<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>We've all heard the warnings: staring at your phone before bed will disrupt your sleep, thanks to that pesky blue light. </p>



<p>It's advice echoed by health organizations worldwide, urging us to power down our screens an hour before <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-resets-brain-connections-for-a-few-hours-but-then-what-happens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hitting the hay</a>. But, a new study is throwing a wrench in this well-worn narrative.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-blue-light-as-a-sleep-villain">Blue light as a sleep villain?</h2>



<p>Dr. Michael Gradisar, a sleep expert from <a href="https://www.flinders.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Flinders University</a>, Australia, recently led a comprehensive review of 11 studies examining the link between smartphone light and sleep. </p>



<p>His conclusion? The evidence simply doesn't support a "meaningful" cause-and-effect relationship.</p>



<p>"There's no evidence from these studies that screen light in the hour before bed makes it <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/popular-teens-especially-girls-struggle-with-sleep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">harder to fall asleep</a>," Dr. Gradisar boldly asserts. </p>



<p>He goes further, suggesting that when considering all the factors that can sabotage our sleep, screens might be a bit overrated.</p>



<p>This new research contradicts the widely accepted notion that blue light from screens directly suppresses melatonin production, a hormone crucial for regulating sleep cycles. </p>



<p>Prominent health organizations, like the <a href="https://www.nhs.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHS</a>, have long advised reducing screen time before bed based on this belief. </p>



<p>But if blue light isn't the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/light-color-has-no-impact-on-our-internal-clocks-or-sleep-patterns/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">primary culprit</a>, what is?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-real-reason-phones-delay-sleep">The real reason phones delay sleep</h2>



<p>According to Dr. Gradisar, the problem lies not in the light itself, but in our inability to resist the siren call of our devices. </p>



<p>Checking emails, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/digital-success-how-teenagers-thrive-online/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scrolling through social media</a>, or getting sucked into a YouTube rabbit hole – these are the real sleep thieves. He agrees that looking at your emails before bed is a "really bad idea."</p>



<p>Professor Russell Foster, a circadian neuroscience expert from the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a>, echoes this sentiment. He agrees that there's "no evidence that the blue lights from screens have any significant impact at all." </p>



<p>Instead, Professor Foster emphasizes the importance of disentangling the effect of the light from the act of using the phone itself.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rise-and-fall-of-blue-light-panic">Rise and fall of blue light panic</h2>



<p>Professor Foster highlights an important discovery from the early 2000s. Researchers identified photosensitive retinal ganglion cells in our eyes, which are sensitive to blue light. This finding sparked widespread concern about blue light's potential negative impacts. </p>



<p>As a result, a surge of products aimed at mitigating these effects entered the market. However, ongoing research has led to a more nuanced understanding of how blue light affects us.</p>



<p>While this recent study casts doubt on the direct link between blue light and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/midnight-snack-the-best-foods-for-a-good-nights-sleep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sleep disruption</a>, it's crucial to acknowledge that blue light can influence our physiology in other ways. It's known to increase alertness, improve cognitive function, and even positively affect mood.</p>



<p>Yet, prolonged exposure, particularly during nighttime hours, may still contribute to eye strain and pose potential risks to long-term eye health.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-so-can-i-use-my-phone-before-sleep">So, can I use my phone before sleep?</h2>



<p>The takeaway? While a pre-sleep scroll might not be as detrimental to your sleep as previously thought, it's still wise to establish healthy boundaries with your devices. </p>



<p>If you struggle with sleep, consider creating a tech-free buffer zone before bed and prioritize activities that promote relaxation and prepare your mind for rest.</p>



<p>"If we stand back and look at all of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/midnight-snack-the-best-foods-for-a-good-nights-sleep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">factors</a> that can be harmful to our sleep, screens are overrated," Dr. Gradisar wisely advises.</p>



<p>Let's shift the focus from demonizing blue light to fostering healthy sleep habits that prioritize rest and rejuvenation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-reduce-phone-use-before-sleep">How to reduce phone use before sleep?</h2>



<p>Using your phone less before sleep can significantly improve your sleep quality and overall well-being. Here are some strategies to help you reduce phone usage before bedtime:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-set-a-phone-curfew">Set a phone curfew</h3>



<p>Establish a specific time each night to stop using your phone, ideally 30 minutes to an hour before bed. This gives your brain time to wind down from the day’s activities and prepares your body for sleep. To help enforce this curfew, consider setting an alarm to remind you to put your phone away.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-create-a-relaxing-routine">Create a relaxing routine</h3>



<p>Replace screen time with calming, non-digital activities. Here are a few suggestions:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Reading a book:</strong>&nbsp;Choose a physical book or an e-reader with an e-ink display that doesn’t emit blue light.</li>



<li><strong>Listening to music or podcasts:</strong>&nbsp;Opt for soothing music or calming podcasts to help relax your mind.</li>



<li><strong>Mindfulness or meditation:</strong>&nbsp;Practice deep breathing exercises, meditation, or gentle yoga to help calm your mind and body.</li>



<li><strong>Taking a warm bath:</strong>&nbsp;A warm bath can help lower your body temperature, signaling to your body that it's time to sleep.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-use-night-mode">Use night mode</h3>



<p>If you must use your phone before bed, switch it to night mode or enable blue light filters. Many smartphones have a built-in "Night Shift" or "Blue Light Filter" feature that adjusts the screen's colors to warmer tones, which are less likely to interfere with your sleep. You can also download apps that perform similar functions.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-charge-your-phone-outside-the-bedroom">Charge your phone outside the bedroom</h3>



<p>Charging your phone in another room can prevent the temptation to check it during the night. If you need your phone for an alarm, consider using a traditional alarm clock instead. If you must keep your phone in the bedroom, place it far from the bed to make it harder to reach.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-set-boundaries-with-apps">Set boundaries with apps</h3>



<p>Limit notifications and use apps that remind you to take breaks or monitor your screen time. For example:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Turn off notifications:</strong>&nbsp;Disable non-essential notifications to avoid interruptions.</li>



<li><strong>Use screen time features:</strong>&nbsp;Both iOS and Android have features that allow you to set daily limits for app usage. Use these tools to limit time spent on social media or games before bed.</li>



<li><strong>Download wellness apps:</strong>&nbsp;Some apps are designed to help reduce phone usage, such as apps that block access to distracting websites or send reminders to take breaks.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-find-alternative-activities">Find alternative activities</h3>



<p>Engage in hobbies or tasks that don’t involve screens. Here are a few ideas:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Drawing or coloring:</strong>&nbsp;These activities can be both relaxing and creative.</li>



<li><strong>Journaling:</strong>&nbsp;Writing about your day or noting things you’re grateful for can help clear your mind.</li>



<li><strong>Gentle stretching or yoga:</strong>&nbsp;Light physical activity can help relax your muscles and prepare your body for sleep.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-create-a-sleep-friendly-environment-beyond-phones">Create a sleep-friendly environment beyond phones</h3>



<p>Ensure your bedroom is conducive to sleep by keeping it dark, quiet, and cool. Consider using blackout curtains, earplugs, or a white noise machine if necessary. Having a comfortable and supportive mattress and pillows can also make a big difference.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consistency-is-key">Consistency is key</h3>



<p>Establishing these habits consistently will help signal to your body that it’s time to sleep. Over time, you’ll find it easier to fall asleep and wake up feeling more refreshed.</p>



<p>By implementing these detailed strategies, you can create a healthier bedtime routine and enjoy <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/consistent-sleep-slows-down-aging-at-a-cellular-level/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">better sleep quality</a>, leading to improved overall health and well-being.</p>



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Phones don't ruin sleep, but they're not bedtime buddies either

We've all heard the warnings: staring at your phone before...

