<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>



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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>In the world of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-songs-human-speech-common-vocal-genetic-origin-syrinx/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birdsong</a>, some species stand out for their vocal learning ability to learn new sounds, such as parrots, songbirds, and hummingbirds.</p>



<p>Recently, researchers have uncovered that New Zealand’s smallest bird, the titipounamu, may also possess a rudimentary version of this talent.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-vocal-learning-in-birds">Rethinking vocal learning in birds</h2>



<p>Research from the <a href="https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Auckland</a> is challenging traditional views on how and when vocal learning evolved in birds.</p>



<p>Until now, scientists believed that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-turn-bird-dreams-into-captivating-music/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a> were divided into two groups: those that can learn sounds and those that cannot. However, the new study provides evidence that complicates this binary classification.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-vocal-similarities">Surprising vocal similarities</h2>



<p>The study revealed that titipounamu living near each other had remarkably similar vocal signatures, despite being distantly related.</p>



<p>Conversely, close relatives living far apart sounded different. This suggests that their sounds may not be entirely innate but learned from their surroundings.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tiny-bird-big-implications">Tiny bird, big implications</h2>



<p>Weighing as little as five or six paper clips, the titipounamu inhabits high-altitude mature native forests, feeds on insects, and produces high-pitched sounds that are often inaudible to humans. </p>



<p>This bird, one of New Zealand’s two surviving native wren species, serves as an evolutionary link between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/songbirds-and-humans-use-similar-speech-patterns/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">songbirds</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/parrots-have-a-unique-voice-print-similar-to-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">parrots</a>, two of the most impressive learners.</p>



<p>"If New Zealand wrens are vocal learners, then it is likely that the common ancestor of parrots and songbirds was also capable of rudimentary learning," noted Dr. Kristal Cain. "This ability in birds could have evolved millions of years earlier than we previously thought."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vocal-learning-in-the-titipounamu">Vocal learning in the Titipounamu</h2>



<p>To investigate vocal learning, scientists monitored titipounamu nests at Boundary Stream Mainland Island in Hawke’s Bay. They banded individual birds and recorded over 6,800 feeding calls made by adult birds bringing food to their young over three summers.</p>



<p>Detailed analysis of these recordings, using spectrograms or “voiceprints,” revealed unique individual vocal signatures.</p>



<p>The researchers also gathered genetic information on the population and employed advanced genetic methods to determine the influence of genetics versus social environment on vocal signatures. </p>



<p>Their findings suggested that the social environment played a significant role, showing similarities to known <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/among-songbirds-complex-vocal-learners-are-superior-problem-solvers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vocal learners</a> like the zebra finch.</p>



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



<p>The study's findings indicate that the classification of birds as either vocal learners or non-learners might be too simplistic. </p>



<p>"A growing body of evidence suggests we may need to stop classifying birds as either vocal learners or vocal non-learners," said Cain. "The ability may be much more widespread and likely exists along a spectrum."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-connections-to-other-species">Connections to other species</h2>



<p>Most animals communicate with unlearned, innate vocalizations. However, vocal learners include humans, whales, dolphins, elephants, and bats. </p>



<p>"The vocal behavior that we were unravelling in this study is very similar to what is known as vocal accommodation in human linguistics," said Dr. Ines G. Moran.</p>



<p>"It’s similar to our ability to adjust our ways of speaking in different social, dialectic, or hierarchical settings – modulating our voices to better fit in certain social groups."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-insights-into-vocal-learning">New insights into vocal learning</h2>



<p>This study on the tiny titipounamu opens new doors to understanding the evolution of vocal learning.</p>



<p>The research suggests that vocal learning might be more widespread among birds than previously thought, offering insights into the origins of complex communication in the animal kingdom.</p>



<p>"Vocal convergence and any predispositions for vocal production learning are behaviors that are easily overlooked without extensive analyses, so sophisticated and in-depth future studies are needed to explore their possible existence and their origins in other animal groups," wrote the study authors. </p>



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



<p>The titipounamu, also known as the rifleman, measures only about 8 centimeters in length. The bird's name, rifleman, comes from its olive-green plumage, which resembles the uniforms worn by British riflemen.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The titipounamu is known for its distinctive, high-pitched call and its ability to cling to tree trunks and branches, similar to a woodpecker. It primarily feeds on insects and spiders, using its thin, pointed bill to probe into crevices and bark.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The bird's habitat includes native forests and shrublands, where it nests in tree cavities or holes in the ground. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect the titipounamu, as habitat loss and introduced predators pose significant threats to its population.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-024-06253-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Biology</a></em>.</p>



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Tiny bird sheds light on the evolution of vocal learning

In the world of birdsong, some species stand out for...

<p>A remarkable study has identified a connection between the neurotransmitter dopamine and the mentalizing abilities of healthy individuals.</p>



<p>Mentalizing is the cognitive process that allows individuals to attribute and understand mental states, such as thoughts, feelings, beliefs, desires, and intentions, in both themselves and others.</p>



<p>This ability is crucial for effective social interactions and empathy, as it enables people to predict and interpret the behavior of others based on their mental states.</p>



<p>Researchers have shown that altering <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dopamine-enhances-brain-function-during-exercise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain</a> dopamine levels can impact these abilities. The study sheds light on this intricate relationship.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dopamine-and-its-functions">Dopamine and its functions</h2>



<p>Dopamine is a well-known neurotransmitter responsible for pleasure, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dopamine-regulates-both-learning-and-motivation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">motivation</a>, and learning. It plays a crucial role in the brain's reward system, helping reinforce behaviors that bring enjoyment and satisfaction. Beyond its role in these functions, dopamine is essential for controlling movement.</p>



<p>Low levels of dopamine are linked to neurological conditions like Parkinson's disease, which primarily affects motor functions. Individuals with Parkinson's often experience tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination.</p>



<p>However, Parkinson's disease is not just about physical symptoms. It also involves socio-cognitive issues, including problems with emotion recognition and mentalizing - the ability to understand and attribute mental states to oneself and others. These cognitive difficulties can significantly impact the quality of life for those with Parkinson's.</p>



<p>Until recently, researchers had not established a definitive link between these socio-cognitive problems and dopamine imbalances. The new study bridges this gap, highlighting dopamine's broader role in brain function beyond just motor control.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mentalizing-abilities">Mentalizing abilities</h2>



<p>“While the mentalizing abilities of people struggling with Parkinson’s may not be the main focus of treatment, it nonetheless has a huge impact on people with the disease," explained Dr. Bianca Schuster from the <a href="https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/psychology">University of Birmingham’s School of Psychology</a>, who led the study.</p>



<p>"Gaining a better understanding of how dopamine imbalances may affect mentalizing processes in the brain could therefore be really significant for individuals, as well as gaining a better understanding of the secondary effects of the drugs prescribed for Parkinson’s and other disorders.”</p>



<p>In their research, the team worked with 33 healthy volunteers using a double-blind, placebo-controlled experiment. </p>



<p>Participants were administered haloperidol, a drug that blocks dopamine receptors, on one day and a placebo on another. They completed an animations task, interpreting brief videos of triangles interacting. </p>



<p>In another experiment, participants judged <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-pinpoints-the-brain-regions-that-regulate-emotions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emotions</a> depicted by whole-body point light displays, which show only joint movements.</p>



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



<p>The study revealed that after taking haloperidol, participants were less able to accurately ascribe mental states to the interactions in the animations. This impairment was linked to the drug's effect on emotion recognition.</p>



<p>“The main implication of our work is that in disorders with dopamine dysfunctions, in addition to producing the primary symptoms associated with these disorders (such as motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease), the dopamine imbalance also affects individuals’ socio-cognitive abilities," noted Dr. Schuster.</p>



<p>"This work could have implications for the way in which we treat <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dopamine-plays-an-unexpected-role-in-movement-and-parkinsons-disease/">Parkinson</a>’s in the future, but also the way in which we use any drugs which affect the action of dopamine in the brain.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-treating-dopamine-related-disorders">Treating dopamine-related disorders</h2>



<p>This study opens new avenues for understanding the broader effects of dopamine imbalances on mentalizing processes.</p>



<p>The findings highlight the need to consider socio-cognitive abilities when treating Parkinson’s and other dopamine-related disorders. Traditionally, treatments have focused primarily on alleviating motor symptoms, such as tremors and stiffness. </p>



<p>However, this research suggests that a more holistic approach is necessary. Treatments targeting dopamine should also address socio-cognitive symptoms, such as difficulties in emotion recognition and understanding mental states. </p>



<p>By considering both motor and socio-cognitive aspects, healthcare providers can offer more comprehensive care, potentially improving the overall quality of life for individuals with dopamine-related disorders. This approach may lead to better patient outcomes and more effective treatments.</p>



<p>In summary, the identification of a link between dopamine and mentalizing abilities marks a significant advancement in our understanding of the brain’s complex functions.</p>



<p>This research underscores the importance of considering the broader impacts of dopamine on both mental and emotional processes.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.07.21.550065v1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLoS Biology</a></em>.</p>



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Dopamine helps us understand ourselves and others

A remarkable study has identified a connection between the neurotransmitter...

