<p>Anxiety seeps into daily life. It disrupts focus at work, strains relationships, and turns even small tasks into stress triggers. Standard treatments are available, but they do not work for everyone. </p>



<p>Many people cannot tolerate antidepressants in the long term, while others see no real relief. This gap has researchers asking a bold question: can psychedelics like LSD help?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lsd-tested-for-anxiety">LSD tested for anxiety</h2>



<p>A research team at <a href="https://mindmed.co/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MindMed</a> in New York recently carried out the first modern trial of LSD for generalised anxiety <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gut-microbes-have-an-unexpected-link-to-anxiety/">disorder</a>. The goal was to test whether a single dose could reduce symptoms when standard care fails.</p>



<p>LSD is famous for its hallucinogenic effects, but scientists believe it does more. It boosts serotonin, a chemical that influences mood, and may help the brain form new thought patterns that break cycles of fear and worry.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-current-anxiety-care-fails">Why current anxiety care fails</h2>



<p>Generalized anxiety disorder goes far beyond occasional stress. It causes constant, broad worry about money, relationships, health, and even everyday routines. </p>



<p>Current treatment usually combines therapy with drugs such as SSRIs. These options help some people, but many experience only modest improvement or none at all. Others cannot handle side effects like emotional numbness.</p>



<p>The fact that antidepressants only work while taken daily adds another layer of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/practicing-mindfulness-can-quiet-the-noise-of-anxiety/">frustration</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lsd-reduces-anxiety-symptoms">LSD reduces anxiety symptoms</h2>



<p>The study included 198 adults diagnosed with severe anxiety. Participants gradually stopped their medications before entering the trial, though those already in therapy continued.</p>



<p>The individuals rated their symptoms - such as worry, tension, and poor focus - on a standard scale. Average scores were 30 out of 56, well above the threshold that defines severe anxiety.</p>



<p>Participants were randomly split into five groups. Four groups received LSD in doses from 25 to 200 micrograms. One group received <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513296/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">placebo</a> pills. </p>



<p>The results were striking. Those who took 100 or 200 micrograms felt noticeable relief within a day.</p>



<p>A month later, their anxiety scores had dropped by about 20 points, and nearly half reached remission. In contrast, the lower doses offered no more benefit than the placebo.</p>



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



<p>Even the placebo group improved somewhat. Their scores dropped by 14 to 17 points, and one in five achieved remission. </p>



<p>This outcome is common in anxiety studies, where the attention, care, and expectation built into a trial provide comfort.</p>



<p>Still, the higher-dose LSD groups clearly outperformed placebo group, showing that the drug itself delivered an additional benefit.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-side-effects-and-complications">Side effects and complications</h2>



<p>The trial also revealed side effects. Some participants reported nausea or headaches within hours of taking the drug. Hallucinations and changes in visual perception were more common at higher doses. </p>



<p>Many participants guessed correctly whether they had received LSD, making it harder to fully separate the psychological impact of knowing from the direct biological effects. </p>



<p>Yet the size of the improvement left researchers confident that LSD was responsible for more than expectation alone.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lsd-for-anxiety-relief">LSD for anxiety relief</h2>



<p>Independent reviewers described the results as a major step forward. They considered the reductions in anxiety both statistically solid and clinically meaningful. </p>



<p>In plain terms, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mdma-lsd-psychedelics-enhance-feelings-of-connection-even-between-strangers/">drug</a> offered relief big enough to make daily life easier, not just a small change on paper.</p>



<p>The experts emphasized that such outcomes matter most when improvements translate into real-world functioning, allowing people to work, connect socially, and manage daily responsibilities with far less distress and uncertainty.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-lies-ahead">What lies ahead</h2>



<p>The findings convinced regulators as well. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted LSD therapy from MindMed a special status that speeds development of drugs with strong potential.</p>



<p>Larger and longer trials are now in progress, designed to track benefits beyond three months and to untangle whether improvements come mainly from brain chemistry or from the psychological weight of the psychedelic experience.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lasting-relief-from-a-single-dose">Lasting relief from a single dose</h2>



<p>LSD is not ready to become a mainstream treatment. Outside of controlled studies, it can be unpredictable and sometimes risky. But this research adds to the growing evidence that psychedelics may hold medical value that was once dismissed.</p>



<p>For people with anxiety who gain little from standard care, the idea of lasting relief from a single dose represents more than hope - it signals a possible shift in how we think about treatment. </p>



<p>Researchers emphasize the need for ongoing trials to confirm safety, clarify long-term effects, and establish appropriate dosing. Still, the growing evidence points to a future where psychiatry could move beyond conventional medications and embrace once-unthinkable psychedelic-based <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gut-health-may-be-the-key-to-anxiety-relief/">therapies</a>.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2838505" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JAMA</a></em>.</p>



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



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Single dose of LSD may reduce anxiety symptoms for months

Anxiety seeps into daily life. It disrupts focus at work, strains relationships, and turns even small tasks into stress triggers. Standard treatments are available, but they do not work for everyone. Many people cannot tolerate antidepressants in the long term, while others see no real relief. This gap has researchers asking a bold question: can psychedelics like LSD help? LSD tested for anxiety A research team at MindMed in New York recently carried out the first modern trial of LSD for generalised anxiety disorder. The goal was...

<p>Childhood obesity, an escalating concern worldwide, is in the crosshairs of breakthrough research involving a seemingly simple dietary change. </p>



<p>The study underscores the potential of a readily available supplement - fish oil, not for the children, but intriguingly for their fathers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-childhood-obesity-rates">Global childhood obesity rates</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.who.int" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Health Organization</a>'s alarming statistics reveal a spike in obesity among children between 5 to 19 years - from 31 million cases in 1990 to a staggering 160 million in 2022. </p>



<p>This burgeoning health issue often paves the way for diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, not to mention the psychological impact in the form of low <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/feeling-loved-as-a-teen-linked-to-healthier-adulthood/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">self-esteem and depression</a>.</p>



<p>Initiated by scientists determined to explore how paternal diet might shape the health profile of the offspring, this compelling research has thrown new light on the fight against childhood obesity. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focusing-on-paternal-diets">Focusing on paternal diets</h2>



<p>Latha Ramalingam, PhD, an assistant professor in nutrition at <a href="https://www.syracuse.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Syracuse University</a>, led the research using male mice fed on a high-fat diet, with or without a serving of fish oil.</p>



<p>The results were promising. Offspring of the males fed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dietary-shift-to-forage-fish-could-prevent-millions-of-deaths/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish oil</a> supplement showed reduced body weight and heightened metabolic health compared to their counterparts. </p>



<p>“While further human studies are needed, this discovery opens a new frontier in our understanding of how parents, beyond just genetics, influence their offspring's well-being,” Ramalingam shares with noteworthy enthusiasm. </p>



<p>“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/an-omega-3-fatty-acid-known-as-dha-may-prevent-hearing-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fish oil</a>, a readily available and safe supplement, could become a powerful weapon in our fight for a healthier next generation.”</p>



<p>These findings are set to be showcased by Sarah Dellet, a research student in Ramalingam’s lab, at <a href="https://nutrition.org/n24/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NUTRITION 2024</a>, the leading annual event by the American Society for Nutrition.</p>



<p>Historic in its pursuit, this is the maiden study focusing intently on inheritance patterns through the paternal line, advancing previous research on the benefits of fish oil supplementation in mothers to curb childhood obesity risk.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-profound-implications-of-fish-oil">Profound implications of fish oil</h2>



<p>The study divided nearly 150 male mice into two groups, one with a high-fat diet supplemented with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/omega-3-fatty-acids-may-provide-superior-cognitive-ability-in-midlife/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish oil</a>, and the other without. They were mated with females on a regular low-fat healthy diet. </p>



<p>Offspring fathered by males on a fish oil diet weighed significantly less on both the 7th and 21st day compared to those from the second group. </p>



<p>Furthermore, female offspring from the first group manifested better metabolic health, evidenced by rapid glucose clearance and insulin sensitivity.</p>



<p>“This concept offers a significant potential to reshape our strategies in combating childhood obesity,” shared Ramalingam. </p>



<p>She purposes a future where dietary advice is not limited to mothers but involves fathers too, allowing them to actively contribute to their children's well-being right from the beginning.</p>



