<p>The world’s oceans are our biggest climate ally, soaking up roughly a quarter of the carbon dioxide humanity releases and about 90% of the excess heat we’ve trapped in the atmosphere. In 2023, that ally got pushed to the limit.&nbsp;</p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-are-substantially-changing-the-seasons-of-the-ocean/">Sea-surface temperatures</a> jumped to unprecedented levels - from a supercharged El Niño in the tropics to blistering warmth across the North Atlantic - raising a pressing question: what happens to the ocean’s carbon sink when the water itself is record hot?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stress-test-for-the-ocean-carbon-sink">Stress test for the ocean carbon sink</h2>



<p>An international team led by <a href="https://ethz.ch/en.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ETH Zurich</a> dug into ship, buoy, and satellite observations. The researchers used machine learning to stitch those measurements into daily maps of surface CO₂ across most of the global ocean.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The results showed that in 2023, the ocean absorbed nearly one billion tons less CO₂ than recent trends would suggest, a drop of about 10 percent. That shortfall is roughly half the European Union’s annual emissions, or more than 20 times Switzerland’s.</p>



<p>“This sudden warming of the ocean to new record temperatures is challenging for climate research,” said ETH professor Nicolas Gruber. The results, he added, are “not good news,” but the decline was smaller than many feared when temperatures first spiked.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-heat-weakens-the-sink">Why heat weakens the sink</h2>



<p>The basic physics are familiar to anyone who has watched a cold fizzy drink go flat in the sun. Warm water holds less dissolved gas. </p>



<p>In 2023, exceptional heat in the extratropical Northern Hemisphere, especially the North Atlantic, reduced CO₂ solubility and flipped parts of the ocean from absorbing CO₂ to letting it escape. </p>



<p>Study lead author Jens Daniel Müller explained that high temperatures reduced the solubility of CO₂, resulting in abnormal CO₂ outgassing and reducing the strength of the ocean carbon sink.</p>



<p>On paper, that solubility effect alone should have been devastating - large enough to nearly collapse the global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/satellites-reveal-how-oceans-absorb-carbon-in-unprecedented-detail/">carbon sink</a>. It didn’t, and the reason is the ocean’s built-in capacity to counterpunch.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-forces-that-blunted-the-blow">The forces that blunted the blow</h2>



<p>Three processes helped keep surface waters less saturated with carbon than they otherwise would have been, softening the hit to the sink.&nbsp;</p>



<p>First, as some CO₂ outgassed, it left the surface temporarily depleted, which slightly improved the gradient for uptake elsewhere and later. Second, extreme surface warmth strengthened stratification, limiting the upward supply of CO₂-rich deep water. </p>



<p>Third, the biological pump kept working: <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plankton-at-risk-global-warming-threatens-the-oceans-lifeline/">plankton</a> captured CO₂ in sunlit layers and exported carbon to depth as organic matter sank.</p>



<p>Taken together, these mechanisms created a tug-of-war. Temperature pushed CO₂ out of the ocean; stratification, biology, and the drawdown created by outgassing itself pulled the system back toward balance.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As Gruber noted, the 2023 outcome reflects a permanent tug-of-war between temperature-induced outgassing and the concurrent depletion of dissolved CO₂.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-el-nino-helped-just-not-enough">El Niño helped - just not enough</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/el-nino-climate-shifts-date-back-250-million-years/">El Niño</a> usually weakens upwelling of cold, carbon-rich water in the tropical Pacific, which slashes the region’s natural CO₂ emissions and, paradoxically, tends to strengthen the global sink even in a warm year. </p>



<p>That pattern held in 2023: the tropical eastern Pacific, a typical source of outgassing, emitted relatively little.</p>



<p>But the extratropics overwhelmed that gift. The sheer intensity of warming outside the tropics - again, with the North Atlantic as a standout - negated the El Niño boost. In net terms, the global sink still declined.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-team-measured-the-dip">How the team measured the dip</h2>



<p>Unlike many assessments that lean primarily on models, this study is grounded in observations. </p>



<p>The researchers combined decades of CO₂ measurements from research vessels and cargo ships with readings from autonomous buoys and satellite data to build daily global maps of surface CO₂.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Machine-learning tools filled gaps and kept the reconstruction consistent, allowing the team to calculate air-sea CO₂ fluxes and compare 2023 with recent years on an apples-to-apples basis.</p>



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



<p>The ocean has cooled little since the 2023 records, and the planet continues to warm. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mapping-marine-heatwaves-to-understand-their-impacts/">Marine heat waves</a> are becoming more frequent and intense, which makes the big unknown painfully clear. Will the compensating mechanisms that steadied the sink last year keep doing so as background temperatures climb?</p>



<p>“We cannot yet say with certainty how this important carbon sink will develop in the future,” Müller cautioned. </p>



<p>Gruber said that it’s unclear whether those counteracting processes will remain effective over the long term and limit temperature-driven outgassing.</p>



<p>The bottom line: the ocean is still helping - don’t make it do all the work. For now at least, the ocean remains a formidable buffer.</p>



<p>“For the time being, however, the global ocean is still absorbing a great deal of CO₂ - fortunately,” Gruber said. But 2023 was a stress test that revealed both vulnerability and resilience. Extreme warmth can dent the sink significantly, even when physics and biology rally to soften the blow.</p>



<p>The practical takeaway is straightforward. Cutting emissions reduces the heat and acidity the ocean must absorb, preserving the sink’s strength. Every tenth of a degree avoided keeps more of the carbon sponge intact and buys time for the planet’s biggest ally to keep doing what it does best.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-025-02380-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Climate Change</em></a>.</p>



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Hot oceans weaken Earth’s carbon sink

The world’s oceans are our biggest climate ally, soaking up roughly a quarter of the carbon dioxide humanity releases and about 90% of the excess heat we’ve trapped in the atmosphere. In 2023, that ally got pushed to the limit.&nbsp; Sea-surface temperatures jumped to unprecedented levels - from a supercharged El Niño in the tropics to blistering warmth across the North Atlantic - raising a pressing question: what happens to the ocean’s carbon sink when the water itself is record hot? Stress test for the ocean carbon...

<p>On May 27, 2024, at 3:08 a.m. Eastern Time, NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory captured a powerful solar flare <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/solar-flare_x-class_X2-8_SDO_NASA_052724_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">erupting from the Sun</a>. </p>



<p>The flare, classified as an X2.8, marks one of the most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sun-blasts-biggest-x-class-solar-flare-nineteen-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">intense solar events</a> in recent years, prompting scientists to closely monitor its potential impact on Earth.</p>



<p>The solar flare was observed by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (<a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/sdo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SDO</a>), a spacecraft dedicated to studying the Sun's activity. </p>



<p>Solar flares of this magnitude can have significant effects on our planet, including disruptions to radio communications, power grids, and navigation systems.</p>



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



<p>Solar flares are massive bursts of energy that erupt from the Sun's surface. </p>



<p>These phenomena occur when the magnetic fields in the Sun's atmosphere become tangled and release their stored energy in a sudden, explosive manner. </p>



<p>The resulting flare can send radiation and charged particles hurtling towards Earth at mind-boggling speeds.</p>



<p>The solar flare that occurred on May 27 was classified as an X2.8 flare, putting it in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biggest-solar-flare-since-2019-erupted-today-more-radio-blackouts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">most intense category</a> of solar flares, earning an "X-class" designation. </p>



<p>The X-class designation is reserved for the strongest flares, and the accompanying number provides further information about its strength. In this case, the 2.8 rating indicates an extremely powerful event.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-impacts-on-earth">Potential impacts on Earth</h2>



<p>Solar flares and their associated eruptions can have significant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-rare-g5-level-geomagnetic-storm-highest-level-hits-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">impacts on our planet</a>. They can disrupt radio communications, cause fluctuations in electric power grids, and interfere with navigation signals. </p>



<p>Moreover, these events pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts in orbit, as the intense radiation can damage electronic components and pose health hazards.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solar-activity-in-the-past-24-hours">Solar activity in the past 24 hours</h2>



<p>Over the past 24 hours, solar activity decreased to low levels. However, multiple C-class flares were observed originating from Regions 3691 and 3697. </p>



<p>The largest of these was a C8.9 flare at 7:16 p.m. UTC on May 27, which emerged from Region 3961. This region exhibited slight growth and possible separation of its leader spots. </p>



<p>Region 3693 also showed some growth, while the newly numbered Region 3967 was too close to the limb for accurate classification.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solar-activity-forecast-what-lies-ahead">Solar activity forecast: What lies ahead</h2>



