<p>Microscopic pores in brain cells may hold vital clues to Parkinson’s disease. Scientists have tracked these disruptions in real time, revealing how toxic protein clusters interact with membranes.</p>



<p>The findings point toward a new explanation for how Parkinson’s symptoms develop, beginning at the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-can-detect-neurological-diseases-like-parkinsons-years-before-symptoms-appear/">molecular level</a> of cell membranes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-quiet-onset-of-parkinson-s">The quiet onset of Parkinson’s </h2>



<p>Parkinson’s often begins quietly. A tremor in the hand, a stiffness in movement, or slowed responses mark the earliest signs. </p>



<p>Beneath these symptoms lies a gradual loss of brain cells. For decades, the trigger behind this degeneration remained unclear. Now, the focus has shifted to α-synuclein, a protein abundant in nerve cells.</p>



<p>In its healthy state, α-synuclein supports communication between neurons. In Parkinson’s, it misfolds and forms clumps. </p>



<p>Earlier studies focused on fibrils, the large clumps seen in brain tissue. The new research highlights oligomers, smaller assemblies that prove more toxic because of their ability to pierce cell membranes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-proteins-create-shifting-pores">Proteins create shifting pores</h2>



<p>“We are the first to directly observe how these oligomers form pores - and how the pores behave,” said Mette Galsgaard Malle, postdoctoral researcher at both <a href="https://international.au.dk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aarhus University</a> and Harvard University.</p>



<p>Oligomers do not create static damage. Instead, they attach to curved membrane regions, insert partly, and then complete pores that open and close like revolving doors.</p>



<p>“This dynamic behavior may help explain why the cells don’t die immediately,” said Bo Volf Brøchner, PhD student and first author of the study. </p>



<p>“If the pores remained open, the cells would likely collapse very quickly. But because they open and close, the cell’s own pumps might be able to temporarily compensate.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-watching-molecules-move">Watching molecules move</h2>



<p>To capture this activity, the researchers used a single-vesicle analysis platform. These vesicles, artificial bubbles resembling cell membranes, allowed scientists to record oligomer activity in real time. </p>



<p>The team even watched fluorescent dyes move through pores, confirming that molecules can cross once pores form.</p>



<p>“It’s like watching a molecular movie in slow motion,” explained Galsgaard Malle. “Not only can we see what happens - we can also test how different molecules affect the process. That makes the platform a valuable tool for drug screening.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-distinct-steps-of-parkinson-s">Distinct steps of Parkinson's</h2>



<p>The team proposes a three-stage model: initial recruitment to membranes, partial insertion, and full pore formation. </p>



<p>Interestingly, recruitment occurs more often on curved membranes, while full pore creation favors flatter ones. This means the first and final steps are distinct processes shaped by membrane geometry and charge.</p>



<p>Negatively charged lipids, abundant in mitochondria and synaptic vesicles, seem particularly vulnerable. This supports the idea that energy-producing cell regions may be among the first harmed in Parkinson’s.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pore-formation-and-cell-risk">Pore formation and cell risk</h2>



<p>The studies also show that neutral membranes can recruit oligomers, but only negative charges activate pores. Recruitment is enhanced by curvature, likely because tightly bent membranes expose more defects that oligomers can latch onto. </p>



<p>Yet, pore formation itself works best on flat, low-curvature membranes, which offer more stability for the pore to open fully.</p>



<p>This separation between binding and pore creation clarifies earlier contradictions in research. It suggests that cells might not be equally at risk, depending on membrane <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pesticide-exposure-increases-the-risk-of-parkinsons-disease/">composition</a> and shape.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nanobodies-and-detection">Nanobodies and detection</h2>



<p>The researchers also tested nanobodies, tiny antibody fragments that bind specifically to oligomers. These nanobodies did not block pore formation, but they helped reveal how pores change dynamics. </p>



<p>One nanobody increased pore turnover, making oligomers more flexible and interactive, while another reduced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cancer-immunotherapy-drug-also-works-to-slow-progression-of-parkinsons-disease/">activity</a>.</p>



<p>“The nanobodies did not block the pore formation,” said Volf Brøchner. “But they may still help detect oligomers at very early stages of the disease. That’s crucial, since Parkinson’s is typically diagnosed only after significant neuronal damage has occurred.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-beyond-parkinson-s">Implications beyond Parkinson’s</h2>



<p>These findings may apply beyond Parkinson’s. The same methods could explore other protein aggregates, such as tau in Alzheimer’s disease, which may also damage membranes in subtle but progressive ways. </p>



<p>The single-vesicle platform offers a high-resolution way to track protein-membrane interactions across different neurodegenerative conditions.</p>



<p>For now, these experiments remain in artificial models. Real brain cells are far more complex, with diverse lipids and interacting proteins. The next challenge is to confirm whether pores form in living tissue and how they contribute to cell death.</p>



<p>“We created a clean experimental setup where we can measure one thing at a time. That’s the strength of this platform,” said Galsgaard Malle. “But now we need to take the next step and investigate what happens in more complex biological systems.”</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsnano.5c04005" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACS Nano</a>.</em></p>



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



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Tiny holes in brain cells may unlock the mystery of Parkinson’s

Microscopic pores in brain cells may hold vital clues to Parkinson’s disease. Scientists have tracked these disruptions in real time, revealing how toxic protein clusters interact with membranes. The findings point toward a new explanation for how Parkinson’s symptoms develop, beginning at the molecular level of cell membranes. The quiet onset of Parkinson’s Parkinson’s often begins quietly. A tremor in the hand, a stiffness in movement, or slowed responses mark the earliest signs. Beneath these symptoms lies a gradual loss of brain cells. For decades, the trigger...

<p>If you're an avid stargazer or just someone who appreciates the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-skywatching-what-to-look-for-in-april-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">beauty of the sky</a>, you're in for a treat. This weekend, astronomers and enthusiasts all across the U.S can witness a celestial spectacle - a planetary parade, according to <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.</p>



<p>Preston Dyches of NASA's <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a>, a public engagement specialist with an astronomy background, shares <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cosmic-sightings-nasa-skywatching-guide-for-may-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insights</a> about this phenomenon. He also hosts NASA's "<a href="https://science.nasa.gov/skywatching/whats-up/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">What's Up</a>," a monthly video series detailing the marvels of the night sky.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-different-kind-of-parade">Different kind of parade</h2>



<p>Were you among those left wanting more after the previous planetary parade on June 3? Well, this one promises to be different.</p>



<p>Both Dyches and Andrew Fazekas, the communications manager for <a href="https://astronomerswithoutborders.org/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Astronomers Without Borders</a>, had hinted it wouldn't be the best time to view the parade. They advised stargazers to hold on for a little while, wait for a better opportunity.</p>



<p>Why you ask? Well, June 3 was a Monday. Who wants to rise before the sun on a workday, right? And to add to it, the sun's light back then would have washed out the planets aligning closest to it.</p>



<p>In this Saturday's Planetary Parade, Uranus, Mercury, and Jupiter are high enough in the sky, so the sun won't steal their show.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-front-row-seat-to-the-planetary-parade">Front row seat to the planetary parade</h2>



<p>Can you also view it on Friday? Apparently, yes. However, note that the moon's position varies on both days. And the real deal, as Dyches puts it, the "closest thing to a planet parade," is on Saturday.</p>



<p>Now, you might be wondering, what's a planetary parade anyway? It's an astronomical jamboree where the planets align in a straight row, marching across the night sky like a procession. The event is also known as a large planetary alignment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-you-ll-be-able-to-see">What you'll be able to see</h2>



<p>Ready your telescopes! According to <a href="https://skysafariastronomy.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SkySafari</a> Pro, the planetary parade on June 29 will showcase:</p>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jupiter-and-the-moon-will-share-a-cosmic-kiss-on-valentines-day/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jupiter</a>, the giant, closest to the horizon.</li>



<li>Uranus, the tilted planet.</li>



<li><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/venus-mars-and-bodes-galaxy-will-light-up-februarys-night-sky/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars</a>, our red neighbor.</li>



<li>The Moon, our loyal partner.</li>



<li>Neptune, the windy world.</li>



<li>Saturn, with its spectacular rings.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preparations-for-the-parade">Preparations for the parade</h2>