<p>To further advance their research, the team is now examining how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-fathers-diet-impacts-the-health-of-his-future-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dietary changes in the father</a> affect sperm, thereby influencing their offspring's health. </p>



<p>They are also studying muscle and liver gene expression for a deeper understanding of the superior insulin sensitivity in females.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-big-step-in-combating-childhood-obesity">Big step in combating childhood obesity?</h2>



<p>This research, though primarily conducted on mice, takes a leap forward in the domain of public health, offering a unique perspective on combating childhood obesity. </p>



<p>The potential role of fathers in this fight, apart from the genetic contribution, has been largely overlooked until now. This study cements the notion that parental influence extends well beyond genetics.</p>



<p>A key takeaway from this research is the potential of a simple dietary change featuring<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-fish-may-protect-the-brain-from-air-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> fish oil for fathers</a> to shape a healthier future for the next generation. </p>



<p>It signals a promising direction in the combat against childhood obesity, urging for further human studies to validate these findings. </p>



<p>In this light, the future might just hold a more inclusive approach to pre-conception dietary advice, one that involves not just mothers but fathers too, in their quest to foster healthier offspring.</p>



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



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Dads' diets have a direct impact on childhood obesity rates

Childhood obesity, an escalating concern worldwide, is in the crosshairs...

<p>SuperAnimal, a revolutionary deep learning model, has been developed to detect animal motion across various species and environments.</p>



<p>Understanding animal behavior offers critical insights into their health and motivations. This "foundational model" is set to revolutionize animal conservation, biomedicine, and neuroscience research.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-analyze-animal-behavior">Why analyze animal behavior?</h2>



<p>Animal behavior, encompassing interactions with others, the environment, and different organisms, is a crucial field of study. </p>



<p>This field explores activities such as foraging, mating, parenting, social interactions, and communication, all of which are shaped by genetic and environmental factors. </p>



<p>Understanding these behaviors provides valuable insights into animal health,&nbsp;welfare,&nbsp;and ecological roles,&nbsp;enabling better conservation efforts and animal care practices.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Furthermore, research into animal behavior can&nbsp;ultimately improving human-animal interactions and promoting sustainable ecosystems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoding-animal-emotions-through-movement">Decoding animal emotions through movement</h2>



<p>Animals can't verbally communicate their feelings, but their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cats-use-nearly-300-facial-expressions-to-communicate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">movements</a> tell a story. Imagine using <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-can-monitor-biodiversity-through-animal-sounds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI</a> to analyze these movements for a wide range of animals, including cows, dogs, cats, and mice.</p>



<p>This would eliminate observer bias and enhance the accuracy and efficiency of behavioral analysis.</p>



<p>A team at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (<a href="https://www.epfl.ch/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EPFL</a>), led by Dr. Mackenzie Mathis, has introduced a groundbreaking tool for posture analysis in behavioral phenotyping.</p>



<p>Detailed in a recent <em>Nature Communications</em> article, this open-source tool, named SuperAnimal, requires no human annotations to track <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-disturbances-are-globally-restructuring-animal-movement/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animal movements</a>.</p>



<p>It can automatically identify keypoints (joints) in over 45 animal species, including mythical ones, without human intervention.</p>



<p>"The current pipeline requires human effort to identify keypoints on each <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-ai-system-detects-animals-on-roads-to-prevent-accidents/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animal</a>, creating a training set," explains Dr. Mathis.</p>



<p>"This results in duplicated labeling efforts and inconsistent semantic labels, complicating the training of large foundation models. Our new method standardizes this process and makes labeling 10 to 100 times more efficient than current tools."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advancing-from-deeplabcut-to-superanimal">Advancing from DeepLabCut to SuperAnimal</h2>



<p>SuperAnimal is an evolution of a pose estimation technique previously known as DeepLabCut.</p>



<p>The new tool compiles a large set of annotations from various databases, training the model to learn a harmonized language -- a process called pre-training the foundation model.</p>



<p>"Users can deploy our base model or fine-tune it with their data for further customization," says Shaokai Ye, a PhD student and first author of the study.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enhancing-superanimal-with-natural-language-interfaces">Enhancing SuperAnimal with natural language interfaces</h2>



<p>SuperAnimal has a broad range of applications. Veterinarians and biomedical researchers, especially those studying laboratory mice, will find it invaluable. </p>



<p>Its potential also extends to neuroscience and analyzing athletic performance in animals. Future versions of the model aim to include birds, fish, and insects.</p>



<p>"We plan to integrate these models with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/environmental-health-ai-can-identify-insects-based-on-their-sounds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural language interfaces</a> to create more accessible next-generation tools," states Dr. Mathis.</p>



<p>"For instance, we recently developed AmadeusGPT, which allows for video data queries through written or spoken text. Expanding this capability for complex behavioral analysis is very exciting."</p>



<p>Now available to researchers worldwide through its open-source distribution, SuperAnimal promises to transform the field of automated animal behavior analysis.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-applications-of-superanimal">Potential applications of SuperAnimal</h2>



<p>SuperAnimal has diverse applications across multiple fields. In veterinary medicine, it can help monitor animal health and detect early signs of illness. Conservationists can study endangered species' behavior to develop better protection strategies. </p>



<p>Additionally, neuroscientists may benefit by analyzing animal models to understand brain functions and behaviors. </p>



<p>In agriculture, farmers can use it to monitor livestock, improving welfare and productivity. </p>



<p>Sports scientists can analyze athletic performance in animals, leading to better training methods. </p>



<p>In biomedical research, SuperAnimal can be used to enhance the accuracy of experiments with laboratory animals, reducing human error and improving data reliability, ultimately advancing various scientific and medical fields.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-more-about-earth-s-other-animals">Learning more about Earth's other animals</h2>



<p>In summary, the integration of AI into behavioral studies represents a significant leap forward. Traditional methods rely heavily on human observation, which can introduce biases and inconsistencies.</p>



<p>SuperAnimal eliminates these issues by providing an objective, automated analysis of animal movements. This capability is especially valuable in large-scale studies where manual tracking would be impractical. </p>



<p>With careful oversight, SuperAnimal could pave the way for a new era of ethical and effective animal research.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-48792-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a></em></em>.</p>



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

AI tool 'SuperAnimal' can accurately analyze animal behavior

SuperAnimal, a revolutionary deep learning model, has been developed to...

<p>"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder." You've often heard this phrase, haven't you? Turns out, the beholder is no other than… you! Recent studies highlight that we are impressively adept at evaluating our own attractiveness. </p>



<p>Even more intriguing, we tend to match with partners who reflect our level of attractiveness. Thereby, quite possibly, you and your partner are of comparable aesthetic appeal, as per scientific findings.</p>



<p>But what does attractiveness truly denote?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intricacies-of-attractiveness-and-partners">Intricacies of attractiveness and partners</h2>



<p>Attractiveness is indeed a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/having-a-sense-of-purpose-makes-you-more-likely-to-find-love/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">complicated and subjective</a> notion, molded by cultural and biological aspects. Universally sought-after traits, such as crystal clear skin and symmetrical features, certainly play their part. </p>



<p>However, individual tastes range vastly. Factors like personal experiences, societal norms, and our self-image shape our perception of beauty.</p>



<p>Research implies that we are inclined towards those we perceive as being equivalent to us in attractivity. This so-called "matching hypothesis" might be fueled by the quest for validation and aversion to rejection. </p>



<p>Nonetheless, attractiveness constitutes just one component of the complex matrix of human association. Enduring relationships ultimately thrive on shared interests, values, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/want-a-happier-marriage-try-the-loving-talk-you-use-with-your-dog/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emotional harmony</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beauty-and-attractive-partners">Beauty and attractive partners</h2>



<p>Dr. Gregory Webster, a renowned psychologist from the <a href="https://www.ufl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Florida</a>, led a team diving into this captivating phenomenon. </p>



<p>This team reanalyzed staggering data from a comprehensive 1988 study about couples' attractiveness. Using modern statistical techniques, they interpreted this old data in a fresh light.</p>



<p>Their findings? Both genders were exceptionally accurate at evaluating their allure. </p>



<p>"There's an extensive line of research on meta-analysis. There's an entire line of research on how to analyze data for couples. But they haven't really been put together before," Dr. Webster emphasized.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-partners-share-same-definition-of-attractive">Partners share same definition of "attractive"</h2>



