<p>A familiar idea in happiness research says people feel worse through their thirties and early forties, then things lift. That classic U-shape, with a midlife low and a late-life rebound, has been taught in classrooms and splashed across headlines for years.</p>



<p>New evidence released challenges that view. The new study reports that the midlife “unhappiness hump” has faded, and that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strong-immune-resilience-in-midlife-reduces-risk-of-early-death/">mental</a> ill-being now tends to decline with age.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-midlife-distress-has-declined">Midlife distress has declined</h2>



<p>A team led by David G. Blanchflower from <a href="https://home.dartmouth.edu/dartmouth" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dartmouth College</a> analyzed large samples from the United States, the United Kingdom, and a multinational dataset. </p>



<p>“We show this empirical regularity has been replaced by a monotonic decrease in ill-being by age,” wrote Blanchflower. </p>



<p>The drop in the midlife peak is not because older adults suddenly got much happier. The shape changed because younger people’s mental health worsened relative to everyone else.</p>



<p>In U.S. data, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-better-in-midlife-helps-you-age-with-strength/">middle-aged</a> and older adults look roughly stable over time. Younger groups, especially under 25, report higher distress than cohorts the same age did a decade or two ago. The same broad pattern appears in the U.K. and across dozens of other countries.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surveys-show-midlife-change">Surveys show midlife change</h2>



<p>The team used the U.S. BRFSS telephone survey, which asks adults how many days in the past 30 days their mental health was not good. </p>



<p>Since the 1990s, BRFSS has run hundreds of thousands of interviews per year, providing a robust base for trend work, and the mental health days item sits in the official questionnaire.</p>



<p>For the U.K., they turned to UKHLS, also known as Understanding Society, which follows about 40,000 households. Mental health there is captured with the GHQ-12, a 12-item scale that sums to 36 points, where higher scores reflect more distress.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-patterns-of-well-being-and-ill-being">Patterns of well-being and ill-being</h2>



<p>To check whether the new pattern shows up globally, the researchers used the <a href="https://sapienlabs.org/global-mind-project/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Minds Project</a>, which assesses mental function using the MHQ. That metric summarizes capabilities across emotional, cognitive, and social <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/high-quality-carbs-in-midlife-linked-to-healthier-aging/">domains</a> on a scale that increases with better mental health.</p>



<p>These surveys measure subjective well-being and its counterpart, ill-being. The focus is not a one-time diagnosis by a clinician, but how people say they are doing and functioning.</p>



<p>That matters because policymaking often moves on perceptions and daily experience. As the authors show, the age profile in self-reported mental health has tilted in ways that match other social indicators.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-distress-falls-with-age">Distress falls with age</h2>



<p>Earlier datasets commonly showed a hump in reported worry, stress, and depression, rising into midlife before easing. Today the line looks more like a steady slope downward with age.</p>



<p>Younger adults now report the highest levels of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exercising-in-midlife-can-reverse-years-of-inactivity/">mental</a> ill-being. Older groups look comparatively more stable, which changes the picture for researchers and planners who assumed midlife was the peak period of distress.</p>



<p>The causes of distress in young people are still being debated. One active line of <a href="https://www.aeaweb.org/articles?id=10.1257/aer.20211218" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research</a> has found that the rollout of Facebook on U.S. campuses worsened student mental health.</p>



<p>Pandemic disruptions, weak access to timely care, and economic pressures may also play roles. The study authors point to those broad forces as plausible contributors for the last decade’s trend.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-youth-mental-health-crisis">Youth mental health crisis</h2>



<p>Mortality data capture the stakes in stark terms. In 2020, <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db433.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">suicide</a> ranked as the second leading cause of death among people aged 10 to 34 in the United States.</p>



<p>Education data tell a related story about strain and lost learning time. Rising absenteeism and reports of anxiety in schools fit the broader shift toward higher distress among teens and young adults.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifting-patterns-of-distress">Shifting patterns of distress</h2>



<p>The new evidence does not say older adults live in perfect happiness. It highlights a relative shift in levels by age that raises concern for youth.</p>



<p>The researchers also do not claim that one single cause explains the change. Social media effects, pandemic exposure, health care access, and labor market scarring could all contribute, and impacts likely differ across communities.</p>



<p>If the highest distress now clusters in youth and early adulthood, then mental health resources should follow the data. Faster access to counseling, school-based supports, and training for primary care would go a long way.</p>



<p>Measurement should keep pace too. Annual reporting that breaks out age bands with consistent cross-sectional methods can catch reversals like this sooner, which helps leaders avoid steering by an outdated map.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0327858" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>PLOS ONE</em></a>.</p>



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



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No more midlife crisis? Young people now report the most distress

A familiar idea in happiness research says people feel worse through their thirties and early forties, then things lift. That classic U-shape, with a midlife low and a late-life rebound, has been taught in classrooms and splashed across headlines for years. New evidence released challenges that view. The new study reports that the midlife “unhappiness hump” has faded, and that mental ill-being now tends to decline with age. Midlife distress has declined A team led by David G. Blanchflower from Dartmouth College analyzed large samples from the...

<p>In 1916, a remarkable discovery was made during a road construction project on the island of Hitra in Norway. As workers were upgrading a road using gravel from the shore along Barmfjorden, they stumbled upon human bones amidst the sand and stones. These bones belonged to a man who had lived and died in Hitra approximately 4,000 years ago, at the very end of the Stone Age.</p>



<p>"We think that he drowned. When he died, the sea level was 12.5 meters higher than it is today, and the discovery site would have been at a depth of 4 meters," explains archaeologist Birgitte Skar from <a href="https://www.ntnu.edu/museum" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NTNU University Museum</a>.</p>



<p>"Parts of the skeleton are well preserved, and must have been covered with shell sand on the seabed shortly after he died."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clues-to-hitra-man-s-identity">Clues to Hitra man's identity</h2>



<p>Alongside the skeletal remains, a dagger and <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/hitra-man_stone-age_arm-guard_NTNU_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">an arm guard</a> were found. The arm guard, an oblong piece of bone with two holes, would have been attached to the wrist of the hand holding a bow, protecting it from the blow of the bow string when firing arrows. </p>



<p>"These pieces of equipment may indicate he was a warrior," says Skar, although she notes that it is impossible to determine whether his drowning was the result of combat or an accident.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-turbulent-stone-age-era">Turbulent Stone Age era</h2>



<p>The Hitra man lived during a period of significant change in Norway. Up until that point, most people lived as hunter-gatherers, with agriculture only becoming fully established in Norway during the late Stone Age. </p>



<p>"Elements of agriculture had been introduced in southern and eastern Norway earlier, but in central Norway, along the coast in the west and in northern Norway, agriculture was first established during this period," Skar explains.</p>



<p>The introduction of agriculture is believed to have been brought about by migrating people who arrived in Norway seeking more land, and were willing to use weapons to obtain it. </p>



<p>"We must therefore expect that there were violent clashes between the people who already lived here and the newcomers," Skar adds.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-way-of-life">New way of life</h2>



<p>These new settlers brought with them not only knowledge of animal husbandry and agriculture but also a different way of organizing society. </p>



<p>"They lived in hierarchical societies, had a different understanding of the world, another religion, and a large network of contacts down in Europe. This knowledge led to major changes, politically, economically and socially," Skar explains.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ongoing-research">Ongoing research</h2>



<p>Much remains unknown about this dramatic era in Scandinavian history, and research is ongoing. The Hitra man is part of this research, along with many other skeletal discoveries. </p>



<p>His DNA is currently being analyzed at the <a href="https://globe.ku.dk/research/lundbeck-foundation-geogenetics-centre/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lundbeck Foundation Center for Geogenetics</a> at the University of Copenhagen, while isotope analysis conducted at NTNU University Museum provides insight into his diet and potential migration patterns.</p>



<p>"We already know that the vast majority of the food he ate came from the land. So even though he was found on Hitra -- in a place that was underwater at the time -- it wasn't primarily seafood he ate," Skar reveals.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recreating-the-past">Recreating the past</h2>



<p>Using skeletal measurements, researchers have determined that the Hitra man was approximately 169 cm tall and around 25 years old at the time of his death, based on wear and tear on his teeth. </p>



<p>His appearance has been recreated at NTNU University Museum using DNA analyses of other individuals from the same period with similar DNA to determine the color of his hair, skin, and eyes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hitra-man-s-legacy">Hitra man’s legacy</h2>



<p>In summary, the discovery of the Hitra man and the ongoing research surrounding his life and death offer a fascinating glimpse into a pivotal moment in Norway's history. </p>



<p>As scientists continue to analyze his DNA, study his skeletal remains, and piece together the clues left behind, we gain a deeper understanding of the complex social, political, and economic changes that shaped the region 4,000 years ago. </p>



<p>The Hitra man's story serves as a reminder that even the most seemingly insignificant discoveries can hold the key to unlocking the mysteries of our past, connecting us to the lives and experiences of those who came before us, and enriching our understanding of the world we inhabit today.</p>



<p>The full study was published at <a href="https://www.ntnu.edu/museum">NTNU University Museum</a>.</p>



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



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'Hitra man' lived 4,000 years ago during the late Stone Age

In 1916, a remarkable discovery was made during a road...

