<p>Not everything in the universe is what it seems. Some things, like tiny red objects captured by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), might look like stars or galaxies. But new research suggests they could be something else entirely - something we’ve never seen before.</p>



<p>The objects, called “little red dots,” were first spotted when Webb returned its initial pictures in 2022. The dots appeared where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-galaxy-shows-us-what-the-early-milky-way-looked-like/">young galaxies</a> would be alone, 500 to 700 million years after the Big Bang. But they were too bright and too big to be galaxies that early in the universe. Something wasn’t adding up.</p>



<p>For a while, researchers thought they had discovered ancient, mature galaxies that somehow formed way faster than expected - so fast they started calling them “universe breakers.” But after digging deeper, a new idea started to form. Maybe these weren’t <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/thousands-of-galaxies-revealed-in-a-single-webb-image/">galaxies</a> at all.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-star-that-s-hiding-a-black-hole">A star that's hiding a black hole</h2>



<p>In a recent study, scientists proposed a bold theory: the red dots might be something called a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/free-floating-black-hole-appears-to-be-feeding-on-a-star/">black hole</a> star. Picture a huge sphere of gas that looks like a cold, low-energy star - but inside, it’s hiding a growing supermassive black hole.</p>



<p>Instead of getting its energy from fusion like a normal star, this object feeds off matter falling into the black hole at its core. That process generates energy and gives off light, creating the bright signal scientists saw.</p>



<p>“Basically, we looked at enough red dots until we saw one that had so much atmosphere that it couldn't be explained as typical stars we’d expect from a galaxy,” said Joel Leja, an associate professor of astrophysics at <a href="https://www.psu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Penn State</a>. </p>



<p>“It’s an elegant answer really, because we thought it was a tiny galaxy full of many separate cold stars, but it’s actually, effectively, one gigantic, very cold star.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cold-stars-that-shine-strangely">Cold stars that shine strangely</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/video/earth-humans-and-all-living-creatures-are-made-from-stars/">Stars</a> that are cold emit very little visible light. They glow mainly in the red or near-infrared part of the spectrum - a type of light our eyes can’t see. These stars are usually small and faint, which makes them hard to find.</p>



<p>But these red dots stood out. The light they gave off wasn’t from a hot, bright region like we usually see near black holes. Instead, it came from very cold gas, similar to what’s found around low-mass stars.</p>



<p>Webb was built to pick up exactly this kind of ancient, stretched-out infrared light. Its infrared sensors can see light that traveled across the universe for over 13 billion years. That makes it perfect for spotting objects from the very early days of the cosmos.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-most-extreme-red-dot">The most extreme red dot</h2>



<p>Between January and December 2024, the team gathered spectra - a kind of light fingerprint - from 4,500 galaxies. Spectra can tell scientists how bright something is across different wavelengths, which helps them figure out what it’s made of and how massive it is.</p>



<p>One of these objects stood out. Nicknamed “The Cliff,” it turned out to be the most extreme of all the red dots. It was so far away that its light took about 11.9 billion years to reach Earth.</p>



<p>“The extreme properties of The Cliff forced us to go back to the drawing board, and come up with entirely new models,” said Anna de Graaff, a researcher for the <a href="https://www.mpia.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck Institute for Astronomy</a>.</p>



<p>Spectral analysis showed that The Cliff wasn’t made up of countless tiny stars. It was a single, massive object - a black hole pulling in gas so fast that it wrapped itself in a glowing shell of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-star-forming-hydrogen-cloud-discovered-surprisingly-close-to-earth-eos/">hydrogen</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-are-black-hole-stars-a-missing-link">Are black hole stars a missing link?</h2>



<p>Black holes are found at the center of most galaxies. Some of them are enormous - millions or even billions of times more massive than our sun. But no one knows exactly how they got that big, or how they formed in the first place.</p>



<p>“No one's ever really known why or where these gigantic black holes at the center of galaxies come from,” said Leja. “These black hole stars might be the first phase of formation for the black holes that we see in galaxies today - <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supermassive-black-holes-are-much-more-common-in-the-universe-than-believed/">supermassive black holes</a> in their little infancy stage.”</p>



<p>That idea could help solve a major puzzle in astronomy. If these red dots are actually black hole stars, then maybe they’re the missing link - the early-stage objects that grow into the supermassive black holes we see in today’s galaxies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-following-clues-from-the-universe">Following clues from the universe </h2>



<p>The team plans to keep studying these black hole star candidates, especially by looking at how dense the gas is and how strong the light output is. That might help confirm whether they’re really seeing a new type of object.</p>



<p>“This is the best idea we have and really the first one that fits nearly all of the data, so now we need to flesh it out more,” said Leja. </p>



<p>“It's okay to be wrong. The universe is much weirder than we can imagine and all we can do is follow its clues. There are still big surprises out there for us.”</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.aanda.org/articles/aa/full_html/2025/09/aa54681-25/aa54681-25.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Astronomy and Astrophysics</a></em>.</p>



<p>Image Credit: T. Müller/A. de Graaff/Max Planck Institute for Astronomy</p>



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Mystery objects in the early universe may be black hole stars

Not everything in the universe is what it seems. Some things, like tiny red objects captured by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), might look like stars or galaxies. But new research suggests they could be something else entirely - something we’ve never seen before. The objects, called “little red dots,” were first spotted when Webb returned its initial pictures in 2022. The dots appeared where young galaxies would be alone, 500 to 700 million years after the Big Bang. But they were too bright and too...

<p>The Einstein Telescope, a proposed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rare-cosmic-object-detected-gravitational-wave-signal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gravitational wave</a> detector, aims to revolutionize our understanding of the universe.</p>



<p>Planned to be constructed at the border triangle of Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands, this advanced telescope will utilize cutting-edge laser technology to measure gravitational waves, providing unprecedented insights into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cosmic-sightings-nasa-skywatching-guide-for-may-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cosmic events</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unveiling-cosmic-mysteries">Unveiling cosmic mysteries</h2>



<p>Gravitational waves, akin to the universe's sound waves, are generated when massive celestial objects like black holes or neutron stars collide. These collisions create ripples in space-time that can now be detected thanks to advancements in technology.</p>



<p>The Einstein Telescope will build on this progress, offering a more detailed understanding of these waves and the events that produce them.</p>



<p>In August 2017, a groundbreaking discovery showcased the potential of gravitational wave astronomy. For the first time, the collision of two neutron stars was detected both optically and as a gravitational wave. This event confirmed that such collisions could produce heavy elements like gold.</p>



<p>Professor Achim Stahl from <a href="https://www.rwth-aachen.de/go/id/a/?lidx=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RWTH Aachen University</a> noted: "Researchers are pretty sure that most of the gold in the universe was created in such gigantic explosions."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-of-gravitational-wave-detection">Evolution of gravitational wave detection</h2>



<p>Gravitational wave detectors have significantly advanced our knowledge of the universe. </p>



<p>The first gravitational wave was detected in 2015, with a signal lasting just over 0.2 seconds. In contrast, the 2017 neutron star collision produced a signal that lasted 100 seconds, offering a wealth of data for astronomers. </p>



<p>The simultaneous observation of gravitational waves and electromagnetic signals from this event marked a new chapter in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/communications-satellites-may-disrupt-astronomical-observations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">observational astronomy</a>.</p>



<p>Historically, astronomy relied solely on visible radiation. However, with the development of the electromagnetic spectrum, astronomers expanded their methods of observation.</p>



<p>Albert Einstein's general theory of relativity proposed the existence of gravitational waves, which, like sound waves, cause distant objects to "wobble."</p>



<p>These minute movements are now measurable thanks to laser interferometers, which can detect changes as small as one two-thousandth of a proton's diameter.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advancing-technology-with-the-einstein-telescope">Advancing technology with the Einstein Telescope</h2>



<p>The Einstein Telescope represents the next generation of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-smallest-quantum-light-detector-now-fits-on-silicon-chip/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gravitational wave detectors</a>, designed to be ten times more sensitive than current models.</p>



<p>This third-generation observatory will consist of three nested detectors, each featuring two laser interferometers with 10-kilometer long arms.</p>



<p>Built 250 meters underground to minimize interference, the telescope will collaborate with a new generation of observatories, enabling what is known as multi-messenger astronomy.</p>



<p>Multi-messenger astronomy combines gravitational wave detection ("ears") with electromagnetic observations ("eyes"), providing a comprehensive view of cosmic events. </p>



<p>This approach will allow astronomers to systematically measure and analyze phenomena that were previously observable only by chance.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-collaboration-on-the-einstein-telescope">Global collaboration on the Einstein Telescope</h2>



