<p>After nearly four decades of stubbornly clinging to life, one of the largest icebergs ever recorded is entering its final act. A23a - the trillion-ton "megaberg," which once sprawled over an area more than twice the size of Greater London - has drifted into the warmer waters of the South Atlantic and has begun to disintegrate rapidly.</p>



<p>In recent weeks, satellite images show vast slabs calving away - some measuring hundreds of square miles - while a blizzard of smaller bergy bits spreads around it, posing hazards to ships as the giant wastes away.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-iceberg-freed-after-30-years">Iceberg freed after 30 years</h2>



<p>A23a’s story stretches back to 1986, when it calved from Antarctica’s Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf and promptly ran aground in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-is-sea-ice-loss-affecting-biodiversity-in-the-weddell-sea/">Weddell Sea</a>, pinned to the seafloor for more than 30 years.</p>



<p>Freed at last in 2020, it joined “iceberg alley,” the conveyor belt of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-circumpolar-current-speed-increasing-rising-sea-levels/">Antarctic Circumpolar Current</a> that sweeps big bergs toward the South Atlantic.</p>



<p>By early 2025, it had loomed into view near South Georgia, raising fears it could block the island’s penguins and seals from their feeding grounds. The berg briefly grounded on shallow banks, then worked loose in late May and accelerated north.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warming-seas-speed-its-demise">Warming seas speed its demise</h2>



<p>Heat and waves are now doing what gravity and time could not. According to an analysis of Copernicus satellite data, megaberg A23a is down to roughly 683 square miles, with a maximum width of about 37 miles - less than half its size at the start of the year. </p>



<p>Its drift speed has jumped too, at times topping 12 miles per day as it rides stronger currents and increasingly rough seas.</p>



<p>“It’s breaking up fairly dramatically,” said Andrew Meijers, a physical oceanographer at the <a href="https://www.bas.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">British Antarctic Survey</a> (BAS). “I’d say it’s very much on its way out - it’s basically rotting underneath." </p>



<p>"The water is way too warm for it to maintain. It’s constantly melting…It won’t be really identifiable within a few weeks.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-made-megaberg-a23a-so-unusual">What made megaberg A23a so unusual</h2>



<p>Iceberg calving is part of the normal life cycle of polar ice, and giant bergs are not unprecedented. But A23a’s persistence and path are striking.</p>



<p>“Most icebergs don’t make it this far,” Meijers said. “This one’s really big, so it has lasted longer and traveled farther than others.”</p>



<p>When BAS researchers sailed alongside it in late 2023 aboard the RRS <em>Sir David Attenborough</em>, the experience was otherworldly.</p>



<p>“It looked like a towering wall emerging from the ocean, stretching from horizon to horizon,” Meijers said. “Some portions were quite pitted and undercut by the action of waves and melt.”</p>



<p>That undercutting is the giveaway. As the berg moves into warmer, saltier water and meets heavier swell, melting hollows its base while cracks propagate through the plate-like ice. Running aground - whether at South Georgia or now on patches of the continental shelf - adds extra stress that hastens the breakup.</p>



<p>“Large bergs have made it a long way north before - one got within 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) of Perth, Australia -  but they all inevitably break up and melt quickly afterward,” Meijers said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-danger-and-opportunity-collide">Danger and opportunity collide</h2>



<p>Icebergs of this size can reshape local ecosystems as they pass. They can temporarily block straightforward routes from island rookeries to offshore feeding grounds, forcing adult <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/penguins-are-threatened-by-mercury-contamination/">penguins</a> and seals to detour and burn energy while chicks and pups wait ashore.</p>



<p>“Potentially, it could interrupt their pathway to feeding sites and force the adults to expend more energy to travel around it,” Meijers said of the South Georgia colonies, which is why the grounding in March drew concern. The berg’s drift around the island reduced that immediate risk.</p>



<p>There may also be benefits. As megabergs like A23a melt, they stir stratified waters and leak micronutrients such as iron into the sunlit surface layer - fertilizer for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dust-from-africa-sparked-a-massive-phytoplankton-bloom/">phytoplankton blooms</a> that can feed krill and fish, and ultimately seabirds and mammals.</p>



<p>BAS researchers sampled waters around A23a in December 2023 to gauge its biogeochemical “footprint.” They paired these results with past deployments of robotic ocean gliders around similar bergs. </p>



<p>Together, the data show how iceberg-borne nutrients and upwelling can boost productivity and even enhance carbon sequestration as organic matter sinks to depth.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-iceberg-s-collapse-tracked-by-satellites">Iceberg's collapse tracked by satellites</h2>



<p>A23a’s decay has unfolded in near-real time thanks to daily satellite imagery, which captures both its changing outline and the swarms of fragments it sheds.</p>



<p>“It is easily observed from space, and daily visual-spectrum satellite snapshots make it easy to track its progress,” Meijers said. </p>



<p>Ocean current maps - also derived from satellites - help project its likely path, though the precise route always depends on winds, waves, and where the berg next snags the seafloor.</p>



<p>For shipping, vigilance is everything. A single monster is easy to avoid; a broken field of smaller floes is not. “As it breaks up over time, the smaller bergs are much harder to track,” Meijers said. Fishing operators may temporarily write off entire regions until the ice debris disperses.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-icebergs-in-a-warming-world">Icebergs in a warming world</h2>



<p>Scientists are careful to distinguish between calving - a natural release valve for ice shelves - and the broader, climate-driven changes transforming Antarctica.</p>



<p>“Icebergs, including megabergs like this one, are a completely normal part of the lifecycle of the Antarctic (and Greenland) ice sheets,” Meijers said. But the context has shifted.</p>



<p>“Observations show that the ice shelves have lost around 6,000 giga (billion) tons of their mass since the year 2000.” </p>



<p>It is a loss “roughly matched by an increase in straight-up melt of the ice shelves” and aligned with measured mass loss from grounded Antarctic ice.</p>



<p>That matters for global sea level - because thinning shelves buttress <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-glaciers-are-reshaping-landscapes-and-national-borders-around-the-world/">glaciers</a> less effectively - and for ocean circulation, as freshwater input alters density and flow. Scientists are especially concerned about potential “tipping points” in West Antarctica, where retreat could become self-sustaining.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-final-days-of-a-giant">Final days of a giant</h2>



<p>No one can say exactly how A23a’s last weeks will play out, only that the megaberg's direction is one-way. Grounding events, wave attacks, and heat from above and below guarantee a cascade of fractures until the berg is a memory and a field of bergy bits.</p>



<p>“Now it’s grounded, it is even more likely to break up due to the increased stresses,” Meijers noted earlier; whether or not it’s currently snagged, the outcome is the same.</p>



<p>For scientists, though, this isn’t just spectacle. It’s a chance to watch, measure, and model how a true giant interacts with the Southern Ocean - how it fertilizes, how it freshens, how it fragments - and to fold those insights into a bigger picture of a warming world.</p>



<p>As Meijers put it, icebergs provide interesting natural laboratories for studying ocean physics, chemistry, and ecosystems. A23a’s long journey is nearly over. The lessons it leaves behind won’t melt away.</p>



<p>Image Credit: MODAPS at NASA/GSFC</p>



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Antarctica’s megaberg faces its final days in the South Atlantic

After nearly four decades of stubbornly clinging to life, one of the largest icebergs ever recorded is entering its final act. A23a - the trillion-ton "megaberg," which once sprawled over an area more than twice the size of Greater London - has drifted into the warmer waters of the South Atlantic and has begun to disintegrate rapidly. In recent weeks, satellite images show vast slabs calving away - some measuring hundreds of square miles - while a blizzard of smaller bergy bits spreads around it, posing hazards...

<p>The unfairness of discrimination is obvious,&nbsp;but did you know it could also rob you of years of healthy life?&nbsp;A new study shows that experiencing prejudice can cause premature <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/syncing-brain-muscle-circadian-rhythms-slows-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aging</a>, increasing your risk of serious diseases and shortening your lifespan.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discrimination-what-it-is-and-how-it-causes-aging">Discrimination: What it is and how it causes aging</h2>



<p>We often hear about major discrimination – big,&nbsp;shocking events like being denied a job because of your race or being harassed due to your gender identity.&nbsp;But the study by <a href="https://publichealth.nyu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NYU's School of Global Public Health</a> found that everyday slights ("microaggressions"),&nbsp;along with workplace bias,&nbsp;were also damaging.&nbsp;This includes:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Being treated with less respect than others:&nbsp;</strong>This could mean being ignored in meetings,&nbsp;having your ideas dismissed,&nbsp;or facing condescending comments laced with stereotypes.&nbsp;This constant undermining chips away at your confidence and sense of belonging.</li>



<li><strong>Being unfairly passed over for opportunities:</strong>&nbsp;Imagine consistently being overlooked for promotions,&nbsp;training,&nbsp;or high-profile projects despite your qualifications.&nbsp;This not only limits your career growth but sends a crushing message that your contributions aren't valued.</li>



<li><strong>Feeling threatened or harassed due to your identity (race,&nbsp;gender,&nbsp;sexual orientation,&nbsp;etc.):&nbsp;</strong>Even if the harassment isn't overt physical violence,&nbsp;it can take the form of offensive jokes,&nbsp;invasive questions,&nbsp;or exclusion from social groups.&nbsp;These experiences create a hostile environment where you feel unsafe and unwelcome,&nbsp;impacting your mental and physical health.</li>
</ul>