Ccsfacilities,Capture,Carbon,Dioxide,Emissions,From,Industrial,Processes,And,Power

<p>Carbon capture technology, which involves directly capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere to store it underground, might seem like a perfect solution for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/carbon-capture-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>. However, despite its advancements, it still encounters many uncertainties. </p>



<p>Oliver Geden, an IPCC member and expert in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/carbon-capture-technology-could-greatly-reduce-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon dioxide removal</a>, highlights the evolving nature of this field, particularly Direct Air Capture with Carbon Storage (DACCS). </p>



<p>"The small <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/co2-removal-technologies-necessary/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DACCS</a> ecosystem gets more diverse... but we're not exactly sure where this will lead to," Geden explains, reflecting the unclear future of this technology in the broader context of climate change mitigation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Promise of DACCS strategic approach</h2>



<p>Direct Air Carbon Capture and Storage (DACCS) has emerged as a promising strategy for reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. This innovative technology actively removes CO2 directly from the air, offering a potential solution to mitigate climate change.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">How DACCS works</h3>



<p>DACCS systems employ specialized filters or chemicals to capture CO2 from the atmosphere. These systems actively draw in air, separate the CO2, and then store it securely underground or utilize it in various industrial processes. </p>



<p>By directly targeting atmospheric CO2, DACCS offers a more focused approach compared to other carbon capture methods.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Advantages of DACCS</h3>



<p>DACCS presents several key advantages. Firstly, it can be implemented in a variety of locations, not just at the source of emissions. </p>



<p>Secondly, DACCS has the potential to remove large quantities of CO2 from the atmosphere, making it a powerful tool in the fight against climate change. </p>



<p>Additionally, the captured CO2 can be utilized in various applications, such as enhanced oil recovery or the production of low-carbon fuels and materials.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Challenges and future prospects</h3>



<p>Despite its promise, DACCS currently faces challenges related to cost and scalability. Researchers and companies are actively working to improve the efficiency and economic viability of DACCS systems. As technology advances and economies of scale are achieved, DACCS is expected to play an increasingly significant role in global carbon capture efforts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-capture-technology-in-climate-models">Carbon capture technology in climate models</h2>



<p>The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (<a href="https://www.ipcc.ch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IPCC</a>) includes carbon capture and storage (CCS) in its portfolio of strategies to reduce atmospheric CO2 levels. However, it does not position this technology at the forefront of its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-pool-of-global-soil-carbon-alters-climate-change-models/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate action models</a>. </p>



<p>This suggests a cautious approach to relying heavily on this technology without understanding its broader impacts fully.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-big-investments-in-carbon-capture-technology">Big investments in carbon capture technology</h2>



<p>High costs have not deterred major corporations from engaging with carbon capture technologies. </p>



<p>Companies like Microsoft, Amazon, Airbus, and even Lego are investing heavily, paying around $1,000 per ton of CO2 captured and stored. </p>



<p>These investments, often in the form of carbon credits, are part of their strategies to offset emissions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mechanics-of-carbon-capture-technology">Mechanics of carbon capture technology</h2>



<p>The process involves <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/powder-capture-store-co2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">capturing CO2</a> molecules from the air using large fans. These molecules are then absorbed by either a liquid or a solid filter. </p>



<p>After the filter is saturated, it is heated to release pure CO2 -- this step is energy-intensive, requiring temperatures up to 120 degrees Celsius for solid filters and 900 degrees Celsius for liquid ones. </p>



<p>This released CO2 is then compressed and injected into underground rock formations for long-term storage. The feasibility of scaling up this technology hinges significantly on the availability of renewable energy sources to minimize environmental impact.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-and-economic-challenges">Environmental and economic challenges</h2>



<p>While the carbon capture technology's chemical components can be reused, the environmental impacts of their production on a large scale remain largely unexplored. </p>



<p>Additionally, the costs associated with direct air capture technologies are currently high, ranging between $600 and $1,000 per ton of CO2 captured. </p>



<p>These costs could potentially decrease to between $100 and $300 in the future, making the technology more economically viable.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-current-operations-and-future-plans">Current operations and future plans</h2>



<p>Currently, only a few commercial carbon capture facilities like Orca in Iceland are operational, with Orca capturing about 4,000 tons of CO2 annually. While this might seem significant, it pales in comparison to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-carbon-dioxide-emissions-hit-a-record-high-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global emissions</a>.</p>



<p>According to the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a>, about two billion tons of CO2 are eliminated each year primarily through natural processes like reforestation, compared to the 40 billion tons emitted worldwide.</p>



<p>Looking ahead, nearly 30 carbon capture projects are set to commence in various countries, aiming to store close to 10 million tons of CO2 by 2030. </p>



<p>However, the expansion of projects with carbon capture technology is contingent on securing adequate funding, a challenge that has hindered many potential initiatives.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-verdict-on-carbon-capture-s-future">The verdict on carbon capture's future</h2>



<p>Despite the challenges, the sector is seeing a surge in interest and development. Geden noted the significant growth in startups within the sector. However, he also cautioned that the recent acquisition of the pioneering firm Carbon Engineering by Oxy Petroleum for $1.1 billion might shift focus from storage to more profitable reuse applications by major oil companies.</p>



<p>In summary, while carbon capture technology holds potential, its success and impact depend on overcoming significant technical, environmental, and economic hurdles. The journey of integrating carbon capture into our broader climate strategy is just beginning, with many milestones yet to be achieved.</p>



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



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Carbon capture technology faces uncertainty despite heavy investment

Carbon capture technology, which involves directly capturing carbon dioxide (CO2)...

Pillbug,Sow,Bug,Isopoda,Oniscus,Wood,Louse

<p>Woodlice, often much smaller than the typical seed-dispersing fauna, play some of the most critical roles in the ecosystem. </p>



<p>This concept was recently highlighted by researchers from Kobe University, who unveiled that these tiny creatures can effectively <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/competition-nutrients-faster-plant-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">disperse seeds</a> after ingestion. </p>



<p>Their studies set a new record for the smallest animals known to participate in this vital ecological process.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intricacies-of-seed-dispersal">Intricacies of seed dispersal</h2>



<p>Plants have evolved to produce fruits that attract animals, which consume and later deposit their seeds far from the original source. </p>



<p>This dispersal strategy is crucial for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-plants-disperse-their-seeds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant reproduction</a> and diversity. </p>



<p>The seeds must be appealing and accessible to potential dispersers, durable enough to withstand the digestive process, and appropriately sized to pass through the animal. </p>



<p>Surprisingly, research has primarily focused on mammals and birds, overlooking the potential roles of smaller invertebrates like woodlice in this process.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-the-mysteries-of-the-silver-dragon-plant">Exploring the mysteries of the "silver dragon" plant</h2>



<p>The focus of the <a href="https://www.kobe-u.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kobe University</a> team was a unique plant known as the "silver dragon," which thrives across East Asia. </p>



<p>This non-<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/key-to-life-on-earth-photosynthesis-begins-on-the-quantum-level-with-a-single-photon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photosynthesizing</a> plant depends on fungi and produces tiny, resilient seeds within its fleshy fruits. </p>



<p>The research aimed to explore unknown methods of seed dispersal due to the minimal information available on how the silver dragon plant's seeds are spread. </p>



<p>Through automated nighttime photography and controlled feeding experiments, the team observed that camel crickets were the primary consumers of the fruit. </p>



<p>Remarkably, these crickets not only consumed over half of the fruits but also had the highest seed viability post-digestion.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-woodlice-and-earwigs-unlikely-allies-in-seed-dispersal">Woodlice and earwigs: unlikely allies in seed dispersal</h2>



<p>Unexpectedly, woodlice and earwigs also showed significant involvement in seed dispersal, with more than 30 percent of the ingested seeds surviving the process. </p>



<p>This finding is particularly notable as it challenges the conventional view of these creatures solely as seed predators. </p>



<p>Instead, it suggests a mutualistic relationship where these invertebrates help in seed dispersal, potentially increasing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-diversity-may-never-fully-recover-from-agriculture/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant diversity</a> and ecological resilience.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-conservation-the-impact-of-tiny-seed-dispersers">Rethinking conservation: the impact of tiny seed dispersers</h2>



<p>Kenji Suetsugu of Kobe University emphasizes the broader significance of these findings. </p>