<p>Have you ever wondered why some people just seem to have that "it" factor? They're charismatic, likeable, and seem to effortlessly navigate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/emotions-sensory-perception-brain-fascinating-interplay/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social situations</a>. While personality and charm certainly play a role, new research suggests that our facial expressions - and how we use them - may be a bigger factor than we realize.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advantage-of-facial-expressions">Advantage of facial expressions</h2>



<p>A recent study conducted by Nottingham Trent University (<a href="https://www.ntu.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NTU</a>) delved into the relationship between facial expressiveness and social success, analyzing a vast dataset of over 1,500 natural conversations. </p>



<p>The research revealed a significant correlation between individuals who readily display their emotions through facial expressions and their perceived likability, as well as their ability to effectively achieve their social objectives. </p>



<p>This finding suggests that the capacity to communicate emotions openly and genuinely through facial cues plays a crucial role in fostering positive social interactions and building stronger interpersonal connections.</p>



<p>"Our evidence shows that facial expressivity is related to positive social outcomes," explained Dr. Eithne Kavanagh, lead author of the study. "It suggests that more expressive people are more successful at attracting social partners and in building relationships. It also could be important in conflict resolution."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recording-reactions">Recording reactions</h2>



<p>The researchers employed a multi-faceted approach to conduct the study. First, they engaged in semi-structured video calls with 52 participants, recording their natural reactions and expressions during various scenarios, including humor, embarrassment, and even conflict.</p>



<p>To further test the participants' ability to control their facial expressions, the researchers asked them to maintain a neutral face while their partner tried to elicit a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-you-train-your-brain-to-manage-strong-emotions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reaction</a>.</p>



<p>The same individuals later recorded short video clips, attempting to convey specific social goals through their facial expressions, such as appearing friendly or disagreeing without causing offense.</p>



<p>The research team then analyzed over 170 video clips, asking independent raters to assess the emotions and expressions conveyed in each clip. To quantify <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mixed-emotions-linked-to-unique-brain-activity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">facial expressivity</a>, they used the Facial Action Coding System (FACS), a method of measuring facial muscle activity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-real-world-conversations">Real-world conversations</h2>



<p>The researchers took their investigation a step further. They analyzed unscripted video conversations between 1,456 strangers, where conversation partners rated how much they liked each other.</p>



<p>Once again, the results were clear: expressive participants were more likeable, both to their conversation partners and to independent raters. These expressive individuals were also found to be easier to read and more adept at adapting their facial behavior to achieve their social goals.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unspoken-language-of-facial-expressions">Unspoken language of facial expressions</h2>



<p>But why does facial expression matter so much? According to Professor Bridget Waller, who led the NTU research project, it all boils down to evolution. </p>



<p>"This research is important in evolutionary terms as it may explain why humans have developed more complex facial expression than any other species – it helps us to create stronger bonds and better navigate the social world," noted Waller.</p>



<p>Our faces show how we feel, even when we don't say it out loud. A raised eyebrow can mean we doubt something, a smile shows warmth, and a frown shows worry. These little signs help us understand what others are thinking and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/live-music-evokes-stronger-emotions-than-streamed-music/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">feeling</a>.</p>



<p>By understanding these signs, we can build trust and get to know each other better. Our faces are a powerful way to communicate without using words.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conflict-resolution">Conflict resolution</h2>



<p>In a particularly noteworthy segment of the study, participants were presented with a conflict scenario involving an unsatisfactory offer regarding their compensation for participating in the research. </p>



<p>Interestingly, the individuals who displayed a combination of agreeableness and facial expressiveness during the negotiation process were more likely to achieve a favorable resolution. </p>



<p>This observation indicates that the ability to convey emotions and intentions through facial expressions, coupled with a willingness to cooperate, can significantly contribute to conflict resolution and consensus-building.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-likeability-the-power-of-expression">Beyond likeability: The power of expression</h2>



<p>So, what does all of this mean for us? It means that our faces are more than just a collection of features; they're a powerful communication tool that can influence how others perceive us and how successful we are in our social interactions.</p>



<p>While some people may be naturally more expressive than others, the good news is that facial expressiveness is a skill that can be developed and honed. By paying attention to our own facial cues and practicing expressing ourselves more openly, we can unlock a wealth of social benefits.</p>



<p>In a world that often values stoicism and emotional restraint, it's time to embrace the power of our faces. Let your emotions shine through, connect with others on a deeper level, and watch as your social interactions flourish. </p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-62902-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a></em>.</p>



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People with many facial expressions seem more social and likeable

Have you ever wondered why some people just seem to...

<p>In a remarkable feat of scientific exploration, a team of researchers has successfully measured the effect of Earth's rotation on quantum <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/super-photons-fascinating-behavior-in-quantum-realm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">entangled photons</a>. </p>



<p>This pioneering experiment, conducted by a group led by Philip Walther at the <a href="https://www.univie.ac.at/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Vienna</a>, pushes the boundaries of rotation sensitivity in entanglement-based sensors. </p>



<p>These brilliant scientists have brought the world a step closer to the fascinating intersection between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/radical-new-theory-finally-unites-gravity-spacetime-and-the-quantum-realm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum mechanics and general relativity</a>.</p>



<p>Their research represents a significant milestone in our understanding of the intricate relationship between rotating reference systems and quantum entanglement. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sagnac-sensation-from-optical-interferometers">Sagnac sensation from optical interferometers</h2>



<p>By employing a giant optical fiber Sagnac interferometer and maintaining low and stable noise levels for several hours, the team achieved a thousand-fold improvement in rotation precision compared to previous quantum optical Sagnac interferometers.</p>



<p>Optical Sagnac interferometers have long been recognized as the most sensitive devices for measuring rotations. </p>



<p>These instruments have played a crucial role in shaping our understanding of fundamental physics since the early years of the last century, contributing to the establishment of Einstein's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-hole-waterfall-discovery-proves-einstein-right-again/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">special theory of relativity</a>. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/earth-rotation_quantum-entanglement_credit-Marco-Di-Vita_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/earth-rotation_quantum-entanglement_credit-Marco-Di-Vita_1s.jpg" alt="Illustration showing Earth's rotation measured by quantum entangled photons. Credit: Marco Di Vita" class="wp-image-1936624"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Illustration showing Earth's rotation measured by quantum entangled photons. Credit: Marco Di Vita</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>Today, their unparalleled precision makes them the ultimate tool for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-inner-core-rotation-is-slowing-down-making/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">measuring rotational speeds</a>, limited only by the boundaries of classical physics.</p>



<p>However, interferometers employing quantum entanglement to measure Earth's rotation have the potential to break those bounds. </p>



<p>When two or more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-entanglement-discovery-is-a-revolutionary-step-forward/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">particles are entangled</a>, only the overall state is known, while the state of the individual particle remains undetermined until measurement. </p>



