<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 simple act of water freezing holds more complexity than initially meets the eye. While we often take the formation of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/control-ice-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice</a> for granted, there are surprising aspects to this transformation, from supercooled states to the captivating phenomenon of dendritic crystal growth. These spectacular observations are documented in a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24TB1vPuzIU" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">video</a> from the American Chemical Society. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-supercooled-water-and-ice-nucleation">Supercooled water and ice nucleation</h2>



<p>Water has the expected behavior of freezing at its standard freezing point of 32°F/0°C. However, under specific conditions, you can cool pure water below this temperature and it will remain in a liquid state. We term this unstable condition "supercooled" water.</p>



<p>For water to transition from a supercooled liquid to <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/ice-earths-atmosphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice</a>, a process called nucleation must occur. Nucleation is essentially the formation of a tiny ice crystal that serves as a "seed" around which other water molecules can align and freeze, resulting in the familiar solid state of ice. Even the smallest disturbance, such as a speck of dust or a vibration, can provide the impetus for nucleation to begin, leading to rapid freezing.</p>



<p>While the overall concept of supercooling and nucleation is understood, scientists still grapple with the exact processes that trigger nucleation events at a molecular level. Understanding these intricacies promises to offer better control over ice formation and its prevention when necessary.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-accidental-discovery-of-ice-formation">Accidental discovery of ice formation</h2>



<p>The phenomenon of supercooled water, where it remains liquid even below its usual freezing point, has long fascinated scientists. It recently gained renewed public attention thanks to the curiosity of an individual named All George. </p>



<p>His quest to create crystal-clear ice cubes led to an accidental rediscovery of dendritic crystal growth – a stunning process where ice forms in intricate, branching patterns. First observed centuries ago, this process continues to captivate researchers today.</p>



<p>The diverse ways in which water freezes still hold an element of surprise for scientists. Understanding the conditions and intricate patterns of ice formation offers valuable insights into the fundamental forces of physics and chemistry.</p>



<p>Ice research has deep relevance for various scientific fields. In meteorology, it aids in the prediction of weather patterns. In cell biology, it plays a crucial role in techniques like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biobanking-historic-initiative-aims-to-genetically-rescue-endangered-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cryopreservation</a>. </p>



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="0JFSVUv19E-3606556-12187" type="single"]</div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dendritic-growth-in-ice-formation">Dendritic growth in ice formation</h2>



<p>When supercooled water contains even the slightest impurities, it can undergo a fascinating transformation as it begins to freeze. These impurities serve as nucleation points where ice crystals can start to form. </p>



<p>As the freezing process initiates, it gives rise to delicate, branching structures called dendrites. These dendritic crystals are highly intricate and grow in fractal-like patterns that can extend in many directions, mimicking the shape of tree branches.</p>



<p>This dendritic growth is responsible for the cloudy or spiky appearance often observed in ice cubes. In pure water, freezing would typically result in a clear ice block because there are fewer sites for ice crystals to nucleate and grow in an unrestricted fashion. </p>



<p>However, the presence of impurities disrupts this process, leading to the formation of multiple nucleation points. As a result, the crystals grow in numerous directions, colliding and intertwining with each other, which scatters light in various directions, thereby giving the ice its cloudy or textured appearance. </p>



<p>This visual phenomenon not only highlights the intricate beauty of natural processes but also illustrates how minute changes in environmental conditions can drastically alter the physical structure of water as it freezes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenge-of-clear-ice">Challenge of clear ice</h2>



<p>Creating pristine, clear ice cubes presents a significant challenge due to the natural occurrence of dendritic growth during the freezing process. Typically, when water freezes, it contains various impurities that act as nucleation points where ice crystals begin to form. </p>



<p>As the water solidifies from all sides simultaneously, these dendritic ice crystals develop, spreading in complex, branch-like patterns. This scattered growth leads to the formation of cloudy and uneven ice, rather than the clear, smooth cubes desired for aesthetic presentations.</p>



<p>To achieve the crystal-clear ice often used in high-end restaurants, bars, and luxury events, specialized techniques must be employed that carefully control both the presence of impurities and the direction in which the ice freezes.</p>



<p>To remove impurities, the water used for these clear ice cubes often undergoes a process of filtration or distillation. This step is crucial because it eliminates the minerals and particulates that serve as nucleation points for dendritic growth. With fewer impurities, the water is less prone to forming the cloudy structures associated with regular ice.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-directional-freezing">Directional freezing</h2>



<p>In addition to purifying the water, controlling the freezing direction plays a pivotal role in achieving clarity. By using a method called directional freezing, the water is frozen slowly from one direction, typically from the top down. </p>



<p>This controlled approach allows air and remaining impurities to be pushed downwards and out of the ice, rather than being trapped within, forming the unwanted cloudy appearance. The technique mimics the natural formation of lake ice, which is typically clear due to the slow freezing process under insulated conditions.</p>



<p>These specialized methods, while more time-consuming and requiring more precise equipment than typical ice-making, result in stunningly clear ice cubes that not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of drinks but also melt more slowly due to their density, providing a functional benefit in cocktail presentation and enjoyment.</p>



<p>George's accidental discovery highlights the fact that even commonplace phenomena can harbor hidden depths. The study of ice continues to provide valuable insights into physics, chemistry, and the natural world. </p>



<p>As we better understand the complexities of ice formation, we expand our knowledge with applications in a wide array of fields.</p>



<p>Video Credit: American Chemical Society</p>



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Unexpected beauty revealed in ice formation

The simple act of water freezing holds more complexity than...

