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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Million year-old mammoth microbes reveal new clues about disease

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

<p>In a remarkable discovery, researchers have pinpointed a specific group of neurons that appear to drive compulsive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ditch-the-diet-trends-for-a-healthier-relationship-with-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eating</a> behaviors (binge eating), even in the absence of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/being-overweight-makes-it-harder-for-brain-to-resist-unhealthy-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hunger</a>.</p>



<p>This finding could significantly advance our understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hunger-hormones-in-the-gut-can-change-our-eating-behavior/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eating disorders</a> and offer new targets for treatment.</p>



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



<p>Binge eating, also known as compulsive eating, is a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mental-disorders-can-be-contagious-among-teens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">disorder</a> characterized by frequent episodes of consuming large amounts of food, often rapidly and to the point of discomfort. </p>



<p>Unlike regular overeating, binge eating is driven by an overwhelming urge to eat, even when not hungry. People experiencing this disorder often feel a lack of control during these episodes and may eat in secret due to feelings of shame or guilt.</p>



<p>This behavior can lead to various physical health problems, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/obesity-now-affects-more-than-a-billion-people/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">obesity</a>, diabetes, and heart disease. It also significantly impacts mental health, often associated with stress, anxiety, and depression.</p>



<p>The exact cause of binge eating is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors.</p>



<p>Treatment typically involves therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and sometimes medication to address underlying psychological issues. Early intervention is crucial for better management and recovery outcomes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-neural-link-to-binge-eating">Neural link to binge eating</h2>



<p>Located in the periaqueductal gray area of the midbrain - a region already associated with a variety of bodily functions such as mood regulation, sleep, and stress response - these neurons are identified as vesicular GABA transporter cells, or VGAT cells. They utilize the neurotransmitter GABA, which is pivotal in controlling neuronal activity.</p>



<p>Despite the known functions of VGAT cells in various <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brain-region-that-influences-our-food-preferences-can-be-manipulated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain regions</a>, their relationship with feeding behaviors was previously unclear. This link was unveiled quite unexpectedly by researchers focusing on anxiety, not feeding.</p>



<p>"Our initial hypothesis centered on VGAT cells reducing fear and panic. Instead, activating them caused mice to frantically search for food," noted Brazilian neuroscientist Fernando Reis, first and corresponding author of the article, and a postdoctoral fellow at <a href="https://www.ucla.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCLA</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-behaviors-in-lab-mice">Surprising behaviors in lab mice</h2>



<p>Further experimentation revealed intriguing results related to binge eating: well-fed mice exhibited an intense foraging behavior upon activation of these cells, consuming more than usual.</p>



<p>Conversely, when the VGAT neurons were inhibited, even food-deprived mice showed reduced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-behavior-is-influenced-by-the-unconscious-mind/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eating behavior</a>.</p>



<p>The experiments also demonstrated that the mice enjoyed the stimulation, spending more time where their VGAT cells were activated, suggesting that the activation not only spurred eating but also triggered feelings of pleasure and reward. </p>



<p>Remarkably, the mice were even willing to endure discomfort, such as mild electric shocks, to satisfy their induced cravings, indicating a strong drive to eat that overpowered other aversive sensations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advanced-techniques-and-implications">Advanced techniques and implications</h2>



<p>The research employed the cutting-edge technique of optogenetics, which enables precise control over specific neurons using light. </p>



<p>This method was implemented by introducing a genetically modified virus that carries a light-sensitive protein derived from green algae into the mice. </p>



<p>As a result, only the targeted VGAT cells within the periaqueductal gray were selectively activated or inhibited.</p>



<p>This precise neural manipulation not only affected the periaqueductal gray but also influenced deeper brain structures, such as the zona incerta. </p>



<p>"We observed an increase in neural activity in this area when the mice were approaching food," said Juliane Ikebara, a co-author of the study. </p>



<p>This observation underscores the broad impact of VGAT cell activation on the brain's neural circuits involved in feeding behavior.</p>



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



<p>The study raises intriguing questions about the potential parallels in humans, given that humans also possess VGAT cells in similar brain regions. </p>



<p>Although direct experimentation in humans is not currently feasible, the researchers are hopeful. </p>



<p>"Our findings can't be directly tested in humans right now, but future studies may show whether activation of these cells in monkeys triggers a search for food, suggesting something similar might happen in humans," noted Avishek Adhikari, the team's senior researcher.</p>



<p>Moving forward, the team plans to investigate whether stimulating these neurons influences cravings for specific types of food like proteins or sugars, noting a distinct preference in mice for high-calorie foods over vegetables.</p>



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



<p>This discovery opens up potential new avenues for understanding and treating conditions such as binge eating and anorexia. </p>



<p>By identifying the neural circuits involved in compulsive eating, researchers can explore innovative strategies to modulate these behaviors, offering hope for those battling eating disorders.</p>



<p>The research not only highlights the complex interplay between brain regions and binge eating behaviors but also underscores the potential for targeted neural interventions in addressing compulsive eating.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-46430-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a></em>.</p>



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



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



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



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

'Binge eating' linked to a specific group of neurons in the brain

In a remarkable discovery, researchers have pinpointed a specific group...

<p>Approximately two million species inhabit the world's oceans, but scientists have only described about 10% of them. With rising <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-oceans-are-on-track-for-a-catastrophic-extinction-event/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extinction</a> rates and global biodiversity threats, many species could vanish before being identified or their benefits understood.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-national-ocean-biodiversity-strategy-nbsp">National Ocean Biodiversity Strategy&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The National Ocean Biodiversity Strategy, led by the <a href="https://www.si.edu/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Smithsonian</a> and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has recently called for a more unified approach to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-protected-areas-fall-short-on-2030-biodiversity-targets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean conservation</a>. This strategy aims to enhance the ability of scientists to gather and share knowledge and use it for more effective protections.</p>



<p>“We are confronting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plankton-help-predict-ocean-biodiversity-losses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity loss</a> and its implications for human well-being, alongside the challenges posed by climate change and social inequity,” said Ellen Stofan, Under Secretary for Science and Research at the Smithsonian.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“But we hold the power to overcome these obstacles with a united, society-wide effort to preserve nature and its benefits.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-benefits-will-degrade-with-biodiversity-loss-nbsp">Ocean benefits will degrade with biodiversity loss&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The health and prosperity of the U.S. are closely tied to the ocean, contributing nearly $400 billion annually to the economy and providing 2.4 million jobs. The U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone, covering an area larger than all 50 states combined, benefits greatly from the ocean's diverse species and habitats.</p>



<p>“Life in the ocean touches everyone,” said Gabrielle Canonico, leader of the U.S. Marine Biodiversity Observation Network at NOAA and co-chair of the strategy team.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Every other breath we take comes from the oxygen produced by microscopic ocean plants, and more than a billion people worldwide rely on food from the ocean as their primary source of protein. But these and other benefits will degrade with biodiversity loss, with dire consequences especially for frontline communities.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-gaps-in-our-knowledge-of-ocean-wildlife">Critical gaps in our knowledge of ocean wildlife </h2>



<p>Despite the ocean's vast benefits, critical gaps remain in the protection and knowledge of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/monitoring-ocean-life-through-underwater-soundscapes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean life</a>. Current information is scattered across different organizations, making it difficult to share.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Many smaller organisms, crucial for maintaining ecosystems, are barely studied. The strategy aims to address this by strengthening the ocean observing system and information pipeline.</p>



<p>“We are advancing frontier technologies for biodiversity science and understanding,” said Sarah Kapnick, NOAA chief scientist. “But it is critical that we come together around the use of evidence-based metrics and indicators for decision-making in ocean spaces, and for monitoring, reporting, and verification to ensure that investments in conservation or development deliver the desired outcomes while minimizing negative impacts to ocean life.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-biodiversity-is-in-trouble-nbsp">Ocean biodiversity is in trouble&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“Biodiversity is the beating heart of the ocean that supports society, but it’s in trouble,” noted Emmett Duffy, chief scientist of <a href="https://serc.si.edu/research/projects/marinegeo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MarineGEO</a> at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center and co-chair of the strategy team.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This strategy is our best chance yet to turn the tide. We need to implement it to reach a future where people and the rest of nature thrive together by joining forces and leveraging the power of people and technology to understand the living ocean ecosystem.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-roadmap-to-a-more-sustainable-ocean">Roadmap to a more sustainable ocean</h2>



