<p>A new study reports microbial DNA preserved inside woolly and steppe mammoth remains that are older than one million years. The team shows that some bacteria were living with these animals while they were alive, not just invading after death.</p>



<p>Researchers analyzed DNA from 483 specimens and sequenced 440 of them for the first time. From a steppe mammoth that lived about 1.1 million years ago, they even pieced together parts of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbes-buried-for-millions-of-years-may-guide-search-for-alien-life/">bacterial</a> genomes that once infected or inhabited the animal.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-microbes-in-mammoths">Ancient microbes in mammoths</h2>



<p>The work was led by Benjamin Guinet, a postdoctoral fellow at the Centre for Palaeogenetics in Stockholm (<a href="https://palaeogenetics.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CPG</a>). The Centre is a collaboration between Stockholm University and the Swedish Museum of Natural History (<a href="https://www.nrm.se/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NRM</a>).</p>



<p>"Our results push the study of microbial DNA back beyond a million years, opening up new possibilities to explore how host-associated microbes evolved in parallel with their hosts," said Guinet. </p>



<p>The project involved an international team of experts working across multiple collections and labs.</p>



<p>The researchers used strict lab protocols, computational filters, and DNA damage checks to separate life stage <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbes-found-alive-sealed-inside-rock-after-2-billion-years/">microbes</a> from postmortem contaminants. That approach helped them focus on organisms that were likely part of the mammoth’s own internal community.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inside-mammoth-dna">Inside mammoth DNA</h2>



<p>The scientists kept finding the same six types of bacteria in mammoth remains from different times and places, including close relatives of <em>Actinobacillus</em>, <em>Pasteurella</em>, <em>Streptococcus</em>, and <em>Erysipelothrix</em>. </p>



<p>This pattern suggests that these microbes had a long history with mammoths, sticking with them through environmental changes and population shifts.</p>



<p>The scientists distinguished host-associated microbes, meaning those living in or on a host while it was alive, from environmental bacteria that entered after burial. </p>



<p>They used metagenomics, a method that reads all DNA in a sample at once, then identified ancient damage patterns to authenticate the oldest material.</p>



<p>From the 1.1 million year steppe mammoth, the team reconstructed partial genomes of <em>Erysipelothrix</em> that likely came from an infection during life. This is the oldest authenticated host-associated microbial DNA ever reported, and it extends the range for studying ancient host <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbes-aquificales-discovered-in-hot-springs-breathe-oxygen-and-sulfur-at-same-time/">microbe</a> interactions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-ancient-microbes-matter">Why ancient microbes matter</h2>



<p>This result builds on earlier work that recovered genome scale data from mammoth teeth more than one million years old, demonstrating that DNA can survive when conditions are right. </p>



<p>The previous <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-021-03224-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research</a> established methods and expectations for data quality at this extreme age.</p>



<p>Ancient DNA is fragile and breaks into tiny pieces, and chemical changes accumulate over time. By tracking these signatures, scientists can tell ancient sequences from modern contamination and avoid false signals.</p>



<p>"As microbes evolve fast, obtaining reliable DNA data across more than a million years was like following a trail that kept rewriting itself," said study senior author Tom van der Valk.</p>



<p>"Our findings show that ancient remains can preserve biological insights far beyond the host genome, offering us perspectives on how microbes influenced adaptation, disease, and extinction in Pleistocene ecosystems."</p>



<p>The Pleistocene was a period from about 2.6 million years ago to 11,700 years ago that included repeated ice ages.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microbes-linked-to-mammoth-health">Microbes linked to mammoth health</h2>



<p>One bacterium in the dataset is closely related to a <em>Pasteurella</em> species implicated in lethal outbreaks among African elephants. That connection is supported by a 2023 <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37880229/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">paper</a> that identified a Pasteurella relative as the likely cause of fatal septicemia in elephants in Zimbabwe.</p>



<p>The new study reports several putative <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2646308/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">virulence factors</a>, which are gene features tied to disease-causing ability, in some clades. The authors are careful about cause and effect because ancient DNA is incomplete and infections leave mixed traces.</p>



<p><em>Erysipelothrix</em> is also known to sicken Arctic wildlife today, including muskoxen during unusual mortality events. That pattern has been documented in a Canadian Veterinary <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4431149/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal</a> that found <em>Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae</em> associated with widespread deaths in the Canadian Arctic.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mammoth-survival-and-microbes">Mammoth survival and microbes</h2>



<p>Microbes that stayed with mammoths for hundreds of thousands of years hint at stable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/breathing-without-oxygen-how-ancient-microbes-powered-early-life/">relationships</a> shaped by diet, climate, and social behavior. The persistence of these lineages across far flung regions points to deep coevolution.</p>



<p>The last woolly mammoths survived on Wrangel Island until about 4,000 years ago, long after mainland populations vanished. Genetic work on that relict group links their late survival to small population size and accumulating harmful mutations.</p>



<p>"This work opens a new chapter in understanding the biology of extinct species. Not only can we study the genomes of mammoths themselves, but we can now begin to explore the microbial communities that lived inside them," said Love Dalén, professor of evolutionary genomics at the CPG. </p>



<p>Ultimately, the data help connect health, ecology, and extinction risks in a single picture.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-this-research-can-go-next">Where this research can go next</h2>



<p>Reconstructing ancient microbiomes can help set baselines for living elephant microbiomes. That matters because health, diet, and stress are all reflected in the microbiome, the community of microbes that live in and on an organism.</p>



<p>Ancient pathogen signals can also clarify whether outbreaks played a role in population declines. Learning which bacteria carried disease associated genes in the past could inform surveillance and treatment strategies for modern elephants.</p>



<p>Finally, the same tools can be applied to other Ice Age species to test whether long-lived microbial partners were the rule rather than the exception. Careful sampling, clean labs, and independent checks will keep new claims on firm ground.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/cell/abstract/S0092-8674(25)00917-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Cell</em></a>.</p>



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



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



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



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

Million year-old mammoth microbes reveal new clues about disease

A new study reports microbial DNA preserved inside woolly and steppe mammoth remains that are older than one million years. The team shows that some bacteria were living with these animals while they were alive, not just invading after death. Researchers analyzed DNA from 483 specimens and sequenced 440 of them for the first time. From a steppe mammoth that lived about 1.1 million years ago, they even pieced together parts of bacterial genomes that once infected or inhabited the animal. Ancient microbes in mammoths The work...

<p>Have you ever wondered why a doctor might ask for your <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/consensual-touch-greatly-benefits-mental-physical-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">consent</a> before touching you during an examination? Or why your partner might ask before giving you a hug? It turns out, there's more to these seemingly small gestures than simple politeness. </p>



<p>Recent research has revealed that the mere act of asking for consent before touching someone can significantly enhance their experience. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-science-of-touch-and-consent">Science of touch and consent</h2>



<p>Touch is a fundamental aspect of human connection, playing a vital role in our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mixed-emotions-linked-to-unique-brain-activity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emotional</a> and physical well-being. From a comforting hug to a gentle caress, touch can convey warmth, support, and affection. </p>



<p>However, not all touch is created equal. The way we experience touch can be profoundly influenced by whether or not we <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-pinpoints-the-brain-regions-that-regulate-emotions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">feel</a> we have a say in it.</p>



<p>Researchers at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (<a href="https://www.lmu.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LMU</a>), the <a href="https://www.unibw.de/home-en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of the Bundeswehr Munich</a>, and <a href="https://tu-dresden.de/?set_language=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dresden University of Technology</a> designed a series of experiments to investigate the impact of consent on the perception of touch. Participants were gently stroked on their arm by a researcher under various conditions. </p>



<p>In some trials, participants were given a choice regarding aspects of the touch, such as where on their arm they would be touched or the color of the glove worn by the researcher. In other trials, participants were not given any choice.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consent-before-touch-enhances-pleasure">Consent before touch enhances pleasure</h2>



<p>The results of the study were striking. When given any choice, even over seemingly trivial matters like the color of the glove, participants reported the same touch as significantly more pleasurable. This effect was consistent across different speeds of touch, known to influence the perceived pleasantness.</p>



<p>Furthermore, researchers used pupillometric technology to measure participants' physiological arousal levels. The data revealed that the act of choosing boosted arousal levels in anticipation of being touched. </p>



<p>"It seems the simple act of choosing enhances how our body and mind respond to intimate contact," noted Lenka Gorman, a doctoral candidate at LMU's Cognition, Values, Behaviour Lab.</p>



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



<p>These findings have far-reaching implications for various aspects of human interaction. In personal relationships, the act of asking for consent before initiating physical contact can deepen intimacy and foster trust. </p>