<p>To gain these insights, researchers had couples rate their attractiveness, and then strangers rated the same individuals. </p>



<p>The results revealed an astonishing consistency between self-perception and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/peoples-love-of-nature-is-both-learned-and-inherited-genetically/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">external opinions</a>. Dr. Webster, explaining the unique approach, said, "By combining these research methods, they were able to look at a vast quantity of data extending back to 1972."</p>



<p>The study further delved into how self-ratings of attractiveness change as the relationship progresses. In the earlier stages, men seemed slightly overconfident about their looks, which faded over time. </p>



<p>"Men might be getting realistic," humorously quotes Dr. Webster. "Nobody's usually getting more attractive over time." </p>



<p>However, as they say, love is blind, those rose-tinted glasses might just be the secret behind the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strong-teen-friendships-build-lasting-resilience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">longevity of relationships</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-attractiveness-in-the-modern-dating-game">Attractiveness in the modern dating game</h2>



<p>The dating landscape has seen a radical transformation since 1972. Online dating platforms revolutionized the way we connect with potential partners. </p>



<p>We've shifted from random encounters to browsing profiles, with physical appearance playing a pivotal role in initial attraction.</p>



<p>Despite these changes, Dr. Webster's research indicates human's fundamental attractiveness preferences have remained remarkably static. </p>



<p>"The fundamentals of what humans consider to be attractive across cultures and over time are pretty consistent," he acknowledges.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-does-this-mean-for-you">What does this mean for you?</h2>



<p>This research is more than just <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/experiences-not-things-are-key-to-deeper-social-connection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fun facts</a> for your next dinner party.&nbsp;It sheds light on how we perceive ourselves and choose our attractive partners.&nbsp;</p>



<p>But remember, attractiveness is just one piece of the puzzle. While this study focused on physical looks, other factors like personality, shared interests, and values are equally important in building lasting relationships. </p>



<p>So, while it's nice to know you and your partner are a good-looking pair, it's the connection you share that truly makes you the fairest couple of all.</p>



<p>The study is published in <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0191886924001909?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Personality and Individual Differences</em></a>.</p>



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



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

We usually end up with partners who look as attractive as we are

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder." You've often...

<p>Have you ever thought about why we wear clothes?&nbsp;Yes,&nbsp;they keep us warm and maintain our modesty,&nbsp;but there's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-knitting-could-transform-technology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">even more to it</a> than that.&nbsp;The story of clothing is as fascinating as human history itself.&nbsp;Surprisingly,&nbsp;the tiny one-eyed needle became a key component in fashion.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-of-clothing">Evolution of clothing</h2>



<p>Imagine early humans taking shelter in caves, using tools to prepare animal hides. These garments weren't about fashion; they were purely for survival. </p>



<p>Ancient humans donned clothing solely to protect themselves from the environment, putting it on or removing it as necessary.</p>



<p>Dr. Ian Gilligan, an archaeologist from the <a href="https://www.sydney.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Sydney</a>, sheds light on this phenomenon.</p>



<p>“Why do we wear clothes? We assume that it’s part of being human, but once you look at different cultures, you realize that people existed and functioned perfectly adequately in society without clothes,” Dr Gilligan says. </p>



<p>“What intrigues me is the transition of clothing from being a physical necessity in certain environments, to a social necessity in all environments."</p>



<p>Interestingly, about 40,000 years ago, the revolutionary eyed needle was invented. This invention changed not only the way we dressed, but also our perceptions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-the-eyed-needle-on-fashion">Impact of the eyed needle on fashion</h2>



<p>The introduction of the eyed needle in the fashion world marked a significant milestone in human development. </p>



<p>Dr. Gilligan and his team propose a remarkable theory: these needles weren't merely for sewing – they were the starting point of our modern fashion sense.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/eyed-needles_prehistoric_paleolithic_credit-Gilligan_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/eyed-needles_prehistoric_paleolithic_credit-Gilligan_1s.jpg" alt="Eyed needles from the last ice age (image credit Gilligan et al 2024)" class="wp-image-1937717"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Eyed needles from the last ice age (image credit Gilligan et al 2024)</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>“Eyed needle tools are an important development in prehistory because they document a transition in the function of clothing from utilitarian to social purposes,” says Dr Ian Gilligan.</p>



<p>Why were these needles such a game-changer? While bone awls could create fitted clothing, eyed needles allowed for intricate designs and embellishments. </p>



<p>Suddenly, garments served as a medium for self-expression rather than just protection from the cold.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-eyed-needles-changed-fashion">When eyed needles changed fashion </h2>



<p>You may wonder why our ancestors began to adorn their outfits with decorations. The answer lies in the harsh conditions of the last ice age.</p>



<p>“We know that clothing up until the last glacial cycle was only used on an ad hoc basis. The classic tools that we associate with that are hide scrapers or stone scrapers, and we find them appearing and going away during the different phases of the last ice ages,” Dr Gilligan explains.</p>



<p>Picture living in a world where showing off body paint or scars was impossible due to extreme cold. What could early fashion-conscious individuals do? </p>



<p>The solution was simple: if they couldn't embellish their bodies, they would embellish their clothes with instead.</p>



<p>And just like that, fashion as we know it was born. Clothing transitioned from a basic need to a means of standing out, belonging, and expressing individuality.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fashion-s-impact-on-societies">Fashion's impact on societies</h2>



<p>The invention of eyed needle and resulting fashion revolution didn't just influence aesthetics; it reshaped human societies on a fundamental level.</p>



<p>Equipped with warm, decorated clothing, humans could now expand into colder regions, leading to the formation of larger, more sophisticated communities.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/eyed-needle_paleolithic-clothing_artist-Mariana-Ariza_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/eyed-needle_paleolithic-clothing_artist-Mariana-Ariza_1s.jpg" alt="Artist impression of decorated tailored clothing in the Upper Paleolithic (image credit Mariana Ariza)." class="wp-image-1937715"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Artist impression of decorated tailored clothing in the Upper Paleolithic (image credit Mariana Ariza).</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>Shared clothing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/people-were-already-making-clothing-120000-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">styles</a> became a way to identify with one's community, promoting cooperation and social unity.</p>



<p>Additionally, the skills associated with clothing production and embellishment contributed to a more sustainable way of life, enhancing the survival and prosperity of human societies. </p>



<p>Who could have guessed that a touch of prehistoric flair would have such far-reaching effects?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-psychological-influence-of-clothing">Psychological influence of clothing</h2>



<p>In modern times, being clothed is a universal norm regardless of climate. This commonplace practice of covering up has brought about profound psychological changes in how we perceive ourselves and our environment.</p>



<p>Dr. Gilligan's future research aims to delve deeper into this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mushroom-leather-mycelium-latest-eco-friendly-fashion-trend/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fascinating area</a>.</p>



<p>“We take it for granted we feel comfortable wearing clothes and uncomfortable if we’re not wearing clothes in public. But how does wearing clothes impact the way we look at ourselves, the way we see ourselves as humans, and perhaps how we look at the environment around us?” wonders Dr. Gilligan.</p>



<p>These questions open up a new dimension in our conception of fashion. It's not just about what we wear, but how what we wear shapes our identity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-ahead-in-fashion-world">Looking ahead in fashion world</h2>



<p>Considering the future, it is clear that fashion will continue to evolve and shape our cultures. From <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eco-friendly-vegan-leather-could-transform-the-fashion-industry/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sustainable</a> materials to smart fabrics and beyond, the possibilities are vast. </p>



<p>However, fashion will likely continue to fulfill the same fundamental roles it has for centuries: protection, expression, and forging connections.</p>



<p>So the next time you don your favorite outfit, pause to appreciate the rich history behind it. From simple animal hides to intricate designs, from survival gear to social statements, our clothes narrate a tale as old as humanity itself.</p>



<p>And who knows? In another 40,000 years, researchers will all be dissecting the meaning of skinny <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-fast-fashion-jeans-bad-for-environment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">jeans</a> and what it says about our civilization. </p>



<p>One thing is for sure -- this tale of fashion continues to unravel with all of us playing a part in carving its future chapters.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adp2887" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.</em></p>



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



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Fashion history was forever altered by the tiny eyed needle 40,000 years ago

Have you ever thought about why we wear clothes?&nbsp;Yes,&nbsp;they keep...