<p>The Einstein Telescope project requires global cooperation, with a similar third-generation detector, the Cosmic Explorer, being developed in the United States.</p>



<p>In 2021, the Einstein Telescope was included in the European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures (ESFRI) roadmap, marking a significant step towards its realization. The project, estimated to cost 1.8 billion euros, is set to begin construction in 2026, with observations starting in 2035.</p>



<p>Site selection studies are currently underway, with potential locations in Sardinia and the Euregio Meuse-Rhine region. The chosen site must meet specific criteria to ensure the detector's sensitivity and operational efficiency. </p>



<p>The construction phase will involve extensive tunneling and vacuum pipe installation, providing economic benefits to the region.</p>



<p>"With gravitational waves, we can look much further into the universe than with normal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-telescopes-can-directly-detect-signs-of-alien-life-in-exoplanet-atmospheres/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">telescopes</a>. The Einstein Telescope will allow us to receive signals from the time when galaxies and the first stars were formed," noted Professor Stahl.</p>



<p>The Einstein Telescope promises to usher in a new era of astronomical discovery, enabling systematic observations and real-time detection of cosmic events. </p>



<p>As technology progresses, the mysteries of the universe will become increasingly accessible, offering exciting prospects for both scientists and the general public.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-of-the-technology">Broader implications of the technology </h2>



<p>Beyond detecting cosmic events like black hole and neutron star collisions, the telescope will enhance multi-messenger astronomy by combining gravitational and electromagnetic observations.</p>



<p>This project will drive technological innovations in laser interferometry and data analysis, create educational opportunities, and stimulate local economies.</p>



<p>By offering unprecedented sensitivity and a broader observational range, the Einstein Telescope will enable long-term studies and potentially uncover new astrophysical phenomena, significantly advancing our knowledge of the cosmos.</p>



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



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Einstein Telescope will revolutionize cosmic observations

The Einstein Telescope, a proposed gravitational wave detector, aims to...

<p>At the heart of our galaxy, the supermassive black hole Sagittarius A* draws in newly discovered <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-stellar-objects-observing-the-early-lives-of-stars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">young stellar objects</a> (YSOs) that circle it at incredible speeds.</p>



<p>Observations have revealed that these infant stars, located near Sagittarius A*, follow similar orbits to previously known young stars, forming a distinct pattern around the black hole.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sagittarius-a-and-young-star-formation">Sagittarius A* and young star formation</h2>



<p>Recent research indicates that Sagittarius A* influences the formation of these swarming stars.</p>



<p>The latest study, led by researchers from the <a href="https://portal.uni-koeln.de/en/universitaet/aktuell/press-releases/single-news/high-speed-baby-stars-circle-the-supermassive-black-hole-sgr-a-like-a-swarm-of-bees" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cologne</a>, involved contributions from multiple institutions including universities in Germany and the Czech Republic, and the Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy.</p>



<p>About three decades ago, astronomers discovered highly dynamic stars near Sagittarius A*, known as S stars, which orbit the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stars-orbiting-sagittarius-a-appear-rejuvenated-after-stellar-collisions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black hole</a> at speeds of several thousand kilometers per hour. The stars complete their orbits within a few years.</p>



<p>The young age of the S stars puzzled scientists, who expected only old, dim stars in such a hostile environment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-technological-advancements-and-new-discoveries">Technological advancements and new discoveries</h2>



<p>Advancements in telescope technology and prolonged observations of the Milky Way’s galactic center have raised new questions.</p>



<p>In 2012, researchers found an object initially thought to be a gas cloud, potentially consumed by the black hole. Though this theory remains unconfirmed, evidence suggests it might be a YSO surrounded by a dusty cloud.</p>



<p>In addition to the S stars, the Cologne-led team has identified about a dozen objects near Sagittarius A* with similar properties. These newly found objects are significantly younger than the known high-speed stars.</p>



<p>"Interestingly, these YSOs exhibit the same behavior as S stars. This means that the YSOs circumnavigate the supermassive black hole with speeds of several thousand kilometers per hour in a few years," explained study co-author Dr. Florian Peißker.</p>



<p>"The S stars were found to be surprisingly young. According to conventional theories, the additional presence of a stellar kindergarten composed of YSOs is completely unexpected."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chaotic-yet-organized-patterns">Chaotic yet organized patterns</h2>



<p>Initially appearing as a chaotic swarm of bees, these high-velocity YSOs and S stars actually follow specific, organized formations. The research shows that both YSOs and S stars are arranged systematically within three-dimensional space.</p>



<p>"This means that there are specific preferred star constellations. The distribution of both star variations resembles a disk, which gives the impression that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flares-shed-light-on-the-milky-ways-supermassive-black-hole/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supermassive black hole</a> forces the stars to assume an organized orbit," explained Dr. Peißker.</p>



<p>These findings shed light on the dynamic environment around Sagittarius A* and challenge existing theories about <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/messier-82-unlocking-the-mysteries-of-star-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a> and behavior near supermassive black holes.</p>



<p>The discovery of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secret-origins-of-young-star-clusters-traced-to-three-families/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">young stars</a> orbiting so closely to Sagittarius A* opens new avenues for understanding the complex interactions between black holes and their stellar neighbors.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-sagittarius-a">More about Sagittarius A*</h2>



<p>Sagittarius A* is situated in the constellation Sagittarius, approximately 26,000 light-years from Earth. The black hole has a mass about 4.1 million times that of the Sun. </p>



<p>Despite its enormous mass, Sagittarius A* is relatively small in size, with a diameter roughly equal to the distance between the Earth and the Sun.</p>



<p>The existence of Sagittarius A* was inferred through the observation of the orbits of stars near the galactic center, which revealed the presence of a massive, invisible object exerting a strong gravitational pull. </p>



<p>The Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) project captured an image of its event horizon, providing direct visual evidence of the black hole.</p>



<p>Sagittarius A* plays a crucial role in our understanding of black holes and the dynamics of galaxies. Its study helps astronomers learn about the behavior of matter in extreme gravitational fields and the processes occurring in the vicinity of black holes. </p>



<p>The region around Sagittarius A* is a hub of high-energy activity, with gas and dust being pulled in at high speeds, generating intense radiation that can be observed across various wavelengths.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><em><a href="https://www.aanda.org/articles/aa/full_html/2024/06/aa49729-24/aa49729-24.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Astronomy &amp; Astrophysics</a></em></em>.</p>



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High-speed baby stars swarm around Milky Way's Sagittarius A*

At the heart of our galaxy, the supermassive black hole...

<p>The Great Salt Lake in Utah is drying up, like many inland seas worldwide, due to increased human water use and accelerating climate change. As the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alarming-study-most-of-the-worlds-largest-lakes-are-quickly-losing-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lake</a> shrinks, it exposes large areas of dry lakebed.</p>



<p>This desiccation releases harmful dust that pollutes surrounding areas during <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sahara-desert-dust-storms-carry-harmful-bacteria-and-fungi-around-the-globe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dust storms</a>, posing serious health risks to nearby communities.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-dust-problem-a-growing-concern">The dust problem: A growing concern</h2>



<p>Since the mid-1980s, the Great Salt Lake has been steadily drying, exposing its lakebed to atmospheric weathering and wind. </p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-warming-impacts-dust-levels-on-a-global-scale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dust emissions</a> from drying salt lakes produce fine particulate matter (PM2.5), linked to numerous health issues and recognized as the leading environmental cause of human mortality worldwide.</p>



<p>"We know that the dust from these drying lakes is very unhealthy for us, so the question becomes, what does that mean in terms of people's exposure to the dust, and what does it mean in terms of inequalities in exposure to that dust," said study first author and sociologist Sara Grineski of the <a href="https://www.utah.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Utah</a>. "Are some people more likely to have to suffer the consequences to a greater degree?"</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-multidisciplinary-approach">A multidisciplinary approach</h2>



<p>To explore these questions, a team of sociologists, atmospheric scientists, geographers, and biologists used a model to simulate dust pollution scenarios. </p>



<p>The experts investigated how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-will-increase-dramatically-in-a-hotter-climate/">dust pollution</a> would change if the lake dried further or if its levels were restored.</p>



<p>"The drying of lakes with no outlets, also called terminal lakes or inland seas, is a major ecological catastrophe of the twenty-first century. As lake beds dry, they become sources of fine dust that harms human health," wrote the researchers.</p>



<p>"These lake beds are drying, in part due to decreased inflows of water associated with climate change, but mostly due to increasing human demands for water."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-model-simulations-of-dust-exposure">Model simulations of dust exposure </h2>