<p>In clinical settings, such as touch-based therapies, providing patients with more perceived control over their treatment could enhance the therapeutic benefits.</p>



<p>"Choice and consent are ethical concerns; they're also fundamental to how we experience things. We know that choosing taps into the same dopamine system as money, food, sex, and other rewards we actively seek," said Professor Ophelia Deroy, Chair of Philosophy of Mind at LMU.</p>



<p>The fact that choice can enhance even passive experiences highlights its crucial role in building strong connections.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-choice-as-a-double-edged-sword">Choice as a double-edged sword</h2>



<p>While the research underscores the positive impact of choice on our experiences, it also raises cautionary notes. </p>



<p>"Our research also found that even minor choices, like picking a color, can make people more open to an experience," noted Professor Deroy. "This makes us think about why these choices are offered, especially in marketing situations where they can be used to trick us."</p>



<p>This insight suggests that the power of choice can be exploited for manipulative purposes. Marketers and advertisers may offer consumers seemingly inconsequential choices to make them more receptive to their products or services. </p>



<p>Therefore, it's crucial to be aware of the subtle ways in which choice can influence our perceptions and decisions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-choice-and-consent">Future of choice and consent</h2>



<p>The research on touch and consent opens up new avenues for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-you-train-your-brain-to-manage-strong-emotions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exploration</a>. Future studies could investigate the impact of choice on other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/emotions-sensory-perception-brain-fascinating-interplay/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sensory experiences</a>, such as taste or smell. </p>



<p>Additionally, researchers could delve deeper into the neural mechanisms underlying the link between choice and pleasure.</p>



<p>The implications of this research extend beyond the laboratory. By recognizing the profound impact of choice on our experiences, we can foster healthier relationships, enhance therapeutic practices, and navigate the complexities of modern life with greater awareness and autonomy. </p>



<p>So, the next time you reach out to touch someone, remember the power of asking, "May I?"</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.3758/s13414-024-02887-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Attention Perception &amp; Psychophysics</a></em>.</p>



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



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



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



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

Asking for consent before touching someone enhances the experience

Have you ever wondered why a doctor might ask for...

Close,Up,Of,Female,Famer,Hands,Holding,Soil,Outdoors,At

<p>Regenerative agriculture has become the focus of the agricultural community as farmers in the U.S. face the harsh realities of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-pool-of-global-soil-carbon-alters-climate-change-models/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> -- extreme heat, drought, heavy rainfall, flooding, and erosion.</p>



<p>This innovative approach promises not only to improve <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soil-microbes-may-shape-the-flavor-of-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soil health</a> but also to provide financial opportunities through "carbon farming.</p>



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



<p>Regenerative agriculture is a farming approach that focuses on enhancing and restoring the health of the soil, ecosystems, and the environment while producing food. It goes beyond sustainable practices, which aim to maintain the status quo, by actively improving the land. </p>



<p>The key principles of regenerative agriculture include:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Minimizing soil disturbance</strong>: Reducing tillage and avoiding the use of heavy machinery to maintain soil structure and integrity.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li><strong>Maximizing crop diversity</strong>: <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mixed-farming-could-increase-food-productivity-and-reduce-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Planting a variety of crops</a> and using crop rotation to enhance soil health and reduce pests and diseases.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li><strong>Keeping the soil covered</strong>: Using cover crops, mulch, and crop residues to protect the soil from erosion, regulate temperature, and retain moisture.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li><strong>Maintaining living roots in the soil</strong>: Planting cover crops and perennials to keep roots in the soil year-round, which supports soil microorganisms and improves soil health.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li><strong>Integrating livestock</strong>: Using managed grazing to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-dormant-soil-microbes-survive-in-a-60-year-old-fire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">improve soil fertility</a>, control weeds, and enhance biodiversity.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li><strong>Reducing external inputs</strong>: Minimizing the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides, and instead relying on natural processes to maintain soil health and productivity.</li>
</ul>



<ol></ol>



<p>By implementing these practices, regenerative agriculture aims to sequester carbon in the soil, improve water retention and infiltration, enhance biodiversity, and create more resilient food systems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-financial-and-practical-challenges">Financial and practical challenges</h2>



<p>Despite the potential benefits, many farmers have been hesitant to join carbon market programs. Surveys indicate that low carbon prices and extensive paperwork deter participation.</p>



<p>However, a recent study published in <em>Agriculture and Human Values</em> reveals that financial factors are not the only barriers. </p>



<p>Many farmers view soil health improvement as a pathway to a better quality of life, reducing their dependence on agrochemical companies' products and advice.</p>



<p>"Farmers are really looking to get off that treadmill of high-input, high yield commodity agriculture," says Susanne Freidberg, a professor of geography at <a href="https://home.dartmouth.edu/">Dartmouth College</a> and co-lead author of the study.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-from-the-field">Insights from the field</h2>



<p>The study, based on interviews with over 80 farmers in Kansas and Nebraska, explores their experiences with regenerative practices. </p>



<p>These farmers, managing farms ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand acres, shared a range of experiences from recent adopters to veterans with over 20 years of practice.</p>



<p>Recent adopters cited high input costs, soil erosion concerns, and success stories from other farmers as motivations to explore <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/grasslands-can-be-managed-to-benefit-biodiversity-and-soil-health/">soil health</a>. They often began their journey by attending field days or conferences.</p>



<p>As they implemented new practices, they developed new mindsets and relationships.</p>



<p>"Farmers who had implemented regenerative practices talked a lot about how they paid attention to interactions between the different kinds of life in their fields -- cover crops, earthworms, and especially soil microbes," Freidberg noted.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-dynamics-of-regenerative-agriculture">Social dynamics of regenerative agriculture</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-soil-microbes-could-revolutionize-climate-predictions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Below-ground microbial activity</a> not only builds soil fertility, allowing farmers to use less fertilizer, but also helps reduce erosion, conserve water, and sequester carbon.</p>



<p>However, practices beneficial to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-soil-microbes-survive-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soil microbes</a> sometimes strained relationships with neighbors and landlords.</p>



<p>"Farmers mentioned that when they stopped tilling and started planting multi-species cover crops, they started getting strange looks at their local coffee shop because now their fields looked messy," Freidberg explained.</p>



<p>These tensions underscored the importance of support networks among regenerative farmers. Many joined informal "support groups" to share experiences or farm equipment. </p>



<p>"Farmers who viewed regenerative agriculture as a way to gain more personal freedom also saw that this freedom depended on the support of other farmers," Freidberg said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-personal-fulfillment-and-carbon-programs">Personal fulfillment and carbon programs</h2>



<p>Farmers also appreciated the return of birds and wildlife to their fields and found their daily work more enjoyable and interesting. </p>



<p>Those who signed up for carbon programs preferred ones without long-term commitments or major changes to their practices. </p>



<p>One farmer described the extra income from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reducing-carbon-footprint-urban-farms-and-agriculture/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon</a> farming as "beer money."</p>



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



<p>The opportunities for carbon farming expanded with the rollout of USDA-funded "climate smart" commodities projects in 2023, around the time the Dartmouth study concluded. </p>



<p>These projects, often led by large food and agribusiness companies, offer financial incentives for adopting regenerative practices. However, widespread farmer participation will depend on how well these projects align with farmers' values.</p>



<p>"When farmers talk about the return on investment on regenerative agriculture, they're talking about more than just money," Freidberg emphasized.</p>



<p>In summary, while the financial benefits of regenerative agriculture are significant, many farmers are drawn to these practices for the broader improvements they bring to their lives and communities.</p>



<p>By focusing on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-soil-bacteria-contribute-to-atmospheric-co2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soil health</a>, farmers are not only nurturing their land but also fostering a more sustainable and fulfilling way of farming.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10460-024-10558-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Agriculture and Human Values</a></em>.</p>



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



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



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



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

Farmers are adopting regenerative agriculture for better soil health

Regenerative agriculture has become the focus of the agricultural community...

Top,View,Square,Block,Cement,Concrete,Green,Grass,Pattern,Parking.