<p>Eager to catch an amazing celestial show? Consider the following:</p>



<ul>
<li>Wake up early, right before sunrise</li>



<li>Find a clear spot facing East or Southeast</li>



<li>Grab binoculars or a telescope for the best view</li>
</ul>



<p>Witnessing these cosmic events can boost your understanding of the universe and spark a lifelong passion for science and exploration. Get ready for an inspiring morning of stargazing and wonder.</p>



<p>Importantly, some planets are tricky to spot with the naked eye. Use apps like Skyview to turn your phone into a handy celestial guide. But don't forget, binoculars and telescopes are a must for the full experience.</p>



<p>"Neptune is a planet that you need strong binoculars or a small telescope to be able to see," said Fazekas. "And it's not easy to find either."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-setting-realistic-expectations">Setting realistic expectations</h2>



<p>While this planetary parade is indeed fascinating, it may not match the grandeur of a solar eclipse or the northern lights. Fazekas advises against setting expectations too high, as it might lead to disappointment.</p>



<p>Nonetheless, it is encouraging to witness the increasing interest in sky-watching. The allure of a celestial parade captures our innate curiosity and wonder.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-science-behind-planetary-parades">Science behind planetary parades</h2>



<p>Planetary parades, or planetary alignments, are fascinating displays in the vast dance of our solar system. These alignments happen because of the planets' elliptical orbits around the sun, all governed by gravity and celestial physics.&nbsp;</p>



<p>When we see a planetary parade, we're witnessing a temporary lineup where several planets appear almost in a straight line from Earth. This occurs periodically as the planets' orbits bring them into the same general area of the sky.</p>



<p>The charm of these events goes beyond their visual beauty; they offer incredible scientific insights. By studying planetary alignments, astronomers gather valuable information about orbits, planetary atmospheres, and gravitational forces at play in our solar system.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These parades also allow scientists to compare planets in similar observational conditions, helping us understand their unique traits and behaviors.</p>



<p>Ancient civilizations found planetary parades just as captivating. The Mayans, Greeks, and Babylonians carefully recorded these alignments, often giving them significant cultural and astrological meanings. Today, our understanding of these events is rooted in science, yet the sense of wonder they inspire remains just as strong.</p>



<p>So, prepare to delve into this astronomical spectacle. Join us in observing the planetary alignment this weekend. See you under the stars!</p>



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



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

Three planets will align in a planetary parade this weekend

If you're an avid stargazer or just someone who appreciates...

<p>You probably know that our domestic dogs were once wild wolves, bred by our ancestors for docile behavior over many generations. But what about foxes? Unlike dogs, domesticating foxes is a relatively new phenomenon, and the research that unravels this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extinct-fox-may-have-once-been-mans-best-friend/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolutionary mystery</a> is even fresher.</p>



<p>The study begins with the groundwork laid by a team of dedicated researchers from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The starring scientist of the study is Halie Rando, a former doctoral student at the <a href="https://informatics.ischool.illinois.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Illinois Informatics Institute</a> and currently assistant professor at <a href="https://www.smith.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Smith College</a>. </p>



<p>Together with Anna Kukekova, a professor at the <a href="https://illinois.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Illinois</a> Urbana-Champaign, she undertook the task of tracing the genetics of farmed foxes across the globe to decipher the secrets of their domestication.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fur-demand-and-domesticating-foxes">Fur demand and domesticating foxes</h2>



<p>The catalyst for fox domestication was the increasing demand for silver fox fur in the late 19th century. Breeding these elusive, wild <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-can-a-fox-dive-headfirst-into-snow-its-all-in-the-snout/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">creatures</a> in captivity was a tricky task. </p>



<p>Imagine the jitters of the foxes, unaccustomed to the cage after living free in the wild. Early farmers faced considerable challenges, but their stubborn determination and skilled breeding practices prevailed.</p>



<p>The crux of the research, however, is not just the transformation of fox behavior but also the twist in their genetic tale. As they unraveled layers of genetic data, it was discovered that the foxes found in captive populations worldwide, had their genetic roots in the wild fox populations of North America. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-great-fox-export">The great fox export</h2>



<p>The successful domestication of foxes in Canada led to an export frenzy. It was observed that no matter where you found a farmed fox - from the heart of North America to the distant lands of Eurasia - their ancestral DNA pointed towards North American wild foxes. It seems our foxes were quite the explorers.</p>



<p>In the wake of World War II, the fur demand collapsed in North America, but the USSR kept the industry alive, leading to a more stable and diverse genetic pattern in Eurasian fox populations.</p>



<p>“Some gene signatures were very rare and found only in certain Eurasian farm populations,” Rando said. </p>



<p>“The presence of these rare signatures, along with more diversity overall in Europe, could be due to more stable population sizes there after World War II, whereas those rare types may have been lost when North American farms collapsed.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breeding-for-domesticating-foxes">Breeding for domesticating foxes</h2>



<p>The research also shed light on the famed Russian Farm Fox experiment started in 1959. In a bid to breed foxes as friendly as pet dogs, Russian scientists kickstarted an experiment that would span generations. </p>



<p>Surprisingly, the genetic analysis found no unique genetic origins for the Russian foxes, suggesting that the potential for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chicken-domestication-humans-timeline-silk-road-evidence/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">domestic</a> behavior possibly lies within all farm-bred foxes.</p>



<p>“This study helps to answer questions researchers have asked for years about the geographic origin and genetic background of these fox populations,” Kukekova said. </p>



<p>“Furthermore, some farm foxes may have mixed with native foxes through release events over the years in different locations. Occasionally, unexpected gene signatures show up in native populations, so our study may help to explain where they’re coming from.”</p>



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



<p>The research paper, "Missing history of a modern domesticate: Historical demographics and genetic diversity in farm-bred red fox populations," has definitely made waves in the scientific community.</p>



<p>Isn't it fascinating to know how the actions of a few pioneering fox farmers from Prince Edward Island impacted the fox populations around the world? </p>



<p>They inadvertently laid the foundation for a significant genetic diversity that enables scientists years later to study domestication and map gene networks leading to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/all-domestic-horses-have-ancestors-in-russia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tame</a> behavior.</p>



<p>So, the next time you see a fox, whether in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/endangered-wild-species-find-forbidden-love-domestic-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wild</a>, on a fur farm, or perhaps as a pet, remember the remarkable journey of its ancestors, from the wild frontiers of North America to the heart of Eurasia, and admire the paradox of nature and nurture entwining to shape the behavior of these magnificent animals. </p>



<p>And who knows, perhaps in future, we would be throwing sticks for foxes in parks as they wag their bushy tails in excitement.</p>



<p>The study published in the <a href="https://academic.oup.com/jhered/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/jhered/esae022/7646377?redirectedFrom=fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Heredity</a>.</p>



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



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

Some foxes can be domesticated, thanks to breeding

You probably know that our domestic dogs were once wild...

<p>In this vast universe, our toughest detective isn't a human but a robot. This unsung hero is NASA's <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/msl-curiosity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Curiosity rover</a> which roves the Mars surface, and has been solving scientific mysteries for nearly 12 years. Currently, it's busy digging up samples in a Martian crater and making <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-may-have-once-been-a-cradle-for-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">innovative discoveries</a> related to life on Mars and beyond.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-busting-myths-and-creating-questions">Busting myths and creating questions</h2>



<p>Recently, the rover discovered organic matter, containing carbon isotopes that puzzled the brightest minds. </p>



<p>On Earth, such materials indicate the presence of life. Yet, on Mars, could these be <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/this-desert-moss-might-help-humans-live-on-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">signs of life</a> or merely chemicals reacting? The answer was blurry and left us with more questions than answers.</p>



<p>“Such carbon-based complex molecules are the prerequisite of life, the building blocks of life one might say. So, this it is a bit like the old debate about which came first, the chicken or the egg," said Professor Matthew Johnson from Department of Chemistry at <a href="https://www.ku.dk/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Copenhagen</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-organic-samples-and-life-on-mars">Organic samples and life on Mars</h2>



<p>A collaborative study by experts at the University of Copenhagen and <a href="https://www.titech.ac.jp/english?" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tokyo Institute of Technology</a> had a different take on the discovery. The Martian samples were the missing pieces of a puzzle that they had started a decade ago.</p>



<p>These samples confirmed their theory of atmospheric photolysis on Mars – a game-changer in understanding organic molecules formation.</p>



