<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>



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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>In a recent study, researchers have discovered a fascinating link between Neanderthal DNA and autism spectrum disorder.</p>



<p>This revelation sheds light on the intricate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-and-neanderthals-may-belong-to-the-same-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genetic inheritance</a> from our ancient ancestors and its impact on modern human health.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-neanderthal-dna">Neanderthal DNA</h2>



<p>Neanderthal DNA refers to the genetic material inherited from Neanderthals, ancient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neanderthals-homo-sapiens-living-spaces-organized-similarly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human</a> relatives who lived around 400,000 to 40,000 years ago. </p>



<p>When modern humans migrated out of Africa, they interbred with Neanderthals. This interbreeding left traces of Neanderthal DNA in modern non-African populations, comprising about 1-2% of their genomes. </p>



<p>Neanderthal DNA has influenced various aspects of human biology, including immune response and physical traits. Researchers study this DNA to understand its impact on modern health and diseases, shedding light on how our ancient ancestors continue to shape who we are today.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-autism-spectrum-disorder">Autism spectrum disorder</h2>



<p>Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a developmental condition affecting communication, behavior, and social interaction. </p>



<p>Symptoms vary widely, including challenges with speech, nonverbal communication, and repetitive behaviors. Some individuals with autism have exceptional abilities in specific areas. </p>



<p>Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for improving outcomes. Autism's exact causes are unknown, but it involves genetic and environmental factors. </p>



<p>Support and understanding can significantly enhance the quality of life for those with autism, helping them navigate social settings and develop their strengths. Autism is a spectrum, meaning it affects each person differently.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-neanderthal-dna-and-its-link-to-autism">Neanderthal DNA and its link to autism</h2>



<p>Neanderthal DNA has been intertwined with our own for millennia, shaping various aspects of our biology, such as disease resistance and physical traits.</p>



<p>A recent study by researchers from <a href="https://www.clemson.edu/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Clemson University</a> and <a href="https://www.luc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Loyola University</a> investigates the connection between specific Neanderthal DNA variations and autism. The team analyzed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neanderthal-genes-make-you-more-of-a-morning-person/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DNA</a> samples from 3,442 individuals, both with and without autism.</p>



<p>They discovered that certain genetic polymorphisms inherited from Neanderthals were more prevalent in individuals with autism across diverse ethnic groups, including black non-Hispanic, white Hispanic, and white non-Hispanic populations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significant-findings-and-genetic-variations">Significant findings and genetic variations</h2>



<p>The study revealed 25 specific polymorphisms that affect gene expression in the brain, which are more common in individuals with autism. </p>



<p>Some of these variations are also linked to epilepsy, a condition frequently associated with autism. </p>



<p>For instance, a variant in the SLC37A1 gene was found in 67% of white non-Hispanic autistic individuals with epilepsy, compared to 26% of autistic individuals without epilepsy and 22% of people without either condition.</p>



<p>"It has been estimated that Eurasian-derived populations have approximately 2 percent Neanderthal DNA, acquired during introgression events shortly after anatomically <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neanderthal-genes-still-influence-modern-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">modern humans</a> migrated out of Africa," the researchers noted.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-influence-of-neanderthal-dna">The influence of Neanderthal DNA</h2>



<p>Previous research has indicated that Neanderthal DNA shapes certain brain structures. </p>



<p>Given that people with autism exhibit similar neural patterns, the researchers aimed to explore the potential role of Neanderthal genes in autism. </p>



<p>Their findings suggest that it's not the overall amount of Neanderthal DNA that differs between individuals with and without <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/toddler-screen-time-linked-to-atypical-sensory-behaviors/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">autism</a>, but rather the frequency of specific Neanderthal-derived genetic variants.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-ancient-alleles-on-modern-health">Impact of ancient alleles on modern health</h2>



<p>The evidence presented in this study is compelling enough to warrant further investigation. </p>



<p>Understanding the influence of ancient human-derived alleles on modern health could provide valuable insights into the lasting impact of Neanderthals on our physiology and the mechanisms underlying autism.</p>



<p>"This is the first study to provide strong evidence for the active role of a subset of rare, as well as some common, Neanderthal-derived alleles in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/revolutionary-gene-therapy-shows-promise-in-treating-autism/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">autism</a> susceptibility in multiple major American populations," wrote the researchers.</p>



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



<p>The researchers hope their findings will inspire further exploration into the effects of ancient hybridization between Homo sapiens and Neanderthals on brain development, human intelligence, and overall health. </p>



<p>Additionally, this research could spur the development of new clinical resources for individuals with autism.</p>



<p>As we continue to uncover the complex interactions between our ancient ancestors and modern <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mystery-solved-how-neanderthal-dna-got-diluted-in-europe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">humans</a>, we gain a deeper understanding of how our genetic heritage shapes who we are today.</p>



<p>This study represents a major advancement in understanding autism and the lasting impact of Neanderthal DNA. By exploring the genetic links between Neanderthal ancestry and autism, researchers have uncovered crucial insights that deepen our knowledge of both areas. </p>



<p>These findings pave the way for future studies that could further unravel the genetic and neurological underpinnings of autism, offering hope for new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41380-024-02593-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Molecular Psychiatry</a></em>.</p>



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



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Neanderthal DNA is more common in people with autism

In a recent study, researchers have discovered a fascinating link...

<p>A recent study published in the journal <a href="https://academic.oup.com/bioscience" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>BioScience</em></a> has highlighted the crucial ecological role of gray wolves in the western United States. </p>



<p>Led by William Ripple from <a href="https://oregonstate.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oregon State University</a>, the research examined the ecological consequences of the absence of large predators on plant and animal communities and ecosystem functions. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifting-baselines-nbsp">Shifting baselines&nbsp;</h2>



<p>According to the experts, the lack of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-how-gray-wolves-recolonized-germany/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wolves</a> since the 1930s has skewed our understanding of ecosystem dynamics, a concept known as “shifting baselines.”</p>



<p>“By the 1930s, wolves were largely absent from the American West, including its national parks. Most published ecological research from this region occurred after the extirpation of wolves,” Ripple explained.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This situation underscores the potential impact of shifting baselines on our understanding of plant community succession, animal community dynamics, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/grassland-ecosystem-stability-is-driven-by-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystem </a>functions.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-removal-of-gray-wolves-nbsp">Removal of gray wolves&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The removal of gray wolves has significantly impacted tree recruitment due to the unchecked population of elk and other ungulates in Yellowstone, Olympic, and Wind Cave National Parks. These changes have influenced plant communities and broader ecological processes.</p>



<p>The study underscores the importance of understanding historical contexts and reference conditions when studying areas lacking large predators.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Such areas are common globally due to widespread predator loss. Researchers are encouraged to consider how the presence or absence of large predators has influenced their findings.</p>



<p>“In addition to the loss or displacement of large predators, there may be other potential anthropogenic legacies within national parks that should be considered, including fire suppression, invasion by exotic plants and animals, and overgrazing by livestock,” said co-author Robert Beschta, an emeritus professor at Oregon State.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-historical-presence-of-large-predators-nbsp">Historical presence of large predators&nbsp;</h2>



<p>According to the researchers, delving into national park archives is crucial to understand the historical interactions between predators and their prey, which can clarify the reasons behind shifting ecological baselines.</p>



<p>“Studying altered ecosystems without recognizing how or why the system has changed over time since the absence of a large predator could have serious implications for wildlife management, biodiversity conservation, and ecosystem restoration,” Ripple said.</p>