<p>These seemingly subtle acts might be dismissed by some as "not a big deal" or told to "just get over it".&nbsp;However,&nbsp;this study highlights the very real harm caused by this kind of persistent disrespect.&nbsp;The cumulative effect over time contributes to the stress that drives premature aging.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-premature-aging-discrimination-s-hidden-cost">Premature aging: Discrimination's hidden cost</h2>



<p>The NYU study looked at over 2,000 adults and found a clear link:&nbsp;people who experienced more discrimination had signs of accelerated aging at the molecular level.</p>



<p>“Experiencing discrimination appears to hasten the process of aging,&nbsp;which may be contributing to disease and early mortality and fueling health disparities,” said Adolfo Cuevas,&nbsp;lead author of the study.</p>



<p>This doesn't mean you'll instantly get wrinkles, but it puts you at higher risk for age-related diseases like heart problems, depression, and more. It's a heavy burden to carry.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stress-from-discrimination-and-aging-connection">Stress from discrimination and aging connection</h2>



<p>Our bodies are amazingly resilient,&nbsp;but they're not designed for constant stress.&nbsp;When we face threats (real or perceived),our bodies go into "fight-or-flight" mode.&nbsp;This ancient survival mechanism prepares us to handle danger by:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Increasing heart rate and blood pressure:</strong>&nbsp;This gets more oxygen to muscles for quick action.</li>



<li><strong>Dumping stored energy:</strong>&nbsp;Sugars are released into the bloodstream for immediate fuel.</li>



<li><strong>Suppressing 'non-essential' functions:</strong>&nbsp;Digestion and the immune system temporarily slow down.</li>
</ul>



<p>This release of hormones like cortisol was originally designed for short bursts to escape a predator or fight off an attacker. But in modern life,&nbsp;our bodies can't always tell the difference between a looming deadline and real physical danger.</p>



<p>This chronic stress leads to something called "biological <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aging-may-be-driven-by-genetic-imbalances/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aging</a>," where our bodies start to function like they're older than our actual age.&nbsp;Here's how:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Cellular damage:</strong>&nbsp;Cortisol and other stress hormones can damage cells and hinder DNA repair.</li>



<li><strong>Inflammation:</strong>&nbsp;Constant 'fight-or-flight' mode triggers low-grade inflammation throughout the body,&nbsp;linked to many chronic diseases.</li>



<li><strong>Weakened immune system:</strong>&nbsp;Stress takes a toll on our ability to fight off infections and diseases.</li>
</ul>



<p>Discrimination is a powerful stressor because it hits our core need for safety,&nbsp;belonging,&nbsp;and respect.&nbsp;This constant strain eats away at our health on a cellular level,&nbsp;making us biologically 'older' than our years.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-race-matters">Race matters</h2>



<p>The study revealed a troubling trend:&nbsp;Black participants reported experiencing more discrimination and exhibited signs of faster biological <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-aging-discovered-in-plant-leaves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aging</a> compared to White participants.&nbsp;This highlights the persistent social inequalities that lead to a greater burden of discrimination for Black Americans.</p>



<p>However,&nbsp;the study also found a seemingly contradictory result.&nbsp;White participants who did experience discrimination showed a potentially stronger negative impact on their biological aging.&nbsp;Researchers hypothesize a few reasons for this.</p>



<p>Black participants might have faced more frequent and low-level ("microaggressions") discrimination throughout their lives. This constant drip of stress may have a cumulative effect, leading to a higher overall level of biological aging. </p>



<p>In contrast, White participants who experienced discrimination may have had fewer encounters, making it a more acute stressor with a potentially more intense impact.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-facing-prejudice">Facing prejudice</h2>



<p>Living in a society where you face regular prejudice might lead some people to develop coping mechanisms to manage the stress. </p>



<p>Black Americans may have had more experience navigating these situations, while White participants who rarely experience discrimination might lack established coping strategies.</p>



<p>Additionally, studies suggest that strong social support networks can buffer the negative effects of stress.&nbsp;Black communities often have a rich tradition of social support,&nbsp;which might help to mitigate the impact of discrimination on biological aging.</p>



<p>It's important to note that these are potential explanations, and further research is needed to fully understand the complex reasons behind this disparity. </p>



<p>"These findings underscore the importance of addressing all forms of discrimination to support healthy aging and promote health equity,” noted Cuevas.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fighting-back-change-starts-with-us">Fighting back: Change starts with us</h2>



<p>This research is sobering, but it's also empowering. Here's what we can do:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenge-our-own-biases">Challenge our own biases</h3>



<p>We all have biases that can influence our thoughts and actions. Take time to reflect on unconscious prejudices and work to unlearn them. Educate yourself on different perspectives and engage in conversations that promote understanding and empathy.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-speak-up">Speak up</h3>



<p>When you witness discrimination, safely call it out. Be an ally by supporting those affected and advocating for inclusive behavior. It's crucial not to remain silent or passive when someone is being mistreated.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-support-anti-discrimination-efforts">Support anti-discrimination efforts</h3>



<p>Contribute your time or resources to organizations that combat discrimination and fight for equality. Volunteering or donating to these groups helps amplify their impact and furthers the cause.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-manage-stress">Manage stress</h3>



<p>While discrimination can be a significant source of stress, it's important to address other stressors that are within our control. Find and practice healthy coping techniques like exercise, meditation, or talking to friends to reduce overall stress levels.</p>



<p>Imagine a world where everyone is treated with respect,&nbsp;regardless of how they look or who they love.&nbsp;It's not just a moral issue – this study suggests it's a matter of life and death.&nbsp;By working together,&nbsp;we can create a society where everyone has a chance to live a long and healthy life.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666354624000528?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brain Behavior &amp; Immunity - Health</a></em>.</p>



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Discrimination speeds up aging at the molecular level

The unfairness of discrimination is obvious,&nbsp;but did you know it...

<p>Researchers from <a href="https://www.harvard.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard University</a> and <a href="http://research.google" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Google Research</a> have achieved a remarkable feat. They created the largest-ever 3D map reconstruction of a human brain fragment at synaptic resolution. </p>



<p>This breakthrough in connectomics, the study of neural connections within the brain, offers an unparalleled view into the intricate architecture that underlies our thoughts, memories, and consciousness.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complexity-in-creating-3d-map-of-human-brain">Complexity in creating 3D map of human brain</h2>



<p>While a cubic millimeter of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-advanced-brain-mapping-yet-reveals-how-we-think/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain</a> tissue may seem insignificant, it harbors a staggering network of elements:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>57,000 cells:</strong> These include a variety of neurons and glial cells that carry out essential functions like processing information, supporting neural health, and maintaining homeostasis within the brain.</li>



<li><strong>230 millimeters of blood vessels:</strong> A dense network of capillaries ensures a steady supply of oxygen and nutrients to keep these cells functioning optimally, highlighting the brain's intensive metabolic demands.</li>



<li><strong>150 million synapses:</strong> Synapses are the junctions where neurons communicate, and this small tissue fragment contains a massive web of these connections, forming the basis for thoughts, memories, and all brain activity.</li>



<li><strong>1,400 terabytes of data:</strong> The sheer volume of information captured by imaging this fragment is astounding. This data provides a comprehensive look at the <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/brain_excitatory-neurons_six-layers_Google_Harvard_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain's wiring diagram</a>, revealing the intricate patterns that underpin cognition and behavior.</li>
</ul>



<p>Understanding this intricate system holds immense potential for neuroscience. It can unravel mysteries of brain diseases, inspire new therapies, and shed light on the fundamental principles of brain function.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-map-the-human-brain">Why map the human brain?</h2>



<p>A <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/brain_human-temporal-cortex_mapping_Google_Harvard_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">comprehensive brain map</a>, akin to a detailed atlas of neural pathways, could revolutionize our understanding of:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cognition">Cognition</h3>



<p>Comprehensive brain maps have the potential to revolutionize our understanding of how the brain gives rise to thought and behavior. These maps would reveal the intricate organization of neural circuits. </p>



<p>They underlie cognitive processes like learning, memory formation, and complex decision-making. Understanding these circuits is crucial for grasping how the brain functions.</p>



<p>By observing how neural connections and activity change during different mental states, scientists could unlock the physical basis of thought. </p>



<p>This would provide an unprecedented look into the biological mechanisms of the mind. It could reveal how the brain organizes and processes information. Understanding these processes could revolutionize our grasp of cognition and behavior.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-neurological-disorders">Neurological disorders</h3>



<p>Detailed brain maps hold tremendous promise in the fight against neurological disorders.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By comparing maps of healthy brains to those of individuals with conditions like Alzheimer's, epilepsy, and schizophrenia, scientists can identify specific structural abnormalities. They can also spot unusual connectivity patterns linked to each disease. </p>



<p>This knowledge could be crucial for developing targeted therapies that address the root causes. Such therapies would go beyond just managing symptoms.</p>



<p>Instead, they could lead to more effective and personalized treatments. This approach has the potential to revolutionize how we understand and treat brain disorders.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-artificial-intelligence">Artificial intelligence</h3>



