<p>The tallest pillar stretches for an incredible three light-years, that's three-quarters of the distance between our Sun and the nearest star.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-harbingers-of-star-birth">Harbingers of star birth</h2>



<p>The visualization also showcases various stages of star <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-galaxy-formation-occurred-much-faster-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">formation</a>. As you approach the central pillar, you'll see an infant protostar glowing bright red in infrared light. </p>



<p>Towards the top of the left pillar, you'll spot a diagonal jet of material – a telltale sign of a newborn star. In the end, you'll find a newly formed star gleaming at the tip of the left pillar’s protrusion.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/pillars-of-creation_hubble-telescope_NASA_1m-scaled.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/pillars-of-creation_hubble-telescope_NASA_1s.jpg" alt="Hubble telescope view of the Pillars of Creation. Credit: NASA" class="wp-image-1937974"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Hubble telescope view of the 'Pillars of Creation'. Credit: NASA</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>The icing on the cake? You can now feel these cosmic marvels right in your palms. Thanks to the new 3D printable model of the Pillars of Creation, you can get a hands-on understanding of these nebulous structures. </p>



<p>This interactive tool gives you even more insights while making the experience more interesting.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pillars-of-creation-beyond-the-screens">Pillars of Creation beyond the screens</h2>



<p>Want to dive deeper into the exploration of nebulas? Take a trip to one of the nearly 200 museums and planetariums across the United States running the <a href="https://youtu.be/9ZooCy59rV0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ViewSpace video exhibit</a> produced by NASA's Universe of Learning. Here, you can discover more about the wondrous space images captured by telescopes.</p>



<p>The new visualization of the Pillars of Creation is more than just <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hubble-detects-awe-inspiring-newborn-star/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">another scientific achievement</a>. It represents an exciting new chapter in our exploration of the universe. </p>



<p>By blending scientific data, technical prowess, and human creativity, we're now able to see our cosmos in new ways. We can now understand and appreciate its beauty like never before.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inspiring-future-generations">Inspiring future generations</h2>



<p>One of the most profound impacts of these visualizations lies in their ability to engage the public and inspire future generations. </p>



<p>Educational programs and interactive exhibits at museums and planetariums transform complex scientific data into accessible formats that captivate audiences of all ages.</p>



<p>For instance, a 3D printable model provides a tactile learning experience, making the cosmos tangible. In classrooms worldwide, these resources spark curiosity and fuel young minds' imaginations, potentially inspiring the next generation of astronomers, scientists, and engineers.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/pillars-of-creation_webb-telescope_NASA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/pillars-of-creation_webb-telescope_NASA_1s.jpg" alt="'Pillars of Creation' captured by Webb telescope. Credit: NASA" class="wp-image-1937979"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>'Pillars of Creation' captured by Webb telescope. Credit: NASA</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>By demystifying the cosmos and fostering a sense of wonder, these initiatives contribute to a more scientifically literate society, appreciative of our universe's beauty and complexity.</p>



<p>By presenting these intricate concepts in a digestible and engaging manner, we can encourage broader exploration and understanding. </p>



<p>What might we discover when we bridge the gap between complex scientific research and the everyday learner?</p>



<p>These initiatives not only illuminate the cosmos but also empower a more curious and scientifically informed public.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-visualization">Beyond visualization</h2>



<p>As a bonus, the visualization project has adapted the base model of the pillars to a 3D printable model. This interactive model allows the users to download the STL file and create a physical model using 3D printers.</p>



<p>So, embark on a cosmic journey with the new 3D visualization and 3D printable model of the Pillars of Creation. Deep dive into the beauty of these celestial structures, and witness the wonders of our universe from the comfort of your home!</p>



<p>Video Credit: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center</p>



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



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



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



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

"Pillars of Creation" star-forming factory seen in stunning new 3D video from NASA

Over the years, the celestial structures of the 'Pillars of...

<p>Isn't there something enticing about the thought of longevity? What if we might be closer to understanding some secrets of long life, taking cues not from myths and legends, but from an ancient ocean dweller like the Greenland shark?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meet-the-ancient-titans-of-the-deep">Meet the ancient titans of the deep</h2>



<p>The gentle giants Greenland sharks (<em>Somniosus microcephalus</em>) boast a lifespan of 270 years at the very least, with tales suggesting they might live beyond 500 years.</p>



<p>Ewan Camplisson, a curious PhD student from the <a href="https://www.manchester.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Manchester</a>, sparked the spotlight on this ancient behemoth's fascinating life.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-greenland-shark-s-code-of-longevity">Greenland shark's code of longevity</h2>



<p>Earlier, scientists believed the Greenland shark's glacial surroundings and minimal movements might hold the key to its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/germ-cells-play-a-crucial-role-in-aging-and-lifespan/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life's lengthy timeline</a>.</p>