<p>"The identification of novel seed dispersal agents among small invertebrates prompts a reevaluation of conservation strategies. It underscores the necessity to preserve diverse habitats that support a wide range of species, including those previously overlooked as ecologically insignificant," he explains. </p>



<p>The team is optimistic about uncovering similar dispersal mechanisms in other plant species, which could reveal a previously unrecognized ecological phenomenon.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Woodlice and the call for inclusive conservation strategies</h2>



<p>This research spotlights the vital roles that even the smallest creatures like woodlice play in our ecosystems and underscores the need for a broader perspective in conservation strategies. </p>



<p>Recognizing the contributions of all species, regardless of their size, this study, published in the journal 'Plants, People, Planet,' challenges the scientific community and conservationists to rethink how we perceive and protect biodiversity. </p>



<p>Through such innovative studies, we continue to uncover the complex and often surprising interactions that sustain life on our planet.</p>



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



<p>Also known as pill bugs or roly-polies, woodlice are small, gray, or brown creatures that scurry around in gardens, forests, and even homes. </p>



<p>Despite their appearance, these creatures are not insects but rather crustaceans, more closely related to shrimp and crabs than to bugs.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Habitat and behavior</h3>



<p>Woodlice thrive in damp, dark environments such as under rocks, logs, or leaf litter. They play a crucial role in the ecosystem by breaking down dead plant material and recycling nutrients back into the soil. These creatures are nocturnal and often hide during the day to avoid predators and maintain moisture.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Unique defense mechanism</h3>



<p>One fascinating feature of woodlice is their ability to roll up into a tight ball when threatened, hence the nickname "roly-poly." This defense mechanism protects their vulnerable underside and makes it difficult for predators to consume them.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Benefits to gardens</h3>



<p>In addition to plant seed dispersal, as discussed above, gardeners appreciate woodlice for their role in decomposition and soil aeration. As they feed on dead plant matter, they contribute to the formation of nutrient-rich soil that supports plant growth. Additionally, their burrowing activity helps to improve soil structure and drainage.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Keeping woodlice in check</h3>



<p>While woodlice are generally beneficial, an excessive population can occasionally damage young plants. To control their numbers, gardeners can reduce moisture levels in the garden, remove hiding places like debris, and maintain good soil drainage. However, in most cases, woodlice coexist peacefully with plants and contribute to a healthy garden ecosystem.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><em><a href="https://nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ppp3.10519" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plants People Planet</a></em></em>.</p>



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

Tiny woodlice prove to be crucial players in plant seed dispersal

Woodlice, often much smaller than the typical seed-dispersing fauna, play...

<p>An exoplanet orbiting a sun-like star in the constellation Cancer known as 55 Cancri e stands out as a fascinating celestial body. </p>



<p>The exoplanet is classified as a super-Earth due to its size, which is nearly twice the diameter of our planet and slightly denser. It bridges the gap between Earth and Neptune in terms of size and composition. </p>



<p>These features make it a prime candidate for in-depth astronomical studies, particularly to understand its atmospheric properties.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pioneering-discoveries-and-new-insights">Pioneering discoveries and new insights</h2>



<p>Recently, new details about 55 Cancri e have emerged through collaborative efforts involving advanced space telescopes. A key figure in this research is Dr. Brice-Olivier Demory from the <a href="https://www.csh.unibe.ch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Center for Space and Habitability</a> (CSH) and the <a href="https://nccr-planets.ch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NCCR PlanetS</a>. </p>



<p>"55 Cancri e is one of the most enigmatic exoplanets. Despite enormous amounts of observing time obtained with a dozen of ground and space facilities in the past decade, its very nature has remained elusive, until today, when parts of the puzzle could finally be put together thanks to the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)," noted Dr. Demory.</p>



<p>The JWST has demonstrated potential in studying hot, highly irradiated rocky planets and may soon provide insights into cooler, potentially <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/habitable-worlds-new-strategy-to-identify-planets-that-may-host-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitable worlds</a>. </p>



<p>Renyu Hu of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) emphasized the telescope's impact. "JWST is really pushing the frontiers of exoplanet characterization to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/webb-telescope-finds-water-on-very-hot-exoplanet-named-gj-486-b/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rocky exoplanets</a>. It is truly enabling a new type of science."</p>



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



<p>Furthering our understanding, the CHEOPS space telescope, which was developed and built at the <a href="https://www.unibe.ch/index_eng.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bern</a>, has been instrumental in answering several key questions about 55 Cancri e. </p>



<p>Observations from both CHEOPS and JWST suggest that 55 Cancri e may host an atmosphere containing gases like carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-climate-of-a-super-hot-super-earth-exoplanet">The climate of a super-hot super-Earth exoplanet</h2>



<p>Despite its rocky composition, the exoplanet 55 Cancri e presents conditions far from those found on Earth. The planet's proximity to its star creates extreme surface temperatures likely leading to a molten magma ocean. </p>



<p>"The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strange-lava-worlds-magma-oceans-affect-the-evolution-of-hot-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planet</a> is so hot that some of the molten rock should evaporate," noted Hu. This proximity also suggests that 55 Cancri e is tidally locked, maintaining a constant day side facing the star and a night side in perpetual darkness.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-innovative-observational-techniques">Innovative observational techniques</h2>



<p>The research team utilized the JWST’s NIRCam and MIRI to observe infrared light from 55 Cancri e, allowing them to deduce surface temperatures and atmospheric characteristics. </p>



<p>By comparing the light emitted during the planet's secondary eclipse (when it is behind its star) with its normal state, the experts determined that the dayside temperature is cooler than expected if the planet had no <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alien-weather-exoplanet-wasp-121-b-has-a-dynamic-atmosphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmosphere</a>. </p>



<p>This temperature discrepancy suggests a volatile-rich atmosphere that distributes energy from the day to the night side, challenging previous assumptions about heat distribution solely by lava flows.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-window-into-exoplanet-development">A window into exoplanet development</h2>



<p>The potential atmosphere around the exoplanet 55 Cancri e, as recently analyzed by scientists from Stanford University and Colorado State University, likely stems from the planet's bubbling magma ocean. Consequently, this suggests a secondary atmosphere continuously replenished by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/volcanic-exoplanet-glows-with-red-hot-molten-lava/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcanic</a> activity. </p>



<p>The research has provided a unique opportunity to study the interactions between planetary atmospheres, surfaces, and interiors. These insights are possibly applicable to the early stages of Earth, Venus, and Mars.</p>



<p>"Ultimately, we want to understand what conditions make it possible for a rocky planet to sustain a gas-rich atmosphere: the key ingredient for a habitable planet," said Hu. </p>



<p>While 55 Cancri e is not habitable, it provides a valuable laboratory for studying extreme planetary environments and their atmospheres. These insights deepen our understanding of distant worlds and advance our quest to find life-sustaining conditions elsewhere.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">More about 55 Cancri e&nbsp;</h2>



<p>55 Cancri e is located about 40 light years away from Earth in the constellation Cancer. It's notable for being one of the first discovered exoplanets that orbits a main sequence star similar to our Sun. </p>



<p>This planet is extremely close to its star, 55 Cancri, with an orbit so tight that a year there lasts just about 18 hours. This proximity leads to incredibly high surface temperatures, potentially reaching up to 2,700 degrees Celsius, making it unlikely to support life as we know it. Additionally, the planet could have an atmosphere denser than Earth's, possibly rich in hydrogen and helium.</p>



<p>There's also speculation, based on its density and the emissions observed, that 55 Cancri e could have a substantial amount of carbon in its composition. Some scientists hypothesize that a large part of this carbon might be in the form of diamond, leading to the nickname "diamond planet."&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, these are still subjects of ongoing research and debate in the scientific community. The planet presents a rich field of study that could help us understand more about planet formation and the characteristics of planets outside our solar system.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07432-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a></em>.</p>



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'Diamond planet' 55 Cancri e has signs of an atmosphere

An exoplanet orbiting a sun-like star in the constellation Cancer...