<p>The National Ocean Biodiversity Strategy outlines a three-pronged plan to create a more inclusive, evidence-based network of protection in U.S. ocean waters and the Great Lakes:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Coordinate ocean research and conservation across the entire nation</strong>: This involves bringing together federal agencies with ocean-related missions to engage stakeholders, including states, Tribes, and local communities, to co-design solutions. Part of this process includes documenting the economic and cultural values of the ocean to reveal hidden costs of degrading nature and incorporating them into economic decision-making across government and private sectors.</li>



<li><strong>Strengthen the U.S. information pipeline</strong>: The U.S. has a wealth of data on ocean life, but much of it is inaccessible to policymakers and managers. The strategy calls for stronger support of centralized, open-source databases accessible to all stakeholders. This also involves revamping taxonomy to reveal undiscovered species and using new technologies like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/racing-boat-collects-edna-samples-on-a-round-the-world-sailing-competition/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental DNA</a> (eDNA), satellites, and artificial intelligence to track biodiversity.</li>



<li><strong>Conserve, restore, and sustainably use ocean biodiversity</strong>: Success hinges on partnerships with states, Tribes, local communities, NGOs, and the private sector. Listening sessions will help build collaborations based on trust, allowing managers to co-create protection measures that work long-term with community input.</li>
</ul>



<p>According to the experts, this strategy is a high-level roadmap to a more sustainable ocean and a first step toward implementing a plan to outline specific actions tailored to regions and communities based on stakeholder feedback.</p>



<p>The full strategy can be found on the <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/NSTC_National-Ocean-Biodiversity-Strategy.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Office of Science and Technology Policy website</a>.</p>



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



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



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



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

World Ocean Day: A unified approach to protect biodiversity 

Approximately two million species inhabit the world's oceans, but scientists...

<p>Primordial black <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/molecules-scramble-quantum-information-equally-well-black-holes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">holes</a> (PBHs) are being reevaluated through the application of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-vortex-created-lab-mimic-black-hole-behavior/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum</a> field theory - a concept traditionally reserved for microscopic phenomena - to the vast expanses of the early universe.</p>



<p>Researchers have found a surprising scarcity of these miniature black holes, contradicting many existing models. </p>



<p>Primordial black holes are considered potential candidates for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/existence-of-dark-matter-confirmed-by-new-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dark matter</a>, the elusive substance that constitutes a significant portion of the universe’s total mass yet remains invisible. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-are-primordial-black-holes">What are primordial black holes?</h2>



<p>Primordial black holes (PBHs) are a theoretical type of black hole formed in the early universe, shortly after the Big Bang. </p>



<p>Unlike black holes formed from the collapse of massive stars, PBHs could have originated from high-density regions in the young universe due to extreme fluctuations in density. These black holes vary in size and mass, potentially ranging from microscopic to several solar masses.</p>



<p>It is believed that these early-formed black holes could explain the missing mass not accounted for by visible matter.</p>



<p>However, recent studies using quantum field theory suggest that PBHs might be scarcer than previously thought, challenging their viability as dark matter candidates. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inflation-dark-matter-and-primordial-black-holes">Inflation, dark matter, and primordial black holes</h2>



<p>The universe is an ancient expanse, about 13.8 billion years old, originating from a massive explosion and expanding rapidly in a phase known as inflation. This process transformed the universe from a uniform state into one rich with structure and detail. </p>



<p>Despite the vast empty spaces, the universe weighs more than visible matter can account for, leading scientists to hypothesize the existence of dark matter. Recently, ancient black holes have emerged as possible explanations for this discrepancy.</p>



<p>“Primordial black <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/primordial-black-holes-may-be-shifting-earths-orbit/">holes</a> are fascinating not only as dark matter candidates but also because their large numbers could explain the binary black hole mergers observed through gravitational wave astronomy. However, despite theoretical expectations of their abundance, actual observations have been lacking, pointing to a gap in our understanding,” noted Jason Kristiano, a graduate student involved in the research.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-theoretical-models">Theoretical models</h2>



<p>Kristiano, along with his supervisor, Professor Jun’ichi Yokoyama, director of two prominent research institutes at the <a href="https://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Tokyo</a>, have meticulously examined the prevailing theories of primordial black hole formation.</p>



<p>Their analysis reveals a mismatch between these theories and the observations of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) - the residual radiation from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/visible-matter-dark-matter-evolved-together-big-bang/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Big Bang</a>, which serves as a cosmic fingerprint of the universe's inception.</p>



<p>To address this discrepancy, Yokoyama and Kristiano revised the leading model of PBH formation from cosmic inflation, aligning it more closely with observed data. Their revised theory awaits further validation from upcoming observations by global gravitational wave observatories.</p>



<p>“At the universe's beginning, it was infinitesimally small - smaller than an atom. Cosmic inflation then expanded it dramatically. During this period, small fluctuations could generate large amplitude but short wavelength waves," explained Yokoyama.</p>



<p>"We discovered that these small but intense waves could amplify longer waves that we now detect in the CMB. This occasional coherence among early, short waves, describable by quantum field theory, suggests a rare but significant influence on larger-scale cosmic structures.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-primordial-black-holes-and-cosmic-insights">Primordial black holes and cosmic insights</h2>



<p>The study posits that early, small-scale fluctuations may reshape our understanding of the universe's coarse structures. </p>



<p>Moreover, measuring CMB wavelengths can help constrain the properties of wavelengths from the universe’s earliest moments, which in turn limits potential phenomena dependent on these short, powerful waves - including the formation of primordial black holes.</p>



<p>“The early universe’s short but strong wavelengths likely led to the creation of PBHs. However, our findings indicate that there should be far fewer PBHs than required if they are to be considered viable candidates for dark matter or sources of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rare-cosmic-object-detected-gravitational-wave-signal/">gravitational waves</a>,” noted Kristiano.</p>



<p>As research continues, the world's leading gravitational wave observatories - LIGO in the U.S., Virgo in Italy, and KAGRA in Japan - are actively engaged in missions to detect these elusive small black holes.</p>



<p>The outcomes of these observations are anticipated to provide crucial data, helping researchers refine their theories and possibly reshaping our understanding of the universe’s dark matter.</p>



<p>Through this innovative application of quantum field theory to cosmology, the study not only challenges existing paradigms about primordial black holes and dark matter but also underscores the intricate connections between the smallest particles and the vast cosmic structures, highlighting the universe’s profound complexity and the continuing mystery of its true composition.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><em><a href="https://journals.aps.org/prl/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevLett.132.221003" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Physical Review Letters</a></em></em>.</p>



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



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



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



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

Early black holes were too scarce to explain the unseen universe

Primordial black holes (PBHs) are being reevaluated through the application...