<p>Integrating historical context into ecological studies is vital for a comprehensive understanding of ecosystem dynamics. Recognizing the historical presence of large <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predators-help-prevent-biodiversity-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">predators</a> and other anthropogenic factors can aid in developing effective conservation and management strategies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protections-for-gray-wolves-nbsp">Protections for gray wolves&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Recently, a coalition of nearly twelve conservation organizations has taken legal action against the <a href="https://www.fws.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service</a> and the <a href="https://www.doi.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. Department of the Interior</a> to reinstate protections for gray wolves in Montana and Idaho, arguing that aggressive hunting policies threaten these populations.</p>



<p>The research has significant implications for the long-term conservation of gray wolves and other large predators, informing current management and legal efforts. “We hope our study will be of use to both conservation organizations and government agencies in identifying ecosystem management goals,” Ripple concluded.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-gray-wolves-nbsp">More about gray wolves&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Gray wolves, also known as timber wolves, are large carnivorous mammals native to North America and Eurasia.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-lives">Social lives</h3>



<p>They are highly social animals that live and hunt in packs, which are typically composed of a breeding pair and their offspring. These wolves have a complex system of communication involving vocalizations, body language, and scent marking.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecosystem-balance">Ecosystem balance</h3>



<p>Gray wolves are known for their endurance and ability to travel long distances in search of food, which primarily consists of large ungulates like deer, elk, and moose, though they also eat smaller mammals, birds, and carrion.&nbsp;</p>



<p>They play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of their ecosystems by controlling the population of their prey species.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significant-threats">Significant threats</h3>



<p>Despite their important ecological role, gray wolves have faced significant threats from habitat loss, human conflict, and hunting, leading to their decline in many regions.&nbsp;</p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-return-of-the-gray-wolf-triumph-or-tragedy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Conservation efforts</a> have helped stabilize some populations, but the species remains under threat in various parts of its range.</p>



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



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

Gray wolves are a crucial component of the American West

A recent study published in the journal BioScience has highlighted...

<p>In stressful times, many of us find comfort in high-fat <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/junk-food-diet-triggers-lasting-changes-in-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">junk food</a>. However, recent research suggests that this common coping mechanism might be doing more harm than good. </p>



<p>A new study from the <a href="https://www.colorado.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Colorado Boulder</a> has found that a high-fat diet can disrupt <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gut-bacteria-influence-our-social-behavior-and-sense-of-fairness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gut bacteria</a>, alter behavior, and ultimately fuel anxiety through a complex gut-brain connection.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-investigating-high-fat-diets">Investigating high-fat diets</h2>



<p>The research team, led by Professor Christopher Lowry of integrative physiology, conducted an experiment with adolescent rats to understand the effects of high-fat diets.</p>



<p>The rats were divided into two groups: one group received a standard diet with about 11% fat, while the other group was fed a high-fat diet with 45% fat, primarily from saturated animal fats.</p>



<p>For nine weeks, the researchers monitored the rats' gut bacteria through fecal samples and assessed their behavior.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significant-findings-beyond-weight-gain">Significant findings beyond weight gain</h2>



<p>As expected, the rats on high-fat diets gained more weight compared to the control group. However, the study revealed more significant findings beyond <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/high-fat-diet-linked-to-weight-gain-and-cognitive-decline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weight gain</a>.</p>



<p>The high-fat diet group exhibited significantly less diversity in their gut bacteria, a factor generally linked to poorer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/high-fat-diets-linked-to-unexpected-health-risks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health</a>.</p>



<p>They had an increased ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes, a bacterial imbalance often associated with industrialized diets and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/obesity-can-be-passed-down-from-parents-to-kids/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">obesity</a>.</p>



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



<p>Further analysis showed that the high-fat diet rats had higher expression of three genes (tph2, htr1a, and slc6a4) involved in serotonin production and signaling, especially in the brainstem region known as the dorsal raphe nucleus (cDRD). This area is associated with stress and anxiety.</p>



<p>Although serotonin is typically known as a "feel-good" brain chemical, certain serotonin neurons can trigger anxiety-like responses when activated. Increased expression of tph2 in the cDRD has been linked to mood disorders and suicide risk in humans.</p>



<p>“To think that just a high-fat diet could alter expression of these genes in the brain is extraordinary,” noted Professor Lowry. “The high-fat group essentially had the molecular signature of a high anxiety state in their brain.”</p>



<p>Lowry suspects that an unhealthy microbiome compromises the gut lining, allowing bacteria to enter the body’s circulation and communicate with the brain via the vagus nerve, a direct pathway from the gastrointestinal tract to the brain.</p>



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



<p>“If you think about human evolution, it makes sense,” Lowry said. “We are hard-wired to really notice things that make us sick so we can avoid those things in the future.”</p>



<p>In modern times, this sensitivity might explain why high-fat diets can have such a pronounced impact on our gut health and mental well-being. Essentially, our bodies are still using ancient survival strategies to deal with the challenges of contemporary diets.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-healthy-fats-in-diet">The role of healthy fats in diet</h2>



<p>Not all fats are detrimental. Healthy fats, such as those found in fish, olive oil, nuts, and seeds, can be anti-inflammatory and beneficial for the brain.</p>



<p>Professor Lowry advises consuming a variety of fruits and vegetables, incorporating fermented foods to support a healthy microbiome, and reducing intake of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/junk-food-diet-triggers-lasting-changes-in-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">junk food</a>.</p>



<p>If you indulge in high-fat diets like eating a hamburger, consider adding a slice of avocado, as some research suggests that good fats can mitigate some negative effects.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-fat-diets-and-mental-health">High-fat diets and mental health</h2>



<p>This study highlights the intricate relationship between diet, gut health, and mental well-being. While comfort foods might offer immediate relief, their long-term impact on anxiety and overall health could be substantial.</p>



<p>Adopting a balanced diet with healthy fats and diverse nutrients is crucial for maintaining both physical and mental health.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consequences-of-high-fat-diet">Consequences of high-fat diet</h2>



<p>High-fat diets, particularly those high in unhealthy fats, have been linked to various chronic diseases. Beyond impacting gut health and anxiety, such diets can cause inflammation throughout the body. </p>



<p>Chronic inflammation is a precursor to several conditions, including arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, and certain cancers.</p>



<p>Research shows that high-fat diets can impair cognitive function. Studies indicate that excessive consumption of unhealthy fats can reduce brain plasticity, which is essential for learning and memory. This impairment can affect cognitive abilities and increase the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.</p>



<p>Additionally, high-fat diets can affect liver health. Consistently consuming high-fat foods can lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), where excess fat builds up in liver cells, potentially leading to liver inflammation and damage.</p>



<p>High-fat diets also influence hormone levels. They may disrupt insulin sensitivity, leading to insulin resistance, a condition that often precedes type 2 diabetes. This disruption can affect other hormones involved in hunger and metabolism, contributing to weight gain and metabolic issues.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://biolres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40659-024-00505-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biological Research</a></em>.</p>



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High-fat diets cause high anxiety through changes in gut bacteria

In stressful times, many of us find comfort in high-fat...