<p>National Cougar Day was established in 2019 to promote the conservation of cougars, also known as <a href="https://mountainlion.org/2023/06/08/national-cougar-day/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mountain lions</a> or pumas. The goal is to raise awareness about the importance of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/experts-are-tracking-the-elusive-jaguar-by-studying-its-poop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">big cats</a> and the multitude of threats they face such as habitat loss and hunting.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>Cougars play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of their habitats. They influence species diversity, nutrient cycling, and vegetation patterns through their roles as predators and keystone species.</p>



<p>National Cougar Day encourages conservation efforts aimed at protecting cougar habitats and promoting coexistence between humans and cougars.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-role-of-cougars">Ecological role of cougars </h2>



<p>As <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-happens-when-an-apex-predator-goes-missing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">apex predators</a>, cougars help regulate populations of herbivores such as deer, elk, and smaller mammals.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By controlling these populations, cougars prevent overgrazing, which can lead to habitat degradation and loss of plant diversity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This, in turn, supports a healthier ecosystem that benefits a wide range of species, from plants to other wildlife.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biodiversity">Biodiversity</h3>



<p>Cougars also contribute to the biodiversity of their habitats by creating opportunities for other scavengers and predators.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nutrient-cycling">Nutrient cycling</h3>



<p>When cougars make kills, they provide food for a variety of scavenger species, including birds, insects, and smaller carnivores. This scavenging process helps recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem, promoting soil health and plant growth.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecosystem-resilience-nbsp">Ecosystem resilience&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Cougars indirectly influence the behavior of their prey. The presence of cougars can create a landscape of fear, where herbivores alter their grazing patterns to avoid areas frequented by these predators.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This behavior can reduce the pressure on vegetation in certain areas, allowing for more diverse plant growth and contributing to overall ecosystem resilience.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cascading-benefits">Cascading benefits</h3>



<p>Cougars' <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coyotes-move-into-towns-to-avoid-predators-only-to-be-killed-by-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">predation</a> can also lead to trophic cascades, where the effects of their predation ripple through the ecosystem, influencing multiple trophic levels.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For example, by controlling deer populations, cougars help maintain the structure and composition of forest and grassland ecosystems, which supports a wider array of wildlife and plant species.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interesting-facts-about-cougars">Interesting facts about cougars</h2>



<p>Cougars are the largest wild cat species that can purr, and unlike lions and tigers, they cannot roar.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Cougars are incredibly athletic, capable of leaping up to 15 feet high and covering distances of up to 40 feet in a single bound. They are also among the fastest land animals in North America, capable of reaching speeds of 50 miles per hour in short bursts.</p>



<p>Despite their large size, cougars are remarkably elusive and prefer to avoid human contact, making sightings rare even in areas where they are known to be present.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Cougars have the largest range of any terrestrial mammal in the Western Hemisphere, extending from Canada to the southern Andes in South America.</p>



<p>Interestingly, cougars are also known for their adaptability to various habitats, including forests, deserts, and mountainous regions.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-lives-of-cougars">Social lives of cougars</h2>



<p>Cougars are solitary animals, typically leading independent lives except during mating seasons and the period when mothers care for their young.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cougar-territories-nbsp">Cougar territories&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Male cougars maintain large territories that often overlap with the smaller territories of several females. They communicate and mark their territories using scent markings and scratches on trees.</p>



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



<p>They have a wide range of vocalizations, including whistles, growls, hisses, and a distinctive scream often likened to that of a woman.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mating">Mating</h3>



<p>When a female is in estrus, she may attract males through vocal calls and scent marking. Mating encounters are brief, and after mating, males and females part ways.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-parenting">Parenting</h3>



<p>The female raises her cubs alone, providing them with food and protection for up to two years. During this time, the cubs learn essential survival skills such as hunting and navigating their territory.</p>



<p>Cubs may stay with their mothers for up to 24 months before becoming independent, after which they disperse to establish their own territories.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-interactions-nbsp">Social interactions&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Interactions between adult cougars are rare and often involve conflict, especially between males competing for territory or mates. However, related females may tolerate each other's presence to some extent, particularly in overlapping territories.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-threats-faced-by-cougars">Threats faced by cougars</h2>



<p>Habitat loss is one of the primary threats to cougars, as urban development, agriculture, and infrastructure projects fragment and reduce their natural habitats. This leads to smaller, isolated populations that are more vulnerable to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/florida-panthers-gained-harmful-mutations-during-rescue-efforts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genetic problems</a> and have fewer resources.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-wildlife-conflict-nbsp">Human-wildlife conflict&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Human-wildlife conflict is another major threat. As human populations expand into cougar territories, encounters between cougars and humans increase.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This often results in cougars being killed due to perceived threats to livestock, pets, and human safety. Additionally, vehicle collisions pose a danger to cougars, especially in areas with high traffic near their habitats.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hunting-and-poaching-nbsp">Hunting and poaching&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Hunting and poaching also threaten cougar populations. In some regions, cougars are hunted for sport or killed to protect livestock.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Legal hunting can put additional pressure on populations already stressed by other factors. Moreover, illegal poaching for their pelts and other body parts further endangers these big cats.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prey-shortages">Prey shortages</h3>



<p>Another challenge is the reduction of prey populations. Overhunting of deer and other prey species can lead to food shortages for cougars, forcing them to venture closer to human settlements in search of food, which increases the likelihood of conflict.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-nbsp">Climate change&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Climate change impacts cougar habitats and prey availability. Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns can alter the ecosystems cougars rely on, affecting their ability to find food and suitable habitats.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These cumulative threats require comprehensive conservation efforts to ensure the survival of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mammal-defaunation-is-wiping-out-valuable-ecosystem-services/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cougar populations</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-is-national-cougar-day-important">Why is National Cougar Day important?</h2>



<p>National Cougar Day serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about the ecological significance of cougars, which are vital to the health and stability of their habitats.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The day also highlights the challenges faced by cougars. Educational initiatives and public engagement are key aspects of National Cougar Day.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Events, workshops, and campaigns organized on this day help inform the public about the behaviors, biology, and conservation needs of cougars.&nbsp;</p>



<p>National Cougar Day promotes a sense of appreciation and respect for these majestic animals, encouraging efforts to protect their habitats and ensure their survival for future generations.</p>



<p>It serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of all species and the importance of preserving biodiversity for the health of our planet.</p>



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National Cougar Day: The crucial ecological roles of cougars

National Cougar Day was established in 2019 to promote the...

<p>We've all heard the story of the woolly mammoth - the giant, furry elephant-like creature that roamed the icy plains of the Ice Age. But what about its less famous cousin, the woolly rhinoceros?</p>



<p>These massive, shaggy beasts once shared the same frigid landscape, but their story has often been overshadowed. New research is shining a light on the fate of these prehistoric giants and the potential role <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neanderthals-and-humans-lived-side-by-side-45000-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">humans</a> played in their extinction.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-woolly-rhinoceros-coelodonta-antiquitatis">Woolly rhinoceros (Coelodonta antiquitatis)</h2>



<p>The woolly rhinoceros was a large, herbivorous mammal that roamed the mammoth steppes of northern and central Eurasia during the Ice Age. These creatures were characterized by their thick, shaggy fur, which helped them survive in the cold climates. </p>



<p>They had two large horns on their snout, with the front horn reaching up to three feet in length. Woolly rhinos had robust bodies, short legs, and a hump on their shoulders formed by a thick layer of fat, which provided insulation and energy reserves.</p>



<p>Woolly rhinoceroses lived in open grasslands and tundras, feeding on grasses, shrubs, and other vegetation. They were well adapted to their environment, using their horns to clear snow and access the plants beneath. </p>



<p>These magnificent animals lived alongside other Ice Age giants like mammoths and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/smilodon-fatalis-young-saber-toothed-cats-had-double-fangs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">saber-toothed cats</a>, until their extinction around 10,000 years ago.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-look-at-woolly-rhinoceros-mystery">New look at woolly rhinoceros mystery</h2>



<p>Scientists have long puzzled over the demise of the woolly rhinoceros. Did they succumb to the changing climate at the end of the Ice Age, or did something else contribute to their disappearance? A recent study offers a fascinating new perspective.</p>



<p>Using a combination of computer models, fossil records, and ancient DNA analysis, researchers were able to trace the population history of the woolly rhinoceros over an astonishing 52,000 years. </p>



<p>What they discovered was surprising: it wasn't just climate change that led to the woolly rhino's demise, but also the persistent hunting pressure from humans.</p>



<p>"This showed that from 30,000 years ago, a combination of cooling temperatures and lowbut sustained hunting by humans caused the woolly rhinoceros to contract its distribution southward, trapping it in a scattering of isolated and rapidly deteriorating habitats at the end of the Last Ice Age," explained Professor Damien Fordham from the <a href="https://www.adelaide.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Adelaide</a> Environment Institute.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-human-factor">The human factor</h2>



<p>This discovery challenges previous research that suggested humans had no role in the extinction of the woolly rhinoceros. </p>



<p>It's a reminder that even small amounts of hunting pressure over a long period can have a significant impact on animal populations, especially when combined with other stressors like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-environment-day-humans-are-warming-the-planet-faster-than-ever-before/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>.</p>



<p>"As Earth thawed and temperatures rose, populations of woolly rhinoceros were unable to colonise important new habitats opening up in the north of Eurasia, causing them to destabilise and crash, bringing about their extinction," said Professor Fordham.</p>