<p>There is an old saying that honesty is the best policy, but in reality, people lie quite a bit. Despite this, we often refrain from calling out liars due to societal norms and a preference for politeness. However, a new player is entering the lie detection game and may dramatically change these norms – Artificial Intelligence (AI).</p>



<p>The game-changing role of AI in lie detection was highlighted in a recent study published in the journal <em>iScience</em>. The research uncovered that people are far more prone to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-happens-when-robots-lie/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">accuse others of deceit</a> when an AI system makes the initial accusation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-is-society-ready-for-ai-lie-detection">Is society ready for AI lie detection?</h2>



<p>This insight into the societal implications of AI-based lie detection could have significant repercussions as policy makers explore and implement such technologies.</p>



<p>The lead proponent of this research is Nils Köbis, a behavioral scientist and senior author at the <a href="https://www.uni-due.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University Duisburg-Essen</a> in Germany. </p>



<p>“Our society has strong, well-established norms about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lie-detection-nose-shrinks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">accusations of lying</a>. It would take a lot of courage and evidence for one to openly accuse others of lying," Köbis explains. </p>



<p>"But our study shows that AI could become an excuse for people to conveniently hide behind, so that they can avoid being held responsible for the consequences of accusations.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-of-truth-default-theory">Implications of truth-default theory</h2>



<p>The truth-default theory guides much of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/harder-lie-convincingly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human interaction</a>. This theory asserts that we intuitively believe what we hear is true. </p>



<p>Consequently, our inherent trust in others makes us terrible lie detectors. In fact, prior research has shown people are no better at detecting lies than pure chance.</p>



<p>With AI coming into the picture, Köbis and his team were keen to understand how its presence might alter existing social norms and behaviors related to accusations. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-testing-ai-lie-detection">Testing AI lie detection</h2>



<p>To put this to the test, they enlisted 986 individuals to write a truthful and false account of their plans for the following weekend. </p>



<p>The team used this data to train an AI model that correctly distinguished between truth and lies 66% of the time, a success rate far higher than the average human’s.</p>



<p>Building on this, researchers brought in over 2,000 judges tasked with reading these accounts and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-brains-may-be-hardwired-to-believe-lies-and-conspiracy-theories/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">determining their veracity</a>. They divided these individuals into four groups - "baseline," "forced," "blocked," and "choice."</p>



<p>The ‘baseline’ group had no AI assistance, while the ‘forced’ group always received an AI prediction before making their judgement. </p>



<p>The 'blocked' and 'choice' groups could opt to receive an AI prediction, but the 'blocked' group was denied it, while the 'choice' group was granted it.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-team-learned">What the team learned</h2>



<p>Contrary to our inherent trust, the outcomes were revealing. Participants in the 'baseline' group correctly identified truthful and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psychopathic-tendencies-better-lying/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">false accounts</a> only 46% of the time. </p>



<p>Just 19% of this group accused the accounts of being false, despite knowing that half of the statements were indeed lies.</p>



<p>In comparison, the 'forced' group, who always received an AI prediction, saw over a third of participants accusing the statements of being lies – significantly higher than the 'baseline' and 'blocked' groups, which had no AI predictions.</p>



<p>Surprisingly, even when armed with an AI prediction, a mere 13% of participants called out <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sliars-suppress-deception-cues/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">false statements</a> when the AI claimed them to be true. </p>



<p>However, when AI labelled a statement as false, over 40% of participants readily echoed the accusation. And a staggering 84% of participants who received an AI prediction willingly adopted it, readily calling out lies when AI identified them as false.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-public-perception-of-ai-lie-detection">Public perception of AI lie detection</h2>



<p>Despite the apparent accuracy, people seemed rather hesitant to embrace AI for lie detection. In the 'blocked' and 'choice' groups, only a third of participants requested the AI prediction. </p>



<p>This reluctance to use AI might be due to overconfidence in our own lie detection abilities, despite evidence to the contrary.</p>



<p>AI, despite its potential, is known for frequently <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/politicians-get-away-lying/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reinforcing biases</a> and making mistakes. In light of this fact, Köbis warns that this reliance on AI, especially for sensitive matters like screening asylum seekers at borders, should be taken with caution.</p>



<p>“There's such a big hype around AI, and many people believe these algorithms are really, really potent and even objective. I’m really worried that this would make people over-rely on it, even when it doesn’t work that well,” Köbis cautions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ethical-dilemma-ai-bias-and-over-reliance">Ethical dilemma: AI, bias, and over-reliance</h2>



<p>In summary, AI is changing how we trust each other. Dr. Köbis's study shows that people quickly believe AI when it says someone is lying. </p>



<p>This is a big deal because it could change how we interact with our friends, family, and authority figures. We don't usually call others liars, but with AI, we might do it more often. </p>



<p>AI lie detection could cause problems in our relationships and society. We need to be careful about using AI for lie detection, especially for important decisions. </p>



<p>Leaders should think hard about when and how to use this technology. We all need to remember that AI can make mistakes. It's important to use our own judgment and not just rely on what AI tells us. </p>



<p>As we use more AI in our lives, we must find ways to keep trust and understanding between people. This research helps us see the challenges we face as AI becomes more common.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.cell.com/iscience/fulltext/S2589-0042(24)01426-3?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS2589004224014263%3Fshowall%3Dtrue">iScience</a></em>.</p>



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



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Truth, deception, and the future of AI lie detection machines

There is an old saying that honesty is the best...

<p>NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (<a href="https://webb.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JWST</a>) has discovered a cosmic enigma that's shaking up our understanding of the early universe. This finding, called "Tiny Red Spots," is forcing scientists to reconsider their long-held <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/one-novae-star-explosion-may-be-origin-phosphorus-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">theories</a> about how galaxies form.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tiny-red-spots">Tiny red spots</h2>



<p>Researchers at Penn State have discovered three very peculiar objects dating back to around 600-800 million years after the Big Bang. These entities, dubbed "Tiny Red Spots," are a phenomenon unlike any seen before.</p>



<p>“We have confirmed that these appear to be packed with ancient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/newly-discovered-stars-milky-way-are-old-as-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stars</a> - hundreds of millions of years old - in a universe that is only 600-800 million years old. Remarkably, these objects hold the record for the earliest signatures of old starlight,” said Bingjie Wang, a postdoctoral scholar at Penn State and lead author on the paper.</p>



<p>“It was totally unexpected to find old stars in a very young universe. The standard models of cosmology and galaxy formation have been incredibly successful, yet, these luminous objects do not quite fit comfortably into those theories.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-traditional-views">Rethinking traditional views</h2>



<p>These galaxies hold stars that are hundreds of millions of years old, within a universe that is merely 5% of its present age. It's akin to finding a 90-year-old individual in a realm where the eldest person should be 18. This uncovering disrupts our existing models of galaxy creation and development.</p>



<p>“It’s very confusing,” said Joel Leja, assistant professor of astronomy and astrophysics at <a href="https://www.psu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Penn State</a> and co-author on both papers.</p>



<p>“You can make this uncomfortably fit in our current model of the universe, but only if we evoke some exotic, insanely rapid formation at the beginning of time. This is, without a doubt, the most peculiar and interesting set of objects I've seen in my career.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-supermassive-black-holes-in-tiny-red-spots">Supermassive black holes in tiny red spots</h2>



<p>These galaxies also contain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-black-holes-become-supermassive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supermassive</a> black holes that surpass the anticipated sizes for this cosmic epoch. We're looking at black holes that are 100 to 1,000 times more massive than the one in our Milky Way.</p>



<p>“Normally supermassive black holes are paired with galaxies,” Leja said. “They grow up together and go through all their major life experiences together." </p>



<p>"But here, we have a fully formed adult black hole living inside of what should be a baby galaxy. That doesn't really make sense, because these things should grow together, or at least that’s what we thought.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cosmic-compactness">Cosmic compactness</h2>



<p>These galaxies are incredibly dense, measuring only a few hundred light-years in diameter. For a better grasp, they are roughly 1,000 times smaller than our Milky Way, yet they accommodate about the same number of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/high-speed-baby-stars-swarm-around-milky-ways-supermassive-sagittarius-a/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stars</a> – ranging from 10 billion to 1 trillion.</p>



