<p>Far beneath our feet, beyond the Earth's rocky mantle and molten outer core, lies a dense, solid sphere of iron and other elements like carbon. </p>



<p>This inner core is Earth’s deepest secret, shaping the magnetic field that shields our planet. Yet, scientists still puzzle over how it first formed and what ingredients allowed it to crystallize.</p>



<p>A new study by researchers from the University of Leeds, University of Oxford, and <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University College London</a> provides fresh insight. </p>



<p>Their findings reveal that carbon may have been the key element that enabled the inner core to solidify billions of years ago.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-earth-s-core-composition-matters">Why Earth's core composition matters</h2>



<p>The makeup of Earth’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-inner-core-proven-to-be-rapidly-changing-and-now-rotating-backwards/">core</a> determines not only its density but also its thermal and magnetic behavior. </p>



<p>Seismology shows that the core is less dense than pure iron, meaning lighter elements must be present. Candidates like silicon, sulphur, oxygen, and carbon have all been considered.</p>



<p>The latest simulations show that carbon, in particular, may have been essential. Without it, the inner core’s crystallization would have required impossible conditions, making its very existence a mystery.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/earth-inner-core_hidden-chemistry_illustration_credit-Alfred-Wilson_1m.jpg"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/earth-inner-core_hidden-chemistry_illustration_credit-Alfred-Wilson_1s.webp" alt="Drawing of Earth with cutaway showing the mantle and inner and outer core. Magnetic field lines produced by the geodynamo extend into space and interact with the solar wind. The iron-rich core at Earth's center is slowly freezing from the inside out. Credit: Dr. Alfred Wilson" class="wp-image-1984775"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Drawing of Earth with cutaway showing the mantle and inner and outer core. Magnetic field lines produced by the geodynamo extend into space and interact with the solar wind. The iron-rich core at Earth's center is slowly freezing from the inside out. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Dr. Alfred Wilson</em></figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-supercooling-paradox">The supercooling paradox</h2>



<p>Liquids rarely freeze solid the instant they cool past their <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/melting-point" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">melting point</a>. Instead, they must be supercooled, chilled further before crystals can form. </p>



<p>For molten iron alone, estimates suggested that a massive 800 to 1000 °C (1472 to 1832 °F) of supercooling would be needed.</p>



<p>If that had occurred, the consequences for our planet would have been dramatic. </p>



<p>The inner core would have grown far too quickly, disrupting the delicate balance of heat flow inside <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-inner-core-is-not-solid-it-is-shape-shifting-time-for-textbooks-to-be-rewritten/">Earth</a> and destabilizing the magnetic field that protects life from harmful solar and cosmic radiation.</p>



<p>Scientists know this did not happen. Geophysical evidence points instead to a modest level of supercooling, limited to about 250 °C (482 °F). </p>



<p>That small difference between theoretical predictions and observational reality has puzzled researchers for decades.</p>



<p>This contradiction, known as the inner core nucleation paradox, continues to inspire debate, experiments, and advanced simulations aimed at uncovering the true chemistry of Earth’s deepest layers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-simulating-the-impossible">Simulating the impossible</h2>



<p>To resolve the paradox, the research team ran atomic-scale simulations of iron mixed with different light elements. </p>



<p>They tested silicon, sulfur, oxygen, and carbon, and watched how each affected the first step of freezing: nucleation.</p>



<p>“Each of these elements exists in the overlying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-an-ocean-of-fire-shaped-early-earths-core-according-to-a-new-study/">mantle</a> and could therefore have been dissolved into the core during Earth’s history,” explained co-author Associate Professor Andrew Walker from the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a>.</p>



<p>“As a result, these could explain why we have a solid inner core with relatively little supercooling at this depth. The presence of one or more of these elements could also rationalize why the core is less dense than pure iron, a key observation from seismology.”</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/earth-inner-core_cross-section_convection_credit-Alfred-Wilson_1m.jpg"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/earth-inner-core_cross-section_convection_credit-Alfred-Wilson_1s.webp" alt="Cross section of the Earth showing the mantle, outer core and inner core. Convection in the outer core produces Earth's geomagnetic field. The properties of Earth's iron-rich core are key to understanding our planet's deep interior, from its temperature to the way it generates the global magnetic field. The core's exact chemistry remains unknown. Credit: Dr. Alfred Wilson" class="wp-image-1984773"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Cross section of the Earth showing the mantle, outer core and inner core. Convection in the outer core produces Earth's geomagnetic field. The properties of Earth's iron-rich core are key to understanding our planet's deep interior, from its temperature to the way it generates the global magnetic field. The core's exact chemistry remains unknown. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Dr. Alfred Wilson</em></figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-drives-earth-s-core-freezing">Carbon drives Earth's core freezing</h2>



<p>The simulations revealed that silicon and sulfur actually hindered freezing, which would have increased the supercooling requirement. Carbon, however, had the opposite effect.</p>



<p>With 2.4 % carbon, the required supercooling dropped to about 420 °C (788 °F). Still too high, but much closer to reality. </p>



<p>Extrapolating further, a carbon content of 3.8 % reduced the figure to 266 °C (511 °F), which is consistent with geological evidence.</p>



<p>This makes carbon the only element so far shown to both enable nucleation and align with seismic observations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-no-seeds-needed">No seeds needed</h2>



<p>Unlike hail forming around dust in clouds, Earth’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-discover-how-gold-reaches-earths-surface-from-the-mantle/">core</a> appears to have frozen without “nucleation seeds.” </p>



<p>Tests of possible seed materials, like oxides or metals, show they would melt or dissolve before reaching the center. That leaves chemistry itself, specifically the presence of carbon, as the driver of solidification.</p>



<p>“It is exciting to see how atomic scale processes control the fundamental structure and dynamics of our planet," said lead author Dr. Alfred Wilson from the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Leeds</a>. </p>



<p>"By studying how Earth’s inner core formed, we are not just learning about our planet’s past. We’re getting a rare glimpse into the chemistry of a region we can never hope to reach directly and learning about how it could change in the future.”</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/earth-inner-core_iron-carbon-atoms-nucleating_credit-Alfred-Wilson_1m.jpg"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/earth-inner-core_iron-carbon-atoms-nucleating_credit-Alfred-Wilson_1s.webp" alt="Drawing of iron and carbon atoms nucleating to form solids which could initiate growth of Earth's solid inner core. The study used atomic scale simulations to identify solids nucleating in supercooled liquids. Carbon atoms can accelerate this process, perhaps enough to trigger the freezing of Earth's solid inner core. Credit: Dr. Alfred Wilson" class="wp-image-1984777"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Drawing of iron and carbon atoms nucleating to form solids which could initiate growth of Earth's solid inner core. The study used atomic scale simulations to identify solids nucleating in supercooled liquids. Carbon atoms can accelerate this process, perhaps enough to trigger the freezing of Earth's solid inner core. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Dr. Alfred Wilson</em></figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-s-role-in-earth-s-core">Carbon's role in Earth’s core</h2>



<p>The research also helps refine estimates of when the inner core formed. Some argue it began crystallizing over two billion years ago, while others suggest it happened less than half a billion years ago. </p>



<p>By identifying carbon as the critical player, scientists can narrow down these timelines. </p>



<p>This enables a better understanding of how Earth’s deep engine has evolved to influence the magnetic field, surface conditions, and even the long-term habitability of our planet.</p>



<p>The message is clear: carbon is more than a surface element of life. It may also be the hidden architect of Earth’s inner heart, shaping its stability across geological time.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-62841-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.</em></p>



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



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



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



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

Scientists have changed their minds again about the composition of Earth's core

Far beneath our feet, beyond the Earth's rocky mantle and molten outer core, lies a dense, solid sphere of iron and other elements like carbon. This inner core is Earth’s deepest secret, shaping the magnetic field that shields our planet. Yet, scientists still puzzle over how it first formed and what ingredients allowed it to crystallize. A new study by researchers from the University of Leeds, University of Oxford, and University College London provides fresh insight. Their findings reveal that carbon may have been the key element...