<p>Looking ahead, solar activity is expected to remain at moderate to high levels over the next few days. </p>



<p>Occasional M-class flares are likely, which could cause minor to moderate radio blackouts. </p>



<p>There is also a chance for isolated X-class flares, potentially leading to strong radio blackouts, particularly through May 30.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-energetic-particle-activity-is-mixed">Energetic particle activity is mixed</h2>



<p>The past 24 hours saw normal to moderate levels of electron flux above 2 MeV, while the proton flux above 10 MeV remained at background values. </p>



<p>The forecast suggests that electron flux will remain at similar levels through May 30. </p>



<p>However, there is a slight chance of a proton event exceeding the S1 (Minor) threshold between May 28 and May 30, due to the flare potential of Regions 3691 and 3697.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solar-wind-conditions">Solar wind conditions</h2>



<p>Solar wind parameters were generally at or near nominal levels over the past day. Wind speeds ranged from 331 to 389 kilometers per second, while the total magnetic field strength varied between 1 and 7 nanoTesla.</p>



<p>The Bz component, which plays a crucial role in determining the level of interaction with Earth's magnetic field, fluctuated between +5 and -4 nanoTesla.</p>



<p>The solar wind conditions are expected to remain near nominal levels through May 28. However, an enhancement may arrive in the late hours of May 29 due to the indirect shock from the X2.8 flare event. </p>



<p>As we move into May 30, the solar wind environment is likely to return to ambient-like levels.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-geomagnetic-field-activity">Geomagnetic field activity</h2>



<p>Over the past 24 hours, the geomagnetic field remained at quiet to unsettled levels. The forecast indicates that these conditions will persist through May 28. </p>



<p>However, isolated active levels, with a chance of minor (G1) storming, may occur if the shock from the May 27 coronal mass ejection (CME) arrives. As any lingering shock effects subside, quiet to unsettled conditions are expected to prevail on May 30.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-staying-informed">Staying Informed</h2>



<p>To stay updated on how space weather may affect Earth, it is highly recommended to visit NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center at <a href="https://spaceweather.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://spaceweather.gov/</a>. </p>



<p>This website serves as the U.S. government's official source for space weather forecasts, watches, warnings, and alerts. By staying informed, we can better prepare for and mitigate the potential impacts of solar flares and other space weather events.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nasa-s-vital-role-in-space-weather-research">NASA's vital role in space weather research</h2>



<p>As a research arm of the nation's space weather effort, NASA plays a crucial role in advancing our understanding of the Sun and its effects on Earth. </p>



<p>The agency operates a fleet of spacecraft that constantly observe the Sun's activity, its atmosphere, and the particles and magnetic fields in the space surrounding our planet. </p>



<p>Through these observations and the tireless work of scientists, we continue to unravel the mysteries of our star and develop better ways to predict and prepare for space weather events.</p>



<p>The X2.8 solar flare captured by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory serves as a stark reminder of the incredible power and unpredictability of our Sun. </p>



<p>As we continue to monitor its activity and study its impacts on Earth, it is essential that we remain vigilant and prepared for the potential consequences of these awe-inspiring cosmic events.</p>



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



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Solar fury: NASA captures X-class flare, Earth braces for impact

On May 27, 2024, at 3:08 a.m. Eastern Time, NASA's...

<p>Feeding children <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/peanuts-have-a-beneficial-impact-on-vascular-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">peanuts</a> regularly from infancy to age five has been shown to reduce the rate of peanut allergy in adolescence by 71 percent, according to a new study led by <a href="https://www.kcl.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">King’s College London</a> (KCL). The research  suggests that early consumption of peanuts can achieve long-term prevention of peanut allergies. </p>



<p>“Today’s findings should reinforce parents’ and caregivers’ confidence that feeding their young children peanut products beginning in infancy according to established guidelines can provide lasting protection from peanut allergy,” said Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo, director of the <a href="https://www.niaid.nih.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases</a> (NIAID), which co-funded the study.</p>



<p>“If widely implemented, this safe, simple strategy could prevent tens of thousands of cases of peanut allergy among the 3.6 million children born in the United States each year.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-peanut-consumption-nbsp">Early peanut consumption&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The <a href="https://www.leapstudy.co.uk/leap-trio.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LEAP-Trio</a> trial -  a study of early peanut consumption - initially revealed an 81 percent reduction in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-treatment-peanut-allergies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">peanut allergy</a> by age five when peanuts were introduced early. Follow-up results demonstrate sustained benefits, with only 4.4 percent of early peanut consumers developing allergies by age 12 or older, compared to 15.4 percent in those who avoided peanuts.</p>



<p>“Participants from a randomized peanut consumption trial were assessed for peanut allergy following an extended period of eating or avoiding peanuts as desired. The primary end point was the rate of peanut allergy at age 144 months,” noted the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>“Decades of advice to avoid peanuts has made parents fearful of introducing peanuts at an early age,” said senior author Gideon Lack, an expert in immunology and pediatrics at KCL. “The evidence is clear that early introduction of peanuts in infancy induces long term tolerance and protects children from allergy well into adolescence.”</p>



<p>The study's results are significant, particularly as peanut allergies are rising in Western countries, affecting about two percent of young children in North America, the UK, Western Europe, and Australia. Small amounts of peanuts can cause life-threatening allergic reactions, leading to fear and conflicting advice about introducing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/peanuts-have-a-beneficial-impact-on-vascular-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">peanuts</a> into diets.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reduced-risk-of-peanut-allergy-nbsp">Reduced risk of peanut allergy&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The LEAP-Trio study monitored participants from age six to twelve and found that regular, early peanut exposure reduced the risk of peanut allergy by 71 percent compared to early avoidance.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This is a safe and highly effective intervention which can be implemented as early as 4 months of age. The infant needs to be developmentally ready to start weaning and peanut should be introduced as a soft pureed paste or as peanut puffs,” said co-lead investigator George Du Toit, an expert in pediatric allergy at KCL.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protective-effect-of-early-peanut-consumption-nbsp">Protective effect of early peanut consumption&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Furthermore, the study showed that the protective effect of early peanut consumption persisted without the need for consistent peanut intake throughout childhood and early adolescence.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers tested for peanut allergy primarily through an oral food challenge and verified self-reported peanut consumption through measurements of peanut in dust from participants’ beds.</p>



<p>“Peanut consumption, starting in infancy and continuing to age 5 years, provided lasting tolerance to peanut into adolescence irrespective of subsequent peanut consumption, demonstrating that long-term prevention and tolerance can be achieved in food allergy,” wrote the researchers.</p>



<p>“Early consumption of peanuts will prevent more than 100,000 new cases of peanut allergy every year worldwide,” Lack concluded.</p>



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



<p>Peanut allergies are a significant health concern that affect both <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/indoor-pets-reduce-the-risk-of-food-allergies-in-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">children</a> and adults. When someone has a peanut allergy, their immune system mistakenly identifies proteins from peanuts as harmful.</p>



<p>This immune response can trigger a range of symptoms that vary from mild, such as hives or gastrointestinal discomfort, to severe, like anaphylaxis - a potentially life-threatening reaction that impairs breathing and can send the body into shock.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/allergy-season-will-become-increasingly-brutal-as-climate-warms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Anaphylaxis</a> can occur within minutes of exposure to peanuts and can cause symptoms like difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat, a sudden drop in blood pressure, rapid pulse, dizziness, or loss of consciousness. Immediate treatment with epinephrine is crucial to manage this reaction.</p>



<p>The exact cause of peanut allergies isn't fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://evidence.nejm.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>NEJM Evidence</em></a>.</p>



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Early peanut consumption could prevent 100,000 allergy cases each year

Feeding children peanuts regularly from infancy to age five has...