<p>After suffering a career-ending injury, Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Gretchen Evans was confronted with severe challenges. Service <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-detect-human-stress-levels-sniffing-breath-compounds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a>, starting with Aura, a black Labrador Retriever, played a pivotal role in her transition.</p>



<p>She was fraught with loneliness and depression when she tried to adapt to life with disabilities, including near-total hearing loss and PTSD.</p>



<p>Later, Rusty -- a golden retriever and black lab mix service <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-can-detect-scents-better-than-the-most-advanced-lab-tools/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dog</a> -- joined her, further enhancing her safety and social interactions.</p>



<p>These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/despite-strong-bonds-pet-ownership-may-not-improve-severe-mental-illness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">companion animals</a> not only provided companionship but also transformed her daily life, offering a poignant example of how these dogs can significantly aid veterans facing similar struggles.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-service-dogs-reduce-loneliness">Service dogs reduce loneliness</h2>



<p>Personal stories like that of Evans have long suggested the benefits of assistance dogs, but rigorous scientific evidence was sparse. </p>



<p>A recent study conducted by Sarah Leighton at the <a href="https://vetmed.arizona.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine</a> has started to fill this research gap.</p>



<p>The findings revealed that veterans paired with service dogs reported significantly lower PTSD symptoms, anxiety, and depression, while experiencing enhanced quality of life and reduced feelings of isolation, compared to those without such assistance.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-in-service-dog-adoption">Challenges in service dog adoption</h2>



<p>Despite these positive outcomes, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/assistance-dogs-improve-mental-health-of-veterans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">veterans</a> encounter several barriers when accessing service dogs.</p>



<p>Limited funding for service dog nonprofits, lack of insurance coverage, and legislative gaps hinder the widespread adoption of this intervention. </p>



<p>Leighton pointed out the critical need for complementary interventions that can enhance traditional treatments for PTSD, which could lead to significant improvements in veterans' healthcare outcomes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pawsitive-healing">'Pawsitive' healing</h2>



<p>To deepen understanding of how assistance dogs can impact <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psychedelic-drug-mdma-shows-promise-for-reducing-post-traumatic-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PTSD</a> treatment, Maggie O'Haire and her team from the OHAIRE research group, alongside experts from various fields within the University of Arizona, have secured funding for a comprehensive clinical trial.</p>



<p>This study aims to assess how assistance dogs might enhance the effectiveness of prolonged exposure therapy, a recognized treatment for PTSD.</p>



<p>The goal is to alleviate the treatment's challenges, improve patient adherence, and ultimately, enhance therapeutic outcomes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-service-dogs-in-ptsd-treatment">Future of service dogs in PTSD treatment</h2>



<p>The preliminary results are promising, but the research team stresses the need for further studies to optimize the integration of service dogs into therapeutic settings. </p>



<p>The upcoming trial represents a significant step towards harnessing the potential of service dogs to improve the lives of veterans. </p>



<p>Such research not only seeks to refine treatment approaches but also aims to explore the depth of the human-animal bond within therapeutic contexts. </p>



<p>As veterans like Evans have shown, the benefits of service dog partnerships extend beyond managing symptoms -- they enrich lives, providing both emotional support and a renewed sense of purpose.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-other-benefits-of-service-dogs">Other benefits of service dogs</h2>



<p>Service dogs can help veterans in various ways beyond the research findings:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-physical-assistance">Physical assistance</h3>



<p>Service dogs can be trained to perform a variety of physical tasks that aid veterans with disabilities. For instance, they can retrieve dropped items, open and close doors, turn on and off lights, and even assist with dressing or undressing. This support helps veterans maintain independence and reduces the need for human assistance in daily activities.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seizure-alerts">Seizure alerts</h3>



<p>Some service dogs can be trained to detect subtle changes in their handler's behavior or scent that indicate an oncoming seizure. These dogs can alert the veteran beforehand, allowing them to move to a safe location or take medication to prevent or lessen the severity of the seizure. This can be life-saving and provides a sense of security.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nightmare-interruption">Nightmare interruption</h3>



<p>Veterans with PTSD often suffer from nightmares that disrupt their sleep and cause severe distress. Service dogs can be trained to recognize the signs of a nightmare, such as thrashing or vocalizing in sleep. They can gently wake the veteran, providing comfort and grounding, which helps reduce the frequency and severity of nightmares.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mobility-support">Mobility support</h3>



<p>For veterans with mobility impairments, service dogs can provide crucial support. They can help with balance while walking, pull wheelchairs, or assist in getting up from a seated position. This mobility support enables veterans to move around more safely and confidently, enhancing their overall quality of life.</p>



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



<p>Service dogs often act as social bridges, facilitating interactions between veterans and other people. The presence of a service dog can attract positive attention and initiate conversations, helping veterans feel more comfortable in social settings. This reduces feelings of isolation and encourages social engagement.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stress-reduction">Stress reduction</h3>



<p>The presence of a service dog has been shown to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Physical contact, such as petting or hugging the dog, can lower cortisol levels and increase the production of oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and stress relief. This helps veterans manage anxiety and maintain a calmer state of mind.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emotional-support">Emotional support</h3>



<p>The dogs offer unconditional love and companionship, which can be profoundly comforting for veterans dealing with emotional challenges. The bond between a veteran and their service dog provides constant emotional support, helping them cope with feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2819452" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JAMA</a></em>.</p>



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



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



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



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

Service dogs reduce anxiety and depression in veterans

After suffering a career-ending injury, Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Gretchen...

<p>Approximately 50,000 years ago, North America was a realm dominated by megafauna, teeming with an array of colossal creatures. Mammoths traversed the tundra, while mastodons dominated the woodlands.</p>



<p>The landscape also hosted fierce saber-toothed tigers, massive wolves, towering camels, and hefty bison that roamed in herds. </p>



<p>Giant beavers navigated the region's waterways and immense ground sloths, each weighing over a ton, thrived east of the Rocky Mountains.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-disappearance-of-megafauna">The disappearance of megafauna</h2>



<p>As the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ice-age-data-analysis-reshapes-climate-future-lowers-warming-estimates/">Last Ice Age</a> drew to a close, these monumental animals began to vanish, leaving a puzzle that has intrigued scientists for decades. The reasons behind their disappearance are still debated.</p>



<p>Some scholars suggest that human arrival played a crucial role in the disappearance of megafauna through hunting, habitat alteration, or competition for resources. Others argue that rapid climate shifts following the ice age overwhelmed the adaptive capabilities of these fascinating creatures.</p>



<p>The debate between these two perspectives has been both fierce and enduring. Over time, numerous theories have emerged, including disease, a catastrophic comet impact, or a combination of various factors contributing to the extinction of megafauna.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-piecing-together-the-past">Piecing together the past</h2>



<p>One major obstacle in solving this mystery has been the condition of the bones left behind. While many sites have preserved these remains well, the bones at other sites have suffered from exposure, abrasion, and biomolecular decay - leaving them fragmented and difficult to identify.</p>



<p>This has significantly hindered our understanding of where these animals lived, when they disappeared, and how they interacted with changing environments and human populations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-approach-to-study-old-bones">A new approach to study old bones</h2>



<p>In a breakthrough study, researchers have turned to exceptional fossil collections housed at the <a href="https://naturalhistory.si.edu/">Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History</a>.</p>



<p>This institution holds a vast array of bones unearthed from numerous archaeological digs conducted over the last century, providing a rich resource for understanding the fate of North America's megafauna.</p>



<p>"Museum legacy collections, often derived from large-scale archaeological excavations, can serve as paleoenvironmental archives of Late Pleistocene megafaunal composition and dynamics," wrote the study authors. </p>



<p>"Many of these collections, however, contain large quantities of highly fragmented and morphologically indistinct bones that cannot be identified to a specific taxon and are therefore of limited use to paleoenvironmental and archaeological analyses."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extracting-collagen-from-bones">Extracting collagen from bones</h2>



<p>To overcome the challenges posed by fragmented bones, scientists are employing a cutting-edge technique known as Zooarchaeology by Mass Spectrometry, or ZooMS. This method utilizes the durable nature of bone collagen, a protein that can persist for millennia.</p>



<p>The unique sequences of collagen vary slightly among different animal groups and species, acting like a molecular barcode that helps identify otherwise unrecognizable bone fragments.</p>



<p>The process involves extracting tiny collagen segments from these bones, which are then analyzed using a mass spectrometer. This technology allows for the precise identification of the species the bone fragments belong to, a task that traditional archaeological methods could not achieve.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-megafauna-extinction">Exploring megafauna extinction</h2>



<p>The ZooMS approach is reshaping how archaeologists study ancient remains. Instead of solely relying on new excavations, researchers are revisiting existing collections with these sophisticated techniques, uncovering details that were previously inaccessible.</p>



<p>As this method continues to be refined and applied, it holds the promise of finally unlocking the secrets of the disappearance of megafauna.</p>



<p>By understanding what happened to these magnificent creatures, scientists can gain deeper insights into the historical interactions between humans and their environment, as well as the impacts of climate change on biodiversity.</p>



<p>The ongoing research not only sheds light on the past but also enhances our understanding of present and future ecological challenges. The mystery of North America's lost megafauna is slowly but surely being unraveled, thanks to the convergence of archaeological tradition and modern scientific innovation.</p>



<p>"Archaeological collections of megafauna exist in repositories around the world. Higher resolution investigation of these collections using novel biomolecular tools like ZooMS will foster new insights into local and regional links between climate, environment, human behavior and megafaunal composition, offering new perspectives on the timing and extent of past biodiversity change and the causes and consequences of megafaunal extinction," concluded the study authors. </p>



<p>The research is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmamm.2024.1399358/full"><em>Frontiers in Mammal Science</em></a></em>.</p>



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



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



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



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

Tracing the disappearance of North America's megafauna

Approximately 50,000 years ago, North America was a realm dominated...