<p>This unique property can be harnessed to obtain more information per measurement than would be possible without entanglement.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overcoming-the-delicate-nature-of-entanglement">Overcoming the delicate nature of entanglement</h2>



<p>Despite the immense potential of entanglement-based sensors, their practical implementation has been hindered by the extremely delicate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-entanglement-laws-thermodynamics-follow-entropy-rule/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nature of entanglement</a>. </p>



<p>This is where the Vienna experiment made a significant breakthrough.</p>



<p>The researchers constructed a massive optical fiber Sagnac interferometer, with two entangled photons propagating inside a 2-kilometer-long optical fiber wound onto a huge coil. </p>



<p>This setup realized an interferometer with an effective area of more than 700 square meters. </p>



<p>By keeping the noise low and stable for several hours, the team was able to detect enough high-quality <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unraveling-gravity-quantum-nature-entanglement-mechanics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">entangled photon pairs</a> to outperform the rotation precision of previous quantum optical Sagnac interferometers by a thousand times.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tricking-light-in-a-spinning-universe">Tricking light in a spinning universe</h2>



<p>One of the major challenges faced by the researchers was isolating and extracting Earth's steady rotation signal. </p>



<p>"The core of the matter lays in establishing a reference point for our measurement, where light remains unaffected by Earth's rotational effect," lead author Raffaele Silvestri explains. </p>



<p>"Given our inability to halt Earth's from spinning, we devised a workaround: splitting the optical fiber into two equal-length coils and connecting them via an optical switch."</p>



<p>By toggling the switch on and off, the researchers could effectively cancel the rotation signal at will, allowing them to extend the stability of their large apparatus. </p>



<p>"We have basically tricked the light into thinking it's in a non-rotating universe," Silvestri concluded.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quantum-photons-and-earth-s-rotation">Quantum photons and Earth's rotation</h2>



<p>In a Sagnac interferometer, two particles traveling in opposite directions of a rotating closed path reach the starting point at different times. </p>



<p>However, when <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-computer-photons-create-vortex-when-they-collide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">two entangled particles</a> are involved, something extraordinary happens: they behave like a single particle testing both directions simultaneously while accumulating twice the time delay compared to the scenario where no entanglement is present. </p>



<p>This unique property is known as super-resolution.</p>



<p>The experiment, conducted as part of the research network TURIS hosted by the University of Vienna and the <a href="https://www.oeaw.ac.at/en/oeaw-home/austrian-academy-of-sciences" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Austrian Academy of Sciences</a>, successfully observed the effect of Earth's rotation on a maximally entangled two-photon state. </p>



<p>This confirmation of the interaction between rotating reference systems and quantum entanglement, as described in Einstein's special theory of relativity and quantum mechanics, represents a thousand-fold precision improvement compared to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secure-quantum-communication-one-step-closer-reality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">previous experiments</a>.</p>



<p>"That represents a significant milestone since, a century after the first observation of Earth's rotation with light, the entanglement of individual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/intense-quantum-light-generates-weird-electron-behavior/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quanta of light</a> has finally entered the same sensitivity regimes," says Haocun Yu, who worked on this experiment as a Marie-Curie Postdoctoral Fellow.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-the-curves-of-spacetime">Exploring the curves of spacetime</h2>



<p>The successful demonstration of this methodology opens up <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/impossibility-paradox-calculating-incalculable-quantum-realm-particles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exciting possibilities</a> for future research. </p>



<p>Philip Walther, the lead researcher, believes that their result and methodology will set the ground for further improvements in the rotation sensitivity of entanglement-based sensors. </p>



<p>"This could open the way for future experiments testing the behavior of quantum entanglement through the curves of spacetime," he adds.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-s-rotation-unites-einstein-with-the-quantum-realm">Earth's rotation unites Einstein with the quantum realm</h2>



<p>This fascinating experiment marks a significant milestone in our understanding of the intricate relationship between quantum entanglement and the effects of Earth's rotation. </p>



<p>By successfully measuring the influence of our planet's spin on entangled photons with unprecedented precision, this research confirms the predictions of Einstein's special theory of relativity and quantum mechanics while opening the door to a new era of exploration at the fascinating intersection of these two fundamental fields. </p>



<p>As scientists continue to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-teleportation-takes-big-leap-forward-new-experiment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">push the boundaries</a> of entanglement-based sensors, we stand on the brink of unraveling the mysteries of spacetime and gaining a deeper understanding of the universe's most fundamental workings.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.ado0215" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a></em>.</p>



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



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Quantum entangled photons used to measure the Earth's rotation

In a remarkable feat of scientific exploration, a team of...

<p>The vast expanse of the night sky, a canvas dotted with countless stars, is about to unveil a rare and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hm-sagittae-star-exploded-nova-40-years-ago-has-not-dimmed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spectacular phenomenon</a>. Brace yourself for a stellar light show as T Coronae Borealis, a seemingly unremarkable star nestled within the constellation Corona Borealis, is on the brink of a dramatic nova explosion.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-t-coronae-borealis">T Coronae Borealis</h2>



<p>T Coronae Borealis, affectionately known as T CrB, is no ordinary star. It's a binary system, a celestial pattern of two stars locked in a gravitational embrace. </p>



<p>At the heart of this cosmic process lies a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hungry-white-dwarf-stars-eat-heavy-metals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">white dwarf</a>, the incredibly dense remnant of a once-mighty star. Its partner, a bloated red giant, is in the twilight years of its existence, slowly shedding its outer layers under the relentless pull of the white dwarf's gravity.</p>



<p>This ongoing stellar cannibalism sets the stage for an explosive event known as a nova. </p>



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



<p>A nova is a sudden, explosive increase in the brightness of a star. It occurs when a white dwarf star, which is the dense core remnant of a star like our Sun, accumulates matter from a companion star in a binary star system. </p>



<p>As the white dwarf pulls hydrogen-rich material from its companion, the gas forms an accretion disk around the white dwarf and slowly spirals down to the surface.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nova-explosion">Nova explosion</h3>



<p>When enough material accumulates on the white dwarf's surface, the temperature and pressure become so high that nuclear fusion ignites explosively. </p>



<p>This rapid fusion causes the white dwarf to brighten dramatically, often becoming thousands of times more luminous than before. </p>



<p>The nova explosion blows away the accreted material from the white dwarf's surface, creating an expanding shell of gas and dust.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-differences-between-novae-and-supernovae">Differences between novae and supernovae</h3>



<p>Novae are often confused with supernovae, but they are fundamentally different phenomena. While a nova involves the explosive ignition of accreted material on a white dwarf's surface, a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/star-collapse-black-hole-instead-of-supernova-vanish-from-sky/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernova</a> is the catastrophic explosion that marks the end of a massive star's life. </p>



<p>Supernovae are much more energetic and luminous than novae, and they result in the complete destruction of the star, leaving behind a neutron star or black hole.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nova-explosion-from-t-coronae-borealis">Nova explosion from T Coronae Borealis</h2>



<p>T CrB is no stranger to these nova <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/t-coronae-borealis-blaze-star-explosion-visible-one-week/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">explosions</a>. Historical records suggest it's erupted roughly every 80 years, with its most recent outburst occurring in 1946. </p>



<p>This predictable behavior makes T CrB a recurrent nova, a relatively rare phenomenon in the vastness of the cosmos.</p>



<p>The anticipation among astronomers and amateur stargazers is palpable, as T CrB's recent activity mirrors the patterns observed in the lead-up to the 1946 eruption. All signs point to an impending nova, potentially as soon as September 2024.</p>



<p>"Recurrent novae are unpredictable and contrarian," said Dr. Koji Mukai, a fellow astrophysics researcher at NASA Goddard.</p>



<p>"When you think there can't possibly be a reason they follow a certain set pattern, they do -- and as soon as you start to rely on them repeating the same pattern, they deviate from it completely. We'll see how T CrB behaves."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-witnessing-the-blaze-star-s-brilliance">Witnessing the blaze star's brilliance</h2>