<p>Recent large-scale wildfires have sparked concern not only for immediate damage but also for the lasting effects on soil chemistry, which can influence water safety, air quality, and plant regeneration. </p>



<p>Despite their significance, these changes often go unnoticed in recovery and risk management strategies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Deeper understanding of wildfire-induced soil reactions</h2>



<p>Research coordinated by scientists from <a href="https://www.stanford.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford University</a> and <a href="https://www.colostate.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colorado State University</a> reveals that our current methods of monitoring soil and ecosystem changes post-wildfire are inadequate.</p>



<p>Enhanced monitoring techniques could greatly improve how we manage scenarios after wildfires, including the treatment of drinking water, reforestation efforts, and safeguarding workers during clean-up processes involving potential toxins.</p>



<p>"In our study, we integrate organic with inorganic chemistry, unlike typical research that might focus on just one aspect," explains Claudia Avila, who led the study alongside Alandra Lopez. Both were postdoctoral scholars at the time, under the guidance of Professor Scott Fendorf from Stanford’s Doerr School of Sustainability.</p>



<p>“Understanding the molecular mechanisms in soil helps us decipher why water from fire-impacted <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-pollutants-negatively-impact-water-quality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">watersheds</a> might become more toxic, or why <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/one-third-of-global-forest-loss-has-been-caused-by-wildfires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forests</a> struggle to regenerate," says Thomas Borch, a senior author of the study from Colorado State University.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Challenging the role of black carbon </h2>



<p>The experts noted that wildfires may contribute more to atmospheric carbon dioxide levels than previously thought. </p>



<p>Moreover, the assumption that black carbon (the residue left from burned organic materials) can lock away <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/canadian-fires-have-released-a-billion-tons-of-carbon-dioxide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon dioxide</a> for extended periods is being challenged. </p>



<p>“Microbes might convert black carbon into carbon dioxide faster than we believed," says Professor Fendorf.</p>



<p>According to Borch, the lack of clarity about how much post-fire carbon turns into greenhouse gases is a gap in our climate understanding.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-benefits-amidst-the-damage">Ecological benefits amidst the damage</h2>



<p>Wildfires are not solely destructive; they can also enrich <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/burned-soil-provides-a-feast-for-fungi-and-bacteria/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soils</a> with nitrogen and make organic carbon more soluble, laying the groundwork for new growth. </p>



<p>The presence of certain chemicals is crucial, though. For example, compounds known as karrikins are necessary for seed germination and growth, yet they might not always be produced in sufficient quantities during fires.</p>



<p>However, the study also notes an increase in toxic substances like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soils post-wildfire, which can hinder plant recovery. </p>



<p>“These molecular-scale impacts might help us understand why reforestation is difficult in vast areas of the Rockies,” says Borch.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alterations-to-inorganic-materials">Alterations to inorganic materials</h2>



<p>Wildfires also modify the chemical nature of metals in the soil, turning them into forms that can easily migrate to air and water sources. </p>



<p>“Our findings show high levels of hazardous chromium forms at sites with extreme, prolonged heat, persisting until heavy rainfall occurs,” explains Lopez.</p>



<p>Interestingly, in less intense fires, remnants of plant and animal tissues can help revert chromium back to its less harmful state.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-towards-better-wildfire-management">Towards better wildfire management</h2>



<p>A more comprehensive approach to monitoring and modeling could pave the way for more effective <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/woodpecker-behavior-can-guide-post-fire-forest-management/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfire management</a>, protecting both human and natural resources. </p>



<p>“Identifying areas at risk for hazardous chromium release could allow us to manage fire intensity through controlled burns, minimizing the risk of releasing toxins," says Avila.</p>



<p>“By fully understanding the complex interactions in fire-affected soils, we can better predict and manage the outcomes across various fire, landscape, and geological conditions," notes Fendorf.</p>



<p>Based on soil chemistry changes induced by wildfires, the scientists are uncovering critical insights that could enhance our approach to managing and recovering from these natural disasters. </p>



<p>As research progresses, the hope is that these findings will lead to better strategies for mitigating the impact of wildfires on our environment and communities.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">More about soil changes after wildfires</h2>



<p>After a wildfire, soil undergoes several significant changes that can affect its structure, composition, and function within the ecosystem. </p>



<p>Wildfires can increase soil temperatures dramatically, which leads to the combustion of organic matter. This reduction in organic matter affects the soil's fertility and its ability to retain moisture, leading to changes in the types of vegetation that can grow back.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Water-repellent layer</h3>



<p>The heat from a fire can also cause soil particles to fuse, creating a water-repellent layer known as hydrophobicity. This layer can prevent water from penetrating the soil, increasing runoff and the risk of erosion. </p>



<p>The lack of infiltration can further deplete soil moisture and reduce groundwater recharge, which is critical for vegetation and wildlife.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Nutrient dynamics&nbsp;</h3>



<p>The nutrient dynamics of the soil are also altered. While fires can initially increase the availability of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus due to the ash deposition, these nutrients can be quickly washed away by rain, leading to a nutrient-poor environment. Over time, this can affect plant regrowth and soil productivity.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Soil microbes</h3>



<p>Additionally, wildfires can change the microbial community within the soil. The intense heat can kill beneficial microbes that are essential for decomposing organic material and recycling nutrients. </p>



<p>The disruption of these microbial communities can slow the recovery of the soil's natural fertility and structure.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Soil recovery&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Recovery and restoration of soil after wildfires depend heavily on the severity of the burn, the type of soil, the pre-fire vegetation, and subsequent weather conditions. </p>



<p>In some cases, natural recovery can occur with the return of vegetation which helps stabilize the soil and restore its organic content. </p>



<p>In other cases, human intervention might be necessary to rehabilitate the soil and prevent further degradation.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43017-024-00548-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Reviews Earth &amp; Environment</a></em></em>.</p>



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



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Wildfires have lasting impacts on soil chemistry

Recent large-scale wildfires have sparked concern not only for immediate...

<p>New findings reveal that worker rights, such as the ability to form trade unions and to bargain collectively, are among the least protected <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-human-rights-report-card-60-of-countries-got-an-f/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human rights</a> globally. </p>



<p>This revelation comes from the latest report by the CIRIGHTS Data Project, which hosts the largest human rights dataset worldwide. Since 1981, this project has provided an annual evaluation of countries based on their adherence to 25 internationally recognized human rights.</p>



<p>The recent report highlights a concerning trend: worker rights are consistently undermined. </p>



<p>The data shows that countries like Canada, Sweden, New Zealand, Norway, and Portugal score high in terms of human rights protections overall. Conversely, nations such as Iran, Syria, North Korea, China, and Iraq have the lowest scores.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-closer-look-at-labor-rights">A closer look at labor rights</h2>



<p>David Cingranelli, a professor at <a href="https://www.binghamton.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Binghamton University, State University of New York</a>, who co-leads the project, emphasizes the significance of these findings. </p>



<p>According to Cingranelli, foundational labor rights - which include the right to unionize, bargain collectively, and strike - are essential for the protection of other worker rights. However, these "gateway rights" are seeing a global decline.</p>



<p>Cingranelli's research points out a direct correlation between the protection of labor rights and the overall socio-economic fabric of a country. </p>



<p>"It is unlikely that governments protect the rights to an adequate minimum wage, occupational health and safety, or reasonable limitations on work hours unless they allow workers to form independent trade unions and to bargain collectively," he states.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-economic-globalization-and-worker-rights">Economic globalization and worker rights</h2>



<p>The erosion of labor rights is not isolated to economically struggling regions. In fact, even in wealthy, democratic countries where labor rights are more protected, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-warming-economic-inequality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">economic inequality</a> has risen sharply. </p>



<p>Cingranelli attributes this phenomenon to economic globalization, which intensifies competition among nations and often leads governments to prioritize corporate interests over those of workers.</p>



<p>Moreover, in the world's least developed countries, major agricultural, mining, and oil extraction industries exert considerable influence over worker policies. This pattern mirrors the early industrial stages in the United States, where worker rights were similarly marginalized.</p>



<p>"Corporate leaders typically prefer to distribute most of the profit from their activities to shareholders, not workers," says Cingranelli.</p>



<p>This adversarial stance between companies and workers over the terms and conditions of employment underscores the importance of government intervention.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-government-in-labor-rights">The role of government in labor rights</h2>



<p>Governments play a crucial role in ensuring that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-heat-poses-extreme-risks-for-outdoor-workers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">worker</a> concerns are heard and fairly addressed. Without adequate government policies, companies possess unchecked power to suppress unions and disregard worker rights, according to Cingranelli. </p>



<p>He notes that stringent labor regulations in one country can drive companies to relocate, further complicating the global landscape of labor rights.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strengthening-worker-rights-for-a-fair-future">Strengthening worker rights for a fair future</h2>



<p>This comprehensive examination by the CIRIGHTS Data Project underscores a stark reality: worker rights are critically underprotected globally, threatening not just the welfare of workers but also the equitable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/38-trillion-dollars-per-year-economic-losses-expected-from-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">economic</a> progress of nations. </p>



<p>The findings serve as a call to action for governments worldwide to strengthen labor regulations and ensure that the rights of workers are upheld amidst the challenges posed by economic globalization.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">More about worker rights</h2>



<p>Worker rights refer to the set of legal protections and entitlements that employees have within the workplace, which aim to ensure fair treatment, safety, and equitable compensation.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Fair pay</h3>



<p>Fundamental worker rights typically include the right to fair pay, which means being compensated at least at a minimum wage and receiving pay for overtime work according to laws.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>Safety standards are another critical area, requiring employers to provide a work environment free from hazards and to comply with occupational health and safety regulations.</p>



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



<p>Additionally, workers are often entitled to collective bargaining, allowing them to negotiate terms of employment, benefits, and working conditions through unions or other representative bodies.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Discrimination and privacy</h3>



<p>Anti-discrimination laws protect workers from being unfairly treated or harassed on the basis of race, gender, age, religion, disability, or other protected characteristics. Rights to privacy and respect in the workplace are also vital, shielding personal information and dignity.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Enforcement&nbsp;</h3>



<p>The enforcement of these rights is typically managed by government agencies and through the courts. Workers can usually seek redress for violations through legal or regulatory means, and in many places, there are specific governmental departments dedicated to overseeing labor law compliance.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Over time, these rights have been established to promote social and economic justice, improve living conditions, and protect workers from exploitation.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em>Human Rights Quarterly</em>.</p>



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Worker rights are among the least protected human rights

New findings reveal that worker rights, such as the ability...