<p>A recent study has revealed a potential grid system in Earth's plants, shedding new light on renewable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/renewable-energy-is-the-latest-threat-to-bird-populations/">energy</a> sources and their connection to plant circadian rhythms.</p>



<p>Researchers from the <a href="https://www.iitkgp.ac.in/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur</a> have explored how the natural 24-hour cycles of plants could be harnessed to generate electricity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-renewable-energy">Renewable energy</h2>



<p>Renewable energy comes from natural sources that can replenish themselves over short periods, unlike fossil fuels, which take millions of years to form. </p>



<p>Major renewable energy <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bamboo-plants-shows-great-potential-to-become-the-next-big-renewable-energy-source/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sources</a> include solar power, wind power, hydropower, geothermal energy, and biomass. Solar power harnesses energy from the sun using photovoltaic cells, while wind power captures the kinetic energy of wind using turbines. Hydropower generates electricity from flowing water in rivers or dams. </p>



<p>Geothermal energy taps into the Earth's internal heat, often from hot springs or volcanic activity. Biomass energy derives from organic materials, such as plant and animal waste, which can be converted into electricity or fuel. </p>



<p>Renewable energy is crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, mitigating climate change, and providing sustainable power for the future. It offers a cleaner, more sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, contributing to energy security and environmental preservation.</p>



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



<p>The research team investigated the effects of attaching electrodes to water hyacinths and lucky bamboo.</p>



<p>"Our eureka moment was when our first experiments showed it is possible to produce electricity in a cyclic rhythm and the precise linkage between this and the plant's inherent daily rhythm," explained study co-author Suman Chakraborty.</p>



<p>The experts linked this relationship to water transpiration and the ions carried through the plant's sap ascent.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enhancing-renewable-energy-with-plant-power">Enhancing renewable energy with plant power</h2>



<p>By examining the plants' electrical rhythms and measuring the power output in sustainable ways, the researchers found an all-natural power grid right beneath our feet. </p>



<p>Although the scale of the output remains uncertain, this discovery could enhance our renewable energy capacity. </p>



<p>In 2023, renewable energy expanded by 510 gigawatts globally, and adding plants to the mix could reduce costs and reliance on fossil fuels. Furthermore, plants remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, offering dual benefits.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-previous-inspirations-and-technological-advances">Previous inspirations and technological advances</h2>



<p>Plants have long inspired researchers to explore <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bioelectric-future-harnessing-the-natural-energy-of-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural energy</a> potentials. Previously, a team created "power plants" using leaf-shaped generators to harness energy from wind and rain. </p>



<p>Another company, Plant-e, developed technology that captures electrons released into the soil during photosynthesis to power small sensors and lighting.</p>



<p>In 2013, researchers at the University of Georgia's Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center studied plants' energy storage capabilities, aiming to improve <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/solar-power-has-won-the-prize-to-become-earths-main-source-of-energy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar power technology</a>.</p>



<p>"Plants are the undisputed champions of solar power," the <a href="https://www.uga.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Georgia</a> article stated. "After billions of years of evolution, most of them operate at nearly 100 percent quantum efficiency."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-opportunities-in-agrivoltaic-farming">Future opportunities in agrivoltaic farming </h2>



<p>The integration of plants and solar power extends beyond energy generation. Agrivoltaic farming, where farmland is shared with solar panels, offers mutual benefits.</p>



<p>Plants and animals benefit from the shade provided by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/floating-solar-panels-could-power-entire-countries/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar panels</a>, while plants cool their environment through transpiration, enhancing panel efficiency.</p>



<p>Battery manufacturers have also turned to plants for solutions, using extracts to potentially extend the lifespan of zinc-based power cells.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plants-as-renewable-energy-sources">Plants as renewable energy sources</h2>



<p>The discovery of plants as a renewable energy source is a promising step towards a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nature-inspires-solutions-for-a-sustainable-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sustainable future</a>.</p>



<p>By understanding and harnessing the natural rhythms of plants, we can develop innovative solutions to meet our energy needs while protecting the environment. </p>



<p>The journey to fully realize this potential is ongoing, but the possibilities are vast and exciting.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-applications-of-renewable-energy-from-plants">Applications of renewable energy from plants</h2>



<p>The integration of plant-based renewable energy systems could revolutionize urban planning and architecture. Imagine city buildings designed with green roofs and walls, where plants not only provide insulation and aesthetic value but also generate electricity. </p>



<p>This approach could transform skyscrapers into self-sustaining ecosystems, reducing energy costs and enhancing air quality. Additionally, advancements in biotechnology might enable the genetic modification of plants to optimize their energy production capabilities, further increasing their efficiency as natural power sources. </p>



<p>Exploring the synergy between plant biology and renewable energy technology could open up new frontiers in sustainable development, offering innovative solutions to global energy challenges and environmental conservation efforts.</p>



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



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



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



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

Tapping into the natural power of plants for renewable energy

A recent study has revealed a potential grid system in...

<p>Saturn’s largest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saturn-moon-mimas-has-remarkably-young-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moon</a>, Titan, is the only other planetary body in our solar system with active rivers, lakes, seas and waves. These rivers are thought to be filled with liquid methane and ethane, flowing into large lakes and seas that rival the <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-great-lakes-are-running-low-on-ice-cover/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Great Lakes</a> on Earth.</p>



<p>According to NASA, the largest of Titan's seas are hundreds of feet deep and hundreds of miles wide.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In 2007, NASA’s Cassini spacecraft confirmed the existence of Titan’s large seas and smaller lakes. Since then, scientists have been analyzing these and other images to understand Titan’s mysterious liquid environment. </p>



<p>A recent study by geologists has revealed that waves likely shaped Titan’s large seas, a finding based on simulations rather than direct observations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-simulating-waves-on-titan">Simulating waves on Titan</h2>



<p>Geologists from the <a href="https://web.mit.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Massachusetts Institute of Technology</a> explored Titan’s shorelines using simulations. They first modeled how a lake erodes on Earth and then applied these models to Titan’s seas to identify the most likely erosion mechanisms seen in Cassini’s images.</p>



<p>Waves, they concluded, were the most probable cause. Direct observations of wave activity on Titan are still needed to confirm this theory.</p>



<p>“If the coastlines of Titan’s seas have eroded, waves are the most likely culprit,” explained Taylor Perron, a professor of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences at MIT.</p>



<p>“Standing at the edge of one of Titan’s seas, we might see waves of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dragonfly-space-mission-saturn-moon-titan-gets-greenlight/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">liquid methane</a> and ethane lapping on the shore and crashing during storms, capable of eroding the coastal material.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-wave-activity-on-titan">Understanding wave activity on Titan </h2>



<p>The presence of waves on Titan has been debated since Cassini spotted liquid bodies on the surface of the moon. Some scientists saw no evidence of waves, describing the seas as "mirror-smooth," while others noticed roughness but could not confirm if it was caused by waves.</p>



<p>Understanding wave activity on Titan could provide insights into the moon’s climate, wind strength, and how its seas might evolve over time.</p>



<p>Instead of searching for direct wave evidence in images, the MIT team examined the shape of the shorelines to deduce what might be eroding the coasts. Titan’s seas are believed to have formed as rising liquid levels flooded a landscape crisscrossed by river valleys. </p>



<p>The researchers considered three scenarios: erosion driven by waves, no coastal erosion, and uniform erosion driven by dissolution or gradual sloughing off of the coast under its own weight.</p>



<p>Based on a property known as fetch, which is the distance over which wind can blow and waves can grow, they simulated how shoreline shapes would evolve under each scenario. The simulations showed that wave-driven <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coastal-erosion-is-picking-up-speed-across-the-arctic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">erosion</a> produced distinctly different shoreline shapes compared to uniform erosion.</p>



<p>“We found that you get a really different final shape under uniform erosion versus wave erosion,” said Perron. “Wave erosion mainly smooths parts of the shorelines exposed to long fetch distances, leaving the flooded valleys narrow and rough.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comparing-earth-and-titan">Comparing Earth and Titan</h2>



<p>The researchers validated their simulations by comparing them to actual lakes on Earth. They observed the same differences in shape between Earth lakes eroded by waves and those affected by uniform erosion.</p>



<p>The team then focused on Titan’s largest, well-mapped seas: Kraken Mare, Ligeia Mare, Punga Mare, and Ontario Lacus.</p>



<p>Mapping Titan’s shorelines using Cassini’s radar images, the researchers found that all four seas fit solidly within the wave-driven erosion model. This suggests that waves likely shaped these seas.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strength-of-titan-s-winds">Strength of Titan’s winds</h2>



<p>The team is now working to determine how strong Titan’s winds must be in order to generate waves capable of eroding the coasts. By studying the shapes of Titan's shorelines, the experts also aim to identify the predominant wind directions.</p>



<p>This dual approach helps to understand how wind forces contribute to coastal erosion and the overall landscape dynamics of Titan. The insights could provide valuable information about the moon’s climate and its evolving geological <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stealth-ocean-discovered-on-one-of-saturns-moons/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">features</a>.</p>



<p>“Titan presents a case of a completely untouched system,” noted Rose Palermo, a former MIT-WHOI Joint Program graduate student and a research geologist at the U.S. Geological Survey.</p>



<p>“It could help us learn more fundamental things about how coasts erode without human influence, and maybe that can help us better manage our coastlines on Earth in the future.”</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adn4192">Science Advances</a></em>.</p>



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



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



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



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

Saturn's moon Titan has shorelines shaped by waves

Saturn’s largest moon, Titan, is the only other planetary body...