<p>A recent study conducted by the <a href="https://www.globalcarbonproject.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Carbon Project</a> has revealed that emissions of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-levels-of-nitrous-oxide-will-accelerate-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nitrous oxide</a>, a potent greenhouse gas, continued unabated from 1980 to 2020. In 2020 alone, over 10 million metric tons of nitrous oxide were released, primarily due to agricultural practices.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/essd-2023-401" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Earth System Science Data</em></a>, indicates that 74% of these emissions in the 2010s came from farming, specifically from the use of chemical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/carbon-emissions-from-fertilizers-could-be-cut-by-80-percent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fertilizers</a> and animal waste on croplands.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nitrous-oxide-and-global-warming-nbsp">Nitrous oxide and global warming&nbsp;</h2>



<p>According to the report “<a href="https://www.globalcarbonproject.org/nitrousoxidebudget/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Nitrous Oxide Budget 2024</a>,” led by researchers from <a href="https://www.bc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boston College</a>, nitrous oxide emissions increased at an unprecedented rate during 2020 and 2021, highlighting the urgent need for reducing these emissions to combat global warming.&nbsp;</p>



<p>On Earth, excess nitrogen contributes to soil, water, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-will-increase-dramatically-in-a-hotter-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air pollution</a>, while in the atmosphere, it depletes the ozone layer and exacerbates climate change.</p>



<p>“Nitrous oxide emissions from human activities must decline in order to limit global temperature rise to 2°C as established by the Paris Agreement,” said lead author Hanqin Tian, a professor of global sustainability at Boston College.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Reducing nitrous oxide emissions is the only solution since at this point no technologies exist that can remove nitrous oxide from the atmosphere.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increased-use-of-nitrogen-fertilizers-nbsp">Increased use of nitrogen fertilizers&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study reveals a significant increase in the use of nitrogen fertilizers, which rose from 60 million metric tons in 1980 to 107 million metric tons in 2020. Additionally, animal manure contributed 101 million metric tons in 2020, leading to a combined total of 208 million metric tons.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This unchecked rise in nitrous oxide, with a global warming potential 300 times larger than carbon dioxide, poses dire consequences for the planet.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-millions-of-nitrous-oxide-measurements-nbsp">Millions of nitrous oxide measurements&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The researchers analyzed millions of nitrous oxide measurements taken over four decades from various sources, making this the most comprehensive assessment of global nitrous oxide emissions and sinks to date.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The team examined data from all major economic activities leading to nitrous oxide emissions and reported on 18 anthropogenic and natural sources and three absorbent sinks.</p>



<p>The top 10 nitrous oxide-emitting countries identified in the study are China, India, the United States, Brazil, Russia, Pakistan, Australia, Indonesia, Turkey, and Canada. </p>



<p>While some regions, like China and Europe, have successfully implemented policies to reduce emissions, others, including the U.S., continue to see a rise in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/agricultural-emissions-negatively-impact-our-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">agricultural emissions</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-need-for-improved-agricultural-practices-nbsp">Need for improved agricultural practices&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Josep Canadell, Global Carbon Project Executive Director and a research scientist at <a href="https://www.csiro.au/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CSIRO</a>, emphasized the need for improved agricultural practices and more frequent assessments to target high-emission regions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The growth rates of atmospheric nitrous oxide in 2020 and 2021 were higher than any previous observed year and more than 30 percent higher than the average rate of increase in the previous decade,” he warned.</p>



<p>To effectively mitigate nitrous oxide emissions, it is crucial to adopt strategies that limit the use of nitrogen fertilizers and manage animal waste better, the authors concluded.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sources-of-nitrous-oxide-emissions-nbsp">Sources of nitrous oxide emissions&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The largest sources of nitrous oxide emissions are primarily from agricultural activities, including the use of synthetic and organic fertilizers and manure management. Industrial processes, such as the production of nitric acid and adipic acid, also contribute significantly.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Fossil fuel combustion in vehicles and power plants, biomass burning including forest fires and agricultural waste burning, and residential wood burning are additional sources.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Waste management practices, such as the decomposition of organic waste in landfills and wastewater treatment, also release nitrous oxide into the atmosphere.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dangers-of-nitrous-oxide-emissions-nbsp">Dangers of nitrous oxide emissions&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions pose significant environmental and health risks. As a potent greenhouse gas, nitrous oxide has a global warming potential approximately 300 times greater than that of carbon dioxide over a 100-year period, contributing significantly to climate change.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uv-radiation-nbsp">UV radiation&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Additionally, nitrous oxide is a major contributor to the depletion of the ozone layer, which protects living organisms from harmful <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/uv-radiation-played-a-role-in-earths-largest-mass-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ultraviolet radiation</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The increased UV exposure due to ozone layer depletion can lead to higher incidences of skin cancer, cataracts, and other health issues in humans, as well as adverse effects on ecosystems and wildlife.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ground-level-ozone">Ground-level ozone</h3>



<p>Furthermore, nitrous oxide is involved in the formation of ground-level ozone, a harmful air pollutant that can cause respiratory problems and other health issues in humans, as well as damage crops and other vegetation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Reducing nitrous oxide emissions is therefore crucial for protecting both the environment and public health.</p>



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Nitrous oxide emissions have increased at an unprecedented rate 

A recent study conducted by the Global Carbon Project has...

<p>Aerosols, the&nbsp;tiny particles floating in the air from sources like dust,&nbsp;smoke,&nbsp;and pollution,&nbsp;play a role in climate change.&nbsp;They act as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-small-aerosols-influence-cloud-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">"seeds" for cloud formation</a>,&nbsp;with more aerosols leading to thicker,&nbsp;more reflective clouds that can cool the Earth.&nbsp;But a new study has discovered a crucial factor that has been overlooked:&nbsp;the connection between clouds and the Earth's surface.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cloud-surface-coupling">Cloud-surface coupling</h2>



<p>The researchers,&nbsp;led by the Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center (<a href="https://webhost.essic.umd.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESSIC</a>),&nbsp;investigated how clouds interact with the Earth's surface,&nbsp;a phenomenon known as&nbsp;cloud-surface coupling.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This coupling influences the vertical exchange of heat and moisture between the surface and the atmosphere.&nbsp;</p>



<p>When coupling is strong,&nbsp;warm air from the surface rises,&nbsp;creating updrafts that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aerosol-formation-earths-lower-atmosphere-soas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">transport aerosols into the cloud layer</a>.&nbsp;This leads to a more homogeneous distribution of aerosols within the clouds,&nbsp;resulting in more consistent cloud droplet sizes and a stronger cooling effect on climate due to increased reflection of sunlight.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Conversely, when coupling is weak, this vertical transport is diminished, leading to an uneven distribution of aerosols within the clouds and a greater variability in cloud droplet size. </p>



<p>The variability in cloud properties introduces significant uncertainty into our understanding of how aerosols influence climate.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-predictions-with-aerosol-cloud-link">Climate predictions with aerosol-cloud link</h2>



<p>"Aerosol-cloud interaction has remained the largest source of uncertainty in understanding Earth's climate and projecting its future changes,&nbsp;especially those incurred by anthropogenic emissions such as sulfate,&nbsp;nitrate,&nbsp;and black carbon," said Zhanqing Li,&nbsp;Distinguished University Professor at <a href="https://umd.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UMD</a> and lead author of the study.</p>



<p class="has-text-align-left">By understanding how cloud-surface coupling influences interactions between aerosols and clouds,&nbsp;scientists can better predict how aerosols will affect our climate.&nbsp;This is crucial because it helps explain why climate models and real-world observations often don't match up.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-global-perspective">A global perspective</h2>



<p>The team's findings have far-reaching implications. "If we can determine cloud-surface coupling across the globe,&nbsp;we could significantly improve our quantification of aerosol climate effects," explained Tianning Su,&nbsp;a co-author of the study.</p>



<p>This translates to improved climate modeling and forecasting capabilities,&nbsp;allowing for more precise predictions about future climate change scenarios.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Furthermore,&nbsp;this enhanced understanding of aerosol-cloud interactions can help researchers better quantify the impact of human activities -&nbsp;such as the burning of fossil fuels - on the climate system.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This knowledge is essential for developing effective mitigation and adaptation strategies to address the challenges posed by climate change.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aerosols-clouds-and-climate-science">Aerosols, clouds and climate science</h2>