<p>Ever heard of plants <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bioluminescent-plants-gene-discovery-now-available-for-any-home/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glowing</a>? No, it's not a scene from a sci-fi movie. Plants have a hidden talent – they emit a faint, invisible light known as solar-induced fluorescence (SIF). It's like a secret language, whispering tales of their health and activity. </p>



<p>NASA scientists are eavesdropping from space, using satellites like the Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 (<a href="https://ocov2.jpl.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OCO-2</a>) to decode these luminous messages and predict flash droughts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flash-droughts">Flash droughts</h2>



<p>Flash droughts, as their name suggests, strike with lightning speed. Unlike traditional droughts that develop over months, these stealthy adversaries can parch the land in mere weeks, leaving farmers and ecosystems scrambling. These sudden and intense droughts come without warning, rapidly drying out soil and vegetation.</p>



<p>Remember the devastating 2012 drought across the U.S.? That was a flash drought, causing widespread crop failure and resulting in a staggering $30 billion in agricultural losses. The rapid onset and severe impact of flash droughts make them particularly challenging to manage and predict.</p>



<p>Predicting these disasters has been a challenge, until now. Scientists have struggled to find reliable early warning signs for flash droughts, leaving farmers vulnerable to sudden and severe <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/computational-tools-may-improve-the-future-of-farming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water shortages</a>. However, recent advancements in technology and research have provided a breakthrough. </p>



<p>By monitoring plant fluorescence and soil moisture from space, researchers can now detect early signs of flash droughts, offering valuable lead time for mitigation efforts. This innovation marks a significant step forward in our ability to combat this unpredictable threat.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-glow-linked-to-flash-drought">Plant glow linked to flash drought</h2>



<p>In a recent study, NASA researchers uncovered a surprising pattern. Before a flash drought strikes, plants go through a sudden and intense growth spurt. </p>



<p>During this period, they absorb carbon dioxide at an accelerated rate, almost as if they are preparing for an impending shortage. </p>



<p>This frantic feeding frenzy results in a significant increase in their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forest-glow-co2-storage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar-induced fluorescence</a> (SIF) signal, which creates an unusual glow detectable by satellites from space.</p>



<p>This unexpected growth surge, however, is a double-edged sword. While the rapid growth indicates healthy and thriving plants, it also has a hidden cost. </p>



<p>As plants vigorously absorb water to support their accelerated growth, they rapidly deplete the soil moisture. </p>



<p>This depletion leaves the soil dry and vulnerable. When extreme heat strikes, the already diminished moisture levels plummet further, setting the stage for a flash drought.</p>



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



<p>The rapid depletion of soil moisture due to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-leaves-send-signals-to-their-roots-on-dry-days-telling-them-to-keep-digging-deeper-for-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a>' growth spurt acts as a precursor to the flash drought. The plants' initial thriving phase, marked by the intense SIF signal, is followed by a sudden downturn as the drought takes hold. </p>



<p>This pattern of initial growth followed by rapid drying highlights the complex and interconnected nature of flash droughts, making early detection and prediction crucial for mitigating their impacts.</p>



<p>"Plant fluorescence shows promise as a reliable early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-and-boreal-ecosystems-are-becoming-increasingly-unstable/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warning indicator</a> of flash drought with enough lead time to take action," explains Nicholas Parazoo, NASA Earth Scientist.</p>



<p>This discovery is a game-changer.&nbsp;By monitoring the SIF signal,&nbsp;scientists can potentially predict flash droughts weeks or even months in advance,&nbsp;giving farmers and water managers a crucial head start in preparing for the dry spell.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-sif-signal">Beyond SIF signal</h2>



<p>The SIF signal is just one piece of the puzzle. To confirm their findings, the scientists turned to another NASA satellite, <a href="https://smap.jpl.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SMAP</a> (Soil Moisture Active Passive). </p>



<p>SMAP measures soil moisture from space, and its data perfectly matched the pattern revealed by the glowing plants. </p>



<p>When the SIF signal was high, SMAP showed a corresponding decrease in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drying-without-dying-desert-moss-holds-the-key-to-drought-tolerance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soil moisture</a> in the weeks leading up to a flash drought. This correlation held true across diverse landscapes, from forests to grasslands.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-cycle-and-flash-droughts">Carbon cycle  and flash droughts</h2>



<p>The study also shed light on how flash droughts impact the carbon cycle. Plants are natural carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-cleverly-adapt-their-photosynthesis-to-changes-in-light/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photosynthesis</a>. This process is crucial in reducing atmospheric carbon levels. </p>



<p>However, as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tomato-plants-use-their-roots-to-ration-water-during-drought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drought stress</a> sets in, plants' ability to capture carbon diminishes. The stress from drought conditions hampers their photosynthetic activity, leading to a reduced intake of carbon dioxide.</p>



<p>The researchers anticipated a noticeable spike in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels during flash droughts due to the decreased carbon uptake by stressed plants. Surprisingly, the study revealed a different outcome. </p>



<p>They discovered a balance in the carbon cycle that they did not expect. The initial growth spurt of plants before the drought resulted in a higher than usual carbon uptake. </p>



<p>This increased absorption of carbon dioxide before the drought effectively compensated for the subsequent decline in carbon uptake during the drought stress period.</p>



<p>As a result, the overall carbon balance remained stable despite the occurrence of the flash drought. This finding highlights the complex interactions within the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/including-animals-carbon-cycle-models-boosts-ecosystem-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon cycle</a> and suggests that plants' response to pre-drought conditions plays a significant role in mitigating the potential increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels during flash droughts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oco-2-s-legacy">OCO-2's legacy</h2>



<p>The OCO-2 satellite,&nbsp;celebrating its 10th anniversary in space,&nbsp;has been instrumental in this research.&nbsp;Its three high-precision spectrometers can detect the faint glow of SIF and measure carbon dioxide levels with remarkable accuracy.</p>



<p>This wealth of data has allowed scientists to unravel the intricate connection between plants,&nbsp;water,&nbsp;and carbon,&nbsp;and to develop new tools for predicting and mitigating the impacts of flash droughts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lesser-flash-droughts-using-plants">Lesser flash droughts using plants</h2>



<p>The implications of this research are far-reaching. With early warning systems based on plant fluorescence and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-alter-roots-soil-moisture/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soil moisture</a> data, farmers can make informed decisions about irrigation, crop selection, and planting schedules. This could significantly reduce crop losses and ensure food security in the face of a changing climate.</p>



<p>"While early warning can’t eliminate the impacts of flash droughts, farmers and ranchers with advanced operations can better use water for irrigation to reduce crop impacts, avoid planting crops that are likely to fail, or plant a different type of crop to achieve the most ideal yield if they have weeks to months of lead time," notes Jordan Gerth, <a href="https://www.weather.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Weather Service</a> Scientist.</p>



<p>So,&nbsp;next time you gaze at a field of green,&nbsp;remember the secret glow hidden within those leaves.&nbsp;It's not just a sign of life, but a beacon of hope,&nbsp;guiding us towards a future where we can outsmart even the most elusive droughts.</p>



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



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Plants emit a faint 'glow' when flash droughts are imminent

Ever heard of plants glowing? No, it's not a scene from a...