<p>“These early galaxies would be so dense with stars - stars that must have formed in a way we've never seen, under conditions we would never expect during a period in which we’d never expect to see them,” Leja said.</p>



<p>“And for whatever reason, the universe stopped making objects like these after just a couple of billion years. They are unique to the early universe.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pursuit-of-solutions">Pursuit of solutions</h2>



<p>The researchers plan to conduct further observations to collect more data and hopefully shed some light on the Tiny Red Spots.</p>



<p>By focusing the telescope on the entities for extended periods, they aim to obtain more profound spectra, potentially assisting in distinguishing the light sources between stars and conceivable supermassive black holes.</p>



<p>Nevertheless, breakthroughs in science often emerge from unexpected avenues. “There's another way that we could have a breakthrough, and that's just the right idea,” Leja said. </p>



<p>“We have all these puzzle pieces and they only fit if we ignore the fact that some of them are breaking. This problem is amenable to a stroke of genius that has so far eluded us, all of our collaborators and the entire scientific community.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reformulating-the-laws-of-the-cosmos">Reformulating the laws of the cosmos</h2>



<p>This discovery serves as a reminder that the universe is full of surprises, and our knowledge continually evolves. </p>



<p>These ancient, dense galaxies with their aged stars and outsized black <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-holes-are-not-the-secret-source-of-dark-matter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">holes</a> challenge our established models of galaxy birth and progression. They act as cosmic time capsules, retaining details about the earliest epochs of our universe's narrative.</p>



<p>As we push forward into the cosmos aided by powerful tools like the James Webb Space Telescope, we are destined to uncover more mysteries that expand our horizons of knowledge. </p>



<p>For now, scientists will continue pondering over these tiny red spots, endeavoring to comprehend their role in the grand cosmic chronicle. And for the rest of us, we can gaze in awe at the marvels of the universe and applaud the devotion of researchers striving to decode its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/awakening-of-a-black-hole-witnessed-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">enigmas</a>.</p>



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

Mysterious 'tiny red spots' discovered in space

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has discovered a cosmic...

<p>We've all watched those heartwarming videos: families presenting their kids with an adorable puppy, everyone giggling and showering affection as the little furry friend wags its tail and licks faces. But what comes next once the camera stops recording? </p>



<p>Turns out, bringing a puppy home isn't always the continuous bundle of joy we picture. In reality, for many new dog owners, it can evoke emotions eerily similar to the "baby blues" new parents experience. This phenomenon is known as "puppy blues."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-the-puppy-blues">Exploring the puppy blues</h2>



<p>Researchers at the <a href="https://www.helsinki.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Helsinki</a> have undertaken a study that sheds light on this rollercoaster of emotions: the puppy blues. The researchers concluded that this experience is more prevalent than anticipated.</p>



<p>"Just under half of owners report having had significant negative experiences during their dog's puppyhood phase, with only about a tenth reporting the most severe levels of strain. This is in line with the prevalence of postnatal depression. However, the negative feelings fade relatively quickly," said Professor Hannes Lohi, one of the lead researchers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-do-people-get-puppy-blues">Why do people get puppy blues?</h2>



<p>"The study found that these so-called 'puppy blues' manifest in three ways: anxiety, frustration and weariness. These often occur concurrently, but in some cases one or two of the three may be particularly prominent," said psychologist and doctoral researcher Aada Ståhl.</p>



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



<p>Imagine this: you've just brought your new puppy home, and suddenly, you're engulfed in worry. Is the puppy eating enough? Too much? Is that sneeze normal, or should you rush to the vet? This constant state of apprehension characterizes puppy-induced anxiety.</p>



<p>Anxious puppy owners often have their minds clouded by concerns about their furry friend's health and growth. </p>



<p>However, it doesn't end there – many owners also grapple with self-doubt, questioning their capability to look after their new pet. With things not going as planned (which is usual with puppies), these owners might find themselves shouldering the blame, heightening their anxiety further.</p>



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



<p>Remember those daydreams of leisurely strolling through the park with your well-behaved puppy? </p>



<p>Fast forward to reality: your shoes are chewed, your furniture scratched, and your once spotless carpet now a battleground. Welcome to the world of puppy-induced frustration.</p>



<p>Frustrated puppy owners often face unexpected hurdles and the hefty workload of raising a puppy. The stress can lead to discontent and tension, making it challenging to form that ideal bond with their new companion. </p>



<p>At times, owners might even contemplate if they made a mistake, considering rehoming their puppy.</p>



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



<p>If you thought having a newborn baby was exhausting, try dealing with a creature possessing the energy of a toddler and the attention span of a goldfish – all encased in a furry body that demands constant supervision.</p>



<p>For the weary puppy owner, the puppyhood phase signifies a period of both mental and physical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/owning-a-pet-can-lead-to-more-restless-nights/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fatigue</a>. Sleep becomes a distant luxury as they navigate nighttime bathroom trips and early morning walks. </p>



<p>The incessant need for attention and activity can leave owners feeling depleted and anxious, questioning if they'll ever feel refreshed again.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evaluating-the-puppy-blues">Evaluating the puppy blues</h2>



<p>While dog owners have shared accounts of challenges in raising puppies for a while, this study marks the first scientific measurement and analysis of the phenomenon. </p>



<p>The researchers initially collected accounts from over 100 dog owners who experienced emotional strain after getting a puppy. Using this information, they designed a survey to gauge the puppy blues more broadly, collecting responses from over 2,000 dog owners.</p>



<p>This structured approach is critical. "Capturing the phenomenon in a measurable form is important if we are to better understand its characteristics, prevalence and duration. This will also allow us to improve understanding of the factors that may predispose <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/homeless-pet-owners-need-better-options-to-protect-their-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">owners</a> to or protect them from the 'puppy blues', which will help us to develop prevention and support measures," said Ståhl.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-bright-side">The bright side</h2>



<p>Before you swear off puppies forever, there's a silver lining on the horizon. The study indicates that for most owners, these negative sentiments tend to diminish relatively rapidly. Interestingly, the longer the time since the puppyhood phase, the more positively people reminisce about it.</p>



<p>Similar to human children, the trials of early puppyhood are often surpassed by the pleasure and companionship our four-legged friends bring us in the long haul.</p>



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



<p>You might wonder why examining the 'puppy blues' matters. After all, don't most people eventually navigate through it? While that is true, comprehending this phenomenon can yield extensive advantages.</p>



<p>Primarily, it validates the encounters of numerous dog owners who may have felt isolated or embarrassed about their negative emotions. By bringing these narratives into the open, we can nurture a more supportive environment for new pet owners.</p>



<p>Furthermore, the research unveils fresh opportunities for assisting dog owners. With an enhanced understanding of the influences that contribute to or safeguard against the puppy blues, tailored interventions and support systems can be developed.</p>



<p>This could lead to happier pet owners, well-adjusted dogs, and ultimately, fewer dogs being relinquished to shelters due to owner exhaustion.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-embracing-the-trials-of-puppy-love">Embracing the trials of puppy love</h2>



<p>Welcoming a puppy into your home is certainly a life-altering occasion, filled with moments of pure delight and, as we now acknowledge, potential emotional hurdles. The 'puppy blues' stand as a genuine occurrence, impacting almost half of all new dog owners to a certain degree.</p>



<p>But similar to any worthwhile pursuit, the challenges of puppyhood are often outweighed by the rewards. As time goes by, those restless nights and chewed belongings transform into cherished memories, replaced by the unconditional love and companionship only a dog can offer.</p>



<p>So, if you find yourself grappling with the puppy blues, keep in mind: you're not alone, it's not your flaw, and things will improve. After all, every remarkable dog tale commences with a puppy – and a human courageous enough to sail through the storm of puppyhood.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<em><a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s44184-024-00072-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Npj Mental Health Research</a></em>.</p>



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



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Many people experience 'puppy blues' with a new pet

We've all watched those heartwarming videos: families presenting their kids...