<p>The research not only reveals the intricate nature of climate science but also serves as a stark reminder that seemingly minor elements within the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysteries-in-the-sky-how-trees-impact-cloud-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's climate system</a> can wield substantial influence.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The interplay between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-denial-historic-floods-are-not-caused-by-cloud-seeding/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">clouds</a> and the Earth's surface,&nbsp;once considered a secondary factor,&nbsp;is now recognized as a key player in the broader climate change narrative.</p>



<p>This study underscores the imperative for continued and comprehensive research into the multifaceted mechanisms that govern our planet's climate.&nbsp;Each new discovery,&nbsp;like the significant role of cloud-surface coupling,&nbsp;adds another piece to the complex puzzle of climate change.</p>



<p>By diligently investigating and ultimately understanding these intricate processes, scientists can develop more precise and effective strategies to mitigate the escalating effects of climate change.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This knowledge empowers policymakers and communities alike to make informed decisions and take proactive measures to safeguard the planet for current and future generations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reducing-uncertainty">Reducing uncertainty</h2>



<p>The researchers are now focused on applying their findings on a global scale,&nbsp;hoping to integrate this new understanding into broader climate projections.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"The goal is to integrate this new understanding into broader climate projections to reduce uncertainty and make more accurate predictions about climate change," said Su.</p>



<p>The study of cloud-surface coupling and its impact on aerosol-cloud interaction is a major step forward in our understanding of climate change.&nbsp;It's a reminder that the Earth's climate system is a complex web of interconnected processes,&nbsp;and that even the smallest details can have a significant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cloud-engineering-can-temporarily-cool-our-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">impact</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By continuing to explore these connections,&nbsp;we can gain valuable insights into how our planet is changing and what we can do to protect it.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adl5044" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a></em>.</p>



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Aerosols have an underestimated effect on clouds and climate

Aerosols, the&nbsp;tiny particles floating in the air from sources like...

<p>In a remarkable study, researchers have successfully mapped the complete genome of the endangered Przewalski's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wild-horses-just-like-humans-live-in-a-complex-multilevel-society/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">horse</a>.</p>



<p>Once extinct in the wild, this species now boasts a population of around 2,000, thanks to dedicated conservation efforts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genome-mapping">Genome mapping</h2>



<p>Genome mapping is the process of identifying the locations of genes and other significant features within an organism's DNA. It involves creating a comprehensive blueprint of the genetic material, which includes all the DNA sequences and their specific positions on chromosomes. </p>



<p>This map helps scientists understand the structure, function, and organization of genes, enabling them to study genetic variations, mutations, and their implications. </p>



<p>Genome mapping is essential for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/landmark-study-reveals-275-million-new-genetic-variants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">identifying genes</a> associated with diseases, understanding evolutionary relationships, and improving breeding programs for plants and animals. It provides a fundamental tool for advancing genetics, biotechnology, and medical research. </p>



<p>For example, the mapping of the horse genome, including breeds like the Thoroughbred, has helped identify genes linked to performance traits and health conditions, guiding selective breeding and veterinary care.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-collaborative-achievement">Collaborative achievement</h2>



<p>The study was led by researchers from the <a href="https://twin-cities.umn.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Minnesota</a> including Nicole Flack and Lauren Hughes from the College of Veterinary Medicine, along with Professor Christopher Faulk from the <a href="https://cfans.umn.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences</a>.</p>



<p>The research features contributions from students enrolled in Professor Faulk's animal science course.</p>



<p>"The genome is the basic blueprint for an animal and tells us what makes a species unique and also tells us about the health of a population," said Faulk. "My students worked together to produce the highest quality Przewalski's horse <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-origin-of-horse-domestication-has-finally-been-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genome</a> in the world."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-importance-of-a-reference-genome">Importance of a reference genome</h2>



<p>With the genome now mapped, researchers have a crucial tool to make accurate predictions about gene mutations and their implications for the health and conservation of Przewalski's horses.</p>



<p>"Studying genes without a good reference is like doing a 3-billion-piece puzzle without the picture on the box. Przewalski's horse researchers studying mutations in an important gene need a good reference picture to compare their puzzle with," noted Flack.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genome-of-przewalski-s-horse">Genome of Przewalski's horse</h2>



<p>The team used a blood sample from Varuschka, a 10-year-old Przewalski's mare at the Minnesota Zoo, to create a representative genetic map for the species. </p>



<p>The Minnesota Zoo has been a long-time partner in Przewalski's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/all-domestic-horses-have-ancestors-in-russia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">horse breeding</a> and management, with over 50 foals born since the 1970s.</p>



<p>"We were excited to partner with the University of Minnesota to preserve the genetic health of the species as their populations continue to recover, both in zoos and in the wild," said Anne Rivas, a doctor of veterinary medicine at the Minnesota Zoo. </p>



<p>"We are thrilled to offer our community the opportunity to see the horse as the results of our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/effective-conservation-efforts-key-to-saving-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation efforts</a>."</p>



<p>Interestingly, the genome sequencing was performed using cutting-edge technology, involving a portable device about the size of a soda can. This portability allows for potential future studies of wild Przewalski's horses in remote locations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-promising-applications-of-the-reference-genome">Promising applications of the reference genome</h2>



<p>The newly mapped reference <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/genome-mapping-completed-for-dozens-of-common-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genome</a> has several promising applications. It can be used to study genes that help the horse adapt to environmental changes, identify mutations associated with specific <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/all-domestic-horses-have-ancestors-in-russia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">traits</a> or diseases, and inform future breeding decisions to improve genetic diversity.</p>



<p>Given the extreme population bottleneck during the near-extinction of Przewalski's horses, understanding their genetic makeup is crucial for continued breeding and conservation efforts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interesting-facts-about-przewalski-s-horse">Interesting facts about Przewalski's horse</h2>



<p>Przewalski's horse, the last surviving species of wild horse, has a distinct ancient lineage. After being declared extinct in the wild in the 1960s, successful reintroduction efforts have restored populations in Mongolia, China, and Kazakhstan. </p>



<p>These horses are genetically unique, possessing 66 chromosomes - two more than domestic horses. They are smaller in stature, standing about 4 to 4.5 feet tall and weighing between 550 and 800 pounds.</p>



<p>Przewalski's horses live in small family groups with one dominant stallion and several mares. Their diet primarily consists of grasses, but they also eat leaves, bark, and fruit. They are tough survivors, capable of enduring extreme temperatures from scorching summers to freezing winters. </p>



<p>These horses have a distinctive appearance with a stocky build, short legs, a thick neck, and a standing mane without a forelock. </p>



<p>Przewalski's horses hold cultural significance for the Mongolian people as a symbol of their natural heritage and are seen as a conservation icon, representing hope for other endangered species.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://academic.oup.com/g3journal/advance-article/doi/10.1093/g3journal/jkae113/7683801?login=false" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">G3 Genes|Genomes|Genetics</a></em>.</p>



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



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Saving Przewalski's horse, the last surviving species of wild horse

In a remarkable study, researchers have successfully mapped the complete...