<p>The model predicted dust levels in three counties surrounding the lake and combined these with demographic data from the 2020 U.S. Census and American Community Survey to analyze exposure disparities.</p>



<p>During typical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sand-and-dust-storms-have-become-unpredictable-and-dangerous/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dust storms</a>, current levels expose residents to 26 μg/m3 of dust PM2.5 on average, which is higher than the World Health Organization's threshold of 15 μg/m3.</p>



<p>If the lake were to dry up completely, exposure could rise to 32 μg/m3, while restoring the lake could reduce exposure to 24 μg/m3.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-justice-and-the-great-salt-lake">Environmental justice and the Great Salt Lake</h2>



<p>The Great Salt Lake serves as a crucial case study, revealing significant disparities in dust exposure among different demographic groups. </p>



<p>Dust exposure is highest among Pacific Islanders and Hispanic people, while white people experience lower levels of exposure. Additionally, those without a high school diploma are more affected by the dust. </p>



<p>Restoring the lake could significantly reduce dust exposure and address these disparities, benefiting everyone in the vicinity and promoting environmental justice.</p>



<p>"People here in Utah are concerned about the lake for a variety of reasons - the ski industry, the brine shrimp, the migratory birds, recreation - and this study adds environmental justice and the equity implications of the drying lake to the conversation," noted Grineski. </p>



<p>"If we can raise the levels of the lake via some coordinated policy responses, we can reduce our exposure to dust, which is good for everyone's health, and we can also reduce the disparity between groups."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-restoration-of-the-great-salt-lake">Restoration of the Great Salt Lake</h2>



<p>Future research aims to explore how changes in the region's population size and composition might affect dust exposure from the lake. The ultimate goal is to guide local policymakers in prioritizing the restoration of the Great Salt Lake.</p>



<p>"If we were to enact policy and conservation measures to raise the lake, we would benefit not only in terms of decreased dust, but in terms of less dramatic disparities between who is breathing in more of this dust," explained Grineski. </p>



<p>"It's important to consider the environmental justice implications of different choices that we might make in the policy arena when we think about different strategies for adaptation and mitigation to climate change."</p>



<p>Restoring the Great Salt Lake stands as a vital step toward achieving both environmental justice and ecological balance, ensuring a healthier future for all residents in the region.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><em><a href="https://www.cell.com/one-earth/fulltext/S2590-3322(24)00249-5?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS2590332224002495%3Fshowall%3Dtrue" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">One Earth</a></em></em>.</p>



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Restoring the Great Salt Lake is a matter of environmental justice

The Great Salt Lake in Utah is drying up, like...

<p>Your <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/best-measure-of-sleep-quality-is-how-you-feel-not-what-your-tracker-says/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sleep tracker</a> does more than just record your sleep patterns; it can provide critical insights into your overall health.</p>



<p>A recent study from the <a href="https://ucsd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California San Diego</a> and the <a href="https://www.ucsf.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California San Francisco</a> suggests that variations in sleep patterns can reveal information about chronic conditions such as diabetes and sleep apnea, and even illnesses like COVID-19.</p>



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



<p>Sleep patterns refer to the specific ways in which people sleep, including the duration, timing, and quality of their sleep. </p>



<p>These patterns can vary widely from person to person and can change over time due to factors like age, lifestyle, and health conditions.</p>



<p>"Sleep monitoring has become widespread with the rise of affordable wearable devices. However, converting sleep data into actionable change remains challenging as diverse factors can cause combinations of sleep parameters to differ both between people and within people over time," noted the study authors. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-sleep-phenotypes">Studying sleep phenotypes</h2>



<p>The researchers analyzed data from 5 million nights of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/light-color-has-no-impact-on-our-internal-clocks-or-sleep-patterns/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sleep</a> across approximately 33,000 people, identifying five primary sleep phenotypes, which were further divided into 13 subtypes.</p>



<p>The results showed that how and how often individuals switch between these sleep phenotypes offers significantly more information for detecting health conditions than relying on a person's average sleep pattern alone.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-wearable-technology">The role of wearable technology</h2>



<p>The researchers used data from the Oura Ring - a smart ring that tracks sleep, skin temperature, and other metrics - focusing on individuals over several months.</p>



<p>The experts observed that people with chronic health conditions, such as diabetes and sleep apnea, as well as those with illnesses like COVID-19 and the flu, exhibited different sleep patterns over time.</p>



<p>These changes reflect variations in an individual's health, creating a dynamic "travel log" through their sleep data.</p>



<p>"We found that little changes in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-quality-is-determined-by-daily-activities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sleep quality</a> helped us identify health risks. Those little changes wouldn't show up on an average night, or on a questionnaire, so it really shows how wearables help us detect risks that would otherwise be missed," explained Benjamin Smarr, one of the study's senior authors.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-five-sleep-phenotypes">Five sleep phenotypes</h2>



<p>The researchers identified five primary sleep phenotypes based on data from 5 million nights:</p>



<ol>
<li><strong>Normal Sleep</strong>: Eight hours of uninterrupted sleep for at least six consecutive days.</li>



<li><strong>Fragmented Sleep</strong>: Continuous sleep about half the nights, with bouts of less than three hours on other nights.</li>



<li><strong>Interrupted Sleep</strong>: Mostly continuous sleep, with one night each week interrupted by a long sleep period of about five hours and a short period of less than three hours.</li>



<li><strong>Mid-Sleep Waking</strong>: Mostly continuous sleep, with occasional nights where long sleep bouts are separated by a mid-sleep waking.</li>



<li><strong>Severely Disrupted Sleep</strong>: Very short periods of sleep every night, representing extremely disrupted sleep.</li>
</ol>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-sleep-changes-over-time">Tracking sleep changes over time</h2>



<p>To measure changes in sleep phenotypes, the researchers constructed a spatial model representing 5 million nights of sleep as different islands.</p>



<p>This model revealed patterns that allowed researchers to track individuals' movements between these "islands," highlighting how often people switched phenotypes. The switches provided crucial information about their health.</p>



<p>"We found that the little differences in how sleep disruptions occur can tell us a lot. Even if these instances are rare, their frequency is also telling. So it's not just whether you sleep well or not - it's the patterns of sleep over time where the key info hides," noted study co-author Professor Edward Wang.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-evolution-of-sleep-patterns">The evolution of sleep patterns </h2>



<p>This new study builds on previous research that had analyzed approximately 103,000 nights of data from the UK biobank. </p>



<p>However, earlier studies lacked the ability to track changes over time or link sleep patterns to health outcomes. </p>



<p>This research is the first to quantify the changing dynamics of people's sleep over time and use this data to offer better insights into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/community-sleep-health-predicts-success-among-children/">sleep health</a>, potentially indicating higher risks for various conditions.</p>



<p>The study demonstrates that understanding your sleep patterns can provide valuable insights into your health. </p>



<p>Wearable technology, like the Oura Ring, may empower users to detect subtle changes in sleep that can indicate health risks, offering a powerful tool for early detection and intervention.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41746-024-01125-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">npj Digital Medicine</a></em></em>.</p>



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Changing sleep patterns reveal insights about your health

Your sleep tracker does more than just record your sleep...

<p>In a significant finding, an international team of scientists has discovered that non-native species are expanding their ranges at a rate 100 times faster than native species, largely due to inadvertent human assistance. </p>



<p>This rapid expansion is crucial as climate change accelerates, affecting habitats and necessitating swift adaptation by flora and fauna.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-speed-matters-in-climate-change-adaptation">Speed matters in climate change adaptation</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/invasive-species-plants-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plants and animals</a> need to shift their ranges by 3.25 kilometers per year to keep pace with rising temperatures and climate shifts. Unfortunately, native species are struggling to meet this demand without human help.</p>



<p>By contrast, even seemingly sedentary non-native plants are moving three times faster than their native counterparts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-activity-boosts-non-native-species">Human activity boosts non-native species</h2>



<p>The research, led by a team from the <a href="https://www.umass.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Massachusetts Amherst</a>, includes contributions from scientists in New Jersey, Michigan, Colorado, Hawaii, Sevilla, and Zaragoza.</p>



<p>The experts conducted an extensive review of previously published papers and datasets to determine how far and fast both native and non-native species are moving.</p>



<p>The study highlighted how human activities, whether accidental or intentional, are accelerating the spread of non-native species.</p>



<p>"We know that the numbers of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/invasive-plants-alter-the-soundscape-of-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">invasive plant species</a> are increasing exponentially worldwide," said study lead author Professor Bethany Bradley.</p>