<p>"We show that the organic material found on Mars has been formed through atmospheric photochemical reactions - without life that is. This is the 'egg,' a prerequisite of life. It still remains to be shown whether or not this organic material resulted in life on the Red Planet," said Professor Johnson.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sun-s-rays-and-life-on-mars">Sun's rays and life on Mars</h2>



<p>According to the detailed study, the sun's rays broke down CO2 in Mars' atmosphere billions of years ago. This process, known as photodissociation, caused the carbon dioxide molecules to split into carbon monoxide and oxygen.</p>



<p>The resulting carbon monoxide then fused with other chemicals present in the atmosphere, such as hydrogen and nitrogen. </p>



<p>Over time, this complex chemical interaction eventually led to the formation of organic materials, which are the building blocks of life. This discovery sheds light on the ancient atmospheric conditions of Mars and provides valuable insights into the planet's potential for supporting life in the distant past.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-piece-of-mars-on-earth">A piece of Mars on Earth</h2>



<p>A decade ago, Johnson and his team used advanced simulations to predict the outcome of photolysis in a CO2-rich atmosphere. </p>



<p>The Martian samples bore evidence of these predictions, echoing the chemical makeup of a Martian meteorite found on Earth. Two samples, separated by 50 million kilometers, completed a puzzle that had emerged years ago.</p>



<p>“We actually have a piece of Mars here on Earth, which was knocked off that planet by a meteorite, and then became one itself, when it landed here on Earth. This meteorite, called Allan Hills 84001 for the place in Antarctica where it was found, contains carbonate minerals that form from CO<sub>2</sub> in the atmosphere," said Johnson.</p>



<p>"The smoking gun here is that the ratio of carbon isotopes in it exactly matches our predictions in the quantum chemical simulations, but there was a missing piece in the puzzle. We were missing the other product of this chemical process to confirm the theory, and that's what we've now obtained."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-for-similar-signs-on-earth">Looking for similar signs on Earth</h2>



<p>The Earth and Mars once had <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/manganese-discovery-ancient-mars-earth-like-water-lake-habitable/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">strikingly similar</a> CO2-rich atmospheres. However, Earth's dynamic geology makes it challenging to find equivalent evidence. </p>



<p>"It is reasonable to assume that the photolysis of CO2 was also a prerequisite for the emergence of life here on Earth, in all its complexity. But we have not yet found this “smoking gun” material here on Earth to prove that the process took place," said Johnson.</p>



<p>"Perhaps because Earth's surface is much more alive, geologically and literally, and therefore constantly changing. But it is a big step that we have now found it on Mars, from a time when the two planets were very similar."</p>



<p>While the Curiosity Rover continues its detective work on the Red Planet, scientists on Earth will keep dissecting its findings. They'll link together more pieces of the puzzle, each piece bringing us closer to understanding the enigma of life's inception not just on Mars, but in the entire universe.</p>



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



<p>The implications of these discoveries extend far beyond the confines of Martian soil, resonating deeply within the field of astrobiology. The detection of organic molecules on Mars elevates the discourse about life's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-search-for-signs-of-life-on-mars-continues/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">potential</a> on other planets and moons. </p>



<p>Titan, Europa, and Enceladus - all celestial bodies with icy exteriors and speculated subsurface oceans - are now viewed through a more optimistic lens. The Martian revelations highlight that organic chemistry is a common cosmic phenomenon, boosting our hopes of finding life or the precursors of life elsewhere.</p>



<p>Thus, the work of Curiosity not only unravels the mysteries of our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/searching-for-life-on-mars-quest-continues/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cosmic neighbor</a> but also paves the way for future exploratory missions aimed at uncovering the secrets of life across the universe.</p>



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



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

Organic matter in a crater sparks new questions about life on Mars

In this vast universe, our toughest detective isn't a human...

<p>Concrete forms the backbone of human civilization's most impressive structures. Ancient Romans built aqueducts with it. We use it for modern highways. </p>



<p>This versatile material builds our cities, roads, and bridges. It enables societal progress and urban development. Concrete is the second most consumed material globally, after water.</p>



<p>But <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-rise-of-self-heating-concrete-technology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">concrete production</a> has a big downside. It significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. The cement industry accounts for about 8% of world CO2 emissions. This fact highlights the need for innovative solutions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-teaching-concrete-to-capture-co2">Teaching concrete to capture CO2</h2>



<p>The good news? A <a href="https://www.northwestern.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northwestern University</a>-led team of engineers has discovered an innovative method of carbon sequestration that could revolutionize the concrete industry and potentially curb these CO2 emissions. </p>



<p>This breakthrough could mark a turning point in our efforts to mitigate the environmental impact of concrete production.</p>



<p>The process, led by Alessandro Rotta Loria from Northwestern's McCormick School of Engineering, is surprisingly simple: use carbonated water in concrete manufacturing instead of still water. </p>



<p>Not only does the end product possess uncompromised strength and durability, but it also efficiently stores carbon dioxide. The team found that almost half of the CO2 introduced during the manufacturing process was captured and stored. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-carbon-source-to-carbon-sink">From carbon source to carbon sink</h2>



<p>This is a significant leap in the field of carbon sequestration in concrete production that could change the industry's future and pave the way for more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mycocrete-new-material-made-of-fungi-hopes-to-replace-concrete-in-construction-projects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sustainable construction practices</a>.</p>



<p>Rotta Loria, the Louis Berger Assistant Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, is working on innovative solutions. </p>



<p>He explains, "We are trying to develop approaches that lower CO2 emissions." His team aims to transform cement and concrete industries. They want to turn these sectors into large carbon sinks.</p>



<p>Loria's team has made progress. They've found a way to reuse CO2 from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/recycled-cement-is-an-absolute-miracle-to-lower-concrete-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">concrete manufacturing</a> in the material itself. He notes, "Our solution is so simple technologically that it should be relatively easy for the industry to implement."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cemex-to-the-rescue">CEMEX to the rescue</h2>



<p>Many industry experts share Loria's optimism. They believe this method could be widely adopted. It offers a practical way to reduce the carbon footprint of concrete production.</p>



<p>The fascinating research was a result of a partnership between Rotta Loria's laboratory and <a href="https://www.cemex.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CEMEX</a>, a global building materials company dedicated to sustainable construction. </p>



<p>On this new method, Davide Zampini, vice president of global research and development at CEMEX and co-author of the study, noted that the approach provides an opportunity to engineer new clinker-based products where CO2 becomes a key ingredient. </p>



<p>This collaboration demonstrates the power of industry-academic partnerships in driving forward <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/making-concrete-more-environmentally-friendly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sustainable innovations</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-refreshing-approach-to-carbon-sequestration">Refreshing approach to carbon sequestration</h2>



<p>The team at Northwestern didn't merely decide to put some fizz in their concrete. They meticulously built upon previous research that explored various ways to store CO2 inside concrete. </p>



<p>Their approach involves injecting CO2 gas into water mixed with a little cement powder before mixing this carbonated suspension with the rest of the cement and aggregates. </p>



<p>This method ensures that the CO2 is efficiently integrated into the concrete mix, maximizing the amount of gas sequestered.</p>



<p>The result? A game-changing concrete that actually absorbs CO2 during its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-tech-melts-steel-concrete-1800-degrees-heat-solar-power-energy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">manufacturing process</a>. Rotta Loria compared it to current methods.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-concrete-carbonation-and-co2">Concrete, carbonation, and CO2</h2>



<p>“The cement suspension carbonated in our approach is a much <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/concrete-pavement-will-degrade-faster-as-the-climate-heats-up/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lower viscosity fluid</a> compared to the mix of water, cement, and aggregates that is customarily employed in present approaches to carbonate fresh concrete," Loria explained.</p>



<p>This lower viscosity makes the new method easier to work with and potentially more effective in sequestering CO2.</p>



<p>On the strength of this carbonated concrete, the researchers found it to be no weaker than regular concrete. </p>



<p>"Based on our experiments, we show the strength might actually be even higher. We still need to test this further, but, at the very least, we can say that it's uncompromised," Loria enthused. </p>



<p>"Because the strength is unchanged, the applications also don't change. It could be used in beams, slabs, columns, foundations -- everything we currently use concrete for."</p>



<p>This ensures that the new method can be easily adopted without requiring significant changes to existing construction practices.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-paving-the-way-to-a-sustainable-future">Paving the way to a sustainable future</h2>