<p>A research team led by Reza Moini, an assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering at Princeton University, has developed a new cement composite material that is remarkably more crack-resistant and flexible than <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/recycled-cement-is-an-absolute-miracle-to-lower-concrete-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">standard cement</a>. </p>



<p>The findings, published on June 10 in the journal <em>Advanced Functional Materials</em>, could <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mycocrete-new-material-made-of-fungi-hopes-to-replace-concrete-in-construction-projects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">revolutionize the construction industry</a> and improve the safety and durability of a wide range of brittle ceramic materials.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nature-s-blueprint-provides-secret-recipe">Nature's blueprint provides secret recipe</h2>



<p>The inspiration for this innovative cement composite came from an unlikely source: the material that makes up oyster and abalone shells, known as nacre or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mother-pearl-record-ancient-ocean-temperatures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mother of pearl</a>. </p>



<p>Shashank Gupta, a graduate student in Moini's <a href="https://www.princeton.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Princeton University</a> lab, explained that at the microscopic level, nacre consists of hexagonal tablets of a hard mineral called aragonite, glued together by a soft biopolymer.</p>



<p>"This synergy between the hard and soft components is crucial to nacre's remarkable mechanical properties," Gupta said.</p>



<p>The aragonite tablets contribute significantly to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-study-of-earths-stratosphere-has-important-implications-for-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nacre's strength</a>, while the biopolymer adds flexibility and crack resistance. </p>



<p>When under stress, the aragonite tablets slide, allowing the nacre to dissipate energy and maintain its structural integrity, making it both strong and resilient.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-engineering-a-tougher-cement-material">Engineering a tougher cement material</h2>



<p>Inspired by nacre's unique properties, the Princeton team set out to create a cement composite that mimics its structure using conventional <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cement-absorbs-co2-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">construction materials</a> like Portland cement paste and a limited amount of polymer.</p>



<p>The researchers created multi-layered small beams by alternating cement paste sheets with thin layers of a highly stretchable polymer called polyvinyl siloxane. </p>



<p>They then subjected these beams to a notched three-point bending test to evaluate their crack resistance and fracture toughness.</p>



<p>The team produced three types of beams:</p>



<ol>
<li>one with alternating layers of cement paste sheets and thin polymer</li>



<li>another with hexagonal grooves engraved into the cement paste sheets using a laser</li>



<li>a third with completely separated hexagonal tablets connected by the polymer layer, similar to how aragonite lies on the biopolymer layer in nacre</li>
</ol>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-remarkable-results-17-times-more-crack-resistant">Remarkable results: 17-times more crack-resistant</h2>



<p>The experiments revealed that the beams with completely separated hexagonal tablets, which closely resemble nacre's structure, exhibited the most significant improvements. </p>



<p>These beams demonstrated 19 times the ductility and 17 times the fracture toughness while retaining nearly the same strength as the solid cement paste beam.</p>



<p>"Our bio-inspired approach is not to simply mimic nature's microstructure but to learn from the underlying principles and use that to inform the engineering of human-made materials," Moini said. "We intentionally engineer defects in the brittle materials as a way to make them stronger by design."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-era-in-cement-construction-materials">New era in cement construction materials</h2>



<p>While the findings are based on lab conditions and additional research is needed to develop the techniques for use in the field, the potential implications for the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wind-farms-quickly-neutralize-carbon-footprint-from-their-construction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">construction industry</a> are vast.</p>



<p>"If we can engineer concrete to resist crack propagation, we can make it tougher, safer and more durable," Gupta said.</p>



<p>The researchers are working to determine whether the structures' fracture toughness and ductility apply to other ceramic materials beyond cement paste, such as concrete.</p>



<p>"We are only scratching the surface; there will be numerous design possibilities to explore and engineer the constitutive hard and soft material properties, the interfaces, and the geometric aspects that play into the fundamental size effects in construction materials," Moini said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crack-resistant-cement-inspired-by-nature">Crack-resistant cement inspired by nature</h2>



<p>In summary, the research conducted by Princeton engineers opens up a world of possibilities for creating stronger, safer, and more durable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/food-waste-can-be-recycled-into-construction-materials/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">construction materials</a>. </p>



<p>By drawing inspiration from the intricate design of nacre found in oyster and abalone shells, the team has developed a cement composite that dramatically improves crack resistance and flexibility. </p>



<p>As the researchers continue to explore the potential applications of this bio-inspired approach, the construction industry stands to benefit from a new era of resilient and sustainable materials. </p>



<p>The future of building lies in the hands of innovative minds who dare to look to nature for solutions, and the Princeton team has taken a significant step forward in cracking the code of engineered resilience.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adfm.202313516" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Advanced Functional Materials</a></em>.</p>



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



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



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



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

New crack-resistant cement material inspired by nature

A research team led by Reza Moini, an assistant professor...

<p>Bacteriophages, viruses that attack and destroy <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-method-for-classification-of-bacteria-includes-all-strains/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacteria</a>, are ubiquitous in nature. They play a vital role in regulating microbial populations, although their mechanisms are not yet fully understood.</p>



<p>Recent research has uncovered that plant bacterial pathogens can repurpose elements of their bacteriophages, or phages, to eliminate competing microbes. This discovery opens new possibilities for alternative antibiotics.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bacteriophage-research">Bacteriophage research</h2>



<p>A collaborative study led by the <a href="https://www.utah.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Utah</a> and University College London (<a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCL</a>) has revealed that plant bacterial pathogens utilize bacteriophage-derived elements to combat rival bacteria.</p>



<p>According to Talia Karasov, an assistant professor at the University of Utah’s School of Biological Sciences, these findings could lead to the development of new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antimicrobial-resistance-projected-to-kill-10-million-people-each-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antimicrobial</a> treatments.</p>



<p>This unexpected result emerged from research focused on the interactions between plants and microbial pathogens. </p>



<p>The primary interest was understanding what keeps these pathogens in check and what causes them to lead to sickness and epidemics.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-investigating-pathogen-behavior">Investigating pathogen behavior</h2>



<p>The research team examined the behavior of the bacterial <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/common-crop-pathogens-are-finding-new-hosts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pathogen</a> <em>Pseudomonas viridiflava</em> in both agricultural and wild environments.</p>



<p>On cultivated land, one variant would dominate a crop field, but this was not the case in uncultivated areas. This discrepancy prompted further investigation.</p>



<p>"We see that no single lineage of bacteria can dominate. We wondered whether phages, the pathogens of our bacterial pathogens, could prevent single lineages from spreading," Karasov explained.</p>



<p>"Maybe phages were killing some strains and not others. That’s where our study started, but that’s not where it ended up."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bacteriophages-turned-into-bacterial-weapons">Bacteriophages turned into bacterial weapons</h2>



<p>The research involved analyzing the genomes of plant bacterial pathogens to identify which bacteriophages were infecting them. </p>



<p>It wasn’t the phage itself that was interesting, but rather how the bacteria had repurposed it. The bacteria were using bacteriophage elements, now called tailocins, to kill competing bacteria.</p>



<p>The study, published in <em>Science</em>, showed that these non-self-replicating clusters of repurposed phage elements penetrate the outer membranes of other pathogens, killing them. </p>



<p>This ongoing bacterial warfare prompted the researchers to mine the genomes of modern and historical pathogens to understand how bacteria evolve to target one another.</p>



<p>"You can imagine an arms race between the bacteria where they’re trying to kill each other and trying to evolve resistance to one another over time," said Hernan Burbano, a researcher from UCL. </p>



<p>"The herbarium samples from the past 200 years that we analyzed provided a window into this arms race, giving insight into how bacteria evade being killed by their competitors."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-historical-insights-from-herbarium-specimens">Historical Insights from herbarium specimens</h2>



<p>The UCL lab has pioneered the use of herbarium specimens to explore the evolution of plants and their microbial pathogens. </p>



<p>By sequencing the genomes of both host plants and the microbes they harbored at the time of collection over a century ago, the researchers gained valuable insights.</p>



<p>For the phage research, historical specimens of <em>Arabidopsis thaliana</em>, commonly known as thale cress, collected in southwestern Germany, were compared to modern plants from the same region.</p>



<p>The analysis revealed that all historical tailocins were present in the present-day dataset, suggesting that evolution has maintained the diversity of tailocin variants over a century.</p>



<p>"This likely indicates a finite set of possible resistance/sensitivity mechanisms within our studied bacterial population," said Burbano.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tailocins-and-antibiotic-resistance">Tailocins and antibiotic resistance</h2>



<p>The lead author, Talia Backman, a graduate student in the Karasov lab, believes that tailocins could help address the growing issue of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antibiotic-resistance-increasing-enterococci-looming-global-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antibiotic resistance</a>.</p>



<p>"We as a society are in dire need of new antibiotics, and tailocins have potential as new antimicrobial treatments," Backman said. "While tailocins have been found previously in other bacterial genomes and studied in lab settings, their impact and evolution in wild bacterial populations were not known." </p>



<p>The fact that we found these wild plant pathogens all have tailocins and these tailocins are evolving to kill neighboring bacteria shows how significant they may be in nature.</p>



<p>Tailocins offer greater specificity than most modern antibiotics, targeting only a select few strains of bacteria. This specificity suggests they could be used without harming entire biological communities.</p>