<p>In recent years, the method of fentanyl consumption has shifted significantly. Smoking fentanyl has become more common than injecting it, and with this change comes an increased risk of fatal overdose. </p>



<p>A study by researchers has highlighted a critical new danger: the residue that accumulates in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quitting-smoking-greatly-reduces-the-risk-of-deadly-cancers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">smoking</a> equipment. </p>



<p>This residue can be shared unintentionally, raising the risk of overdose, especially among individuals who are not tolerant to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/opioid-related-deaths-are-on-the-rise-among-young-people/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">opioids</a> like fentanyl.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overdose-risks-from-fentanyl-residue">Overdose risks from fentanyl residue</h2>



<p>Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco (<a href="https://www.ucsf.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCSF</a>), led by Dr. Daniel Ciccarone, have found that both the deliberate sharing and accidental consumption of fentanyl residue are contributing to this risk. </p>



<p>This is particularly dangerous for those who use the same equipment to smoke other drugs, such as methamphetamine, without realizing the potential for a lethal dose of fentanyl.</p>



<p>"The risk of overdose when sharing smoking devices with fentanyl resin is comparable to the risk of shared injection paraphernalia and HIV transmission," said Dr. Ciccarone. "We need harm reduction-based and culturally attuned education campaigns to address this new risk."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overdose-from-fentanyl-smoking">Overdose from fentanyl smoking</h2>



<p>The study, published in <em>PLOS ONE</em>, is the first to examine fentanyl resin as a significant contributor to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fentanyl-can-easily-be-weaponized-nation-needs-emergency-response-plan/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">overdose</a>. </p>



<p>It reveals a troubling trend: while fentanyl deaths in San Francisco reached an all-time high of 806 in 2023, with 653 attributed to fentanyl, nationwide deaths showed a slight decline but remained alarmingly high.</p>



<p>Additionally, fatal overdoses from psychostimulants like methamphetamine and cocaine are increasing.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-behavioral-shifts-and-observations">Behavioral shifts and observations</h2>



<p>The researchers conducted their study by observing individuals in their environments in 2022. </p>



<p>They interviewed 34 participants from syringe service programs, inquiring about their substance use progression, modes of use, overdose experiences, and changes in the local drug supply. </p>



<p>The study also included daily field notes, video recordings of smoking sessions, and photographs of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/illegal-drugs-can-now-be-detected-in-the-air/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drugs</a> and equipment.</p>



<p>They found that fentanyl was extremely cheap, sometimes as low as $10 a gram, and most users smoked it using foil, although glass bubbles, bongs, and dabbing devices were also popular. </p>



<p>The quality of fentanyl varied widely, and users had no reliable method to determine potency. However, they could gauge it upon inhalation and had developed techniques to regulate their doses. Some participants reported using up to one or more grams daily.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-danger-of-shared-equipment">Danger of shared equipment</h2>



<p>The shift from injecting to smoking fentanyl was driven by the difficulty of injecting and the fear of overdose. </p>



<p>Smoking is more social, leading people to share equipment, drugs, and information. This sharing behavior introduces a significant risk, particularly for those with varying opioid tolerances.</p>



<p>The researchers observed interactions where individuals refused to share smoking devices to prevent unintentional overdoses. </p>



<p>One participant refused to lend a glass pipe used for fentanyl to someone who only used <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mdma-and-methamphetamine-spark-human-connections-that-prove-beneficial-in-therapy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">methamphetamine</a>, highlighting the similarity in appearance between smoked fentanyl and methamphetamine residues and the potential for confusion.</p>



<p>"The overdose risk arises when there is a mismatch between the potency of the residual drug and the recipient's tolerance," Dr. Ciccarone explained.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Other dangers of fentanyl</h2>



<p>Fentanyl's extreme potency makes overdose easy, even with tiny amounts. It's often mixed with drugs like heroin or cocaine, increasing accidental overdose risks. Users can't gauge its strength, leading to unexpected, lethal doses. </p>



<p>Rapid effects can cause respiratory failure, resulting in death within minutes. Fentanyl in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drugs-on-the-dark-web-often-contain-unidentified-ingredients/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">counterfeit pills</a> poses a threat, as users may unknowingly consume it. High addiction potential and severe withdrawal symptoms complicate recovery. </p>



<p>Accidental exposure can harm first responders and bystanders. Fentanyl’s impact extends to public health systems, straining resources and increasing healthcare costs. The synthetic nature of fentanyl also makes it easier to produce and distribute illicitly.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-the-fentanyl-smoking-risks">Addressing the fentanyl smoking risks</h2>



<p>Despite some participants taking precautions to prevent others from using their equipment, the shared smoking culture still poses increased risks due to high consumption rates. </p>



<p>Dr. Ciccarone emphasized the need for harm reduction education that is sensitive to the perceptions of opioid users.</p>



<p>"Pacing, increasing awareness of dosages consumed, and checking the tolerance of residue recipients are potential interventions that deserve further exploration," he said.</p>



<p>The rise in fentanyl smoking presents a new, deadly risk for overdose. As the method of consumption shifts, so must the strategies for harm reduction. </p>



<p>Educating users about the dangers of shared equipment and developing interventions to manage dosages and tolerance can help mitigate these risks and save lives.</p>



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Smoking fentanyl has become a very disturbing trend in the US

In recent years, the method of fentanyl consumption has shifted...

<p>No two <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-research-enhances-predictions-on-volcanic-eruptions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcanic eruptions</a> are exactly alike, but scientists now believe that a series of explosive eruptions at Kīlauea volcano fits into a whole new category. </p>



<p>By analyzing the dynamics of 12 back-to-back explosions that happened in 2018, researchers from the <a href="https://www.uoregon.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oregon</a> (UO), <a href="https://www.usgs.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">United States Geological Survey</a>, and China’s <a href="https://en.scu.edu.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sichuan University</a> have described a new type of volcanic eruption mechanism. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-explosions-at-the-summit-of-kilauea-nbsp">Explosions at the summit of Kīlauea&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The explosions were driven by sudden pressure increases as the ground collapsed, which blasted plumes of rock fragments and hot gas into the air, much like a classic stomp-rocket toy.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The particular string of explosions at the summit of Kīlauea was part of a sequence of events that included lava flows erupting from lower on the flank of the volcano. Those lava flows destroyed thousands of homes and displaced residents on the Island of Hawai’i for months.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hindcasting-volcanic-eruptions">Hindcasting volcanic eruptions</h2>



<p>Understanding exactly what happened in past volcanic eruptions, colloquially called “hindcasting,” allows volcanologists to make better forecasts about future eruptions and give more accurate warnings to people in an eruption’s path.</p>



<p>For the most part, explosive volcanic eruptions are either primarily driven by rising magma, vaporized groundwater, or some combination of the two, according to Josh Crozier, who did this research as a doctoral student at the UO. But these eruptions didn’t quite fit the mold.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“These eruptions are quite interesting in that they don’t really seem to involve either of those,” Crozier said. “The eruptive material contained very little that looked like fresh magma that was blasted out, but there’s no evidence for significant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/groundwater-depletion-is-accelerating-but-it-is-not-inevitable/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">groundwater</a> being involved, either.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unusual-pattern-of-kilauea-eruptions">Unusual pattern of Kīlauea eruptions</h2>



<p>The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, part of the U.S. Geological Survey, keeps close tabs on Kīlauea. The volcano is covered with scientific instruments, from ground sensors that measure the shaking of the earth to tools that analyze the gasses released from the volcano.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“A cool thing about these eruptions is that there were a bunch of them in sequence that were remarkably similar; that’s relatively unusual,” said Leif Karlstrom, a volcanologist at the UO. “Typically, volcanic eruptions don’t happen with as much regularity.” So the team had more data than usual to work with, and they could dig deeper into the specific dynamics of the eruptions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-happened-on-kilauea">What happened on Kīlauea?</h2>



<p>Putting all that data into a variety of atmospheric and subsurface models, the scientists pieced together a new story about what happened on Kīlauea during the string of events in 2018.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Before each explosion at the summit, magma was slowly draining from an underground reservoir. (This magma was feeding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lava-hawaii-lake-evaporate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lava flows</a> 40 kilometers away, on the eastern flank of the volcano.) As the reservoir depleted, the ground above it - the crater within the caldera at the volcano’s summit - suddenly collapsed.</p>



<p>That quickly increased the pressure in the reservoir. And because there was a pocket of accumulated magmatic gas sitting at the top of this reservoir, the pressure increase squeezed the magmatic gas and bits of rubble through a conduit and blasted them out of a vent in Kīlauea’s crater.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stomp-rocket-mechanism-nbsp">Stomp-rocket mechanism&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The researchers compared the Kīlauea eruption dynamic to a stomp-rocket toy, where stepping on an airbag connected to a hose launches a projectile into the air. </p>



<p>“The ‘stomp’ is this whole kilometer-thick chunk of rock dropping down, pressurizing the pocket, and then forcing material directly up,” Crozier said. And the ‘rocket’ is the gas and rocks that are erupting from the volcano.</p>



<p>According to Crozier, caldera collapse is fairly common. So while this is the first time scientists have specifically spelled out this specific stomp-rocket mechanism, it’s probably not the only time it’s occurred. The study was able to link geophysical observations to the properties of the volcanic plume in the atmosphere.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This link is very rare,” said Joe Dufek, a volcanologist at the UO. “It points to new ways for us to observe eruptions and to combine sensor measurements with computer simulations to better assess hazards from eruptions.”</p>



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



<p>The fact that this was a series of smaller eruptions may have made it easier to see the underlying mechanism, Dufek said. Other complex processes weren’t overshadowing the stomp-rocket component. But that’s not to say that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-rainfall-triggered-the-2018-kilauea-eruption/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kīlauea</a> is simple. </p>



<p>A typical textbook drawing of a volcano shows <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/yellowstones-supervolcano-holds-a-surprising-amount-of-magma/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magma</a> moving upwards through chambers at different depths. But it’s rarely that straightforward, and a volcano like Kīlauea, decked out in scientific instruments, provides an opportunity to dig into the details.</p>



<p>“This is an example, and there’s an increasing number of these, where the pathways of magma ascent are quite geometrically complex. It gives us a much more nuanced picture of what volcanic plumbing systems look like,” Karlstrom concluded.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41561-024-01442-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Geoscience</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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



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Kīlauea eruptions are unlike anything we have ever seen

No two volcanic eruptions are exactly alike, but scientists now...