<p>Resilience,&nbsp;the ability to bounce back from adversity,&nbsp;isn't just a mental trait.&nbsp;New research from <a href="https://www.ucla.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCLA</a> Health suggests resilience is deeply connected to both our brain activity and the bustling <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-migrate-from-the-gut-to-other-organs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystem</a> within our gut,&nbsp;the microbiome.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gut-brain-resilience-connection">Gut-brain-resilience connection</h2>



<p>Scientists have long known about the intricate link between the gut and the brain,&nbsp;often referred to as the "gut-brain axis." This bidirectional communication system involves a complex interplay of nerves,&nbsp;hormones,&nbsp;and immune cells.</p>



<p>But what about resilience?&nbsp;Could our ability to cope with stress,&nbsp;a key component of resilience,&nbsp;be influenced by the gut microbiome?&nbsp;That's the question a team of researchers at UCLA Health set out to answer.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-during-resilience">Brain during resilience </h2>



<p>In a recent study,&nbsp;the researchers surveyed 116 people about their resilience, examining factors like trust in one's instincts and acceptance of change.&nbsp;They also conducted MRI scans to analyze brain activity and collected stool samples to assess gut microbiome composition.</p>



<p>"If we can identify what a healthy resilient brain and microbiome look like, then we can develop targeted interventions to those areas to reduce stress," said Dr.&nbsp;Arpana Gupta,&nbsp;the study's senior author and co-director of the UCLA <a href="https://www.uclahealth.org/departments/medicine/gastro/microbiome" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Goodman-Luskin Microbiome Center</a>.</p>



<p>The results were fascinating.&nbsp;Individuals with high resilience scores showed distinct patterns of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/largest-ever-3d-map-of-human-brain-created-by-harvard-and-google/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain</a> activity,&nbsp;with heightened activity in regions associated with emotional regulation and cognition.</p>



<p>In essence,&nbsp;resilient individuals seem to have better "brakes" on their emotional responses to stress,&nbsp;preventing them from spiraling into anxiety or catastrophizing.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"But the highly resilient individuals in the study were found to be better at regulating their emotions, less likely to catastrophize, and keep a level head," noted Desiree Delgadillo, one of the study's lead authors.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-resilient-gut-a-thriving-ecosystem">Resilient gut: A thriving ecosystem</h2>



<p>The surprises didn't stop there. The researchers also found that the gut microbiomes of highly resilient individuals were different.</p>



<p>People with high resilience had microbiomes that produced brain metabolites and exhibited gene activity associated with low inflammation and a strong, healthy gut barrier.</p>



<p>The gut barrier,&nbsp;a layer of cells lining the intestines,&nbsp;acts as a gatekeeper,&nbsp;controlling what enters the body from the gut.&nbsp;A weakened <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/high-fat-diets-cause-high-anxiety-through-changes-in-gut-bacteria/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gut</a> barrier,&nbsp;often called "leaky gut," has been linked to various health problems,&nbsp;including inflammation and impaired nutrient absorption.</p>



<p>The fact that a strong gut barrier was associated with high resilience was a significant discovery,&nbsp;suggesting a whole-body connection to this critical trait.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-resilience-a-whole-body-phenomenon">Resilience: A whole-body phenomenon</h2>



<p>"Resilience truly is a whole-body phenomenon that not only affects your brain but also your microbiome and what metabolites that it is producing," said Dr.&nbsp;Gupta.</p>



<p>These findings open up a whole new avenue for understanding and potentially enhancing resilience and its connection to gut and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mental-maps-help-the-brain-remember-places-and-paths/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain</a>.</p>



<p>"We have this whole community of microbes in our gut that exudes these therapeutic properties and biochemicals, so I’m looking forward to building upon this research," stated Delgadillo,&nbsp;the postdoctoral researcher,&nbsp;is excited about the future of this research.</p>



<p>The team's future research will delve deeper into this connection,&nbsp;exploring whether interventions to boost resilience can actually change brain and gut microbiome activity.&nbsp;If so,&nbsp;this could lead to novel treatments that target both the brain and the gut,&nbsp;potentially preventing diseases linked to chronic stress.</p>



<p>"We could have treatments that target both the brain and the gut that can maybe one day prevent disease," Gupta said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-resilience-is-more-than-meets-the-eye">Resilience is more than meets the eye</h2>



<p>The research broadens the definition of resilience beyond psychological factors, revealing a significant physiological component linked to gut health. </p>



<p>The study indicates that resilience is a multi-faceted trait influenced by both the brain's emotional regulation processes and the gut microbiome's composition and activity. </p>



<p>While the exact mechanisms underlying this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gut-bacteria-influence-our-social-behavior-and-sense-of-fairness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gut</a>-brain-resilience connection remain to be fully elucidated, the findings offer promising implications for developing novel interventions to enhance resilience. </p>



<p>By focusing on strategies that promote both mental well-being and a healthy gut microbiome,&nbsp;individuals may be able to cultivate greater resilience,&nbsp;enabling them to cope more effectively with stress and adversity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This holistic approach to resilience recognizes the interconnectedness of mind and body, highlighting the importance of addressing both mental and physical health in order to achieve optimal well-being and adaptability in the face of life's challenges.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s44220-024-00266-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Mental Health</em></a>.</p>



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



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



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



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

Resilience is surprisingly linked to gut and brain health

Resilience,&nbsp;the ability to bounce back from adversity,&nbsp;isn't just a mental...

<p>In a remarkable archaeological study, a team of researchers has identified what is now considered the oldest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wine-drinking-in-the-americas-traced-back-to-the-15th-century/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wine</a> ever found in still in liquid form.</p>



<p>The wine was discovered in an ancient Roman tomb in Carmona, Spain, where six individuals were buried over 2,000 years ago.</p>



<p>Among them were Hispana and Senicio, whose funerary rituals have provided us with an extraordinary glimpse into ancient practices.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-wine-in-a-roman-tomb">Ancient wine in a Roman tomb</h2>



<p>The Roman tomb was unearthed by archaeologists in 2019. Among the remains, a man’s bones were immersed in a liquid within a glass urn. This liquid, preserved since the first century AD, had taken on a reddish hue.</p>



<p>Initially, it was hard to believe that the liquid could remain intact for over two millennia. However, the tomb’s exceptional <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/warm-summers-and-wet-winters-produce-superior-quality-wine/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation conditions</a>, being fully sealed and intact, allowed the liquid to be preserved without external contamination.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-once-in-a-lifetime-discovery">Once-in-a-lifetime discovery</h2>



<p>The initial surprise gave way to scientific curiosity. To verify that the liquid was indeed wine, researchers from the <a href="https://www.uco.es/quimica-organica/index.php/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Organic Chemistry</a> at the University of Cordoba conducted a series of chemical analyses.</p>



<p>The research was led by Professor José Rafael Ruiz Arrebola in collaboration with the City of Carmona. The analyses were performed at the Central Research Support Service (SCAI).</p>



<p>“It’s something unique,” said Ruiz Arrebola. “We have been lucky to find it and analyze it – it’s something you only see once in your life.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-wine-analysis">Ancient wine analysis</h2>



<p>The team examined the liquid's pH, mineral salts, and chemical compounds related to the glass urn and the bones. They compared these findings to modern wines from Montilla-Moriles, Jerez, and Sanlúcar.</p>



<p>"Given that the liquid contained in the ash urn was about 2,000&nbsp;years old, determining its elemental composition was of utmost importance because any organic matter in it should either be present in very low contents or have disappeared altogether," noted the researchers.</p>



<p>They set out to detect specific polyphenols - biomarkers that are present in all wine. Using advanced techniques, the team identified seven polyphenols common among the modern wines examined for the study.</p>



<p>Notably, the absence of syringic acid indicated that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wine-production-in-a-warming-world-the-winners-and-losers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wine</a> was white, though its absence might also result from degradation over time.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gender-and-funerary-rituals">Gender and funerary rituals</h2>



<p>The discovery revealed more than just ancient wine; it also shed light on Roman funerary practices and gender roles.</p>