<p>"This is basic research at this point, not yet ready for application, but I think there is good potential that this could be adapted for treating infection," said Talia Karasov. </p>



<p>"We as a society have, in how we treat both pests in agriculture and bacterial pathogens in humans, used uniform and broad-spectrum treatments. The specificity of tailocin killing is a way that you could imagine doing more finely tailored treatments."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-continuing-the-fight-against-antibiotic-resistance">Continuing the fight against antibiotic resistance</h2>



<p>In summary, the research led by Talia Karasov and Hernán Burbano unveils a fascinating aspect of the microbial world, where bacteria engage in a relentless arms race using repurposed phage elements called tailocins. </p>



<p>This discovery sheds light on the complex interactions between bacteria and their phages while opening up exciting possibilities for the development of targeted antibiotics. </p>



<p>As scientists continue to explore the potential of tailocins as a new class of antimicrobial treatments, we move closer to a future where more precise and effective strategies can be employed to combat the growing threat of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-create-viruses-to-combat-antibiotic-resistant-bacteria/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antibiotic resistance</a>. </p>



<p>The findings of this study serve as a reminder of the untapped potential that lies within the intricate relationships between microorganisms, and how understanding these interactions can lead to groundbreaking advancements in the fight against harmful bacteria.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.ado0713" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a></em>.</p>



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



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



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



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

Bacteriophages: How bacteria harness viruses to do their bidding

Bacteriophages, viruses that attack and destroy bacteria, are ubiquitous in...

Night,Landscape,With,Colorful,Milky,Way,And,Yellow,Light,At

<p>Our Sun may seem like the center of the universe to us, but it's actually on the move, orbiting the Milky Way galaxy at a speed of nearly half a million miles per hour. That's fast, but it's nothing compared to a recently discovered star runaway that's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flares-shed-light-on-the-milky-ways-supermassive-black-hole/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blazing a trail</a> across the cosmos. </p>



<p>This stellar speedster, known as CWISE J124909+362116.0 (J1249+36 for short), is a low-mass star, or L subdwarf, that's not only hypervelocity but potentially on a trajectory to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/star-collapse-black-hole-instead-of-supernova-vanish-from-sky/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">escape the Milky Way</a> altogether.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-runaway-stars">Runaway stars</h2>



<p>A runaway star is a star moving through space at an unusually high velocity, often exceeding 30 km/s. </p>



<p>These stars are ejected from their original location, typically a star cluster, due to gravitational interactions or supernova explosions. In gravitational interactions, close encounters with other massive stars can sling a star out of its cluster. </p>



<p>Alternatively, if a star in a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exoplanet-found-in-the-habitable-zone-of-a-binary-star-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">binary system</a> explodes as a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/t-coronae-borealis-nova-explosion-nearby-star-light-up-earths-skies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernova</a>, the remaining star may be propelled away at high speed. Runaway stars can travel vast distances, sometimes leaving their galaxies.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/star-J1249-36_runaway_milkyway_UCSD_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/star-J1249-36_runaway_milkyway_UCSD_1s.jpg" alt="Runaway star J1249+36 going nova. Credit: UCSD" class="wp-image-1936771"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Runaway star J1249+36 going nova. Credit: UCSD</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>Their high speeds and trajectories can provide insights into the dynamics and past events of their regions of origin. </p>



<p>Studying runaway stars helps astronomers understand star formation, stellar <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trappist-1-has-seven-earth-like-planets-that-may-support-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution</a>, and the gravitational forces within star clusters. </p>



<p>Their movement through the interstellar medium can also create shock waves, affecting the surrounding gas and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/baby-stars-release-sneezes-of-gas-and-dust-as-they-develop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dust</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-citizen-science">Citizen science</h2>



<p>The discovery of J1249+36 is a testament to the power of citizen science. It was first spotted by volunteers participating in the <a href="https://www.zooniverse.org/projects/marckuchner/backyard-worlds-planet-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Backyard Worlds: Planet 9 project</a>, a collaborative effort between scientists and the public. </p>



<p>These citizen scientists sift through massive amounts of data collected by NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (<a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/missions/wide-field-infrared-survey-explorer-wise" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WISE</a>) mission, looking for moving objects in the sky. </p>



<p>The human eye's knack for pattern recognition makes it an invaluable tool for spotting anomalies that computer algorithms might miss.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-runaway-star-j1249-36">Runaway star J1249+36</h2>



<p>J1249+36 caught the attention of volunteers due to its remarkable speed. Initial estimates pegged it at a mind-boggling 1.3 million miles per hour, fast enough to break free from the Milky Way's gravitational grip. </p>



<p>To learn more about this speedy star, astronomers turned to the <a href="https://www.keckobservatory.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">W.M. Keck Observatory</a> in Hawaii, where they used its powerful instruments to analyze the star's light. </p>



<p>The findings revealed that the runaway star J1249+36 is an L subdwarf, a type of star that's both small and cool, representing some of the oldest stars in our galaxy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-the-origin-story">What's the origin story?</h2>



<p>The question that intrigued scientists most was: What gave this star such a tremendous kick? Two leading theories emerged. </p>



<p>One possibility is that J1249+36 was once part of a binary star system with a white dwarf, the dense remnant of a dead star. </p>



<p>If the white dwarf siphoned off too much material from its companion, <a href="https://youtu.be/lUijqBYb83w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">it could have triggered a supernova explosion</a>, flinging J1249+36 into space at high velocity.</p>



<p>The second theory involves a close encounter with a black hole. Globular clusters, dense swarms of stars, are thought to harbor black holes at their centers. </p>



<p>If J1249+36 strayed too close to a black hole binary (two <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/colossal-black-hole-found-in-our-galaxy-is-33-times-the-suns-mass/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black holes</a> orbiting each other), the gravitational chaos could have ejected it from the cluster at an incredible speed.</p>



<p>"This is where the source became very interesting, as its speed and trajectory showed that it was moving fast enough to potentially escape the Milky Way," explained Adam Burgasser, a professor of astronomy and astrophysics at the <a href="https://www.ucsd.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California San Diego</a> and the lead researcher on the project.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chemical-fingerprint-of-runaway-star">Chemical fingerprint of runaway star</h2>



<p>To determine which scenario is more likely, scientists are looking for clues in the runaway star's chemical composition. </p>



<p>If J1249+36 was launched by a supernova, its atmosphere might contain traces of heavy elements created in the explosion. Alternatively, the star's chemical makeup could reveal whether it originated in a globular cluster.</p>



<p>"We’re essentially looking for a chemical fingerprint that would pinpoint what system this star is from," said Roman Gerasimov, a UC San Diego alumnus who developed new models to study L subdwarfs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-milky-way-s-mysteries">Milky Way's mysteries</h2>



<p>Whether J1249+36's incredible journey was triggered by a supernova, a close encounter with a black hole, or some other cosmic event, its discovery offers valuable insights into the Milky Way's history and dynamics. </p>



<p>This runaway star, hurtling through space at unimaginable speeds, serves as a reminder of the vastness and complexity of our universe.</p>



<p>The research on J1249+36 was presented at the <a href="https://aas.org/meetings/aas244" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">244th national meeting</a> of the American Astronomical Society (AAS) in Madison, Wisconsin. </p>



<p>This ongoing study, fueled by the combined efforts of citizen scientists and professional astronomers, is a shining example of how collaboration can lead to remarkable discoveries.</p>



<p>As we continue to explore the cosmos, who knows what other stellar surprises await us in the vast expanse of the Milky Way.</p>



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



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



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



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

Runaway star spotted trying to escape the Milky Way galaxy

Our Sun may seem like the center of the universe...