<p>Researchers have identified a pattern of brain activity that helps prevent us from getting lost, described by scientists as a neural compass. </p>



<p>This discovery sheds light on how the human brain orientates itself in space and navigates through the environment, providing new insights into the complex workings of our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brains-spatial-map-rewards/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neural circuitry</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pinpointing-the-location-of-the-neural-compass">Pinpointing the location of the neural compass</h2>



<p>The study, published in <em>Nature Human Behaviour</em>, was conducted by a team of researchers at the <a href="https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Birmingham</a> and <a href="https://www.lmu.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ludwig Maximilian University</a> of Munich. </p>



<p>They were able to pinpoint the location of an internal neural compass within the human brain, which is comparable to the neural codes identified in rodents.</p>



<p>"Keeping track of the direction you are heading in is pretty important. Even small errors in estimating where you are and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/elderly-people-lost-disoriented/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">which direction</a> you are heading in can be disastrous," emphasized Dr Benjamin J. Griffiths, the lead author of the study</p>



<p>"We know that animals such as birds, rats and bats have neural circuitry that keeps them on track, but we know surprisingly little about how the human brain manages this out and about in the real world," he continued.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overcoming-challenges-in-measuring-neural-activity">Overcoming challenges in measuring neural activity</h2>



<p>Measuring neural activity in humans while they are moving is a challenging task, as most technologies require participants to remain as still as possible. However, the researchers overcame this challenge by using mobile EEG devices and motion capture technology.</p>



<p>In the study, a group of 52 healthy participants took part in a series of motion-tracking experiments while their brain activity was recorded via scalp EEG. </p>



<p>This allowed the researchers to monitor brain signals from the participants as they moved their heads to orientate themselves to cues on different computer monitors.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-the-hippocampus-and-neighboring-regions">Exploring the hippocampus and neighboring regions</h2>



<p>In a separate study, the researchers monitored signals from 10 participants who were already undergoing intercranial electrode monitoring for conditions such as epilepsy. </p>



<p>This allowed them to record data from the hippocampus and neighboring regions, which are crucial for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brain-spatial-awareness-decisions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">navigation and orientation</a>.</p>



<p>The tasks prompted participants to move their heads, or sometimes just their eyes, and brain signals from these movements were recorded from EEG caps and intracranial EEG (iEEG).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-isolating-finely-tuned-directional-signals-in-the-neural-compass">Isolating finely tuned directional signals in the neural compass</h2>



<p>After accounting for confounds in the EEG recordings, such as muscle movement or position of the participant within the environment, the researchers were able to show a finely tuned directional signal. This signal could be detected just before physical changes in head direction among participants.</p>



<p>"Isolating these signals enables us to really focus on how the brain processes <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/good-sense-smell-direction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">navigational information</a> and how these signals work alongside other cues such as visual landmarks," Dr Griffiths explained.</p>



<p>"Our approach has opened up new avenues for exploring these features, with implications for research into neurodegenerative diseases and even for improving navigational technologies in robotics and AI," he concluded.</p>



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



<p>The identification of head direction signals within the brain has implications for understanding diseases such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pesticide-exposure-increases-the-risk-of-parkinsons-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Parkinson's</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alzheimers-disease-earliest-biomarker-protein-psd-95-identified/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alzheimer's</a>, where navigation and orientation are often impaired. </p>



<p>By gaining a better understanding of how the brain processes navigational information, researchers can potentially develop new approaches for treating these conditions.</p>



<p>In future work, the researchers plan to apply their learning to investigate how the brain navigates through time, to find out if similar neuronal activity is responsible for memory. </p>



<p>This could lead to further breakthroughs in our understanding of the complex workings of the human brain.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-next-steps-for-the-brain-s-neural-compass">Next steps for the brain’s neural compass</h2>



<p>In summary, this study highlights exciting new directions for understanding how the human brain navigates through space and time using its neural compass.</p>



<p>By isolating finely tuned directional signals within the brain, the researchers have taken a significant step towards unraveling the mysteries of spatial cognition and memory. </p>



<p>Their findings shed light on the complex workings of the brain's internal compass and hold promise for future research into neurodegenerative diseases and advancements in navigational technologies. </p>



<p>As scientists continue to explore the intricate neural pathways that guide us through our environment, we move closer to unlocking the secrets of the human brain and its remarkable ability to orient and navigate in the world around us.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-024-01872-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Human Behaviour</a></em>.</p>



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Humans have an internal GPS system called a 'neural compass' used for navigation

Researchers have identified a pattern of brain activity that helps...