<p>The human brain serves as a potential model for the future of artificial intelligence. Analyzing detailed brain maps could inspire new designs for AI systems that are less energy-intensive and more adaptive. </p>



<p>Understanding the brain's network organization could lead to advancements in artificial neural networks, resulting in AI systems capable of more sophisticated learning and problem-solving abilities.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-harvard-google-collaboration">Harvard-Google collaboration</h2>



<p>This cutting-edge research is driven by a collaboration between neuroscientists led by Dr.&nbsp;Jeff Lichtman at Harvard,&nbsp;and AI experts at Google Research.&nbsp;The process involves:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-imaging-electron-microscopy">Imaging: Electron microscopy</h3>



<p>Electron microscopy employs beams of electrons instead of light to visualize objects. This allows for significantly higher magnification and resolution compared to traditional light microscopy, making it possible to capture the intricate details of brain tissue down to individual synapses.</p>



<p>Electron microscopy generates images that meticulously map the intricate structures in the brain. It captures neurons (nerve cells), their axons and dendrites, and the tiny junctions where neurons communicate. These detailed maps help scientists understand the brain's complex architecture.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-analysis">AI analysis</h3>



<p>The vast amount of data from human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/syncing-brain-muscle-circadian-rhythms-slows-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain</a> map collected through electron microscopy requires sophisticated analysis.&nbsp;Google's advanced algorithms are specifically designed to process these complex images,&nbsp;identifying and color-coding distinct elements like neurons,&nbsp;blood vessels,&nbsp;and synapses.</p>



<p>The algorithms don't just analyze individual images. They piece together sequences of images to create a comprehensive reconstruction. This results in a detailed three-dimensional model of the brain tissue. This 3D map represents the complex network of connections and interactions within the brain.</p>



<p>"A fragment of a human brain – just a minuscule bit – is still thousands of terabytes. The scale of this endeavor highlights the vast complexity of the human brain." noted Dr. Jeff Lichtman from Harvard.</p>



<p>"Our priority was to ensure that the results of this significant project could be widely accessible and leveraged by the scientific community," added Viren Jain from Google Research.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-insights-from-human-brain-map">Early insights from human brain map</h2>



<p>The discovery of neurons with an abnormally high number of synapses highlights the potential existence of centralized hubs within the brain's network.&nbsp;These highly connected neurons might play a crucial role in coordinating and integrating information across different brain regions.</p>



<p>Further investigation of these neural hubs in the map of human brain could reveal how they contribute to complex cognitive processes like decision-making,&nbsp;attention,&nbsp;and overall brain efficiency.</p>



<p>Moreover, the observation of axons forming peculiar loops deviates from the expected patterns of neural wiring.&nbsp;This raises questions about the prevalence of these formations and whether they represent normal variations within the brain's architecture.</p>



<p>If these unusual axon configurations are found to be consistently associated with the brain tissue of individuals with specific neurological disorders,&nbsp;they could serve as potential markers for early diagnosis or provide clues about the underlying disease mechanisms.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-directions-towards-a-whole-brain-map-of-humans">Future directions: Towards a whole brain map of humans</h2>



<p>Fuelled by the success of this study,&nbsp;the team's ambitious goal is to map an entire mouse <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-brains-bend-time-to-adapt-to-lifes-rhythm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain</a> – a task requiring roughly 1,000 times the current data volume.</p>



<p>The researchers have made their dataset of human brain map and analysis tools publicly available. This underscores their commitment to open science. Now, the global neuroscience community can contribute to this monumental effort. Sharing this information encourages collaboration and accelerates discovery.</p>



<p>This work represents a major stride towards deciphering the intricate wiring of the human brain.&nbsp;As connectomics continues to advance,&nbsp;we can anticipate groundbreaking discoveries that deepen our understanding of the very essence of what makes us human.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adk4858" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a></em>.</p>



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Largest-ever 3D map of human brain created by Harvard and Google

Researchers from Harvard University and Google Research have achieved a...

<p>Have you ever wondered what it's like to be sucked into a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-black-holes-and-quasars-grew-faster-than-their-galaxies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black hole</a>, never to return? These mysterious cosmic monsters are places where gravity bends the rules of the universe, trapping even light in their clutches. At the edge of a black hole lies a boundary called the event horizon – a point of no return. But what does it really look like to cross this threshold? Thanks to <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>'s incredible new visualization, we can now take that terrifying plunge... without the actual danger.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-event-horizon">Event horizon</h2>



<p>The event horizon is the defining boundary of a black hole, marking the point beyond which nothing, not even light, can escape. It separates the black hole from the rest of the universe and acts as a one-way door. Crossing this threshold means being trapped forever in a realm of intense gravity.</p>



<p>In physics terms, the event horizon represents the surface surrounding a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/colossal-black-hole-found-in-our-galaxy-is-33-times-the-suns-mass/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black hole</a>, where the escape velocity exceeds the speed of light. The radius of this surface is known as the Schwarzschild radius for non-rotating black holes and depends on the black hole’s mass. Within this region, gravitational forces are so strong that even time itself slows down, a phenomenon called gravitational time dilation.</p>



<p>But what lies beyond the event horizon? At the very core of a black hole lies the singularity, where density becomes infinite and the laws of physics as we know them cease to operate. The intense gravitational forces stretch objects falling toward this singularity into long, thin shapes - a process called spaghettification.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-supercomputer-simulation-for-black-hole-visualization">Supercomputer simulation for black hole visualization</h2>



<p>The creation of these remarkable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oldest-black-hole-ever-discovered-dates-back-to-the-dawn-of-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black hole</a> visualizations involved a dedicated team. Leading the team was Dr. Jeremy Schnittman, an astrophysicist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. The experts relied on the immense computational power of the Discover supercomputer. The supercomputer is housed at NASA's Center for Climate Simulation.</p>



<p>This extraordinary computing muscle was necessary because simulating the behavior of matter and energy under the influence of a black hole's incredibly strong gravity requires extremely complex calculations. “People often ask about this, and simulating these difficult-to-imagine processes helps me connect the mathematics of relativity to actual consequences in the real universe,” said Schnittman.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-happens-when-you-fall-in">What happens when you fall in?</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
<p>NASA's simulation presents two distinct scenarios: crossing the event horizon, which determines your ultimate fate, or narrowly escaping the black hole's immense gravitational pull. As you approach the black hole, the profound effects of Einstein's theory of relativity become strikingly evident. </p>



<p>Light emitted by surrounding stars and the swirling accretion disk (a region of superheated gas around the black hole) undergoes severe warping and distortion. The closer you venture, the faster you are propelled, ultimately reaching speeds close to that of light.</p>
</blockquote>



<p>If you cross the event horizon, there is no possibility of return. From the perspective of a distant observer, time would appear to slow down for you to the point where you seem frozen in place, never fully crossing. However, from your own perspective, the end would come swiftly. </p>



<p>"Once the camera crosses the horizon, its destruction due to the extreme gravitational forces is just 12.8 seconds away," explained Schnittman. These tidal forces would cause an extreme stretching effect on any object.</p>



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="gn0lsftefk-3610576-12187" type="single"]</div>



<p>The alternative scenario, while intense, doesn't end in your demise. If you manage to orbit very close to the event horizon and escape, you would experience extreme time dilation. Your journey might seem like a matter of hours from your perspective, but those far from the black hole's influence would have experienced a much longer passage of time.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-black-hole-visualization">Significance of black hole visualization</h2>



<p>Black holes may hold a captivating presence in science fiction, but visualizations like NASA's serve a crucial role in furthering our understanding of the very real and intricate scientific principles that govern these cosmic phenomena. </p>



<p>These simulations provide a valuable tool for making Einstein's theory of relativity more concrete. They transform abstract concepts into a comprehensible experience. Remarkably, the visualizations show the profound effects that black holes have on their surroundings. This includes the warping of spacetime and the distortion of light.</p>



<p>The immense public fascination with black holes is understandable – their existence pushes the boundaries of our current knowledge and challenges our perception of reality. It's no wonder that these captivating objects were featured prominently in the film '"Interstellar."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-experiencing-black-hole-virtually">Experiencing black hole virtually</h2>



<p>NASA's black hole visualization represents a remarkable leap in our ability to comprehend the awe-inspiring power of these cosmic giants. It provides an unprecedented opportunity to safely delve into the boundaries of known physics, offering us a virtual journey to the extremes of the universe. </p>



<p>Through these simulations, we can witness firsthand how gravity distorts spacetime. The images fundamentally alter our understanding of the laws that govern our reality. The visualizations reveal how light warps and time bends. They show how matter behaves in the presence of a black hole's immense gravitational pull.</p>



<p>Video Credit: NASA Goddard</p>



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What would it be like to fall into a black hole?

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be sucked...