<p>The Northwestern team's innovative solution brings hope to an industry grappling to reduce its carbon emissions. If widely adopted, this could be a game-changer in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-crack-resistant-cement-material-inspired-by-nature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">battle against climate change</a>. </p>



<p>According to Davide Zampini, it underscores the fact that there's always room for optimizing CO2 uptake and understanding the mechanisms tied to materials processing. </p>



<p>This research serves as a reminder that sustainable solutions are within our reach, and with continued research and collaboration, we can significantly reduce the environmental impact of critical industries.</p>



<p>In a world urgently seeking solutions to environmental issues, this revolutionary approach to concrete production leveraging carbonation could have a profound impact. It offers a sustainable pathway for the industry, increasing the material's strength while decreasing its carbon footprint. </p>



<p>The potential is immense, and we look forward to the transformation this will bring to industrial practices and the future of sustainable construction. </p>



<p>The implications of this research extend far beyond the concrete industry, serving as a beacon of hope for other sectors seeking to reduce their carbon emissions and achieve greater sustainability.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43246-024-00546-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Materials</a></em>.</p>



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Concrete is quickly becoming a great carbon sink with high-tech advances

Concrete forms the backbone of human civilization's most impressive structures....

The,Maw,Of,Infinity:,A,Stellar,Black,Hole

<p>For nearly the last seventy years, the corridors of astrophysics have been echoing with the murmur of an exciting theory: the existence of 'kugelblitze'. </p>



<p>These are not your average black holes. They are born not from the collapse of matter, but conceived through incredibly dense concentrations of light.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-light-becomes-matter">When light becomes matter</h2>



<p>Kugelblitze have been speculated as the potential key to unlocking mysteries of the universe, like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/theory-gravity-exists-without-mass-so-dark-matter-does-not-exist/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dark matter</a>, and perhaps more enticingly, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/faster-than-light-warp-speed-drive-interstellar-travel-now-believed-possible/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">powering spaceships</a> of the future.</p>



<p>However, this extraordinary theory has just hit a roadblock. </p>



<p>A formidable team of researchers from the <a href="https://uwaterloo.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Waterloo</a> and <a href="https://www.ucm.es/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Universidad Complutense de Madrid</a>, led by the brilliant Eduardo Martín-Martínez, a professor of applied mathematics and mathematical physics, has established that kugelblitz might not be a reality in our universe. </p>



<p>Their compelling research, conveniently titled "No black holes from light," is soon to be published in the <em>Physical Review Letters</em> after a preprint on <em>arXiv</em>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-black-holes-and-the-quantum-realm">Black holes and the quantum realm</h2>



<p>The quantum realm and black holes share intriguing connections. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/impossibility-paradox-calculating-incalculable-quantum-realm-particles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Quantum mechanics</a> governs the behavior of particles at the smallest scales. Black holes represent extreme gravity at cosmic scales. </p>



<p>Scientists believe <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-entanglement-discovery-is-a-revolutionary-step-forward/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum effects</a> become important near a black hole's center. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-hole-jets-are-like-million-light-year-long-jedi-lightsabers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hawking radiation</a>, a quantum phenomenon, causes black holes to slowly evaporate. </p>



<p>The black hole information paradox arises from conflicts between quantum theory and general relativity. </p>



<p>Researchers study black holes to better understand quantum gravity. Some theories propose black holes as gateways to other universes via quantum effects. </p>



<p>The relationship between these realms remains an active area of research in theoretical physics.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kugelblitze-bites-the-dust">Kugelblitze bites the dust</h2>



<p>"The most commonly known black holes are those caused by enormous concentrations of regular matter collapsing under its own gravity," said Prof. Martín-Martínez, who is also affiliated with the <a href="https://perimeterinstitute.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics</a>. "However, this prediction was made without considering quantum effects."</p>



<p>Trying to shed light on the matter, the team built a mathematical model, incorporating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-tunneling-allow-particles-break-light-speed-barrier/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum effects</a>. </p>



<p>They found that the concentration of light needed to spawn a kugelblitz outpaces the light intensity found in quasars, the brightest objects in our cosmos, by tens of orders of magnitude.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quantum-quirks-and-light-limits">Quantum quirks and light limits</h2>



<p>"Long before you could reach that intensity of light, certain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bose-einstein-condensate-bec-rare-form-quantum-matter-created-with-molecules/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum effects</a> would occur first," José Polo-Gómez, a Ph.D. candidate in applied mathematics and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/transmitting-quantum-information-using-electron-spin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum information</a>, remarked. </p>



<p>"That strong of a concentration of light would lead to the spontaneous creation of particles like electron-positron pairs, which would move very quickly away from the area."</p>



<p>Though testing such effects on Earth isn't possible with current technologies, the team's confidence in their findings stems from the rock-solid principles of mathematics and science, that also power positron emission tomography (PET) scans.</p>



<p>"Electrons, and their antiparticles (positrons) can annihilate each other and disintegrate into pairs of photons, or light 'particles'," Martín-Martínez explained. </p>



<p>"When there is a large <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-vortex-created-lab-mimic-black-hole-behavior/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">concentration of photons</a> they can disintegrate into electron-positron pairs, which are quickly scattered away taking the energy with them and preventing the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/matter-spacetime-gravitational-waves-fabric-of-the-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gravitational collapse</a>."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fundamental-physics-strikes-again">Fundamental physics strikes again</h2>



<p>While the sprint towards kugelblitze might've hit an unexpected speed breaker, the research is a massive victory for fundamental physics. </p>



<p>This collaborative effort between applied mathematics, the Perimeter Institute, and the Institute for Quantum Computing at Waterloo is laying the foundation for future significant scientific breakthroughs.</p>



<p>"While these discoveries may not have known applications right now, we are laying the groundwork for our descendants' technological innovations," Polo-Gómez ambitiously outlines. </p>



<p>"The science behind PET scan machines was once just as theoretical, and now there's one in every hospital."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kugelblitze-pushed-boundaries-but-fell-short">Kugelblitze pushed boundaries but fell short</h2>



<p>As we conclude this enlightening journey, let's remember science is not just about confirming theories but also about disproving them. Today's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gluons-quarks-and-mystery-what-makes-proton-spin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum quirks</a> are the stepping stones for tomorrow's path-breaking technologies. </p>



<p>While kugelblitze may not have panned out the way they were imagined, they've undoubtedly illuminated a new direction for further exploration. </p>



<p>Whether it's understanding the universe or developing technologies for future generations, every 'eureka' moment counts, including those that remind us of what is not possible. </p>



<p>And in this vast expanse of what we know and what remains unknown, one fact remains resolute - on the journey of scientific discovery, there's never a dull moment.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://arxiv.org/abs/2405.02389" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">arXiv</a></em>.</p>



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



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What is a ‘kugelblitze’ and why should you care?

For nearly the last seventy years, the corridors of astrophysics...

<p>In a noteworthy revelation, astronomers have made a game-changing discovery in the quest to understand the enigmatic nature of the Cygnus X-3 binary system that has baffled scientists for years. </p>



<p>Recently published in the prestigious <em>Nature Astronomy</em> journal, it turns out that this well-known X-ray binary system is actually a hidden ultraluminous X-ray source.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-an-x-ray-binary-star-system">What is an X-ray binary star system?</h2>



<p>X-ray binaries are a stellar ballet between two cosmic dancers: a normal star and a compact object such as a neutron star or a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/colossal-black-hole-found-in-our-galaxy-is-33-times-the-suns-mass/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black hole</a>. </p>



<p>As these entities coalesce in mutual gravitational interaction, the compact object, with its immense gravity, begins to siphon material from its companion star. </p>



<p>This astronomical larceny results in the accretion of the donor star's material onto the compact object.</p>



<p>The diabolical beauty of this process lies in the sheer efficiency of energy conversion. As the stolen material spirals inward, it heats up because of friction and gravitational compression, getting so hot that it emits X-rays. </p>



<p>These X-rays can be spotted by specialized telescopes and satellites, making <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-black-hole-disrupts-a-bigger-one-causing-cosmic-hiccups/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X-ray binaries</a> important beacons in the cosmos.</p>