<p>This isn't just an ancient history lesson. It's a stark warning for the present day. We're currently experiencing a similar <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rapid-changes-in-oxygen-linked-to-first-mass-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental crisis</a>, with many large animal populations being pushed into smaller and less suitable habitats due to human activities. </p>



<p>The same fate that befell the woolly rhinoceros could await many of our modern-day megafauna if we don't take action.</p>



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



<p>The study's findings have important implications for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/temperatures-in-africa-are-rising-above-levels-that-rhinoceros-can-tolerate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation efforts</a> today. The research highlights the need to consider the combined effects of climate change and human pressure when developing strategies to protect endangered species.</p>



<p>"By studying past extinctions, we can provide valuable lessons for safeguarding Earth’s remaining large animals," said Professor David Nogues-Bravo, a co-author of the study.</p>



<p>In particular, the plight of the woolly rhinoceros highlights the importance of protecting large herbivores. These animals play a crucial role in their ecosystems, and their loss can have cascading effects on other species. </p>



<p>For example, the grazing of large herbivores helps to maintain healthy grasslands, which in turn support a wide range of other wildlife.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-call-to-action">A call to action</h2>



<p>The story of the woolly rhinoceros is a cautionary tale, but it's also a story of hope. By understanding the mistakes of the past, we can chart a better course for the future. We have the power to make a difference, to protect the incredible biodiversity of our planet. But we need to act now, before it's too late.</p>



<p>The woolly rhinoceros may be gone, but its legacy lives on. We can honor its memory by working to protect the other amazing creatures that share our planet. It's a responsibility we owe to them, to ourselves, and to future generations.</p>



<p>"This understanding is crucial for developing conservation strategies to protect currently threatened species, like vulnerable rhinos in Africa and Asia," said Professor Nogues-Bravo.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2316419121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a></em>.</p>



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



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Humans hunted the woolly rhinoceros to extinction

We've all heard the story of the woolly mammoth -...

<p>Mushrooms, the unassuming <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/an-introduction-to-gourmet-mushrooms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fungi</a> we sauté, grill, or toss in salads, have been thrust into the limelight recently. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-cancer-rates-in-young-adults-linked-to-accelerated-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Claims</a> of their cancer-fighting abilities have swirled around social media, leaving many wondering if they should be stocking up on shiitakes and maitakes. </p>



<p>So, are mushrooms the miracle cancer cure we've been waiting for, or is this just another health fad gone wild? </p>



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



<p>Mushrooms have been used for centuries in traditional medicine, particularly in Asian countries like China and Japan, where extracts from specific varieties like turkey tail and shiitake are officially recognized as cancer treatments. These extracts are believed to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/inaoside-new-antioxidant-discovered-laetiporus-cremeiporus-mushrooms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bolster the immune system</a> and potentially inhibit tumor growth.</p>



<p>However, modern Western medicine is more cautious about these claims. While some studies suggest mushrooms may have anti-cancer properties, the research is still ongoing and not yet conclusive. </p>



<p>Scientists are investigating the potential benefits of various mushroom compounds, such as polysaccharides and antioxidants, but more rigorous clinical trials are needed to determine their efficacy and safety as cancer treatments.</p>



<p>The integration of traditional knowledge with modern scientific methods is crucial in unlocking the potential of these fungal remedies and understanding their role in cancer prevention and treatment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-look-at-mushroom-s-claims">A look at mushroom's claims</h2>



<p>A recent tweet by nutrition coach Lori Shemek, citing a <a href="https://www.psu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Penn State University</a> study, claimed that eating just one mushroom a day could slash your risk of developing all cancers by nearly half. </p>



<p>The Penn State study found a correlation between mushroom consumption and a reduced risk of cancer. The researchers analyzed 19 studies involving nearly 20,000 participants and concluded that those who ate 18 grams of mushrooms daily (about one white button mushroom) had a 45% lower risk of cancer.</p>



<p>However, it's crucial to note that correlation does not equal causation. While the study suggests a link, it doesn't definitively prove that mushrooms are the sole reason for the reduced cancer risk. Other factors, such as overall diet and lifestyle, could also play a significant role.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mushrooms-and-cancer">Mushrooms and cancer</h2>



<p>A 2022 review by Indian and Belgian scientists identified five types of mushrooms with the most cancer-fighting potential: shiitake, turkey tail, reishi, white cap, and maitake.</p>



<p>These mushrooms contain vitamins, antioxidants, and other compounds that may help protect against cancer by neutralizing harmful free radicals and boosting the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reprogramming-the-immune-system-to-attack-cancer-cells/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">immune system</a>.</p>



<p>However, much of the research on mushrooms and cancer is still in its early stages, and most studies have been conducted on animals or in small groups of people. </p>



<p>More research is needed to determine the long-term effects of mushroom consumption on cancer risk and to identify the most effective types and dosages of mushrooms.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cancer-prevention">Cancer prevention </h2>



<p>While mushrooms may hold promise in the fight against cancer, it's important to remember that they're not a magic bullet. A healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking, is crucial for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vitamin-d-influences-gut-bacteria-to-help-fight-cancer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer prevention</a>. </p>



<p>"We do know that being a healthy weight and that exercising can halve your risk of most common cancers. However, there is no evidence to say that mushrooms will reduce your risk or eating soy will reduce your risk of getting cancer," said Dr. Liz O'Riordan, a breast cancer surgeon.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-can-mushrooms-fight-cancer">Can mushrooms fight cancer?</h2>



<p>So, where does that leave us? Should we be piling our plates high with mushrooms or dismissing them as just another health fad? The answer, as with most things in life, is somewhere in the middle.</p>



<p>Adding mushrooms to your diet can be a tasty and nutritious way to boost your overall health. They're low in calories, fat-free, and a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. However, it's important to be realistic about their potential benefits and not rely on them as a sole means of cancer prevention.</p>



<p>Remember, mushrooms are just one piece of the puzzle. A healthy lifestyle, regular check-ups, and screenings are all crucial for cancer prevention and early detection.</p>



<p>While mushrooms may not be the miracle cancer cure some have claimed, they're certainly not a fad either. They're a nutritious and potentially beneficial addition to a balanced diet. </p>



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



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Are mushrooms a cancer-fighting superfood?

Mushrooms, the unassuming fungi we sauté, grill, or toss in...

<p>A significant advancement is underway in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-smoke-significantly-impacts-lake-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">detection of bushfires</a>, as Australian researchers develop cube satellites equipped with AI that can identify bushfires from space at unprecedented speeds.</p>



<p>These satellites, leveraging advanced technology, can detect fires 500 times faster than the traditional methods of processing imagery on the ground. Rapid detection is critical in managing and mitigating the devastating impacts of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfires-in-old-growth-amazon-forests-increased-by-152-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfires</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bushfires-and-their-impacts">Bushfires and their impacts</h2>



<p>Bushfires, also known as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-smoke-has-affected-almost-every-lake-in-north-america/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfires</a>, are uncontrolled fires that burn through vegetation, forests, grasslands, or other landscapes. They can start from natural causes like lightning or human activities such as campfires, discarded cigarettes, or arson. </p>



<p>Bushfires spread rapidly, especially in hot, dry, and windy conditions. They can cause widespread destruction to ecosystems, wildlife, property, and human lives. The intense heat can create its own weather patterns, making the fires unpredictable and difficult to control. </p>



<p>Effective management includes early detection, swift response, and preventive measures like controlled burns and public education to reduce the risk and impact of bushfires.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cube-satellites-and-bushfires">Cube satellites and bushfires</h2>



<p>The key to an accelerated bushfire response lies in the innovative use of smaller, cost-effective cube satellites.</p>



<p>The satellites, despite their size, are equipped with the capability to process and compress large volumes of hyperspectral imagery directly on board.</p>



<p>This method circumvents the previous limitations where data had to be sent to Earth for analysis, thus saving crucial time and resources.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-bushfire-detection-with-ai-satellites">Early bushfire detection with AI satellites</h2>



<p>The breakthrough comes from the implementation of AI directly within the satellite's systems. This allows for the detection of <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/nearing-the-end-of-bushfire-season-in-western-australia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bushfire</a> smoke even before the fire escalates and becomes more visible and heat-intensive.</p>



<p>The early detection enables ground crews to respond swiftly, potentially saving lives and preventing extensive property damage.</p>



<p>This project is a collaboration among the South Australian Government, <a href="https://smartsatcrc.com/">SmartSat CRC</a>, and various industry partners. Together, they have launched the Kanyini mission, which is South Australia’s first cube satellite.</p>