<p>A team of scientists has identified previously unrecognized immune responses that explain why some individuals do not contract <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-19-breakthrough-infections-build-an-immunity-wall/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COVID-19</a>. </p>



<p>The experts utilized single-cell sequencing to investigate immune reactions to SARS-CoV-2 in healthy volunteers as part of the world's first COVID-19 human challenge study.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research was led by researchers from <a href="https://www.sanger.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wellcome Sanger Institute</a>, <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University College London</a> (UCL), <a href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Imperial College London</a>, and the <a href="https://www.nki.nl/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Netherlands Cancer Institute</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-immune-responses-nbsp-to-covid-19">Unique immune responses&nbsp;to COVID-19 </h2>



<p>The study involved 36 volunteers exposed to the virus, with detailed monitoring revealing unique immune responses associated with resisting infection.</p>



<p>“This was an incredibly unique opportunity to see what immune responses look like when encountering a new pathogen - in adults with no prior history of COVID-19, in a setting where factors such as time of infection and comorbidities could be controlled,” said co-first author Rik Lindeboom, a researcher at the Netherlands Cancer Institute.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-basis-for-new-treatments-nbsp">Basis for new treatments&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“These findings shed new light on the crucial early events that either allow the virus to take hold or rapidly clear it before symptoms develop,” noted study senior author Marko Nikolić, a clinical scientist fellow at UCL.</p>



<p>“We now have a much greater understanding of the full range of immune responses, which could provide a basis for developing potential treatments and vaccines that mimic these natural protective responses.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-activation-of-protective-immune-cells">Activation of protective immune cells</h2>



<p>Using single-cell sequencing, the researchers generated a dataset of over 600,000 cells. They discovered immediate virus detection responses, including activation of specialized mucosal immune cells and a reduction in inflammatory white blood cells.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Individuals who cleared the virus immediately showed unique innate immune responses, influenced by high pre-exposure activity of the gene HLA-DQA2. Those who developed sustained infections had a rapid blood immune response but a slower nasal response.</p>



<p>“As we’re building the <a href="https://www.humancellatlas.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Human Cell Atlas</a> we can better identify which of our cells are critical for fighting infections and understand why different people respond to coronavirus in varied ways,” said Sarah Teichmann, co-founder of the Human Cell Atlas.</p>



<p>“Future studies can compare with our reference dataset to understand how a normal immune response to a new pathogen compares to a vaccine-induced immune response.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-insights-into-immune-responses-nbsp">Critical insights into immune responses&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study also identified patterns in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/t-cells-could-be-used-to-slow-down-or-even-reverse-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">T cell</a> receptors, offering insights for targeted T cell therapies. </p>



<p>Shobana Balasingam from Wellcome emphasized the value of human challenge models in understanding the body's response to infectious diseases, highlighting the need for such studies in low-resource settings to develop effective tools and treatments.</p>



<p>This research provides critical insights into immune mechanisms that allow some individuals to avoid COVID-19, offering potential pathways for improved therapeutic strategies and vaccine designs.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By understanding these natural protective responses, scientists can better inform the development of treatments and preventive measures for COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-does-covid-invade-the-body">How does Covid invade the body?</h2>



<p>COVID-19, caused by the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pigs-are-highly-resistant-to-sars-cov-2-infection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SARS-CoV-2</a> virus, invades the body through a multi-step process. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-point-of-entry-nbsp">Point of entry&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Initially, the virus enters the body primarily through the respiratory system, as people inhale droplets containing the virus from an infected person's coughs, sneezes, or speech. The virus can also enter through the eyes, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasal-cells-protect-children-against-severe-covid-19/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nose</a>, and mouth. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-attachment-to-cells">Attachment to cells</h3>



<p>Once inside, the virus targets specific cells in the respiratory tract by using its spike protein to bind to ACE2 receptors on the surface of these cells, which are abundant in areas such as the lungs, heart, kidneys, and intestines.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fusion-and-cell-entry">Fusion and cell entry</h3>



<p>Upon binding to the ACE2 receptor, the virus's membrane fuses with the host cell membrane, allowing the viral RNA to penetrate the host cell.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-virus-replication-and-assembly">Virus replication and assembly</h3>



<p>Inside the host cell, the viral RNA takes control of the cell's machinery, directing it to replicate the viral RNA and produce viral proteins necessary for creating new virus particles. These new viral particles are then assembled within the host cell.</p>



<p>Once assembled, the new viral particles are released from the host cell and proceed to infect neighboring cells, thereby spreading the infection throughout the body.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>The body's immune system responds to this invasion, often leading to inflammation and symptoms associated with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/low-iron-may-be-a-key-driver-of-long-covid/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COVID-19</a>, such as fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. </p>



<p>In severe cases, this can result in complications like pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and multi-organ failure, as the immune system's response can cause significant tissue damage.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07575-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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



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Some people have unique immune responses that block Covid

A team of scientists has identified previously unrecognized immune responses...

<p>Imagine the moon as a center for soil manufacturing, construction, and even building human habitation. This concept, once relegated to science fiction, is now becoming a reality thanks to increased interest and investment in space exploration.</p>



<p>Researchers are working tirelessly to develop the necessary technologies to make the moon a viable home for humans.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-innovative-solutions-with-moon-soil">Innovative solutions with moon soil</h2>



<p>One significant challenge in developing lunar <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-plans-to-build-house-on-the-moon-by-2040/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">infrastructure</a> on the moon is the need for building materials.</p>



<p>Transporting materials from Earth is costly and inefficient. This has led to research into utilizing raw materials found on the moon's surface. However, processing these lunar resources requires a substantial amount of power.</p>



<p>A team of researchers from the University of Waterloo's Laboratory for Emerging Energy Research (<a href="https://uwaterloo.ca/emerging-energy-research-laboratory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LEER</a>) is tackling this issue.</p>



<p>They are exploring how to process <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/moon-dust-simulating-lunar-dirt-will-make-it-easier-to-collect/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lunar regolith</a>, the moon's top layer of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-soil-from-the-moon-be-used-to-construct-buildings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soil</a> and dust, into usable materials for life support, energy generation, and construction. </p>



<p>This includes using defunct satellite material as a fuel source when mixed with lunar regolith.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-harnessing-the-power-of-moon-soil">Harnessing the power of moon soil</h2>



<p>"Lunar regolith contains lots of metallic dust embedded with oxygen," explained Connor MacRobbie, a Ph.D. candidate supervised by professors Dr. John Wen and Dr. Jean-Pierre Hickey in Waterloo's Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering. </p>



<p>"Because it already contains oxygen, we can utilize it, without the need for atmospheric oxygen, to produce thermal energy through a thermite reaction, which is particularly useful in space where oxygen is not readily available," MacRobbie continued.</p>



<p>The LEER team conducted experiments using simulant "lunar" regolith synthesized and supplied by NASA. </p>



<p>They tested various fuel and oxidizer compositions and particle sizes to control the energy release rate of a space-based thermite reaction for heating or manufacturing purposes.</p>



<p>"The results demonstrate the viability of the moon's topsoil to power <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-aims-to-build-a-train-on-the-moon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lunar development</a>, enabling humans to explore and inhabit the moon's surface," said Dr. John Wen, the director of LEER.</p>



<p>The team is now focused on improving the extraction of metals and other useful materials from the regolith and designing automated processes to support in-situ resource utilization and the circular space economy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-space-debris-on-the-moon">Addressing space debris on the Moon</h2>



<p>Another significant threat to humanity's future in space is the millions of bits of fast-moving debris between Earth and the moon's orbits. </p>



<p>The European Space Agency (<a href="https://www.esa.int" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>) compares a collision with a one-centimeter particle of space debris traveling at 10km/s to a small car crashing at 40 km/h.</p>



<p>The LEER research team is addressing this problem by recycling defunct satellite material into a fuel source for space development. </p>



<p>"Defunct satellites have enormous potential value," said MacRobbie. "They're made up of many useful materials, including aluminum, which, when added to lunar regolith, can produce a thermite reaction and generate heat."</p>