<p>A recent study has revealed new insights into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dragon-man-skull-sheds-new-light-on-human-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human evolution</a> by comparing the hearts of humans with those of other great apes.</p>



<p>The research, conducted by an international team, sheds light on how our unique physiological features have developed over time.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-heart">Human heart</h2>



<p>The human heart is a remarkable organ that pumps blood throughout the body, supplying oxygen and nutrients to tissues while removing waste products. </p>



<p>It is roughly the size of a fist and located in the chest, slightly to the left. The heart has four chambers: two upper atria and two lower ventricles. Blood flows through these chambers, driven by rhythmic contractions of the heart muscle.</p>



<p>The left ventricle, the strongest chamber, pumps oxygen-rich blood to the entire body, while the right ventricle sends oxygen-poor blood to the lungs for oxygenation. The heart's efficiency and unique structure allow humans to engage in various physical activities and meet high metabolic demands.</p>



<p>Over time, the human heart has evolved to support upright walking and greater physical endurance, distinguishing it from the hearts of other great apes. This evolution has enabled humans to adapt to diverse environments, showcasing the intricate relationship between form and function in this vital organ.</p>



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



<p>Despite sharing a common ancestor, humans and non-human great apes have diverged significantly. </p>



<p>Humans have evolved larger brains and the ability to walk upright, which has allowed us to travel long distances, likely for hunting. </p>



<p>Now, researchers from <a href="https://www.swansea.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Swansea University</a> and UBC Okanagan (<a href="https://ok.ubc.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UBCO</a>) believe they have uncovered another piece of the evolutionary puzzle through a comparative study of the heart's form and function.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comparing-hearts-across-species">Comparing hearts across species</h2>



<p>The experts compared the human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oxytocin-holds-the-keys-to-both-your-heart-and-your-memory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart</a> with those of our closest evolutionary relatives, including chimpanzees, orangutans, gorillas, and bonobos.</p>



<p>The research team used echocardiography - a cardiac ultrasound - to produce images of the left ventricle, the chamber of the heart that pumps blood around the body.</p>



<p>During routine veterinary procedures at wildlife sanctuaries in Africa and zoos throughout Europe, the team observed that the non-human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/buronius-manfredschmidi-tiny-great-ape-species-lived-11-million-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">great apes</a> had a distinctive feature: bundles of muscle called trabeculations extending into the left ventricle chamber.</p>



<p>"The left ventricle of a healthy human is relatively smooth, with predominantly compact muscle compared to the more trabeculated, mesh-like network in the non-human great apes," explained Bryony Curry, a PhD student in the School of Health and Exercise Sciences at UBCO. </p>



<p>"The difference is most pronounced at the apex, the bottom of the heart, where we found approximately four times the trabeculation in non-human great apes compared to humans."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-functional-differences">Functional differences</h2>



<p>The researchers also measured the heart's movement and velocities using speckle-tracking echocardiography, an imaging technique that traces the pattern of the cardiac muscle as it contracts and relaxes. </p>



<p>"We found that the degree of trabeculation in the heart was related to the amount of deformation, rotation, and twist. In other words, in humans, who have the least trabeculation, we observed comparatively greater <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-sleep-stimulation-can-improve-cardiac-function-overnight/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiac function</a>," noted Curry.</p>



<p>"This finding supports our hypothesis that the human heart may have evolved away from the structure of other non-human great apes to meet the higher demands of humans’ unique ecological niche."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-heart-s-unique-adaptations">Human heart's unique adaptations</h2>



<p>Humans' <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-brain-sizes-are-growing-possibly-lowering-dementia-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">larger brains</a> and greater physical activity compared to other great apes can be linked to higher metabolic demands, requiring a heart that can pump a greater volume of blood.</p>



<p>This adaptation also contributes to our ability to cool down, as blood vessels close to the skin dilate, observed as flushing of the skin, and lose heat to the air.</p>



<p>"In evolutionary terms, our findings may suggest selective pressure was placed on the human heart to adapt to meet the demands of walking upright and managing thermal stress," said Dr. Aimee Drane, Senior Lecturer from the Faculty of Medicine, Health &amp; Life Sciences at Swansea University.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heart-structure-in-non-human-great-apes">Heart structure in non-human great apes</h2>



<p>What remains unclear is how the more trabeculated hearts of non-human great apes may be adaptive to their own ecological niches. </p>



<p>"Perhaps it’s a remaining structure of the ancestral heart, though, in nature, form most often serves a function," said Dr. Drane.</p>



<p>This study opens new avenues for understanding the intricate relationship between form and function in the evolution of the human heart, highlighting the unique adaptations that have enabled humans to thrive in diverse environments.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-024-06280-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Biology</a></em>.</p>



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



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



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



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

How evolution shaped the human heart

A recent study has revealed new insights into human evolution...

<p>Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the healthcare landscape, providing tools that help <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-beats-doctors-in-clinical-reasoning-but-is-more-error-prone/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">doctors</a> make better decisions and save patients. A recent study demonstrates the profound impact that artifical intelligence can have in clinical settings.</p>



<p>This research, conducted by experts at Mount Sinai, reveals that AI-generated alerts can significantly improve <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-can-predict-health-deterioration-in-hospital-patients/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">patient care</a> and outcomes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enhancing-patient-care-with-ai-alerts">Enhancing patient care with AI alerts</h2>



<p>The results of the study showed that patients were 43% more likely to have their care escalated and were significantly less likely to die when their healthcare teams received real-time AI alerts. These alerts signaled adverse changes in patients' health, enabling timely interventions.</p>



<p>"We wanted to see if quick alerts made by AI and machine learning, trained on many different types of patient data, could help reduce both how often patients need intensive care and their chances of dying in the hospital," explained study lead author Dr. Matthew A. Levin, Director of Clinical Data Science at <a href="https://clinicaldatascience.mountsinai.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mount Sinai Hospital</a>.</p>



<p>"Traditionally, we have relied on older manual methods such as the Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS) to predict clinical deterioration." </p>



<p>"However, our study shows automated machine learning algorithm scores that trigger evaluation by the provider can outperform these earlier methods in accurately predicting this decline. Importantly, it allows for earlier intervention, which could save more lives."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-real-time-ai-alerts-in-clinical-settings">Real-time AI alerts in clinical settings</h2>



<p>The study was a non-randomized, prospective analysis involving 2,740 adult patients admitted to four medical-surgical units at Mount Sinai Hospital.</p>



<p>Patients were divided into two groups: one received real-time alerts by AI based on predicted health deterioration, while the other did not receive these alerts, although they were created.</p>



<p>In units where alerts were suppressed, patients who met standard deterioration criteria still received urgent interventions.</p>



<p>The findings for the intervention group were promising:</p>



<ul>
<li>Patients were more likely to receive medications to support heart and circulation, indicating early action by doctors.</li>



<li>Patients were less likely to die within 30 days.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-learning-health-system">A learning health system</h2>



<p>"Our research shows that real-time alerts using machine learning can substantially improve patient outcomes," noted senior study author David L. Reich.</p>



<p>"These models are accurate and timely aids to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-intelligence-proves-very-useful-to-doctors-when-diagnosing-patients/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">clinical decision-making</a> that help us bring the right team to the right patient at the right time." </p>



<p>"We think of these as ‘augmented intelligence’ tools that speed in-person clinical evaluations by our physicians and nurses and prompt the treatments that keep our patients safer. These are key steps toward the goal of becoming a learning health system."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implementation-and-future-prospects">Implementation and future prospects</h2>



<p>Although the study was terminated early due to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-detects-covid-19-ultrasound-images-incredible-accuracy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COVID-19</a> pandemic, the algorithm has been deployed in all stepdown units within Mount Sinai Hospital.</p>



<p>These units cater to patients who are stable but still require close monitoring - a critical stage between intensive care and general hospital areas.</p>



<p>A specialized team of intensive care physicians now visits the 15 patients with the highest prediction scores daily, providing treatment recommendations to the attending doctors and nurses. </p>



<p>As the algorithm is continually retrained on larger patient datasets, it improves its accuracy through reinforcement learning.</p>



<p>Beyond this clinical deterioration algorithm, Mount Sinai researchers have developed and implemented 15 additional AI-based clinical decision support tools across the health system. </p>



<p>These advancements mark a significant step towards integrating AI in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-intelligence-diagnose-diseases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">healthcare</a>, enhancing patient care, and paving the way for more innovative solutions in the future.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-improving-patient-outcomes">Improving patient outcomes </h2>



<p>The deployment of AI in healthcare, as demonstrated by the Mount Sinai study, holds immense potential for improving patient outcomes. </p>



<p>Real-time AI alerts not only enable timely interventions but also support healthcare professionals in making informed decisions swiftly. </p>



<p>As AI technology evolves, its role in clinical settings will undoubtedly expand. This promises a future where healthcare becomes more efficient, effective, and patient-centric. </p>



<p>AI tools, like real-time alerts, will enhance decision-making, enabling timely interventions and better patient outcomes. As AI integrates further into healthcare, it will support medical professionals in providing higher quality care. </p>



<p>The continuous improvement of AI algorithms will lead to more accurate predictions and tailored treatments. Ultimately, AI will transform healthcare, making it more responsive and focused on patient needs, leading to improved overall health and well-being.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://journals.lww.com/ccmjournal/fulltext/2024/07000/real_time_machine_learning_alerts_to_prevent.3.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Critical Care Medicine</a></em>.</p>



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



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



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



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

AI can alert doctors when patients might get sicker

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the healthcare landscape, providing tools...