<p>"<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-nurseries-are-the-primary-pathway-for-introducing-invasive-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plant nurseries</a> are exacerbating this spread, and confronting invasives is a critical step in preparing for climate change. We wanted to quantify the current movement rates of both native and non-native species."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-influence-on-species-movement">Human influence on species movement</h2>



<p>The researchers determined that land-based species need to move at a rate of more than 3.25 kilometers per year to stay ahead of climate change, while marine species need to move at a rate of at least 2.75 kilometers per year.</p>



<p>According to the study, native species are only managing to move an average of 1.74 kilometers per year. Non-native species, on the other hand, are naturally spreading at a rate of about 35 kilometers per year.</p>



<p>With human intervention, the movement rate of alien species skyrockets to 1,883 kilometers per year - 1,000 times faster than native species.</p>



<p>"Essentially, there's no chance for native species to keep up with climate change without human help," spots Bradley.</p>



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



<p>The team also explored how far species might spread in a warming world. Although non-native species are likely to find more suitable habitats, they also risk losing territories as some regions become unsuitable.</p>



<p>"Non-native species might gain more territory with climate change, but they also have more to lose," noted Bradley. </p>



<p>"We need to consider and implement <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/assisted-migrations-could-help-species-survive-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">assisted migration</a> - deliberately helping native species move to more suitable locations - if our native plants and animals are to stand a chance."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-proactive-measures-to-support-native-species">Proactive measures to support native species</h2>



<p>The findings underscore the critical role that humans play in species distribution and highlight the need for proactive measures to support native species in the face of climate change.</p>



<p>Assisted migration could be a vital strategy in ensuring the survival of native flora and fauna as they struggle to keep pace with rapidly changing environments.</p>



<p>This comprehensive research offers a sobering reminder of the interconnectedness of human actions and ecological outcomes, urging immediate attention to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natures-chorus-invasive-plants-change-the-soundscape/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">invasive species</a> management and climate adaptation strategies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-examples-of-fast-spreading-non-native-species">Examples of fast-spreading non-native species</h2>



<p>Non-native species that spread rapidly can significantly impact ecosystems, economies, and human health. </p>



<p>One of the most notorious examples is the zebra mussel, native to Eurasia, which has spread throughout North American waterways, causing extensive ecological and economic damage by clogging water intake pipes and outcompeting native mussel species. </p>



<p>Another fast-spreading species is the cane toad, originally introduced to Australia to control pests but now proliferating uncontrollably, preying on native species and poisoning predators. </p>



<p>The Asian carp, introduced to the United States for aquaculture purposes, has spread throughout the Mississippi River Basin, outcompeting native fish for food and habitat. </p>



<p>The emerald ash borer, an insect native to Asia, has devastated ash tree populations in North America since its accidental introduction, leading to significant ecological and economic consequences. </p>



<p>The kudzu vine, native to Asia, was introduced to the southern United States for erosion control but has since spread aggressively, smothering native vegetation and altering ecosystems.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><em><a href="https://www.annualreviews.org/content/journals/10.1146/annurev-ecolsys-102722-013135" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics</a></em></em>.</p>



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Non-native species are spreading at an exponential rate

In a significant finding, an international team of scientists has...

<p>An alarming new study has revealed that 17 common types of synthetic “forever chemicals” can be easily absorbed through human skin.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This research proves for the first time that a wide range of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pfas-forever-chemicals-sent-to-land-ocean-waves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS</a> (perfluoroalkyl substances) - chemicals that do not break down in nature - can permeate the skin barrier and reach the bloodstream.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-widespread-use-of-forever-chemicals-nbsp">Widespread use of forever chemicals&nbsp;</h2>



<p>PFAS are widely used in industries and consumer products, including school uniforms and personal care items, for their water and stain repellent properties.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While some substances have been banned by government regulations, others remain in use, and their toxic effects have not been fully explored.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-former-chemicals-can-breach-the-skin-barrier-nbsp">Former chemicals can breach the skin barrier&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Previously, it was believed that forever chemicals could not breach the skin barrier. However, recent studies have linked the use of personal care products to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strict-pfas-limits-will-make-drinking-water-safer-for-100-million-americans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS</a> concentrations in human blood and breast milk.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This new study is the most comprehensive assessment of PFAS absorption into human skin to date, confirming that most of these chemicals can enter the body through this route.</p>



<p>Study lead author Dr. Oddný Ragnarsdóttir conducted the research while studying for her PhD at the <a href="https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Birmingham</a>.</p>



<p>“The ability of these chemicals to be absorbed through skin has previously been dismissed because the molecules are ionized. The electrical charge that gives them the ability to repel water and stains was thought to also make them incapable of crossing the skin membrane,” noted Dr. Ragnarsdóttir.</p>



<p>“Our research shows that this theory does not always hold true and that, in fact, uptake through the skin could be a significant source of exposure to these harmful chemicals.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pfas-skin-absorption-rates">PFAS skin absorption rates</h2>



<p>The researchers examined 17 different types of forever chemicals, focusing on those most widely used and studied for their toxic effects. These compounds correspond to chemicals regulated by the EU’s Drinking Water Directive.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The team used 3D human skin equivalent models - multilayered laboratory-grown tissues that mimic normal human skin - to measure absorption rates.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-skin-absorbs-some-pfas-more-than-others">Skin absorbs some PFAS more than others</h2>



<p>Of the 17 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/epa-reveals-new-evidence-of-forever-chemicals-in-drinking-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS</a> tested, 15 showed substantial dermal absorption, with at least 5% of the exposure dose being absorbed.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The most regulated PFAS, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), showed a 13.5% absorption rate into the bloodstream, with an additional 38% of the dose retained within the skin for potential longer-term uptake.</p>



<p>The researchers found that absorption levels correlated with the length of the carbon chain in the molecules. Compounds with shorter chains, which were introduced to replace longer-chain PFAS like PFOA, were more easily absorbed.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For example, perfluoropentanoic acid was absorbed at a rate four times higher than PFOA, at 59 percent.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-skin-exposure-to-forever-chemicals-nbsp">Skin exposure to forever chemicals&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“Our study provides first insight into the significance of the dermal route as a pathway of exposure to a wide range of forever chemicals,” said co-author Dr. Mohamed Abdallah.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Given the large number of existing PFAS, it is important that future studies aim to assess the risk of broad ranges of these toxic chemicals, rather than focusing on one chemical at a time.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-of-the-research-nbsp">Broader implications of the research&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“This study helps us to understand how important exposure to these chemicals via the skin might be and also which chemical structures might be most easily absorbed,” said study co-author Professor Stuart Harrad.</p>



<p>“This is important because we see a shift in industry towards chemicals with shorter chain lengths because these are believed to be less toxic - however, the trade-off might be that we absorb more of them, so we need to know more about the risks involved.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-health-impacts-of-forever-chemicals">Potential health impacts of forever chemicals </h2>



<p>PFAS, or forever chemicals, have been associated with several potential human health impacts. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-source-water-exceeds-safe-drinking-limits-of-pfas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Exposure</a> to these chemicals has been linked to a variety of adverse health effects.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-weakened-immunity">Weakened immunity</h3>



<p>PFAS can weaken the immune system, reducing the body’s ability to fight infections and potentially lowering the effectiveness of vaccines.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-liver-damage">Liver damage</h3>



<p>PFAS exposure can lead to liver damage, as these chemicals can accumulate in the liver, causing changes in liver function and contributing to diseases like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-developmental-issues">Developmental issues</h3>



<p>Exposure to PFAS, especially during pregnancy, can result in developmental problems in infants and children, such as lower birth weights, delayed puberty, and potential impacts on growth and learning.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cancer-risk">Cancer risk</h3>



<p>Some studies have suggested a link between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seafood-is-underestimated-source-of-pfas-exposure-in-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS exposure</a> and an increased risk of certain cancers, including kidney and testicular cancer.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hormonal-disruptions-nbsp">Hormonal disruptions&nbsp;</h3>



<p>PFAS can interfere with hormone production and regulation, leading to issues such as thyroid disease and reproductive problems.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-elevated-cholesterol-nbsp-nbsp">Elevated cholesterol&nbsp;&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Elevated cholesterol levels have been observed in individuals exposed to PFAS, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kidney-function">Kidney function</h3>



<p>There is evidence that PFAS can impact kidney function, potentially leading to chronic kidney disease.</p>



<p>Given the persistent nature of PFAS in the environment and the body, these health impacts underscore the importance of ongoing research and regulation to mitigate exposure and protect public health.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-common-products-containing-forever-chemicals">Common products containing forever chemicals </h2>



<p>Some of the most common products containing PFAS include non-stick cookware, such as Teflon-coated pans, which use PFAS to create a non-stick surface.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Water-resistant and stain-repellent fabrics, including outdoor gear, rain jackets, and some carpets, often contain these chemicals. </p>



<p>PFAS are used in food packaging materials, like microwave popcorn bags and fast-food wrappers, to prevent grease from seeping through.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Personal care products, such as some cosmetics, lotions, and shampoos, may contain PFAS to enhance their water and smudge resistance. Forever chemicals have even been found in many soft contact lenses in the United States. </p>



<p>PFAS are also present in some cleaning products, paints, and coatings, providing durability and resistance to stains and corrosion.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Despite increased regulation and awareness, these chemicals remain widespread due to their long-lasting and versatile properties.</p>



<p>The University of Birmingham study is published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0160412024003581" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Environment International</em></a>.&nbsp;</p>



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Forever chemicals are easily absorbed through skin

An alarming new study has revealed that 17 common types...