<p>In a recent study utilizing the capabilities of the James Webb Space Telescope (<a href="https://webb.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JWST</a>), an international team of astronomers focused on young stellar objects within the NGC 346 cluster. </p>



<p>Situated in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/open-star-cluster-in-the-small-magellanic-cloud/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Small Magellanic Cloud</a>, this vibrant open cluster is recognized as the most luminous star-forming region in the nearby dwarf galaxy, located approximately 202,000 light-years from Earth.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Young stellar objects: The early stages of stars</h2>



<p>Young stellar objects (YSOs) represent early stages in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astronomers-discover-a-new-way-that-stars-die/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life cycle of stars</a>, encompassing phases from protostars to pre-main sequence (PMS) stars.</p>



<p>These objects typically reside within dense molecular clouds rich in gas and interstellar material, making them ideal subjects for understanding <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/ullyses-will-explore-the-evolution-of-stars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stellar evolution</a>.</p>



<p>The research was led by Nolan Habel from NASA's <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a>. The team used JWST's advanced Near Infrared Camera (NIRCam) and Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) to delve deeper into the secrets of NGC 346. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A treasure trove of stellar data in NGC 346</h2>



<p>The research uncovered a wealth of data, revealing 203,891 unique sources within the cluster using NIRCam and MIRI. Of these, 196 were confidently identified as YSOs and PMS stars, earmarked for more detailed spectroscopic analysis. </p>



<p>Additionally, 833 objects displayed significant mid-infrared excess, hinting at their identity as young stellar objects, which are often found near areas dense with diffuse dust and gas.</p>



<p>"In this paper, we present JWST imaging data of NGC 346 from 1.15–25.0 µm and provide an overview of the populations in the region, particularly the young populations, as determined from photometric analysis," noted the researchers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-detailed-spectral-analysis">Detailed spectral analysis</h2>



<p>Further investigations involved spectral energy distribution (SED) fitting on 77 sources, which pinpointed 23 objects as young stellar objects with high certainty. </p>



<p>These YSOs exhibited a broad range of sizes and masses, with radii stretching from 0.14 to 82.32 solar radii and masses between 0.95 to 4.15 solar masses. Their bolometric temperatures also varied widely, ranging from 2,051 to 17,930 Kelvin.</p>



<p>The study highlighted one particularly notable young stellar object, designated CN202153, recognized as the least massive extragalactic YSO confirmed thus far. </p>



<p>The team suggested that further near-infrared spectroscopic studies with JWST are essential to refine our understanding of these 23 specifically identified young stellar objects.</p>



<p>The research not only enriches our comprehension of <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/messier-82-unlocking-the-mysteries-of-star-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a> in distant clusters but also underscores the invaluable role of advanced telescopes like the JWST in unraveling the complexities of the universe. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Young stellar objects&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Young stellar objects form in dense regions of molecular clouds, where gravity pulls gas and dust together, leading to the accumulation of material that eventually becomes hot and dense enough to initiate nuclear fusion. </p>



<p>The process begins with a protostar, which is the core that forms within a collapsing cloud of gas and dust, and is often obscured from view by the surrounding dense material.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Various stages </h3>



<p>As a young stellar object continues to gather mass from its parent molecular cloud, it may go through various stages characterized by different amounts of accretion and outflow of material.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These stages include the deeply embedded Class 0 and Class I phases, which are mostly visible in infrared and radio wavelengths due to their thick dust envelopes. In later stages, such as Class II and Class III, the object becomes visible in optical wavelengths as it clears away its surrounding envelope.</p>



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



<p>Young stellar objects are often associated with phenomena such as Herbig-Haro objects, which are jets of gas ejected by the star that collide with the surrounding medium, creating visible shock waves. These are indicators of active accretion. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protoplanetary-disks">Protoplanetary disks </h3>



<p>Another characteristic feature of YSOs is the presence of protoplanetary disks, rings of gas and dust that orbit the young star and can eventually form planets.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-young-stellar-objects">Studying young stellar objects </h2>



<p>Observing YSOs can provide insights into the magnetic activity, stellar winds, and outflows that characterize the early lives of stars, which are much more active compared to their later stages.</p>



<p>Studying young stellar objects is crucial for understanding the processes that lead to star and planet formation and provides insights into the conditions of the early solar system.</p>



<p>The study is published as a preprint in the journal <em><a href="https://arxiv.org/abs/2404.16242" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">arXiv</a></em>.</p>



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Young stellar objects: Observing the early lives of stars

In a recent study utilizing the capabilities of the James...

<p>A team of researchers led by <a href="https://www.ohsu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oregon Health Science University</a> (OHSU) has found significant risks associated with the combined use of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-cannabis-use-disorder-risk-varies-among-young-adults/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cannabis</a> and nicotine during pregnancy.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research highlights a greater likelihood of poor outcomes for newborns when both substances are used together compared to using either independently throughout pregnancy.</p>



<p>“These findings suggest that co-occurring maternal use of cannabis and nicotine products in pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of infant and neonatal death and maternal and neonatal morbidity compared with use of either substance alone,” wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Given the increasing prevalence of combined cannabis and nicotine use in pregnancy, these findings can help guide health care practitioners with preconception and prenatal counseling, especially regarding the benefits of cessation.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-combined-use-of-substances-during-pregnancy">Combined use of substances during pregnancy</h2>



<p>What is particularly concerning, according to the researchers, is that half of individuals who use cannabis in pregnancy also use tobacco or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cannabidiol-could-help-cure-nicotine-addiction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nicotine</a> products. </p>



<p>“Numerous studies<sup> </sup>have demonstrated the detrimental effects of prenatal tobacco exposure, primarily nicotine exposure, on perinatal outcomes, including prematurity, low birth weight, and stillbirth. Currently there is a paucity of epidemiological data regarding the effects of combined prenatal exposure to both cannabis and nicotine products.”</p>



<p>“Emerging evidence indicates that cannabis use exacerbates the negative impacts of nicotine product exposure, and dual abstinence may result in better outcomes following cessation.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cannabis-and-nicotine-use-nbsp">Cannabis and nicotine use&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Study senior author Jamie Lo is an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at OHSU.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“With the growing legalization of cannabis around the country, there is often a perception that cannabis is safe in pregnancy,” said Professor Lo.</p>