<p>Depression experienced in adolescence is linked to worse thinking and memory skills in middle age, a recent study has revealed.</p>



<p>This finding adds to the growing body of evidence that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/childhood-maltreatment-fuels-mental-health-crisis-in-australia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mental health issues</a> early in life can have long-term consequences on cognitive functions.</p>



<p>The study sheds light on how prolonged <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/depression-increases-the-risk-of-stroke/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">depression</a> can impact cognitive health, particularly among Black adults.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-depression-and-declining-memory">Depression and declining memory</h2>



<p>Led by Dr. Leslie Grasset from the <a href="https://www.u-bordeaux.fr/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bordeaux</a> in France, the study involved 3,117 participants with an average age of 30 at the start. The cohort was nearly evenly split, with 47% being Black and 53% white.</p>



<p>Over a 20-year period, participants were evaluated for depressive symptoms every five years. They completed questionnaires that assessed changes in appetite, sleep, concentration, and feelings of worthlessness, sadness, or loneliness. Higher scores indicated more severe depressive symptoms.</p>



<p>Participants were divided into four groups based on their symptom progression: persistently low symptoms, medium decreasing, persistently medium, or high increasing symptoms. </p>



<p>Notably, Black participants were disproportionately represented in the persistently medium and high increasing groups, with 52% and 70%, respectively.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-depression-impacts-memory-skills">Depression impacts memory skills </h2>



<p>At an average age of 55, participants underwent three tests to assess their thinking and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/digital-devices-can-actually-improve-our-memory-skills/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">memory skills</a>.</p>



<p>One such test measured processing speed and memory by having participants match symbols to numbers as quickly as possible. </p>



<p>Scores ranged from zero to 133, with lower scores indicating worse cognition. The results showed that those with persistently low symptoms had an average score of 73, while those with high increasing symptoms of depression averaged 57.</p>



<p>After adjusting for factors like age, physical activity, and cholesterol levels, significant differences were found. </p>



<p>Black participants in the high symptom group scored 0.64 standard deviations below those in the low symptom group. </p>



<p>Among white participants, the high symptom group scored 0.40 standard deviations lower than their low symptom counterparts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-verbal-memory-and-cognitive-function">Verbal memory and cognitive function </h2>



<p>The study also standardized scores for verbal memory, processing speed, and executive function tests, adjusting for education, blood pressure, and cholesterol. </p>



<p>Black participants with high and medium depression had notably worse memory and cognitive scores compared to those with low symptoms.</p>



<p>Similarly, white participants with high depressive symptoms showed poorer verbal memory and processing speed.</p>



<p>"Our results suggest that Black adults are not only more likely to experience worse depressive symptoms trajectories, but these symptoms may lead to worse repercussions on thinking and memory as early as middle age. This may help explain some of the disparities in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brain-health-and-diet-nutrition-helps-lower-dementia-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dementia risk</a> at older age," noted Dr. Grasset.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-socioeconomic-inequalities">Socioeconomic inequalities</h2>



<p>The study highlights the need to consider racial inequalities when designing interventions to reduce dementia risk. </p>



<p>"Having more depressive symptoms may be due to inequalities in socioeconomic resources such as housing and income, as well as access to health care and treatment," said Dr. Grasset. </p>



<p>"Racial inequalities should be accounted for when designing interventions to reduce a person’s risk of dementia."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-depression-and-memory-data">Depression and memory data</h2>



<p>One limitation of the study is that depression was self-reported, and no clinical diagnosis of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/depression-may-be-linked-to-higher-body-temperatures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">depression</a> was available.</p>



<p>This means some participants might not have accurately reported their symptoms, potentially affecting the results.</p>



<p>Overall, this study underscores the importance of addressing mental health issues early in life and considering racial and socioeconomic factors in healthcare interventions to mitigate long-term cognitive decline.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tips-for-handling-depression">Tips for handling depression </h2>



<p>When you feel depressed, it's crucial to seek help and take care of yourself. Start by talking to someone you trust, like a friend, family member, or counselor. </p>



<p>Sharing your feelings can provide relief and support. Consider seeking professional help from a therapist or doctor, who can offer guidance and treatment options like therapy or medication.</p>



<p>Engage in activities that you enjoy and that can lift your mood. Regular exercise, even a short walk, can boost your spirits. Maintain a healthy diet and get enough sleep. Avoid alcohol and drugs, as they can worsen depression.</p>



<p>Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, to manage stress. Stay connected with loved ones and participate in social activities. </p>



<p>Remember, it's okay to take small steps and be patient with yourself. If you ever feel overwhelmed or have thoughts of self-harm, seek immediate help from a crisis hotline or emergency services. You are not alone, and help is available.</p>



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



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



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



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

Young adult depression linked to worse memory skills

Depression experienced in adolescence is linked to worse thinking and...

<p>Recent research on carbon dioxide removal has raised significant concerns about the effectiveness of nature-based methods for removing carbon dioxide (<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/met-office-2024-co2-levels-will-surpass-the-point-of-no-return/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CO2</a>) from the ocean.</p>



<p>This study highlights that a limited understanding of basic ocean processes is hindering progress in marine carbon dioxide removal (CDR), and the ongoing commercialization of some approaches is seen as premature and misguided.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-dioxide-removal-and-climate">Carbon dioxide removal and climate</h2>



<p>Carbon dioxide removal is vital in combating climate change. As carbon dioxide levels rise due to human activities, the planet's temperature increases, leading to severe weather, rising sea levels, and disrupted ecosystems. </p>



<p>Removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere can help stabilize global temperatures and reduce the impact of climate change. Effective carbon dioxide removal methods can complement emissions reductions, ensuring a comprehensive approach to mitigating climate risks. </p>



<p>This process is crucial for achieving international climate goals, protecting biodiversity, and sustaining human health and well-being. Investing in carbon dioxide removal technologies and strategies is essential for a sustainable and resilient future.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nature-based-carbon-dioxide-removal">Nature-based carbon dioxide removal </h2>



<p>In a new paper, scientists from several leading institutions, including the <a href="https://www.uea.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of East Anglia (UEA)</a> and the <a href="https://www.imas.utas.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Tasmania’s Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies</a>, have reviewed the effectiveness of four nature-based carbon removal techniques that utilize marine biological processes.</p>



<p>The methods include shellfish cultivation, seaweed farming, coastal blue carbon (using the restoration of seagrass, saltmarsh, and mangrove forests), and increasing whale populations through "re-wilding."</p>



<p>The experts concluded that while these activities offer significant non-climatic benefits, they cannot provide a meaningful contribution to carbon dioxide removal. According to the researchers, these methods risk being "dead ends" for effective <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-potential-of-tidal-wetlands-as-blue-carbon-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate mitigation</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-with-marine-based-carbon-dioxide-removal">Challenges with marine-based carbon dioxide removal</h2>



<p>To limit global warming to less than 2°C, both <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/carbon-pricing-is-effective-in-reducing-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emissions reductions</a> and substantial carbon dioxide removal are necessary.</p>



<p>Achieving this goal requires developing and massively scaling up multiple techniques to remove billions of tons of CO2 annually within the next 30-50 years.</p>



<p>However, the researchers argue that many new methods, particularly ocean-based CDR, are being proposed without sufficient checks and balances.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insufficient-understanding-and-oversight">Insufficient understanding and oversight</h2>



<p>The experts warned that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-based-strategies-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean-based</a> approaches reviewed are being promoted without a thorough understanding of the fundamental science.</p>



<p>"Here, we focus on four ocean-based CDR methods that, in our opinion, are being advocated, not only by scientists, but also in many cases by the private sector, without due diligence on the underpinning fundamental science," wrote the study authors.</p>



<p>"Proponents of these methods have an incomplete or incorrect grasp not only of how the ocean carbon cycle functions, but also the massive up-scaling needed to provide significant climatic benefits," said Dr. Phil Williamson.</p>



<p>"Such upscaling brings other ocean processes into play that could cancel out the effectiveness of the proposed CDR approach. In each case, misunderstanding and knowledge gaps affect the credibility of carbon offset schemes."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modest-contributions-to-carbon-dioxide-removal">Modest contributions to carbon dioxide removal </h2>



<p>Professor Philip Boyd, lead author from the University of Tasmania, pointed out that the non-climatic benefits of these actions could greatly exceed their modest or non-existent contributions to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/removing-carbon-dioxide-from-seawater/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean-based carbon dioxide removal</a>.</p>



<p>"Those advocating these approaches have given insufficient attention to basic constraints relating to ecosystem functioning and the ocean carbon cycle, for example, ignoring the many processes returning CO2 to the atmosphere, as well as the challenges of implementation at a climatically significant scale, the (in)security of carbon storage, and the many difficulties in reliable quantification of climatic benefits," said Professor Boyd.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-need-for-better-communication-and-research">Need for better communication and research </h2>



<p>The authors emphasize the need for better communication of the basic criteria for carbon dioxide removal viability using marine processes. </p>



<p>Safety, durability, verifiability, and scalability should be used to prioritize relevant research and development funding by governments and provide checks and balances for policymakers. </p>



<p>The study raises concerns over the opportunity costs - resources directed at these approaches that could be better invested in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/circular-economy-needed-to-reduce-americas-carbon-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reducing emissions</a> and other CDR methods, both land and ocean-based, that are more likely to be safe, sustainable, durable, verifiable, and scalable.</p>



<p>"We believe that the use of these four nature-based approaches for carbon offsets is more likely to represent greenwashing rather than these methods becoming the ‘climate heroes’ that some people are claiming," concluded Dr. Williamson.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/ad502f" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Research Letters</a></em>.</p>



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



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



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



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

Ocean-based carbon dioxide removal may not be effective

Recent research on carbon dioxide removal has raised significant concerns...