<p>When T CrB erupts, its luminosity will increase dramatically, making it visible to the naked eye for several days. </p>



<p>The Northern Crown, a constellation shaped like a majestic diadem, will play host to this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/one-novae-star-explosion-may-be-origin-phosphorus-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">celestial spectacle</a>.</p>



<p>To witness this event, locate the two brightest stars in the Northern Hemisphere: Arcturus and Vega. An imaginary line connecting these stellar beacons will lead you to the Northern Crown, where T CrB lies in wait.</p>



<p>"It's a once-in-a-lifetime event that will create a lot of new astronomers out there, giving young people a cosmic event they can observe for themselves, ask their own questions, and collect their own data," said Dr. Rebekah Hounsell, an assistant research scientist specializing in nova events at NASA's <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Goddard Space Flight Center</a> in Greenbelt, Maryland. "It'll fuel the next generation of scientists."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-the-t-coronae-borealis-nova-explosion">Significance of the T Coronae Borealis nova explosion</h2>



<p>The impending nova isn't merely a visual treat; it's a golden opportunity for scientific exploration. </p>



<p>Astronomers worldwide are mobilizing a vast network of telescopes and instruments, both on Earth and in space, to study this event across the entire electromagnetic spectrum.</p>



<p>NASA's <a href="https://fermi.gsfc.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope</a>, the <a href="https://webb.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Webb Space Telescope</a>, and a multitude of other observatories will be trained on T CrB, capturing valuable data that will shed light on the complex processes driving these stellar explosions.</p>



<p> The observations will delve into the nova's structure, energy output, and evolution, providing crucial insights into the life cycles of binary star systems.</p>



<p>Citizen scientists, with their passion for the night sky, will also play a vital role in this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/kilonova-explosion-light-years-away-would-devastate-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scientific endeavor</a>. Their observations and reports will help pinpoint the exact moment of the eruption, allowing professional astronomers to gather data from the very beginning of this celestial spectacle.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-let-the-countdown-begin">Let the countdown begin!</h2>



<p>T CrB's relative proximity to Earth makes it an ideal laboratory for studying novae. The wealth of data that will be collected during the outburst will provide unprecedented detail about the intricate mechanisms behind these stellar explosions.</p>



<p>By studying T CrB, scientists hope to gain a deeper understanding of the complex interactions between white dwarfs and their companion stars. </p>



<p>These insights will not only illuminate the specific processes occurring in T CrB but also shed light on the broader dynamics of binary systems throughout the universe.</p>



<p>While the exact timing of T CrB's eruption remains uncertain, the anticipation is building. Astronomers and stargazers alike are eagerly awaiting the moment when this unassuming star transforms into a beacon of cosmic brilliance.</p>



<p>So, mark your calendars for September 2024 and turn your gaze towards the Northern Crown. With a little luck and clear skies, you'll be treated to a front-row seat to one of the universe's most awe-inspiring phenomena.</p>



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Nova explosion of nearby star will soon light up Earth's skies

The vast expanse of the night sky, a canvas dotted...

<p>Physicists have delved deeper into the enigmatic world of quantum entanglement and top quarks, bringing a new level of understanding to a phenomenon that even <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-entanglement-discovery-is-a-revolutionary-step-forward/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Albert Einstein found perplexing</a>.</p>



<p>This incredible feat has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of the quantum realm and its far-reaching implications.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-entanglement-persists-between-unstable-top-quarks">Entanglement persists between unstable top quarks</h2>



<p>The experiment, conducted by a team of researchers led by <a href="https://www.rochester.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Rochester</a> physics professor Regina Demina at the European Center for Nuclear Research (<a href="https://home.cern/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CERN</a>), has yielded a significant result. </p>



<p>For the first time, they observed entanglement persisting between unstable top quarks and their antimatter partners at distances greater than what can be covered by information transferred at the speed of light.</p>



<p>"Confirming the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-entanglement-laws-thermodynamics-follow-entropy-rule/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum entanglement</a> between the heaviest fundamental particles, the top quarks, has opened up a new avenue to explore the quantum nature of our world at energies far beyond what is accessible," the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) Collaboration at CERN reported.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heavyweights-of-the-particle-world">Heavyweights of the particle world</h2>



<p>Top quarks reign supreme as the heaviest known fundamental particles in the universe. They belong to the quark family, which consists of six "flavors": up, down, charm, strange, top, and bottom. </p>



<p>Among these, the top quark stands out due to its exceptional mass, which is comparable to that of a gold atom.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovery-of-top-quarks">Discovery of top quarks</h3>



<p>Scientists first predicted the existence of top quarks in the 1970s, but it took nearly two decades for experimental confirmation. </p>



<p>In 1995, researchers at the <a href="https://www.fnal.gov/pub/tevatron/tevatron-accelerator.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fermilab Tevatron collider</a> in Illinois, USA, finally observed top quarks in high-energy particle collisions. </p>



<p>This discovery completed the three generations of quarks predicted by the Standard Model of particle physics.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-top-quarks-ephemeral-existence">Top quarks: Ephemeral existence</h3>



<p>These particles have an extremely short lifetime, decaying almost immediately after their creation. </p>



<p>They exist for only about 5 × 10^-25 seconds before transforming into other particles, such as bottom quarks or W bosons. </p>



<p>This fleeting existence makes studying top quarks a challenging endeavor, requiring highly sophisticated particle accelerators and detectors.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-top-quarks-and-the-higgs-boson">Top quarks and the Higgs boson</h3>



<p>Due to their immense mass, top quarks can only be produced in high-energy particle collisions. The Large Hadron Collider (<a href="https://www.home.cern/science/accelerators/large-hadron-collider" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LHC</a>) at CERN is one of the few facilities capable of generating the necessary energies to create top quarks. </p>



<p>By colliding protons at nearly the speed of light, the LHC provides scientists with a window into the world of these elusive particles.</p>



<p>Top quarks play a crucial role in the study of the Higgs boson, another fundamental particle discovered at the LHC in 2012. </p>



<p>The Higgs boson is responsible for giving mass to other particles, and its interactions with top quarks are of particular interest to physicists. </p>



<p>By studying these interactions, researchers can gain deeper insights into the nature of mass and the inner workings of the universe.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gateway-to-new-physics">Gateway to new physics</h3>



<p>Beyond their role in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-fifth-force-of-nature-subatomic-particles-are-defying-the-laws-of-physics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Standard Model</a>, top quarks serve as a potential gateway to new physics. Many theories that go beyond the Standard Model, such as supersymmetry, predict the existence of new particles that could be produced in association with top quarks. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quantum-kingdom-tale-of-king-top-and-anti-top">Quantum kingdom: Tale of King Top and Anti-Top</h2>



<p>To explain the complex concept of entanglement, Demina used a clever analogy in a video for CMS social media channels. She described an indecisive king of a distant land, whom she called "King Top." </p>



<p>As the king flip-flops on his decisions about preparing for an invasion, nobody knows what his next move will be -- except for the leader of one village, known as "Anti-Top."</p>



<p>"They know each other's state of mind at any moment in time," Demina explained.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-quantum-information-science">Implications for quantum information science</h2>



<p>The phenomenon of entanglement has become the cornerstone of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/transmitting-quantum-information-using-electron-spin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum information science</a>, a rapidly growing field with vast implications in areas such as cryptography and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-computing-giant-leap-forward-breakthrough-ultra-pure-silicon-discovery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum computing</a>. </p>



<p>While top quarks themselves are unlikely to be used in building quantum computers due to their immense mass and the high energies required to produce them, studies like Demina's can provide valuable insights into the nature and duration of entanglement.</p>



<p>Theorists believe that the universe was in an entangled state after its initial fast expansion stage. The new result observed by Demina and her team could help scientists understand what led to the loss of the <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">quantum connection</a> in our world. </p>



<p>By studying how long entanglement persists, whether it is passed on to the particles' decay products, and what ultimately breaks the entanglement, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/impossibility-paradox-calculating-incalculable-quantum-realm-particles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum nature of our universe</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-quantum-entanglement-and-top-quarks">Future of quantum entanglement and top quarks</h2>