<p>The dawn of artificial intelligence (AI) has ushered in a transformative era, promising to reshape every facet of our lives. Now, AI has moved off-world, helping NASA scientists unlock the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/is-there-really-life-beyond-earth-ai-will-soon-solve-this-mystery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">secrets of the cosmos</a>, including the location of gamma ray <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-clues-about-the-brightest-gamma-ray-burst-of-all-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bursts</a> (GRBs).</p>



<p>This exciting intersection of technology and astronomy is now a reality,&nbsp;thanks to recent research led by Maria Dainotti,&nbsp;a visiting professor at UNLV's <a href="https://ncfa.physics.unlv.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nevada Center for Astrophysics</a>.</p>



<p>Dainotti and her teams have harnessed the power of AI to delve into the enigmatic world of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) – the most luminous and violent explosions in the universe.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By leveraging machine learning models,&nbsp;they have achieved unprecedented precision in measuring the distances of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cosmic-glitch-in-gravity-expands-the-theory-of-general-relativity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cosmic</a> behemoths.&nbsp;This breakthrough has far-reaching implications for our understanding of the universe's evolution and the life cycles of stars.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-are-gamma-ray-bursts-grbs">What are gamma-ray bursts (GRBs)?</h2>



<p>Imagine an explosion so powerful that it releases as much energy in a few seconds as our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/team-creates-video-showing-the-sun-in-gamma-rays-over-a-14-year-period/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sun</a> does in its entire lifetime. That's the awe-inspiring power of a GRB.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These cataclysmic events are visible across vast cosmic distances,&nbsp;even at the very edge of the observable universe.&nbsp;Their brilliance makes them invaluable tools for astronomers seeking to study the most ancient and distant stars.</p>



<p>But there's a catch: current observational technology limits our ability to gather the necessary data for calculating the distances of all known GRBs.&nbsp;This is where Dainotti's ingenious approach comes in.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By combining gamma ray bursts data from NASA's Neil Gehrels <a href="https://swift.gsfc.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Swift Observatory</a> with multiple machine learning models, she has overcome these limitations, enabling far more accurate distance estimations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-used-as-a-cosmic-detective">AI used as a cosmic detective</h2>



<p>"This research pushes forward the frontier in both gamma-ray astronomy and machine learning," says Dainotti.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Follow-up research and innovation will help us achieve even more reliable results and enable us to answer some of the most pressing cosmological questions,&nbsp;including the earliest processes of our universe and how it has evolved over time."</p>



<p>One of Dainotti's studies focused on using machine learning methods to determine the distances of GRBs observed by the Swift UltraViolet/Optical Telescope (<a href="https://swift.gsfc.nasa.gov/about_swift/uvot_desc.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UVOT</a>) and ground-based telescopes. </p>



<p>The results were remarkably precise, allowing researchers to estimate the number of GRBs in a given volume and time with astonishing accuracy.</p>



<p>In another study,&nbsp;Dainotti and her collaborators employed a powerful machine learning technique called Superlearner to measure GRB distances using data from NASA's <a href="https://www.swift.psu.edu/xrt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Swift X-ray Telescope</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Superlearner combines multiple algorithms, assigning weights based on their predictive power.&nbsp;This innovative approach significantly improved the reliability of distance estimations for a large sample of GRBs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-illuminating-the-origins-of-gamma-ray-bursts">Illuminating the origins of gamma-ray bursts</h2>



<p>But the discoveries didn't stop there.&nbsp;A <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/2041-8213/ad2763" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">third study</a>,&nbsp;led by <a href="https://www.stanford.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford University</a> astrophysicist Vahé Petrosian and Dainotti, used Swift X-ray data to shed light on the puzzling question of how GRBs are formed.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Their findings challenged conventional wisdom, suggesting that some long GRBs may originate from the fusion of incredibly dense objects like neutron stars, rather than the collapse of massive stars.</p>



<p>"This opens the possibility that long GRBs at small distances may be generated not by a collapse of massive stars but rather by the fusion of very dense objects like neutron stars," explains Petrosian.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-era-of-cosmic-exploration">New era of cosmic exploration</h2>



<p>The implications of this research are vast and profound.&nbsp;By enhancing our ability to measure GRB distances,&nbsp;scientists can gain deeper insights into the evolution of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dying-stars-may-be-a-source-of-gravitational-waves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stars</a> and the overall structure of the universe.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The discovery of alternative formation mechanisms for long GRBs opens up new avenues for investigation into the most extreme cosmic phenomena.</p>



<p>Dainotti and her colleagues are now working to make their machine learning tools accessible to the wider scientific community through an interactive web application. </p>



<p>This will empower astronomers worldwide to build upon their groundbreaking work and further our understanding of the cosmos.</p>



<p>The marriage of AI and astronomy has ushered in a new era of cosmic exploration.&nbsp;With each new discovery,&nbsp;we inch closer to unraveling the mysteries of the universe and our place within it.&nbsp;The future of astronomy is bright,&nbsp;and AI is illuminating the path forward.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/2041-8213/ad4970" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Astrophysical Journal Letters</a></em>.</p>



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



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AI is helping NASA pinpoint the most violent explosions in the universe

The dawn of artificial intelligence (AI) has ushered in a...

<p>New images reveal the birth of a massive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/iceberg-that-weighs-more-than-the-eiffel-tower-is-floating-freely/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">iceberg</a> in the Antarctic, comparable in size to the Isle of Wight. The iceberg, named A-83, spans 146 square miles (380 square km) and is about 490 feet (150 meters) thick.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The iceberg separated from the Brunt Ice Shelf last week, following the appearance of a new crack spotted in satellite images. According to the <a href="https://www.bas.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">British Antarctic Survey</a> (BAS), ocean currents now control A-83's movement.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cracks-in-the-brunt-ice-shelf">Cracks in the Brunt Ice Shelf</h2>



<p>The Brunt Ice Shelf, named after Welsh meteorologist David Brunt, has experienced several icebergs breaking away in recent years. This latest iceberg calved after a vertical crack merged with an existing horizontal crack, resembling scissors cutting paper.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The horizontal crack, known as Halloween Crack, was discovered on October 31, 2016, while the vertical crack, 8.6 miles long (14 km), was only spotted on April 26 this year. BAS experts, using satellite and GPS data, confirmed the final separation in the early hours of Monday, May 20.</p>



<p>“This calving was expected since the appearance of Halloween Crack eight years ago,” said Oliver Marsh, a glaciologist at BAS. “It reduces the total area of the ice shelf to its smallest extent since monitoring began.”&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-processes-nbsp-formed-the-cracks">Natural processes&nbsp;formed the cracks </h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ice-shelves-are-fracturing-from-meltwater-weight/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ice shelves</a> are floating ice platforms connected to a landmass, found in polar regions like Antarctica and Greenland. Although ice shelf melting is linked to global warming, BAS notes that the cracks leading to iceberg A-83 formed through natural processes.</p>



<p>According to Marsh, the iceberg's detachment resulted from the Brunt Ice Shelf's movement towards the McDonald Ice Rumples, a fixed point on the seafloor.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Over time this created a bending stress in the ice to the north of Halloween Crack which increased until it exceeded a critical value,” said Marsh. “This type of calving is just one of the mechanisms through which the ice sheet loses mass to stay in balance with the year-round <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/snow-cover-has-decreased-in-recent-decades/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">snowfall</a>.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-research-monitoring-station">Research monitoring station</h2>