<p>Mental maps play a crucial role as you navigate your daily route to work or the grocery store. </p>



<p>These cognitive maps, stored in your hippocampus and entorhinal cortex, retain information about paths you've taken and locations you've visited, enabling you to find your way effortlessly. But what happens when you only think about a location?</p>



<p>New research has uncovered that these mental maps are not just for physical navigation. Even thinking about sequences of experiences can activate these cognitive maps, revealing a fascinating aspect of how our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-brain-has-a-simulator-that-imagines-scenarios-while-planning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brains</a> work.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cognitive-map">Cognitive map</h2>



<p>A remarkable study conducted by researchers at <a href="https://web.mit.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MIT</a> has found that mental maps are created and activated purely by thought, without any physical movement or sensory input.</p>



<p>In this animal study, researchers discovered that the entorhinal cortex stores a cognitive map of sequences experienced while using a joystick to browse through images. </p>



<p>Remarkably, these maps are activated when thinking about the sequences, even without seeing the images.</p>



<p>Mehrdad Jazayeri is an associate professor of brain and cognitive sciences, a member of MIT’s <a href="https://mcgovern.mit.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">McGovern Institute for Brain Research</a>, and the senior author of the study.</p>



<p>“This is the first study to show the cellular basis of mental simulation and imagination in a nonspatial domain through activation of a cognitive map in the entorhinal cortex,” said Jazayeri.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mental-maps-beyond-physical-spaces">Mental maps: Beyond physical spaces</h2>



<p>Previous studies have shown that representations of physical locations are stored in the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex, activated when an animal moves through a familiar space or even when it is asleep. </p>



<p>“Most prior studies have focused on how these areas reflect the structures and details of the environment as an animal moves physically through space,” explained Jazayeri.</p>



<p>In their new study, the researchers explored whether cognitive maps are built and used during purely mental run-throughs or imagination. </p>



<p>They trained animals to use a joystick to navigate through a sequence of images spaced at regular intervals. </p>



<p>Initially, the animals were shown only subsets of image pairs. Once trained, they were tested with new pairs they had never seen before.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evidence-of-mental-maps">Evidence of mental maps</h2>



<p>The results were clear. The animals could mentally navigate between new image pairs from the first test, demonstrating strong behavioral evidence for cognitive maps. </p>



<p>“This finding provided strong behavioral evidence for the presence of a cognitive map. But how does the brain establish such a map?” noted Jazayeri.</p>



<p>To investigate, the researchers recorded neural responses in the entorhinal cortex as animals performed the task. They found distinctive activity patterns, or "bumps," representing the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-mental-navigation-work-in-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mental navigation</a> through images.</p>



<p>“The brain goes through these bumps of activity at the expected time when the intervening images would have passed by the animal's eyes, which they never did,” explained Jazayeri.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-speed-of-thought">Speed of thought</h2>



<p>The researchers also noted that the speed of mental simulation was related to the animals’ task performance. </p>



<p>When the animals were early or late in completing the task, their brain activity timing showed corresponding changes. </p>



<p>Additionally, the mental representations in the entorhinal cortex encoded the order of the landmarks, not their visual features.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modeling-the-mind">Modeling the mind</h2>



<p>To further understand these mental maps, the researchers developed a computational model mimicking brain activity. They used a continuous attractor model, originally designed to track an animal’s position based on sensory input.</p>



<p>By adding a component for learning activity patterns from sensory input, the model could reconstruct experiences without sensory input.</p>



<p>“The key element we needed to add is that this system has the capacity to learn bidirectionally by communicating with sensory inputs. Through associational learning, the model recreates those sensory experiences,” said Jazayeri.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-intricacies-of-learning-and-brain-activity">The intricacies of learning and brain activity</h2>



<p>The researchers plan to explore what happens if the landmarks are unevenly spaced or arranged differently. They also aim to record brain activity as animals first learn the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/desert-ants-use-earths-magnetic-field-for-navigation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">navigation</a> task.</p>



<p>“Seeing the memory of the structure become crystallized in the mind, and how that leads to neural activity, is a valuable way of understanding how learning happens,” concluded Jazayeri.</p>



<p>The research opens new avenues for understanding how our brains navigate not just the physical world but also the complex landscapes of our thoughts and experiences.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07557-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a></em>.</p>



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



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



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



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

Mental maps help the brain remember places and paths

Mental maps play a crucial role as you navigate your...

Quantum,Computer,With,Electrical,Circuits,In,The,Chamber,3d,Render

<p>Researchers have devised a new method of building quantum computers, creating and "annihilating" qubits on demand, using a femtosecond laser to dope silicon with hydrogen.</p>



<p>This breakthrough could pave the way for quantum computers that use programmable optical qubits or "spin-photon qubits" to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-computing-giant-leap-forward-breakthrough-ultra-pure-silicon-discovery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">connect quantum nodes</a> across a remote network. </p>



<p>In turn, this creates a quantum internet that is more secure and capable of transmitting more data than current optical-fiber information technologies.</p>



<p>The research team, led by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (<a href="https://www.lbl.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Berkeley Lab</a>), is the first to use this technique, which could enable the quantum computing industry to overcome challenges in qubit fabrication and quality control. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-importance-of-qubit-connection-in-quantum-computers">Importance of qubit connection in quantum computers</h2>



<p>Quantum computers have the potential to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-computing-can-help-decode-the-mysteries-of-aging-and-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solve complex problems</a> in human health, drug discovery, and artificial intelligence <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-computer-can-instantly-execute-a-task-that-would-normally-take-47-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">millions of times faster</a> than some of the world's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-computing-outperformed-new-type-traditional-computing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fastest supercomputers</a>. </p>



<p>A network of quantum computers could advance these discoveries even faster. However, before that can happen, the computer industry will need a reliable way to string together billions of qubits -- or quantum bits -- with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-quantum-computer-design-makes-them-more-useful/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atomic precision</a>.</p>



<p>Connecting qubits has been a challenge for the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/traditional-computers-verify-errors-made-by-quantum-computers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research community</a>. Some methods form qubits by placing an entire silicon wafer in a rapid annealing oven at very high temperatures, resulting in qubits randomly forming from defects in silicon's crystal lattice. </p>



<p>Without knowing exactly where qubits are located in a material, a quantum computer of connected qubits will be difficult to realize.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-precision-qubit-formation-with-lasers">Precision qubit formation with lasers</h2>



<p>The new method uses a gas environment to form programmable defects called "color centers" in silicon. These color centers are candidates for special telecommunications qubits or "spin photon qubits." </p>



<p>The method also uses an ultrafast femtosecond laser to anneal silicon with pinpoint precision where those qubits should precisely form.</p>



<p>As Kaushalya Jhuria is a postdoctoral scholar in Berkeley Lab's Accelerator Technology &amp; Applied Physics (ATAP) Division and first author on the study. </p>



<p>She explains, "To make a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-quantum-revolution-will-impact-all-aspects-of-society/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scalable quantum architecture</a> or network, we need qubits that can reliably form on-demand, at desired locations, so that we know where the qubit is located in a material. And that's why our approach is critical." </p>



<p>Once it's known where a specific qubit is sitting, scientists can determine how to connect this qubit with other components in the system and make a quantum network.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ci-center-rising-star-in-quantum-computers">Ci Center: Rising star in quantum computers</h2>



<p>During their experiments, the researchers uncovered a quantum emitter called the Ci center. Due to its simple structure, stability at room temperature, and promising <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-entanglement-discovery-is-a-revolutionary-step-forward/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spin properties</a>, the Ci center is an interesting spin photon qubit candidate that emits photons in the telecom band.</p>