<p>In summary, this important experiment conducted by Regina Demina and her team at CERN has opened up new avenues for exploring the fascinating world of quantum entanglement. </p>



<p>By observing the persistence of entanglement between unstable top quarks at incredible distances, they have taken a significant step toward unraveling the mysteries of the quantum realm. </p>



<p>Their findings shed light on the nature and duration of entanglement while paving the way for future research that could revolutionize our understanding of the universe's quantum past and its profound impact on fields like quantum information science. </p>



<p>As physicists continue to push the boundaries of what we know about the quantum world, discoveries like these bring us closer to unlocking the secrets of the spooky connection that lies at the heart of our reality.</p>



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



<p>Demina's research group, consisting of herself, graduate student Alan Herrera, and postdoctoral fellow Otto Hindrichs, conducted their experiment at CERN, the world's largest particle physics laboratory. </p>



<p>The production of top quarks requires the immense energies accessible at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), where high-energy particles are sent spinning around a 17-mile underground track at nearly the speed of light.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the <a href="https://cms-results.web.cern.ch/cms-results/public-results/preliminary-results/TOP-23-007/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CMS Physics Analysis Survey</a>.</p>



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"Spooky action at a distance" confirmed to persist between top quarks

Physicists have delved deeper into the enigmatic world of quantum...

<p>The deep sea, a realm of eternal darkness and immense pressure, remains one of Earth's greatest mysteries. It's a place where life has adapted in extraordinary ways, and where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rare-deep-sea-hooked-squid-taningia-danae-captured-video/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new discoveries</a> are made with each exploration. </p>



<p>One such discovery, made by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (<a href="https://www.mbari.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MBARI</a>) in 2015, has recently come to light, shedding new insights into the eggs and reproductive behavior of deep-sea squids.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mother-s-sacrifice-in-the-depths">Mother's sacrifice in the depths</h2>



<p>In the murky depths of Mexico's Gulf of California, MBARI's remotely operated vehicle (ROV), Doc Ricketts, captured a remarkable sight: a mother squid tenderly cradling a cluster of unusually large eggs. </p>



<p>This observation, seemingly mundane at first, sparked a wave of excitement among the research team.</p>



<p>"The deep sea is the largest living space on Earth and there is a lot left to be discovered. Our unexpected encounter with a squid brooding giant eggs caught the attention of everyone in the ship's control room," recalls MBARI Senior Scientist Steven Haddock, who was leading the expedition.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unraveling-the-mystery-a-new-species">Unraveling the Mystery: A New Species?</h2>



<p>Intrigued by the sighting, a team of researchers from MBARI, GEOMAR's Helmholtz Center for Ocean Research Kiel, and the <a href="https://www.usf.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of South Florida</a> embarked on a meticulous investigation. </p>



<p>Their analysis suggests that this squid may represent a previously unknown species in the family Gonatidae, a group known as armhook squids.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/squid-family-Gonatidae_brooding-eggs-closeup_deep-sea_MBARI_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/squid-family-Gonatidae_brooding-eggs-closeup_deep-sea_MBARI_1s.jpg" alt="Closeup view of giant eggs from new species of deep-sea squid. Credit: MBARI " class="wp-image-1936631"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Closeup view of giant eggs from new species of deep-sea squid. Credit: MBARI </em></figcaption></figure>



<p>What makes this discovery particularly fascinating is the sheer size of the squid's eggs – approximately 11.6 millimeters (about half an inch) in diameter. </p>



<p>This is twice the size of eggs observed in other brooding deep-sea squids. The squid was also carrying far fewer eggs, around 30 to 40, compared to thousands carried by other species.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-squids-and-brooding-eggs">Squids and brooding eggs</h2>



<p>While maternal care is common among <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/warming-seas-impair-octopus-vision-to-a-critical-extent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">octopuses</a>, it is a rare phenomenon in squids. Most squid species either attach their eggs to the seafloor or release them in buoyant masses that drift with the currents. </p>



<p>These strategies require minimal effort from the mother, but they also leave the eggs vulnerable to predation.</p>



<p>Brooding, on the other hand, is a high-risk, high-reward strategy. It involves the mother carrying and protecting her eggs until they hatch, sacrificing her own nourishment and ultimately her life. </p>



<p>"Brooding takes a lot out of a mother squid," explains Henk-Jan Hoving, lead author of the study. "She won't eat while carrying her eggs and ultimately dies after her eggs hatch. But her sacrifice improves the chances that her offspring will survive."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-do-the-squids-lay-giant-eggs">Why do the squids lay giant eggs?</h2>



<p>The researchers speculate that the giant eggs are an adaptation to the stable and predictable environment of the deep sea. </p>



<p>Unlike shallower waters, where food is scarce and predation is high, the deep sea offers a more secure environment for offspring to develop.</p>



<p>By investing in fewer, larger eggs, the mother increases the chances of her offspring surviving to adulthood.</p>



<p>The team estimates that the eggs of this new squid species may take one to four years to develop, significantly longer than the entire life cycle of most shallow-water squids. </p>



<p>This extended development time, they believe, is another adaptation to the slow pace of life in the deep sea.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deep-sea-squids-a-vital-link-in-the-food-web">Deep-sea squids: A vital link in the food web</h2>



<p>Deep-sea squids are not just fascinating creatures; they play a crucial role in the ocean's ecosystem. They are voracious predators of fish and invertebrates, and in turn, they are preyed upon by larger fish, sharks, whales, and seabirds. </p>



<p>They are also a significant food source for commercially important fish species such as tuna and swordfish.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unraveling-the-mysteries-of-the-deep">Unraveling the mysteries of the deep</h2>



<p>Despite their ecological and economic importance, much about the lives of deep-sea squids remains unknown. </p>



<p>MBARI's ongoing research is gradually lifting the veil on these enigmatic creatures, revealing their unique adaptations and behaviors.</p>



<p>"Squid play an important role in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oceans-are-quickly-losing-ability-to-support-fish-due-to-plankton-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean</a> -- they're fierce predators and a vital food source for lots of animals, even humans -- but we still have a lot to learn about the squid that live in the deep sea," says Hoving.</p>



<p>With each new discovery, we gain a deeper understanding of the complex web of life that exists in the ocean's depths. </p>



<p>The giant-egg brooding squid, with its unusual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/squid-mating-tactics-are-determined-by-birth-date/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reproductive strategy,</a> is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of life in one of the most challenging environments on Earth.</p>



<p>As technology advances and our ability to explore the deep sea improves, we can look forward to even more exciting discoveries that will reshape our understanding of this vast and mysterious realm.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ecy.4319" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecology</a></em>. </p>



<p><a href="https://youtu.be/pR1u1J_1hYE" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The video of the encounter can be seen here...</a></p>



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



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

New species of deep-sea squid discovered that broods giant eggs

The deep sea, a realm of eternal darkness and immense...