<p>“Because we know that many people who use cannabis often use tobacco or nicotine products, we wanted to better understand the potential health implications on both the pregnant individual and the infant.”</p>



<p>“There is still a great deal of stigma around the use of substances during pregnancy,” she added. “With limited research to support official clinical recommendations, it can be a difficult topic for both patients and providers to navigate. Our hope is that this research supports more open and productive conversations that ultimately result in a healthier pregnancy.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-higher-rate-of-infant-mortality-nbsp">Higher rate of infant mortality&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The research team analyzed data from over three million pregnant individuals, identifying significant increases in adverse outcomes such as small for gestational size, preterm delivery, and infant mortality when both cannabis and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/low-nicotine-tobacco-addiction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nicotine</a> were used.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Most notable was the rate of infant death, which was found to be four times higher in users of both substances compared with non-users. Moreover, the rate was almost two times higher compared with users of just cannabis or nicotine alone.</p>



<p>These findings will likely have a significant impact in future counseling and educational efforts in prenatal care.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decreasing-the-pregnancy-risks-nbsp">Decreasing the pregnancy risks&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“Our findings suggest that avoiding use of just one of these substances can decrease the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/there-is-no-safe-level-of-caffeine-for-pregnant-women/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pregnancy risks</a> we see when both substances are used together, which is a critical piece of information providers can highlight when counseling patients,” said lead author Adam Crosland, an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at OHSU.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mitigating-adverse-outcomes-nbsp">Mitigating adverse outcomes&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The research also incorporated insights from other experts at OHSU, including Eliot Spindel and Cindy McEvoy, who are investigating methods to mitigate adverse outcomes among children born to parents who <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/people-who-smoke-just-one-cigarette-a-day-are-likely-addicted/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">smoke</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>One intervention highlighted is the supplementation of vitamin C to pregnant smokers, which has shown to significantly improve respiratory outcomes in offspring.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cannabis-and-nicotine-during-pregnancy-nbsp">Cannabis and nicotine during pregnancy&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Looking ahead, the researchers aim to delve deeper into the effects of dual substance use during pregnancy, examining variables such as potency, frequency, and timing, to better educate pregnant patients about the associated risks.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The team also plans to continue exploring viable prenatal interventions, like vitamin C supplementation, to aid individuals who struggle to quit smoking during pregnancy.</p>



<p>“These findings suggest that more effective public health measures and counseling prior to conception and during pregnancy are warranted to mitigate the potential for adverse offspring outcomes from combined prenatal cannabis and nicotine use,” wrote the researchers.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.10151" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>JAMA</em></a>.</p>



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Cannabis and nicotine use during pregnancy linked to infant mortality

A team of researchers led by Oregon Health Science University...

<p>The coming decade is set to witness a surge in lunar exploration, with numerous missions planned to explore and establish a presence on our natural satellite. This <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lunar-anthropocene-how-humans-have-impacted-the-moon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new era</a> will require a unified system for keeping time in order to ensure seamless communication and navigation among the various missions operating on and around the Moon.</p>



<p>The discussion, which began at ESA's <a href="https://www.esa.int/About_Us/ESTEC/European_Space_Research_and_Technology_Centre_ESTEC2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESTEC</a> technology center in the Netherlands last November, is part of a broader effort to establish a common 'LunaNet' architecture for lunar communication and navigation services.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-importance-of-a-common-moon-time-reference-point">Importance of a common moon time reference point</h2>



<p>“<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/feature/goddard/2021/lunanet-empowering-artemis-with-communications-and-navigation-interoperability/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LunaNet</a> is a framework of mutually agreed-upon standards, protocols and interface requirements allowing future lunar missions to work together, conceptually similar to what we did on Earth for joint use of GPS and Galileo,” explains Javier Ventura-Traveset, ESA's <a href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2021/05/Moonlight_-_Navigation_and_Telecommunications_for_the_Moon" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moonlight Navigation</a> Manager.</p>



<p>"Now, in the lunar context, we have the opportunity to agree on our interoperability approach from the very beginning, before the systems are actually implemented," he continued.</p>



<p>ESA navigation system engineer Pietro Giordano adds, "During this meeting at ESTEC, we agreed on the importance and urgency of defining a common lunar reference time, which is internationally accepted and towards which all lunar systems and users may refer to. A joint international effort is now being launched towards achieving this."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-of-keeping-time-on-the-moon">Challenges of keeping time on the Moon</h2>



<p>Currently, each new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/china-has-launched-a-spacecraft-to-the-far-side-of-the-moon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mission to the Moon</a> operates on its own timescale exported from Earth. Deep space antennas are used to keep onboard chronometers synchronized with terrestrial time while facilitating two-way communications. However, this approach will not be sustainable in the upcoming lunar environment.</p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/Exploration/Gateway" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gateway station</a>, once complete, will be open to astronaut stays and resupplied through regular NASA Artemis launches. </p>



<p>Meanwhile, numerous uncrewed missions will also be in place, with each <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/grow-plants-on-moon-by-2026-nasa-artemis-iii-mission/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Artemis mission</a> releasing numerous lunar CubeSats. ESA will also be deploying its Argonaut European Large Logistics Lander.</p>