<p>Ants are everywhere – in our backyards,&nbsp;our kitchens,&nbsp;and even our picnics.&nbsp;But have you ever wondered how these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/desert-ants-use-earths-magnetic-field-for-navigation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tiny creatures</a> determine their sex?&nbsp;It's not as simple as you might think.</p>



<p>A recent discovery by scientists in Mainz and Lausanne has unveiled a fascinating new piece of this puzzle,&nbsp;and it involves a rather unexpected player:&nbsp;a "noncoding" gene.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-different-path-to-ant-sex-determination">Different path to ant sex determination</h2>



<p>In humans,&nbsp;biological sex is determined by the inheritance of specific sex chromosomes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Individuals with two X chromosomes typically develop as females,&nbsp;while those with one X and one Y chromosome typically develop as males. This system of sex determination relies on the presence or absence of the Y chromosome.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-the-genetic-basis-of-butterfly-sex/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Insects</a> like ants, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/squash-bees-ability-withstand-heat-varies-size-sex/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bees</a>, and wasps employ a distinct mechanism for sex determination called haplodiploidy. </p>



<p>In this system, rather than sex chromosomes, the number of chromosome sets an individual possesses determines their sex. </p>



<p>Males develop from unfertilized eggs and therefore inherit only one set of chromosomes from their mother (haploid). </p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ant-queen-behavior-changes-based-on-social-environment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Females</a>, on the other hand, develop from fertilized eggs and inherit two sets of chromosomes, one from each parent (diploid).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-molecular-processes-involved">Molecular processes involved</h2>



<p>While the basic principle of haplodiploidy is understood,&nbsp;scientists have long been interested in uncovering the specific molecular processes that trigger the development of a male or female organism from a haploid or diploid egg.&nbsp;</p>



<p>To investigate this further,&nbsp;researchers turned their attention to an unusual phenomenon observed in Argentine ants:&nbsp;the occurrence of diploid males.&nbsp;These males,&nbsp;typically infertile,&nbsp;arise from fertilized eggs due to a genetic anomaly.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By studying these diploid males,&nbsp;scientists hoped to gain insights into the underlying genetic mechanisms responsible for sex determination in these insects.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-oddity-that-cracked-the-code">Genetic oddity that cracked the code</h2>



<p>"This allowed us to compare the two sets of chromosomes present in females and diploid males,&nbsp;which differ from their haploid counterparts that possess only one set of chromosomes," explains Dr.&nbsp;Qiaowei Pan,&nbsp;a scientist at the Institute of Molecular Biology (<a href="https://www.imb.de" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IMB</a>) in Mainz and the <a href="https://www.unil.ch/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Lausanne</a>.</p>



<p>By analyzing the genetic makeup of these ants,&nbsp;the researchers found a striking difference in a small region of the genome.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"We were able to identify seven differing versions in a 5,000 base pair region of the genome," says Dr.&nbsp;Pan.&nbsp;"All the females had two different versions of this region while all the diploid males had the same alleles twice.&nbsp;Thus,&nbsp;this genomic location is fundamental to determining sex in this ant."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexpected-hero-in-ant-sex-determinism">Unexpected hero in ant sex determinism</h2>



<p>This discovery was groundbreaking, but what really surprised the scientists was the nature of this sex-determining region. </p>



<p>Unlike a similar finding in honeybees, where a protein-coding gene is responsible, the researchers found something completely different in ants.</p>



<p>"To our surprise,&nbsp;we found that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-corals-have-sex-new-secrets-of-spawning-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sex</a>-determining gene site in ants does not encode a protein," says Dr.&nbsp;Pan.&nbsp;"In other words,&nbsp;it does not contain the information required to make a protein.&nbsp;This is called a noncoding RNA gene."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rna-s-starring-role">RNA's starring role</h2>



<p>Noncoding RNA genes produce RNA molecules that don't translate into proteins,&nbsp;yet they play crucial roles in many biological processes.&nbsp;In this case,&nbsp;the amount of RNA produced from this noncoding gene seems to be the key.</p>



<p>"The level of RNA expression of this gene is higher in females who carry two versions of the sex-determining region than it is in diploid males with two identical copies of the region," explains Dr.&nbsp;Pan.&nbsp;</p>



<p>When the researchers experimentally switched off this gene in female embryos,&nbsp;they developed into males,&nbsp;confirming its pivotal role.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solving-the-puzzle">Solving the puzzle</h2>



<p>Although the identification of a noncoding RNA gene responsible for sex determination in Argentine ants is a significant breakthrough,&nbsp;it raises further questions that require investigation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Researchers are keen to understand why the presence of two different versions (alleles) of this gene results in increased RNA expression compared to when two identical alleles are present.&nbsp;This could involve complex regulatory mechanisms at the genetic or epigenetic level.</p>



<p>Additionally,&nbsp;the precise molecular pathways through which this RNA molecule influences the development of male or female traits remain unclear.&nbsp;</p>



<p>It is possible that this RNA interacts with other genes or proteins, initiating cascades of events that ultimately lead to the differentiation of sexual characteristics. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ant-sex-determinism-needs-more-research">Ant sex determinism needs more research</h2>



<p>In summary, understanding these mechanisms would provide valuable insights into the intricate processes governing sex determination and development in ants.</p>



<p>The quest to answer these questions continues, highlighting the vastness of the natural world and the complexity of its biological processes. </p>



<p>This discovery serves as a reminder that even seemingly simple organisms like ants possess intricate genetic mechanisms that are far from fully understood.</p>



<p>So, the next time you encounter an ant, consider that its sex isn't determined by a simple genetic switch like the X and Y <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animal-chromosomes-have-conserved-specific-elements-for-600-million-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chromosomes</a> in humans. </p>



<p>Instead, it is orchestrated by a noncoding RNA gene that acts as a conductor, directing a complex symphony of genetic activity. </p>



<p>This intricate pattern of gene expression ensures the proper balance of males and females within the colony,&nbsp;ultimately contributing to the survival and propagation of the species.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adp1532" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science Advances</em></a>.</p>



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



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



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



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

Determining the sex of ants is no easy task

Ants are everywhere – in our backyards,&nbsp;our kitchens,&nbsp;and even our...