<p>In <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-that-ancient-rome-smelled-like-patchouli/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ancient Rome</a>, wine was predominantly a man’s drink, and women were generally prohibited from consuming it. This societal norm was reflected in the Carmona tomb.</p>



<p>The man's urn contained wine, a gold ring, and bone remains from his cremation bed. In contrast, the woman’s urn held amber jewels, a perfume bottle with patchouli scent, and silk fabric remnants - with no trace of wine.</p>



<p>These items were part of a funerary trousseau meant to accompany the deceased into the afterlife. Such practices highlight how death in ancient Rome had profound significance.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-roman-funerary-traditions">Roman funerary traditions</h2>



<p>The Carmona <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neolithic-tomb-reveals-ancient-burial-practices/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tomb</a>, once a circular mausoleum likely belonging to a wealthy family, now stands as a testament to the rich funerary traditions of ancient Rome.</p>



<p>Located along the road connecting Carmo with Hispalis (Seville), the mausoleum has offered invaluable insights into historical rituals.</p>



<p>The discovery of the world’s oldest wine not only brings us closer to understanding these ancient customs but also immortalizes Hispana, Senicio, and their companions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-the-ancient-wine">Significance of the ancient wine</h2>



<p>The implications of finding ancient wine extend into various fields of study and offer new avenues for future research.</p>



<p>Archaeologists and historians can further explore the sociocultural significance of wine in different ancient civilizations, comparing Roman practices with those of other cultures.</p>



<p>Chemists and biologists may analyze the wine's composition to understand ancient preservation techniques and agricultural practices, providing insights into how ancient peoples cultivated and stored their food and beverages.</p>



<p>"So far, all studies aimed at the chemical characterization of Roman wines - or ancient wines in general - have relied on analyses of absorbed remains (carboxylic acids and polyphenols, mainly) in various types of vessels, but never on liquids," noted the study authors.</p>



<p>Moreover, this discovery opens up possibilities for modern winemakers and food preservationists to learn from ancient methods, potentially reviving lost techniques that could improve contemporary practices.</p>



<p>The study is published in the <em><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352409X24002645?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Archaeological Science Reports</a></em>.</p>



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



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



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



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

2,000-year-old wine discovered in ancient Roman tomb

In a remarkable archaeological study, a team of researchers has...

<p>In late 2019, the previously unremarkable galaxy SDSS1335+0728 unexpectedly brightened, prompting astronomers to investigate the cause using data from various observatories, including the <a href="https://www.eso.org/public/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Southern Observatory</a>’s Very Large Telescope (ESO’s VLT). </p>



<p>The study, recently published in the journal <a href="https://www.eso.org/public/archives/releases/sciencepapers/eso2409/eso2409a.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Astronomy &amp; Astrophysics</em></a>, suggests an unprecedented event: the sudden awakening of the massive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supermassive-black-holes-are-very-messy-eaters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black hole</a> at the galaxy's core.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dramatic-changes-in-a-distant-galaxy-nbsp">Dramatic changes in a distant galaxy&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“Imagine you’ve been observing a distant galaxy for years, and it always seemed calm and inactive,” said Paula Sánchez Sáez, an astronomer at ESO. </p>



<p>“Suddenly, its core starts showing dramatic changes in brightness, unlike any typical events we've seen before.” </p>



<p>While phenomena like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-explosions-could-damage-distant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernova explosions</a> or tidal disruption events can cause galaxies to suddenly light up, these typically last only a short period. </p>



<p>However, SDSS1335+0728 has continued to grow brighter over four years. The galaxy, located 300 million light-years away in the constellation Virgo, displayed unusual brightness variations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unprecedented-behavior-nbsp">Unprecedented behavior&nbsp;</h2>



<p>To understand these changes, the team used archival data and new observations from several facilities, including the VLT’s X-shooter instrument.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By comparing data from before and after December 2019, they found that SDSS1335+0728 now emits much more light at ultraviolet, optical, and infrared wavelengths.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Additionally, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxies-like-our-own-milky-way-are-not-unique/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy</a> began emitting X-rays in February 2024. “This behavior is unprecedented,” Sánchez Sáez said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-activation-of-a-massive-black-hole">Activation of a massive black hole</h2>



<p>“The most tangible option to explain this phenomenon is that we are seeing how the [core] of the galaxy is beginning to show activity,” noted study co-author Lorena Hernández García, an astronomer at the <a href="https://www.valpo.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Valparaiso University</a>. </p>



<p>If this is true, it would be the first time the activation of a massive black hole has been observed in real time.</p>



<p>Massive black holes, with masses over one hundred thousand times that of our Sun, exist at the centers of most galaxies. “These giant monsters usually are sleeping and not directly visible,” said co-author Claudio Ricci, an astronomer at the <a href="https://diegoportalesuniversity.udp.cl/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Diego Portales University</a>. </p>



<p>“In the case of SDSS1335+0728, we were able to observe the awakening of the massive black hole, which suddenly started to feast on gas available in its surroundings, becoming very bright.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-witnessing-the-black-hole-s-awakening">Witnessing the black hole’s awakening</h2>



<p>This process had never been observed before. While previous studies have reported inactive galaxies becoming active after several years, this is the first time the actual awakening process has been witnessed.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This is something that could happen also to our own <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supermassive-black-hole-at-the-center-of-our-galaxy-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sgr A*</a>, the massive black hole located at the center of our galaxy,” although the likelihood is uncertain, Ricci said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-a-brightening-galaxy">Studying a brightening galaxy</h2>



<p>Follow-up observations are needed to rule out alternative explanations, such as a slow tidal disruption event or a new phenomenon.&nbsp;</p>



<p>If it is a tidal disruption event, it would be the longest and faintest one ever observed. Regardless of the cause, this event provides valuable insights into how black holes grow and evolve.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We expect that instruments like [MUSE on the VLT or those on the upcoming Extremely Large Telescope (ELT)] will be key in understanding why the galaxy is brightening,” Sánchez Sáez concluded.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-awakening-of-black-holes">Awakening of black holes</h2>



<p>The awakening of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/colossal-black-hole-found-in-our-galaxy-is-33-times-the-suns-mass/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black hole</a> refers to the process when a dormant or inactive black hole becomes active again. </p>



<p>This can occur when the black hole begins to accrete material from its surroundings, such as gas, dust, or even a star that ventures too close.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As the black hole pulls in this material, the intense gravitational forces cause the matter to heat up and emit radiation, often in the form of X-rays. This radiation can be detected by astronomers, signaling that the black hole has "awakened."</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-active-galactic-nuclei">Active galactic nuclei</h3>



<p>In the case of supermassive black holes located at the centers of galaxies, their reawakening can lead to the formation of active galactic nuclei (AGN).&nbsp;</p>



<p>These AGN can emit vast amounts of energy, sometimes outshining the entire galaxy in which they reside.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-particle-jets">Particle jets</h3>



<p>The process of awakening can also produce powerful jets of particles that shoot out from the black hole's poles at nearly the speed of light.</p>



<p>These jets influence the surrounding interstellar medium and potentially trigger star formation in nearby regions.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mysterious-objects-nbsp">Mysterious objects&nbsp;</h3>



<p>The awakening of a black hole is a dynamic event that provides valuable insights into the behavior of these mysterious objects and their impact on their cosmic environment.</p>



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



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



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



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

‘Awakening’ of a black hole witnessed for the first time 

In late 2019, the previously unremarkable galaxy SDSS1335+0728 unexpectedly brightened,...