<p>A recent study published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/toxics12050327" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Toxics</em></a><em> </em>has identified elevated mercury levels in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pollutants-english-channel-dolphins/">dolphins</a> in the U.S. Southeast, with the highest concentrations found in those from Florida’s St. Joseph and Choctawhatchee Bays.</p>



<p>According to the experts, dolphins serve as a “sentinel species” due to their high position in the food chain, long lifespans, and physiological similarities to humans. Their diet, which includes fish like spot, croaker, and weakfish, overlaps with that of humans, indicating shared exposure risks to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mercury-pollution-is-making-its-way-to-the-deepest-parts-of-the-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mercury pollution</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dolphin-mercury-levels-and-human-health-risks">Dolphin mercury levels and human health risks</h2>



<p>Although the study does not make direct conclusions about mercury levels or health risks for residents of Florida and Georgia, it references <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/11/7/6709" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">previous research</a> indicating a correlation between high mercury levels in dolphins in Florida’s Indian River Lagoon and the human population in the same area.</p>



<p>“As a sentinel species, the bottlenose dolphin data presented here can direct future studies to evaluate mercury exposure to human residents in the Southeast as well as other potentially affected areas in the United States,” the authors explained.</p>



<p>The U.S. <a href="https://www.epa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Protection Agency</a> (EPA) recognizes fish as part of a healthy diet but cautions that groups such as pregnant individuals, children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to the adverse health effects of mercury. Moreover, some people are at higher risk due to their high fish consumption.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mercury-toxicity-in-dolphins-nbsp">Mercury toxicity in dolphins&nbsp;</h2>



<p>According to the <a href="https://minamataconvention.org/en/news/toxic-mercury-significant-threat-marine-wildlife" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Minamata Convention on Mercury</a>, in marine mammals like dolphins, mercury toxicity can lead to severe health issues, including reproductive failure, behavioral changes, and even death.</p>



<p>While some mercury occurs naturally, most mercury pollution results from burning <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-report-current-fossil-fuel-plans-will-shatter-1-5c-climate-goal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossil fuels</a> and industrial activities like mining, cement production, and chemical manufacturing. In aquatic environments, bacteria convert mercury into methylmercury, which accumulates up the food chain from small fish to top predators like dolphins.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-research-nbsp">Focus of the research<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>The scientists analyzed 175 skin samples from bottlenose dolphins collected between 2005 and 2019 from various estuaries in Florida and Georgia, including St. Joseph, Choctawhatchee, and Biscayne Bays in Florida, and the Skidaway and Turtle/Brunswick river estuaries and Sapelo Island in Georgia.&nbsp;</p>



<p>They measured mercury levels in dolphin skin, which correlate with methylmercury levels in their other tissues and organs.</p>



<p>Colleen Bryan, a research biologist and co-author of the study, noted that the <a href="https://www.nist.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Institute of Standards and Technology</a> (NIST) has been involved with dolphin health assessment and biopsy studies since 2002.</p>



<p>“We’ve helped standardize testing protocols and collection and storage methods, so any measurements taken are highly accurate and comparable across studies.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-results-of-the-study">Results of the study</h2>



<p>The highest mercury levels recorded were in St. Joseph Bay, where dolphins averaged 14,193 nanograms of mercury per gram (ng/g) in their skin.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Lead author Mackenzie Griffin, now a biologist at <a href="https://www.noaa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NOAA</a>, suggested that industrial activities might partly explain these levels, and noted that the bay's limited water exchange with other waterways exacerbates the problem.</p>



<p>The experts also found that dolphins in the Charleston, South Carolina area had the lowest average mercury levels at 509 ng/g, while those in the Florida Coastal Everglades had high levels at 10,916 ng/g.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to Bryan, Charleston Harbor benefits from tidal flows that help flush out mercury, whereas in the Everglades, decomposing mangrove leaves release mercury into the water, which is then converted to methylmercury by bacteria.</p>



<p>“Our research adds to other studies that have consistently shown elevated levels of mercury in dolphins in the Southeast. We hope it will lead to a better understanding of what’s happening in our oceans,” Bryan concluded.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mercury-in-the-ocean">Mercury in the ocean</h2>



<p>Mercury in the ocean primarily originates from natural sources like volcanic eruptions and human activities such as coal burning, mining, and industrial processes. Once released into the atmosphere, mercury can travel long distances before settling into bodies of water.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In the ocean, mercury undergoes a series of transformations, one of the most concerning being its conversion to methylmercury by certain microorganisms.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amphibians-threatened-by-mercury-with-unknown-health-impacts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Methylmercury</a> is a potent neurotoxin that bioaccumulates in marine food webs, meaning that its concentration increases as it moves up the food chain. As a result, top predators like large fish and marine mammals often have high levels of mercury, posing risks to both wildlife and humans who consume seafood. </p>



<p>Efforts to monitor and reduce mercury levels in the ocean include international agreements like the Minamata Convention, aimed at controlling and reducing mercury emissions.&nbsp;</p>



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

Elevated mercury levels discovered in dolphins

A recent study published in the journal Toxics has identified...

<p>We all know honeybees for their role in pollinating our crops and producing honey. But who knew these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-gentle-tap-on-the-hive-reveals-honeybee-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tiny creatures</a> might be instrumental in saving human lives? Recent groundbreaking research from Michigan State University (<a href="https://msu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MSU</a>) suggests that honeybees can detect lung cancer through the smell of human breath.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-honeybees-medical-diagnostics-and-cancer">Honeybees, medical diagnostics and cancer</h2>



<p>While the concept of using honeybees to detect cancer may seem unusual, it builds upon previous research showing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crows-count-out-loud-just-like-toddlers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animals</a> can detect diseases through scent. Researchers have previously trained dogs to identify various medical conditions, including certain cancers, by smelling biological samples or breath.</p>



<p>Inspired by this, researchers at Michigan State University sought to determine if honeybees, known for their sensitive olfactory systems, could also be employed for disease detection. </p>



<p>They focused on lung cancer, hypothesizing that unique chemical compounds in the breath of individuals with the disease could be identified by the bees.</p>



<p>To test this hypothesis, the researchers developed a synthetic mixture that mimicked the breath of lung cancer patients. This mixture included compounds identified in previous studies as potential biomarkers for lung cancer, such as trichloroethylene and 2-methylheptane.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-honeybees-and-cancer-detection">Honeybees and cancer detection</h2>



<p>To conduct their experiment, the MSU research team developed a unique setup for monitoring the honeybees' responses. </p>



<p>They designed and 3D printed specialized harnesses to gently restrain the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honey-bee-colonies-are-collapsing-as-climate-change-progresses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bees</a> without causing them harm. Tiny electrodes were then carefully implanted into the bees' brains, allowing the researchers to monitor their neural activity in real time.</p>



<p>With the bees safely secured and their brain activity monitored, the researchers introduced the synthetic breath mixtures to the bees. </p>



<p>By exposing the bees to both the lung cancer breath mimic and the healthy breath control, they could compare the neural responses and identify any differences that might indicate the bees' ability to detect the disease.</p>



<p>The results were astounding. "We see a change in the honeybee's neural firing response," Saha noted. The bees could not only detect the presence of cancer-associated chemicals but also differentiate between different types of lung cancer cells.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-honeybee-s-nose-for-cancer-precision">Honeybee's nose for cancer precision</h2>



<p>What's even more remarkable is the sensitivity of the bees' olfactory system. "The honeybees detected very small concentrations; it was a very strong result," Saha explained. </p>



<p>"Bees can differentiate between minute changes in the chemical concentrations of the breath mixture which is in the parts per 1 billion range."</p>



<p>Michael Parnas, a doctoral candidate involved in the study, analyzed the neural data and confirmed the differences in the bees' responses to healthy and cancerous breath. </p>



<p>"We detected several different neurons firing in the honeybees' brains that clearly differentiated between the synthetic lung cancer breath and healthy breath," he said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-lung-cancer-diagnosis">Future of lung cancer diagnosis</h2>



<p>The research doesn't stop at breath analysis. The MSU team also investigated the bees' ability to detect lung cancer cells in culture. </p>



<p>"What's amazing is the honeybees ability to not only detect cancer cells, but also distinguish between cell lines of various types of lung cancer," noted Autumn McLane-Svoboda, a graduate student involved in the research.</p>



<p>These findings could revolutionize lung cancer diagnosis. The researchers envision a future where patients simply breathe into a device equipped with a honeybee brain-based sensor. </p>



<p>The sensor would analyze the breath in real-time and wirelessly report the presence of cancer-associated chemicals, leading to early detection and timely treatment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-lung-cancer">Beyond lung cancer</h2>



<p>Saha and his team believe their research could pave the way for the development of other smell-based disease detection technologies. </p>



<p>"The future implications for this are huge as our sensor could allow for patients to receive specific cancer diagnoses quickly, which is imperative for correct treatment routes," said McLane-Svoboda.</p>



<p>The use of honeybees in medical diagnostics is an exciting and promising new frontier. While further research and development are needed before this technology becomes a reality, the potential impact is enormous. Honeybees, those <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saving-pollinators-wild-bees-boosts-food-supply-income/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">humble pollinators</a>, could play a critical role in the fight against lung cancer and other diseases.</p>



<p>In the meantime, this research serves as a reminder of the incredible complexity and potential of the natural world. Who knows what other secrets honeybees and other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chimpanzees-and-bees-are-capable-of-complex-social-learning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">creatures</a> might hold, just waiting to be discovered?</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0956566324004718?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biosensors and Bioelectronics</a></em>.</p>



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Honeybees can sniff out lung cancer

We all know honeybees for their role in pollinating our...