<p>These missions will not only be operating simultaneously on or around the Moon but will also be interacting with each other, potentially <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/china-will-build-a-surveillance-network-on-the-moon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">relaying communications</a>, performing joint observations, or carrying out rendezvous operations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moonlight-lunanet-and-lunar-timekeeping">Moonlight, LunaNet, and lunar timekeeping</h2>



<p>ESA is developing the <a href="https://www.esa.int/Applications/Connectivity_and_Secure_Communications/Moonlight" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moonlight program</a>, a lunar communications and navigation service that will allow missions to maintain links to and from Earth and guide them around the Moon and on its surface. </p>



<p>Wael-El Daly, system engineer for Moonlight, explains, "Moonlight will need a shared common timescale in order to get missions linked up and to facilitate position fixes."</p>



<p><a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a> is also sponsoring an equivalent service called the Lunar Communications Relay and Navigation System (<a href="https://esc.gsfc.nasa.gov/projects/LCRNS/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LCRNS</a>). To maximize interoperability, these two systems should employ the same timescale, along with the many other crewed and uncrewed missions they will support.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lunar-time-lessons-from-earth-s-gps-satellites">Lunar time lessons from Earth's GPS satellites</h2>



<p>Interoperability of time and geodetic reference frames has been successfully achieved here on Earth for Global Navigation Satellite Systems. All of today's smartphones are able to make use of existing GNSS to compute a user position down to meter or even decimeter level.</p>



<p>"The experience of this success can be re-used for the technical long-term lunar systems to come, even though stable timekeeping on the Moon will throw up its own unique challenges – such as taking into account the fact that time passes at a different rate there due to the Moon's specific gravity and velocity effects," explaines Jörg Hahn, ESA's chief Galileo engineer.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-debate-on-setting-and-maintaining-moon-time">Debate on setting and maintaining moon time</h2>



<p>Among the current topics under debate is whether a single organization should be responsible for setting and maintaining lunar time and whether lunar time should be set independently on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/moon-is-shrinking-moonquakes-potential-problems-for-astronauts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moon</a> or kept synchronized with Earth.</p>



<p>The international team working on this subject will face considerable technical issues. For example, clocks on the Moon run faster than their terrestrial equivalents, gaining around 56 microseconds per day. Their exact rate depends on their position on the Moon, ticking differently on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-want-to-put-fiber-optic-cables-on-the-moon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lunar surface</a> than from orbit.</p>



<p>"Of course, the agreed time system will also have to be practical for astronauts. This will be quite a challenge on a planetary surface where in the equatorial region each day is 29.5 days long, including freezing fortnight-long lunar nights, with the whole of Earth just a small blue circle in the dark sky," says Bernhard Hufenbach, a member of the Moonlight Management Team from ESA's Directorate of Human and Robotic Exploration.</p>



<p>But having established a working time system for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/china-aims-to-use-lunar-caves-to-build-an-underground-moon-base/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the Moon</a>, we can go on to do the same for other planetary destinations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-need-for-a-common-frame-of-reference">Need for a common frame of reference</h2>



<p>To work together effectively, the international community will also need to agree on a common 'selenocentric reference frame', similar to the role played on Earth by the International Terrestrial Reference Frame (<a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/site/jsgt/jtrf/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ITRF</a>). </p>



<p>This allows for the consistent measurement of precise distances between points across our planet and is an essential ingredient of today's GNSS systems.</p>



<p>"Throughout human history, exploration has actually been a key driver of improved timekeeping and geodetic reference models," Javier Ventura-Traveset adds.</p>



<p>"It is certainly an exciting time to do that now for the Moon, working towards defining an internationally agreed timescale and a common selenocentric reference, which will not only ensure interoperability between the different lunar navigation systems, but which will also foster a large number of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-designs-nuclear-fission-reactor-to-provide-electricity-on-the-moon-and-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research opportunities</a> and applications in cislunar space," he concluded.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-and-rewards-of-keeping-time-on-the-moon">Challenges and rewards of keeping time on the moon</h2>



<p>In summary, as we stand on the cusp of a new era in lunar exploration, the international space community must come together to establish a unified timekeeping system and a common selenocentric reference frame. </p>



<p>These essential components will ensure seamless communication, navigation, and collaboration among the numerous missions set to operate on and around the Moon in the coming years. </p>



<p>By working towards an internationally agreed-upon lunar timescale and a standardized reference frame, we will pave the way for successful lunar exploration while advancing a wealth of research opportunities and applications in cislunar space. </p>



<p>The time has come to synchronize our efforts and create a robust foundation for the future of lunar exploration and discovery.</p>



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



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Knowing what time it is on the Moon isn’t as easy as it may seem

The coming decade is set to witness a surge in...