<p>Using the thermite reaction to repurpose salvaged <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/what-really-happens-to-space-debris/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space debris</a> also provides materials for maintaining and developing solar satellite systems in space, ensuring power for further space exploration.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-turning-science-fiction-into-reality">Turning science fiction into reality</h2>



<p>"Our research is turning science fiction into reality," said MacRobbie. "Our goal is to help build the infrastructure and technology that will allow sustainable human settlement on the moon—and beyond."</p>



<p>This important work by the LEER team represents a significant step toward making the moon a sustainable hub for human life and industry.</p>



<p>Through innovative use of lunar resources and recycling space debris, they are paving the way for humanity's future in space.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-moon-soil-lunar-regolith">More about moon soil (lunar regolith)</h2>



<p>Beyond the current research, lunar regolith offers several exciting possibilities for advancing space exploration. </p>



<p>For instance, its use in 3D printing technology could revolutionize construction on the moon. By using regolith as a raw material for 3D printers, astronauts could fabricate complex structures and components on-site, drastically reducing reliance on Earth-supplied resources.</p>



<p>Moreover, lunar soil might play a crucial role in future Mars missions. Techniques developed for processing regolith on the moon could be adapted for similar applications on Mars, aiding in building infrastructure and supporting life on the Red Planet.</p>



<p>Lunar regolith could also contribute to scientific research, providing insights into the moon's history and the broader solar system. Its unique composition might reveal clues about the early solar system's formation and evolution.</p>



<p>Lastly, leveraging lunar resources could drive international cooperation in space exploration, uniting countries and space agencies in joint missions to harness and utilize extraterrestrial materials effectively.</p>



<p>Two studies were published by the International Astronautical Federation.</p>



<p><a href="https://iafastro.directory/iac/archive/browse/IAC-23/D3/2A/77684/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The first can be found here...</a></p>



<p><a href="https://www.spacecanada.org/docs/2023-IAC-Second-Place-Paper.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The second can be found here...</a></p>



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



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Turning moon soil and space debris into building materials

Imagine the moon as a center for soil manufacturing, construction,...

<p>Using NASA’s first two-way, end-to-end laser relay system, videos and photos of pets were transmitted to and from the International Space Station at a staggering rate of 1.2 gigabits per second - faster than most home internet speeds.</p>



<p>This unique demonstration aimed to showcase the power of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-receives-deep-space-laser-message-psyche-mission-140-million-miles-away/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">laser communications</a> while testing new networking techniques.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nasa-s-laser-communication">NASA's laser communication </h2>



<p><a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a> astronauts Randy Bresnik, Christina Koch, and Kjell Lindgren, along with other agency employees, submitted photos and videos of their pets.</p>



<p>These transmissions allowed NASA’s Space Communications and Navigation (<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/space-operations/space-communications-and-navigation-scan-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SCaN</a>) program to highlight the capabilities of laser <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psyche-mission-paves-a-revolutionary-path-toward-deep-space-communication/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">communications</a>.</p>



<p>“The pet imagery campaign has been rewarding on multiple fronts for the ILLUMA-T, LCRD, and HDTN teams," noted Kevin Coggins, deputy associate administrator and SCaN program manager at NASA Headquarters in Washington.</p>



<p>"Not only have they demonstrated how these technologies can play an essential role in enabling NASA’s future science and exploration missions, but it also provided a fun opportunity for the teams to ‘picture’ their pets assisting with this innovative demonstration.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inspired-by-taters-the-cat">Inspired by Taters the Cat</h2>



<p>This demonstration was inspired by "Taters the Cat," an orange feline whose video was transmitted 19 million miles over <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-received-laser-communication-from-10-million-miles-away/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">laser</a> links to the DSOC (Deep Space Optical Communications) payload on the Psyche mission.</p>



<p>The pet photo project involved NASA’s ongoing laser communications demonstrations: LCRD, DSOC, and ILLUMA-T.</p>



<p>The images and videos started on a computer at a mission operations center in Las Cruces, New Mexico. From there, NASA routed the data to optical ground stations in California and Hawaii. </p>



<p>The data was modulated onto infrared light signals and sent to NASA’s LCRD (Laser Communications Relay Demonstration) in geosynchronous orbit, 22,000 miles above Earth. </p>



<p>LCRD then relayed the data to ILLUMA-T (Integrated LCRD Low Earth Orbit User Modem and Amplifier Terminal), currently mounted on the space station.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-from-radio-to-laser">Evolution from radio to laser</h2>



<p>Since the beginning of space exploration, NASA has relied on radio frequency communications to send data to and from space. </p>



<p>Laser communications, or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-data-transmission-speed-record-set-by-scientists-using-optical-cables/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">optical communications</a>, use infrared light instead of radio waves. While both travel at the speed of light, infrared light can transfer more data in a single link due to its tighter wavelength.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overcoming-challenges-with-dtn-technology">Overcoming challenges with DTN technology</h2>



<p>NASA tested a new networking technique to handle data transmission delays and potential disruptions. They developed Delay/Disruption Tolerant Networking (DTN), which uses a "store-and-forward" process to manage data. </p>



<p>To enable DTN at higher data rates, NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland developed High-Rate Delay Tolerant Networking (HDTN). This technology allows data transfer at up to four times the speed of current DTN technology.</p>



<p>The HDTN implementation aggregates data from various sources, such as scientific instruments on the space station, and prepares it for transmission back to Earth. </p>



<p>For the pet photo and video experiment, the content was routed using DTN protocols as it traveled from Earth to LCRD, then to ILLUMA-T on the space station. Upon arrival, an onboard HDTN payload reassembled the data into files.</p>



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



<p>This optimized DTN technology aims to enhance NASA’s communications services, including improved security through encryption and authentication and network routing of high-definition multimedia. </p>



<p>These capabilities are currently being tested on the space station with ILLUMA-T and LCRD.</p>



<p>As NASA’s Artemis campaign prepares to establish a sustainable presence on and around the Moon, SCaN will continue to develop groundbreaking communications technology to bring the scalability, reliability, and performance of Earth-based internet to space.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nasa-s-laser-technology">NASA's laser technology</h2>



<p>NASA's laser communication technology represents a significant advancement in space communications. Unlike traditional radio frequency (RF) systems, laser communications use infrared light, which offers a tighter wavelength. </p>



<p>This allows for the transfer of more data at faster speeds. For instance, NASA's Laser Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD) aims to revolutionize data transmission by offering speeds 10 to 100 times faster than RF systems.</p>



<p>One of the key advantages of laser communication is its ability to transmit large volumes of data over vast distances. </p>



<p>This capability is crucial for future missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond, where high-definition video and large scientific datasets need to be sent back to Earth. The technology also supports more secure data transmission, with enhanced encryption and reduced signal interference.</p>



<p>NASA’s ongoing projects, such as the Deep Space Optical Communications (<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/mission/deep-space-optical-communications-dsoc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DSOC</a>) and <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/missions/illuma-t/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ILLUMA-T</a>, continue to refine and demonstrate these technologies, paving the way for more efficient and reliable space communication networks.</p>



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



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NASA sent pet photos to the space station using lasers

Using NASA’s first two-way, end-to-end laser relay system, videos and...