<p>X-ray binaries are vital for understanding fundamental physics and astrophysics. They help scientists figure out how matter behaves under extreme conditions, explore the secrets of <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/cosmic-cannibalism-and-stellar-winds-unveiling-the-secrets-of-messier-76/" rel="sponsored nofollow">stellar evolution</a>, and understand the dynamics of gravitational interactions. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enigma-of-the-cygnus-x-3-system">Enigma of the Cygnus X-3 system</h2>



<p>Cygnus X-3 is one of the first X-ray binary systems observed in the cosmos. It has a reputation for its ability to flare up as one of the most intense radio sources for brief periods before dimming or vanishing altogether within days. </p>



<p>This erratic behavior, which contrasted with its otherwise "normal" nature, inspired early coordinated global astronomical observations.</p>



<p>In 1973, because of its peculiar behavior, R.M. Hjellming coined it the "astronomical puzzle Cygnus X-3." Since then, the exploration to understand this astronomical puzzle has been a core focus of numerous scientific communities.</p>



<p>But, the mystery has finally started to unravel thanks to the study by Alexandra Veledina, an Academy Research Fellow from the <a href="https://www.utu.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Turku</a> in Finland, and her team, who analyzed Cygnus X-3 using the satellite Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/mission/imaging-x-ray-polarimetry-explorer-ixpe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IXPE</a>) -- a NASA initiative launched in December 2021.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unveiling-the-hidden-ulx">Unveiling the hidden ULX</h2>



<p>Through the application of X-ray polarized vision, Veledina and her team gained crucial insights into the configuration of matter surrounding the compact object nearest to the black hole. </p>



<p>"We discovered that the compact object is enveloped by a layer of dense, opaque matter. The light we observe reflects off the inner funnel walls formed by the surrounding gas, resembling a cup with a mirrored interior," Veledina explains.</p>



<p>This revelation identified Cygnus X-3 as a member of the ultra-luminous X-ray sources (ULXs) class, which are known for consuming matter at a colossal rate. </p>



<p>The consumption is so immense that a significant portion of the material doesn't fit inside the event horizon but instead is ejected away from the system.</p>



<p>"ULXs usually appear as bright spots in images of far-off galaxies. Their emissions are amplified by the compact object's surrounding funnel, acting as a megaphone," adds Professor Juri Poutanen, a co-author of the research.</p>



<p>What makes this revelation even more extraordinary is that despite these sources being thousands of times beyond the span of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stars-at-the-edge-of-our-milky-way-galaxy-travel-more-slowly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>, they appear relatively faint to X-ray telescopes. </p>



<p>This discovery has now revealed a bright counterpart of these distant ULXs residing within our own galaxy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-of-cygnus-x-3">Broader implications of Cygnus X-3</h2>



<p>This significant development in deciphering the astronomical puzzle Cygnus X-3 marks the beginning of a new chapter in our exploration of this remarkable cosmic source. </p>



<p>It will open avenues for researchers to delve deeper into the enigma, providing an opportunity for a thorough investigation of extreme matter consumption.</p>



<p>Indeed, there is still much to learn and understand about our vast universe, but as this breakthrough has shown, every intriguing puzzle holds the potential for a remarkable revelation that may challenge our understanding of the cosmos.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41550-024-02294-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Astronomy</a></em>.</p>



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Truth behind the ultrabright X-ray source of Cygnus X-3 revealed

In a noteworthy revelation, astronomers have made a game-changing discovery...

<p>In the symphony of nature, ephemeral streams might seem like obscure players. However, these unassuming waterways, which flow only briefly after precipitation events, pack a punch. </p>



<p>Notably, they play a crucial role in the transfer of water - and all that it carries - from land surfaces to larger bodies of water.</p>



<p>A recent study has revealed the surprising extent of the importance of ephemeral streams, particularly regarding U.S. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rivers-at-risk-climate-change-is-diminishing-global-water-quality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water quality</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lasting-impact-of-ephemeral-streams">The lasting impact of ephemeral streams</h2>



<p>Though they might be out of sight, ephemeral streams leave a lasting impact on the nation's waterscape.</p>



<p>Essentially, these temporary watercourses serve as transportation channels. They carry water <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/water-quality-threatened-by-nutrient-pollution-in-40-u-s-states/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollutants</a>, sediments, and nutrients from land to rivers, lakes, reservoirs and even to the oceans.</p>



<p>The reach of these streams is unexpectedly vast. According to the researchers, they influence a considerable portion of the water output from U.S. rivers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-legal-loopholes-in-waterway-protection">Legal loopholes in waterway protection</h2>



<p>The importance of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stream-quality-is-strongly-correlated-with-human-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">streams</a> is in sharp contrast with their legal status in the United States.</p>



<p>Following a 2023 Supreme Court decision, these streams no longer fall under the jurisdiction of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-is-actually-protected-by-the-clean-water-act/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Clean Water Act</a> (CWA). This ruling, brought forth in Sackett v EPA, redefined the scope of the Clean Water Act.</p>



<p>The "waters of the United States" (WOTUS) now only encapsulate "relatively permanent, standing, or continuously flowing bodies of water" - a definition that conveniently sidesteps ephemeral streams.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shedding-light-on-the-invisible-streams">Shedding light on the invisible streams</h2>



<p>The research was conducted by scientists from the <a href="https://environment.yale.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yale School of the Environment</a> and the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. The study was led by Craig Brinkerhoff, an incoming Yale postdoctoral fellow.</p>



<p>The team modeled ephemeral stream contributions to a colossal U.S. network of more than 20 million rivers, lakes, reservoirs, canals, and ditches.</p>



<p>The researchers found that ephemeral streams accounted for over 50 percent of the water in some of the nation's largest rivers, like the Mississippi and Columbia. In some instances, the water contribution of ephemeral streams reached up to a staggering 90 percent.</p>



<p>Regardless of river basin size, ephemeral streams made up an average of 59 percent of drainage networks by length. Through these streams, pollutants such as nitrogen and pesticides are channeled into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/iconic-american-rivers-are-threatened-by-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rivers</a>, mirroring the streams' water input magnitude.</p>



<p>“Our findings show that ephemeral streams are likely a substantial pathway through which pollution may influence downstream water quality, a finding that can inform evaluation of the consequences of limiting U.S. federal jurisdiction over ephemeral streams under the CWA,” noted the researchers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-legal-oversight-of-ephemeral-streams">The legal oversight of ephemeral streams</h2>



<p>Critics of the Supreme Court's decision argue that it overlooked scientific findings. Instead, the decision hinged on dictionary definitions, resulting in a ruling that lifted protection on more than half of the annual discharge from U.S. drainage networks under the Clean Water Act.</p>



<p>“When the Supreme Court narrowed the scope of the federal Clean Water Act, it did so by referring to abstract dictionary definitions rather than science," said study co-author Doug Kysar, a professor at Yale Law School. </p>



<p>"This research underscores the impact of that approach since, by our estimate, over half of annual discharge from U.S. drainage networks will no longer be protected by the Act."</p>



<p>By documenting the significance of ephemeral stream flow to downstream water quality, the results provide a basis for Congress to amend the Clean Water Act to expressly include ephemeral streams as an exercise of its power over interstate commerce, noted Professor Kysar. He said that the findings also point to the need for enhanced regulation by state and local governments.</p>



<p>“The chemistry of water is dependent on how you manage the entire watershed, not just pieces of it,” said study co-author Peter Raymond. “These streams are a critical source of water and pollutants and have to be regulated.”&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-all-things-are-connected">All things are connected</h2>



<p>Despite their unassuming nature, ephemeral streams have an influence that extends far beyond their immediate surroundings.</p>



<p>Brinkerhoff said the research shows the vast impacts of waterways that were once considered to influence only their immediate areas. “Our study provides more concrete evidence that all of these things are connected."</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adg9430" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a></em>.</p>



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Ephemeral streams have an overlooked impact on water quality

In the symphony of nature, ephemeral streams might seem like...