<p>Researchers at the <a href="https://www.tsukuba.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Tsukuba</a> have identified a novel method to detect cognitive fatigue through <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pupils-enlarge-dilate-when-working-memory-engaged-focused-on-task/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pupil</a> contraction. This discovery is particularly relevant in the realm of prolonged digital activities, such as esports, which demand high levels of mental exertion.</p>



<p>The study reveals that pupil diameter decreases as cognitive fatigue sets in, offering a measurable indicator of mental strain that is often unnoticed by the individual.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-cognitive-fatigue-in-esports">Addressing cognitive fatigue in esports</h2>



<p>As digital interactions increasingly dominate our daily lives, balancing human performance and health between physical and digital realms has become a significant challenge.</p>



<p>While strategies for maintaining physical health are well-documented, methods for managing cognitive health during extended digital activities are still emerging.</p>



<p>Esports, a blend of physical and digital activities, often involve intense and prolonged mental engagement. Despite the cognitive benefits of moderate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/video-gaming-actually-improves-brain-functions-at-any-age/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gaming</a>, prolonged exposure can lead to adverse effects, including cognitive fatigue.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



<p>The researchers set out to explore whether gamers can accurately sense their own cognitive fatigue and identify potential non-invasive indicators of this fatigue. They recruited 35 young adult participants from the University of Tsukuba and gaming communities in Akihabara, Japan.</p>



<p>The participants were divided into two groups: casual players, who played <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-violent-video-games-impact-the-human-mind/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">video games</a> recreationally, and hardcore players, who engaged in competitive esports and often participated in tournaments.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-experimental-protocol">Experimental protocol </h2>



<p>The participants underwent a detailed pre-experiment protocol, including a body composition analysis and a survey to assess their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/video-games-linked-to-unhealthy-habits-among-male-college-students/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gaming habits</a>, physical activity levels, and sleep patterns.</p>



<p>On the day of the experiment, the individuals abstained from alcohol, caffeine, and strenuous exercise to ensure uniform physiological conditions.</p>



<p>The experiment was conducted in a controlled environment, with temperature and humidity standardized to 23°C and 50%, respectively. Participants played a virtual football game for three continuous hours in individual tents to maintain consistent visual stimuli.</p>



<p>During the gaming session, heart rates were monitored using a chest-worn heart rate sensor, and pupil diameters were measured using an eye tracker positioned at the bottom of the monitor. This setup allowed for real-time tracking of physiological responses without interrupting the gaming experience.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-declining-cognitive-performance">Declining cognitive performance </h2>



<p>Cognitive performance was assessed using three specific tasks: the Flanker task, the Stroop task, and the Simon task. These tasks measured different aspects of executive function, such as reaction time and accuracy in response to visual stimuli.</p>



<p>Assessments were conducted before the gaming session and at hourly intervals to track changes in cognitive function over time.</p>



<p>In addition to cognitive tasks, participants completed questionnaires to gauge their subjective feelings of enjoyment and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mental-fatigue-impairs-athletic-performance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fatigue</a> using visual analog scales.</p>



<p>Initially, casual players showed an improvement in executive function after one hour of gameplay, particularly in the Flanker task, which measures the ability to manage directional interference. </p>



<p>However, after two hours, both casual and hardcore players exhibited a decline in cognitive performance. This was evident in increased reaction times and decreased accuracy in cognitive tasks.</p>



<p>Interestingly, this cognitive fatigue did not align with the players’ subjective feelings of fatigue, suggesting a dissociation between perceived and actual cognitive states.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cognitive-performance-and-pupil-size">Cognitive performance and pupil size</h2>



<p>The most striking finding was the significant decrease in pupil diameter after more than two hours of continuous play. This reduction in pupil size was consistent across both casual and hardcore players, indicating a decrease in physiological arousal. </p>



<p>Pupil diameter, controlled by the autonomic nervous system, can reflect changes in cognitive load and fatigue. </p>



<p>As cognitive fatigue set in, pupil diameter decreased, suggesting it could serve as a reliable indicator of mental exhaustion.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-digital-fatigue-management">Implications for digital fatigue management</h2>



<p>Despite observed cognitive fatigue and pupil constriction, there were no significant changes in heart rate or cortisol levels throughout the gaming session. </p>



<p>This lack of change in traditional stress markers implies that the cognitive fatigue experienced by the players was not accompanied by increased physiological stress. </p>



<p>Instead, the decrease in pupil diameter provided a more sensitive measure of cognitive fatigue.</p>



<p>Both casual and hardcore players reported increased enjoyment during the gaming session, which did not correlate with the onset of cognitive fatigue. </p>



<p>The sense of fatigue, as measured by subjective questionnaires, did not significantly increase until after three hours of play for casual players and remained relatively stable for hardcore players. </p>



<p>This disparity suggests that players may not be fully aware of their cognitive decline, potentially leading to overexertion without realizing it.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pupil-diameter-as-a-marker-for-cognitive-fatigue">Pupil diameter as a marker for cognitive fatigue</h2>



<p>The researchers concluded that pupil diameter is a promising non-invasive marker for detecting cognitive fatigue during prolonged digital activities such as esports. This finding is particularly relevant for developing strategies to manage digital fatigue and promote healthier gaming practices. </p>



<p>However, the study also had its limitations. The sample size was relatively small, and the experiment was conducted in a controlled environment that may not fully represent real-world conditions. Additionally, the study focused on a specific type of esports game - virtual football - and the results might differ with other game genres or in different contexts.</p>



<p>Future research could expand on these findings by exploring other types of digital activities, involving a more diverse participant pool, and testing in real-world settings. </p>



<p>Investigating the impact of different gaming conditions, such as competitive stress and social interactions, could also provide deeper insights into the dynamics of cognitive fatigue.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0747563224000876" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Direct</a></em>.</p>



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Pupil size reveals hidden cognitive fatigue

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba have identified a novel...

<p>The first week after birth is a pivotal period for the development of the senses in newborn mammals. Smell and touch are the earliest sensations perceived, enabling newborns to nurse and bond with their mothers.</p>



<p>Defects in these early senses can lead to various <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/toddler-screen-time-linked-to-atypical-sensory-behaviors/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neurodevelopmental disorders</a> in humans.</p>



<p>"Our senses are crucial for the proper formation and functioning of brain circuits," noted Professor Theofanis Karayannis, co-director of the Brain Research Institute at the <a href="https://www.hifo.uzh.ch/en.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Zurich</a> (UZH).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-odors-on-newborn-brains">Impact of odors on newborn brains</h2>



<p>Previous research has underscored the importance of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/emotions-sensory-perception-brain-fascinating-interplay/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sensory</a> input for the development of corresponding senses - odors for smell, sounds for hearing, and so on. However, little is known about how different senses may influence the maturation of each other.</p>



<p>To address this gap, the research team delved into the effects of olfactory stimuli on the brains of newborn mice.</p>



<p>The researchers delivered a pleasant odor to the nostrils of the pups and mapped the resulting brain activity using advanced wide field-of-view imaging of one cortical hemisphere. </p>



<p>They observed that odors triggered neural activity across a large part of the cerebral cortex, including areas responsible for touch.</p>



<p>"Using anatomical and functional approaches in mice, we reveal that odor-driven activity propagates to a large part of the cortex during the first postnatal week and enhances whisker-evoked activation of primary whisker somatosensory cortex," noted the study authors. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-critical-window-after-birth">A critical window after birth</h2>