Protoplanetary,Disk.,New,Planetary,System,,3d,Illustration

<p>The James Webb Space Telescope (<a href="https://webb.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JWST</a>) continues to revolutionize our understanding of the cosmos,&nbsp;this time by uncovering a surprising abundance of carbon-rich molecules in the planet-forming disks around very low-mass stars.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This remarkable discovery challenges our previous assumptions about the composition of these disks and raises intriguing questions about the nature of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cosmic-butterfly-iras-23077-discovery-flips-planet-formation-understanding/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planets</a> forming in such environments.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-planetary-disks-around-young-stars">Planetary disks around young stars</h2>



<p>Planets form within rotating disks composed of gas and dust,&nbsp;which surround young stars.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The MIRI Mid-Infrared Disk Survey (<a href="https://minds.cab.inta-csic.es" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MINDS</a>) project,&nbsp;under the direction of Thomas Henning at the <a href="https://www.mpia.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck Institute for Astronomy</a>,&nbsp;utilizes the James Webb Space Telescope's Mid-Infrared Instrument (<a href="https://webb.nasa.gov/content/observatory/instruments/miri.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MIRI</a>) to investigate these protoplanetary disks with exceptional precision.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By examining the chemical composition and physical characteristics of these disks,&nbsp;researchers seek to unravel the intricate processes that lead to planet formation and determine the potential types of planets that can emerge around stars with varying masses and properties.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-abundance-of-carbon-gases-around-star-disks">Abundance of carbon gases around star disks</h2>



<p>In a recent study&nbsp;the MINDS team focused on a disk around a very low-mass star,&nbsp;just 11% the mass of our Sun.&nbsp;</p>



<p>What they found was astonishing:&nbsp;the disk was teeming with carbon-bearing molecules like methane,&nbsp;ethane,&nbsp;ethylene,&nbsp;and even benzene,&nbsp;but lacked oxygen-rich compounds like water and carbon dioxide.</p>



<p>"This is profoundly different from the composition we see in disks around solar-type stars, where oxygen-bearing molecules such as water and carbon dioxide dominate," explained Inga Kamp, a member of the research team from the <a href="https://www.rug.nl/?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Groningen</a>.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/planetary-disk_iso-chai-147_hydrocarbons-spectrum_webb_1big.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/planetary-disk_iso-chai-147_hydrocarbons-spectrum_webb_1s.jpg" alt="Hydrocarbon emissions map of planet-forming disk ISO-ChaI 147. Credit: NASA" class="wp-image-1935882"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Hydrocarbon emissions map of planet-forming disk ISO-ChaI 147. Credit: NASA</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>“These molecules have already been detected in our solar system, like in comets such as 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko and C/2014 Q2 (Lovejoy),” added &nbsp;lead author Aditya Arabhavi of the University of Groningen. </p>



<p>“Webb allowed us to understand that these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/building-blocks-of-life-found-in-asteroids-were-formed-in-cold-regions-of-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hydrocarbon molecules</a> are not just diverse but also abundant. It is amazing that we can now see the dance of these molecules in the planetary cradles. It is a very different planet-forming environment than we usually think of," Arabhavi concluded.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-planet-formation">Implications for planet formation</h2>



<p>This unexpected finding suggests that disks around very low-mass stars evolve differently than those around more massive stars like our Sun. </p>



<p>This difference in composition could have significant implications for the types of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planet-formation-new-insights-mechanics-physics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planets</a> that form in these environments.</p>



<p>The abundance of carbon in these disks suggests that rocky planets forming around very low-mass stars might be carbon-rich, unlike Earth. </p>



<p>Their atmospheres, if any, might be dominated by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/building-blocks-of-life-found-in-a-galaxy-12-billion-light-years-away/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hydrocarbon compounds</a> rather than oxygen and water vapor.</p>



<p>"Many primary atmospheres of those planets will probably be dominated by hydrocarbon compounds and not so much by oxygen-rich gases such as water and carbon dioxide," said Thomas Henning.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mystery-of-missing-oxygen">Mystery of missing oxygen</h2>



<p>While the carbon-rich nature of these disks is clear,&nbsp;the reason behind this imbalance remains a mystery.&nbsp;It could be due to an enrichment of carbon or a reduction of oxygen in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cosmic-winds-from-planet-forming-discs-seen-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">disk's material</a>.&nbsp;Further research is needed to unravel this puzzle.</p>



<p>If the carbon enrichment is caused by the vaporization of carbon from solid particles in the disk,&nbsp;then the resulting rocky planets would be carbon-poor,&nbsp;similar to Earth.&nbsp;However,&nbsp;their atmospheres would still be dominated by carbon-based chemistry.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-webb-s-unique-capabilities">Webb's unique capabilities</h2>



<p>The discovery of this carbon-rich chemistry was made possible by JWST's unique capabilities.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“It’s incredible that we can detect and quantify the amount of molecules that we know well on Earth, such as benzene, in an object that is more than 600 light-years away,” added team member Agnés Perrin of <a href="https://www.cnrs.fr/fr" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique</a> in France.</p>



<p>Its high sensitivity and spectral resolution allowed the researchers to detect faint emissions from less abundant molecules that were previously undetectable.</p>



<p>"These observations are not possible from Earth because the relevant gas emissions are absorbed by its atmosphere," said Arabhavi.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-planetary-disks-carbon-and-the-search-for-life">Planetary disks, carbon, and the search for life</h2>



<p>This discovery marks a new era in our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oceans-of-water-vapor-may-be-involved-in-planet-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">understanding of planet formation</a> and carbon molecules within star disks. </p>



<p>It challenges our preconceived notions and opens up a whole new realm of possibilities for the types of planets that might exist in the universe.</p>



<p>The MINDS team plans to expand their research to study a larger sample of disks around very <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-have-discovered-a-massive-planet-too-big-for-its-sun/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">low-mass stars</a>. </p>



<p>This will help them determine how common these carbon-rich environments are and shed light on the processes that lead to their formation.</p>



<p>"Expanding our study will also allow us to understand better how these molecules can form," said Thomas Henning. "Several features in the data are also still unidentified, warranting additional spectroscopy to interpret our observations fully."</p>



<p>The James Webb Space Telescope continues to push the boundaries of our knowledge,&nbsp;revealing the hidden secrets of the universe and expanding our understanding of our place in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-stars-shape-planetary-systems-like-ours-with-ultraviolet-radiation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cosmos</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>With each new discovery,&nbsp;we are reminded of the vastness and complexity of the universe and the endless possibilities that await us in our quest for knowledge.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adi8147" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science</em></a>.</p>



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



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



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



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

Webb finds largest amount of carbon ever seen in a planet-forming disk

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) continues to revolutionize our...

<p>The recent discovery of opalized jaw fossils in New South Wales' Lightning Ridge has significantly advanced our understanding of prehistoric monotremes. </p>



<p>These fossils, dating back to the Cenomanian Age of the Cretaceous Period, between 102 million to 96.6 million years ago, represent a crucial era in Australia's ecological history. This was a time when the continent teemed with a variety of these unique <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bizarre-egg-laying-mammal-rediscovered-in-the-cyclops-mountains/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">egg-laying mammals</a>. Today, only the platypus and echidna remain as the surviving descendants.</p>



<p>The study was led by a team of Australian scientists at the <a href="https://australian.museum/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Australian Museum</a> (AM), <a href="https://museumsvictoria.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Museums Victoria</a> and <a href="https://www.australianopalcentre.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Australian Opal Centre</a>. The research provides new insights into an epoch where Australia's landscape was dominated by diverse monotreme species.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discoveries-from-a-lost-era">Discoveries from a lost era</h2>



<p>Professor Tim Flannery, a key figure in this discovery, reflects on the significance of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/feredocodon-chowi-fossils-yield-clues-mammal-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossils</a>: "Discovering these new fossils is like uncovering a whole new civilization. Australia is known for its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-rarest-marsupial-was-unwittingly-saved-by-prince-philip/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marsupials</a> today, but these findings hint at a former era dominated by diverse monotremes."</p>



<p>Professor Kris Helgen, Chief Scientist and Director of the Australian Museum Research Institute (AMRI), also played a pivotal role in analyzing the fossils.</p>



<p>Professor Helgen described Opalios splendens, a standout among the newly discovered species. This creature seems to serve as a bridge in evolutionary history, combining features of both the platypus and echidna.</p>



<p>"Opalios splendens sits on a place in the evolutionary tree prior to the common ancestor of today’s monotremes. Its anatomy suggests a blend of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/large-dams-are-significant-barriers-to-platypus-survival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">platypus</a> and echidna traits," explained Professor Helgen.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-insights-into-monotremes">Evolutionary insights into monotremes</h2>



<p>The evolutionary journey from "toothy to toothless" is a central theme in the study of these ancient creatures.</p>



<p>"Some of the earlier monotremes retained up to five molars, whereas later species reduced to three. This evolutionary change is evident in our findings at Lightning Ridge," noted Professor Helgen.</p>