<p>Earth’s geological history is written in layers of dirt and stone - evidence of climatic shifts, ancient cultures, and celestial impacts. The Younger Dryas period is one of the most widely studied examples of extreme environmental change. </p>



<p>The significant climatic shift abruptly ended a warming trend and ushered in a near-<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/clues-from-the-last-ice-age-help-predict-oceans-response-to-continued-warming/">glacial</a> period. The Younger Dryas Impact Hypothesis suggests this cooling event was triggered by a cosmic airburst, a fragmented <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/prehistoric-comet-impact-triggered-the-invention-of-agriculture/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">comet</a> crashing into Earth's atmosphere approximately 12,800 years ago.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evidence-of-a-younger-dryas-airburst">Evidence of a Younger Dryas airburst</h2>



<p>Recently, scientists have unveiled more evidence supporting this hypothesis. Traces of cosmic airbursts were found scattered across several sites in the eastern United States (New Jersey, Maryland, and South Carolina).</p>



<p>The new evidence includes materials indicative of the force and temperature involved in such an event - like platinum, microspherules, meltglass, and shock-fractured quartz.</p>



<p>"What we've found is that the pressures and temperatures were not characteristic of major crater-forming impacts but were consistent with so-called 'touchdown' airbursts that don't form much in the way of craters," said <a href="https://www.ucsb.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Santa Barbara</a> Professor James Kennett, who led the study.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-younger-dryas-period">Understanding the Younger Dryas period</h2>



<p>The Younger Dryas holds great importance for climate researchers. It offers valuable insights into the sensitivity and potential for rapid changes in Earth's climate system. This period perfectly illustrates the interconnectedness of our oceanic, atmospheric, and terrestrial systems.</p>



<p>As we move towards the conclusion of our journey through the Younger Dryas, it is worthwhile noting the significance of understanding this past climatic event. </p>



<p>The Younger Dryas signifies a sudden return to icy conditions, disrupting the gentle warming of the Earth's climate following the last Ice Age. This chilly phase spanned roughly from 12,900 to 11,700 years ago.</p>



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



<p>Scientists have suggested various reasons that could have led to the Younger Dryas. For instance, a large pool of freshwater entering the North Atlantic could have messed with the customary flow of ocean currents.</p>



<p>Shifting solar activity might have had an effect on the global climate. Even a comet or asteroid's impact could have sparked a cooling effect all over the world.</p>



<p>The Younger Dryas ushered in a swift drop in temperature, down by 10°C in some places. Ice caps and glaciers grew in size, while many regions saw their moisture levels drop. Wind routes and ocean currents underwent major shifts.</p>



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



<p>This abrupt transformation also influenced the global vegetation layouts. It led to the extinction of several large animal species and nudged human societies to tweak their hunting and gathering maneuvers.</p>



<p>As suddenly as it had started, the Younger Dryas period ended, with temperatures in Greenland shooting up by 10°C in just ten years. This swift rise in temperature marked the advent of the Holocene epoch, the geological period we find ourselves in today.</p>



<p>Recognizing and learning from the dramatic changes that occurred during this relatively short period can offer us valuable insights into the workings of our planet. It underscores the fact that our climate system is sensitive and can change rapidly.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cosmic-impacts-on-earth">Cosmic impacts on Earth</h2>



<p>Earth is showered daily by tons of celestial debris, from minuscule dust particles to cataclysmic impacts such as the <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/the-chicxulub-disaster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chicxulub</a> event that caused the extinction of dinosaurs about 65 million years ago.</p>



<p>While the former hardly leaves a trace on our planet, the latter leaves massive craters, like the 150-kilometer-wide <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-impact-crater-dates-back-to-the-end-of-the-dinosaurs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">impact crater</a> on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico.</p>



<p>Somewhere in between are impacts that, while not forming craters, still create significant destruction. </p>



<p>An example is the 1908 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/two-large-asteroids-will-pass-near-earth-this-week/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tunguska event</a>, which flattened a hefty 2,150 square-kilometer swath of Siberian forest despite the asteroid being only 40 meters diameter and disintegrating almost 10 kilometers above ground.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracing-the-younger-dryas-culprit">Tracing the Younger Dryas culprit</h2>



<p>The comet that supposedly triggered the Younger Dryas cooling episode was significantly larger. It is estimated to have been 100 kilometers wide before fragmenting into thousands of pieces.</p>



<p>It scattered a sediment layer that stretches across much of the northern hemisphere and even some locations south of the equator. </p>



<p>This layer contains high levels of rare materials associated with cosmic impacts, such as iridium and platinum, and materials formed under high temperatures and pressures, like microspherules, meltglass, and nanodiamonds.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shocked-quartz-a-clue-from-the-past">Shocked quartz: A clue from the past</h2>



<p>One type of evidence that is particularly interesting to the researchers is shocked quartz. This form of quartz contains a pattern of lines that represent exposure to intense pressure - great enough to deform the crystalline structure of the quartz.</p>



<p>Shocked quartz grains are commonly found in impact craters but associating them with cosmic airbursts has been challenging.</p>



<p>The researchers noted that these quartz grains did not always present the "traditional" shocked quartz with parallel fractures. </p>



<p>Instead, they discovered grains with an irregular, web-like pattern of intersecting, meandering lines and surface and subsurface fissures.</p>



<p>The research suggests that these deformations are due to the relatively lower pressures caused by explosions that take place above the ground, as opposed to impacts that make contact with the Earth.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cataclysmic-event-with-far-reaching-effects">Cataclysmic event with far-reaching effects</h2>



<p>These insights, coupled with other findings, strengthen the case for a fragmented comet that not only caused widespread burning but also triggered <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/past-tipping-points-where-the-climate-changed-abruptly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climatic change</a> resulting in the extinction of 35 genera of megafauna in North America and the collapse of the flourishing Clovis human culture.</p>



<p>As scientists continue to unearth new clues about our planet's geological history, we are given a more in-depth understanding of the celestial events that shaped our world and the life that inhabits it.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><em><a href="https://www.scienceopen.com/hosted-document?doi=10.14293/ACI.2024.0003" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Airbursts and Cratering Impacts</a></em></em>.</p>



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Atmospheric comet explosion may have set Earth on fire 12,800 years ago

Earth’s geological history is written in layers of dirt and...

<p>From Jurassic Park to school textbooks, dinosaurs have always been a hot topic. But how often do we hear about the unseen impact of their extinction, such as the spread of a universally loved <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/grapes-have-astonishing-health-benefits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fruit</a> – the grape? Fascinating new research gives us insight into this unexpected connection.</p>



<p>Study lead author Fabiany Herrera is an assistant curator of paleobotany at the <a href="https://www.fieldmuseum.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Field Museum</a> in Chicago’s Negaunee Integrative Research Center.</p>



<p>Herrera and his team have stumbled upon a discovery that shifts our understanding of how the humble grape became a global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/grapes-lower-bad-cholesterol-and-protect-heart-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">superstar</a> in the fruit world.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nine-new-fossil-grape-species">Nine new fossil grape species</h2>



<p>The researchers have identified nine new species of fossil grapes, some aging up to 60 million years.</p>



<p>The seeds were unearthed in Colombia, Panama, and Peru. One of these ancient seeds represents the oldest known plant from the grape family on our side of the planet.</p>



<p>“These are the oldest grapes ever found in this part of the world, and they’re a few million years younger than the oldest ones ever found on the other side of the planet,” said Herrera.</p>



<p>“This discovery is important because it shows that after the extinction of the dinosaurs, grapes really started to spread across the world.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dinosaurs-and-their-botanical-impact">Dinosaurs and their botanical impact</h2>



<p>While we often think of T-rex and his brethren when discussing the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/violent-volcanic-eruptions-likely-caused-dinosaur-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dinosaur extinction</a>, we overlook the colossal botanical changes that were set in motion.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The forest reset itself, in a way that changed the composition of the plants,” explained Herrera.</p>



<p>This means that the dinosaur's departure may have reshaped the forest, thus creating a more favorable environment for grapes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-denser-forests-after-dinosaur-departure-nbsp">Denser forests after dinosaur departure<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>Study co-author Mónica Carvalho, an assistant curator at the University of Michigan’s Museum of Paleontology, shed light on this relationship.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Large animals, such as dinosaurs, are known to alter their surrounding ecosystems. They likely maintained forests more open by knocking down trees.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>Once these “lumberjacks” disappeared, some forests, especially in South America, became denser - a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/grapevines-first-domesticated-in-israel-11000-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">grapevine</a> dream come true.</p>



<p>”In the fossil record, we start to see more plants that use vines to climb up trees, like grapes, around this time,” said Herrera.</p>



<p>The study throws in a side note: the diversification of birds and mammals after the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nuclear-winter-dinosaurs-were-likely-killed-by-dust/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extinction</a> of dinosaurs could have also aided grapes by spreading their seeds.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-elusive-south-american-grape-fossil">The elusive South American grape fossil</h2>