<p>This phenomenon was observed within a very short window of time: the first week after birth. In older pups and adult mice, odors affected more restricted areas of the brain.</p>



<p>"This clearly shows that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-story-behind-our-sense-of-smell-is-coming-into-focus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">olfactory</a> input in the first postnatal week induces a special pattern of electrical activity in the brain. This indicated to us that it may be essential for the formation of brain circuits for non-olfactory sensory processing," explained Professor Karayannis.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-link-between-smell-and-touch">The link between smell and touch</h2>



<p>To test this assumption, the team investigated whether early olfactory stimulation is also crucial for the maturation of the sense of touch.</p>



<p>They trained adult mice to distinguish between fine and coarse sandpaper touching their whiskers - a primary way mice survey their environment.</p>



<p>The researchers found that mice deprived of olfactory input in their first week performed significantly worse than those exposed to odors. </p>



<p>"A deficiency in olfaction during the critical window of time also affects touch processing in later life," explained Professor Karayannis.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-sensory-interactions-and-brain-anatomy">Early sensory interactions and brain anatomy</h2>



<p>The transient functional interaction between smell and touch was evident in the brain's anatomy. </p>



<p>During the first week of life, the researchers detected a string of nerve connections between the brain areas that process smell and touch. This link disappeared within a few weeks.</p>



<p>"Our study demonstrates that early-life exposure to odor is essential for touch development and maturation," said Professor Karayannis. "This finding perhaps extends to other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/loss-of-smell-may-be-the-earliest-warning-of-alzheimers-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">senses</a> such as hearing or sight, which mature later in life."</p>



<p>Although the experiments were conducted with newborn mice, previous findings suggest similar processes occur in the human brain. Such sensory deficits can result from genetic alterations or environmental factors.</p>



<p>"Our findings raise attention to assessing the impact of olfactory deficiencies, especially early in life, on the maturation of general sensory and cognitive processing." </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-benefits-of-odor-therapy-in-newborns">Potential benefits of odor therapy in newborns </h2>



<p>One practical implication of this research relates to premature babies in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), where they are deprived of a normal sensory environment. This deprivation can potentially have long-term cognitive and emotional effects to the newborns.</p>



<p>"While hospitals aim to provide optimal tactile, auditory, and visual stimuli to these babies, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-sense-of-smell-can-change-the-colors-we-see/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sense of smell</a> is not as widely used," said Professor Karayannis. "Our results suggest a mechanism by which proper olfactory cues may positively support the development of various sensory and cognitive skills in babies."</p>



<p>The study emphasizes the crucial role of early sensory experiences in the proper development of brain circuits, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to sensory stimulation in early life, particularly for vulnerable populations such as premature infants.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adn5611" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a></em>.</p>



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Odors influence newborn brain growth in the first week

The first week after birth is a pivotal period for...

<p>Around two million years ago, Earth was home to early human ancestors living alongside saber-toothed tigers, mastodons, and massive rodents.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The planet experienced multiple ice ages, likely caused by factors such as Earth’s tilt, rotation, tectonics, volcanic activity, and atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, a new study led by <a href="https://www.bu.edu/">Boston University</a> (BU) has suggested that the sun’s location in the galaxy may have also played a significant role.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interstellar-cloud-encounter">Interstellar cloud encounter </h2>



<p>The experts found that around two million years ago, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-water-travel-through-our-solar-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar system</a> encountered an interstellar cloud dense enough to disrupt the sun’s solar wind, which forms the protective heliosphere around the solar system.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The heliosphere shields Earth from harmful <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/breakthrough-surges-of-cosmic-radiation-from-space-directly-linked-to-earthquakes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cosmic radiation</a> and galactic rays, which can alter DNA. The dense cloud compressed the heliosphere, briefly exposing Earth to the interstellar medium.</p>



<p>“This paper is the first to quantitatively show there was an encounter between the sun and something outside of the solar system that would have affected Earth’s climate,” said lead author Merav Opher, an astrophysicist at BU.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solar-wind-and-the-interstellar-medium-nbsp">Solar wind and the interstellar medium<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>Opher’s models, which propose that the heliosphere is shaped like a puffy croissant, have significantly influenced the understanding of how the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-solar-wind-which-creates-beautiful-auroras-on-earth-is-now-less-mysterious/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar wind</a> interacts with the interstellar medium.</p>



<p>To investigate these phenomena, Opher and her team used sophisticated computer models to trace the sun’s position two million years ago.&nbsp;</p>



<p>They mapped the path of the Local Ribbon of Cold Clouds system, a series of large, dense, and cold clouds primarily composed of hydrogen atoms.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-local-lynx-of-cold-cloud">Local Lynx of Cold Cloud</h2>



<p>The simulations indicated that the Local Lynx of Cold Cloud, a part of this ribbon, could have collided with the heliosphere.</p>



<p>If such a collision occurred, Earth would have been exposed to the interstellar medium, which contains gas, dust, and radioactive particles from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hm-sagittae-star-exploded-nova-40-years-ago-has-not-dimmed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exploded stars</a>. Normally, the heliosphere filters out these particles, but without it, they could reach Earth.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This scenario aligns with geological evidence showing increased levels of iron-60 and plutonium-244 isotopes in ocean sediments, lunar samples, Antarctic snow, and ice cores from that period, coinciding with a cooling phase on Earth. </p>



<p>Iron 60 and plutonium 244 are very rare heavy metals that are created when massive stars explode.</p>



<p>“It is everywhere, in the deep ocean, on the moon, on ice in Antarctica,” said Opher. “These papers describe a global phenomenon. Something happened. And iron 60 is not produced on Earth. So I knew that somehow this iron 60 got trapped in dust, and somehow, 2 to 3 million years ago, we had more dust delivered to us.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dense-cloud-compressed-the-heliosphere-nbsp">Dense cloud compressed the heliosphere<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>“Only rarely does our cosmic neighborhood beyond the solar system affect life on Earth,” said co-author Avi Loeb, the director of <a href="https://www.harvard.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard University</a>’s Institute for Theory and Computation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“It is exciting to discover that our passage through dense clouds a few million years ago could have exposed the Earth to a much larger flux of cosmic rays and hydrogen atoms.”</p>



<p>The pressure from the Local Lynx of Cold Cloud could have kept the heliosphere compressed for hundreds of years to a million years, depending on the cloud’s size. Once Earth moved away from the cloud, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heliosphere-best-path-space-probes-beyond-solar-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heliosphere</a> would have re-expanded to encompass all the planets.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interstellar-clouds-and-earth-s-climate-nbsp">Interstellar clouds and Earth's climate<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>While it is difficult to determine the exact impact of these cold clouds on Earth’s climate, Opher argued that the sun has likely encountered other cold clouds over billions of years and will do so again in the future.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Her team is now working on mapping the sun’s location seven million years ago and further back, using data from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Gaia" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Space Agency’s Gaia mission</a>, which is creating the largest 3D map of the galaxy.</p>



<p>“This cloud was indeed in our past, and if we crossed something that massive, we were exposed to the interstellar medium,” noted Opher. </p>



<p>Her team at BU’s NASA-funded SHIELD (Solar wind with Hydrogen Ion Exchange and Large-scale Dynamics) DRIVE Science Center is now exploring the potential effects on Earth’s radiation, atmosphere, and climate.</p>



<p>“This is only the beginning,” Opher said. She hopes this research will lead to further exploration of how the solar system’s encounters with interstellar forces have shaped Earth’s history and life.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41550-024-02279-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Astronomy</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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



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Earth collided with an interstellar cloud millions of years ago

Around two million years ago, Earth was home to early...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<p></p>

Social modeling affects our food choices

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists discover we age in bursts

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists solve the mystery of tickling

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>



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



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

Retired professor claims he solved time travel

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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



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



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https://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
</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...

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



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



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



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



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



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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



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



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



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



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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