<p>The Brunt Ice Shelf also hosts BAS's Halley VI research station, crucial for monitoring. Halley VI comprises eight units on skis, allowing relocation from the ice shelf edge when necessary.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In 2016, BAS experts moved the base 14 miles inland to avoid it drifting away on an iceberg that later broke off in January 2023. Currently unstaffed, a new team will return to Halley VI in November.</p>



<p>The research conducted here is critical, contributing to our understanding of climate change, sea level rise, and the atmospheric phenomena.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-feeling-the-pressure">Feeling the pressure</h2>



<p>“Although iceberg calving is normal, the Brunt Ice Shelf is feeling the same pressures as elsewhere around Antarctica, including low sea ice conditions. When less sea ice is present, ice shelves are more exposed to destabilizing wind and wave action,” noted <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/152848/antarctic-ice-shelf-spawns-iceberg-a-83" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.</p>



<p>“The remainder of the Brunt is still holding on to the McDonald Ice Rumples. But the new Iceberg A-83, along with icebergs A-74 and A-81 that broke off in recent years, have greatly diminished the ice shelf’s area since early 2021.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-the-brunt-ice-shelf-nbsp">The future of the Brunt Ice Shelf<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>Christopher Shuman is a University of Maryland glaciologist based at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.</p>



<p>“As ice shelves get smaller and smaller, they become more vulnerable to extreme events that can, as in the case of the Glenzer/Conger Ice Shelf, lead to destabilization and total loss of the floating glacial ice area,” said Shuman.</p>



<p>NASA noted that the Brunt Ice Shelf still has fractures on its surface, such as Chasm 2, that will continue to play a role in the evolution of the ice platform. “Data from Landsat collected year-round, along with insights from other sensors, will help scientists make sense of that future.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-the-brunt-ice-shelf-nbsp">More about the Brunt Ice Shelf&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Brunt Ice Shelf is located off the coast of Antarctica in the Weddell Sea. It extends from Coats Land in the west to Queen Maud Land in the east.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The ice shelf is particularly interesting to scientists because of its dynamic nature. It is constantly changing due to processes such as calving, and the formation of icebergs such as A-83.</p>



<p>These events could potentially alter the landscape of the shelf dramatically and have implications for global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-level-rise-will-cost-coastal-cities-over-1-trillion-in-damages/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea levels</a>, although the ice shelf itself, being already afloat, does not contribute to sea level rise when ice breaks off.</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory </p>



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Birth of an iceberg: A-83 breaks free from Antarctica

New images reveal the birth of a massive iceberg in...

<p>In recent years, tattoos have become increasingly popular, yet their long-term health effects, including the potential risk of lymphoma, remain largely unknown. </p>



<p>A research group at <a href="https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lund University</a> has recently delved into the potential association between tattoos and lymphoma. </p>



<p>This investigation is shedding light on an area with limited research and providing new insights into how tattoos might impact health.</p>



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



<p>Lymphoma is a type of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cancer-thrives-on-human-stress-as-it-spreads-throughout-the-body/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer</a> that originates in the lymphatic system, which is part of the body's immune system. It primarily affects lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that helps fight infections. </p>



<p>There are two main types of lymphoma: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Symptoms can include swollen lymph nodes, fever, night sweats, weight loss, and fatigue. </p>



<p>The exact cause of lymphoma is unknown, but factors like genetic mutations, infections, and weakened immune systems can contribute to its development. Treatment options vary and may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, or stem cell transplants.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tattoos-and-lymphoma-risk">Tattoos and lymphoma risk </h2>



<p>The researchers identified individuals diagnosed with lymphoma through population registers. These individuals were matched with a control group of the same sex and age but without lymphoma. Participants completed a questionnaire about their lifestyle factors, including whether they had <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-can-now-put-nanoscale-tattoos-onto-individual-cells-inside-your-body/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tattoos</a>.</p>



<p>The study encompassed 11,905 people, including 2,938 individuals diagnosed with lymphoma between the ages of 20 and 60. Among these, 1,398 responded to the questionnaire. </p>



<p>The control group consisted of 4,193 participants. In the lymphoma group, 21% (289 individuals) had tattoos, while 18% (735 individuals) in the control group were tattooed.</p>



<p>"After accounting for factors such as smoking and age, we found that the risk of developing lymphoma was 21% higher among those who were tattooed. It is important to remember that lymphoma is a rare disease, and our results apply at the group level. The results now need to be verified and investigated further in other studies, and such research is ongoing," noted Christel Nielsen, who led the study.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-tattoo-size-on-lymphoma-risk">Impact of tattoo size on lymphoma risk</h2>



<p>The experts initially hypothesized that the size of the tattoo would influence lymphoma risk. They speculated that a full-body tattoo might be associated with a greater cancer risk compared to a small butterfly on the shoulder. </p>



<p>However, the study revealed that the area of the tattooed body surface did not significantly impact the risk of developing lymphoma.</p>



<p>"We do not yet know why this was the case. One can only speculate that a tattoo, regardless of size, triggers a low-grade inflammation in the body, which in turn can trigger <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vitamin-d-influences-gut-bacteria-to-help-fight-cancer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer</a>. The picture is thus more complex than we initially thought," explained Nielsen.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-term-health-impacts">Long-term health impacts</h2>



<p>Most people get their first tattoo at a young age, exposing them to tattoo ink for much of their lives. Despite this, research into the long-term <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tattoos-health-risks-immune-systems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health</a> effects of tattoos is still in its early stages.</p>



<p>"We already know that when tattoo ink is injected into the skin, the body interprets this as something foreign that should not be there, activating the immune system. A large part of the ink is transported away from the skin to the lymph nodes where it is deposited," said Nielsen.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unraveling-tattoo-related-health-concerns">Unraveling tattoo-related health concerns</h2>



<p>The research group plans to continue studying the potential association between tattoos and other types of cancer. They also aim to investigate links between tattoos and inflammatory diseases.</p>



<p>"People will likely want to continue to express their identity through tattoos, and therefore it is very important that we as a society can make sure that it is safe," said Nielsen.</p>



<p>"For the individual, it is good to know that tattoos can affect your health, and that you should turn to your healthcare provider if you experience symptoms that you believe could be related to your tattoo."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-on-tattoos-and-health">Future research on tattoos and health</h2>



<p>While the study highlights a potential link between tattoos and an increased risk of lymphoma, it also underscores the need for further research. </p>



<p>Understanding the long-term health effects of tattoos is crucial as their popularity continues to rise. This study is a significant step towards uncovering the complex relationship between tattoos and health, paving the way for more comprehensive future investigations.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370(24)00228-1/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EClinicalMedicine</a></em>.</p>



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Tattoos increase the risk of developing cancer

In recent years, tattoos have become increasingly popular, yet their...

<p>Heart failure is a severe condition that leaves lasting effects on the body, leading to recurrent episodes and other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-vaccines-linked-to-neurological-blood-and-heart-related-issues/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health issues</a>. Recent research has uncovered that it creates a "stress memory" in the body, marked by changes in DNA modifications of hematopoietic stem cells. </p>



<p>These stem cells are crucial for producing blood and immune cells, known as macrophages, which protect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/green-environments-and-sidewalks-improve-heart-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart health</a>. </p>



<p>However, during this condition, a vital signaling pathway called transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) is suppressed in these stem cells, leading to dysfunctional macrophage production.</p>



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



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oxytocin-holds-the-keys-to-both-your-heart-and-your-memory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Heart</a> failure occurs when the heart can't pump blood efficiently, leading to insufficient blood flow to meet the body's needs. Various conditions can cause heart failure, which often develops over a prolonged period.</p>



<p>Coronary artery disease is a primary cause, where plaque buildup narrows the arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart muscle. High blood pressure forces the heart to work harder, eventually weakening it. Heart attacks can damage the heart muscle, impairing its ability to pump.</p>



<p>Other causes include cardiomyopathy, where the heart muscle itself is damaged by factors like genetics, infections, or alcohol abuse. Valve diseases, where heart valves don't function properly, can also contribute. Arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats, can disrupt heart function. Chronic conditions like diabetes, obesity, and thyroid disorders increase the risk.</p>



<p>Infections, such as myocarditis, and lifestyle factors like smoking, poor diet, and lack of exercise further exacerbate the likelihood of heart failure. Effective management of these risk factors is crucial in preventing heart failure.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stress-memory-of-stem-cells-after-heart-failure">Stress memory of stem cells after heart failure</h2>