<p>We all know insects are resourceful <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/edible-ants-art-science-sustainable-food-source-ant-cuisine/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">critters</a>.&nbsp;They fly,&nbsp;crawl,&nbsp;swim,&nbsp;and burrow...&nbsp;but hitchhike?&nbsp;It turns out,&nbsp;our cars are becoming the latest Ubers for invasive ant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/there-are-2-5-million-ants-for-each-human-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a>,&nbsp;and scientists are sounding the alarm.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stowaways-with-six-legs">Stowaways with six legs</h2>



<p>Scotty Yang, an acclaimed entomologist from <a href="https://www.vt.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Virginia Tech</a>, has been closely observing an intriguing pattern unfolding before our eyes. And no, it's not about an occasional ant making its way into your picnic basket. </p>



<p>We're talking about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/edible-ants-art-science-sustainable-food-source-ant-cuisine/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">entire colonies</a> of ants, queens and all, view our cars as their personal Uber. Yang's research is pioneering in its focus on this fascinating phenomenon.</p>



<p>Scotty observed, "We saw social media posts where people were devastated about finding their cars covered in ants. Although we felt sorry for them, we wanted to examine whether these events had anything in common." </p>



<p>This quest for answers led him to Taiwan, where he conducted a study involving nine different <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/there-are-2-5-million-ants-for-each-human-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ant species</a> using vehicles as their own personal vans. </p>



<p>Tweaking the ordinary by a notch, seven of these species were invasive, making themselves at home in new environments.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-ants-travel-in-cars">How ants travel in cars</h2>



<p>Scotty's research compiled reports from individuals across Taiwan who had seen ants on their vehicles. The citizen-led approach allowed him to gather data on a significant scale. </p>



<p>His study revealed that ants are not picky about their choice of vehicle -- they have been seen inside and outside cars, and even under the hood. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impressive-climbing-ability">Impressive climbing ability</h3>



<p>Common traits among these hitchhiking ants were their climbing ability, foraging habits, and temperature tolerance.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/determining-sex-of-ants-possess-unique-genetics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Small but mighty</a>, ants are remarkable climbers. Their feet come equipped with claws for gripping uneven surfaces like metal or plastic, and adhesive pads that create a temporary bond allowing them to walk on smooth surfaces like glass. </p>



<p>This makes it possible for ants to navigate different parts of a vehicle, increasing their hitchhiking success.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-foraging-and-colonizing">Foraging and colonizing</h3>



<p>When food sources are scarce, ants tend to explore new areas, making them more likely to turn vehicles into their means of transport. </p>



<p>Overcrowded colonies or those facing resource limitations are more prone to start new nests. The scout ants could encounter vehicles during their search for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fire-ants-can-teach-us-how-to-create-stronger-materials/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new nesting sites</a>, turning them into moving homes.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-temperature-tolerance">High temperature tolerance</h3>



<p>Cars, due to weather conditions, can exhibit wide temperature variations. Ants, being ectothermic creatures, rely on external sources for body temperature regulation. </p>



<p>They survive based on their ability to find suitable areas providing the right temperature for their physiological processes. Thus, their assessment of the microclimates within cars is crucial to their survival.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-invasive-ants-in-cars">Invasive ants in cars</h2>



<p>This is more than just an annoyance on your commute. Invasive insects can outcompete native species, harm crops, and disrupt ecosystems. </p>



<p>"Tracking invasive insects and how they spread is an important subject for entomologists because these creatures can represent threats to native species of plants and animals," Scotty emphasizes. </p>



<p>What was once limited to logs and soil for their spread, now includes our daily commutes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-ants-choose-cars">Why ants choose cars</h2>



<p>Overcrowding seems a key factor leading ants to seek new habitats by hitching rides. Invasive species are particularly prone to this behavior, which has implications worldwide. The U.S, for instance, wrestles with invasive ants like the<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/invasive-red-fire-ants-have-made-their-way-to-europe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> infamous fire ant</a>.</p>



<p>Scotty shares, "Of the 100 worst invasive species in the world, five are species of ants, and two of these are already established in Virginia: the red imported fire ant and the Argentine ant." </p>



<p>By hitchhiking, these ants are getting a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ants-are-shifting-to-new-habitats-to-cope-with-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fast track to new territories</a>. Scotty hopes to start a similar citizen science project in the U.S. to track ant spread. </p>



<p>As per his advice, while there's no need for alarm, if you find unexpected passengers, consider it a reminder of our world's interconnectedness and perhaps give your car a good vacuuming.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ants-live-life-in-the-fast-lane">Ants live life in the fast lane</h2>



<p>Scotty Yang's fascinating research into the hitchhiking behavior of ants sheds light on an overlooked aspect of invasive species' expansion. His findings also underscore the impact of human activities on natural ecosystems. </p>



<p>This surprising ant-car relationship reinforces our awareness of the world's interconnectivity and the significant, albeit often unseen, role even the smallest creatures play in shaping our environment.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://resjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/een.13336" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Ecological Entomology</em></a>.</p>



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



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

Ants are now using cars to travel and spread to new locations

We all know insects are resourceful critters.&nbsp;They fly,&nbsp;crawl,&nbsp;swim,&nbsp;and burrow...&nbsp;but hitchhike?&nbsp;It...

A,Glacial,Rivers,From,Above.,Aerial,Photograph,Of,The,River

<p>Imagine stepping into a time machine and traveling back 34 million years. As you step out, you find yourself not on a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctica-shattered-extreme-cold-records-during-global-heat-wave/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">continent of ice and snow</a>, but in a lush, temperate landscape crisscrossed by mighty rivers. Welcome to ancient Antarctica, a land that time forgot – until now.</p>



<p>Recent research by a global team of earth scientists found compelling evidence of an ancient, expansive river network that once traversed Antarctica. </p>



<p>This discovery is reshaping our understanding of the continent's past and providing a glimpse into a previously unknown era of Earth's history.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lost-rivers-of-ancient-antarctica">Lost rivers of ancient Antarctica</h2>



<p>Today, Antarctica is synonymous with a frigid, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctica-ice-shelves-melting-faster-due-to-ocean-currents/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice-blanketed terrain</a>, home to hardy penguin colonies and a hub for scientific exploration. </p>



<p>However, this new finding suggests a dramatically different prehistoric landscape. Yet, it turns out that this frozen continent conceals secrets that are currently surfacing.</p>



<p>"The existence of such a transcontinental river system shows that – unlike today – large parts of West Antarctica must have been located above sea level as extensive, flat coastal plains," explains Professor Cornelia Spiegel from the <a href="https://www.uni-bremen.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bremen</a>. </p>



<p>This statement paints a contrasting image of Antarctica as we know it today, allowing us to envision an Amazon basin or Mississippi delta-like landscape, teeming with life.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strolling-through-gondwana">Strolling through Gondwana</h2>



<p>To comprehend how Antarctica harbored such an enormous river system, we must journey back in time almost 100 million years. </p>



<p>Back then, Antarctica wasn't the isolated continent we are familiar with today but was the centerpiece of a supercontinent known as Gondwana.</p>



<p>Gondwana was a geological enigma consisting mostly of today's Southern Hemisphere landmasses. The placement of Antarctica at Gondwana's heart played a crucial role in shaping its geographic features and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-circumpolar-current-speed-increasing-rising-sea-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climatic conditions</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rivers-of-antarctica-a-forgotten-tale">Rivers of Antarctica: A forgotten tale</h2>



<p>With the gradual splitting of Gondwana, Antarctica began its voyage towards the south. Despite being polar in positioning, the continent nurtured its temperate climate for millions of years, leading to the formation of prolific river systems. </p>



<p>The latest discovery suggests that the largest of these river systems stretched over 1,500 kilometers across the continent – roughly equivalent to the distance from New York to Dallas.</p>



<p>The question arises - how did scientists uncover this vast extinct river system? </p>



<p>The answer lies in the analysis of sediment samples collected during an expedition on the research icebreaker Polarstern. These sediment samples were the key to unlocking the mysteries of Antarctica's past. </p>



<p>Upon examining the mineral and rock fragments in the sediments, the researchers unraveled that most of the material originated not from West Antarctica but from the distant Transantarctic Mountains.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-antarctica-s-geological-divide">Antarctica’s geological divide</h2>



<p>The Transantarctic Mountains play a pivotal part in this geological narrative. These mountains have been rising since the late Eocene epoch, about 34 million years ago, thereby dividing the Antarctic continent into eastern and western regions. </p>