Wave,Function,Series.,Artistic,Background,Made,Of,Colored,Sine,Vibrations,

<p>A new theory has emerged from the theoretical realm of quantum physics, offering a glimpse into the behavior of the fundamental particles that makes up our world. </p>



<p>This breakthrough, which defies previous assumptions, has the potential to revolutionize the design of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-computer-can-instantly-execute-a-task-that-would-normally-take-47-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum computers</a> and pave the way for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-realm-controlled-at-room-temperature-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">room-temperature</a> superconductors.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pulci-the-cat-meets-quantum-dynamics">Pulci the cat meets quantum dynamics</h2>



<p>Berislav Buca, a researcher at the <a href="https://nbi.ku.dk/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Niels Bohr Institute</a> of the University of Copenhagen, is the architect behind this mind-bending theory. Published in the prestigious journal <em>Physical Review X</em>, Buca's work delves into the nearly impossible using "exotic" mathematics. </p>



<p>His muse, a <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/pulci-cat_buca_Niels-Bohr_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">white cat named Pulci</a>, perhaps a cousin of Schrödinger's famous cat, adorns the illustrations of his research, with arrows through the cat's body symbolizing the quantum mechanical origin of its movements.</p>



<p>"Many physics disciplines are ultimately about explaining and predicting the world by understanding the laws of physics and calculating the behavior of the smallest particles. In principle, we would be able to answer any possible question about how all sorts of things behave if we were able to," says Buca.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Schrödinger's Cat: A thought experiment in quantum mechanics</h2>



<p>For a moment, let's revisit the most famous cat in quantum physics and how it relates to Buca's work. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-computing-break-internet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Schrödinger's Cat</a> is a thought experiment proposed by Austrian physicist Erwin Schrödinger in 1935. </p>



<p>It was designed to illustrate the paradoxical nature of quantum superposition, a fundamental principle of quantum mechanics.</p>



<p>The thought experiment involves a hypothetical cat, a flask of poison, a radioactive source, and a Geiger counter, all placed inside a sealed box. </p>



<p>The radioactive source has a 50/50 chance of decaying within an hour, which would trigger the Geiger counter. If the Geiger counter detects the radioactive decay, it shatters the flask, releasing the poison and killing the cat.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The paradox</h3>



<p>According to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/full-chemical-complexity-of-quantum-decoherence-finally-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum mechanics</a>, the radioactive source is in a superposition of decayed and non-decayed states until it is observed. Consequently, the cat is said to be simultaneously alive and dead until someone opens the box and observes its state. </p>



<p>This contradicts our everyday understanding of reality, where an object can only be in one state at a time.</p>



<p>The Copenhagen Interpretation suggests that the cat is neither alive nor dead until it is observed, and the act of observation collapses the superposition into a definite state. </p>



<p>The Many-Worlds Interpretation posits that the cat is both alive and dead, existing in parallel universes that split at the moment of observation. </p>



<p>Objective Collapse Theories propose that the superposition collapses spontaneously due to some objective physical process, such as gravity, without the need for observation.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Misconceptions and significance</h3>



<p>Schrödinger's Cat is often misunderstood as a real experiment. However, it is purely a thought experiment and has never been conducted in reality. </p>



<p>The experiment was not meant to suggest that cats can be both alive and dead, but rather to highlight the counterintuitive nature of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/full-chemical-complexity-of-quantum-decoherence-finally-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum superposition</a> when applied to everyday objects.</p>



<p>This thought experiment -- which, undoubtedly inspired Buca's to create his cat, Pulci -- has sparked ongoing debates about the nature of reality and the role of observation in quantum mechanics. </p>



<p>It has also inspired various philosophical discussions about the relationship between the observer and the observed, as well as the nature of consciousness.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complexity-of-quantum-particles">Complexity of quantum particles</h2>



<p>Turning our attention back to Buca, despite the potential to understand the behavior of everything in the universe from the microscopic laws governing particle dynamics, he emphasizes the need for caution. </p>



<p>The interactions and movements of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/graviton-like-particle-observed-in-quantum-material-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum particles</a> in their systems are incredibly complex, with even the world's most powerful supercomputers only able to perform calculations on a dozen particles at a time.</p>



<p>"So in practice, it isn't possible. Not currently. However, my theory is a significant step in the right direction," explains Buca. </p>



<p>"This is because it takes a kind of mathematical shortcut to understanding the dynamics of the whole, without computing power being lost in the details for a broad class of systems with many quantum particles. That is, without the need to calculate all of the individual particles in a system," he continued.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-guiding-the-hunt-for-quantum-particles">Guiding the hunt for quantum particles</h2>



<p>Buca's theory has already made a name for itself by providing the first mathematical proof of the eigenstate-thermalization hypothesis -- a long-held assumption in theoretical physics that had yet to be explained mathematically. This hypothesis concerns the ability of mathematics to describe the motions of quantum systems as wholes.</p>



<p>The implications of this research extend beyond the realm of theoretical physics. The knowledge gained from Buca's theory could potentially lead to the discovery of quantum materials with unique properties that could transform our world. These materials are crucial for the development of stable quantum computers and room-temperature superconductors.</p>



<p>"We are looking for a material for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-quantum-computer-design-makes-them-more-useful/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum computers</a> that can withstand entropy -- a law of nature that causes complex systems -- e.g., materials -- to decay into less complex forms. Entropy destroys the coherence needed for quantum computers to be stable and keep working," Buca explains.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-road-map-for-researchers">Road map for researchers</h2>



<p>Buca's theory provides a road map for researchers, guiding them across the vast landscape of possible materials by allowing for predictions of how these materials would behave under experimental conditions. </p>



<p>This breakthrough gives researchers a way to target their search for quantum materials equipped with special properties.</p>



<p>"Until now, the hunt for these materials has been governed by chance. But my results can, for the first time, provide a guiding principle to navigate by when searching for unique properties in materials," says Buca.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-accomplishing-the-impossible-with-quantum-particles">Accomplishing the impossible with quantum particles</h2>



<p>In summary, Berislav Buca's pioneering theory in theoretical physics opens up a world of possibilities, offering a mathematical shortcut to understanding the dynamics of quantum systems and guiding researchers in their search for quantum materials with extraordinary properties. </p>



<p>As we stand on the brink of a new era in quantum computing and materials science, Buca's work provides a roadmap for navigating the complex landscape of quantum particles and their interactions. </p>



<p>With the potential to revolutionize fields ranging from computing to superconductivity, this research brings us one step closer to unlocking the secrets of the universe and transforming our world through the power of quantum mechanics.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://journals.aps.org/prx/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevX.13.031013" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Physical Review X</a></em>.</p>



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Impossibility paradox: Calculating the incalculable in the quantum realm

A new theory has emerged from the theoretical realm of...