<p>The United Nations’ global Sustainable Development Goals emphasize healthier lives and improved well-being. </p>



<p>A recent study projects an increase in global life expectancy by about 4.5 years by 2050, attributed to public health efforts and improved survival from illnesses, including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/depression-and-cardiovascular-diseases-are-genetically-linked/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiovascular</a> disorders.</p>



<p>Despite these advances, heart disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, affecting approximately 26 million people with heart failure - which is associated with a high risk of relapse.</p>



<p>Researchers at the <a href="https://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/ja/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Tokyo</a> sought to understand the causes of heart failure recurrence, and whether it can be prevented.</p>



<p>"Based on our earlier research, we hypothesized that recurrence may be caused by stress experienced during heart failure accumulating in the body, particularly in hematopoietic stem cells," explained Professor Katsuhito Fujiu. </p>



<p>Hematopoietic stem cells, located in bone marrow, are responsible for producing blood cells and macrophages, which are essential for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/finasteride-regrows-hair-heals-prostate-boosts-heart-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart health</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stress-imprinting-on-the-epigenome">Stress imprinting on the epigenome</h2>



<p>By studying mice, researchers discovered that stress imprints on the epigenome, causing chemical changes to their DNA. The suppression of the TGF-β signaling pathway in the hematopoietic <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/what-are-stem-cells-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stem cells</a> of affected mice resulted in the production of dysfunctional immune cells.</p>



<p>This change persisted over time. When the researchers transplanted bone marrow from the affected mice into healthy ones, the stem cells continued to produce dysfunctional immune cells, leading to heart problems and organ damage in the healthy mice.</p>



<p>"We termed this phenomenon stress memory because the stress from heart failure is remembered for an extended period and continues to affect the entire body. Although various other types of stress might also imprint this stress memory, we believe that the stress induced by heart failure is particularly significant," noted Professor Fujiu.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preventing-heart-failure-stress-in-stem-cells">Preventing heart failure stress in stem cells</h2>



<p>The identification and understanding of changes to the TGF-β signaling pathway open new possibilities for future treatments. </p>



<p>"Completely new therapies could be considered to prevent the accumulation of this stress memory during hospitalization for heart failure," stated Professor Fujiu. </p>



<p>In animal studies, supplementing additional active TGF-β has shown potential as a treatment. Correcting the epigenome of hematopoietic stem cells might also help eliminate stress memory.</p>



<p>This research offers hope for developing innovative therapies to prevent the recurrence of heart failure and improve overall heart health. </p>



<p>By addressing the root cause of stress memory, new treatments could significantly enhance the quality of life for those affected by heart failure.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciimmunol.ade3814" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Immunology</a></em>.</p>



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Heart failure creates a lasting 'stress memory' in the body

Heart failure is a severe condition that leaves lasting effects...

<p>Earth's magnetic <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/earths-magnetic-field-origin-structure-and-impact-on-humanity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">field</a>, our silent guardian against harmful solar radiation, is a fickle protector. It fluctuates in strength and location, leading to issues in our navigation systems and a deeper understanding of our planet's complexities. </p>



<p>If you've ever used a compass,&nbsp;GPS,&nbsp;or even flown in an airplane,&nbsp;you've relied on this invisible force.&nbsp;But recent research reveals that our understanding of this field may need a tune-up.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wandering-poles-of-earth-s-magnetic-field">Wandering poles of Earth's magnetic field</h2>



<p>Think of Earth's magnetic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/powerful-magnetic-fields-may-be-key-features-of-black-holes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">field</a> as a giant bar magnet within our planet, with lines of force extending from the North and South poles. But unlike a bar magnet, our planet's magnetic field is anything but static. It's constantly changing, thanks to the churning molten iron and nickel in Earth's outer core.</p>



<p>Changes in Earth's magnetic field pose significant challenges for scientists and engineers alike. The fluctuations, often triggered by solar storms and changes in the solar wind, are playing havoc with our geomagnetic field models. These models are crucial for everything from satellite navigation to airplane flight paths.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-igrf-13-model-mismatch">IGRF-13 model mismatch</h2>



<p>A recent <a href="https://umich.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Michigan</a> study delved into these discrepancies. The research team compared satellite observations with the International Geomagnetic Reference Field (<a href="https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/products/international-geomagnetic-reference-field" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IGRF-13</a>), a standard model used to track Earth's magnetic field.</p>



<p>"We often assume a nearly symmetrical magnetic field between the northern and southern polar regions, but they are actually very different," said study co-author Yining Shi.</p>



<p>The researchers discovered that the discrepancies weren't just due to space weather, as previously thought. A major factor was an asymmetry between the North and South poles, both in terms of magnetic field strength and their mapping to geographic coordinates.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-polar-problems-in-earth-s-magnetic-field">Polar problems in Earth's magnetic field</h2>



<p>The North and South poles are not mirror images of each other when it comes to their magnetic fields.&nbsp;This asymmetry, combined with the fact that satellites often collect more data around the geographic poles,&nbsp;creates a bias that further exaggerates the differences between models and reality.</p>



<p>"Understanding that what has been attributed to geophysical disturbances is really due to the asymmetry of the Earth's magnetic field will help us better create geomagnetic field models as well as help with satellite and aviation navigation," said study co-author Professor Mark Moldwin.</p>



<p>To add another layer of complexity, Earth's magnetic poles are not stationary. They drift, and in recent years, the North Pole's movement has accelerated. This poses an additional challenge for creating accurate models and ensuring reliable navigation.</p>



<p>"This adds further complexity to creating accurate magnetic field models," noted Moldwin.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-stakes-are-high">The stakes are high</h2>



<p>The implications of these findings are far-reaching.&nbsp;Accurate magnetic field models are essential for a wide range of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/desert-ants-use-earths-magnetic-field-for-navigation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">applications</a>,&nbsp;including:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Satellite navigation</h3>



<p>Accurate magnetic field models are crucial for satellite navigation. Satellites rely on precise geomagnetic data to maintain their correct orbits and ensure proper functioning. </p>



<p>Any discrepancies in the magnetic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-magnetic-field-much-older-than-previously-believed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">field</a> models can lead to errors in satellite positioning, which can affect communication, weather forecasting, and GPS services. Satellites operating in low Earth orbit are particularly sensitive to these changes, making accurate models indispensable for their operation.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Aviation</h3>



<p>In aviation, reliable magnetic field models are vital for safe navigation. Airplanes use geomagnetic data to determine their heading and ensure they follow the correct flight path. </p>



<p>This is especially important in polar regions, where the magnetic field is more variable and can deviate significantly from standard navigation charts. Accurate models help pilots navigate safely, avoiding potential hazards caused by unexpected magnetic variations.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Shipping</h3>



<p>For maritime navigation, magnetic field models guide ships across the oceans. Ships use magnetic compasses to determine their direction, and any inaccuracies in the magnetic field can lead to navigational errors. </p>



<p>This is particularly critical for vessels operating in remote areas with limited access to other navigational aids. Accurate magnetic models ensure that ships can traverse the seas safely and efficiently, reducing the risk of accidents and improving overall maritime safety.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Scientific research</h3>



<p>In addition, accurate magnetic field models are essential for scientific research, particularly in understanding Earth's magnetosphere, ionosphere, and thermosphere. These layers of the atmosphere play a crucial role in protecting the planet from solar radiation and cosmic rays. </p>



<p>By studying these regions, scientists can gain insights into space weather phenomena, such as solar storms, which can impact satellite operations, power grids, and communication systems on Earth. Reliable magnetic field models help researchers predict these events and develop strategies to mitigate their effects.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Space weather prediction</h3>



<p>Understanding and predicting space weather is another critical application of accurate magnetic field models. Space weather events, such as solar flares and geomagnetic storms, can disrupt communication networks, damage satellites, and even affect power grids on Earth. </p>



<p>The models enable scientists to monitor changes in the Earth's magnetic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strong-magnetic-fields-leave-marks-on-nuclear-matter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">field</a> and provide early warnings of potential space weather events. This helps in taking preventive measures to protect critical infrastructure and minimize the impact of these events on everyday life.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-refining-earth-s-magnetic-field-models">Refining Earth's magnetic field models</h2>



<p>The study highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of Earth's magnetic field.&nbsp;By accounting for the asymmetry between the poles and refining our data collection methods,&nbsp;we can develop more accurate models that will benefit navigation,&nbsp;scientific research,&nbsp;and our overall understanding of our planet's dynamic electromagnetic shield.</p>



<p>Earth's magnetic field is a complex and ever-changing phenomenon. While it continues to protect us from harmful solar radiation, its wandering ways remind us that our planet is a dynamic entity, full of surprises and challenges yet to be unraveled. </p>



<p>The research conducted by the University of Michigan team is a significant step towards unraveling these mysteries and ensuring that our navigation systems remain accurate and reliable in the face of an increasingly unpredictable magnetic field.</p>



<p>The study is published in the <em><a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2023JA032092" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Geophysical Research:&nbsp;Space Physics</a></em>.</p>



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Earth's magnetic field is shifting and putting navigation at risk

Earth's magnetic field, our silent guardian against harmful solar radiation, is a...