<p>Professor Flannery further elaborated on this topic by pointing out the modern-day dental characteristics of monotremes. "Echidnas are toothless, and adult platypuses only possess leathery pads instead of teeth, adaptations likely influenced by dietary changes and competition with newcomers like the Australian water rat."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-monumental-gathering-of-species">A monumental gathering of species</h2>



<p>The diversity uncovered at Lightning Ridge is unprecedented. "The site has revealed six different species of monotremes, suggesting it was once the most diverse monotreme habitat known to science. This discovery significantly expands our understanding of their diversity," noted Dr. Matthew McCurry, Curator of Palaeontology at AMRI.</p>



<p>These insights are complemented by the efforts of researchers like Dr. Thomas Rich and Professor Patricia Vickers-Rich, who highlighted the ongoing excitement in paleontological studies as fieldwork continues to unveil new facets of ancient life.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-rarity-of-opalized-fossils">The rarity of opalized fossils</h2>



<p>The significance of these opalized fossils is not lost on those who discovered them. Elizabeth Smith, associated with the Australian Opal Centre, expressed awe at the rarity and value of these finds. </p>



<p>"Finding opalized monotreme fossils is exceptionally rare. Each discovery offers a precious glimpse into a world where these ancient, furry egg-layers thrived," said Smith. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monotremes-and-australia-s-geological-saga">Monotremes and Australia's geological saga</h2>



<p>The findings at Lightning Ridge offer more than just a snapshot of ancient life; they provide a portal into the evolutionary lineage of Australia's unique fauna. </p>



<p>As researchers continue to piece together the complex puzzle of Earth's biological history, each fossil serves as a testament to the dynamic changes that have shaped the natural world. </p>



<p>This ongoing journey into the past not only enriches our understanding of biological diversity but also highlights the enduring impact of Australia's geological and ecological heritage.</p>



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



<p>Monotremes are a unique group of mammals that are distinct from other mammals because they lay eggs rather than giving birth to live young. This group includes intriguing species like the platypus and the echidnas, which are found primarily in Australia and New Guinea.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Monotremes are characterized by a mix of reptilian and mammalian features, which makes them especially interesting in studies of evolutionary biology. For example, they maintain a lower body temperature compared to other mammals and possess a cloaca, an organ common to birds and reptiles but unusual in mammals.</p>



<p>Another distinctive trait is their method of feeding their young; monotremes do not have nipples, instead, they secrete milk through specialized glands in their skin, which the young lap up.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The platypus, with its duck-bill and webbed feet, is particularly famous for its unusual appearance and the male's ability to deliver a venomous sting, a rare trait among mammals.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Meanwhile, echidnas are known for their spiny coats and snouty faces, used to feed primarily on ants and termites. These fascinating features highlight the evolutionary diversity and adaptability of mammals.</p>



<p>The study is published in <em><a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/03115518.2024.2348753" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alcheringa: An Australasian Journal of Palaeontology</a></em>.</p>



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



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



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



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

Unearthing the lost world of unique mammals in Australia

The recent discovery of opalized jaw fossils in New South...

Woman,Works,At,The,Computer,And,Eating,Fast,Food.,Unhealthy

<p>Have you ever felt down in the dumps after indulging in a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/junk-food-diet-triggers-lasting-changes-in-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greasy diet</a> of burger and fries? Or maybe anxious after a sugar rush from a candy bar? Well, science is starting to back up that feeling of the brain. </p>



<p>A recent study suggests that what we eat might directly influence our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healthy-diet-positively-influences-the-brains-structure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain chemistry</a> and structure, potentially contributing to mental health issues like depression and anxiety.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mediterranean-diet-for-a-healthier-brain">Mediterranean diet for a healthier brain</h2>



<p>Imagine this: a sunny seaside villa, a table laden with fresh vegetables, fruits, fish, and olive oil – the essence of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mediterranean-diet-keeps-the-brain-sharp-even-in-old-age/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mediterranean diet</a>, a way of eating celebrated for its heart-healthy benefits. But recent research suggests it may offer much more than just cardiovascular protection.</p>



<p>Scientists delved into the fascinating link between diet and brain health,&nbsp;comparing the brains of individuals adhering to a Mediterranean-style diet with those consuming a diet laden with sugar,&nbsp;saturated fats,&nbsp;and processed foods.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The findings were remarkable, revealing potential differences in brain structure and chemistry between the two groups. It appears that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mediterranean-diet-may-be-a-fountain-of-youth-for-women/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mediterranean diet</a> may hold the key to not only a healthy heart but also a happier, healthier brain.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unhealthy-diets-unbalance-your-brain">Unhealthy diets unbalance your brain</h2>



<p>Brain scans revealed significant differences. In those with unhealthy diets, researchers found reduced levels of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-brains-turn-intense-stress-into-constant-fear/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GABA</a>, a neurotransmitter crucial for maintaining a calm and balanced brain. </p>



<p>Insufficient GABA levels have been associated with increased anxiety and heightened susceptibility to mood disorders.</p>



<p>Conversely, these individuals also exhibited elevated levels of glutamate, a neurotransmitter that acts as the brain's accelerator. Excessive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bullied-kids-suffer-chemical-changes-in-their-brains-that-cause-lifelong-harm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glutamate</a> can lead to overstimulation, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating.</p>



<p>Additionally, brain scans revealed a decrease in grey matter volume in the frontal lobe, a region responsible for complex cognitive functions such as decision-making, emotional regulation, and impulse control. </p>



<p>This reduction in grey matter could impair one's ability to cope with stress effectively, potentially contributing to a higher risk of mental health issues.</p>



<p>"We can eat ourselves well!" exclaims Dr. Piril Hepsomali, one of the study's authors from <a href="https://www.reading.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Reading</a>. </p>



<p>"Ultimately, we see that people who have an unhealthy diet have imbalanced excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission, as well as reduced volume of grey matter in the frontal part of the brain. This part of the brain is involved in mental health issues such as depression and anxiety."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-feelings-from-your-gut">Feelings from your gut</h2>



<p>But how exactly does our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ditch-the-diet-trends-for-a-healthier-relationship-with-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diet</a> mess with our minds? Scientists are still piecing together the puzzle, but one clue lies in our gut. </p>



<p>The trillions of bacteria living in our intestines (the microbiome) play a crucial role in our health, including our mental well-being. </p>



<p>An unhealthy diet can disrupt this delicate ecosystem, potentially triggering a cascade of changes that affect the brain.</p>



<p>High levels of saturated fat and sugar seem to be particularly problematic. These dietary villains can:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Alter gut bacteria:</strong>&nbsp;Certain bacteria thrive on sugar and fat, while others that are beneficial for our mental health may dwindle.</li>



<li><strong>Disrupt neurotransmitter production:</strong>&nbsp;The gut microbiome plays a role in producing neurotransmitters like GABA. An imbalance in gut bacteria can throw this production off-kilter.</li>



<li><strong>Increase inflammation:</strong>&nbsp;A diet high in sugar and fat can trigger inflammation throughout the body, including the brain, which has been linked to mood disorders.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-food-for-thought">Food for thought</h2>



<p>"I would like to note that GABA and glutamate are intimately involved in appetite and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chronic-stress-causes-the-brain-to-crave-comfort-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food intake</a>, too," adds Dr. Hepsomali. </p>



<p>"Reduced GABA and/or increased glutamate might also be a driving factor in making unhealthy food choices. So, there may be a circular relationship between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-healthy-diet-your-secret-weapon-against-aging-and-dementia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eating well</a>, having a healthier brain and better mental wellbeing, and making better food choices to eat well."</p>



<p>This suggests that a poor diet might not only contribute to mental health issues but also make it harder to break free from unhealthy eating patterns. </p>



<p>However, the good news is that the opposite may also be true. By choosing a healthier diet, we might not only improve our mental well-being but also find it easier to stick to those nutritious choices.</p>



<p>The link between diet and mental health is complex and still under investigation. But this study provides compelling evidence that what we eat can significantly impact our brain and our mood. </p>



<p>So, the next time you reach for that sugary snack or greasy meal, remember that your brain might be paying the price. By choosing a diet rich in whole foods, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats, you might not only be nourishing your body but also nurturing your mind.</p>



<p>This research was carried out by the University of Reading, <a href="https://www.roehampton.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Roehampton University</a>, <a href="https://www.frieslandcampina.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FrieslandCampina</a> (Netherlands), and <a href="https://www.kcl.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kings College London</a><em>.</em></p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/1028415X.2024.2355603" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nutritional Neuroscience</a></em>.</p>



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



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



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



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

Unhealthy diet leaves the brain feeling foggy, frazzled and sad

Have you ever felt down in the dumps after indulging...