<p>Named Kanyini, this 6U CubeSat is tasked not only with bushfire detection but also with monitoring inland and coastal water quality.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-innovations-in-satellite-imaging">Innovations in satellite imaging</h2>



<p>The hyperspectral imager on the satellite plays a crucial role. It captures light reflected from Earth across various wavelengths, producing detailed maps that are invaluable for tasks like monitoring water quality, land management, and detecting bushfires.</p>



<p>This satellite marks a significant step forward in the capability of Earth observation technologies.</p>



<p>The research team, led by Dr. Stefan Peters from the <a href="https://unisa.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of South Australia</a>, includes experts from Swinburne University of Technology and Geoscience Australia.</p>



<p>The experts have developed a lightweight AI model tailored to the processing capabilities and energy constraints of cube satellites. This model significantly reduces the volume of data that needs to be transmitted back to Earth and cuts energy consumption by nearly 70%.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enhancing-bushfire-detection-with-satellites">Enhancing bushfire detection with satellites</h2>



<p>The onboard AI model is not just faster but also more data-efficient. It has successfully demonstrated the ability to reduce the data sent to Earth to just 16% of its original volume - all while maintaining the speed and accuracy needed for effective fire detection.</p>



<p>This was vividly demonstrated using simulated imagery from recent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/australian-bushfires-triggered-rare-multi-year-la-nina/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Australian bushfires</a>, where the AI was trained to distinguish smoke from clouds, enhancing both speed and efficiency of detection.</p>



<p>A practical demonstration of this technology used a past bushfire event in the Coorong region as a case study. </p>



<p>The Kanyini satellite managed to detect smoke and transmit the data back to a ground station at the South Pole in under 14 minutes—a testament to the system’s efficacy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-driven-future">AI-driven future</h2>



<p>Looking ahead, the research team plans to fully operationalize the onboard AI fire detection system with the Kanyini mission by 2025. </p>



<p>The experts aim to commercialize the technology and potentially employ it in a constellation of CubeSats dedicated to early fire detection. The goal is to detect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drone-swarms-help-combat-forest-fires-natural-disasters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fires</a> within an hour of their start.</p>



<p>The implications of this technology extend beyond bushfires. It holds promise as an early warning system for a variety of natural disasters, offering a new paradigm in disaster management and response.</p>



<p>The study is published in the <em><a href="https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/10509743" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Applied Earth Observations and Remote Sensing</a></em>.</p>



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



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Bushfires are detected 500 times faster with AI satellites

A significant advancement is underway in the detection of bushfires,...

<p>Scientists have stumbled upon a remarkable discovery that challenges our understanding of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-quantum-revolution-will-impact-all-aspects-of-society/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum world</a>. New research revealed the existence of a previously unknown type of vortex that emerges when photons, the elusive particles of light, engage in a mesmerizing dance of interaction.</p>



<p><span style="font-size: revert; color: initial;">The implications of this finding extend far beyond the realm of pure science, holding the potential to revolutionize the field of <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 computing</a>.</span></p>



<p>The research team, led by a brilliant quartet of scientists -- Dr. Lee Drori, Dr. Bankim Chandra Das, Tomer Danino Zohar, and Dr. Gal Winer -- embarked on this journey of discovery in the hallowed halls of Prof. Ofer Firstenberg's laboratory at the Weizmann Institute of Science's <a href="https://www.weizmann.ac.il/complex/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Physics of Complex Systems Department</a>.</p>



<p>Their initial goal was to explore efficient ways of harnessing the power of photons for data processing in quantum computers. </p>



<p>Little did they know that their quest would lead them down an unexpected path, into a world where the rules of classical physics are bent and the secrets of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-teleportation-takes-big-leap-forward-new-experiment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum realm</a> are laid bare.<br><p class="whitespace-pre-wrap break-words"></p></p>



<p><p class="whitespace-pre-wrap break-words"></p></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-secret-lives-of-photons">Secret lives of photons</h2>



<p>Photons, the fundamental <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-smallest-quantum-light-detector-now-fits-on-silicon-chip/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">particles of light</a>, are known for their wave-like behavior. However, getting them to interact with each other is no easy feat. It requires the presence of matter that acts as an intermediary.</p>



<p>To create the perfect environment for photon interactions, the researchers designed a unique setup: a 10-centimeter glass cell containing a dense cloud of rubidium atoms, tightly packed in the center. </p>



<p>As photons passed through this cloud, the researchers closely examined their state to see if they had influenced one another.</p>



<p>"When the photons pass through the dense gas cloud, they send a number of atoms into electronically excited states known as Rydberg states," Prof. Firstenberg explains. </p>



<p>He goes on to describe how, in these Rydberg states, a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-ping-pong-game-played-by-two-atoms-controlling-photons/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">single electron</a> within the atom begins to orbit at an astonishing distance, up to 1,000 times the diameter of an unexcited atom. </p>



<p>This electron, with its vastly expanded orbit, generates an electric field so powerful that it envelops and influences countless <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/molecules-scramble-quantum-information-equally-well-black-holes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neighboring atoms</a>, effectively transforming them into what Prof. Firstenberg poetically refers to as an "imaginary 'glass ball.'"</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quantum-vortex-rings-and-colliding-photons">Quantum vortex rings and colliding photons</h2>



<p>As the researchers delved deeper into the interactions between photons, they stumbled upon something extraordinary. </p>



<p>When two photons passed relatively close to each other, they moved at a different speed than they would have if each had been traveling alone. This change in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/transmitting-quantum-information-using-electron-spin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">speed altered the positions</a> of the peaks and valleys of the waves they carried.</p>



<p>In the ideal scenario for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-computing-will-drastically-alter-the-field-of-copyright-law/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum computing applications</a>, the positions of the peaks and valleys would become completely inverted relative to one another, a phenomenon known as a 180-degree phase shift. However, what the researchers observed was even more fascinating.</p>



<p>When the gas cloud was at its densest and the photons were in close proximity, they exerted the highest level of mutual influence. </p>



<p>But as the photons moved away from each other or the atomic density around them decreased, the phase shift weakened and disappeared. </p>



<p>Instead of a gradual process, the researchers were surprised to find that a pair of vortices developed when two photons were a certain distance apart.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mysteries-of-photon-vortices">Mysteries of photon vortices</h2>



<p>To visualize photon vortices, imagine dragging a vertically held plate through water. The rapid movement of the water pushed by the plate meets the slower movement around it, creating two vortices that appear to be moving together along the water's surface. </p>



<p>In reality, these vortices are part of a three-dimensional configuration called a vortex ring.</p>



<p>The researchers discovered that the two vortices observed when measuring two photons are part of a three-dimensional vortex ring generated by the mutual influence of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/intense-quantum-light-generates-weird-electron-behavior/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">three photons</a>. </p>



<p>These findings showcase the striking similarities between the newly discovered vortices and those found in other environments, such as smoke rings.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-photon-vortex-quantum-computing-s-new-ally">Photon vortex: Quantum computing's new ally</h2>



<p>While the discovery of photon vortices has taken center stage, the researchers remain dedicated to their original goal of advancing quantum data processing. </p>



<p>The next phase of their study will involve firing photons into each other and measuring the phase shift of each photon separately.</p>



<p>The strength of these phase shifts could determine the potential for photons to be used as qubits, the basic units of information in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/finding-quantum-coherence-chemical-reaction-chaos/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum computing</a>. </p>



<p>Unlike regular computer memory units, which can only be 0 or 1, quantum bits have the ability to represent a range of values between 0 and 1 simultaneously.</p>



<p>"The prevalent assumption was that this weakening would be a gradual process, but researchers were in for a surprise," Dr. Eilon Poem and Dr. Alexander Poddubny, key contributors to the study, reveal. </p>



<p>They go on to describe the astonishing discovery that when two photons reached a specific distance from each other, a pair of vortices spontaneously emerged. </p>



<p>These vortices, characterized by a complete 360-degree phase shift of the photons, featured a peculiar void at their center, eerily reminiscent of the dark, calm eye found at the heart of other well-known vortices in nature.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-chapter-in-quantum-physics">New chapter in quantum physics</h2>



<p>The journey that led to this discovery spanned eight years and saw two generations of doctoral students pass through Prof. Firstenberg's laboratory.</p>



<p>Over time, the Weizmann scientists successfully created a dense, ultracold gas cloud packed with atoms, enabling them to achieve the unprecedented: photons that underwent a phase shift of 180 degrees or more.</p>



<p>As the research team continues to unravel the mysteries of photon interactions and their potential applications in quantum computing, one thing is certain: their findings have opened up a new realm of possibilities in the world of physics and beyond.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adh5315" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a></em>.</p>



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



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Quantum computer photons create a vortex when they collide

Scientists have stumbled upon a remarkable discovery that challenges our...