<p>As these mountains ascended, they underwent erosion, leading to the genesis of a vast sediment reserve, which was then transported across the continent by the river system and deposited in the current-day Amundsen Sea.</p>



<p>This study's most astonishing finding reveals the dramatic transformation of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birth-of-an-iceberg-a-83-breaks-free-from-antarctica/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">West Antarctica's topography</a>. </p>



<p>While today this region lies largely below sea level, hidden beneath massive ice sheets, it presented a vastly different landscape at the close of the Eocene epoch.</p>



<p>Though focused on ancient geological events, this research offers valuable perspectives on contemporary climate dynamics. </p>



<p>The swift transition from a temperate, river-rich Antarctica to the ice-covered continent we know today underscores the potential for rapid and significant environmental changes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-redefining-earth-s-historical-record">Redefining Earth's historical record</h2>



<p>In summary, this study fills crucial knowledge gaps and transforms our comprehension of Antarctica's history. </p>



<p>As we delve deeper into Earth's past, we may uncover more important secrets hidden in its geological record.</p>



<p>Antarctica's journey from a landscape etched with rivers to its current icy expanse exemplifies our planet's dynamic nature. </p>



<p>Facing an uncertain climatic future, these insights into Earth's past may provide crucial guidance for understanding and addressing the changes ahead.</p>



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



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



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

Antarctica was once home to vast river systems traversing the continent

Imagine stepping into a time machine and traveling back 34...

<p>Prepare to rethink what you believe about the universe's darkest secrets. Some innovative researchers have unveiled new findings on dark matter that may necessitate a pivot in the field of cosmology. </p>



<p>They have unexpectedly stumbled upon novel evidence that could send ripples through our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/theory-gravity-exists-without-mass-so-dark-matter-does-not-exist/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">comprehension of the cosmos</a>.</p>



<p>One path-breaking scholar in this field is Tobias Mistele, a post-doctoral researcher at <a href="https://case.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Case Western University</a> engaged in the study of astronomy. </p>



<p>Mistele, an innovative force in his field, has pioneered a technique that uses gravitational lensing to penetrate the elusive mysteries of dark matter.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-galaxy-rotation-curves-and-dark-matter">Galaxy rotation curves and dark matter</h2>



<p>His brilliant work has shed light on a surprising phenomenon: the rotation curves of galaxies continue flat as far as the eye can see, or rather, as far as our telescopes can detect. </p>



<p>This is a direct contradiction to the previous belief that these curves must fall off the further you look into the abyss of space.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/existence-of-dark-matter-confirmed-by-new-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Diving deeper</a> into the ways galaxies operate, we encounter more mysteries that throw scientists off. Based on Newtonian gravity, it would seem logical for stars situated on the outer edges of galaxies to move slower due to the lower gravitational pull, yet the observable reality has proven otherwise.</p>



<p>Initially, this peculiar behavior was explained by the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-matter-may-reveal-the-origin-of-magnetic-fields/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unseen presence</a> of dark matter. However, even the influence of dark matter halos should taper off at some point, leading to an expected decline in flat rotation curves. </p>



<p>But Mistele's careful analysis paints a different picture: the influence of this so-called dark matter stretches at least a million light-years from the galactic center, far beyond our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neutron-stars-may-hold-the-key-to-understanding-dark-matter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">previous estimations</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenging-existing-dark-matter-theories">Challenging existing dark matter theories</h2>



<p>The extensive reach of what we've been calling 'dark matter' brings into question whether our current understanding of dark matter is even accurate. </p>



<p>"This finding challenges existing models, suggesting there exist either vastly extended dark matter halos or that we need to fundamentally reevaluate our understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/visible-matter-dark-matter-evolved-together-big-bang/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gravitational theory</a>," Mistele explained.</p>



<p>This upheaval of established ideas pushes us to think beyond what we've accepted as truth for so long.</p>



<p>Backing up Mistele's work, Stacy McGaugh, professor and director of the Department of Astronomy, lauds the profound implications of this discovery. </p>



<p>"It not only could redefine our understanding of dark matter but also beckons us to explore alternative <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unraveling-gravity-quantum-nature-entanglement-mechanics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">theories of gravity</a>, challenging the very fabric of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-holes-are-not-the-secret-source-of-dark-matter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">modern astrophysics</a>," McGaugh remarks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wit-and-wisdom-of-einstein-still-at-play">Wit and wisdom of Einstein still at play</h2>



<p>The crucial technique in Mistele's research is <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-galaxy-jwst-er1g-dark-matter-einstein-ring-mystery-solved/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gravitational lensing</a>, predicted by no other than Albert Einstein himself, in his theory of general relativity. </p>



<p>This intriguing phenomenon occurs when the mass of an object -- such as a galaxy cluster or even a single massive star -- bends the path of light from a different source. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/gravitational-lensing_diagram_mond_dark-matter_ESA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/gravitational-lensing_diagram_mond_dark-matter_ESA_1s.jpg" alt="Diagram explaining gravitational lensing. Credit: ESA" class="wp-image-1937664"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Diagram explaining gravitational lensing. Credit: ESA</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>The bending happens because the object's mass distorts spacetime around it, and it seems to continue over much larger scales than anticipated.</p>



<p>"Mistele's discovery underscores the necessity for further exploration and collaboration within the scientific community -- and the possible <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cosmic-glitch-in-gravity-expands-the-theory-of-general-relativity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">analysis of other data</a>," McGaugh states. </p>



<p>It is this spirit of collaboration and exploration that will guide the next steps in this exciting chapter of cosmic research.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-do-we-go-from-here">Where do we go from here?</h2>



<p>The core takeaway from these findings is that the mysteries of the universe might be even more profound than we initially thought. </p>



<p>Either our understanding of dark matter needs to be expanded, or perhaps, as McGaugh pointedly remarks, "the whole paradigm is wrong."</p>



<p>Some have even suggested that existing evidence for dark matter could be pointing to a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/matter-spacetime-gravitational-waves-fabric-of-the-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new theory of gravity</a> that surpasses what Einstein taught us. </p>



<p>Regardless of the path forward, one thing is clear: we're on the cusp of a paradigm shift, and the scientific community is more eager than ever to embrace it.</p>



<p>In summary, the startling discovery that the influence of dark matter extends much farther than previously thought presents a whole new level of complexity to our understanding of the cosmos. </p>



<p>Whether we're headed towards an expanded view of dark matter or a fundamentally new theory of gravity, this important research signifies a pivotal moment in the field of cosmology.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://arxiv.org/abs/2406.09685">arXiv</a></em>.</p>



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



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

Dark matter's cosmic influence extends much farther than previously known

Prepare to rethink what you believe about the universe's darkest...

<p>Imagine Antarctica. You're probably visualizing vast, pristine landscapes of endless snow and frost. But as you read this, an unseen threat might be quietly destabilizing the continent's icy terrain.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Globally, scientists have been keeping a close eye on Antarctica, particularly its ice shelves' condition. And they just highlighted something alarming - there's double the previously estimated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ice-shelves-are-fracturing-from-meltwater-weight/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volume</a> of meltwater present.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This meltwater is largely composed of “slush,” or water-drenched snow, that blankets over half of Antarctica's ice shelves during summer.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoding-the-ice-shelves">Decoding the ice shelves</h2>



<p>Interestingly, this discovery wasn't the result of a physical expedition but spawned from an innovative union of science and artificial intelligence.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Though ice shelves' surfaces accumulate water during the summer months, spotting this slush-filled meltwater has proved challenging.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"We can use satellite imagery to map meltwater lakes across much of Antarctica, but it's hard to map slush because it looks like other things, such as shadows from clouds, when viewed from a satellite,” said study lead author Rebecca Dell from the <a href="https://www.spri.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scott Polar Research Institute</a> (SPRI) at the University of Cambridge.</p>



<p>But artificial intelligence presented effective solutions to this tricky problem. Utilizing the optical data from NASA's Landsat 8 satellite and training a machine learning model to work with more light wavelengths than the human eye can perceive, the researchers successfully generated monthly records of slush and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ice-sheets-can-retreat-much-faster-than-previously-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">meltwater</a> lakes across 57 Antarctic ice shelves from 2013 to 2021.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-silent-struggle-of-the-ice-shelves">Silent struggle of the ice shelves</h2>