<p>Poor American <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/junk-food-diet-triggers-lasting-changes-in-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diets</a> remain a significant issue in the United States, contributing to obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers.</p>



<p>According to the Food and Drug Administration, more than one million Americans die each year from diet-related diseases.</p>



<p>The financial impact is also substantial, with an estimated $1.1 trillion spent on healthcare and lost productivity due to poor diet and food insecurity.</p>



<p>These issues disproportionately affect individuals based on income, education, zip code, race, and ethnicity - highlighting significant health disparities.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modest-progress-in-american-diets">Modest progress in American diets</h2>



<p>A recent study from the <a href="https://tuftsfoodismedicine.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Food is Medicine Institute</a> at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy reveals some progress.</p>



<p>The research shows that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-diet-quality-has-not-improved-in-the-past-30-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diet quality</a> among U.S. adults improved modestly between 1999 and 2020. However, the number of Americans with poor diet quality remains high, and disparities in diet quality persist.</p>



<p>“While we’ve seen some modest improvement in American diets in the last two decades, those improvements are not reaching everyone, and many Americans are eating worse,” said study senior author Dariush Mozaffarian, cardiologist and director of the Food is Medicine Institute.</p>



<p>“Our new research shows that the nation can’t achieve nutritional and health equity until we address the barriers many Americans face when it comes to accessing and eating nourishing food.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-analysis-of-american-diets">Analysis of American diets</h2>



<p>The study analyzed data from 10 cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted between 1999 and 2020. This includes repeated 24-hour dietary recalls from 51,703 adults, with 72.6% completing two recalls.</p>



<p>Diet quality was measured using the American Heart Association diet score, which evaluates the consumption of fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, whole grains, sugary beverages, and processed meat. </p>



<p>The results showed that the proportion of adults with poor diet quality decreased from 48.8% to 36.7% over the two decades, while those with intermediate diet quality increased from 50.6% to 61.1%. The percentage of adults with an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-fathers-diet-impacts-the-health-of-his-future-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ideal diet</a> remained very low but still improved, increasing from 0.66% to 1.58%.</p>



<p>The study noted specific changes contributing to these trends, such as increased consumption of nuts, seeds, whole grains, poultry, cheese, and eggs. </p>



<p>Conversely, there was a decrease in the intake of refined grains, sugary drinks, fruit juice, and milk. However, the overall consumption of fruits and vegetables, fish, processed meat, potassium, and sodium remained stable.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disparities-in-dietary-improvements">Disparities in dietary improvements</h2>



<p>The improvements in diet quality were not evenly distributed across the population. The greatest gains were seen among younger adults, women, Hispanic adults, and those with higher education, income, food security, and private health insurance.</p>



<p>Conversely, older adults, men, Black adults, and individuals with lower education, income, food insecurity, or non-private health insurance saw smaller improvements.</p>



<p>For instance, the proportion of adults with poor diet quality decreased from 51.8% to 47.3% among those with lower income, from 50.0% to 43.0% among those with middle income, and from 45.7% to 29.9% among those with higher income.</p>



<p>“While some improvement, especially lower consumption of added sugar and fruit drinks, is encouraging to see, we still have a long way to go, especially for people from marginalized communities and backgrounds,” noted Junxiu Liu, the study’s first author and former postdoctoral scholar at the Friedman School, now assistant professor at the <a href="https://icahn.mssm.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-the-nutrition-crisis">Addressing the nutrition crisis</h2>



<p>The research underscores the ongoing national nutrition crisis related to American diets, with rising rates of obesity and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/poor-diets-are-driving-a-global-diabetes-epidemic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">type 2 diabetes</a>.</p>



<p>These conditions affect all Americans but are particularly prevalent among socioeconomically and geographically vulnerable populations. </p>



<p>Mozaffarian emphasizes the need to address nutrition security and other social determinants of health - including housing, transportation, fair wages, and structural racism - to mitigate the human and economic costs of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/poor-diet-quality-in-adolescence-linked-to-lifelong-health-risks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">poor diets</a>.</p>



<p>The journey toward achieving health equity through improved diets is ongoing. While there are signs of progress, much work remains to ensure that all Americans have <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healthy-diets-linked-to-education-and-food-access/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">access to nutritious food</a> and the opportunity to lead healthy lives.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/M24-0190" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Annals of Internal Medicine</a></em>.</p>



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



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Over a million Americans die each year from diet-related diseases

Poor American diets remain a significant issue in the United...

<p>A recent study has revealed that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-psilocybin-mushrooms-got-their-magic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psilocybin</a>, the active psychedelic compound in “magic mushrooms,” induces a state of hyperconnectivity in the brain, linked to the ego-dissolving experiences and feelings of oceanic boundlessness. </p>



<p>These findings, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bpsc.2024.04.001" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging</em></a>, offer insights into the mystical experiences reported during psychedelic use and their potential therapeutic benefits for psychiatric disorders like depression.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-psychedelic-state-of-oceanic-boundlessness">Psychedelic state of oceanic boundlessness </h2>



<p>The term “oceanic boundlessness” describes a sense of unity, bliss, and spiritual experience often associated with psychedelics.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In one of the pioneering brain imaging studies in this field, researchers identified a specific connection between the psychedelic state and dynamic changes in whole-brain connectivity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Previous research had already noted increased static global brain connectivity under psychedelics, but this study demonstrated that the hyperconnected state is dynamic and corresponds with the feeling of oceanic boundlessness, a key aspect of the psychedelic experience.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-psychedelics-and-brain-activity-nbsp">Psychedelics and brain activity&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Johannes G. Ramaekers, a professor of psychopharmacology and behavioral toxicology at <a href="https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Maastricht University</a>, is the study's lead investigator.</p>



<p>“Psilocybin has been one of the most studied psychedelics, possibly due to its potential contribution in treating different disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, death-related anxiety, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psilocybin-can-treat-depression-by-restructuring-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">depression</a>, treatment-resistant depression, major depressive disorder, terminal cancer-associated anxiety, demoralization, smoking, and alcohol and tobacco addiction,” said Professor Ramaekers.</p>



<p>“What was not fully understood is what brain activity is associated with these profound experiences.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-psilocybin-enhances-mental-perspectives">Psilocybin enhances mental perspectives </h2>



<p>The analysis revealed that psilocybin causes significant changes in the brain and experiences. The brain's propensity to enter a hyperconnected-hyperarousal state under psilocybin suggests the potential for varied mental perspectives.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These findings shed light on the intricate relationship between brain dynamics and subjective experiences under psilocybin, offering valuable insights into the neurophysiology and experiential aspects of the psychedelic state.</p>



<p>“Taken together, averaged and dynamic connectivity analyses suggest that psilocybin alters brain function such that the overall neurobiological pattern becomes functionally more connected, more fluid, and less modular,” Ramaekers said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hyperconnected-brain-patterns">Hyperconnected brain patterns</h2>



<p>The researchers analyzed functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data from two groups: 22 individuals who received psilocybin and 27 who received a placebo.&nbsp;</p>



<p>During the peak effects of the drug, those who took psilocybin reported significant phenomenological changes compared to the placebo group.&nbsp;</p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/traffic-pollution-impairs-brain-network-connectivity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brain connectivity</a> analysis revealed a recurring pattern of global region-to-region connectivity in the psilocybin group, potentially explaining the diverse mental associations participants experienced.</p>



<p>This hyperconnected pattern was closely linked to feelings of oceanic boundlessness and unity, indicating a significant connection between brain dynamics and subjective experiences. </p>



<p>The findings suggest that the ego-dissolving effects of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psilocybin-microdosing-may-improve-mental-health-by-boosting-stress-resilience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psilocybin</a>, rather than its hallucinogenic properties, are more strongly correlated with this hyperconnected brain state.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ego-modifying-effects-of-psychedelics-nbsp">Ego-modifying effects of psychedelics&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“Psychedelic drugs like psilocybin are often referred to as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hallucinogen-use-is-on-the-rise-among-young-adults/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hallucinogens</a> both scientifically and colloquially. As such, we expected that the hallucinatory dimensions of experience would correlate the highest with psilocybin’s hyperconnected pattern,” explained co-author Larry Fort, a PhD student at the <a href="https://www.uliege.be/cms/c_8699436/en/uliege" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Liège</a>.</p>