<p>Researchers at the <a href="https://www.berkeley.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Berkeley</a> have recently found that green-rumped <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-parrots-explain-dinosaurs-fly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">parrotlets</a> frequently engage in both infanticide and adoption to gain mating advantages and secure valuable nesting sites. </p>



<p>The research, spanning nearly three decades, sheds light on the complex social behaviors of these small South American parrots, suggesting that their actions are driven by both competition and opportunity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-real-estate-and-love">Real estate and love</h2>



<p>“In parrotlets, infanticide and adoption revolve around real estate and love,” said lead author Steven Beissinger, a professor of environmental science, policy, and management at UC Berkeley.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Most of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/male-baboons-will-kill/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">infanticide</a> attacks happened when a breeding pair was attacked by another pair that was trying to take over a coveted nest site. It also occurred when males wanted to breed with a widow who already had offspring - but we were surprised to find that these new males were just as likely to adopt the offspring as attack them.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-research-nbsp">Focus of the research&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study began in 1988 when Beissinger started observing a community of these parrotlets on a Venezuelan cattle ranch. Unlike their forest-dwelling kin, green-rumped parrotlets prefer nesting in open areas, which allowed for detailed observation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>To facilitate this, Beissinger installed artificial nesting sites made from large PVC pipes across the ranch and used color-banding to track individual birds and their familial relationships.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovery-of-infanticide-among-parrots">Discovery of infanticide among parrots</h2>



<p>The initial discovery of infanticide came unexpectedly. “We couldn’t tell if something had attacked them, or if they had died from disease, or something else,” Beissinger recounted. “But when we were watching some of the nests, all of a sudden in went a male who didn't belong - who wasn't a parent at that nest - and out he came with a little bit of blood on his beak.”</p>



<p>This observation prompted a closer examination of infanticide among the parrots, which revealed that it was a common strategy employed by birds trying to secure a prime nesting site. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-parrot-infanticide-and-population-density-nbsp">Parrot infanticide and population density&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study, which included data from more than 2,700 nests observed from 1988 to 2015, found that attacks often occurred during periods of high population density, which increased competition for nesting sites.</p>



<p>“At low population levels, it's all love and peace, right? But then when you get to high population densities, it's a bloodbath,” said senior author Karl Berg, an associate professor of biology at the <a href="https://www.utrgv.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Texas Rio Grande Valley</a>. </p>



<p>“It's not that everybody's born a killer, but the urge to breed is very strong. When the resources provided by the environment aren't enough for all individuals to breed, they seek out alternative strategies. Unfortunately, that involves killing innocent little offspring.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adoption-as-a-non-violent-strategy-nbsp">Adoption as a non-violent strategy&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Interestingly, the study also found that new mates of widowed parrots were just as likely to adopt existing offspring as to commit infanticide. This finding suggests a complex calculation where adoption might also serve as a non-violent strategy for ensuring genetic continuity.</p>



<p>“Adoption may be a lot easier to accept than infanticide, but it's actually more difficult to understand because it challenges Darwin's ideas about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natural-selection-molding-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural selection</a>,” Berg explained. </p>



<p>“It was very interesting to see that the reproductive fitness outcomes were about even between adoption and infanticide and suggests that they have an alternative strategy - adoption may be a non-violent means of getting genes into the next generation.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adoption-among-male-parrots-nbsp">Adoption among male parrots&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Moreover, the study highlighted that males who adopted were able to start breeding at younger ages and secured bonds with widowed females, gaining both a new mate and a nest site.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Stepfathers scored love - a new mate - and real estate - a nest site!” Beissinger concluded, emphasizing the multifaceted strategies these birds employ to thrive in their complex social and environmental landscape.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-green-rumped-parrotlets">Green-rumped parrotlets</h2>



<p>Green-rumped parrotlets are charming little birds, part of the parrot family, known scientifically as <em>Forpus passerinus</em>. They are the smallest members of the parrot family found in the Americas, measuring just about 5 inches in length. These birds are particularly noted for their vibrant green plumage, which helps them blend seamlessly into their natural habitat.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-habitat">Habitat</h3>



<p>Native to northern South America, green-rumped parrotlets thrive in a variety of environments, from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tropical-birds-can-handle-climate-variability/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tropical forests</a> to savannahs. They exhibit a strong preference for areas with abundant fruit-bearing trees and shrubs, which constitute a major part of their diet, along with seeds and small insects.</p>



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



<p>Socially, green-rumped parrotlets are fascinating creatures. They are generally seen in pairs or small flocks when not breeding. During the breeding season, they become more territorial and prefer solitude or the company of their mate. They nest in tree cavities where the female lays between four to six eggs, which she incubates for about 18 days.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-communication">Communication</h3>



<p>What sets these birds apart in the parrot family is their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/parrots-prefer-talking-live-video-calls-more-than-watching-videos/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">communication</a>. Research has shown that green-rumped parrotlets have a complex system of calls and can even use specific calls to identify their family members, a trait once thought to be exclusive to much larger parrots.</p>



<p>Despite their resilience and adaptability, habitat destruction poses a significant threat to their populations. However, green-rumped parrotlets are not currently listed as endangered due to their widespread distribution and stable population numbers in the wild.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2317305121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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



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Infanticide or adoption? Why parrots kill each other's chicks

Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley have recently found...