<p>Astronomers are on a quest to determine whether nearby stars could host <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-have-identified-85-new-exoplanets-that-could-harbor-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitable exoplanets</a> by analyzing their radiation emissions.</p>



<p>Using NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory and ESA's XMM-Newton, researchers aim to identify stars that emit levels of radiation conducive to life as we know it. </p>



<p>This research is crucial for guiding observations with next-generation telescopes that will capture images of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/habitable-exoplanet-gliese-12-b-only-40-light-years-away-earth-like-temperatures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth-like</a> planets.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-examining-nearby-stars-for-habitability">Examining nearby stars for habitability</h2>



<p>A team of researchers has studied stars close enough to Earth that future telescopes could capture images of planets in their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/super-earth-discovered-in-the-habitable-zone-of-its-star/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitable zones</a>. These zones are defined as regions where planets could have liquid water on their surfaces.</p>



<p>While images of these planets will appear as single points of light, their spectra - the light at different wavelengths - will provide vital information about their surface compositions and atmospheres.</p>



<p>A key factor in determining a planet's habitability is the amount of harmful X-rays and ultraviolet light it receives from its host star, which can damage or strip away its atmosphere.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-importance-of-x-ray-characterization">Importance of X-ray characterization</h2>



<p>"Without characterizing X-rays from its host star, we would be missing a key element on whether a planet is truly habitable or not," explained Breanna Binder of <a href="https://www.cpp.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">California State Polytechnic University in Pomona</a>, who led the study. "We need to look at what kind of X-ray doses these planets are receiving."</p>



<p>The team started with a list of stars close enough to Earth for future telescopes to image planets within their habitable zones. These telescopes include the Habitable Worlds Observatory and extremely large ground-based telescopes.</p>



<p>Based on X-ray observations from Chandra and XMM-Newton, the researchers evaluated which stars could host planets with conditions <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trappist-1-has-seven-earth-like-planets-that-may-support-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">suitable for life</a>.</p>



<p>The experts analyzed the brightness, energy, and variability of the stars' X-ray emissions, such as flares. Brighter and more energetic X-rays can cause significant damage to the atmospheres of orbiting planets.</p>



<p>"The research team examined which stars could have hospitable conditions on orbiting planets for life to form and prosper," noted NASA.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-promising-stars-for-habitable-planets">Promising stars for habitable planets</h2>



<p>"We have identified stars where the habitable zone's X-ray radiation environment is similar to or even milder than the one in which Earth evolved," said Sarah Peacock, a co-author of the study from the <a href="https://umbc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Maryland, Baltimore County</a>. "Such conditions may play a key role in sustaining a rich atmosphere like the one found on Earth."</p>



<p>The team used archival data from nearly 10 days of Chandra observations and about 26 days of XMM-Newton observations to study the X-ray behavior of 57 nearby stars, some of which have known planets. </p>



<p>Most of these planets are gas giants like Jupiter, Saturn, or Neptune, while only a few are less than twice the mass of Earth.</p>



<p>There are likely many more planets, especially Earth-sized ones, orbiting the stars in the sample that remain undetected. </p>



<p>Transit studies, which detect tiny dips in light when planets pass in front of their stars, miss many planets due to the required special geometry. Only one <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-telescopes-can-directly-detect-signs-of-alien-life-in-exoplanet-atmospheres/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exoplanet</a> in the sample was detected through transits.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-refining-the-search-for-earth-like-planets">Refining the search for Earth-like planets</h2>



<p>The primary technique for detecting planets involves observing the wobbling of a star caused by orbiting planets, mainly effective for finding giant planets close to their stars. </p>



<p>"We don't know how many planets similar to Earth will be discovered with the next generation of telescopes," said study co-author Edward Schwieterman of UC Riverside. "But we do know that observing time on them will be precious and extremely difficult to obtain." </p>



<p>"These X-ray data are helping to refine and prioritize the list of targets and may allow the first image of a planet similar to Earth to be obtained more quickly."</p>



<p>The research is paving the way for future discoveries of potentially <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-finds-17-exoplanets-that-have-oceans-and-possibly-alien-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitable exoplanets</a>, bringing us closer to answering the age-old question of whether we are alone in the universe.</p>



<p>The results of the study were presented at the 244th meeting of the <a href="https://aas.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Astronomical Society</a> in Madison, Wisconsin.</p>



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Searching for habitable planets by measuring stars' radiation levels

Astronomers are on a quest to determine whether nearby stars...

<p>Five hundred million years ago, the Cambrian “SPICE” event led to a significant drop in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cautionary-tale-todays-ocean-oxygen-levels-may-have-cascading-impacts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oceanic oxygen</a> levels. Researchers from the <a href="https://www.ku.dk/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Copenhagen</a> have now explored how large-scale ocean anoxia developed during this event and its potential modern implications. </p>



<p>The study identified a phosphorus recycling chain reaction from ocean sediments as a key factor in oxygen loss.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-self-amplifying-feedback-loop-nbsp">Self-amplifying feedback loop&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“Under anoxic conditions, phosphorus is released more efficiently from sediments, which further depleted oxygen levels and expanded anoxia at the global scale,” explained senior author Tais W. Dahl, an associate professor of geobiology at the University of Copenhagen.</p>



<p>“This self-amplifying loop led to a rapid and prolonged marine anoxia. The study warns that the feedback loop is still looming in today's oceans, where human activities might influence <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/excess-nutrients-are-creating-ocean-dead-zones/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nutrient</a> dynamics in ways that increase the risk of setting off cascading anoxic conditions." </p>



<p>"Coastal zones, in particular, could be susceptible to anoxia that might propagate on a larger scale.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-no-immediate-threat-nbsp">No immediate threat&nbsp;</h2>



<p>While global-scale anoxia is not an immediate threat today due to limited phosphorus resources and high atmospheric oxygen levels, the study highlights the importance of understanding nutrient dynamics and sedimentation processes, particularly in coastal zones.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These insights are crucial for managing the health of marine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/water-turbidity-helps-protect-coastal-ecosystems/%C3%B9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystems</a> and their resident animal species.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-of-ocean-chemistry-nbsp">Evolution of ocean chemistry&nbsp;</h2>



<p>By comparing ancient and modern marine systems, this study provides valuable insights into the potential evolution of ocean chemistry today.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Emphasizing the importance of historical context, the research aims to improve predictive models and guide policy decisions to safeguard <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-reefs-are-threatened-by-low-oxygen-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine ecosystems</a> and ensure their resilience in the face of ongoing environmental changes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preventing-a-future-tipping-point-nbsp">Preventing a future tipping point&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“The SPICE event exemplifies how oxygen loss in marine ecosystems cascaded shoreward, passing a tipping point resulting in lasting harm to animal ecosystems, altering the carbon cycle,” noted the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“These insights emphasize the importance of understanding marine nutrient dynamics and the need to improve forecasting models to guide policy, ensure marine health, and prevent conditions that could cause self-cascading oceanic damage.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cascading-oxygen-loss-nbsp">Cascading oxygen loss&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Cascading oxygen loss in the ocean refers to a process where deoxygenation spreads from one part of the ocean to another, creating a chain reaction.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>This phenomenon typically begins in areas with high nutrient runoff, such as coastal regions with heavy agricultural or urban pollution.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Excess nutrients stimulate the growth of phytoplankton, which, after dying, sink and decompose. This decomposition consumes oxygen, leading to hypoxic (low oxygen) or anoxic (no oxygen) conditions.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expansion-of-low-oxygen-conditions-nbsp">Expansion of low-oxygen conditions&nbsp;</h3>