<p>When neutron <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neutron-stars-may-hold-the-key-to-understanding-dark-matter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stars</a> collide, they create one of the most spectacular and complex events in the universe. Neutron stars, remnants of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/star-collapse-black-hole-instead-of-supernova-vanish-from-sky/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">collapsed stars</a>, are incredibly dense and small.</p>



<p>When two such stars are in close proximity, they spiral towards each other and eventually collide. This collision generates extreme heat and fascinating physical phenomena.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-a-neutron-star">What is a neutron star?</h2>



<p>A neutron star is a compact remnant of a massive star that has undergone a supernova explosion.</p>



<p>When a star with a mass between about 8 and 20 times that of our Sun exhausts its nuclear fuel, it collapses under its own gravity. The core compresses so much that protons and electrons combine to form neutrons, resulting in a neutron star.</p>



<p>These stars are only about 20 kilometers (12 miles) in diameter but have masses of up to twice that of the Sun. To illustrate their density, a single teaspoon of neutron star material would weigh around a billion tons on Earth.</p>



<p>Neutron stars possess extremely strong magnetic fields and can rotate rapidly, emitting beams of radiation detectable as pulsars. </p>



<p>Despite their small size, neutron stars provide a unique laboratory for studying the behavior of matter under extreme conditions, contributing to our understanding of fundamental physics.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-physics-of-neutron-star-mergers">Hidden physics of neutron star mergers</h2>



<p>Recent simulations conducted by physicists from <a href="https://www.worldcampus.psu.edu/?cid=CPC39865&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjw7NmzBhBLEiwAxrHQ-bUZiYNumOlNQan5uGBSb-myDzP1GY_sQHly81ODXKkuA8gIdf8PlBoC5DoQAvD_BwE" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Penn State University</a> have provided new insights into neutron star collisions. The simulations revealed that hot neutrinos, which are tiny and nearly massless particles, can be briefly trapped at the interface where the stars merge.</p>



<p>This happens for just 2 to 3 milliseconds, during which the neutrinos interact with the star matter, helping drive particles back toward equilibrium.</p>



<p>“For the first time in 2017, we observed signals, including gravitational waves, from a binary neutron <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/incredibly-profound-evidence-of-nuclear-fission-discovered-in-the-cosmos/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star merger</a>,” said Pedro Luis Espino, a postdoctoral researcher at Penn State and the University of California, Berkeley, who led the research.</p>



<p>“This discovery sparked immense interest in binary neutron star astrophysics. Since we cannot replicate these events in a lab, simulations based on Einstein’s theory of general relativity are our best tool for understanding them.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nature-of-neutron-stars">Nature of neutron stars</h2>



<p>Neutron stars are thought to be composed almost entirely of neutrons. Their incredible density, surpassed only by black holes, results from the fusion of protons and electrons into neutrons.</p>



<p>“Before they merge, neutron stars are effectively cold, despite their temperatures reaching billions of degrees Kelvin,” explained Professor David Radice, a leader of the research team.</p>



<p>“Their density means this heat adds very little to the system’s energy. Upon collision, however, the interface can reach temperatures in the trillions of degrees Kelvin. Photons cannot escape this dense environment to dissipate the heat, so the stars cool down by emitting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-gravity-search-south-pole-neutrinos-experiment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neutrinos</a>.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-post-collision-interactions">Post-collision interactions</h2>



<p>During the collision, neutrons in the stars break apart into protons, electrons, and neutrinos. </p>



<p>The immediate aftermath of this process has long been a mystery in astrophysics. To address this, the research team created detailed simulations that model the merger and the resulting physics.</p>



<p>These simulations, requiring immense computing power, showed that even neutrinos can be briefly trapped by the collision’s heat and density. </p>



<p>Out of equilibrium with the cooler star cores, these hot neutrinos interact with the star matter.</p>



<p>“These extreme events push the limits of our understanding of physics,” noted Professor Radice. “The brief 2 to 3 milliseconds out-of-equilibrium phase is when the most intriguing physics occurs. Once equilibrium is restored, the physics becomes more comprehensible.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-observing-the-mergers">Implications for observing the mergers</h2>



<p>The interactions during the merger can influence the signals we detect on Earth from these events.</p>



<p>“How neutrinos interact with star matter and are emitted affects the oscillations of the merged remnants,” explained Espino. </p>



<p>“This impacts the electromagnetic and gravitational wave signals observed on Earth. Next-generation gravitational-wave detectors could be designed to detect these signal differences. Thus, our simulations not only enhance our understanding but also guide future experiments and observations.”</p>



<p>These groundbreaking simulations open new windows into the physics of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/kilonova-explosion-light-years-away-would-devastate-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neutron star collisions</a>, helping us understand one of the most extreme and fascinating phenomena in the universe.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://journals.aps.org/prl/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevLett.132.211001" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Physical Review Letters</a></em>.</p>



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



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



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



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

Neutron star collisions push the limits of extreme physics

When neutron stars collide, they create one of the most...

<p>A recent discovery has revealed a massive energy imbalance on Saturn, offering new insights into planetary science and evolution. This revelation challenges existing climate models for the solar system's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/uranus-is-more-gassy-less-icy-than-we-ever-imagined/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gas</a> giants.</p>



<p>Using data from the Cassini probe mission, researchers at the <a href="https://www.uh.edu/news-events/stories/2024/june/06182024-saturn-energy-imbalance.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Houston</a> identified a significant and previously unknown seasonal energy imbalance on Saturn.</p>



<p>“This is the first time that a global energy imbalance on a seasonal scale has been observed on a gas giant,” noted Liming Li, a professor in the UH College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.</p>



<p>“Not only does this give us new insight into the formation and evolution of planets, but it also changes the way we should think about planetary and atmospheric science.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seasonal-energy-imbalance-on-saturn">Seasonal energy imbalance on Saturn</h2>



<p>Saturn's energy imbalance is primarily due to its large orbital eccentricity, which varies by nearly 20% from aphelion (the farthest point from the sun) to perihelion (the closest point to the sun). This causes significant seasonal variations in absorbed solar energy.</p>



<p>Unlike Earth, which has a negligible <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mantle-heat-shaped-earths-crust-3-billion-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">internal heat</a> contribution and short seasons, Saturn's internal heat significantly affects its thermal structure and climate.</p>



<p>"Every planet gets energy from the sun in the form of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientist-sun-umbrella-tethered-to-an-asteroid-will-mitigate-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar radiation</a> and loses energy by emitting thermal radiation," explained Xinyue Wang, a third-year doctoral student in NSM’s Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences.</p>



<p>"But Saturn, like the other gas giants, has another energy input in the form of deep internal heat affecting its thermal structure and climate."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-on-weather-and-climate-models">Impact on weather and climate models</h2>



<p>The data suggests that Saturn's unbalanced energy budget plays a key role in the development of giant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/megastorms-on-saturn-are-larger-than-the-earth-and-last-for-hundreds-of-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">storms</a>, which dominate the planet's atmospheric system. This discovery could also provide insights into Earth's weather systems.</p>



<p>"To our knowledge, the role of energy budget in the development of moist, convective storms on Earth has not been fully examined, so we plan to investigate that as well to see if there's a connection," said Wang.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cassini-mission-and-future-research">Cassini mission and future research</h2>



<p>The Cassini mission, a collaborative effort between NASA, the European Space Agency, and the Italian Space Agency, launched in 1997 and explored Saturn for nearly 20 years. </p>



<p>The researchers monitored three onboard instruments that observed Saturn's radiant energy budget.</p>



<p>The team now aims to study the other gas giants, including Uranus, where a flagship probe mission is planned in the next decade. They predict Uranus will have the strongest energy imbalance due to its orbital eccentricity and high obliquity.</p>



<p>"Our data suggests these planets will have significant energy imbalances as well, especially Uranus," noted Wang. "What we're investigating now will identify limitations in current observations and formulate testable hypotheses which will benefit that future flagship mission."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-foundation-for-future-exploration">Foundation for future exploration </h2>



<p>In addition to the primary research team, the study included scientists from NASA, the University of Wisconsin, the University of Maryland, the University of Central Florida, and the University of California, Santa Cruz, as well as researchers from France and Spain.</p>



<p>The discovery of Saturn's seasonal energy imbalance necessitates a reevaluation of current models and theories regarding the atmosphere, climate, and evolution of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/megastorms-on-saturn-are-larger-than-the-earth-and-last-for-hundreds-of-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gas giants</a>.</p>



<p>This research not only enhances our understanding of Saturn but also provides a foundation for future exploration and study of other planets in our solar system.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saturn-s-energy-dynamics">Saturn's energy dynamics</h2>



<p>Saturn, the sixth planet from the Sun, has fascinated scientists with its unique energy dynamics. Unlike Earth, Saturn emits more energy than it receives from the Sun. </p>



<p>This excess energy results from the planet's internal heat, generated by the slow gravitational compression of its core and possibly the precipitation of helium. </p>



<p>Saturn's seasonal variations significantly affect its energy balance. Its large orbital eccentricity, which causes the distance from the Sun to vary, results in fluctuating solar energy absorption.</p>



<p>Additionally, Saturn's tilt and lengthy seasons -  each lasting over seven Earth years - contribute to these energy variations. The Cassini mission has provided valuable data, revealing how these factors influence Saturn's weather patterns, including its iconic storms and bands.</p>



<p>Future missions aim to explore similar phenomena on other gas giants, enhancing our understanding of planetary science and the dynamics of energy distribution in our solar system. </p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-48969-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a></em>.</p>



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



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



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



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

Massive energy imbalance discovered on Saturn

A recent discovery has revealed a massive energy imbalance on...