<p>Back in 2013, Herrera's PhD advisor, Steven Manchester, had published a paper describing the oldest known grape seed fossil from India.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Herrera, driven by his insatiable curiosity, went on a quest for the elusive South American grape fossil. In 2022, he and Carvalho stumbled upon a 60-million-year-old grape fossil in the Colombian Andes.</p>



<p>Their discovery of the fossil seed is as enchanting as the seed itself. "She looked at me and said, 'Fabiany, a grape!' And then I looked at it, I was like, 'Oh my God.' It was so exciting,” said Herrera.</p>



<p>It turns out this tiny fossil was not just the first South American grape fossil, but also one of the world's oldest. This was confirmed with the help of CT scans.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lithouva-susmanii-nbsp">Lithouva susmanii&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The researchers named the fossil Lithouva susmanii, "Susman's stone grape," paying tribute to Arthur T. Susman - a supporter of South American paleobotany at the Field Museum.</p>



<p>“This new species is also important because it supports a South American origin of the group in which the common grape vine <em>Vitis</em> evolved,” said study co-author Gregory Stull of the National Museum of Natural History.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-journey-back-in-time">A journey back in time</h2>



<p>The team's relentless fieldwork in South and Central America led them to a discovery of nine new species of fossil grapes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These age-old seeds chronicle the story of the grape family's migration across the Western Hemisphere amid a series of extinctions and dispersals.</p>



<p>“The fossil record tells us that grapes are a very resilient order. They're a group that has suffered a lot of extinction in the Central and South American region, but they also managed to adapt and survive in other parts of the world,” said Herrera.</p>



<p>In an era of ongoing and impending mass extinctions, discoveries like this provide invaluable insights into the patterns of biodiversity crises.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“But the other thing I like about these fossils is that these little tiny, humble seeds can tell us so much about the evolution of the forest,” concluded Herrera.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41477-024-01717-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Plants</em></a>.</p>



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Death of the dinosaurs helped grapes conquer the world

From Jurassic Park to school textbooks, dinosaurs have always been...

<p>A team of researchers at <a href="https://www.yale.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yale University</a> has recently discovered that children’s frequent exposure to cold <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/thousands-of-new-rna-viruses-identified-in-ocean-waters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">viruses</a> and bacteria may have protected them from severe disease caused by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasal-cells-protect-children-against-severe-covid-19/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SARS-CoV-2</a>. </p>



<p>According to the experts, common types of infections improve innate nasal immunity of young children so they can better confront the new coronavirus in earlier stages of infection.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heightened-nasal-innate-immunity-nbsp">Heightened nasal innate immunity&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Children are often more susceptible to various respiratory infections than adults, but during the pandemic, SARS-CoV-2 generally caused milder symptoms in children leading to fewer hospitalizations and deaths.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The first line of defense, known as the innate immune system, appears to be more active in the nasal passages of children, thus hindering the early stage of coronavirus infection. Yet, the reasons behind this increased activity were previously unclear.</p>



<p>Study senior author Ellen F. Foxman is an associate professor of laboratory medicine and immunobiology at Yale.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Prior work suggested that heightened nasal innate immunity in children was due to intrinsic biological mechanisms inherent to their age,” said Professor Foxman.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“But we thought it could also be due to the high burden of respiratory viruses and bacterial infections in children.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-common-colds-and-innate-immunity-in-children">Common colds and innate immunity in children </h2>



<p>To assess whether frequent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-respiratory-infections/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">respiratory infections</a> elevate nasal innate immunity in children, the experts re-screened over 600 nasal swabs collected during the pandemic from pediatric patients undergoing elective surgery or emergency room evaluations to test them for 19 different respiratory viruses and bacteria. </p>



<p>During this process, they measured the levels of antiviral and inflammatory proteins produced by children’s innate immune systems.</p>



<p>The analyses revealed that many children - even those without symptoms - were infected with other respiratory pathogens. This was especially common among younger children, with around 50% of asymptomatic patients under five years old harboring various viruses or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-method-for-classification-of-bacteria-includes-all-strains/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacteria</a>. </p>



<p>Regardless of age though, children with higher levels of respiratory pathogens exhibited increased nasal innate immune activity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-activation-of-viral-defenses">Activation of viral defenses</h2>



<p>To further understand the relationship between respiratory infections and nasal innate immunity, the experts compared nasal swabs from healthy one-year-olds at routine checkups and follow-up appointments one to two weeks later.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Over half of the children tested positive for a respiratory virus during one of their two visits, indicating they had either acquired or cleared an infection in that period. Nearly every time, the child's innate immune activity was higher during infection and lower when virus-free.</p>



<p>“This reveals that nasal antiviral defenses are not continually on high alert in young children but are activated in response to acquisition of a respiratory virus, even when that virus is not causing symptoms,” Foxman explained.</p>



<p>The innate immune system in children's nasal passages is frequently activated due to frequent infections with pathogens such as rhinoviruses, which cause <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cure-common-cold/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">common colds</a>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-seasonal-respiratory-viruses-nbsp">The role of seasonal respiratory viruses<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>According to Foxman, children have more infections with such seasonal viruses than adults because they lack immunological protection from prior exposures.&nbsp;</p>



<p>During the COVID-19 pandemic, neither adults nor children had prior protection against the new coronavirus. Thus, the activation of generalized antiviral defenses in children by other infections may have helped them fight off early stages of SARS-CoV-2 infection, resulting in milder outcomes compared to adults.</p>



<p>“We have identified respiratory viruses and bacteria as key drivers of the enhanced nasal innate immunity in children. Our results compel further study of how seasonal respiratory viruses and nasal bacteria impact disease severity of COVID-19 and pediatric immune responses in general,” Foxman concluded.</p>



<p>The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1084/jem.20230911" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Journal of Experimental Medicine</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Common colds boost children’s immunity against severe COVID

A team of researchers at Yale University has recently discovered...

<p>Tai Chi, an ancient Chinese exercise practice, frequently shows up in our health and wellness chat. A recent study from <a href="https://www.uclahealth.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCLA Health</a> reveals Tai Chi brings much-needed relief for breast cancer survivors struggling with insomnia while offering some surprising additional health perks.</p>



<p>This latest research, completed under the leadership of Dr. Michael Irwin, reveals how Tai Chi and cognitive behavioral therapy can help breast cancer survivors get better sleep. These remedies might also be reducing inflammation and improving anti-viral defenses.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-tai-chi">What is Tai Chi?</h2>



<p>Tai chi is an ancient Chinese practice that blends gentle movements, meditation, and breathing techniques. Often called "meditation in motion," it features slow, flowing movements performed with relaxation and focus. </p>



<p>This practice offers many health benefits, such as improved balance, flexibility, and muscle strength. It also helps reduce stress and anxiety, promoting a sense of calm and overall well-being.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sleepless-nights-and-inflammation">Sleepless nights and inflammation</h2>



<p>It's common for cancer survivors to face chronic insomnia. This unpleasant symptom can even trigger inflammatory diseases, potentially amplifying the risk of cancer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-cancer-rates-in-young-adults-linked-to-accelerated-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recurrence</a>. </p>



<p>Worryingly, 30% of breast cancer survivors report suffering insomnia, a rate double that among the general populace. While Tai Chi and cognitive behavioral therapy have been successful insomnia treatments, their effects on inflammation reversal were previously unknown.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tai-chi-vs-cognitive-behavioral-therapy">Tai Chi vs. cognitive behavioral therapy</h2>



<p>For 15 months, researchers at UCLA Health kept a close eye on 90 breast cancer survivors, analyzing inflammation biomarkers in frequent blood samples. The results? Both Tai Chi and cognitive behavioral therapy work wonders, but in different areas.</p>



<p>Tai Chi led to a pronounced, lasting reduction in inflammation among participants compared to cognitive behavioral therapy. "Tai Chi can be readily provided in community settings, with minimal cost, and can treat insomnia in adults, older adults and cancer survivors," said Irwin. </p>



<p>"Further, Tai Chi, as compared to cognitive behavioral therapy, has additional advantage in reducing inflammation in breast cancer survivors."</p>