<p>The shift towards online exams has been significant, especially since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. This transition offers undeniable benefits such as saving time and increasing flexibility for both students and universities. </p>



<p>Despite these advantages, the rise in online exams has led to increased concerns about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/time-parents-kids-academic-success/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">academic</a> integrity, prompting educators and institutions to explore new strategies to curb cheating.</p>



<p>Media psychologists&nbsp;at the <a href="https://portal.uni-koeln.de/en/uoc-home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cologne</a> have delved into the underlying causes of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/people-dishonest-perceived-incompetent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dishonesty</a> in these settings. Their research suggests that current preventative measures may not fully address the psychological and deeper-rooted issues that influence student behavior and well-being.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-the-dynamics-of-academic-dishonesty">Exploring the dynamics of academic dishonesty</h2>



<p>Focused on 339 students from various German universities, the research aimed to unravel the complex reasons behind cheating in digital assessments.</p>



<p>The findings are insightful. They reveal that cheating is less likely when exams are relevant to students' future careers, emphasizing the significance of real-world applicability in making assessments meaningful. </p>



<p>Furthermore, authenticity and detailed, constructive feedback in exams correlate with lower cheating rates, whereas exams that require rote memorization tend to encourage dishonesty.</p>



<p>In the second phase, the researchers explored students' perceptions of online examinations alongside their past and future cheating behaviors. </p>



<p>A key discovery was that negative attitudes towards these exams, such as the belief that they impede learning, were linked to higher incidences of cheating. In contrast, viewing online exams as beneficial to teaching quality was associated with reduced intentions to cheat.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-to-cheat-or-not-to-cheat-in-online-exams">To cheat or not to cheat in online exams</h2>



<p>The study also explored personal motivations for and against cheating. The top reasons for cheating included the high stakes of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/students-names-unfairly-impact-grades-due-to-alphabetical-bias/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">grades</a>, perceived unfairness in exams, and the belief in low detection risks. </p>



<p>Moral values like honesty and the fear of severe consequences, including expulsion, were significant deterrents against cheating.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enhancing-online-exams-with-psychological-insights">Enhancing online exams with psychological insights</h2>



<p>Dr. Marco Rüth, a corresponding author of the study, emphasized the importance of considering these psychological factors in educational design. </p>



<p>“A stronger consideration of these factors when designing courses and exam formats can reduce cheating behavior and, in the long term, positively influence students’ <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/smartphones-classroom-hindering-learning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">learning behavior</a> and their well-being,” he stated. </p>



<p>This approach could not only decrease cheating rates but also enhance the overall acceptance of online exams in higher education.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-charting-the-course-for-integrity-in-digital-learning">Charting the course for integrity in digital learning</h2>



<p>As universities continue to adapt to an increasingly digital world, the findings from this study are invaluable. </p>



<p>They highlight the need for a holistic approach to exam design - one that considers the psychological well-being of students just as much as the academic integrity of the exams themselves. </p>



<p>By aligning exam content with professional relevance and providing supportive, detailed feedback, educators can foster a more honest and effective learning environment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-closer-look-at-why-students-cheat-online">A closer look at why students cheat online</h2>



<p>Students cheat in online exams for a variety of reasons, often driven by the unique challenges and pressures of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-robots-can-help-students-stay-focused/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">online learning</a> environment. </p>



<p>One significant factor is the perception of opportunity; the remote nature of online exams can make some students feel there is less risk of getting caught. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Absence of instructors</h3>



<p>Additionally, the lack of a physical presence of instructors and other students can diminish the sense of accountability and immediacy that typically discourages cheating in a traditional classroom setting.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Pressure&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Another reason is the pressure to achieve good grades, which can be intensified by the competitive job market and high expectations from family and society. This pressure can lead students to prioritize outcomes over the learning process.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Lack of preparation&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Also, some students might struggle with the material and feel underprepared for the exam. In an online setting, without immediate access to help or clarification during the test, the temptation to cheat can be stronger.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Ease of access&nbsp;</h3>



<p>The ease of access to information and resources online can also contribute to cheating. Students can quickly search for answers on the internet, or even use more sophisticated methods like hiring others to take tests on their behalf. </p>



<p>This accessibility makes it easier to justify cheating as a viable option under stress or time constraints.</p>



<p>The study is published in the <em><a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jcal.12994" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Computer Assisted Learning</a></em>.</p>



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



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What motivates students to cheat in online exams?

The shift towards online exams has been significant, especially since...

<p>A recent study led by <a href="https://www.chapman.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chapman University</a> has found that some <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bodybuilding-supplement-called-helps-prevent-alzheimers-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supplement</a> companies may mislead customers with unproven health claims and undeclared ingredients. The researchers focused on herbal supplements purported to treat or prevent COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses. During the pandemic, the use of dietary supplements surged globally. </p>



<p>“There was a big spike in purchase and use of these types of supplements during the pandemic,” said senior author Rosalee Hellberg, an associate professor of food science at Chapman. “Whenever there’s an increase in demand, there’s also an increased chance for fraud to occur.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ayurvedic-herbal-supplements-nbsp">Ayurvedic herbal supplements&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The researchers collected 54 supplements containing Ayurvedic herbs, a type of alternative medicine from India, which were claimed to treat COVID-19.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These herbs included ashwagandha, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, tulsi, vacha, amla, guduchi, and tribulus. The products were sourced from online and local retailers in Orange and Los Angeles counties, CA.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dna-barcoding-nbsp">DNA barcoding&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The researchers employed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/breakthrough-in-nutrition-science-dna-barcoding-reveals-dietary-secrets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DNA barcoding</a> techniques to verify the plant species in the supplements. DNA barcoding uses a short DNA sequence to identify an organism's species. </p>



<p>The researchers noted several concerning results, indicating the need for increased scrutiny of these products. In 60% of the products, the expected ingredient was not detected.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, Hellberg noted that this might not necessarily indicate fraud, as the novel use of DNA barcoding may struggle to detect degraded DNA, meaning a negative result does not confirm the absence of the species.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-ingredients-in-herbal-supplements-nbsp">Hidden ingredients in herbal supplements&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Another limitation of DNA barcoding is that it does not quantify the detected species' ingredients. Additional research is required to verify the amount of each ingredient, Hellberg said.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“If the ingredients were present at a higher amount, that is where the concerns can arise,” explained Hellberg. “Also, any time you're detecting things that aren't on the label, that can indicate some quality control issues. That could also suggest that there are other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/health-risks-of-ultra-processed-foods-revealed-in-30-year-study/%C3%B9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health risks</a> going on or maybe things aren't being handled properly.”</p>



<p>The scientists also found 19 products with undeclared <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/increasing-plant-extinction-threatens-the-future-of-medicine-and-human-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant</a> species. Common fillers such as rice and other materials were identified, along with other unlisted Ayurvedic herbs. </p>



<p>“So these could be used in a fraudulent manner,” said Hellberg. “Instead of having 100% of the declared species on the label, some manufacturers might mix in filler because it’s cheaper.”</p>



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



<p>Undeclared species and ingredients in supplements pose risks to consumers, who could ingest substances causing allergic reactions and other health issues. However, the study did not determine the exact risk level, as it could not detect the amount of each ingredient.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This study - published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/pca.3320" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Phytochemical Analysis</em></a><em> </em>- highlights the importance of increased regulation and scrutiny of dietary supplements to ensure consumer safety and prevent misleading health claims.</p>



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



<p>Herbal supplements are products made from plants for their therapeutic or medicinal properties. They are commonly used to improve health, boost immune function, and prevent or alleviate various ailments.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Herbal supplements can be found in various forms, such as pills, powders, teas, extracts, or capsules.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-traditional-medicine">Traditional medicine</h3>



<p>The use of herbal supplements dates back thousands of years as part of traditional medicine practices across the world, such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Commonly used herbs include echinacea, used to prevent colds; ginseng, used for energy and cognitive function; and St. John's wort, often used for depression.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lack-of-regulation-nbsp">Lack of regulation&nbsp;</h3>



<p>While many find herbal supplements beneficial, their effectiveness can vary widely. In many countries, they are not strictly regulated like prescription drugs. This lack of regulation can lead to inconsistencies in potency and purity.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-side-effects">Side effects</h3>



<p>Users should also be aware of potential side effects and interactions with other medications. Some of the general side effects and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/herbal-supplements-are-not-always-safe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">risks</a> associated with herbal supplements include:</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-allergic-reactions">Allergic reactions</h4>



<p>Some people may experience allergies to certain herbs, manifesting as rashes, hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gastrointestinal-issues">Gastrointestinal issues</h4>



<p>Many herbal supplements can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or upset stomach.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sleep-disturbances">Sleep disturbances</h4>



<p>Supplements such as ginseng and ginkgo can cause insomnia or restlessness.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bleeding-risks">Bleeding risks</h4>



<p>Herbs like garlic, ginkgo, and ginseng have blood-thinning properties and can increase bleeding risk, particularly if taken with other blood thinners like warfarin.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heart-issues">Heart issues</h4>



<p>Some herbs can interfere with heart medications and affect heart rhythms. For example, St. John's wort can interact with heart medications like digoxin.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-liver-damage">Liver damage</h4>



<p>Supplements such as kava and comfrey have been linked to liver damage.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-drug-interactions">Drug interactions</h4>



<p>Many herbs can interact with prescription medications, either decreasing or increasing their effects, which can be dangerous. For instance, St. John’s wort can reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills, antidepressants, and other medications.</p>



<p>It's crucial for individuals to discuss any herbal supplements they are considering with a healthcare provider to ensure they are appropriate and safe, especially if they have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.</p>



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



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Herbal supplements often contain hidden ingredients

A recent study led by Chapman University has found that...