<p>The astonishing diversity of worlds beyond our solar system is consistently revealed with the discovery of new exoplanets. In a recent finding, scientists have encountered a rocky <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/what-do-we-know-about-possible-earth-like-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exoplanet</a> where extreme gravitational forces create a landscape of extraordinary volcanism. The world of volcanic exoplanets sheds light on the powerful interplay between planets and their host stars.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-search-for-exoplanets">The search for exoplanets</h2>



<p>Our solar system is just a tiny neighborhood in a vast and mysterious galaxy.&nbsp;For decades,&nbsp;astronomers have been searching for planets beyond our sun,&nbsp;worlds known as exoplanets,&nbsp;that could harbor environments unlike anything found here on Earth.&nbsp;These distant worlds offer a unique opportunity to understand the incredible diversity of planetary systems that exist in the universe.</p>



<p>One of the key tools in this ongoing hunt is NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS). Launched in 2018, TESS is specifically designed to identify exoplanets orbiting stars that are relatively close and bright. The focus on nearby stars allows scientists to gather more detailed data about these exoplanets, potentially revealing characteristics like their size, composition, and even the presence of atmospheres.</p>



<p>TESS works by monitoring the brightness of stars over time.&nbsp;When a planet passes directly in front of its host star from our perspective,&nbsp;the star's light dims slightly for a brief period.&nbsp;This dimming event,&nbsp;called a transit,&nbsp;allows scientists to detect the presence of the planet and estimate its size based on the amount of starlight blocked.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovery-of-volcanic-exoplanet-toi-6713-01">Discovery of volcanic exoplanet TOI-6713.01</h2>



<p>Astrophysicist Stephen Kane of <a href="https://www.ucr.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Riverside</a> made an unexpected discovery while studying the star system HD 104067. Initially known to contain a giant planet, data from TESS revealed the presence of not just one but two additional rocky planets orbiting the star. </p>



<p>One of these newly discovered planets, TOI-6713.01, is a rocky world similar to Earth but 30% larger. It is characterized by intense volcanic activity due to gravitational forces from neighboring planets. This brings the total planetary count in the HD 104067 system to three, providing new insights into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/james-webb-detects-signs-of-life-on-exoplanet-k2-18b/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exoplanetary</a> environments.</p>



<p>The newly identified planet, designated TOI-6713.01, is particularly intriguing. While 30% larger than Earth, its scorching surface temperature of 2,600 degrees Kelvin places it in a league of its own. Such intense heat is largely due to tidal forces exerted by its neighboring planets. These gravitational interactions force TOI-6713.01 into an eccentric orbit, creating immense pressure that leads to continuous volcanic eruptions.</p>



<p>This exoplanet's volcanic activity gives TOI-6713.01 a distinctive appearance, with its molten lava surface glowing red-hot, resembling a fiery ember from space. The discovery of this planet provides scientists with a rare opportunity to study the impact of tidal forces on planetary geology and climate, expanding our understanding of how gravitational interactions shape planetary environments in distant star systems.</p>



<p>"This terrestrial planet possesses a level of volcanic activity comparable to a hyperactive version of Jupiter’s moon Io,” noted UC Riverside astrophysicist Stephen Kane.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-tidal-forces-in-volcanic-exoplanet">Role of tidal forces in volcanic exoplanet</h2>



<p>Io, the most volcanically active body in our solar system, has relentless eruptions fueled by gravitational interactions with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/experts-use-exoplanet-hunter-to-study-jupiters-winds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jupiter</a> and its other moons. Jupiter's strong gravitational pull, combined with the gravitational influence of its other moons, forces Io into an elliptical orbit. This orbit creates continuous tidal flexing, resulting in intense internal heating and driving the ceaseless volcanic activity on Io’s surface.</p>



<p>Similarly, TOI-6713.01 is subjected to extreme tidal forces due to its proximity to the host star and gravitational interactions with neighboring <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-class-of-exoplanets-discovered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planets</a>. Its larger planetary neighbors distort its orbit, pulling it into an eccentric path around the star. This eccentric orbit causes intense internal heating due to the gravitational pull of the star. The continuous squeezing and stretching from these tidal forces generate significant energy that drives the planet's explosive volcanism.</p>



<p>As a result, TOI-6713.01 has a scorching surface temperature of 2,600 degrees Kelvin, with molten lava erupting frequently across its surface. The extreme gravitational interactions make TOI-6713.01 glow red-hot, creating a fiery appearance visible from space. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-and-future-research">Implications and future research</h2>



<p>"This discovery expands our understanding of the limits of energy input into a terrestrial planet and showcases the potential consequences," said Kane. His team aims to determine the mass and density of TOI-6713.01, providing insights into the scale of its volcanic processes. </p>



<p>This research highlights how tidal forces can dramatically shape planetary environments. The discovery of TOI-6713.01 emphasizes the dynamic range of planetary systems within our galaxy. </p>



<p>As research continues, scientists will continue to discover extraordinary worlds. These findings will push the boundaries of our understanding of cosmic forces and planetary evolution.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/1538-3881/ad3820" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Astronomical Journal</a></em>.</p>



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Volcanic exoplanet glows with red-hot molten lava

The astonishing diversity of worlds beyond our solar system is...

<p>In an era where climate change poses significant challenges, an exciting development in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/u-s-utilities-may-be-100-percent-renewable-energy-by-2060/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">renewable energy</a> has emerged. Researchers have discovered a way to convert carbon dioxide (CO2) into methanol, offering a pathway to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and move closer to achieving carbon neutrality.</p>



<p>A team of dedicated researchers at the <a href="https://umich.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Michigan</a> has unveiled a novel catalyst material, cobalt phthalocyanine, which facilitates this transformative process. </p>



<p>This innovative catalyst efficiently converts CO2 -- a major contributor to global warming -- into methanol, providing a sustainable alternative for energy production.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-methanol-production-via-co2">Methanol production via CO2</h2>



<p>Published in the journal ACS Catalysis, this research showcases the multi-step chemical reaction facilitated by cobalt phthalocyanine. </p>



<p>Initially, CO2 is converted into <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/carbon-monoxide-dangerous/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon monoxide</a> (CO), which is then transformed into methanol. These reactions demonstrate not only the catalyst's effectiveness but also its potential for large-scale applications.</p>



<p>The method is distinguished by its sustainable approach to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/carbon-emissions-save-lives/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reducing emissions</a> while simultaneously generating clean energy. </p>



<p>The capability to chemically convert CO2 into methanol is especially notable, considering methanol's potential as a cleaner fuel alternative that could power vehicles with a significantly lower environmental impact.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-in-producing-methanol-from-co2">Challenges in producing methanol from CO2</h2>



<p>While the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/co2-turned-methanol/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">industrial conversion</a> of CO2 to methanol is not new, the scale and efficiency of these processes through electrochemical means have posed substantial challenges. Kevin Rivera-Cruz, a recent doctoral graduate in chemistry is a co-primary author of the study. </p>



<p>"Our approach is unique because we are able to bring and bridge all this knowledge that each field has on the same problem. We have scientists and engineers all within one team, brainstorming and gathering insights to design and understand the system in the best way possible," Rivera-Cruz explained.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overcoming-scientific-hurdles">Overcoming scientific hurdles</h2>



<p>The researchers encountered a significant hurdle: cobalt phthalocyanine's tendency to bind more strongly with CO2 than with CO. </p>



<p>This strong binding to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/met-office-2024-co2-levels-will-surpass-the-point-of-no-return/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CO2</a> leads to its displacement by another CO2 molecule before CO can be converted to methanol. </p>



<p>To address this, the team utilized advanced computational modeling and experiments to delve deeper into how the catalyst’s electrons interact with both CO2 and CO molecules. Their findings indicated that cobalt phthalocyanine binds CO2 over three times more tightly than it does with carbon monoxide.</p>



<p>Armed with this knowledge, the researchers propose redesigning the catalyst to enhance its interaction with CO and reduce its affinity for CO2. </p>



<p>Such modifications are crucial for the efficient conversion of CO2 to methanol on a large scale, paving the way for the practical use of this technology in renewable energy applications.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Methanol as a pathway to sustainability</h2>



<p>The journey toward a carbon-neutral future is fraught with scientific and technological challenges. Achieving carbon neutrality requires reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and finding innovative ways to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. However, the path is filled with complex obstacles, from developing efficient technologies to scaling them for widespread use.</p>



<p>Despite these challenges, researchers continue to make significant strides through innovations like cobalt phthalocyanine. This novel catalyst material efficiently converts CO2, a leading contributor to climate change, into methanol. </p>



<p>Methanol is a versatile fuel alternative with a significantly lower environmental impact. By addressing the dual challenge of reducing CO2 emissions and providing cleaner energy, this innovation offers a promising solution.</p>



<p>By redesigning the way we handle waste CO2 and converting it into useful methanol fuel, we edge closer to a sustainable and energy-secure world. This new approach to recycling CO2 mitigates emissions and creates a valuable product that can power vehicles and industries in a more environmentally friendly way.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><em><a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acscatal.3c04957" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACS Catalysis</a></em></em>.</p>



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Technological leap turns carbon dioxide (CO2) into methanol fuel

In an era where climate change poses significant challenges, an...