<p>A medical engineering professor from University of South Florida (<a href="https://www.usf.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USF</a>) is using cutting-edge imaging and virtual reality to enhance our understanding of developmental disorders like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/toddler-screen-time-linked-to-atypical-sensory-behaviors/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">autism</a> and improve treatments for brain injuries and diseases by creating a detailed brain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/largest-ever-3d-map-of-human-brain-created-by-harvard-and-google/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">map</a>.</p>



<p>Funded by a $3.3 million grant from the National Institutes of Health, the research focuses on the calyx of Held, the largest nerve terminal in the human brain. This part of the brain processes sound and is often linked to symptoms of disorders like autism, which result in social and cognitive impairments.</p>



<p>“Even though we’re focusing on a specific part of the brain involved in hearing, the information we gather can help us understand serious developmental disorders that happen when the brain doesn’t develop properly early on,” said George Spirou, the lead researcher at the University of South Florida. </p>



<p>“Our findings could also pave the way for innovative strategies to repair and reconnect damaged neural circuits affected by disease and injuries later in life.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-developmental-disorders">Developmental disorders</h2>



<p>Developmental disorders are conditions that affect the development of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-advanced-brain-mapping-yet-reveals-how-we-think/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain</a> and nervous system, leading to difficulties in learning, communication, and behavior. Examples include autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and cerebral palsy. </p>



<p>These disorders can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic mutations, prenatal exposure to harmful substances (like alcohol or drugs), infections during pregnancy, complications during birth, and environmental factors such as exposure to toxins. </p>



<p>Early intervention and therapy can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life for individuals with developmental disorders.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-resolution-imaging-and-virtual-reality">High-resolution imaging and virtual reality</h2>



<p>At USF’s <a href="https://spiroulabadcl.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Auditory Development and Connectomics Laboratory</a>, high-resolution imaging technology combined with advanced image analysis is being used to create the most accurate developmental timeline for any neural system in the brain. </p>



<p>Researchers capture the journey of neurons in mice from birth to their establishment of synaptic connections. Mice and human brains share very similar neuron types and connections, according to the NIH.</p>



<p>Using software developed by the research team, virtual reality is being used to examine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cleaning-the-brain-neurons-flush-out-waste-while-we-sleep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neurons</a> and analyze synapses in an immersive experience. This combined level of temporal and spatial resolution in studying developing neural systems is unprecedented.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapid-neuron-and-synapse-formation">Rapid neuron and synapse formation</h2>



<p>“Between the fourth and fifth gestational months, the number of neurons in the nervous system explodes almost exponentially, forming synapses at a rate of about a million per second. Considering there are almost 100 trillion synapses in an adult <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/largest-ever-3d-map-of-human-brain-created-by-harvard-and-google/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human brain</a>, this number is incredible,” Spirou explained. </p>



<p>“I like to think of it as there are about 100 billion stars in the Milky Way, and there are about that many neurons in the brain.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-treatments-for-developmental-disorders">Treatments for developmental disorders</h2>



<p>Daniel Heller, a doctoral student at USF, who has worked alongside Spirou for several years, focused his dissertation on this project.</p>



<p>He emphasizes the importance of understanding brain development under normal conditions to develop effective treatments for disorders.</p>



<p>“At the cellular level, the physical manifestations of these disorders are caused by developmental defects in brain connectivity,” Heller said. </p>



<p>“From a clinical perspective, researching therapeutics for these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/household-chemicals-linked-to-neurological-disorders/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">disorders</a> is difficult without a better understanding of how the brain develops under normal conditions. This often results in treating symptoms rather than aiming for a global cure.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-developmental-disorders-and-neural-formation">Developmental disorders and neural formation</h2>



<p>Over the next five years, the research team aims to pinpoint the signals that drive the precise formation of this neural system. Understanding these signals could reveal how other neural circuits form and help reorganize and reconnect neurons in cases of brain injury.</p>



<p>“I am totally fascinated by what’s happening at this stage of development in the brain and how the brain directs its own formation – that to me is enough to get me up in the morning and come in to do our work,” Spirou said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-virtual-reality-potential-applications">Virtual reality potential applications</h2>



<p>Virtual reality offers numerous potential applications in mapping developmental disorders. VR can create immersive, high-resolution 3D models of the brain, allowing researchers to visualize and analyze neural pathways and synapse formations with unprecedented detail. </p>



<p>This technology aids in identifying specific brain regions affected by disorders such as autism and ADHD. VR can also simulate various scenarios to study brain responses, enhancing our understanding of how these disorders manifest. </p>



<p>Additionally, VR-based interventions can provide targeted therapies and rehabilitation exercises, improving cognitive and motor functions. Overall, VR holds promise for advancing diagnostics, treatment planning, and personalized medicine in developmental disorders.</p>



<p>This research could ultimately transform how we understand and treat developmental brain disorders, potentially leading to earlier and more effective treatments.</p>



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



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



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



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

Virtual reality will unlock mysteries of developmental disorders

A medical engineering professor from University of South Florida (USF)...

<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-will-increase-dramatically-in-a-hotter-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pollution</a> poses a greater health threat than war, terrorism, malaria, HIV, tuberculosis, drugs, and alcohol combined. This shocking revelation is discussed in a recent series of articles published in the <a href="https://www.jacc.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Journal of the American College of Cardiology</em></a>.</p>



<p>The experts, led by the <a href="https://www.ed.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Edinburgh</a> and the <a href="https://icahn.mssm.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai</a> focused on global warming, air pollution, wildfire smoke, and lesser-known pollutants like soil, noise, light, and toxic chemicals.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bombarded-with-pollutants-nbsp">Bombarded with pollutants&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“Every year around 20 million people worldwide die from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-century-of-progress-in-the-fight-against-cardiovascular-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiovascular disease</a> with pollutants playing an ever-increasing role,” said Jason Kovacic, Director and CEO of the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute.</p>



<p>“Pollutants have reached every corner of the globe and are affecting every one of us. We are witnessing unprecedented wildfires, soaring temperatures, unacceptable road noise and light pollution in our cities and exposure to untested toxic chemicals in our homes.”</p>



<p>“Our bodies are being bombarded with pollutants from every angle and they are taking a toll on our heart health. The evidence suggests that the number of people dying prematurely because of these very different forms of pollution is far higher than currently recognized.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-threats-of-pollution-nbsp">Health threats of pollution&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Pollutants such as smoke and toxins, inhaled deeply into the respiratory tract, cause oxidative stress and damage organs, including the heart.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Air pollution, a harmful mix of solid particles and gases, endangers human health worldwide. The World Health Organization estimates that 99% of the world’s population resides in places where air quality standards are not being met," wrote the study authors. </p>



<p>Noise and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-light-pollution-disrupts-entire-ecological-networks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">light pollution</a> affect sleep patterns, drive inflammation, and increase blood pressure and weight gain. Extreme heat can cause dehydration, cardiovascular strain, and acute kidney failure.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pollution-and-heart-disease-nbsp">Pollution and heart disease&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“Whilst many of these biological mechanisms are known, we still have a huge gap in our understanding of the link between pollutants and heart disease,” said Kovacic.</p>



<p>“There are hundreds of thousands of chemicals that haven’t even been tested for their safety or toxicity, let alone their impact on our health. We also need to discover if there are other risk factors that make people more susceptible – such as pre-existing conditions, lifestyle factors or where they live.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exposure-to-pollution-nbsp">Exposure to pollution&nbsp;</h2>