<p>Why is this discovery so significant? Well, it lies in the intricate dance of ice, slush, and water. The researchers discovered that in January, at the height of the Antarctic summer, over half (57%) of all meltwater on Antarctica's ice shelves exists as slush.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This slush has never been mapped on a large scale across all of Antarctica’s large ice shelves, so over half of all surface meltwater has been ignored until now,” noted Dell. “This is potentially significant for the hydrofracture process, where the weight of meltwater can create or enlarge fractures in the ice.”</p>



<p>The fractures can destabilize the continent's surrounding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ice-shelves-are-much-thinner-than-previously-estimated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice shelves</a>. As climate changes lead to increased melting, this meltwater - whether in lakes or slush form - can seep into ice cracks, expanding them.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This can trigger fractures and the collapse of ice shelves, accelerating inland glacier ice flow into the ocean and contributing to sea level rise.</p>



<p>“Since slush is more solid than meltwater, it won’t cause hydrofracture in the same way that water from a lake does, but it’s definitely something we need to consider when attempting to predict how or whether ice shelves will collapse,” said study co-author Ian Willis, a scientist at SPRI.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-melting-models-are-we-missing-something">Melting models: Are we missing something?</h2>



<p>Aside from hydrofracture, slush also severely impacts melt rates. As darker and less reflective surfaces, slush and lakes absorb more heat than snow or ice, causing increased snowmelt.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Unfortunately, these factors are not currently represented in climate models, which could lead to underestimating ice sheet <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ice-sheet-fracture-sets-a-speed-record-in-antarctica/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">melting</a> and ice shelf stability.</p>



<p>“I was surprised that this meltwater was so poorly accounted for in climate models,” said Dell. “Our job as scientists is to reduce uncertainty, so we always want to improve our models so they are as accurate as possible.”</p>



<p>“In the future, it’s likely that places in Antarctica that currently don’t have any water or slush will start to change. As the climate continues to warm, more melting will occur, which could have implications for ice stability and sea level rise,” said Willis.</p>



<p>The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41561-024-01466-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Geoscience</em></a>.</p>



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

Hidden threat lurking in Antarctica's ice shelves

Imagine Antarctica. You're probably visualizing vast, pristine landscapes of endless...

A,Vacuum,Device

<p>Scientists have produced a rare form of quantum matter known as a Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) using molecules instead of atoms.</p>



<p>Made from chilled sodium-cesium molecules, these BECs are as chilly as five nanoKelvin, or about -459.66 °F, and stay stable for a remarkable two seconds.</p>



<p>“These molecular BECs open up an new research arenas, from understanding truly fundamental physics to advancing powerful quantum simulations,” noted <a href="https://www.columbia.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Columbia University</a> physicist <a href="https://www.will-lab.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sebastian Will</a>. “We've reached an exciting milestone, but it's just the kick-off.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-bose-einstein-condensate-bec">Understanding Bose-Einstein Condensate (BEC)</h2>



<p>A Bose-Einstein Condensate (BEC) represents a state of matter that occurs when a collection of bosons, particles that follow <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mit-scientists-create-new-matter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bose-Einstein</a> statistics, are cooled to temperatures very close to absolute zero. </p>



<p>Under such extreme conditions, a significant fraction of the bosons occupy the lowest quantum state, resulting in macroscopic quantum phenomena. </p>



<p>This means that they behave as a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/super-photons-fascinating-behavior-in-quantum-realm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">single quantum entity</a>, effectively "collapsing" into a single wave function that can be easily described using the principles of quantum mechanics.</p>



<p>The fascinating aspect of BECs stems from their superfluid properties -- exhibiting zero viscosity as they flow, which allows them to move without dissipating energy. </p>



<p>This unique property enables BECs to simulate other quantum systems and explore new realms of physics. </p>



<p>For instance, studying BECs can provide insights into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/finding-quantum-coherence-chemical-reaction-chaos/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum coherence</a>, phase transitions, and many-body interactions in quantum gases. </p>



<p>The creation of molecular BECs, like those involving sodium-cesium molecules, extends this exploration even further, potentially leading to breakthroughs in quantum computing and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-realm-controlled-at-room-temperature-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">precision measurements</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ultracold-bec-odyssey">Ultracold BEC odyssey</h2>



<p>The journey of BECs is a long and winding one, dating back a century to the works of physicists Satyendra Nath Bose and Albert Einstein. </p>



<p>They prophesied that a cluster of particle cooled to the brink of standstill would merge into a singular macro-entity, governed by the dictates of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-entanglement-discovery-is-a-revolutionary-step-forward/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum mechanics</a>. The first true atomic BECs emerged in 1995, 70 years after the original theoretical predictions.</p>



<p>Atomic BECs have always been relatively simple - round objects with minimal polarity-based interactions. But the scientific community came to crave a more complex version of BECs compiled of molecules, albeit with no avail. </p>



<p>Finally, in 2008, the first breakthrough came when a duo of physicists chilled a gas of potassium-rubidium molecules to about 350 nanoKelvin. The quest for achieving an even lower temperature to cross the BEC threshold continued.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microwaves-the-chilling-solution">Microwaves: The chilling solution</h2>



<p>In 2023, the initial step towards this goal was achieved when the research group created their desired ultracold sodium-cesium molecule gas using a blend of laser cooling and magnetic manipulations. To further decrease the temperature, they decided to introduce microwaves. </p>



<p>Microwaves can construct small shields around each molecule, preventing them from colliding and leading to a drop in the overall temperature of the sample.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-propelling-into-quantum-control-era">Propelling into quantum control era</h2>



<p>The group's achievement of creating a molecular BEC represents a spectacular accomplishment in quantum control technology. </p>



<p>This brilliant piece of scientific work is bound to impact a multitude of scientific fields, from the study of quantum chemistry to the exploration of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-is-a-virtual-world-and-humans-play-the-roles-of-its-characters-new-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">complex quantum materials</a>.</p>



<p>“We really have a thorough understanding of the interactions in this system, which is vital for the subsequent steps, like exploring dipolar many-body physics,” said co-author and Columbia postdoc Ian Stevenson. </p>



<p>The research team developed schemes to control interactions, tested these from a theoretical angle, and executed them in the actual experiment. It's truly wondrous to witness the realization of these microwave ‘shielding’ concepts in the lab.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unfurling-a-new-canvas-in-quantum-physics">Unfurling a new canvas in quantum physics</h2>



<p>The creation of molecular BECs enables the fulfilment of numerous theoretical predictions. The stable nature of these molecular BECs allows extensive exploration of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/radical-new-theory-finally-unites-gravity-spacetime-and-the-quantum-realm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum physics</a>. </p>



<p>A proposition to build artificial crystals with BECs held in a laser-made optical lattice might provide a comprehensive simulation of interactions in natural crystals.</p>



<p>On switching from a three-dimensional system to a two-dimensional one, new physics is expected to emerge. This area of research opens up a plethora of possibilities in the study of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/molecules-scramble-quantum-information-equally-well-black-holes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum phenomena</a>, including superconductivity and superfluidity, amongst others.</p>



<p>“This feels like a whole new universe of possibilities unveiling itself,” Sebastian Will concluded, summing up the enthusiasm in the scientific community.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-becs-from-atoms-to-molecules">BECs: From atoms to molecules</h2>



<p>In summary, this research chronicles the successful creation of a Bose-Einstein Condensate (BEC) using ultracold sodium-cesium molecules, reaching a stable state at five nanoKelvin for two seconds. </p>



<p>Leveraging a combination of laser cooling, magnetic manipulations, and innovative microwave shielding, the research group and their theoretical collaborator achieved unprecedented control over molecular interactions at <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/impossible-quantum-effects-observed-atoms-positioned-closely-together/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum levels</a>. </p>



<p>This milestone enables comprehensive exploration of quantum phenomena such as coherence, phase transitions, and many-body interactions, potentially unlocking new avenues in quantum simulations, quantum computing, and precision measurements.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07492-z">Nature</a></em>.</p>



<p>Special thanks to Ellen Neff from Columbia University. </p>



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Rare form of quantum matter created with molecules for the first time

Scientists have produced a rare form of quantum matter known...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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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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Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>

Social modeling affects our food choices

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists discover we age in bursts

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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