<p>Researchers have documented the most extensive migration ever recorded for a silky <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sharks-important-deserve-protections/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shark</a> (<em>Carcharhinus falciformis</em>). </p>



<p>The study reveals critical insights into the behavior of this severely overfished species and emphasizes the urgent need for cooperative international management measures to prevent further population declines.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-epic-migration-by-genie">Epic migration by Genie<strong> </strong></h2>



<p>An adult female silky shark, nicknamed “Genie” in honor of late shark ecologist Eugenie Clark, was tagged with a fin-mount satellite transmitter near Wolf Island in the northern Galapagos Marine Reserve in July 2021.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Genie embarked on a vast journey, covering more than 27,666 kilometers over 546 days. This epic voyage, equivalent to crossing the United States from coast to coast approximately four times, included two significant westerly migrations halfway to Hawaii, extending as far as 4,755 kilometers from the tagging site into international waters – areas of high fishing pressure and minimal regulation.</p>



<p>Genie shattered previous movement records almost six-fold, illustrating the shark's extensive use of the open ocean, far beyond national jurisdictions. This discovery demonstrates the urgent need to establish regulations to conserve <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/environmental-stability-helped-ocean-biodiversity-flourish/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean biodiversity</a> beyond areas of national jurisdiction.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-migration-of-silky-sharks">Understanding the migration of silky sharks</h2>



<p>Study lead author Dr. Pelayo Salinas de León is the co-principal investigator of the shark ecology project at the <a href="https://www.darwinfoundation.org/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Charles Darwin Foundation</a> (CDF).</p>



<p>“Understanding the migratory pathways of silky and other threatened pelagic sharks is crucial for developing effective management strategies to revert ongoing global population declines,” said Dr. Salinas de León.</p>



<p>“Sharks have been roaming the world’s oceans for hundreds of millions of years, and the map boundaries we humans have established on paper mean nothing to them. Their long migrations through heavily fished international waters expose them to significant risks, highlighting the need for a coordinated global response to ensure the survival of this highly threatened group of species.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vulnerability-of-silky-sharks">Vulnerability of silky sharks</h2>



<p>Silky sharks are particularly vulnerable to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/endangered-sharks-study-reveals-hidden-crisis-of-overfishing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">overfishing</a> due to their slow growth, late maturity, and high demand in the global shark fin trade. Classified as “vulnerable” on the <a href="https://www.iucnredlist.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IUCN Red List of Threatened Species</a>, they are frequently caught in both artisanal and industrial fisheries, making them a conservation priority for CDF and other organizations.</p>



<p>Remarkably, more than 99% of the time Genie was tracked occurred within international waters to the west and south, far outside the Ecuador-managed Exclusive Economic Zone around the Galapagos Islands. This highlights the critical need for international cooperation in the protection of these long-distance traveling oceanic sharks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-this-iconic-species-nbsp">Protecting this iconic species<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>“Obtaining shark tracks with good location resolution for over a year is difficult at best. In this case, we were able to track Genie for 1.5 years, revealing unexpectedly consistent, repeated travel pathways of massive distances going far offshore, well beyond national management and current <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-protected-areas-fall-short-on-2030-biodiversity-targets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine protected areas</a>,” said study co-author Mahmood Shivji.</p>



<p>“This finding is a call to action for all stakeholders involved in marine conservation and fisheries management to work together to protect these iconic species and the oceanic ecosystems they inhabit.”</p>



<p>Published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jfb.15788" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Journal of Fish Biology</em></a>, this study serves as a crucial reminder of the interconnectedness of our global marine environments and the collective action required to safeguard ocean biodiversity.</p>



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



<p>Silky sharks, named for their smooth skin texture, are a species of pelagic shark commonly found in tropical and subtropical waters around the globe.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiger-sharks-that-interact-with-tourists-exhibit-physical-changes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sharks</a> are medium-sized and can be recognized by their streamlined bodies and elongated, rounded snouts. They are typically a dark gray color with a lighter underside, which helps them blend into the ocean depths when viewed from above or below.</p>



<p>Silky sharks are highly mobile, as demonstrated by Genie, and primarily feed on fish and squid, using their acute sense of smell and hearing to locate prey. They are considered to be one of the more aggressive shark species, particularly when bait is present.</p>



<p>The research was conducted by researchers from the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF), the <a href="https://ghriresearch.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Guy Harvey Research Institute</a> (GHRI), the <a href="https://saveourseas.com/sosf-shark-research-center/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Save Our Seas Foundation Shark Research Center</a> (SOSF-SRC) at Nova Southeastern University in Florida, and the <a href="https://www.imo-oceanum.org/partner/galapagos-national-park-directorate" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Galapagos National Park Directorate</a> (GNPD). </p>



<p>Image Credit: Pelayo Salinas de León</p>



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Silky shark shatters records by swimming over 17,000 miles

Researchers have documented the most extensive migration ever recorded for...

<p>Mental disorders - particularly mood, anxiety, and eating disorders - can spread within teen social groups, according to a recent study led by the <a href="https://www.helsinki.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Helsinki</a>. </p>



<p>"Previous research indicates that mental disorders may be transmitted from one individual to another within social networks. However, there is a lack of population-based epidemiologic evidence that pertains to the full range of mental disorders," noted the study authors.</p>



<p>The research team set out to investigate this phenomenon by examining social networks formed in school classes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-rise-of-mental-disorders">The rise of mental disorders</h2>



<p>Mental disorders can significantly affect a person's thinking, feeling, behavior, or mood. Such illnesses may have a profound impact on daily functioning and relationships. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-common-mental-disorders-in-teens"><strong>Common mental disorders in teens</strong></h3>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Depression</h4>



<p>Depression is characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, and a significant change in appetite or sleep patterns.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Anxiety disorders</h4>



<p>Generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic attacks involve excessive worry, nervousness, or fear.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)</h4>



<p>Symptoms of ADHD include difficulty staying focused, paying attention, controlling behavior, and hyperactivity.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eating-disorders">Eating disorders</h4>



<p>Anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and binge-eating disorders involve serious disturbances in eating behaviors and related thoughts and emotions.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Bipolar disorder</h4>



<p>This disorder is associated with episodes of mood swings ranging from depressive lows to manic highs.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-development-of-mental-disorders">Development of mental disorders </h3>



<p>Teens can develop mental disorders due to various factors. Genetics play a crucial role, as mental disorders often run in families. Environmental factors, including stressful life events, trauma, abuse, and neglect, can trigger mental health issues. </p>



<p>Biological factors like brain chemistry imbalances and hormonal changes during puberty also contribute. Social factors, such as peer pressure, academic stress, and social media influence, can affect mental health. </p>



<p>Additionally, substance abuse and chronic health conditions can increase the risk of developing mental disorders. </p>



<p>Signs of mental disorders in teens include sudden changes in behavior or mood, withdrawal from friends and activities, a decline in academic performance, excessive worry or fear, and changes in eating or sleeping patterns. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Mental disorders and adolescent social networks</h2>



<p>This study is the largest and most detailed of its kind, involving over 700,000 ninth-grade students from 860 Finnish schools. These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urban-forest-bathing-fresh-breath-for-teen-mental-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">adolescents</a> were tracked from the end of ninth grade for a median period of 11 years. </p>



<p>The researchers found a significant association between the number of classmates diagnosed with a mental <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-circadian-disturbances-trigger-mental-health-disorders/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">disorder</a> and the increased risk of these students receiving a similar diagnosis later in life.</p>



<p>"The observed link was the strongest during the first year of follow-up in the study," noted Professor&nbsp;Christian Hakulinen. "This was not explained by factors related to parents, school, and residential area. The link was most pronounced in the case of mood, anxiety, and eating disorders."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-power-of-finnish-registers">The power of Finnish registers</h2>



<p>The study's depth and accuracy were made possible by the comprehensive Finnish registers. </p>