<p>As these hypoxic or anoxic zones expand, they affect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-impacting-marine-life-more-than-we-realized/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine life</a>, causing die-offs of species that cannot survive in low-oxygen environments. </p>



<p>The loss of these species further disrupts the marine ecosystem, altering food webs and reducing biodiversity. Additionally, as the affected waters circulate and mix with other ocean areas, the low-oxygen conditions can spread, exacerbating the problem.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-interplay-nbsp">Complex interplay&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Cascading oxygen loss also interacts with other stressors, such as rising ocean temperatures and acidification, making marine environments even more inhospitable.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This complex interplay of factors can lead to widespread and persistent deoxygenation, significantly impacting ocean health and the services it provides to human societies, such as fisheries and carbon sequestration.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-does-oxygen-loss-impact-marine-species">How does oxygen loss impact marine species?</h2>



<p>Oxygen loss in marine environments significantly impacts marine animals by reducing the availability of a critical element needed for their survival.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As oxygen levels decrease, many marine species experience stress, which can lead to decreased growth rates, impaired reproductive success, and increased susceptibility to diseases.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This hypoxic condition forces marine animals to either adapt, migrate to areas with higher oxygen levels, or face potential mortality.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Additionally, oxygen depletion can disrupt food chains, as both predator and prey species are affected, leading to broader ecological consequences in marine ecosystems.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.oneear.2024.05.011" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>One Earth</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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



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Cascading oxygen loss is endangering ocean life

Five hundred million years ago, the Cambrian “SPICE” event led...

<p>As space travel becomes more frequent, it is vital to consider the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/space-travel-takes-a-greater-toll-on-astronauts-brains-than-previously-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">effects</a> of space flight and altered gravity on human health. </p>



<p>Researchers at <a href="https://www.tamu.edu/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Texas A&amp;M University</a>, led by Dr. Ana Diaz Artiles, are focusing on the impact of microgravity conditions on human eye health. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-space-travel-and-eye-health-nbsp">Space travel and eye health&nbsp;</h2>



<p>According to the scientists, fluid shifts caused by microgravity can affect the cardiovascular system, including eye vessels.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spaceflight-associated-neuro-ocular-syndrome">Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome</h3>



<p>The microgravity changes can potentially lead to vision impairment, often referred to as Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS). This condition primarily affects astronauts who spend extended periods in microgravity environments. </p>



<p>SANS occurs when the fluid shifts associated with space travel increase pressure inside the skull and on the eyes, leading to changes in the shape of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-a-link-between-eye-health-and-lifespan/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eye</a> and ocular perfusion pressure (OPP). </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-symptoms-of-sans">Symptoms of SANS</h3>



<p>Common symptoms include swelling of the optic disc, flattening of the back of the eye (globe flattening), and changes in the retina. These changes can result in blurred vision, difficulties in focusing on near objects, and other visual distortions.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mechanisms-and-countermeasures">Mechanisms and countermeasures</h3>



<p>The exact mechanisms behind SANS are still being studied, but it is clear that the prolonged exposure to microgravity plays a significant role.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Countermeasures such as special exercises, medications, and equipment like lower body negative pressure devices are being explored to mitigate these effects and protect astronauts' vision during long-duration <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astronauts-kidneys-may-not-survive-a-roundtrip-to-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space missions</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fluid-shifts-during-space-flight">Fluid shifts during space flight</h2>



<p>“When we experience microgravity conditions, we see changes in the cardiovascular system because gravity is not pulling down all these fluids as it typically does on Earth when we are in an upright position,” said Dr. Diaz Artiles, an assistant professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“When we're upright, a large part of our fluids are stored in our legs, but in microgravity, we get a redistribution of fluids into the upper body.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mitigating-headward-fluid-shifts-nbsp">Mitigating headward fluid shifts&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Dr. Diaz Artiles' team is exploring countermeasures like lower body negative pressure (LBNP) to mitigate headward fluid shifts. </p>



<p>The recent study found that while lower body negative pressure effectively moves fluids to the lower body, it does not reduce ocular perfusion pressure, suggesting it may not be an effective countermeasure for Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between ocular perfusion pressure and SANS.</p>



<p>“This research is just one experiment of a three-part study to better understand the effects of fluid shift in the body and its relationship to SANS,” said Dr. Diaz Artiles.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Previous experiments in this study included the use of a tilt table for researchers to understand the cardiovascular effects of fluid shifts at different altered gravity levels, recreated by using different tilt angles.”</p>



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



<p>Upcoming research will also aim to conduct experiments in true <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microgravity-causes-big-problems-with-human-gene-expression/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microgravity</a> conditions, such as parabolic flights, to better understand the impact of space travel on the human body. This comprehensive approach aims to develop effective countermeasures for the health challenges posed by altered gravity environments in space.</p>



<p>“Concern over the accuracy of terrestrial LBNP experiments should be considered, as the combination of reduced central venous pressure while still experiencing G<sub>x</sub> (front-to-back) gravity conditions may produce results not necessarily comparable to physiological responses during spaceflight conditions. Thus, future studies should investigate LBNP responses in true microgravity conditions,” noted the researchers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-space-travel-and-human-health">Space travel and human health</h2>



<p>Space travel significantly impacts the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astronauts-report-space-headaches-during-long-missio/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human body</a> in various ways. The microgravity environment leads to muscle atrophy and bone density loss because the body doesn't have to support its weight.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Astronauts often experience fluid redistribution, causing puffy faces and thinner legs, as well as changes in cardiovascular function due to the shift of fluids toward the upper body. Vision can be affected, sometimes resulting in long-term impairment.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Additionally, space radiation poses a risk for increased cancer rates and potential damage to the nervous system. The psychological effects of isolation and confinement in space also present challenges, potentially leading to stress, sleep disorders, and other mental health issues.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Overall, the human body undergoes significant physiological and psychological stress during space travel, requiring extensive countermeasures and research to mitigate these effects.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41526-024-00404-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>NPJ Microgravity</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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



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How does space travel affect eye health?

As space travel becomes more frequent, it is vital to...

<p>For the first time, astronomers have directly imaged a long-anticipated <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/messier-82-unlocking-the-mysteries-of-star-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a> phenomenon in the Serpens Nebula, captured by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope’s Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam).</p>



<p>This remarkable image of the Serpens Nebula reveals a discovery in the northern area of this young, nearby star-forming region.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-unique-alignment-in-the-serpens-nebula">A unique alignment in the Serpens Nebula</h2>



<p>Astronomers identified a fascinating group of protostellar outflows formed when jets of gas from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hubble-detects-awe-inspiring-newborn-star/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">newborn stars</a> collide with surrounding gas and dust at high speeds.</p>



<p>Typically, these outflows have varied orientations within one region. However, in this case, they align uniformly, resembling sleet pouring down during a storm. </p>



<p>This discovery, enabled by Webb’s exceptional spatial resolution and sensitivity in near-infrared wavelengths, sheds light on the fundamentals of star formation.</p>



<p>“Astronomers have long assumed that as clouds collapse to form stars, the stars will tend to spin in the same direction,” said Klaus Pontoppidan of <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California</a>. </p>



<p>“However, this has not been seen so directly before. These aligned, elongated structures are a historical record of the fundamental way that stars are born.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-stellar-jets">The role of stellar jets</h2>



<p>The alignment of stellar jets is linked to the rotation of the forming star. As an interstellar gas cloud collapses to form a star, it spins more rapidly. To continue moving inward, some of the spin - known as angular momentum - must be removed.</p>



<p>A disk of material forms around the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secret-origins-of-young-star-clusters-traced-to-three-families/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">young star</a>, transporting material down like a whirlpool around a drain. Swirling magnetic fields in the inner disk launch some material into twin jets that shoot outward in opposite directions, perpendicular to the disk.</p>



<p>In the Webb image, these jets are visible as bright, clumpy streaks appearing red due to shockwaves from the jet colliding with surrounding gas and dust. The red color signifies the presence of molecular hydrogen and carbon monoxide.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-young-stars-and-their-outflows">Young stars and their outflows </h2>



<p>“This area of the Serpens Nebula - Serpens North - only comes into clear view with Webb,” said study lead author Joel Green of the <a href="https://www.stsci.edu/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Space Telescope Science Institute</a> in Baltimore.</p>



<p>“We’re now able to catch these extremely young stars and their outflows, some of which previously appeared as just blobs or were completely invisible in optical wavelengths due to thick dust.”</p>