<p>In a remarkable discovery, researchers have provided the first conclusive evidence that at least one species of terrestrial leech can jump.</p>



<p>This behavior, which has been debated by scientists for over a century, was captured on video and analyzed in a new study. </p>



<p>The findings were published in the journal <em><a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/btp.13340" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biotropica</a></em> by researchers from several renowned institutions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-documenting-leech-behavior">Documenting leech behavior</h2>



<p>The team, including scientists from the <a href="https://www.amnh.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Museum of Natural History</a>, Fordham University, and CUNY’s Medgar Evers College, documented this surprising behavior during expeditions to Madagascar in 2017 and 2023.</p>



<p>The footage shows leeches from the genus Chtonobdella coiling back on a leaf and then launching themselves into the air. </p>



<p>This motion has been likened to a "backbending cobra" or a spring being pulled back, highlighting a significant departure from their usual inchworm-like movements.</p>



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="CW2LlMWMc9-3697710-12187" type="single"]</div>



<p>"We believe this is the first convincing evidence that leeches can jump and do so with visible energy expenditure," explained study lead author, Mai Fahmy, a visiting scientist at the Museum and a postdoctoral researcher at Fordham University.</p>



<p>Previous accounts of leeches jumping were often dismissed as leeches merely attaching to passersby or dropping from branches above. This study challenges that notion.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-graceful-jump-of-leeches">The graceful jump of leeches</h2>



<p>During the 2023 expedition, the researchers captured video evidence of these jumps. The leech extends its body while in mid-air, before landing. This unique movement was described as a "graceful jump but with a seemingly hard landing."</p>



<p>Several other worm-like invertebrates are known to jump, including gall midge larvae, Mediterranean fruit fly larvae, "skipper flies," and certain caterpillars.</p>



<p>However, until now, there has been little concrete evidence to support claims that terrestrial leeches, particularly those in the family Haemadipsidae, could also jump.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-s-impact">Study's impact</h2>



<p>The researchers identified the leech observed in the 2023 footage as Chtonobdella fallax, a species commonly found in Madagascar. </p>



<p>The larger Chtonobdella group is widespread across Madagascar, the Seychelles, the Malay Archipelago, and the South Pacific Islands. </p>



<p>Given that multiple jumps were recorded in a short period, it is likely that the behavior is common among this species.</p>



<p>"We do not know how often this may happen or whether these leeches use this ability to seek out hosts," said co-author Michael Tessler, an assistant professor at CUNY’s Medgar Evers College. "However, this discovery opens new avenues for understanding leech behavior."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-leech-behavior-and-conservation-efforts">Leech behavior and conservation efforts</h2>



<p>Understanding leech behavior is crucial for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-environment-day-2024-a-call-for-land-restoration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation efforts</a>. Leeches, particularly their blood meals, are increasingly collected to survey vertebrate biodiversity.</p>



<p>By identifying how leeches find and attach to hosts, researchers can better interpret the results of gut content analyses.</p>



<p>"Leeches are often overlooked and understudied," said Fahmy. "As a natural part of the ecosystem, they themselves may be in need of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/effective-conservation-efforts-key-to-saving-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation protection</a>."</p>



<p>This discovery not only sheds light on an unusual leech behavior but also emphasizes the importance of studying even the most overlooked creatures in our ecosystems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-leech-jumping">Significance of leech jumping</h2>



<p>The implications of this study extend to the fields of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/robots-cannot-outrun-animals-but-theyre-evolving-faster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biomechanics</a> and evolutionary biology. Understanding the mechanics of leech jumping could inspire advancements in bio-inspired robotics, where mimicking leech movements could lead to the development of more efficient and adaptable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-soft-robot-crawls-moves-like-origami-folds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">robots</a>. </p>



<p>This research also provides a new perspective on the evolutionary adaptations of leeches, suggesting that their ability to jump may have developed as a survival mechanism, potentially offering advantages in predation or escaping threats.</p>



<p>Additionally, this discovery might impact ecological monitoring techniques. Researchers could explore whether other overlooked behaviors exist in leech species across different habitats. </p>



<p>This could lead to more accurate and comprehensive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/thousands-of-animal-species-will-soon-vanish-from-cities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity assessments</a>, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions where leeches are common. </p>



<p>The findings may also influence public perception, increasing interest and funding for invertebrate studies, which are often overshadowed by research on more charismatic animals.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-leeches">More about leeches</h2>



<p>Leeches are fascinating creatures with unique abilities beyond jumping. Some leeches have anticoagulant properties in their saliva, used medically to prevent blood clotting during surgeries. </p>



<p>Leeches can consume blood up to ten times their body weight in a single meal, allowing them to go months between feedings. They exhibit remarkable regenerative capabilities, able to regrow lost segments. </p>



<p>Certain species of leeches are sensitive to light and can detect changes in their environment. Additionally, their ancient lineage dates back over 200 million years, making them living witnesses to significant evolutionary changes on Earth.</p>



<p>Video Credit: © Mai Fahmy</p>



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



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



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



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

First proof of leeches jumping captured on video

In a remarkable discovery, researchers have provided the first conclusive...

<p>NASA's <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/mars-2020-perseverance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Perseverance rover</a> has been tirelessly collecting rock and soil samples on Mars. These samples are key to understanding the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sunspot-region-ar3664-blasted-earth-mars-may-2024-still-very-active/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Red Planet</a>'s history and whether life ever existed there. But, hidden within these sample tubes, like a secret message, lies a potential treasure trove for atmospheric scientists – the Martian air.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-not-just-rocks-and-regolith">Not just rocks and regolith</h2>



<p>"Atmospheric scientists get a little more excited with every rock core NASA's Perseverance Mars rover seals in its titanium sample tubes," noted one of the researchers involved in the Mars Sample Return campaign.</p>



<p>While the rock and regolith samples directly provide insights into Mars' geological composition and potential for past or present <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-may-have-once-been-a-cradle-for-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life</a>,&nbsp;the trapped air,&nbsp;or "headspace," offers a unique and complementary perspective.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This air,&nbsp;sealed within the sample tubes alongside the solid materials,&nbsp;serves as a time capsule,&nbsp;preserving the atmospheric conditions at the time and location of collection.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By analyzing the composition and properties of this headspace air,&nbsp;scientists can glean valuable information about Mars' ancient and current climate,&nbsp;the evolution of its atmosphere,&nbsp;and the presence of trace gases that could shed light on the planet's habitability and history.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-martian-atmosphere-a-time-capsule">Martian atmosphere: A time capsule</h2>



<p>The Martian atmosphere, composed mainly of carbon dioxide, might contain trace amounts of other gases that have been around since the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-captured-in-true-color-like-youve-never-seen-the-red-planet-before/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planet</a>'s formation. Studying this trapped air could help us understand how the Martian climate has changed over billions of years.</p>



<p>"The air samples from Mars would tell us not just about the current climate and atmosphere, but how it's changed over time. It will help us understand how climates different from our own evolve," explained Brandi Carrier, a planetary scientist at <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>'s <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-unique-window-into-mars-water-cycle">A unique window into Mars' water cycle</h2>



<p>The air trapped in the sample tubes is not just any Martian air. It has been interacting with the rock samples inside the tubes for years, creating a unique microenvironment. </p>



<p>Analyzing this "headspace" air will give scientists insight into the amount of water vapor present near the Martian surface. This information is crucial for understanding why ice forms where it does on Mars and how the planet's water cycle has evolved.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trace-gases-in-mars-samples">Trace gases in Mars samples</h2>



<p>The possible presence of noble gases within the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-holes-on-mars-might-harbor-alien-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Martian</a> atmosphere represents a tantalizing scientific opportunity.&nbsp;Noble gases,&nbsp;such as neon,&nbsp;argon,&nbsp;and xenon,&nbsp;are known for their chemical inertness,&nbsp;meaning they rarely react with other elements.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Due to this property,&nbsp;these gases could have persisted in the Martian atmosphere relatively unchanged since the planet's formation billions of years ago.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Analyzing the isotopic ratios and abundances of the noble gases could provide crucial insights into the initial composition of Mars' atmosphere, whether it was present from the beginning or developed later, and how it has evolved over time. </p>



<p>Furthermore,&nbsp;comparing the noble gas profiles of Mars and Earth could illuminate the processes involved in the formation and evolution of planetary atmospheres in our solar system.</p>



<p>The headspace could also provide valuable information about the size and toxicity of Martian dust particles. This data will be crucial for protecting future astronauts who venture to the Red Planet.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-apollo-s-air-a-lesson-from-the-moon">Apollo's air: A lesson from the moon</h2>