<p>It's a common belief that learning is predominantly an activity for the young, but recent research suggests that adult chimpanzees continue to refine and improve their tool-using skills, marking a significant discovery in the study of both <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-are-not-the-only-primates-that-experience-menopause/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">primate</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chimpanzees-give-us-clues-about-early-human-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human evolution</a>. </p>



<p>This fascinating insight comes from a study conducted by Mathieu Malherbe and colleagues from the <a href="http://www.isc.cnrs.fr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute of Cognitive Sciences</a> in France. </p>



<p>The study sheds new light on the parallels between human and chimpanzee <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-chimpanzees-and-humans-learn-to-communicate-in-the-same-way/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">learning behaviors</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observing-tool-mastery-in-wild-chimpanzees">Observing tool mastery in wild chimpanzees</h2>



<p>Malherbe's team focused on wild chimpanzees in Taï National Park, Côte d’Ivoire, utilizing video recordings collected over several years to observe the primates in action. These observations included 70 chimps of varying ages engaging in the use of sticks to retrieve food. </p>



<p>"Tool use is considered a driving force behind the evolution of brain expansion and prolonged juvenile dependency in the hominin lineage. However, it remains rare across animals, possibly due to inherent constraints related to manual dexterity and cognitive abilities," wrote the researchers.</p>



<p>"In our study, we investigated the ontogeny of tool use in chimpanzees (<em>Pan troglodytes</em>), a species known for its extensive and flexible tool use behavior."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increasing-tool-proficiency-with-age">Increasing tool proficiency with age</h2>



<p>As the chimpanzees aged, they demonstrated an increasing proficiency in manipulating tools, showcasing more suitable finger grips and more nuanced techniques for specific tasks.</p>



<p>Interestingly, while basic motor skills associated with tool use were well-developed by the age of six, the chimpanzees exhibited significant advancements in their abilities well into their fifteenth year. </p>



<p>This included adeptness in extracting insects from challenging locations and adjusting their grip based on the task at hand, suggesting that the development of such skills is as much about cognitive learning as it is about physical maturity.</p>



<p>"Wild chimpanzees showed protracted development of their hand grip when manipulating a stick as a tool to extract difficult-to-access foods from cavities. While the <em>digits grip</em> became the predominant hand grip used by 5 to 6 years old (weaning age), it only became ubiquitous at 15 years old (adulthood)," noted the researchers.</p>



<p>"In addition, we found that chimpanzees used 6 actions with stick tools to retrieve 8 food types. Adults, but not non-adults, modulated their behavior to use a more appropriate hand grip to fit action requirements (i.e., power or precision). Such behavioral modulation only by adults indicates an improved understanding of tool use problems and their solutions."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-of-continuous-learning">Implications of continuous learning</h2>



<p>The study underscores the importance of continuous learning in the animal kingdom, particularly among chimpanzees and other species that rely heavily on tool use. </p>



<p>The ability to learn and adapt technologically into adulthood is not merely a trait observed in humans but is evidently part of a broader evolutionary pattern that includes our closest living relatives.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lifelong-learning-in-chimpanzees">Lifelong learning in chimpanzees </h2>



<p>This ongoing learning process in chimpanzees supports the notion that large brains in hominids - humans and related species - facilitate sustained learning well into the later stages of life. </p>



<p>"In <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wild-chimpanzees-like-to-share-cool-things-with-others/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wild chimpanzees</a>, the intricacies of tool use learning continue into adulthood. This pattern supports ideas that large brains across hominids allow continued learning through the first two decades of life," noted the study authors.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-the-depths-of-chimpanzee-learning">Exploring the depths of chimpanzee learning</h2>



<p>While the study provides valuable insights, the researchers acknowledge that more work is needed to fully understand the dynamics of the chimpanzees’ learning processes. </p>



<p>Questions remain about the roles of reasoning, memory, and whether learning primarily comes from personal experience or if it also involves instruction from peers. </p>



<p>These areas are crucial for a deeper understanding of how learning capacities influence the evolution of tool use and cognitive abilities in primates.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-evolutionary-patterns">Broader evolutionary patterns</h2>



<p>The revelation that chimpanzees continue to learn and enhance their tool-using skills well into adulthood not only expands our understanding of primate abilities but also aligns with broader evolutionary theories regarding brain development and learning in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-hominids-walk-upright/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hominids</a>. </p>



<p>It highlights the significance of lifelong learning as a key component in the advancement of cognitive and cultural complexities, offering a mirror to our own species' development. </p>



<p>As research progresses, it will be intriguing to see how these insights affect our comprehension of human and primate evolution alike.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.3002609" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLoS Biology</a></em>.</p>



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Chimpanzees continue learning as adults

It's a common belief that learning is predominantly an activity...

<p>Chronic sleep deprivation from a young age may significantly heighten the risk of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/childhood-trauma-psychotic-experiences/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psychosis</a> as individuals transition into early adulthood. This conclusion stems from a comprehensive study by researchers at the <a href="https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Birmingham</a> based on the sleep patterns of children from infancy to the age of seven.</p>



<p>"Short sleep duration over a prolonged period in childhood could have a detrimental impact on long-term mental health, including the development of psychosis. Further, potential underlying mechanisms of these associations remain unknown," wrote the study authors.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-longitudinal-study-on-sleep-deprivation">Longitudinal study on sleep deprivation</h2>



<p>The analysis, based on extensive data from a long-term cohort, brings to light how critical adequate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-sleep-day-2024-the-quest-for-a-well-rested-society/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sleep</a> is for infants and young children. </p>



<p>The findings are significant: children who consistently experienced sleep deprivation were twice as likely to develop a psychotic disorder and nearly four times as likely to have a psychotic episode as they entered early adulthood. </p>



<p>The research underscores the importance of ensuring young children get <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-reduces-cardiovascular-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">enough sleep</a> to support their mental health into the future.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-landmark-discovery-in-sleep-and-psychosis-research">Landmark discovery in sleep and psychosis research</h2>



<p>The study stands out as the first to demonstrate the strong predictive value of childhood sleep deprivation for psychosis. </p>



<p>Dr. Isabel Morales-Muñoz, the lead researcher, emphasized the importance of recognizing sleep issues in childhood. "While it's normal for children to face sleep challenges, persistent problems warrant attention as they could relate to later psychiatric conditions," she explained.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-optimizing-sleep-a-preventative-approach-to-mental-health">Optimizing sleep: a preventative approach to mental health</h2>



<p>Fortunately, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neural-sleep-patterns-developed-over-450-million-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sleep patterns</a> can be improved.  "Although sleep deprivation is not the sole cause of psychosis, it is a significant factor, one that parents have the power to influence," said Dr. Morales-Muñoz.</p>



<p>The analysis was based on data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). </p>



<p>The data included comprehensive records from 12,394 children, who were monitored from infancy through seven years of age. The ALSPAC participants were followed up with when they were 24 years old.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-links-between-sleep-deprivation-and-mental-health">Complex links between sleep deprivation and mental health</h2>



<p>While the link between sleep deprivation in childhood and adult psychosis was clear, the researchers noted that this does not establish a causal relationship outright. </p>



<p>The study also investigated whether immune system health might explain the association, based on inflammation levels in blood samples taken when the children were nine. </p>



<p>The results suggest that immune deficiencies could partly account for the link between sleep deprivation and psychosis, though other factors likely play a role as well.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-integrating-research-into-real-world-applications">Integrating research into real-world applications</h2>



<p>The research by Dr. Morales-Muñoz is a crucial component of the broader efforts at the Mental Health Mission Midlands Translational Centre, which is led by the <a href="https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Birmingham</a> with funding from the <a href="https://www.nihr.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Institute for Health and Care Research</a>. </p>



<p>The center is dedicated to developing and testing interventions aimed at significantly benefiting young individuals who are at risk of or currently experiencing mental health issues. </p>



<p>This initiative represents a concerted effort to translate research findings into practical strategies that can improve mental health outcomes for youth.</p>



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



<p>"Early intervention is crucial in managing mental health in young people," said Dr. Morales-Muñoz. She highlighted the center’s commitment to advancing targeted interventions that could profoundly benefit at-risk youth. </p>



<p>Understanding and enhancing sleep hygiene is seen as a vital component of this endeavor, potentially playing a pivotal role in promoting mental <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-deprivation-affects-emotional-well-being-in-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">well-being</a> and preventing psychiatric disorders.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-sleep-deprivation-in-childhood-mental-health">The role of sleep deprivation in childhood mental health</h2>



<p>As research delves deeper into the intricate connections between sleep deprivation and mental health, the critical role of adequate sleep from childhood becomes ever more apparent. </p>



<p>Ensuring children get enough sleep is emerging as a fundamental strategy for preventing and managing mental health issues as they grow into adulthood. </p>



<p>By prioritizing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healthy-sleep-reduces-the-risk-of-heart-failure-by-up-to-42-percent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">healthy sleep</a> habits early on, we can potentially ward off serious mental health conditions and foster overall well-being.</p>



<p>"Findings of this cohort study highlight the necessity of addressing short sleep duration in children, as persistence of this sleep problem was associated with subsequent psychosis," wrote the researchers.</p>



<p>"This study also provides preliminary evidence for future targeted interventions in children addressing both sleep and inflammatory responses."</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2818230" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JAMA Psychiatry</a></em>.</p>



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Childhood sleep deprivation linked to adult psychosis

Chronic sleep deprivation from a young age may significantly heighten...