<p>Researchers have successfully integrated the world's smallest quantum light detector onto a silicon chip, marking a significant step towards the age of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-teleportation-takes-big-leap-forward-new-experiment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum technologies</a> using light. </p>



<p>This breakthrough could pave the way for high-speed quantum communications and efficient operation of optical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-quantum-computer-design-makes-them-more-useful/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum computers</a>.</p>



<p>Dr. Giacomo Ferranti and Professor Jonathan Matthews from the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a> have published a paper in <em>Science Advances</em>, detailing their remarkable achievement. </p>



<p>The team has demonstrated the integration of a quantum light detector, smaller than a human hair, onto a silicon chip, occupying a circuit of just 80 micrometers by 220 micrometers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-importance-of-scaling-quantum-hardware">Importance of scaling quantum hardware</h2>



<p>Developing high-performance electronics and photonics at scale is crucial for realizing the next generation of advanced information technologies. </p>



<p>As quantum computing advances, the ability to manufacture high-performance <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-computing-outperformed-new-type-traditional-computing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum hardware</a> at scale becomes increasingly important due to the vast number of components required to build even a single machine.</p>



<p>Professor Matthews, the lead researcher and Director of the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/qet-labs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Quantum Engineering Technology Labs</a>, underscores the wide-ranging applications of the newly developed quantum light detectors. </p>



<p>"These types of detectors are called homodyne detectors, and they pop up everywhere in applications across quantum optics," he explains. </p>



<p>From quantum communications to ultra-sensitive sensors, such as those used in cutting-edge gravitational wave detectors, these room-temperature detectors have the potential to revolutionize various fields. </p>



<p>Matthews also points out that certain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-computing-giant-leap-forward-breakthrough-ultra-pure-silicon-discovery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum computer</a> designs rely on these detectors, further emphasizing their significance in the advancement of quantum technologies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quantum-light-detectors-shrink-speed-increases">Quantum light detectors shrink, speed increases</h2>



<p>The small size of the quantum light detector enables it to be fast, which is essential for unlocking high-speed quantum communications and enabling high-speed operation of optical quantum computers. </p>



<p>In 2021, the Bristol team demonstrated how linking a photonics chip with a separate electronics chip can increase the speed of quantum light detectors. </p>



<p>Now, with a single electronic-photonic integrated chip, the team has further increased speed by a factor of 10 while reducing footprint by a factor of 50.</p>



<p>Dr. Giacomo Ferranti highlights the significance of quantum noise in measuring quantum light. "The key to measuring quantum light is sensitivity to quantum noise," he explains. </p>



<p>This fundamental noise, inherent in all optical systems due to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-entanglement-laws-thermodynamics-follow-entropy-rule/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum mechanics</a>, holds crucial information about the nature of the quantum light present. </p>



<p>By analyzing the behavior of this noise, researchers can determine the sensitivity of optical sensors and even reconstruct quantum states mathematically. </p>



<p>Ferranti emphasizes that in their study, demonstrating that the miniaturization and increased speed of the detector did not compromise its ability to measure <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/transmitting-quantum-information-using-electron-spin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum states</a> was a top priority.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-applications-for-integrated-detectors">New applications for integrated detectors</h2>



<p>While this technology is a significant step forward, the authors acknowledge that there is still more exciting research to be done in integrating other disruptive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-tunneling-allow-particles-break-light-speed-barrier/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum technology</a> hardware down to the chip scale. </p>



<p>The efficiency of the new detector needs improvement, and trials in various applications are necessary.</p>



<p>Professor Matthews emphasizes the importance of collaboration in overcoming the challenges of scalable quantum technology fabrication. </p>



<p>"We built the detector with a commercially accessible foundry in order to make its applications more accessible," he explains. </p>



<p>The team's excitement about the far-reaching implications of their breakthrough is palpable, but Matthews stresses that the scientific community must work together to ensure that the benefits of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-leap-making-light-waves-stand-still-photonic-crystals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum technology</a> are realized sooner rather than later.</p>



<p>Only by demonstrating truly scalable fabrication processes can we unlock the full potential of quantum hardware and usher in a new era of quantum-powered advancements.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shrinking-quantum-light-detectors">Shrinking quantum light detectors</h2>



<p>In summary, the University of Bristol researchers have taken a significant leap forward in the journey towards scalable quantum technology by successfully integrating the world's tiniest quantum light detector onto a silicon chip. </p>



<p>This breakthrough demonstrates the potential for manufacturing high-performance quantum hardware at scale, using established and commercially accessible fabrication techniques. </p>



<p>As the team continues to improve the efficiency of the detector and explore its applications across various fields, they call upon the scientific community to collaborate in tackling the challenge of scalable fabrication of quantum technology. </p>



<p>By working together to overcome these hurdles, we can unlock the full potential of quantum computing, communication, and sensing, ushering in a new era of quantum-powered advancements.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adk6890" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.</em></p>



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



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

World’s smallest quantum light detector now fits on a silicon chip

Researchers have successfully integrated the world's smallest quantum light detector...

<p>As <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-food-system-must-change-if-nations-hope-to-reduce-greenhouse-gas-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global food demands</a> continue to rise, technology is becoming increasingly essential in the integration of advanced strategies into farming. A recent review paper from <a href="https://www.ucr.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Riverside</a> underscores the transformative potential of nanotechnology in agriculture.</p>



<p>Already pivotal in medical applications for targeted drug delivery, nanotechnology could similarly revolutionize agricultural practices by precisely delivering agrochemicals to plants.</p>



<p>"Nanocarriers (NCs) that can precisely deliver active agents, nutrients and genetic materials into plants will make crop agriculture more resilient to climate change and sustainable," wrote the study authors.</p>



<p>"As a research field, nano-agriculture is still developing, with significant scientific and societal barriers to overcome."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-nanotechnology">Understanding nanotechnology</h2>



<p>Nanotechnology involves manipulating materials on an atomic or molecular scale. To put its scale into perspective, a nanometer is one billionth of a meter - roughly 100,000 times smaller than a human hair.</p>



<p>This precision allows for the targeted delivery of compounds in medicine, yet its application in agriculture remains largely untapped.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-urgent-need-for-efficient-farming">The urgent need for efficient farming</h2>



<p>Juan Pablo Giraldo, an associate professor at UC Riverside involved in the research, highlighted the inefficiencies in current agricultural methods.</p>



<p>“There are studies predicting we will need to increase food production by up to 60% in 2050 relative to 2020 levels. Right now, we are trying to do that through inefficient agrochemical delivery,” said Professor Giraldo.</p>



<p>“Half of all the fertilizer applied on farms is lost in the environment and pollutes the groundwater. In the case of commonly used pesticides, it’s even worse. Only 5% reach their intended targets. The rest ends up contaminating the environment. There is a lot of room for improvement."</p>



<p>With the need to boost <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/food-production-more-difficult-climate-change-plant-pollinators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food production</a> by up to 60% by 2050, the existing approach is unsustainable. It not only wastes resources but also exacerbates environmental pollution and contributes significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-innovative-solutions-from-nanomedicine">Innovative solutions from nanomedicine</h2>



<p>The experts detailed several strategies from nanomedicine that could be adapted for agriculture. One such approach involves coating nanomaterials with sugars or peptides that target specific proteins on plant cells, directing agrochemicals precisely where they are needed, such as the plant vasculature or sites of pathogen <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-technology-can-detect-plant-diseases-from-above/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">infection</a>.</p>



<p>“We are pioneering targeted delivery technologies based on coating nanomaterials with sugars or peptides that recognize specific proteins on plant cells and organelles,” Giraldo said. </p>



<p>“This allows us to take the existing molecular machinery of the plant and guide desired chemicals to where the plant needs it, for example the plant vasculature, organelles, or sites of plant pathogen infections.”</p>



<p>This method promises to enhance plant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/project-aims-to-improve-plant-growth-and-resilience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">resilience</a> against diseases and adverse environmental conditions like extreme heat or high soil salinity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-ai-in-agriculture">The role of AI in agriculture</h2>



<p>The review also explores the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning to create computational models of plants, akin to "digital twins" used in medical research.</p>



<p>The models can simulate how nutrients and chemicals move within a plant, enabling the design of nanocarrier molecules that deliver these substances efficiently.</p>