<p>Unlike previous studies where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-network-interventions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social networks</a> were chosen by the research subjects themselves, leading to potential bias, this research utilized school classes as predefined social networks. </p>



<p>This method ensures a more accurate depiction of the social influence on mental health.</p>



<p>"Defining the social networks and following adolescents were made possible by extensive Finnish registers. The findings significantly deepen our understanding of how mental health problems develop and affect others in our social networks," said Professor Hakulinen.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-contagion-of-mental-disorders">Contagion of mental disorders </h2>



<p>While the study reveals a strong association, it does not necessarily imply a direct causal relationship. The study did not investigate how mental disorders might be transmitted between individuals.</p>



<p>"It may be possible, for instance, that the threshold for seeking help for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/childhood-maltreatment-fuels-mental-health-crisis-in-australia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mental</a> health issues is lowered when there are one or more people in your social network who have already sought help for their problems. In fact, this kind of normalization of diagnosis and treatment can be considered a beneficial contagion of mental disorders," Hakulinen explained.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-growing-challenge-of-mental-disorders">The growing challenge of mental disorders</h2>



<p>Mental disorders pose a significant global challenge, impacting individuals, society, and the economy. Moreover, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chemical-found-in-cannabis-plants-can-actually-reduce-cannabis-induced-anxiety/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">anxiety</a> and mood symptoms, in particular, have been on the rise among young people in recent years. </p>



<p>Previous research indicates that the onset of mental disorders in adulthood often occurs before the age of 18.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-need-for-preventive-measures">The need for preventive measures</h2>



<p>Given the potential for mental disorders to spread within adolescent social networks, preventive measures and early intervention are crucial. </p>



<p>"When taking preventive measures, it’s worthwhile considering that mental disorders can spread from one adolescent to another," noted Professor Hakulinen.</p>



<p>This groundbreaking study sheds light on the social dynamics of mental health among adolescents. By understanding the potential for mental disorders to spread within social networks, we can better <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supportive-adults-help-protect-children-from-mental-health-issues/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">address</a> this growing concern and implement effective preventive strategies.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2818735" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JAMA Psychiatry</a></em>.</p>



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Mental disorders can be contagious among teens

Mental disorders - particularly mood, anxiety, and eating disorders -...

<p>COVID-19 breakthrough infections in vaccinated individuals may offer an unexpected benefit: heightened immunity against future <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sars-cov-2-can-survive-on-frozen-meat-for-up-to-a-month/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SARS-CoV-2</a> infections. </p>



<p>Research from <a href="https://www.lji.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">La Jolla Institute for Immunology</a> (LJI) reveals that those who experience breakthrough infections develop a more robust immune response, particularly through improved T cell recognition and targeting of the virus.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-covid-19-breakthrough-infections">COVID-19 breakthrough infections </h2>



<p>The LJI scientists analyzed blood samples from vaccinated volunteers who had breakthrough infections. </p>



<p>The team discovered that these individuals developed T cells capable of recognizing multiple parts of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, including its variants like Omicron and Delta. This enhanced ability is referred to as an "immunity wall."</p>



<p>"The virus evolves, but, importantly, so does the immune system. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/t-cells-could-be-used-to-slow-down-or-even-reverse-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">T cells</a> do not sit idle. Instead, they learn to recognize the parts of the virus that mutate," explained Professor Alessandro Sette, who co-led the study.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-findings">Key Findings</h4>



<ul>
<li><strong>Symptomatic Breakthrough Infections:</strong> Volunteers who experienced these infections developed T cells that recognized various targets on the SARS-CoV-2 virus.</li>



<li><strong>Improved T Cell Recognition:</strong> These T cells were better equipped to identify and respond to mutated regions on new variants.</li>



<li><strong>Asymptomatic Breakthrough Infections:</strong> Even without symptoms, these infections boosted T cell responses, though less significantly.</li>



<li><strong>B Cell Response:</strong> Breakthrough infections led to the production of cross-reactive antibodies, targeting both the new variants and the original vaccine antigens.</li>



<li><strong>No T Cell Exhaustion:</strong> There was no evidence that repeated vaccinations and infections caused harmful T cell exhaustion.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-t-cells-gain-fighting-power">T cells gain fighting power</h2>



<p>Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 provides significant protection against <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/severe-covid-survivors-face-long-term-impairments/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">severe disease</a>. LJI studies show that this protection is long-lasting and effective against new viral variants. </p>



<p>The researchers focused on how breakthrough infections impact T and B cells by tracking a group of vaccinated volunteers who later contracted COVID-19.</p>



<p>"With this study volunteer cohort, we were in a unique position to see how the immune system looked before and after a breakthrough infection," noted Professor Alba Grifoni.</p>



<p>Breakthrough infections prompted T cells to expand their repertoires, meaning they could recognize multiple features of SARS-CoV-2. This broadening was due to the combination of vaccination and infection. </p>



<p>Vaccines taught T cells to recognize the spike protein, while infections helped them recognize additional viral proteins. As a result, T cells could target SARS-CoV-2 even if it mutated.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breakthrough-infections-and-b-cell-responses">Breakthrough infections and B cell responses</h2>



<p>Breakthrough infections also stimulated B cells to produce diverse <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/experts-have-found-powerful-antibodies-that-neutralize-all-covid-variants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antibodies</a> targeting common epitopes between the vaccine and the infecting variant. These new antibodies were effective against both the vaccine's antigens and the viral variants.</p>



<p>"New B cell responses that are only specific to the infecting variant, but not the vaccine, are very rare," said study co-author Parham Ramezani-Rad.</p>



<p>Another significant finding was the location of immune cell development. COVID-19 vaccines are typically administered in the upper arm, while SARS-CoV-2 infects the upper respiratory tract. This discrepancy can delay the immune response. A breakthrough infection can add an extra layer of protection by initiating immune cells closer to the infection site.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-impact-of-asymptomatic-infections">The impact of asymptomatic infections</h2>



<p>The experts identified markers of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection in about 30% of volunteers who never showed symptoms, suggesting they had asymptomatic infections. </p>



<p>"Our study suggests most people who never thought they got a breakthrough infection actually did," explained Professor Grifoni. "The majority of the population appears to be affected by a combination of vaccination and one or more breakthrough infections."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-no-evidence-of-t-cell-exhaustion">No evidence of T cell exhaustion</h2>



<p>The research also dispels concerns about T cell exhaustion from repeated vaccinations and infections. Instead, breakthrough infections prompted T cells to produce more cytokines, enhancing their infection-fighting capabilities.</p>



<p>"After the breakthrough infection, the same cells produce multiple types of cytokines, making them more efficacious," noted Professor Grifoni. "Not only are our T cells not exhausted, but they are actually improving their capabilities."</p>



<p>However, the "immunity wall" has its limits. Following an asymptomatic breakthrough infection, T cell abilities were found to plateau with subsequent symptomatic infections, although B cells continued producing neutralizing antibodies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-importance-of-booster-vaccines">The importance of booster vaccines</h2>



<p>Despite the benefits of breakthrough infections, the researchers emphasize the importance of following current CDC guidelines for booster vaccines. SARS-CoV-2 continues to evolve, and COVID-19 can still cause serious illness, especially in immunocompromised individuals.</p>



<p>This research provides crucial insights for developing new vaccines against future SARS-CoV-2 variants and other potential <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/influenza-is-considered-the-biggest-pandemic-threat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pandemic viruses</a>. Researchers are keen to explore how future variants or new vaccine designs might further enhance the immune response.</p>



<p>"Studies of local B cell responses in the upper airway - where the infection occurs - will also be informative on how B cells responses are induced, particularly after breakthrough infection," said Ramezani-Rad.</p>



<p>The ultimate goal is to train T cells to recognize multiple types of coronaviruses simultaneously, potentially leading to a "pan-coronavirus" vaccine. This breakthrough study marks a significant step in understanding how to protect against viral infections and future pandemics.</p>



<p>"We're very interested to see if this phenomenon could be exploited in general to prepare against other potential pandemic threats," said Sette. "This is a step in a journey to help us protect against viral infections and potential pandemics."</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S2666379124002751" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cell Reports Medicine</a></em>.</p>



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



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COVID-19 breakthrough infections build an 'immunity wall'

COVID-19 breakthrough infections in vaccinated individuals may offer an unexpected...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<p>—–</p>

Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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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>



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



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

Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>

Social modeling affects our food choices

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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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
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<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

[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" 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> describes a new self-powered nanosensor that can instantly detect mercury contamination with the tap of a finger.&nbsp;</p>



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



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



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



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



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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