<p>Recent research highlights a significant alteration in the preservation of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-organisms-are-a-rich-source-of-natural-products/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine organisms</a> due to human activities. The alterations, which have lasting effects on the fossil record, serve a dual role. They can both enhance and impair our understanding of the marine past.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shaping-and-shifting-our-ecological-records">Shaping and shifting our ecological records</h2>



<p>The study revealed that human actions have profoundly changed the environment and the nature of the fossil records that archive these changes. </p>



<p>Michal Kowalewski, an expert in invertebrate paleontology from <a href="https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Museum of Natural History</a>, emphasized the complexity of this impact. “We are not only changing the environment; we’re also changing the nature of the record that archives this information,” he stated. </p>



<p>This dual impact manifests in two ways. In some instances, human activities prevent the fossil record from preserving useful information about ongoing changes. </p>



<p>In others, these actions enhance the quality of the currently forming fossil record, providing clearer insights into our ecological past.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-hidden-consequences-of-altered-ecosystems">The hidden consequences of altered ecosystems</h2>



<p>The researchers pointed out that without accounting for these effects, there could be a misinterpretation of data crucial for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/effective-conservation-efforts-key-to-saving-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation efforts</a>. </p>



<p>Understanding what a degraded ecosystem looked like before human alteration is essential for effective restoration. </p>



<p>“We use fossils in conservation to understand the transition from natural, pristine environments to the ones we have today,” explained Kowalewski.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Factors that affect fossilization </h2>



<p>The researchers, including experts in marine paleoecology, delved into numerous factors that affect fossilization. The team looked at factors such as how quickly sediment accumulates, the behavior of burrowing creatures, how deeply remains are buried, and how fast certain organic materials decay. </p>



<p>Notably, human activities such as bottom trawling have drastically altered and oxygenated the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/noise-pollution-is-impacting-life-on-the-seafloor/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seafloor</a> sediments. This widespread activity disrupts the natural sediment layering, speeding up the decomposition of organic materials and stirring up as much sediment as all the world's rivers combined.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-activities-modify-the-fossil-record">Human activities modify the fossil record </h2>



<p>The introduction of species like the red king crab to new environments has also indirectly modified the fossil record. The crabs diminish burrowing invertebrate populations, reducing sediment oxygenation and thus, ironically, enhancing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/preparing-fossils/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossil</a> preservation. </p>



<p>However, their shell-crushing behavior reduces the number of preservable shells, complicating future paleontological analysis.</p>



<p>Many changes driven by human activities are so significant that they closely resemble natural phenomena such as erosion or species migration. These actions can sometimes erase entire fossil archives or introduce foreign materials into an environment. </p>



<p>Kowalewski pointed out specific human interventions like beach replenishment, where sediments from deep-water environments are moved to shorelines. This disrupts natural erosion patterns and can even result in the relocation of ancient fossils.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disentangling-human-impact-from-the-natural-fossil-record">Disentangling human impact from the natural fossil record</h2>



<p>Rafal Nawrot, the study's lead author and a paleontologist at the <a href="https://www.univie.ac.at/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Vienna</a>, noted the complexities of distinguishing between natural and human-induced changes. Innovative methods, such as increased use of radiocarbon dating, offer potential solutions. </p>



<p>This approach, though once cost-prohibitive, is now more accessible and can provide clearer timelines for recent sediment layers disrupted by activities like trawling.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Human activities' impact on fossil records</h2>



<p>As the researchers emphasized, embracing more thorough sampling methods and sophisticated statistical analyses could enhance our grasp of how human activities shape our understanding of Earth's historical biological record. </p>



<p>"Changes in the geological record can be fingerprints of human activity and may themselves reveal something about the history of an ecosystem,” said Kowalewski.</p>



<p>This pivotal research calls for a renewed approach to interpreting the marine fossil record, particularly in light of persistent human influences.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-the-ocean-fossil-record">More about the ocean fossil record</h2>



<p>The ocean fossil record is a rich archive that provides a window into the life that has inhabited Earth's seas over billions of years. It encompasses the remains and traces of marine organisms embedded in sedimentary rock layers.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As researchers study these fossils, they learn about the various forms of life, from microscopic plankton to gigantic marine reptiles and mammals that have evolved and sometimes gone extinct.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Marine fossils</h3>



<p>Marine fossils are particularly significant because water bodies tend to offer ideal conditions for fossilization. Organisms can be quickly buried by sediment in calm or deep waters, slowing decomposition and allowing the preservation of bones, shells, and even soft tissues in some cases. This process captures snapshots of marine biodiversity at different periods in Earth's history.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Environmental conditions</h3>



<p>The study of these fossils helps scientists understand not only the evolutionary history of marine life but also the environmental conditions of past eras.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Changes in the types and distributions of fossils across different layers can indicate shifts in climate, ocean chemistry, or sea levels. For instance, the presence of certain types of coral or foraminifera can reveal information about the temperature and chemistry of ancient oceans.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Mass extinction events&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Furthermore, the ocean fossil record is crucial for studying mass extinction events, such as the Permian-Triassic and Cretaceous-Paleogene extinctions, which significantly impacted <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/invasive-lionfish-global-domination-mediterranean-sea-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine ecosystems</a>. </p>



<p>These studies offer insights into the resilience and vulnerability of ocean life, providing valuable lessons for addressing current and future challenges in marine conservation.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://bg.copernicus.org/articles/21/2177/2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biogeosciences</a></em>.</p>



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



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Rewriting history: Human activities modify the marine fossil record

Recent research highlights a significant alteration in the preservation of...

<p>Scientists at <a href="https://www.ucr.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Riverside</a> have made a significant breakthrough in understanding how plants adapt to varying light and temperature conditions - adaptations that are crucial for their survival. The study is particularly relevant for anticipating how plants respond to changing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-rich-tree-diversity-adapt-better-changing-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climates</a>.</p>



<p>The research, detailed in two recent articles in the journal <em>Nature Communications</em>, sheds light on the inner workings of previously mysterious structures within plant cells.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The role of organelles in changing climates</h2>



<p>Traditionally, research has focused on well-defined organelles within plant cells, such as mitochondria and the nucleus. However, the team at UC Riverside has shifted focus to a different type of structure: membrane-less organelles.</p>



<p>These organelles, unlike their membrane-bound counterparts, can dynamically assemble and disassemble within the cell, particularly in response to light, playing a critical role in adaptation to changing climates.</p>



<p>"At one time, people called these photobodies 'garbage cans,' because they didn’t understand them. When people don’t understand something, they call it useless. But they aren’t useless at all; they are a new frontier in science," explained study senior author Dr. Meng Chen.</p>



<p>The revelation comes after years of research aimed at deciphering the roles that these fluid structures might play in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/american-bellflower-plants-adapt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant adaptation</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-plant-sensitivity-to-light">Understanding plant sensitivity to light </h2>



<p>The researchers have discovered that the organelles are critical for plants to detect and respond to different light intensities. By manipulating the size of these organelles, the team was able to demonstrate their function in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-cleverly-adapt-their-photosynthesis-to-changes-in-light/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">light</a> sensing with more clarity. </p>



<p>"What we saw, ultimately, is that the membrane-less organelles help plants distinguish a whole range of different light intensities. Without them, plants would not be able to 'see' changes in light intensity," said Dr. Chen.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-temperature-and-organelle-formation">Temperature and organelle formation</h2>



<p>Temperature plays an equally critical role in how these organelles function, especially in changing climates. The team observed that as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-temperatures-alter-photosynthesis-and-plant-growth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperatures rise</a>, the number of organelles decreases. This variability suggests that the structures are also crucial for temperature sensing within the cell. </p>



<p>Surprisingly, more than half of the organelles formed near centromeres, areas of the chromosome where gene activity is typically low. This indicates a non-random pattern to organelle formation, which challenges previous assumptions that their formation was random.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-agriculture-and-climate-adaptation">Implications for agriculture and climate adaptation</h2>



<p>The implications of these findings are vast, especially for agriculture. For example, climate change is posing significant challenges in California, where half of the country's fruits and vegetables are grown.</p>



<p>Without intervention, average temperatures in the state could rise by as much as 11 degrees by the end of the century, severely affecting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-rising-co2-affect-crop-production/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crop production</a>.</p>



<p>"To predict and mitigate climate change, we need to understand how plants sense and respond to their environment, especially temperature," said Chen. He further noted that temperature affects not just growth but also flowering times, fruit development, pathogen responses, and overall plant immunity.</p>



<p>The ongoing research at UC Riverside aims to further explore how manipulating the formation sites of these organelles could enhance plant resilience to light and temperature changes in changing climates. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-adaptation-and-food-security-in-changing-climates">Plant adaptation and food security in changing climates</h2>



<p>The research opens up new avenues for understanding plant biology and offers hope for developing more resilient crop varieties. </p>



<p>As we continue to face global challenges in changing climates, the insights from UC Riverside's pioneering work will undoubtedly play a critical role in securing food resources for future generations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">More about plants and changing climates&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Plants are intricately linked to the climate and environment in which they exist, and changes in the climate can have profound effects on plant life. As global temperatures rise and weather patterns shift due to climate change, plants face numerous challenges and adapt in various ways.</p>



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



<p>One of the most visible effects of changing climates on plants is the alteration of growth patterns. Warmer temperatures may lead to earlier flowering and fruiting times in some plants, which can disrupt the synchrony between plants and their pollinators. In other cases, prolonged heat and drought stress can reduce plant productivity, stunt growth, or increase mortality rates.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Geographical range</h3>



<p>Changing climates can expand or shift the geographical ranges of plants. Species that were once confined to specific temperature zones might start migrating towards poles or higher elevations where conditions are cooler and more suitable for their growth. Conversely, plants that cannot adapt or migrate quickly enough may face significant population declines or even extinction in certain areas.</p>



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



<p>Climate change affects the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as hurricanes, floods, and wildfires, which can devastate plant communities. The recovery from such events can be slow and may result in long-term changes to the ecosystem structure and function.</p>



<p>In response to these changes, many ecosystems and the plants within them are undergoing transformations, some of which may be irreversible if climate trends continue.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Conservation efforts, such as the creation of seed banks and the use of climate-resilient crop varieties, are critical in helping mitigate some of these impacts and in supporting the continued health and diversity of plant life around the world.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-47789-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a></em>.</p>



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Study reveals how plants adapt to changing climates

Scientists at UC Riverside have made a significant breakthrough in...