<p>Professor Giraldo compared this to the AI system from the film <em>Iron Man</em>, providing an intelligent guide to nanoparticle design for agriculture.</p>



<p>“It’s like J.A.R.V.I.S.&nbsp;(Just A Rather Very Intelligent System) from the film Iron Man. Essentially an artificial intelligence guide to help design nanoparticles with controlled delivery properties for agriculture,” noted Giraldo. “We can follow up these twin simulations with real-life plant experiments for feedback on the models.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-nanotechnology-in-agriculture">The future of nanotechnology in agriculture </h2>



<p>Despite the promising outlook, there are significant challenges to overcome before these technologies can be fully implemented. </p>



<p>Study co-author Professor Greg Lowry of Carnegie Mellon emphasized the technical hurdles yet remains optimistic about the future of plant nanobiotechnology.</p>



<p>“Nano-enabled precision delivery of active agents in plants will transform agriculture, but there are critical technical challenges that we must first overcome to realize the full range of its benefits,” said Professor Lowry. </p>



<p>“I’m optimistic about the future of plant nanobiotechnology approaches and the beneficial impacts it will have on our ability to sustainably produce food.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nanotechnology-a-path-to-sustainable-agriculture">Nanotechnology: A path to sustainable agriculture</h2>



<p>Ultimately, nanotechnology could offer a greener, more efficient approach to agriculture, minimizing environmental impact while maximizing crop yield.</p>



<p>As this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nanotech-material-graphene-passes-human-safety-tests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">technology</a> progresses, it could play a crucial role in addressing the twin challenges of environmental sustainability and global food security.</p>



<p>“In this review, we argue that lessons can be learned from mammalian nanomedicine. In particular, it may be possible to enhance efficiency and efficacy by improving our understanding of how nanocarrier properties affect their interactions with plant surfaces and biomolecules, and their ability to carry and deliver cargo to specific locations,” wrote the researchers.</p>



<p>“New tools are required to rapidly assess NC–plant interactions and to explore and verify the range of viable targeting approaches in plants.”</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41565-024-01667-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Nanotechnology</a></em>.</p>



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Unleashing the potential of nanotechnology in agriculture

As global food demands continue to rise, technology is becoming...

<p>The depths of the ocean, a realm of perpetual darkness and crushing pressure, are often likened to the final frontier of exploration on Earth. While we may not encounter aliens or hidden planets down there, scientists continue to uncover a treasure trove of bizarre and beautiful sea creatures in the Abyssal Plain that challenge our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plankton-tiny-ocean-creatures-overlooked-critical-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">understanding of life</a>.</p>



<p>A recent expedition to the Clarion Clipperton Zone (<a href="https://www.usgs.gov/media/images/locations-clarion-clipperton-zone" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CCZ</a>), a deep sea region between Mexico and Hawaii in the eastern Pacific Ocean, has revealed a host of such creatures. Each one is a testament to the resilience and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-life-100-new-sea-creatures-found-in-chile/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">adaptability of life</a> in the most extreme environments.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexplored-depths-of-the-ocean">Unexplored depths of the ocean</h2>



<p>Imagine venturing into a world where sunlight never reaches,&nbsp;where the pressure could crush a submarine like a tin can, and where the landscape is as alien as anything we might find on another planet.&nbsp;This is the Abyssal Plain,&nbsp;a vast expanse of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-impacting-marine-life-more-than-we-realized/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seafloor</a> lying thousands of meters below the waves.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Despite its size and importance, we know surprisingly little about this underwater wilderness.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/deep-sea_barbie-sea-pig_credit-smartex-noh-nox_1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/deep-sea_barbie-sea-pig_credit-smartex-noh-nox_1s.jpg" alt="&quot;Barbie sea pig&quot; found in the CCZ. Credit: SMARTEX/NHM/NOC" class="wp-image-1936245"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>"Barbie sea pig" found in the deep sea Abyssal Plains in the CCZ. Credit: SMARTEX/NHM/NOC</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>"These areas are the Earth's least explored. It's estimated that only one out of 10 animal species living down here has been described by science," said <a href="https://www.gu.se/en/about/find-staff/thomasdahlgren" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thomas Dahlgren</a>, a marine ecologist who recently returned from a 45-day expedition to the CCZ.</p>



<p>Dahlgren and his colleagues onboard the British research vessel James Cook were on a mission to document the biodiversity of this region before it is potentially opened up to deep-sea mining.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-deep-sea-creatures-survive">How deep sea creatures survive</h2>



<p>Life in the abyss is slow,&nbsp;sparse,&nbsp;and strange.&nbsp;With little food available,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ecosystem-behavior-earth-first-sea-creatures-stirring-water-drove-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">creatures</a> here have evolved to survive on a meager diet of "marine snow," the organic debris that drifts down from the surface.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Filter feeders like sponges and sediment feeders like sea cucumbers are the dominant life forms, eking out a living from the scraps of the sunlit world above.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/deep-sea_unicumber_credit-smartex-noh-nox_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/deep-sea_unicumber_credit-smartex-noh-nox_1s.jpg" alt="Transparent &quot;unicumber&quot; found in the CCZ. Credit: SMARTEX/NHM/NOC" class="wp-image-1936247"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Transparent deep sea "unicumber" found in the Abyssal Plains in the CCZ. Credit: SMARTEX/NHM/NOC</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>"The lack of food causes individuals to live far apart,&nbsp;but the species richness in the area is surprisingly high.&nbsp;We see many exciting specialized adaptations among the animals in these areas," noted Dahlgren.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These adaptations include transparent bodies,&nbsp;bioluminescence,&nbsp;and the ability to survive on the tiniest scraps of food.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gallery-of-odd-abyssal-creatures">Gallery of odd abyssal creatures </h2>



<p>The expedition's remotely operated vehicle (ROV) captured stunning images of some of the unique ocean creatures.&nbsp;</p>



<p>One of the most intriguing was a cup-shaped glass sponge, a creature believed to be one of the longest-lived on Earth, with some individuals estimated to be over 15,000 years old. </p>



<p>These sponges are not only ancient but also incredibly fragile, their bodies made of intricate silica structures that resemble spun glass.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/deep-sea-anemone_credit-smartex-nhm-nox_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/deep-sea-anemone_credit-smartex-nhm-nox_1s.jpg" alt="Actiniaria sea anemone found in the CCZ. Credit: SMARTEX/NHM/NOC" class="wp-image-1936249"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Actiniaria deep sea anemone found in the Abyssal Plains in the CCZ. Credit: SMARTEX/NHM/NOC</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>Another highlight of the expedition was the discovery of a pink sea pig,&nbsp;a type of sea cucumber that ambles across the seafloor on its tube feet,&nbsp;hoovering up nutrient-rich sediments.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"These sea cucumbers were some of the largest animals found on this expedition.&nbsp;They act as ocean floor vacuum cleaners,&nbsp;and specialize in finding sediment that has passed through the least number of stomachs," said Dahlgren.</p>



<p>Perhaps the most whimsical discovery was a transparent sea cucumber nicknamed the "unicumber." This bizarre creature, with its visible internal organs and a long,&nbsp;trailing appendage,&nbsp;resembles something out of a science fiction novel.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"We can only guess what the long tail is used for,&nbsp;but probably to be able to swim," said Dahlgren.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-the-abyssal-plains-and-its-creatures">Future of the Abyssal Plains and its creatures </h2>



<p>The expedition's findings are not just a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-sediments-predict-the-impacts-of-ocean-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fascinating glimpse</a> into a hidden world.&nbsp;They also have important implications for the future of the Abyssal Plains.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The CCZ is rich in mineral nodules containing valuable metals used in green technologies, such as solar panels and electric car batteries. As demand for these metals grows, so does the pressure to mine the seafloor.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/cockatoo-cucumber-sea-anemone_credit-smartex-noh-nox_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/cockatoo-cucumber-sea-anemone_credit-smartex-noh-nox_1s.jpg" alt="Cockatoo cucumber sea anemone found in the CCZ. Credit: SMARTEX/NHM/NOC" class="wp-image-1936251"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Cockatoo cucumber deep sea anemone found in the Abyssal Plains in the CCZ. Credit: SMARTEX/NHM/NOC</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>"We need to know more about this environment to be able to protect the species living here," said Dahlgren.&nbsp;"Today, 30% of these marine areas in consideration are protected,&nbsp;and we need to know whether this is enough to ensure that these species aren't at risk of extinction."</p>



<p>The race is on to understand the Abyssal Plains before mining begins. Dahlgren and his colleagues are working to catalog the species found in the CCZ and to understand how they interact with each other and their environment. </p>



<p>This knowledge will be crucial in determining the potential impacts of mining and in developing strategies to protect this unique <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/seven-surprising-secrets-of-the-deepest-sea-creatures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystem</a>.</p>



<p>The Abyssal Plains may be a world apart,&nbsp;but the creatures that inhabit them are a reminder of the interconnectedness of life on Earth.&nbsp;</p>



<p>What happens in the depths of the ocean can have ripple effects that reach far beyond the abyss.&nbsp;By understanding and protecting this hidden world,&nbsp;we are not only safeguarding its unique biodiversity but also ensuring a healthier planet for all.</p>



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



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

Sea pigs, unicumbers, and other stunning new sea creatures discovered

The depths of the ocean, a realm of perpetual darkness and...