<p>The study of lunar samples returned by Apollo 17 has already demonstrated the feasibility and value of analyzing gases trapped in extraterrestrial materials. </p>



<p>Although the Moon is commonly perceived as airless,&nbsp;it possesses a tenuous atmosphere that interacts with the lunar surface.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Justin Simon,&nbsp;a geochemist at NASA's <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/johnson/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Johnson Space Center</a>, detailed how his team successfully extracted and analyzed gases from a 50-year-old lunar sample using a cold trap,&nbsp;a technique that involves rapidly cooling the gas to condense and separate its components.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This same methodology could be applied to the Martian air samples collected by Perseverance,&nbsp;providing valuable insights into the composition and evolution of the Martian atmosphere.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unraveling-planetary-evolution-with-mars-samples">Unraveling planetary evolution with Mars samples</h2>



<p>The Martian air trapped within the Perseverance sample tubes is not just a scientific curiosity; it's a potential game-changer. Studying it will help us understand how planets form and evolve, making it relevant to scientists across various disciplines.</p>



<p>"Even scientists who don't study Mars would be interested because it will shed light on how planets form and evolve," explained Simon, who is a key member of the team deciding which samples Perseverance collects.</p>



<p>The Martian air samples might be small, but their potential impact is enormous. They could unlock secrets about Mars' past, present, and future, providing valuable insights for both scientific exploration and human missions to the Red Planet.</p>



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



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



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



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

Air samples from Mars could reveal fascinating secrets

NASA's Perseverance rover has been tirelessly collecting rock and soil...

<p>The significant role of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-southern-ocean-could-become-seven-times-hotter-this-century/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southern Ocean</a> in global biological processes and the carbon cycle has been reconfirmed by a recent study published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adh8199" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science</em></a>. The research reveals the overlooked importance of inorganic zinc particles.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-zinc-and-dissolved-silica-nbsp">Zinc and dissolved silica&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The Southern Ocean significantly contributes to global phytoplankton productivity, absorbing atmospheric carbon dioxide.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Zinc, although present in trace amounts in seawater, is a crucial micronutrient - especially for polar <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/phytoplankton-resilient-nutrient-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phytoplankton</a> blooms. When phytoplankton blooms die off, zinc is released, playing a critical role in ocean processes.</p>



<p>Historically, scientists have noted a puzzling disconnection between zinc and phosphorus, despite both nutrients being co-located in phytoplankton regions. Instead, they discovered a strong and unexplained correlation between zinc and dissolved silica.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-ocean-s-zinc-cycle-nbsp">Understanding the ocean’s zinc cycle&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Professor Alakendra Roychoudhury from <a href="https://www.sun.ac.za/english" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stellenbosch University</a>, a co-author of the study, argued that scientists can now confidently explain the biogeochemical processes driving the ocean’s zinc cycle. </p>



<p>Since 2013, Roychoudhury's team has participated in expeditions on South Africa’s polar research vessel, the SA Agulhas II, collecting sea water and sediment samples across the Southern Ocean.</p>



<p>“Processes occurring in the Southern Ocean are imprinted on water masses which are then transported to the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans,” said co-lead author Ryan Cloete, a scientist at LEMAR in France. Collaborating with a team of international researchers, the scientists used X-ray spectroscopic techniques to analyze samples at the atomic and molecular levels.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-replenishment-of-dissolved-zinc">Replenishment of dissolved zinc</h2>



<p>The findings indicate that higher productivity in summer increases the availability of zinc in the surface ocean’s organic fraction for phytoplankton uptake. However, they also found high concentrations of zinc associated with debris from rocks, earth, and atmospheric dust.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This interplay between zinc’s association or dissociation from particles is crucial for replenishing dissolved zinc to support <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-impacting-marine-life-more-than-we-realized/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine life</a>.</p>



<p>“In winter, poor growing conditions cause zinc particles to be ‘scavenged’ by inorganic solids like silica, iron, and aluminum oxides, explaining the strong association between zinc and silica in the oceans,” Cloete explained.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coupling-between-biochemical-processes">Coupling between biochemical processes</h2>



<p>Zinc bound to organic ligands is easily absorbed by marine life, whereas zinc in mineral form is not readily available, leading to its eventual sinking to the deep ocean and becoming inaccessible to phytoplankton.</p>



<p>“A warmer climate increases erosion, leading to more atmospheric dust and more scavenging of zinc particles, reducing zinc availability for marine life,” noted Roychoudhury.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to Cloete, such an approach to studying the oceanic zinc cycle opens the door to investigating other micronutrients, like copper, cadmium, and cobalt, which could also experience climate-induced changes.</p>



<p>“Our findings are a prime example of the coupling between biochemical processes at the molecular level and global processes like planetary warming,” Roychoudhury concluded.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-is-zinc-important-to-marine-life">Why is zinc important to marine life?</h2>



<p>Zinc is a vital micronutrient that supports numerous physiological and biochemical functions in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/largest-ever-ocean-dna-study-uncovers-mysteries-of-marine-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine life</a>.</p>



<p>Zinc is involved in the activity of over 300 enzymes, many of which are critical for the metabolism and overall health of marine organisms.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protein-synthesis">Protein synthesis</h3>



<p>Zinc plays a crucial role in the synthesis and stabilization of proteins. It helps in the formation of structural proteins, enzymes, and other important molecules.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gene-expression">Gene expression</h3>



<p>Zinc is involved in the regulation of gene expression by influencing the activity of transcription factors. This regulation is vital for cellular functions and responses to environmental changes.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-immune-function-nbsp">Immune function&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Zinc is important for the proper functioning of the immune system. It helps <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-organisms-may-adapt-to-climate-change-but-with-hidden-costs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine organisms</a> resist infections and recover from illness.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growth-and-reproduction-nbsp">Growth and reproduction&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Adequate zinc levels are necessary for the growth and reproductive health of marine organisms. Zinc deficiency can lead to stunted growth and reproductive issues.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-antioxidant-defense">Antioxidant defense</h3>



<p>Zinc contributes to the antioxidant defense system by protecting cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-development">Development</h3>



<p>Zinc is crucial during the development stages of marine organisms, influencing everything from embryonic development to the growth of larvae and juveniles.</p>



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



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



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



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

Zinc plays an overlooked role in ocean processes

The significant role of the Southern Ocean in global biological...

<p>In an era where space exploration captures our imagination, a different cosmic concern demands our attention: the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/near-earth-asteroid-may-be-a-fragment-of-the-moon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">potential threat of asteroids</a> colliding with Earth. </p>



<p>While this may sound like the plot of a Hollywood blockbuster, it's a very real scenario that NASA and other government agencies are diligently preparing for.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fifth-biennial-planetary-defense-exercise">Fifth Biennial Planetary Defense Exercise</h2>



<p>On a sunny Thursday in April, nearly 100 representatives from various U.S. government agencies and international collaborators converged at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (<a href="https://www.jhuapl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JHAPL</a>) in Laurel, Maryland. </p>



<p>Their mission? To participate in the fifth biennial Planetary Defense Interagency Tabletop Exercise, orchestrated by NASA's <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/planetary-defense/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Planetary Defense Coordination Office</a>.</p>



<p>Lindley Johnson, planetary defense officer emeritus at NASA Headquarters in Washington, explained the significance of the exercise:</p>



<p>"The uncertainties in these initial conditions for the exercise allowed participants to consider a particularly challenging set of circumstances. A <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/close-encounter-giant-asteroid-slipped-by-earth-last-week-evading-detection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">large asteroid</a> impact is potentially the only natural disaster humanity has the technology to predict years in advance and take action to prevent."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scenario-hidden-asteroid-aims-at-earth">Scenario: Hidden asteroid aims at Earth</h2>



<p>The exercise presented participants with a nail-biting hypothetical scenario: a previously undetected asteroid with a 72% chance of striking Earth in approximately 14 years. </p>



<p>To add complexity, crucial follow-up observations would be delayed for seven months as the asteroid passed behind the Sun from Earth's perspective.</p>



<p>This scenario highlighted the importance of early detection and the challenges posed by limited observational windows. </p>



<p>It also underscored the need for international cooperation in tracking and responding to potential threats.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-hidden-near-earth-asteroids">Understanding hidden near-Earth asteroids</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/27500-hidden-near-earth-asteroids-discovered-using-google-cloud/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hidden asteroids</a> pose a significant challenge to our planetary defense efforts. These elusive space rocks often lurk in the vast darkness of space, evading detection by our current observation methods. Several factors contribute to their invisibility. </p>