<p>A new study by the <a href="https://www.helsinki.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Helsinki</a> raises concerns about the long-term impacts of early summer salmon fishing. The research suggests a potential link between fishing pressure during the early season and a decline in the average size of Atlantic salmon. This change could be attributed to evolutionary processes influenced by human activity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-factor-in-salmon-size-and-growth">Genetic factor in salmon size and growth</h2>



<p>Atlantic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/california-chinook-salmon-almost-extinct-due-to-drought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">salmon</a> possess a genetic variant that influences their growth and maturity patterns. Individuals carrying this variant adopt a life history strategy characterized by larger body size and later maturation. This strategy allows salmon to invest more energy in growth before diverting resources towards reproduction. </p>



<p>Larger females can produce more eggs, and larger males have a competitive advantage during spawning. This increased potential for reproductive success over their lifetime provides an evolutionary benefit to salmon carrying the "large salmon variant." Larger fish also offer a more substantial catch, making them highly desirable to anglers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fishing">Fishing </h2>



<p>"This finding suggests that the timing of fishing may cause evolutionary changes in the age and size that Atlantic salmon reach before maturation. Intensive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fishing-levels-can-destroy-or-save-coral-reef-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fishing</a> especially in the early fishing season may lead to the 'large salmon variant' becoming rarer and to salmon spawning at a younger age and smaller size," explained lead author Dr. Antti Miettinen.</p>



<p>The study revealed a concerning trend. Salmon possessing the "large salmon variant" were more likely to be caught during the early part of the fishing season. This isn't random. Early-arriving salmon tend to be larger and older, making them more attractive targets for anglers. Over multiple seasons, the consistent removal of larger fish with the valuable growth gene creates a form of artificial selection.</p>



<p>Fish populations naturally exhibit a range of genetic variations. When fishing pressure heavily targets a specific trait, like the larger size associated with the "large salmon variant," it disrupts the natural balance of these variations. </p>



<p>Over time, fish with the variant become less common in the population. Conversely, salmon that mature earlier and are smaller in size – traits not targeted by early season fishing – survive and reproduce at a higher rate.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-term-consequences-for-salmon-populations-and-size">Long-term consequences for salmon populations and size</h2>



<p>If this trend of targeting larger fish during the early season continues unchecked, it could have serious consequences for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/salmon-migration-routes-discovered-using-historical-data/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">salmon</a> populations in the long run. Here's why:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reduced-genetic-diversity">Reduced genetic diversity</h3>



<p>Within a population, a wide range of genetic variations improves resilience. Different gene combinations provide a wider array of traits, offering better chances of some individuals adapting to diseases or changing environments.</p>



<p>Targeting larger fish disproportionately removes those carrying the "large salmon variant." This gene, which promotes size and later maturation, becomes less common over generations. The loss of this beneficial trait limits the population's potential to rebound when conditions improve.</p>



<p>Less genetic diversity can lead to inbreeding and make the population more susceptible to diseases. It can also hinder their ability to adapt to changes like warming water temperatures or shifts in prey availability.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smaller-average-salmon-size">Smaller average salmon size</h3>



<p>As larger salmon are consistently removed, the average size of the population gradually declines. Over many generations, this decrease could become substantial.</p>



<p>Salmon play a crucial role in their ecosystems, both as predators and prey. Smaller salmon may be less effective hunters and more vulnerable to their own predators. These changes can disrupt the delicate balance of the food web.</p>



<p>Large adult salmon carry a significant amount of nutrients back to freshwater when they spawn. These nutrients boost the growth of insects and other organisms, which in turn support birds and other wildlife. Smaller salmon contribute fewer nutrients, potentially affecting the entire ecosystem.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reproductive-success">Reproductive success</h3>



<p>In fish, there's a strong correlation between body size and egg production. Larger females produce a higher number of eggs, which translates to more potential offspring.</p>



<p>When smaller salmon dominate the population, fewer eggs are produced overall. Without sufficient new members joining the population, it can gradually decline over time.</p>



<p>Reduced reproductive success makes it harder for populations to recover from natural fluctuations or additional pressures like habitat loss or reduced food availability.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-case-of-the-baltic-salmon">Case of the Baltic salmon</h2>



<p>The researchers focused on wild salmon in the northern Baltic Sea, where the impact was noticeable. Salmon caught early in the season, especially in upstream areas of the Tornio and Kalix Rivers, were more likely to have the "large salmon variant."</p>



<p>"Fishing in the early part of the fishing season targets salmon that spawn in the headwaters of these rivers, which should be accounted for in fisheries management to ensure the viability of these salmon populations," said Miettinen.</p>



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



<p>This study highlights the complex ways our actions can shape wild animal populations. Fishing, if not carefully managed, can inadvertently drive evolutionary changes over time. Policymakers and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fishing-communities-are-on-the-frontline-of-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fishing</a> communities face the challenge of balancing immediate needs with the long-term health of salmon stocks.</p>



<p>"By analyzing the genetics of samples collected across the northern Baltic over many decades, this study shows how human activities could cause evolutionary changes in wild salmon populations," said study co-author Dr. Victoria Pritchard.</p>



<p>The researchers emphasized the need for continued monitoring and research. The genetic tools created in this study provide a way to track the effects of changing fishing practices. It's vital to find solutions that protect salmon populations while supporting sustainable fishing.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/eva.13690" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Evolutionary Applications</a></em>.</p>



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Early fishing season actually alters the genetic evolution of Atlantic salmon size

A new study by the University of Helsinki raises concerns...

Star,Of,Our,Solar,System,3d,Illustration,Close,Shot.,Nebula

<p>Solar activity has reached high levels in the past 24-36 hours, with background flux at or near M1.0. The most significant developments from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/team-creates-video-showing-the-sun-in-gamma-rays-over-a-14-year-period/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the Sun</a> include the growth and merging of Regions 3664 and 3668, as well as the production of numerous M-class solar flares and two X-class solar flares from CMEs that are expected to arrive at Earth this weekend.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-region-3664-dominates-solar-activity-with-three-cmes">Region 3664 dominates solar activity with three CMEs</h2>



<p>Region 3664, now combined with Region 3668, has grown to over 1,500 miles in size. This region has been the primary source of solar activity, producing many M-class flares and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-solar-flares-erupt-towards-earth-causing-radio-blackouts-ar3663/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">two X-class flares</a>. </p>



<p>Associated with this activity were three halo coronal mass ejections (CMEs) expected to arrive on Earth between late May 10 and early May 11, 2024. </p>



<p>A fourth halo CME, linked to the X2.2/3B flare, is visible in STEREO imagery but has yet to be fully analyzed due to pending updates in LASCO coronagraph imagery.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sunspot-region-3663-shows-signs-of-decay">Sunspot region 3663 shows signs of decay</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/news/r3-strong-radio-blackout-observed-030222-utc" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Region 3663</a>, approaching the western limb, exhibited signs of decay and appears to be losing its delta configuration.</p>



<p>Despite this, the region continued to produce optical flares, radio bursts, and an isolated M-class flare. Other spotted active regions remained stable and inactive.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solar-filament-eruption-and-cme">Solar filament eruption and CME</h2>



<p>In addition to the activity in Regions 3664 and 3663, a 35° long filament erupted near E27N18. This eruption was accompanied by a CME moving primarily in a northeasterly direction. </p>



<p>Analysis suggests a possible Earth-directed component with timing similar to the aforementioned halo CMEs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forecast-high-to-very-high-solar-activity-expected">Forecast: High to very high solar activity expected</h2>



<p>Solar activity is expected to persist at high to very high levels from May 9-11. M-class flares (R1-R2/Minor-Moderate) are expected, and X-class flares (R3/Strong) are likely due to the continued flare potential of Regions 3663 and 3664.</p>



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



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-electron-and-proton-flux-levels">Electron and proton flux levels</h3>



<p>The greater than 2 MeV electron flux remained at normal to moderate levels, while the greater than 10 MeV proton flux was steady at background levels.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forecast-potential-for-minor-proton-flux-storm">Forecast: Potential for minor proton flux storm</h3>