<p>"We knew from the literature that Ci can be formed in silicon, but we didn't expect to actually make this new spin photon qubit candidate with our approach," Jhuria said.</p>



<p>The researchers learned that processing silicon with a low femtosecond laser intensity in the presence of hydrogen helped to create the Ci color centers. </p>



<p>Further experiments showed that increasing the laser intensity can increase the mobility of hydrogen, which passivates undesirable color centers without damaging the silicon lattice.</p>



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



<p>The team plans to use the technique to integrate optical qubits in quantum devices such as reflective cavities and waveguides, and to discover new spin photon qubit candidates with properties optimized for selected applications.</p>



<p>"Now that we can reliably make color centers, we want to get different qubits to talk to each other – which is an embodiment of quantum entanglement – and see which ones perform the best. This is just the beginning," said Jhuria.</p>



<p>As Cameron Geddes, Director of the ATAP Division, states, "The ability to form qubits at programmable locations in a material like silicon that is available at scale is an exciting step towards practical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/functioning-quantum-internet-makes-giant-stride-closer-to-reality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum networking</a> and computing."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-berkeley-lab-s-breakthrough-in-qubit-control">Berkeley Lab's breakthrough in qubit control</h2>



<p>In summary, the research conducted by the Berkeley Lab team opens up exciting new possibilities for the future of quantum computing and networking. </p>



<p>By developing a method to create and control qubits with precision using femtosecond lasers and hydrogen doping, they have taken a significant step towards overcoming the challenges that have hindered the development of scalable quantum systems. </p>



<p>As the team continues to explore the potential of the Ci center and other spin photon qubit candidates, they bring us closer to realizing the full potential of quantum technology. </p>



<p>Their work lays the foundation for the creation of secure, high-capacity quantum networks and computers that could revolutionize fields ranging from healthcare and drug discovery to artificial intelligence and beyond.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-48714-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a></em>.</p>



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



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



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



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

Building quantum computers just got easier with new technique

Researchers have devised a new method of building quantum computers,...

<p>In the grand cosmic theater, even asteroids have their dramatic moments. Astronomers, peering through the lens of the James Webb Space Telescope, have captured a <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/beta-pictoris_asteroid-collision_webb_1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">jaw-dropping spectacle</a>: the aftermath of a colossal asteroid collision in the Beta Pictoris star system.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beta-pictoris-star-system">Beta Pictoris star system</h2>



<p>Beta Pictoris, a relatively young star system a mere 63 light-years away from Earth, is a captivating subject for astronomers due to its ongoing planetary formation. </p>



<p>The system is teeming with activity, as nascent planets coalesce amidst a swirling vortex of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/27500-hidden-near-earth-asteroids-discovered-using-google-cloud/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gas, dust, and rocky debris</a>. </p>



<p>This dynamic environment offers a unique window into the early stages of planetary system development, allowing scientists to study the complex processes that shape worlds.</p>



<p>The presence of large amounts of dust and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/space-rocks-nasa-dart-asteroid-deflection-mission-may-impact-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">debris</a> in the Beta Pictoris system indicates that it's still in the throes of planet formation. </p>



<p>These materials, remnants of the system's formation, are the building blocks from which planets emerge. As they collide and coalesce over time, they gradually grow into larger bodies, eventually forming planets.</p>



<p>Recent observations highlight the dramatic events that can occur in these young stellar environments.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dramatic-asteroid-collision">Dramatic asteroid collision</h2>



<p>When astronomers analyzed recent observations of the Beta Pictoris system from the <a href="https://webb.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Webb Telescope</a> and compared them to earlier data collected by the <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/spitzer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spitzer Space Telescope</a>, they discovered a significant discrepancy. </p>



<p>The substantial amount of dust previously observed around the star had seemingly disappeared.</p>



<p>However, this absence of dust didn't signify a tranquil environment. Instead, it pointed towards a dramatic event. The data revealed signs indicative of a massive collision between asteroid-sized bodies.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/beta-pictoris_asteroid-collision_map_webb_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/beta-pictoris_asteroid-collision_map_webb_1s.jpg" alt="Diagram illustrating asteroid collision in Beta Pictoris. Credit: NASA" class="wp-image-1936687"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Diagram illustrating asteroid collision in Beta Pictoris. Credit: NASA</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>This cosmic catastrophe generated a vast cloud of finer dust particles, which were not present in the earlier observations. </p>



<p>This finding suggested a radical shift in the system's dynamics, indicating that a significant and violent event had occurred in the intervening years.</p>



<p>"With Webb's new data, the best explanation we have is that, infact, we witnessed the aftermath of an infrequent, cataclysmic event between large asteroid-size bodies, marking a complete change in our understanding of this star system," explains Christine Chen, a <a href="https://www.jhu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Johns Hopkins University</a> astronomer who led the research.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-asteroid-apocalypse-in-beta-pictoris">Asteroid apocalypse in Beta Pictoris</h2>



<p>The data collected by the James Webb Space Telescope indicates a major collision between large asteroids within the Beta Pictoris system. </p>



<p>The force of this impact was immense, shattering the asteroids into minute dust particles.</p>



<p>The resulting debris cloud consisted of extremely fine particles, significantly smaller than typical dust particles found on Earth. </p>



<p>This event is estimated to have released a quantity of dust approximately 100,000 times greater than the amount ejected by the asteroid that caused the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nuclear-winter-dinosaurs-were-likely-killed-by-dust/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extinction of the dinosaurs</a>.</p>



<p>The dust cloud initially dispersed outwards due to radiation pressure from the central star but has since cooled and dissipated into the surrounding space.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-this-asteroid-collision">Significance of this asteroid collision</h2>



<p>The significance of studying a seemingly distant event like an asteroid collision in the Beta Pictoris system lies in its ability to offer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lucy-spacecraft-discovers-asteroid-dinkinesh-complex-geology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">valuable insights</a> into the process of planet formation. </p>



<p>By observing such occurrences, astronomers gain a deeper understanding of the dynamic and often chaotic events that shape planetary systems during their early stages. </p>



<p>These observations provide crucial information about the frequency and scale of such collisions, which play a vital role in the growth and evolution of planets. </p>



<p>The study of these cosmic events allows scientists to refine models of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planet-formation-new-insights-mechanics-physics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planetary formation</a>, ultimately contributing to a better understanding of how our own solar system and other planetary systems came to be.</p>



<p>"Beta Pictoris is at an age when planet formation in the terrestrial planet zone is still ongoing through giant asteroid collisions, so what we could be seeing here is basically how rocky planets and other bodies are forming in real time," says Chen.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-webb-s-x-ray-vision-used-on-beta-pictoris">Webb's x-ray vision used on Beta Pictoris</h2>



<p>This recent discovery wouldn't have been possible without the Webb telescope's incredible sensitivity and precision. It's like having a cosmic magnifying glass that lets us see details that were previously hidden.</p>



<p>"Most discoveries by JWST come from things the telescope has detected directly," says co-author Cicero Lu, a former Johns Hopkins doctoral student in astrophysics. </p>



<p>"In this case, the story is a little different because our results come from what JWST did not see."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-cosmic-crash-investigations">Future cosmic crash investigations</h2>



<p>The Beta Pictoris asteroid collision is just the beginning. With the Webb telescope, astronomers are poised to uncover even more secrets about the birth and evolution of planets. </p>



<p>Who knows what other cosmic dramas await us in the vast expanse of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-asteroids-named-dinky-and-selam-became-bound-together-forever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">universe</a>?</p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/asteroid-bennu-hints-at-the-possibility-of-life-on-an-ancient-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cosmos</a> is full of surprises, and the Webb telescope is our ticket to the show. Stay tuned for more cosmic crash investigations and other mind-blowing discoveries. </p>



<p>The universe is a wild and wonderful place, and we're only just beginning to scratch the surface of its mysteries.</p>



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



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



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



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

Massive asteroid collision detected in nearby star system

In the grand cosmic theater, even asteroids have their dramatic...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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



<p>—–</p>



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



<p>—–</p>

Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>

Social modeling affects our food choices

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists discover we age in bursts

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists solve the mystery of tickling

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>



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



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



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



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

Retired professor claims he solved time travel

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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



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



<figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
</div></figure>



<p>Probiotics - beneficial microbes that balance gut bacteria and aid digestion - are typically fragile and can be destroyed by stomach acid or processing. </p>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



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



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



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



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



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="G9bUoxcjr4-2511624-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="iuA5mpp3jv-1641775-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="QGPzYnXEtN-1712599-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="X0f6OHYoI4-2310561-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="JRaP49ISmm-2357509-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

[sendtonews key="JRaP49ISmm-2357509-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

News coming your way