<p>In November last year, the Lucy spacecraft, managed by the Southwest Research Institute, made a close encounter with the small main belt <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-asteroids-named-dinky-and-selam-became-bound-together-forever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">asteroid</a> Dinkinesh during its mission.</p>



<p>This half-mile-wide celestial body presented an unexpected and dramatic geological history, marked by sudden transformations and structural complexities. </p>



<p>The spacecraft's flyby unveiled a distinctive trough and ridge configuration on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/asteroid-selam-dinkinesh-moonlet-baby-very-young/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">asteroid</a> Dinkinesh, along with a contact binary satellite -- the first of its kind encountered in space.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dynamic-past-of-asteroid-dinkinesh">Dynamic past of asteroid Dinkinesh</h2>



<p>Researchers suggest that a significant shift of a large fragment on Dinkinesh led to the creation of the trough. This event scattered debris around the asteroid. </p>



<p>Some of this debris returned to the asteroid, contributing to the formation of the ridge, while other fragments amalgamated to form <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/asteroid-selam-dinkinesh-moonlet-baby-very-young/">Selam</a>, the contact binary satellite.</p>



<p>These formations indicate that both Dinkinesh and Selam possess remarkable internal strength and a vibrant, dynamic history.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-foundations-of-planetary-formation">Foundations of planetary formation</h2>



<p>Hal Levison, the principal investigator for the Lucy mission, emphasized the importance of understanding collisions in space to grasp the history of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planet-formation-new-insights-mechanics-physics/">planetary formation</a>.</p>



<p>“To understand the history of planets like Earth, we need to understand how objects behave when they hit each other, which is affected by the strength of the planetary materials,” said <a href="https://www.swri.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SwRI</a>’s Hal Levison, principal investigator for the Lucy mission and lead author. </p>



<p>“We think the planets formed as zillions of objects orbiting the Sun, like asteroids, ran into each other. Whether objects break apart when they hit or stick together has a lot to do with their strength and internal structure.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-internal-makeup-of-asteroid-dinkinesh">Internal makeup of asteroid Dinkinesh</h2>



<p>Over millennia, the surface of Dinkinesh was unevenly heated by the Sun, causing the asteroid to gradually spin faster. </p>



<p>This process built up stress that was eventually released, reshaping a large segment of the asteroid into an elongated form.</p>



<p>Simone Marchi, the <a href="https://lucy.swri.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lucy mission</a>'s deputy principal investigator, shared insights from their preliminary observations. </p>



<p>"Thanks to the telescopic data, we thought we had quite a good picture of what Dinkinesh would look like, and we were thrilled to make so many unexpected discoveries," said Marchi.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-archaeological-insights">Archaeological insights</h2>



<p>The strength and cohesive nature of Dinkinesh are more pronounced than those of other known <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-black-dust-found-on-bennu-asteroid-samples/">asteroids</a>, like Bennu, which resembles a rubble pile.</p>



<p>While Bennu's fragmented materials might drift towards the equator and escape into space as it spins, Dinkinesh's composition allowed it to maintain its integrity longer under stress, behaving more like a rock that suddenly fractures into large pieces.</p>



<p>"This flyby showed us Dinkinesh has some strength and allowed us to do a little ‘archeology’ to see how this tiny asteroid evolved," Levison commented. </p>



<p>After it fractured, a disc of material formed around Dinkinesh, with some debris falling back to form the ridge, while the rest likely contributed to the formation of the unusual double-lobed moon, Selam.</p>



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



<p>Dinkinesh and its satellite Selam are just the beginning of Lucy's extensive journey through space. </p>



<p>After skimming the inner edge of the main asteroid belt, Lucy is set to return to Earth for a gravity assist in December 2024. </p>



<p>This maneuver will catapult the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasas-lucy-discovers-two-asteroids-instead-of-one-during-dinkinesh-flyby/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spacecraft</a> back into the main asteroid belt for further explorations, including a close approach to asteroid Donaldjohanson in 2025, followed by a tour of the Trojan asteroids starting in 2027.</p>



<p>As Lucy continues to traverse the cosmos, the insights gathered from Dinkinesh provide a glimpse into the intricate processes that shape our solar system, offering a deeper understanding of the dynamic interactions that may have led to the formation of planets and other celestial bodies.</p>



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



<p>Asteroid Dinkinesh, officially designated as 1996 HW1, resides in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. </p>



<p>Its name, "Dinkinesh," means "you are marvelous" in Amharic, the official language of Ethiopia. The asteroid's unusual geological features make it a fascinating subject for study.</p>



<p>Dinkinesh's surface is a mosaic of craters, ridges, and troughs, indicating a tumultuous history of impacts and stress. </p>



<p>Spectroscopic analysis shows its composition includes silicate minerals, suggesting it is a stony asteroid. This composition provides clues about the conditions in the early solar system.</p>



<p>Dinkinesh rotates relatively slowly, taking about 20 hours to complete one spin. This slow rotation is unusual for an asteroid of its size, as most similar-sized asteroids spin faster. </p>



<p>Additionally, Dinkinesh's contact binary satellite, Selam, is a rare find, offering a unique opportunity to study binary asteroid systems. The study of Dinkinesh can enhance our understanding of asteroid formation and evolution.</p>



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



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Lucy spacecraft discovers asteroid Dinkinesh's complex geology

In November last year, the Lucy spacecraft, managed by the...

<p>Body Mass Index (BMI) and weight are the primary focuses of the traditional curriculum in American medical schools. Experts argue that this practice not only perpetuates an anti-<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/obesity-now-affects-more-than-a-billion-people/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">obesity</a> bias but also increases the risk of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/binge-eating-linked-to-a-specific-set-of-brain-cells/">eating disorders</a> among patients.</p>



<p>Despite the undeniable influence of nutrition on health, there seems to be a significant lag in providing effective training for doctors on this crucial subject.</p>



<p>This oversight neglects the vital education needed for future doctors to promote healthier <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/picky-eating-habits-in-childhood-have-lingering-effects-in-adulthood/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eating habits</a> among their patients.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-body-mass-index-bmi">Body mass index (BMI)</h2>



<p>Body Mass Index is a numerical value derived from an individual's height and weight. It's a simple tool that helps categorize people into weight groups: underweight, healthy weight, overweight, and obese.</p>



<p>To calculate BMI, divide a person's weight in kilograms by their height in meters squared (kg/m²).</p>



<p>Despite its widespread use, BMI has limitations. It doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, nor does it consider factors like age, sex, or body composition. </p>



<p>As a result, someone with a high muscle mass might be classified as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/being-overweight-makes-it-harder-for-brain-to-resist-unhealthy-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">overweight</a> or obese, while an individual with low muscle mass but high body fat could fall into the "healthy weight" category. This simplification can lead to misleading assessments of a person's health.</p>



<p>Consequently, many experts argue for using more comprehensive health measures, like blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and insulin resistance, to get a better understanding of an individual's overall health.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-misleading-metric-of-bmi">Misleading metric of BMI</h2>



<p>The reliance on BMI as a health standard is increasingly questioned. Research indicates that many people categorized as overweight by BMI are metabolically healthy, while some within the "healthy" BMI range are not, when assessed using more comprehensive health measures.</p>



<p>Experts argue for a shift in focus from BMI to objective measures of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strawberries-promote-cardiometabolic-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiometabolic health</a>, which includes factors like blood pressure, insulin resistance, and cholesterol levels. These indicators are better predictors of health risks and outcomes.</p>



<p>Additionally, emerging research suggests that interventions like obesity surgeries and certain medications can improve health without necessarily leading to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-protein-with-intermittent-fasting-better-weight-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weight loss</a>.</p>



<p>This underscores the need for medical conversations to pivot from weight loss to overall health enhancement.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-problem-of-weight-stigma-in-healthcare">Problem of weight stigma in healthcare</h2>