<p>Astronomers suggest several forces can shift the direction of outflows during a young star’s life. One possibility is binary stars spinning around each other, causing a wobble that twists the direction of the outflows over time.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-young-stars-of-the-serpens-nebula-0">Young stars of the Serpens Nebula</h2>



<p>The Serpens Nebula, located 1,300 light-years from Earth, is a mere one or two million years old. It hosts a dense cluster of newly forming stars, some of which will eventually grow to the mass of our Sun.</p>



<p>“Webb is a young stellar object-finding machine,” noted Green. “In this field, we pick up signposts of every single young star, down to the lowest mass stars.”</p>



<p>Filaments and wisps of different hues in the image represent starlight reflected from still-forming protostars within the cloud. Some areas show dust in front of that reflection, appearing as an orange, diffuse shade.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-and-planet-formation-research">Star and planet formation research</h2>



<p>This image, along with the serendipitous discovery of aligned objects, marks just the beginning of the team's scientific endeavor.</p>



<p>Coming up next, the researchers will use Webb’s Near-Infrared Spectrograph (NIRSpec) to analyze the chemical makeup of the cloud. The goal is to determine how volatile chemicals, which sublimate at relatively low temperatures, survive star and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planet-formation-new-insights-mechanics-physics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planet formation</a>.</p>



<p>“At the most basic form, we are all made of matter that came from these volatiles,” said Pontoppidan. “Looking at the abundance of these critical compounds in protostars just before their protoplanetary disks have formed could help us understand how unique the circumstances were when our own solar system formed.”</p>



<p>The detailed analyses will provide insight into the composition of protoplanetary disks of similar-type stars, furthering our understanding of the complex processes which promote star and planet formation.</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, K. Pontoppidan (NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory) and J. Green (Space Telescope Science Institute).</p>



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Captivating image of Serpens Nebula reveals how stars are born

For the first time, astronomers have directly imaged a long-anticipated...

<p>Having more positive experiences in life can greatly improve your brain health, according to a new study led by <a href="https://www.columbia.edu/">Columbia University</a>.</p>



<p>The researchers found that positive psychosocial experiences are associated with slower age-related cognitive decline, a lower risk of developing brain disorders like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alzheimers-disease-earliest-biomarker-protein-psd-95-identified/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alzheimer's</a> disease, and even a longer life. </p>



<p>However, the underlying molecular pathways - which translate these feelings and experiences into physical changes in the brain - remain unclear.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-mitochondria-nbsp">The role of mitochondria&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The research suggests that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mitochondria-cells-batteries-leaking-causes-inflammation-diseases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mitochondria</a> in the brain may play a crucial role. According to the experts, the molecular machinery used by mitochondria to transform energy is enhanced in older adults who experienced less psychological stress during their lives compared to those with more negative experiences.</p>



<p>“We're showing that older individuals' state of mind is linked to the biology of their brain mitochondria, which is the first time that subjective psychosocial experiences have been related to brain biology,” said Caroline Trumpff, an assistant professor of medical psychology at Columbia</p>



<p>Trumpff led the research together with Martin Picard, an associate professor of behavioral medicine at the same university.</p>



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



<p>The experts analyzed data from two extensive studies involving nearly 450 older adults in the United States, collecting detailed psychosocial information over two decades. Participants donated their brains after death for further analysis, providing data on the state of their brain cells.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Trumpff created indices that converted reports of positive and negative psychosocial factors into a single score of overall psychosocial experience. She also scored each participant on seven domains representing distinct genetic networks active in mitochondria.</p>



<p>“The use of multivariate mitotype indices is an important innovation because we could more easily interpret the biological state of the mitochondria with networks of related genes than an analysis of thousands of individual genes,” Picard explained.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-abundance-of-proteins-in-mitochondria-nbsp">Abundance of proteins in mitochondria&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The results showed that one mitochondrial domain, assessing the organelle's energy transformation machinery, was associated with psychosocial scores.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Greater well-being was linked to greater abundance of proteins in mitochondria needed to transform energy, whereas negative mood was linked to lower protein content,” noted Trumpff.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-health-on-a-cellular-level">Brain health on a cellular level</h2>



<p>The researchers also analyzed mitochondria in specific brain cell types and found that the associations between mitochondria and psychosocial factors were driven not by the brain's neurons but its glial cells.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This piece of the study, made possible by our collaboration with the Columbia Center for Translational and Computational Neuroimmunology, is what I think makes it particularly significant,” Picard said.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“To ask questions at this level of cellular resolution in the brain is unprecedented in the mitochondrial field. Neurons have been the focus of neuroscience, but we're waking up to the fact that other cells in the brain may be driving disease.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mitochondria-mood-and-brain-health">Mitochondria, mood, and brain health</h2>



<p>The study cannot determine whether the participant's psychosocial experiences altered their brain mitochondria or if innate or acquired mitochondrial states contributed to those experiences. However, other studies suggest that the relationship between mitochondria and mood works both ways.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In animal studies, for instance, chronic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exercise-significantly-lowers-heart-disease-risk-by-reducing-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stress</a> has been shown to affect mitochondrial energy transformation. </p>



<p>Moreover, a recent study conducted by Picard and collaborator Elissa Epel at the University of California, San Francisco found that positive mood predicted greater mitochondrial energy production in participants' blood cells on subsequent days.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measuring-the-brain-s-mitochondrial-health-nbsp">Measuring the brain's mitochondrial health&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Trumpff and Picard are currently studying whether increased energy transformation machinery leads to greater energy transformation in the brain's mitochondria. They are also exploring ways to measure the brain's mitochondrial health, which could be used in doctors' offices in the future.</p>



<p>“Mitochondria are the source of health and life, but we don't have ways to quantify health, only disease,” Picard explained. “We need a science of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/walking-is-a-powerful-tool-to-boost-brain-health-and-overall-well-being/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health</a>. We need tests that show how healthy and resilient someone is.” </p>



<p>“This would be valuable clinically to monitor changes in health before the appearance of disease, and it could transform medical research by giving scientists something to target other than decades of accumulated protein deposits or other forms of long-term damage.”</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2317673121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Brain health may literally be a state of mind

Having more positive experiences in life can greatly improve your...

<p>A team of scientists led by the <a href="https://missouri.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Missouri</a> is currently using light that has traveled across space for billions of years to observe the early universe. They have recently discovered that spiral <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-mesmerizing-beauty-of-spiral-galaxies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> were more common in the early universe than previously believed. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prevalence-of-early-spiral-galaxies-nbsp">Prevalence of early spiral galaxies&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“Scientists formerly believed most spiral galaxies developed around six to seven billion years after the universe formed,” said co-author Yicheng Guo, an associate professor of astrophysics at the University of Missouri.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“However, our study shows spiral galaxies were already prevalent as early as two billion years afterward. This means <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-galaxy-formation-occurred-much-faster-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy formation</a> happened more rapidly than we previously thought.”</p>



<p>The discovery helps deepen our understanding of how spiral galaxies, like the Milky Way, formed over time. </p>



<p>“Knowing when spiral galaxies formed in the universe has been a popular question in astronomy because it helps us understand the evolution and history of the cosmos,” said lead author Vicki Kuhn, a graduate student at the same university.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-varying-types-of-spiral-arms-nbsp">Varying types of spiral arms&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The formation mechanisms of spiral arms vary among different types of galaxies, and this new data aids in aligning physical properties with theoretical models, creating a more comprehensive timeline of cosmic history.</p>



<p>“Spiral structures are present in a majority of the galaxies that we see at low redshift and are the hubs of star formation. Understanding how and when spiral galaxies first existed in the Universe has been a popular topic since their first discovery,” noted the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The arms of spiral galaxies can range from grand design (having well-defined arms) to multi-armed to flocculent (patchy and discontinuous arms). Different types of spiral arms are believed to have different formation histories.“</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-how-galaxies-form-over-time">Understanding how galaxies form over time</h2>



<p>Using the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/expansion-rate-of-the-universe-confirmed-by-jwst/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Webb Space Telescope</a> (JWST), the researchers found that nearly 30% of galaxies had a spiral structure around two billion years after the universe formed. This discovery updates our understanding of the universe’s origins, which was previously based on data from NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. </p>



<p>“Using advanced instruments such as JWST allows us to study more distant galaxies with greater detail than ever before,” said Professor Guo.</p>



<p>“A galaxy’s spiral arms are a fundamental feature used by astronomers to categorize galaxies and understand how they form over time.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Even though we still have many questions about the universe's past, analyzing this data helps us uncover additional clues and deepens our understanding of the physics that shaped the nature of our universe.”</p>