<p>On the flip side, those participants undergoing cognitive behavioral therapy demonstrated greater anti-viral gene transcripts, thus possibly boosting body defenses against infections.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-the-takeaway">What’s the takeaway?</h2>



<p>"Tai Chi preferentially reduces inflammation as compared to cognitive behavioral therapy, whereas cognitive behavioral therapy preferentially improves antiviral viral <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reprogramming-the-immune-system-to-attack-cancer-cells/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">immunity</a> or resistance to infectious disease," said Irwin. </p>



<p>Further research that examines the combined benefit of Tai Chi and cognitive behavioral therapy is needed, especially in cancer survivors who are at risk for inflammatory disorder as well as infectious disease.</p>



<p>The study relied on blood samples from breast cancer survivors collected from 2008 to 2012 from 90 participants in the Los Angeles area. Over 15 months, half were assigned weekly Tai Chi sessions, while the remaining participants were allocated to cognitive behavioral therapy sessions, each lasting 120 minutes for a three-month period.</p>



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



<p>Although the study’s results are profound, there were some limitations. The participant pool was mainly white, older adults with higher education levels and lacked individuals with coexisting medical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/obesity-is-linked-to-32-cancer-types-that-could-drive-40-of-cases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conditions</a>. </p>



<p>Plus, access to Tai Chi instruction could prove challenging in some communities. The practice requires commitment, usually involving several days per week; a significant factor in comparison to cognitive behavioral therapy.</p>



<p>So, what’s next? Ongoing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-small-fish-whole-reduces-cancer-risk-in-women/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research</a> is delving into the inflammation activation trajectories and accelerated aging amongst breast cancer survivors compared to non-cancer women. </p>



<p>This will clarify the behavioral and biological targets for depression prevention and reducing other health risks in cancer survivors. So, let’s wait for the next wave of fascinating research on this healing journey.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-integration-in-daily-life">Integration in daily life </h2>



<p>Incorporating Tai Chi into your daily routine might seem daunting at first, but the benefits are absolutely worth it. </p>



<p>Beginners can start with simple, low-impact sequences, gradually building confidence and skill. Local community centers, online classes, and instructional videos make it easy to get started. Even just a few minutes of regular practice can significantly boost your physical and mental health. </p>



<p>Studies show that consistency is key -practicing Tai Chi multiple times a week leads to the best results. This ancient practice not only brings harmonic balance but also fosters a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mindfulness-protects-against-work-stress-burnout/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mindful</a> attitude that enhances all areas of life.</p>



<p>Embracing Tai Chi's meditative motion brings mental clarity and reduces stress, making it a holistic approach to wellness. </p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0889159124004094?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brain, Behavior and Immunity</a></em>.</p>



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Tai Chi reduces inflammatory risks in cancer survivors

Tai Chi, an ancient Chinese exercise practice, frequently shows up...

<p>Have you ever stopped to think about how the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/living-green-spaces-boosts-bone-density-reduces-osteoporosis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spaces and places</a> around us could impact our health? A recent study from <a href="https://www.northwestern.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northwestern University</a> lays fascinating groundwork, linking urban green and water spaces to lower chances of coronary artery calcification (CAC), a crucial marker of heart disease.</p>



<p>Leading this significant research is Dr. Lifang Hou, a seasoned professor of preventive medicine at Northwestern University <a href="https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Feinberg School of Medicine</a>. The study reveals that these associations of green-blue spaces and heart health are most evident among Black individuals living in economically challenged neighborhoods.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-green-and-blue-spaces">Green and blue spaces </h2>



<p>How does having more green and blue spaces bring down the likelihood of CAC? The research points towards the potential of these spaces to provide increased opportunities for physical activities, social interactions, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/green-spaces-near-homes-reduce-emotional-problems-in-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stress relief</a>. </p>



<p>"Having more green and blue spaces may provide increased opportunities for physical activities, social interactions, stress relief and restoration, all of which have been linked to improved metabolic and cardiovascular health," Hou said. </p>



<p>"Additionally, exposure to green and blue spaces has been shown to boost people's immune system, reduce chronic inflammation and slow down the biological aging process, all of which are biologically important in people's overall health and cardiovascular health. More studies are needed to fully understand the role of urban natural environments in pathways related to human health."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heart-health-near-urban-green-and-blue-spaces">Heart health near urban green and blue spaces </h2>



<p>The numbers from the study speak volumes. Black participants with the highest access to a river showed 32% lower odds of CAC, compared to those with limited access. </p>



<p>Similarly, those with more access to green spaces had up to a staggering 35% lower odds of calcification. </p>



<p>It seems that for each 10%-point increase in green space, the odds of CAC decreased by about 15% on average. Hypothetically, if we could paint our cities a bit greener and bluer, we could chip away at the heart risks that so many face.</p>



<p>Interestingly, the study also found that shorter distances to parks were associated with higher CAC odds in these neighborhoods. The explanation? It could lie in the quality of these parks and safety concerns in the underserved <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/city-residents-better-mental-health-access-green-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">urban neighborhoods</a> that might deter their use. As always, quality trumps quantity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-need-for-green-and-blue-spaces">Need for green and blue spaces</h2>



<p>The Northwestern study included almost 3,000 Black and white men and women hailing from four urban cities in the U.S. The research drew its data from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study, which followed the participants for 25 whopping years.</p>



<p>"The protective effect of having access to urban blue and green spaces with coronary artery calcification highlighted in our study underscore the potential benefits of such infrastructure, particularly for underserved populations at higher risk for cardiovascular disease," said Hou. </p>



<p>"Our findings provide quantitative evidence supporting environmental policies to enhance the accessibility and quality of residential blue and green spaces, which can promote public health benefit and address racial and neighborhood-related health disparities."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-and-social-justice">Environmental and social justice</h2>



<p>The gap in access to quality green and blue spaces often reflects wider social inequalities. </p>



<p>Neighborhoods with fewer resources, especially those where Black and other minority communities live, usually have fewer and less well-kept green areas. This unfairness not only affects physical health but also mental well-being, social bonds, and overall quality of life. </p>



<p>To fix these issues, we need a mix of better urban planning, active community involvement, and policy changes. By bringing environmental justice into city planning, we can create healthier living spaces, reduce health disparities, and build more fair and inclusive urban areas for everyone.</p>



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



<p>The study's findings  highlight heart and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/green-environments-and-sidewalks-improve-heart-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">overall health benefits</a> related to accessible and quality urban green and blue spaces. They stress the importance of environmental policies that enhance these spaces, especially for underserved populations at higher risk for cardiovascular diseases.</p>



<p>In the end, it's not just about providing green spaces for all, but about making sure they're safe, clean, and accessible to everyone. After all, when it comes to our neighborhoods, we should all be sitting' on the dock of the bay, watching the health benefits roll away.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.123.067992" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Circulation</a></em>.</p>



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



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Green and blue spaces like parks and rivers keep hearts healthy

Have you ever stopped to think about how the spaces...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>

Social modeling affects our food choices

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists discover we age in bursts

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists solve the mystery of tickling

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>



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



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

Retired professor claims he solved time travel

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<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>



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https://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
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<p>Probiotics - beneficial microbes that balance gut bacteria and aid digestion - are typically fragile and can be destroyed by stomach acid or processing. </p>



<p>Prebiotics act as food for these microbes, helping them thrive. Together, they form "synbiotics," a powerful health combination.</p>



<p>Researchers Smriti Gaur and Shubhi Singh from India's Jaypee Institute of Information Technology took an innovative approach, using natural prebiotics like corn and honey instead of complex processing methods. </p>



<p>They created five chocolate varieties: a control and four synbiotic versions containing different combinations of prebiotics, probiotics (Lactobacillus strains), and flavor enhancers (cinnamon or orange).</p>



<p>Laboratory simulations of human digestion showed the probiotics remained viable for over five hours, suggesting they could survive long enough to benefit gut health.</p>



<p>Taste tests were positive, with researchers particularly enjoying the orange-flavored variety, describing it as having "vibrant citrus notes" complementing the "rich cocoa" with a "luxurious" texture.</p>



<p>This research represents just the beginning. With further refinement of strains, textures, and flavors, chocolate could evolve beyond mere indulgence to become a functional food that nourishes while it delights.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsfoodscitech.4c00741" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACS Food Science &amp; Technology</a>.</p>

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

Scientists are transforming chocolate into a functional food by infusing...

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



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



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



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



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



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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