<p>Some asteroids reflect very little light, making them appear as mere specks against the backdrop of space. Others orbit in regions that make them difficult to spot from Earth, such as those that approach us from the direction of the Sun. </p>



<p>The composition of these asteroids also plays a role; dark, carbon-rich asteroids reflect less light than their metallic counterparts, further complicating detection efforts.</p>



<p>Astronomers and space agencies actively work to improve our ability to find these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/asteroid-impact-sparked-two-years-of-darkness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hidden threats</a>. They employ a variety of techniques, including wide-field surveys, infrared observations, and space-based telescopes. </p>



<p>The discovery of hidden asteroids often comes as a surprise, with some only becoming visible when they pass relatively close to Earth.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fema-s-role-in-earth-asteroid-defense">FEMA's role in Earth asteroid defense</h2>



<p>Leviticus "L.A." Lewis, a FEMA detailee to NASA's Planetary Defense Coordination Office, emphasized the agency's crucial role:</p>



<p>"Our mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters. We work across the country every day before disasters happen to help people and communities understand and prepare for possible risks. In the event of a potential asteroid impact, FEMA would be a leading player in interagency coordination."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lessons-from-dart">Lessons from DART</h2>



<p>For the first time, the exercise incorporated data from NASA's successful DART (Double Asteroid Redirection Test) mission. </p>



<p>This <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-dart-mission-proves-humanity-can-be-saved-from-asteroid-collision/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">impressive demonstration</a> of asteroid deflection technology, which impacted the asteroid moonlet Dimorphos in September 2022, proved that we could potentially alter the course of an incoming celestial body.</p>



<p>However, Johnson cautioned that applying such technology to a real threat would require years of advance planning.</p>



<p>To enhance our ability to detect potential threats early, <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a> is developing the <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/missions/near-earth-object-surveyor" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NEO Surveyor</a> (Near-Earth Object Surveyor). </p>



<p>This infrared space telescope, set to launch in June 2028, is specifically designed to expedite the discovery and characterization of potentially hazardous near-Earth objects.</p>



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



<p>NASA plans to publish a comprehensive after-action report detailing the strengths and gaps identified during the exercise, along with recommendations for improvement. </p>



<p>Johnson emphasized the value of these findings, saying, "These outcomes will help to shape future exercises and studies to ensure NASA and other government agencies continue improving planetary defense preparedness."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vigilance-in-the-face-of-cosmic-uncertainty">Vigilance in the face of cosmic uncertainty</h2>



<p>While there are no known significant asteroid impact threats in the foreseeable future, exercises like this play a crucial role in preparing for the unexpected. </p>



<p>By bringing together experts from various fields and exploring challenging scenarios, we increase our collective ability to protect our planet from potential cosmic hazards.</p>



<p>As we continue to explore the vastness of space, it's reassuring to know that dedicated professionals are working tirelessly to keep Earth safe from celestial threats. </p>



<p>Through international cooperation, technological innovation, and rigorous preparation, we're building a robust planetary defense system that may one day save countless lives.</p>



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



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



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



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



<p>The full study was <em><a href="https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ttx5-quicklook-report-final.pdf?emrc=6675c632946ab">published by NASA</a></em>.</p>

NASA test shows Earth is not prepared to prevent large asteroid strike

In an era where space exploration captures our imagination, a...

<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/largest-map-of-supermassive-black-holes-unveiled/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Supermassive black holes</a> are still a mystery to astronomers, particularly regarding their growth. Recently, an international team, including researchers from the <a href="https://www.chalmers.se/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chalmers University of Technology </a>in Sweden, discovered a powerful rotating, magnetic wind in the nearby galaxy ESO320-G030, using the ALMA telescope. This wind may be aiding in the growth of the galaxy's central supermassive black hole.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mysterious-process-of-black-hole-growth-nbsp">Mysterious process of black hole growth&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Most galaxies, including the Milky Way, have a supermassive black hole at their core. These massive entities, weighing as much as millions or billions of stars, grow through processes that have long puzzled scientists.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study, led by Mark Gorski (<a href="https://www.northwestern.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northwestern University</a> and Chalmers) and Susanne Aalto (Chalmers), focused on the active galaxy ESO320-G030, which is 120 million light years away and forms stars at ten times the rate of the Milky Way.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rotating-wind-feeding-a-black-hole-nbsp">Rotating wind feeding a black hole&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“Since this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shapes-of-one-million-galaxies-hint-at-the-universes-origins/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy</a> is very luminous in the infrared, telescopes can resolve striking details in its center,” explained Aalto, a professor of radio astronomy at Chalmers.</p>



<p>“We wanted to measure light from molecules carried by winds from the galaxy’s core, hoping to trace how the winds are launched by a growing, or soon to be growing, supermassive black hole. By using ALMA, we were able to study light from behind thick layers of dust and gas.”</p>



<p>The team zeroed in on dense gas close to the black hole, studying light from hydrogen cyanide (HCN) molecules. ALMA’s detailed imaging and the Doppler effect revealed patterns suggesting a magnetized, rotating wind.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Unlike other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-holes-may-talk-to-galaxies-through-energetic-winds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galactic winds</a> that push material away from the black hole, this wind seems to feed it, aiding its growth.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-explaining-the-power-of-the-wind">Explaining the power of the wind</h2>



<p>“We can see how the winds form a spiraling structure, billowing out from the galaxy’s center,” said Aalto.</p>



<p>“When we measured the rotation, mass, and velocity of the material flowing outwards, we were surprised to find that we could rule out many explanations for the power of the wind, star formation for example.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Instead, the flow outwards may be powered by the inflow of gas and seems to be held together by magnetic fields.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-magnetic-fields-create-rotating-winds">Magnetic fields create rotating winds</h2>



<p>Material spirals around the black hole, forming a chaotic, spinning disk where magnetic fields grow stronger.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These fields lift matter away from the galaxy, creating the spiraling wind. Losing matter to the wind slows the spinning disk, allowing more material to flow into the black hole, turning a trickle into a stream.</p>



<p>“It is well-established that stars in the first stages of their evolution grow with the help of rotating winds - accelerated by magnetic fields, just like the wind in this galaxy,” said Gorski.</p>



<p>“Our observations show that supermassive black holes and tiny <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-stars-scientists-discover-a-new-type-of-star-powered-by-dark-matter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stars</a> can grow by similar processes, but on very different scales.” </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-black-hole-growth">Understanding black hole growth</h2>



<p>This discovery could be key to understanding how supermassive black holes grow. Future research will aim to study other galaxies to determine how common these spiraling outflows are.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Far from all questions about this process are answered. In our observations we see clear evidence of a rotating wind that helps regulate the growth of the galaxy’s central black hole,” said Gorski.</p>



<p>“Now that we know what to look for, the next step is to find out how common this phenomenon is. And if this is a stage which all galaxies with supermassive black holes go through, what happens to them next?”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-black-holes">More about black holes</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/colossal-black-hole-found-in-our-galaxy-is-33-times-the-suns-mass/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Black holes</a> are among the most fascinating and mysterious objects in the universe. These dense regions of spacetime have gravitational pulls so strong that not even light can escape them. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-formation-nbsp">Formation&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Formed when massive stars collapse under their own gravity, black holes come in different sizes, from stellar-mass black holes that are a few times the mass of our Sun, to supermassive black holes found at the centers of galaxies, including our own Milky Way.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-event-horizon-nbsp">Event horizon&nbsp;</h3>



<p>The boundary around a black hole, known as the event horizon, marks the point of no return. Any matter or radiation crossing this boundary is irrevocably pulled into the black hole.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gravitational-waves-nbsp">Gravitational waves&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Interestingly, black holes can also merge with each other, creating even more massive black holes and releasing enormous amounts of energy in the form of gravitational waves.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These waves, ripples in spacetime, were first directly detected by the LIGO observatory in 2015, confirming a key prediction of Einstein's general theory of relativity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/202348821" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Astronomy and Astrophysics</em></a><em>.</em></p>



<p>Image Credit: M. D. Gorski/Aaron M. Geller, Northwestern University, CIERA, the Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics</p>



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



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



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



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

Rotating wind fuels growth of a supermassive black hole

Supermassive black holes are still a mystery to astronomers, particularly...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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



<p>—–</p>



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



<p>—–</p>

Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>

Social modeling affects our food choices

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists discover we age in bursts

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists solve the mystery of tickling

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>



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



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



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



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

Retired professor claims he solved time travel

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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



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



<figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
</div></figure>



<p>Probiotics - beneficial microbes that balance gut bacteria and aid digestion - are typically fragile and can be destroyed by stomach acid or processing. </p>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

News coming your way