<p>Researchers at the <a href="https://www.unil.ch/central/en/home.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Lausanne</a> have solved a long-standing paleontological mystery. The team has recently discovered a fossil that bridges the gap between modern <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/two-new-species-of-burrowing-scorpions-discovered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scorpions</a>, spiders, horseshoe crabs, and their Cambrian ancestors. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mystery-of-the-arthropod-lineage-nbsp">Mystery of the arthropod lineage&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Scorpions, spiders, and horseshoe crabs belong to the arthropod lineage, which appeared nearly 540 million years ago. They are part of a subphylum called chelicerates, characterized by pincers known as chelicerae, used for biting, grasping prey, or injecting venom. Identifying the ancestors of this specific group has long puzzled paleontologists.</p>



<p>Early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-fossil-sheds-light-on-arthropod-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">arthropod</a> fossils did not show enough similarities with modern species to be considered ancestors, and a lack of fossils from the key period between 505 and 430 million years ago compounded the mystery.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fossils-from-morocco-nbsp">Fossils from Morocco&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Lorenzo Lustri, a PhD student at the University of Lausanne's Faculty of Geosciences and Environment, provided the missing piece of the puzzle.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Lustri and his supervisors studied a hundred fossils from the Fezouata Shale of Morocco, dating back 478 million years, and identified a fossil that links modern organisms to those of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cambrian-explosion-fossil-sponges/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cambrian period</a> (505 million years ago). </p>



<p>Discovered in the early 2000s, fossils from the Fezouata Shale have undergone extensive analysis. However, the fossil illustrated in the recent study, <em>Setapedites abundantis</em>, had never been described before.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Measuring between 5 and 10 millimeters, this fossil allows scientists to trace the lineage of chelicerates from early arthropods to modern species like spiders, scorpions, and horseshoe crabs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-analyzing-the-anatomy-of-fossil-chelicerates">Analyzing the anatomy of fossil chelicerates</h2>



<p>To achieve these results, the scientists used an X-ray scanner to reconstruct the anatomy of the fossils in detail and in 3D. They compared these findings with numerous fossil chelicerates from other sites and their more ancient relatives.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The significance of the Fezouata fossil was clarified through phylogenetic analyses, which mathematically reconstruct the family tree of different species based on the “coding” of all their anatomical traits.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-discovery-nbsp">Surprising discovery&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“Initially, we only intended to describe and name this fossil. We had absolutely no idea that it would hold so many secrets,” said Lustri, who defended his PhD in March 2023. “It was therefore an exhilarating surprise to realize, after careful observations and analysis, that it also filled an important gap in the evolutionary <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mammalian-tree-of-life-traces-evolution-of-mammals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree of life</a>.”</p>



<p>The fossil has yet to reveal all its secrets. Some anatomical features provide insights into the early evolution of chelicerates and may link this group to other debated fossil forms.</p>



<p>A temporary exhibition on the Fezouata biota will soon be held at the Palais de Rumine in Lausanne, Switzerland.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fossils-of-scorpions-and-spiders-nbsp">Fossils of scorpions and spiders&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Fossils of scorpions and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/riding-the-wind-joro-spiders-are-invading-the-u-s-at-an-alarming-rate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spiders</a> provide intriguing insights into the ancient history of these arachnids, tracing their existence back hundreds of millions of years. </p>



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



<p>Scorpions are among the oldest known terrestrial <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/when-did-the-first-animals-appear-on-earth-we-are-now-one-step-closer-to-knowing-the-answer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animals</a>, with their earliest fossils dating back to the Silurian period, over 430 million years ago. These ancient scorpions were similar in form to modern ones, though some were aquatic or semi-aquatic, showing adaptations like gills.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spiders">Spiders</h3>



<p>Spider fossils, while not as ancient as those of scorpions, are still quite old, with the oldest known spider fossils dating back to the Carboniferous period, around 300 million years ago. These early spiders already displayed key features such as spinnerets, which are used to produce silk.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The preservation of spiders in the fossil record is often linked to amber deposits, where fine details of their anatomy, including their silk-producing structures, can be exquisitely preserved.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-stability-nbsp">Evolutionary stability&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Both scorpions and spiders have shown remarkable evolutionary stability. Their basic body plans and behaviors have changed little over millions of years, indicating a successful adaptation to their ecological niches.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study of spider and scorpion fossils not only helps in understanding their evolution and distribution over time but also provides insights into the ancient environments they inhabited.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-48013-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Communications</em></a>.</p>



<p>Image Credit: UNIL</p>



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Fossil reveals the first ancestors of scorpions and spiders

Researchers at the University of Lausanne have solved a long-standing...

<p>The quest to reintroduce bilbies into temperate regions of Australia, where they have not roamed for over a century, is gaining momentum. This effort is crucial for restoring a vital part of the region’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-solutions-for-the-climate-and-biodiversity-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a>. Thanks to a recent study conducted in a sanctuary setting, progress is being made.</p>



<p>This pivotal research, a collaboration between <a href="https://www.unsw.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UNSW Sydney</a> and Taronga <a href="https://taronga.org.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Conservation Society Australia</a>, is unfolding at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo. Consequently, researchers at the zoo have unearthed vital clues that could help restore the bilby, a beloved yet threatened <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/australasian-marsupials-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marsupial</a>, to its former habitats in southeastern and southwestern Australia.</p>



<p>The study focused on bilbies bred within the confines of the zoo's large sanctuary, designed to mimic the temperate zones of Australia. Historically, bilbies thrived in these areas, but due to threats like invasive species and habitat loss, their presence dwindled dramatically since European settlement.</p>



<p>Dr. Kate Cornelsen, the lead author of the study, emphasized the need for a detailed understanding of the animal's habitat preferences in temperate climates. </p>



<p>"If bilbies are to be restored in the temperate zone where they once thrived, we need to know much more about where they like to go and what they need there," explained Dr. Cornelsen.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unraveling-the-mystery-of-bilby-behavior">Unraveling the mystery of bilby behavior</h2>



<p>To gain this understanding, researchers equipped 20 greater bilbies with tiny GPS tracking devices on their tails. These devices recorded the animals' locations every hour, providing a unique insight into their nocturnal habits and preferences.</p>



<p>Andrew Elphinstone, manager of conservation, recovery, and restoration programs at Taronga Conservation Society Australia and co-author of the study, highlighted the bilbies' role as "ecosystem engineers." </p>



<p>"Bilbies turn over and aerate the earth, which improves soil health. Understanding their habitat preferences and needs is critical to restoring the species to a wider area," explained Elphinstone.</p>



<p>The research revealed intriguing patterns in bilby behavior, particularly in their food and habitat choices. "Food biomass or availability had a strong influence on where they preferred to hang out," said Dr. Cornelsen. </p>



<p>The experts noted that bilbies were adept at locating food sources, and showed a preference for specific soil types. Females were particularly selective, likely due to their need to balance burrowing conditions with food availability.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-habitat-selection-of-bilbies">Surprising habitat selection of bilbies</h2>



<p>Interestingly, the researchers found that bilbies often chose areas further from water sources, a preference that contradicts expectations given the general productivity near water bodies. </p>



<p>"Food is probably less patchy and more predictable in this study area compared to the desert regions previously studied," said Dr. Cornelsen.</p>



<p>A predictable food supply may help these creatures avoid competition with other species that rely on direct water sources.</p>



<p>Furthermore, the study revealed significant differences in resource usage between genders. </p>



<p>While females were constrained to their breeding burrows, limiting their range, males had the freedom to select high-quality feeding areas. This behavior was particularly noted during seasons when invertebrates - a key food source - were plentiful. </p>



<p>This distinction is crucial for developing targeted conservation strategies that address the specific needs and behaviors of each gender.</p>



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



<p>The findings of the study are not just academic; they hold practical implications for bilby reintroductions into temperate zones. </p>



<p>"For future bilby reintroductions, we will now have greater confidence in the resources required by the species within temperate regions," said Dr. Cornelsen.</p>



<p>The study marks a significant step forward in bilby conservation, providing a clearer picture of how these <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/why-are-some-animals-nocturnal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nocturnal</a> marsupials select resources and adapt to new environments. </p>



<p>By continuing to study bilbies in different environmental contexts, conservationists can better prepare for successful reintroductions and ensure the survival of this unique Australian marsupial.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">More about bilbies&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Bilbies, also known as rabbit-bandicoots, are small nocturnal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-rarest-marsupial-was-unwittingly-saved-by-prince-philip/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marsupials</a> native to Australia. They are notable for their long, silky blue-grey fur, large ears that help with heat dissipation, and a long, black and white tail. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Bilby diet</h3>



<p>Bilbies are omnivores and their diet includes insects, seeds, fungi, bulbs, and small animals. They have a very distinctive way of feeding, using their long tongues to scoop up food.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Population decline&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Historically, bilbies occupied arid and semi-arid regions across much of Australia. However, due to habitat loss, the introduction of non-native predators like foxes and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/feral-cats-are-wiping-out-endangered-marsupials/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cats</a>, and competition from rabbits, their population has drastically declined. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Reproduction&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Bilbies have an interesting reproductive strategy where the gestation period is only about 12-14 days, one of the shortest among mammals. They give birth to tiny, underdeveloped offspring that continue to develop in the mother's pouch.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Ecological role</h3>



<p>The bilby's ecological role includes soil turnover and aeration through their digging activities, which also helps in seed dispersal and reducing bushfire fuel loads.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0003347224000903?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Animal Behavior</a></em>.</p>



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

Can bilbies return to the places where they once thrived?