<p>But Mr. Camplisson and his team debunked this theory and delved deeper. They believed the tale of this majestic marine's lifespan was more entangled with complex metabolic adaptations than earlier proposed.</p>



<p>"Most species show variation in their metabolism as they age. We want to determine if Greenland sharks also show this traditional sign of aging, or are they playing by a different rulebook?" Mr. Camplisson shared their idea.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inside-greenland-sharks-ageless-muscles">Inside Greenland sharks' ageless muscles</h2>



<p>To untangle this mystery, the team conducted enzyme assays on preserved Greenland shark muscle tissues. </p>



<p>They used a spectrophotometer, a light-measuring tool, to track the metabolic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shark-embryo-mortality-could-rise-by-71-percent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">activity in sharks</a> of varying ages and environmental temperatures.</p>



<p>What they uncovered was nothing short of astonishing. There was no significant variation in muscle metabolic activity across different ages, hinting that their metabolism does not seem to wane over time. </p>



<p>"This is quite different to most animals which tend to show some variation in their metabolic enzyme activity as they age,” he says. </p>



<p>“The results support our hypothesis that the Greenland shark does not show the same traditional signs of aging as other animals.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-temperature-in-metabolism">Role of temperature in metabolism</h2>



<p>The subtle plot twist in the study was the observation that metabolic enzymes exhibit significantly higher activity at elevated temperatures.</p>



<p>“This would suggest that the shark’s red muscle metabolism is not specially adapted for the polar environment, otherwise we would have expected to see less of a temperature related difference in activity,” says Mr Camplisson.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-greenland-shark-s-conservation">Implications for Greenland shark's conservation</h2>



<p>Species as enigmatic and ancient as Greenland sharks may face dire straits in our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-sharks-survived-a-drastic-spike-in-global-temperatures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rapidly changing climate</a>. </p>



<p>They may not mature sexually until they’re 150 years old, and with such a long generation time, their chances to adapt to human-induced environmental shifts could be pretty slim. </p>



<p>Camplisson voices his concern for these elder residents of our oceans, highlighting the critical role they play in marine ecosystems. </p>



<p>He strongly advocates for their protection, emphasizing the need for urgent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shark-diversity-hits-66-million-year-low/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation measures</a> to ensure their survival for future generations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-epigenetics-and-beyond">Epigenetics and beyond</h2>



<p>While genetics provides the foundational script, the emerging <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/what-is-epigenetics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">field of epigenetics</a> looks at how environmental factors influence gene expression over an organism's lifetime.</p>



<p>This dynamic interplay between genes and the environment could shed light on how Greenland sharks maintain their health across centuries. </p>



<p>By studying epigenetic markers, researchers aim to decipher how these sharks mitigate the effects of oxidative stress and other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-aging-discovered-in-plant-leaves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aging processes</a>.</p>



<p>The Greenland shark offers a living model to explore how life at extreme latitudes can shape the epigenome in ways we never anticipated. </p>



<p>As we unravel these intricate layers, the Greenland shark continues to inspire awe, bridging the gap between marine biology and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/harvard-scientists-fountain-of-youth-pill-sparks-controversy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human aging research</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-leap-towards-human-cardiovascular-health">Leap towards human cardiovascular health</h2>



<p>Not only do these revelations help us protect precious species, but they also have potential implications for human health. </p>



<p>Mr. Camplisson's interest extends towards how studying the Greenland shark heart could inform our understanding of our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-worsens-cardiovascular-health-risks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiovascular health</a>, particularly as we age.</p>



<p>By unweaving these astounding marine mysteries, we open doors to not only preserving immeasurable biodiversity but also improving human health. </p>



<p>So the next time you think of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pigs-slow-growth-diet-increases-longevity-productivity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">anti-aging secrets</a>, look beyond fancy creams and serums. The secrets might just be swimming beneath the icy Arctic expanse, within the formidable yet fascinating Greenland sharks.</p>



<p>The scientific findings are to be showcased at the <a href="https://www.sebiology.org/events/seb-conference-prague-2024.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Society for Experimental Biology Annual Conference in Prague,</a> July 2024.</p>



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



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



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



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

Greenland sharks live up to 500 years, but what's their secret?

Isn't there something enticing about the thought of longevity? What...