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



<p>Spiral galaxies are notable for their distinct and beautiful structure, characterized by a central bulge surrounded by flat, rotating disks of stars, gas, and dust.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These disks form spiral arms that wind outward, often appearing as sweeping, luminous pathways. The arms are sites of active star formation, glowing brightly due to the presence of young, hot stars.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Spiral galaxies, including the Milky Way, often exhibit a dynamic interplay of gravity and angular momentum, maintaining their striking spiral shape. Their varied sizes and diverse appearances make them a prominent and fascinating subject in the study of the universe.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-milky-way">The Milky Way</h2>



<p>The Milky Way Galaxy is a barred spiral galaxy that contains our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-the-delicate-balance-of-our-solar-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar system</a> and is estimated to be about 100,000 light-years in diameter. </p>



<p>The Milky Way is composed of a central bulge, a surrounding disk of gas, dust, and stars, and an extended halo of older stars and globular clusters. The central bulge contains a supermassive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/powerful-magnetic-fields-may-be-key-features-of-black-holes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black hole</a> known as Sagittarius A*. </p>



<p>Our galaxy is part of a structure known as the Local Group, which also includes the Andromeda Galaxy and the Triangulum Galaxy, among others.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The Milky Way is constantly rotating, with stars and other materials orbiting the galactic center. It is also actively forming new stars, particularly in its spiral arms, where dense clouds of gas and dust provide the necessary conditions for star formation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The Milky Way is just one of billions of galaxies in the observable universe, each with its own unique structure and characteristics.</p>



<p>The study is published in the <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/2041-8213/ad43eb" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Astrophysical Journal Letters</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Milky Way-like galaxies were present in the early universe

A team of scientists led by the University of Missouri...

<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=lHHxOej4QfE
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Researchers found a correlation between Alzheimer's disease and traffic pollution.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-invisible-threat-in-urban-air"><strong>Invisible threat in urban air</strong></h2>



<p>City dwellers face an unseen danger with every breath. New findings from Emory University researchers suggest that fine particulate matter from <a href="http://earth.com/news/traffic-related-air-pollution-might-increase-alzheimers-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vehicle emissions may significantly elevate the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease</a>. The study examined brain tissue samples from 224 individuals who had confirmed diagnoses and volunteered their brains for scientific research.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disturbing-connections-emerge"><strong>Disturbing connections emerge</strong></h2>



<p>Scientists analyzed neuritic plaques — protein clusters that characterize Alzheimer's — while mapping each participant's exposure to PM2.5 particles based on residential location and surrounding traffic density. The correlation proved more alarming than anticipated. Individuals experiencing higher pollution exposure showed nearly double the likelihood of elevated plaque accumulation in brain tissue.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-timing-matters"><strong>Timing matters</strong></h2>



<p>The research team discovered that pollution exposure during the final year before death demonstrated the strongest association with brain changes. This timeline suggests relatively rapid impacts from environmental toxins on neural health. The connection remained robust even after accounting for various demographic and health factors.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-vulnerability-patterns"><strong>Genetic vulnerability patterns</strong></h2>



<p>Perhaps most concerning, people lacking the APOE gene—which naturally predisposes individuals to Alzheimer's — exhibited more than twice the susceptibility to pollution-related brain damage. Study author Dr. Anke Huels noted this indicates environmental elements like air contamination could trigger the disease in cases where hereditary factors don't explain.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-public-health-implications"><strong>Public health implications</strong></h2>



<p>These findings, published in <em><a href="https://www.neurology.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neurology</a></em>, underscore the critical importance of air quality regulations in urban planning. The research suggests that implementing stricter emission controls and promoting alternative transportation could serve as powerful tools in Alzheimer's prevention.</p>



<p>As cities worldwide grapple with growing traffic congestion and aging populations, this study highlights an urgent need for comprehensive approaches to environmental health that protect both our lungs and our minds.</p>



<p>—–</p>



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<p>—–</p>

Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHHxOej4QfE Researchers found a correlation between Alzheimer's disease and traffic...

<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=2E0mn5mTvhQ
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">'Death Star' moon Mimas conceals a 15-million-year-old ocean that scientists never expected.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-waters-beneath-ancient-craters">Hidden waters beneath ancient craters</h2>



<p>Scientists have made a startling discovery that challenges everything we thought we knew about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saturn-moon-mimas-has-remarkably-young-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saturn's moon Mimas</a>. Beneath the heavily cratered surface that earned it the nickname "Death Star" lies a global ocean that formed just 5 to 15 million years ago—a remarkably young age by cosmic standards.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cassini-data-reveals-orbital-secrets">Cassini data reveals orbital secrets</h2>



<p>The discovery, led by Dr. Valéry Lainey of the <a href="https://observatoiredeparis.psl.eu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Observatoire de Paris</a>, emerged from careful analysis of <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>'s Cassini spacecraft data. By studying subtle irregularities in Mimas's orbit around Saturn, researchers detected the gravitational signature of liquid water hidden 20 to 30 kilometers beneath the moon's icy shell.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-unlikely-ocean-world">An unlikely ocean world</h2>



<p>At only 400 kilometers in diameter, Mimas seemed like the least likely candidate to harbor a subsurface ocean. Unlike other ocean moons such as Europa and Enceladus, which show clear surface signs of internal activity, Mimas displays no obvious hints of the liquid water beneath its ancient, crater-scarred exterior.</p>



<p>"Mimas is a small moon, and its heavily cratered surface gave no hint of the hidden ocean beneath," explained Dr. Nick Cooper from <a href="https://www.qmul.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queen Mary University of London</a>, a study co-author.</p>



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



<p>The ocean's recent formation makes Mimas a prime target for studying how oceans develop and potentially support life. This discovery adds another member to the exclusive club of ocean worlds in our solar system, each offering unique insights into the conditions necessary for habitability.</p>



<p>The research, published in <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a></em> journal, demonstrates how advanced orbital analysis can reveal hidden features of celestial bodies, opening new possibilities for understanding ocean formation throughout the cosmos.</p>



<p>—–</p>



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<p>—–</p>

Scientists discover unexpected young ocean on Saturn's cratered moon Mimas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2E0mn5mTvhQ 'Death Star' moon Mimas conceals a 15-million-year-old ocean that...

<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=K0DuSr87SHY
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">57 million-year ice age mystery solved by Australian scientists.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-earth-became-a-frozen-wasteland">When Earth became a frozen wasteland</h2>



<p>Imagine Earth as a giant snowball, frozen solid from the North Pole to the equator. This wasn't the plot of a science fiction movie – it was our planet's reality 700 million years ago during an extreme ice age that has puzzled scientists for decades.</p>



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



<p>Australian researchers from the <a href="https://www.sydney.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Sydney</a> have finally cracked one of geology's greatest mysteries: what caused the Sturtian glaciation and why it persisted for an unprecedented 57 million years. This period occurred long before dinosaurs roamed the Earth, when no complex plants or multicellular animals existed.</p>



<p>Dr. Adriana Dutkiewicz, the study's lead author, describes a world completely unlike today's climate. "Imagine the Earth almost completely frozen over," she explained. "The planet was blanketed in ice from poles to equator, and temperatures plunged."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-combination-of-climate-factors">The combination of climate factors</h2>



<p>The research team discovered that this massive freeze resulted from a "double whammy" of geological events. First, plate tectonic activity reduced volcanic carbon dioxide emissions to historically low levels. Volcanic activity typically releases CO2 into the atmosphere, creating a greenhouse effect that keeps Earth warm.</p>



<p>Simultaneously, weathering of volcanic rocks in what is now Canada actively absorbed atmospheric CO2, further reducing greenhouse gas concentrations. When atmospheric carbon dioxide levels dropped below 200 parts per million – less than half of today's levels – glaciation engulfed the entire planet.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-climate-implications">Modern climate implications</h2>



<p>Published in the journal <em><a href="https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/geology" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geology</a></em>, this research provides crucial insights into Earth's climate system. While geological climate changes occur over millions of years, the study emphasizes that human-induced climate change is happening at a pace ten times faster than previously observed natural changes, highlighting the urgent need to understand our planet's delicate climate balance.</p>



<p>—–</p>



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What caused the planet's longest ice age

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0DuSr87SHY 57 million-year ice age mystery solved by Australian scientists....

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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<p>—–</p>

Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>

Social modeling affects our food choices

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists discover we age in bursts

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists solve the mystery of tickling

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>



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



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

Retired professor claims he solved time travel

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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