<p>The greater than 2 MeV electron flux is expected to continue at normal to moderate levels from May 9-11, 2024. </p>



<p>There is a chance for the greater than 10 MeV proton flux to reach S1 (Minor) storm levels during this period due to the flare potential of Regions 3663 and 3664.</p>



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



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-near-background-conditions-with-elevated-solar-wind-speeds">Near-background conditions with elevated solar wind speeds</h3>



<p>The solar wind environment reflected near-background conditions, with slightly elevated solar wind speeds likely attributed to residual coronal hole high-speed stream (CH HSS) influence. </p>



<p>Total field strength remained steady near 3 nT, the Bz component had no significant southward deflections, Phi maintained a positive orientation, and solar wind speeds averaged near 470 km/s.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forecast-enhancements-expected-from-cme-arrivals">Forecast: Enhancements expected from CME arrivals</h3>



<p>Enhancements in the solar wind environment are likely on May 9 following the anticipated glancing effects of a CME that departed the Sun on May 6. Stronger enhancements are expected late on May 10 and into May 11 as the two CMEs that left the Sun on May 8 are anticipated to arrive at Earth.</p>



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



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quiet-geomagnetic-field">Quiet geomagnetic field</h3>



<p>The geomagnetic field remained at quiet levels over the past 24 hours.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forecast-unsettled-to-strong-geomagnetic-storm-conditions">Forecast: Unsettled to strong geomagnetic storm conditions</h3>



<p>From mid to late day on May 9, unsettled to active conditions are possible as glancing effects from the <a href="https://twitter.com/drkstrong/status/1786237553470833127?t=142" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">May 6 CME</a> influence Earth. </p>



<p>By late May 10, the arrival of the two halo CMEs from May 8 is expected to increase the geomagnetic response to G1 (Minor) storm levels. </p>



<p>Early on May 11, conditions are likely to reach G3 (Strong) or G4 (Severe) storm levels as the bulk of four CMEs moves past Earth. </p>



<p>While confidence in timing is fairly high, confidence in the magnitude and strength of the geomagnetic response to the CME arrival is low to moderate.</p>



<p>Please refer to this chart for an explanation of the <a href="https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/noaa-scales-explanation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NOAA Weather Scales</a>.</p>



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



<p>The area of impact is primarily poleward of 50 degrees Geomagnetic Latitude. Potential effects include:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Induced Currents</strong>: Power system voltage irregularities and false alarms on some protection devices.</li>



<li><strong>Spacecraft</strong>: Surface charging and increased drag on low Earth-orbit satellites, potentially causing orientation problems.</li>



<li><strong>Navigation</strong>: Intermittent satellite navigation (GPS) problems, including loss-of-lock and increased range error.</li>



<li><strong>Radio</strong>: Intermittent HF (high frequency) radio communication.</li>



<li><strong>Aurora</strong>: Northern lights may be seen as low as the southern states, down to Iowa in the Midwest, and down to Oregon in the Northwest.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-braces-for-impact-from-another-solar-storm">Earth braces for impact from another solar storm</h2>



<p>In summary, as the Sun continues to showcase its immense power through high levels of solar activity, Earth prepares for the potential impacts of incoming CMEs. </p>



<p>While the timing of these events remains fairly certain, the magnitude of their effects on our planet's geomagnetic field is still a subject of speculation. </p>



<p>Regardless of the outcome, this period of heightened solar activity serves as a reminder of the intricate relationship between our star and the technology we rely on daily. </p>



<p>As we monitor the developments in the coming days, it is crucial to remain vigilant and prepared for any challenges that may arise from this cosmic dance between the Sun and Earth.</p>



<p>Stay tuned to Earth.com and the NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center (<a href="https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SWPC</a>) for updates.</p>



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



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

Earth prepares for solar storm impact from three CMEs this weekend

Solar activity has reached high levels in the past 24-36...

<p>Let's be honest – the whole idea of a "perfect" <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/parents-often-feel-lonely-burnt-out-parenting-demands/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">parent</a> is absurd. No matter how polished those Instagram snapshots or how organized your neighbor seems, no parent has it all together, all the time. Yet, the constant pressure to achieve some mythical ideal of perfect parenting is taking its toll on families everywhere and causing parental burnout in excess.</p>



<p>A new study from <a href="https://nursing.osu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Ohio State University College of Nursing</a>, summarized in the report "The Power of Positive Parenting: Evidence to Help Parents and Their Children Thrive," shows how damaging this "perfect" parent obsession can be.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-burnout-epidemic-impacting-parents">Burnout epidemic impacting parents</h2>



<p>"We have high expectations for ourselves as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/personality-traits-are-not-strongly-inherited-from-parents/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">parents</a>; we have high expectations for what our kids should be doing. Then on the flipside, you're comparing yourself to other people, other families, and there's a lot of judgment that goes on. And whether it's intended or not, it's still there," says Kate Gawlik, DNP, an associate clinical professor at Ohio State's College of Nursing, and one of the study's lead researchers.</p>



<p>The study revealed a truly startling fact: a whopping 57% of the 700 surveyed parents reported feeling burned out. So, what's behind this overwhelming feeling? </p>



<p>Today's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/parents-spend-the-most-time-on-devices-but-nature-offers-a-solution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">parents</a> face a barrage of pressures, both from within and from society at large. They struggle to live up to their own ideals about what a "good parent" should be, while simultaneously feeling judged by others. The constant struggle to meet everyone's expectations - whether about keeping a spotless home, providing the perfect play experiences, or raising high-achieving children - is draining.</p>



<p>In our current society, achievement and success are celebrated (and sometimes even expected) from a very early age. This "culture of achievement" puts pressure on parents to push their kids to excel in all areas. They enroll children in multiple structured activities, hoping to give them every possible advantage. </p>



<p>However, this often backfires, replacing relaxing family time and the freedom of unstructured play with stressful schedules and added pressure for everyone involved.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-on-kids-beyond-parent-burnout">Impact on kids beyond parent burnout</h2>



<p>Sadly, the problems don't stop with parental burnout. The study reveals worrying trends in children's mental health.</p>



<p>Parental burnout doesn't exist in a vacuum. The study found a direct link between burned-out parents and a greater likelihood of their children developing mental health issues. Children of these parents were more likely to experience anxiety, depression, ADHD, and other mental health challenges.</p>



<p>When parents are feeling completely overwhelmed and emotionally exhausted, it's incredibly difficult to respond to their children's needs with patience and understanding. Burnout can lead to harsh verbal reactions fueled by anger or criticism. </p>



<p>It can even, in some cases, lead to physical punishment. These negative interactions are deeply harmful, further escalating the child's mental health struggles and creating a vicious cycle.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-positive-parenting-a-better-way-to-handle-parental-burnout">Positive parenting: A better way to handle parental burnout</h2>



<p>So, what's a tired, well-meaning parent to do? The Ohio State experts say forget about perfection. Instead, focus on "positive parenting" with a few key strategies:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-connection-over-chaos">Connection over chaos</h3>



<p>Instead of striving for a picture-perfect home, focus on building strong, loving relationships with your children. This means making time for genuine conversations, active listening, and shared experiences. </p>



<p>Accept that sometimes – maybe even often – the house will be a little messy in favor of those precious moments of connection.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-catch-negative-thoughts">Catch negative thoughts</h3>



<p>Parenting is full of doubt: "Am I doing this right?" or "Am I failing as a parent?" It's easy for such worries to spiral into negative self-talk and unrealistic expectations that set you up for failure. </p>



<p>Develop the habit of recognizing negative thought patterns. Actively challenge them and replace them with kinder, more realistic internal narratives.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-re-adjust-priorities">Re-adjust priorities</h3>



<p>Take an honest inventory of how you and your family spend your time and energy. Are there commitments or obligations that are draining your family's happiness without bringing true fulfillment in return? Don't be afraid to give yourself permission to let those things go, freeing up valuable time and emotional space for the things that truly matter.</p>



<p>"'Positive parenting is when you give your children a lot of love and warmth, but you also provide structure and guidance in their life. You gently teach them consequences of behaviors. So that is a much better goal to shoot for being a positive parent than a perfect parent,'" explains Dr. Bernadette Melnyk, vice president for health promotion and chief wellness officer at Ohio State.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-self-care-isn-t-selfish">Self-care isn't selfish</h2>



<p>It's like the old "put your oxygen mask on before assisting others" advice on airplanes. "As parents, we can't keep pouring from an empty cup. If children see their parents taking good self-care, the chances are they're going to grow up with that value as well. It has a ripple effect to the children and to the entire family," notes Dr. Melnyk.</p>



<p>Let's cut this "perfect parent" myth down to size. You are not failing if you sometimes feel lost or tired. Parenting is hard! What truly matters is being present, loving, and modeling healthy behaviors for your child. "I would much rather have a happy kid than a perfect kid," says  Gawlik.</p>



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



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

Parents report excess burnout due to unrealistic expectations

Let's be honest – the whole idea of a "perfect"...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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<p>—–</p>

Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<p></p>

Social modeling affects our food choices

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists discover we age in bursts

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists solve the mystery of tickling

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>



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



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

Retired professor claims he solved time travel

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<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

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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>



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<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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