Cats,Scratch,Furniture,,Scratch,At,The,Corner,Of,The,Couch

<p>Are your prized pieces of furniture getting an unwanted feline manicure? The headache of cats treating our plush <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wood-surfaces-can-naturally-reduce-virus-transmission/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">couches</a> and ornate rugs as their personal claw-sharpening and scratching stations is a shared experience among cat owners worldwide.</p>



<p>But what if you could redirect your <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/would-you-trust-a-robot-to-look-after-your-cat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">kitty's</a> urge to scratch from your furniture to more suitable outlets?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cats-scratching-the-surface">Cats scratching the surface</h2>



<p>Dr. Yasemin Salgirli Demirbas, a veterinary researcher from <a href="https://www.ankara.edu.tr/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ankara University</a>, along with a team of international experts, decided to take a closer look our feline friends' scratching habits.</p>



<p>Their findings shed light on a question plaguing cat owners for ages: why do cats scratch furniture and how can we redirect this behavior?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-factors-behind-cats-scratching-behavior">Factors behind cats scratching behavior</h2>



<p>Through a comprehensive survey involving more than 1200 cat owners in France, the research team uncovered some surprising factors that influence your feline's scratching behavior. </p>



<p>Demirbas and her team discovered a clear link between your cat's environment, personality traits, and increased scratching behavior.</p>



<p>“Here we show that certain factors – such as the presence of children at home, personality traits of cats, and their activity levels – significantly impact the extent of scratching behavior,” said Demi̇rbas.</p>



<p>“Our findings can help caregivers manage and redirect scratching to appropriate materials, which could help foster a more harmonious living environment for both cats and their caregivers.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stress-leads-to-unwanted-cat-scratching">Stress leads to unwanted cat scratching</h2>



<p>The authors found that stress serves as a key driver of unwanted scratching in cats. When cats engage in prolonged <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cats-have-a-better-quality-of-life-if-you-play-with-them/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">play sessions</a>, they may experience elevated stress levels due to continuous stimulation and excitement. </p>



<p>This heightened stress can manifest in excessive scratching behavior. It turns out playfulness, while generally beneficial, can have a flip side, leading to a flurry of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cats-mentally-track-their-owners-whereabouts-based-on-sound/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">feline</a> scratches on your beloved furnishings. </p>



<p>“We see a clear link between certain environmental and behavioral factors and increased scratching behavior in cats,” Salgirli Demirbas explained. </p>



<p>“Specifically, the presence of children in the home as well as high levels of play and nocturnal activity significantly contribute to increased scratching. Cats described as aggressive or disruptive also exhibited higher levels of scratching.”</p>



<p>Understanding this can help cat owners better manage their pets' playtime and stress levels to protect their furniture.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-placing-scratch-posts-and-pheromones">Placing scratch posts and pheromones</h2>



<p>It's not all doom and gloom, though. The researchers suggest some practical changes that can significantly alter where and why your cat scratches.</p>



<p>Creating an engaging and stimulating environment is crucial for feline well-being and can play a significant role in managing scratching behavior.</p>



<p>For starters, place scratch posts in areas frequently visited by your cat. Position them near your cat's favorite lounging spot. </p>



<p>Make sure the scratch posts are sturdy and tall enough for your cat to fully stretch out. This will make the posts more appealing to your cat.</p>



<p>Using specific feline pheromones can create a calming environment. These pheromones can deter your furry friend from clawing at your couch. </p>



<p>Additionally, regularly trimming your cat's nails can help. Providing a variety of textures for scratching can further reduce unwanted scratching behaviors.</p>



<p>“Understanding the underlying emotional motivations of scratching behavior, such as frustration, which seem to be linked to personality traits and environmental factors, allows caregivers to address these issues directly,” said Demirbas.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hunting-games">Hunting games</h2>



<p>The key to a happier, scratch-free household lies in mimicking successful hunting scenarios through several short play sessions. </p>



<p>These moments not only keep your cat's interest piqued but also help curb stress. Plus, they serve to enhance the bond between you and your <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cats-mentally-track-their-owners-whereabouts-based-on-sound/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">feline</a> buddy.</p>



<p>Additionally, redirecting your cat's attention immediately when they scratch inappropriately can teach them the boundaries of acceptable behavior. </p>



<p>Training not only helps in managing scratching habits but also strengthens the bond between you and your cat, promoting a harmonious living environment.</p>



<p>Though the study relied on owner-reported data, it still provides valuable insights. It helps in understanding feline scratching behavior better. This knowledge paves the way for more effective management strategies in the future.</p>



<p>So, here's to a future of peaceful cohabitation, with happier cats and scratch-free sofas.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2024.1403068/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Veterinary Science</a>.</em></p>



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



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



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



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

Scientists learn how to stop cats from scratching the furniture

Are your prized pieces of furniture getting an unwanted feline...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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



<p>—–</p>



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



<p>—–</p>

Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>

Social modeling affects our food choices

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists discover we age in bursts

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists solve the mystery of tickling

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>



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



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



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



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

Retired professor claims he solved time travel

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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



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



<figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
</div></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

News coming your way