<p>According to the scientists, in the future, people should be routinely tested for exposure to more pollutants, just like children are now tested for lead exposure in the USA.</p>



<p>Unfortunately, while the environmental crisis is imminent, and its impact on health is increasingly noticed, the impetus for change seems to be sporadic.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Urgent action is required as climate change strides forward and pollution infiltrates the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, and the places we live in,” noted the researchers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-statistics-from-the-study-nbsp">Key statistics from the study&nbsp;</h2>



<ul>
<li>Outdoor and indoor air pollution account for over seven million premature deaths annually, with more than 50% due to cardiovascular causes like ischemic heart disease and stroke.</li>



<li>A fifth of all cardiovascular deaths are attributed to air pollution.</li>



<li>During <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deadly-heat-waves-in-europe-can-be-predicted-by-melting-sea-ice/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heat waves</a>, the risk of heat-related cardiovascular mortality may increase by more than 10%. </li>



<li>In the USA, exposure to wildfire smoke has increased by 77% since 2002.</li>



<li>Globally, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-smoke-is-an-underestimated-threat-to-public-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfire smoke</a> is estimated to cause 339,000 to 675,000 premature deaths per year.</li>



<li>Over 300,000 new synthetic chemicals have been created since 1950, many of which have unknown safety profiles.</li>



<li>In Europe, 113 million people are affected by long-term <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/traffic-noise-increases-the-risk-of-hypertension/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">traffic noise</a> levels of at least 55 dB(A).</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urgent-action-is-needed">Urgent action is needed</h2>



<p>The researchers call for urgent action, such as implementing heart-healthy urban design, such as increasing tree cover and promoting active travel. They also call for ending subsidies to the fossil fuel industry to invest in renewables and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/clean-energy-transition-may-boost-job-opportunities-in-the-u-s/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cleaner energy</a>.</p>



<p>The experts also point out the need for launching public health campaigns about the dangers of air pollution and enhancing medical education to address pollution-related health risks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-combating-the-health-threats-of-pollution-nbsp">Combating the health threats of pollution&nbsp;</h2>



<p>To combat the health threats of pollution, the study advocates for better monitoring of pollutants, understanding their impacts on cardiovascular disease, and identifying vulnerable communities.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The hope is that by recognizing and addressing these dangers, society can mitigate the severe health impacts of pollution on a global scale.</p>



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



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



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



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

Pollution is a greater health threat than we ever imagined

Pollution poses a greater health threat than war, terrorism, malaria,...

<p>Adolescents grappling with internet addiction face significant alterations in their brain function, which could precipitate further <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/daily-social-media-use-makes-teens-more-likely-to-start-smoking/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">addictive behaviors</a> and developmental challenges.</p>



<p>A recent study spearheaded by researchers from <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCL</a> has illuminated the profound effects of excessive internet use on young minds, particularly those between the ages of 10 and 19.</p>



<p>This decade-long study, from 2013 to 2023, scrutinized the findings from 12 articles that collectively examined 237 adolescents officially diagnosed with internet addiction.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-internet-addiction-impacts-brain-function">Internet addiction impacts brain function</h2>



<p>Internet <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/internet-addiction-where-do-you-fall-on-the-spectrum/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">addiction</a>, characterized by an uncontrollable urge to engage online despite adverse consequences, can disrupt an individual's psychological well-being and interfere with their social, academic, and professional lives.</p>



<p>Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), researchers observed the brain's functional connectivity - or how different regions interact - both during rest and while performing tasks.</p>



<p>The experts noticed a pattern of both increased and decreased activity in the default mode network, which is active during rest.</p>



<p>More alarmingly, there was a significant reduction in connectivity within the executive control network, which is critical for active thinking and decision-making.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consequences-of-altered-brain-function">Consequences of altered brain function</h2>



<p>These neurological changes can manifest as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alcohol-use-linked-to-internet-addiction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">addictive behaviors</a> and a decline in various aspects of cognitive and physical abilities, including intellectual capacity, coordination, mental health, and overall development.</p>



<p>"Adolescence is a crucial developmental stage. The brain's susceptibility to internet-related compulsions during this period - like relentless mouse clicking or media consumption - can have dire consequences," noted Max Chang, a lead author and MSc student at the <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/child-health/great-ormond-street-institute-child-health-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCL Great Ormond Street Institute for Child Health</a>.</p>



<p>Chang highlighted some of the potential behavioral and developmental repercussions for adolescents, such as difficulties in maintaining social relationships, dishonesty about online activities, and disruptions in normal eating and sleeping patterns.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-concern-over-internet-addiction">Global concern over internet addiction</h2>



<p>With the increasing availability of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/excessive-smartphone-usage-linked-to-health-issues-in-adolescents/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">smartphones</a> and laptops, internet addiction is a burgeoning issue worldwide.</p>



<p>In the UK alone, individuals spend an average of over 24 hours online each week, with many acknowledging their compulsive use of the internet. </p>



<p>Additionally, a report by Ofcom indicates that more than 60% of the UK's 50 million <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-media-platforms-earned-11-billion-last-year-from-kids-in-the-u-s/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">internet users</a> perceive their online habits as having a detrimental effect on their personal lives, often causing tardiness or neglect of responsibilities.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-combating-internet-addiction-in-adolescents">Combating internet addiction in adolescents</h2>



<p>"While the internet offers undeniable benefits, it becomes problematic when it starts to impinge on our daily routines," noted study senior author Irene Lee.</p>



<p>She recommends that adolescents impose sensible limits on their internet use and become informed about the psychological and social effects of excessive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-media-posts-are-not-a-good-representation-of-our-true-selves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">online engagement</a>.</p>



<p>Chang is optimistic about the implications of their findings for treating and preventing internet addiction. "Our research could help physicians better understand and address internet addiction in adolescents," he said. </p>



<p>Treatments might target specific brain regions or involve psychotherapy and family therapy to tackle the fundamental symptoms of internet addiction. </p>



<p>Moreover, educating parents about the signs of digital dependency could serve as a crucial preventive measure, helping them manage their children's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/toddler-screen-time-linked-to-atypical-sensory-behaviors/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">screen time</a> and impulsive behaviors more effectively.</p>



<p>The study not only sheds light on the underlying brain changes caused by internet addiction but also underscores the necessity for proactive measures to mitigate its impact on adolescent health and development.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impacts-on-mental-and-physical-health">Impacts on mental and physical health </h2>



<p>Internet addiction in teens extends beyond brain function alterations. It can severely impact mental health, leading to increased anxiety, depression, and social isolation. </p>



<p>Teens may develop poor academic performance due to excessive screen time interfering with study habits and focus. This addiction often disrupts sleep patterns, causing fatigue and difficulty concentrating during the day. </p>



<p>Physical health can also suffer, with increased risks of obesity and related conditions due to sedentary behavior. Additionally, excessive internet use can hinder the development of essential social skills, making it harder for teens to engage in face-to-face interactions. </p>



<p>Cyberbullying and exposure to inappropriate content are also significant concerns, potentially leading to emotional distress and a skewed perception of reality. </p>



<p>Overall, internet addiction can create a cascade of negative effects, impacting a teen's holistic development and well-being, necessitating proactive measures to ensure balanced and healthy internet use.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://journals.plos.org/mentalhealth/article?id=10.1371/journal.pmen.0000022" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS Mental Health</a></em>.</p>



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



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



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



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

Internet addiction impairs brain function in teenagers

Adolescents grappling with internet addiction face significant alterations in their...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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



<p>—–</p>



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



<p>—–</p>

Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>

Social modeling affects our food choices

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists discover we age in bursts

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists solve the mystery of tickling

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>



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



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



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



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

Retired professor claims he solved time travel

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



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



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



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



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



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="G9bUoxcjr4-2511624-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="iuA5mpp3jv-1641775-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="QGPzYnXEtN-1712599-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="X0f6OHYoI4-2310561-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="JRaP49ISmm-2357509-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

[sendtonews key="JRaP49ISmm-2357509-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

News coming your way