<p>Current medical training often overlooks the impact of weight stigma, which associates obesity with moral failings and personal shortcomings. </p>



<p>This bias not only affects the quality of care provided to overweight patients - who are less likely to receive appropriate screenings or treatments - but also impacts their overall treatment experience.</p>



<p>Negative interactions, where health concerns are dismissed with advice to simply lose weight, can demoralize patients and discourage them from seeking necessary medical care in the future.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-toward-a-more-empathetic-approach-in-patient-care">Toward a more empathetic approach in patient care</h2>



<p>Reframing the dialogue between doctors and patients to focus on healthful behaviors rather than weight loss could foster a more supportive healthcare environment. </p>



<p>Encouraging activities like regular movement and avoiding labeling foods as inherently "good" or "bad" are steps towards empowering patients towards better health outcomes.</p>



<p>Kearney Gunsalus, lead author of the paper and an assistant professor at the <a href="https://www.augusta.edu/mcg/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Augusta University/University of Georgia Medical</a> Partnership, emphasized the need for a change in how doctors interact with patients.</p>



<p>“Mainstream medicine is still very focused on linking weight to health. If I could wave a magic wand and have doctors do one thing differently when interacting with their patients, it would be to start from the assumption that every patient wants to be and is capable of being healthy,” noted Dr. Gunsalus.</p>



<p>“We really love things that are clear-cut and black and white in medicine. But if the benefits precede and appear to be independent of weight loss, we need to shift the conversations physicians have with their patients to focus more on health and not weight loss,” said study co-author Dr. Ellen House.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-bmi-and-outdated-metrics">Beyond BMI and outdated metrics</h2>



<p>It is clear that a transformative approach to medical education is necessary - one that prepares future physicians to effectively address the complexities of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/proper-nutrition-in-the-first-1000-days-of-life-is-crucial/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nutrition</a> and health, free from the biases of outdated metrics like BMI.</p>



<p>As the medical community continues to evolve, so too must its educational standards, ensuring that all doctors are equipped to provide the highest quality of care, tailored to the nuanced needs of each patient.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40670-024-02025-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Medical Science Educator</a></em>.</p>



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



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

Weight and BMI do not accurately reflect a person's health

Body Mass Index (BMI) and weight are the primary focuses...

<p>We all know that climate change is a huge problem, with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/met-office-2024-co2-levels-will-surpass-the-point-of-no-return/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gas</a> emissions like carbon dioxide (CO2) wreaking havoc on our planet. We also know that income inequality is a growing concern in many countries. </p>



<p>But have you ever considered how these two issues might be linked? A new study from <a href="https://drexel.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Drexel University</a> is shedding light on this complex relationship, and the results might surprise you.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-income-inequality-and-emissions">Income inequality and emissions</h2>



<p>The Drexel University study goes beyond the simplistic idea that wealthier countries with higher overall carbon emissions automatically have a straightforward link between income inequality and CO2 output.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Instead, the research reveals a complex and multifaceted relationship. Income inequality within wealthy nations influences different types of emissions in distinct ways, challenging previous assumptions. </p>



<p>The study uncovers how economic events,&nbsp;like recessions,&nbsp;can shift the impact of the wealthiest individuals on emissions patterns. It&nbsp;highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of the interconnectedness of economic inequality and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-struggling-to-breathe-store-co2-hotter-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental consequences</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-different-emissions-from-both-income-groups">Different emissions from both income groups</h2>



<p>The researchers viewed a country's CO2 emissions not as a single entity,&nbsp;but as a composite of distinct parts.&nbsp;To analyze these components,&nbsp;they employed the Multidimensional Emissions Profile (MEP) framework,&nbsp;which divides a nation's carbon footprint into four categories:</p>



<ol>
<li><strong>Emissions from domestic supply chains:</strong>&nbsp;This encompasses the CO2 released during the production of goods and services within the country's borders.</li>



<li><strong>Emissions embodied in exports:</strong>&nbsp;This category accounts for the CO2 emissions generated during the manufacturing of products that are subsequently exported to other countries.</li>



<li><strong>Direct emissions from end-users:</strong>&nbsp;This refers to the CO2 emissions directly resulting from the consumption activities of individuals and households,&nbsp;such as those produced by burning fuel for transportation or heating homes.</li>



<li><strong>Emissions embodied in imports:</strong>&nbsp;This includes the CO2 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-ice-reveals-that-co2-is-rising-at-the-fastest-rate-in-50000-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emissions</a> associated with the production of goods in other countries that are then imported for consumption within the nation.</li>
</ol>



<p>By meticulously examining each of these emission categories in isolation,&nbsp;the researchers gained a more comprehensive understanding of how income disparities within a country can influence and shape each specific type of emission.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-impact-of-the-great-recession">The impact of the Great Recession</h2>



<p>One of the most interesting findings of the study was the impact of the Great Recession (2008-2009) on the relationship between income inequality and emissions.</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
<p>"I theorize that direct end-user emissions and emissions embodied in exports are related to the top 10% income share via different mechanisms,"&nbsp;said Dr. Xiaorui Huang, the study's lead author.</p>
</blockquote>



<p>It turns out, the top 10% of earners in a country (the wealthiest) play a different role in emissions before, during, and after a recession.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-after-the-recession-2009-2011">After the recession (2009-2011)</h3>



<p>In the years following the recession, there was actually a&nbsp;negative&nbsp;relationship between the income share of the top 10% and direct end-user emissions. This means that as the rich got richer, the average person's emissions actually decreased.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-later-in-the-recovery-2011-2015">Later in the recovery (2011-2015)</h3>



<p>As the economy recovered, the relationship reversed. A higher income share for the top 10% was linked to increased emissions embodied in exports. </p>



<p>This suggests the wealthy were flexing their economic muscle to drive production for overseas markets, even if it meant higher emissions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-do-the-income-groups-contribute-to-emissions">Why do the income groups contribute to emissions?</h2>



<p>The researchers offer a few theories to explain these findings:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-political-power">Political power</h3>



<p>The researchers hypothesize that individuals with significant wealth often hold greater sway in shaping policies that govern emissions regulations.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As their share of the national income expands,&nbsp;they may exert their influence to advocate for relaxed regulations that favor their business interests,&nbsp;potentially leading to increased emissions from industries focused on exports.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consumption-patterns">Consumption patterns</h3>



<p>The study draws attention to the "Veblen effect," a sociological phenomenon where affluent individuals engage in conspicuous consumption—purchasing and displaying luxury goods as a means of demonstrating their social status.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This behavior can drive up the demand for high-end products and services,&nbsp;which frequently carry a larger carbon footprint due to their production and consumption processes.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-household-emissions">Household emissions</h3>



<p>The concept of "marginal propensity to emit" suggests a correlation between rising income levels and increased CO2 emissions.&nbsp;Essentially,&nbsp;as people earn more,&nbsp;they tend to consume more and,&nbsp;consequently,&nbsp;generate more emissions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However,&nbsp;this relationship is not uniform across all income levels and can be significantly influenced by economic downturns,&nbsp;such as the Great Recession,&nbsp;which can alter consumption patterns and emissions behaviors.</p>



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



<p>The study highlights the complex relationship between income inequality and CO2 emissions. It suggests that policies aimed at reducing inequality could have different impacts on different types of emissions. </p>



<p>For example, policies that reduce the income share of the top 10% might help curb emissions from export industries but could potentially lead to a slight increase in emissions from everyday consumers.</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
<p>"To mitigate the dual crises of<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/increased-co2-is-making-wildfires-more-severe-and-frequent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> climate change</a> and growing economic inequality, it is vital to enhance the synergy between CO2 emissions abatement and inequality reduction," said Dr. Huang.</p>
</blockquote>



<p>This means policymakers need to carefully consider the potential trade-offs and design strategies that address both inequality and emissions in a holistic way. The findings of this study offer valuable insights that can help guide those efforts.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://academic.oup.com/sf/advance-article/doi/10.1093/sf/soae074/7681807" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Social Forces</a></em>.</p>



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



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

Income inequality and carbon emissions have a complicated relationship

We all know that climate change is a huge problem,...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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<p>—–</p>

Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>

Social modeling affects our food choices

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists discover we age in bursts

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists solve the mystery of tickling

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>



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



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

Retired professor claims he solved time travel

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

<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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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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



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



<figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
</div></figure>



<p>Probiotics - beneficial microbes that balance gut bacteria and aid digestion - are typically fragile and can be destroyed by stomach acid or processing. </p>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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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

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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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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