The quest to reintroduce bilbies into temperate regions of Australia,...

<p>Daylight saving time, the annual practice of setting clocks forward by one hour, has long been debated for its potential impacts on our daily lives. </p>



<p>While it promises extra evening daylight, new research suggests that the shift might be detrimental to our health habits, particularly when it comes to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/diet-exercise-blood-pressure-medicine/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diet and exercise</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unhealthy-shifts-snacking-and-gym-attendance">Unhealthy shifts: Snacking and gym attendance</h2>



<p>According to a study conducted by marketing analytics experts from <a href="https://poole.ncsu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">North Carolina State University’s Poole College of Management</a>, the switch to daylight saving time correlates with an increase in the consumption of processed snacks and a decrease in gym visits.</p>



<p>This research utilized detailed, real-time data from a packaged food company and a fitness center chain, both based in the United States. </p>



<p>The food company's study spanned six years and tracked the snack consumption habits of a nationally representative group using mobile devices, providing a unique insight into real-time <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healthy-eating-patterns-lower-the-risk-of-cardiovascular-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eating patterns</a>.</p>



<p>The fitness study, on the other hand, analyzed gym attendance data from before and after the onset in a single year.</p>



<p>The findings revealed that immediately following the transition, there was a notable increase in the intake of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ultra-processed-foods-like-soda-and-snacks-are-the-new-silent-killer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">processed snacks</a>, especially later in the day and more so on overcast days. </p>



<p>In addition, gym attendance dropped significantly post-time change, with the effect being more pronounced among those who do not regularly visit the gym.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consumer-behavior-and-daylight-saving-time">Consumer behavior and daylight saving time</h2>



<p>"The data we gathered is remarkable for its scope and the specificity with which it tracks individual consumption," explained Ram Janakiraman, the corresponding author of the study. "This isn't just about what people buy; it's about what they actually consume, and when."</p>



<p>This study not only sheds light on how our behaviors change with the clock but also emphasizes the broader implications of such shifts. </p>



<p>"Anecdotally, we often hear about the impact of daylight saving time on personal routines, but now we have empirical data that shows the real effects," added Rishika Rishika, a co-author of the study.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-policy-implications-and-consumer-advice">Policy implications and consumer advice</h2>



<p>The results of these studies offer important insights for both policymakers and the general public. </p>



<p>For one, they suggest that the transition into daylight saving time might require more supportive measures to help individuals maintain their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healthy-habits-life-expectancy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health habits</a>. </p>



<p>"Daylight saving time represents a period where companies could strategically plan to support customers in adjusting to the time change," Janakiraman noted.</p>



<p>Moreover, Rishika advises consumers to be particularly mindful of their health habits during this transition. </p>



<p>"The shift can disrupt even the best of routines, so it's crucial to be conscious of maintaining balanced habits during this time," she stated.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-daylight-saving-time-and-health-concerns">Daylight saving time and health concerns</h2>



<p>While daylight saving time may offer more daylight during the evening, it also poses challenges to maintaining <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seven-healthy-lifestyle-habits-that-prevent-depression/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">healthy lifestyle</a> habits. </p>



<p>This research highlights the need for awareness and potentially even policy changes to help mitigate the negative impacts of this yearly time change. </p>



<p>As we continue to debate the merits and drawbacks of daylight saving time, these findings provide valuable insights into its less visible costs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Health impacts of daylight saving time&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Daylight Saving Time (DST) can have several impacts on human health, both positive and negative.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sleep disruption</h3>



<p>The most immediate effect of daylight saving time is the disruption to people's sleep patterns. Losing an hour of sleep in the spring can lead to short-term <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-deprivation-increases-the-risk-of-stroke-by-70-percent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sleep deprivation</a>. This can increase fatigue, affect mood, and even impair cognitive function.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Heart health</h3>



<p>Studies have shown a slight increase in heart attacks following the spring transition to daylight saving time. The stress of losing an hour of sleep and the disturbance in the body’s circadian rhythms might temporarily elevate the risk.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Mental health</h3>



<p>The change in time can also affect mental health. The disruption in the circadian rhythm can lead to or exacerbate symptoms of depression for some people, particularly during the fall transition when daylight hours decrease.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Accidents and injuries</h3>



<p>There is evidence to suggest an increase in accidents both on the road and in the workplace immediately following the shift to daylight saving time. This is attributed to decreased alertness stemming from sleep loss.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Longer daylight exposure</h3>



<p>On the positive side, the additional hour of daylight in the evenings can encourage more physical activity and social interaction, which are beneficial for mental and physical health.</p>



<p>The overall impact of daylight saving time on health varies among individuals, largely depending on their personal health, lifestyle, and how their schedules are affected by the time change.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/00222429241256570" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Marketing</a></em>.</p>



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



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

Daylight saving time disrupts diet and exercise

Daylight saving time, the annual practice of setting clocks forward...

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

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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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>



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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>



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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



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



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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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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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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Spiral,Galaxy,,Illustration,Of,Milky,Way

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<p>Astronomers at <a href="https://www.jhu.edu/">Johns Hopkins University</a> have created an interactive map of the universe, including the actual position and real colors of 200,000 galaxies. The map allows the public to access data that was previously only available to scientists.</p>



<p>The map was developed using data collected by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. For over two decades, a telescope in New Mexico was aimed at slightly different locations to capture the night sky.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Growing up I was very inspired by astronomy pictures, stars, nebulae and galaxies, and now it's our time to create a new type of picture to inspire people," said map creator Brice Ménard, a professor at Johns Hopkins. "Astrophysicists around the world have been analyzing this data for years, leading to thousands of scientific papers and discoveries. But nobody took the time to create a map that is beautiful, scientifically accurate, and accessible to people who are not scientists. Our goal here is to show everybody what the universe really looks like."</p>



<p>"In this map, we are just a speck at the very bottom, just one pixel. And when I say we, I mean our galaxy, the Milky Way which has billions of stars and planets. We are used to seeing astronomical pictures showing one galaxy here, one galaxy there or perhaps a group of galaxies. But what this map shows is a very, very different scale."</p>



<p>"From this speck at the bottom, we are able to map out galaxies across the entire universe, and that says something about the power of science."</p>



<p>The <a href="https://mapoftheuniverse.net/">interactive map</a> is available online, where it can be downloaded for free.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&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>

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

[sendtonews key="e4ZG0Jawp3-2374785-12187" type="single"] Astronomers at Johns Hopkins University have created...

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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes the first comprehensive estimate of carbon density in the Saharan, Sahel, and Sudanian zones of Africa. In an effort to measure the amount of carbon stored across these drylands, a team of scientists used high-resolution satellite images and artificial intelligence to map nearly 10 billion individual trees. </p>



<p>"The high spatial resolution (50 cm) combined with AI and field measurements used in this study is key to improving tree inventories in drylands," said Pierre Hiernaux, a French researcher working for NASA. "The ever-increasing availability of very high-resolution satellite imagery will make it possible to assess carbon pools and their dynamics at the individual tree level on a global scale."</p>



<p>"This study is exceptional because it is pioneering a type of approach that will revolutionize the monitoring of trees and forests on a global scale: in the short term, it will be possible to map the world's trees from the centre of the Amazon to our schoolyards," said <a href="https://www.inrae.fr/en">INRAE</a> researcher Jean-Pierre Wigneron.</p>



<p>"Many fields of application will become much more efficient and accurate, such as tracking carbon stocks, biodiversity, monitoring logging and protection against illegal forest degradation, in near real time.”</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: NASA Goddard&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>

Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

[sendtonews key="EjmSP20gQK-2593093-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

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