<p>“However, hallucinatory experience had a strong, but weaker correlation with this pattern than ego-modifying experiences. This led us to formulate the term ‘egotropic’ to draw attention to these ego-modifying effects as important, perhaps even more so than their hallucinogenic counterparts.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-investigating-the-therapeutic-effects-of-psychedelics-nbsp">Investigating the therapeutic effects of psychedelics&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Cameron S. Carter is the Editor-in-Chief of Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging and a neuroscientist at the <a href="https://www.uci.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California Irvine</a>. </p>



<p>“This study uses readily available resting state fMRI images acquired after psilocybin ingestion to provide new insights into the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying the subjective and clinical effects of the drug,” noted Carter.</p>



<p>“It sets the stage for future studies using other psychedelic agents to examine whether the dynamic connectivity effects reflect a general mechanism for the therapeutic effects of these compounds.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-producing-the-best-clinical-outcomes-nbsp">Producing the best clinical outcomes&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“We were pleasantly surprised to learn that the brain pattern of hyperconnected regions was further characterized by lower global signal amplitude, which works as a proxy to heightened cortical arousal,” said study senior author Athena Demertzi, an expert in cognitive neuroscience at the University of Liège.</p>



<p>“So far, this is the first time that such approximation of arousal levels using fMRI was attempted in psychedelic research. This might be an important correlation as we move towards a full characterization of brain states under psychedelics.”</p>



<p>“Given the resurgence in research regarding the psychotherapeutic applications of psychedelic drugs, our results are pertinent to understanding how subjective experience under psychedelics influences beneficial clinical outcomes.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Is the effect driven by ego-dissolution? By hallucinations? As such, our work exemplifies how the strong inter-relatedness between egotropic effects of moderate dose psilocybin and its hyperconnected brain pattern can inform clinical focus on specific aspects of phenomenology, such as ego-dissolutions.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>“With this information, healthcare professionals may learn how to best engineer psychedelic therapy sessions to produce the best clinical outcomes.”</p>



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



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

Psychedelic drug induces feelings of "oceanic boundlessness"

A recent study has revealed that psilocybin, the active psychedelic...

<p>For the first time, aquaculture has overtaken wild fisheries in aquatic animal production, marking a significant milestone in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/better-refrigeration-could-significantly-reduce-global-food-waste/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global</a> food security.</p>



<p>A recent report by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (<a href="https://www.fao.org/home/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FAO</a>) highlights this shift and underscores the growing importance of sustainable aquaculture in meeting the world's food needs.</p>



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



<p>Aquaculture, often referred to as fish farming, is the practice of breeding, rearing, and harvesting aquatic organisms like fish and seaweed in controlled environments.</p>



<p>Unlike traditional wild fisheries that depend on capturing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-small-fish-whole-reduces-cancer-risk-in-women/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish</a> from natural bodies of water, aquaculture involves cultivating these species in tanks, ponds, or ocean enclosures.</p>



<p>This method allows for greater control over growing conditions, such as water quality, feed, and breeding cycles, which can lead to more efficient and sustainable production. </p>



<p>Aquaculture plays a crucial role in supplementing wild fish stocks, reducing pressure on overfished populations, and contributing to global food security. It also supports livelihoods in coastal and rural areas by providing jobs and economic opportunities.</p>



<p>By producing high-quality protein with lower environmental impact compared to some land-based farming practices, aquaculture presents a promising solution to meet the increasing global demand for nutritious and sustainable seafood.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rise-of-aquaculture-for-food">Rise of aquaculture for food</h2>



<p>In 2022, aquaculture reached a significant milestone by producing 94.4 million tons of aquatic animals. This impressive output accounted for 51 percent of the total aquatic production globally.</p>



<p>Even more noteworthy is that 57 percent of this production was specifically intended for human consumption. This achievement underscores the growing importance of aquaculture in meeting the world's food needs.</p>



<p>The increase in aquaculture production is crucial as the global demand for aquatic foods continues to rise. As populations grow and dietary preferences shift towards healthier and more diverse options, the need for reliable sources of aquatic foods becomes more pressing. </p>



<p>The FAO highlights the importance of sustainable production practices in aquaculture. Ensuring that aquaculture operations are environmentally friendly and resource-efficient is vital for maintaining the health of our ecosystems. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aquaculture-and-food-security">Aquaculture and food security</h2>



<p>"Aquatic systems are increasingly recognized as vital for food and nutrition security," the report states. This sentiment was echoed by experts who recently gathered in Costa Rica to discuss ocean conservation.</p>



<p>Due to their diversity and capacity to provide ecosystem services, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/blue-foods-could-help-address-global-challenges/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aquatic food</a> systems offer a promising solution to enhance <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-food-system-must-change-if-nations-hope-to-reduce-greenhouse-gas-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global food</a> security and nutrition.</p>



<p>Despite the steady production levels of wild fisheries over the past decades, aquaculture has seen a 6.6 percent increase since 2020. However, the sustainability of wild fishery resources remains a significant concern. </p>



<p>The proportion of marine stocks fished within biologically sustainable levels dropped to 62.3 percent in 2021, down from 64.6 percent in 2019. The report calls for urgent action to accelerate the conservation and rebuilding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/without-strong-action-global-fish-stocks-could-collapse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fishery stocks</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-investment-and-challenges">Investment and challenges</h2>



<p>With the global population projected to reach 8.5 billion by 2030, significant investments are necessary to ensure adequate food, nutrition, and livelihoods. The report highlights the potential of aquaculture, particularly in Africa, where it remains largely untapped.</p>



<p>Currently, over 40 percent of the global population cannot afford a healthy diet, making the role of aquaculture even more critical. Aquatic products are among the most traded food commodities, generating a record $195 billion in 2022 - a 19 percent increase from pre-pandemic levels.</p>



<p>Despite these achievements, the sector faces significant challenges, including climate change, water scarcity, pollution, and biodiversity loss.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-efforts-to-support-aquaculture">Global efforts to support aquaculture</h2>



<p>The report's release coincides with a meeting in San Jose, Costa Rica, where country representatives, scientists, and international experts are preparing for the third UN Ocean Conference in France in 2025. </p>



<p>United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Social Affairs, Li Junhua, emphasized the urgency of protecting the ocean, stating that it is "not an option but an imperative."</p>



<p>Costa Rica's President Rodrigo Chaves, hosting the two-day meeting, warned that failing to act would jeopardize the future of humanity. Participants are debating critical issues, including the ocean's capacity to absorb carbon dioxide, the need for sustainable fishing practices, and tackling marine pollution.</p>



<p>In conclusion, the shift from wild fisheries to aquaculture marks a pivotal moment in global food security. Sustainable aquaculture offers a viable solution to meet the growing demand for aquatic foods, but it requires significant investment and concerted global efforts to overcome the challenges posed by climate change and other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/90-percent-of-the-worlds-aquaculture-faces-substantial-risk-from-human-induced-environmental-changes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental</a> threats.</p>



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



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Aquaculture now produces more food than wild fishing

For the first time, aquaculture has overtaken wild fisheries in...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>

Social modeling affects our food choices

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists discover we age in bursts

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists solve the mystery of tickling

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>



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



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

Retired professor claims he solved time travel

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

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</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Acid rain and a crisis solved.</figcaption></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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



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



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



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



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

[sendtonews key="X0f6OHYoI4-2310561-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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