Human,Body;,3d,Illustration

<p>Our bodies are miraculous machines, governed by a complex orchestra of internal clocks. These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/circadian-medicine-light-therapy-could-help-millions-of-heart-patients/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain clocks</a>, known as circadian rhythms, tell our muscles when to repair, our skin when to regenerate, and our metabolism when to power up or down. </p>



<p>But what happens when these rhythms get out of sync? Recent studies suggest that's a recipe for premature <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-healthy-diet-can-reduce-brain-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aging</a> – and that good communication between your brain and muscles might be the key to slowing it all down.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-suprachiasmatic-nucleus-scn">Suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN)</h2>



<p>Deep within your brain lies a small but crucial structure called the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). This region functions as your body's master clock, playing a pivotal role in regulating your brain and muscle circadian <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbes-in-an-infant-gut-have-their-unique-circadian-rhythms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rhythms</a>. </p>



<p>Think of it as a control center that's highly attuned to changes in light throughout the day. The SCN processes this light information and uses it to maintain a roughly 24-hour internal schedule that influences a wide range of bodily functions.</p>



<p>The SCN doesn't work in isolation. It communicates constantly with a network of 'mini clocks,' or peripheral clocks, embedded within various organs, your muscles, and even your skin. </p>



<p>This intricate communication system involves the SCN sending out signals to coordinate the timing of essential processes throughout your body. </p>



<p>By keeping these peripheral clocks in sync, the SCN ensures a harmonious rhythm of sleep-wake cycles, hormone production, body temperature regulation, and much more.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-muscle-circadian-connection-to-aging">Brain-muscle circadian connection to aging</h2>



<p>As we age, our internal timekeeping mechanisms can become less precise. Scientists believe that the signaling between our central <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-circadian-disturbances-trigger-mental-health-disorders/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain clock</a> and the peripheral clocks throughout our tissues may deteriorate over time. This disruption has far-reaching implications for our health.</p>



<p>Recent research emphasizes the vital communication network between your brain's central clock and the clocks embedded in your muscles and skin. If this communication falters, it can lead to a cascade of problems. </p>



<p>Muscle tissue becomes susceptible to breakdown and wasting, leading to weakness and reduced function. At the same time, skin cells may struggle to maintain their regenerative cycles, hindering their ability to repair damage effectively.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aging-disrupts-brain-muscle-circadian-communication">Aging disrupts brain-muscle circadian communication</h2>



<p>To understand the effects of disrupted communication between the brain and muscles, scientists studied mice with a genetic modification that interfered with a critical muscle clock gene called <em>Bmal1</em>. </p>



<p>In these mice, the absence of <em>Bmal1</em> function led to symptoms of premature <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/japanese-diet-puts-the-brakes-on-brain-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aging</a>, including significant muscle deterioration and weakness. </p>



<p>Remarkably, when researchers restored the <em>Bmal1</em> gene function in both the brain and muscle tissues, the mice showed notable improvements in muscle health. The coordination between the brain and muscle clocks helped prevent further muscle deterioration and restored muscle strength.</p>



<p>This experiment underscores the critical interplay between the brain's central clock and the clocks within your muscles. Maintaining proper communication across this network seems to be a vital factor in preventing age-related muscle decline and preserving strength as you get older.</p>



<p>"It is fascinating to see how synchronization between the brain and peripheral circadian clocks plays a critical role in skin and muscle health, while peripheral clocks alone are autonomous in carrying out the most basic tissue functions,"&nbsp;says&nbsp;Aznar Benitah from the <a href="https://www.irbbarcelona.org/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute for Research in Biomedicine</a> Barcelona in Spain.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-importance-of-meal-timing">Importance of meal timing</h2>



<p>Scientists uncovered that restricting eating times for mice to their active phase at night partially compensated for a disrupted central brain clock. This change in feeding pattern helped strengthen their muscle <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-exercise-affects-the-body-at-different-times-of-day/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">clocks</a> and boost their ability to function independently.</p>



<p>This discovery highlights the remarkable adaptability of our biological clocks. It suggests that even if the master clock in the brain becomes less precise, positive lifestyle changes can help. A consistent meal schedule could help optimize the internal rhythms within muscle tissue.</p>



<p>This opens the door to exploring how simple changes to our daily routines could support muscle health and potentially influence the aging process.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-path-towards-healthy-aging-through-brain-muscle-clocks">Path towards healthy aging through brain-muscle clocks</h2>



<p>While there's still much to learn about the intricate dance between our brain and muscle circadian clocks, these landmark studies offer invaluable insights and a hopeful outlook on how we can optimize our health as we age. Here's a deeper look at the takeaways and how you can implement them:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-power-of-routine">Power of routine</h3>



<p>A predictable daily rhythm supports your body's natural master clock. Aim for a consistent bedtime and wake-up time. This regulates the production of sleep-inducing hormones and keeps everything in sync. Scheduling meals at regular intervals reinforces a healthy pattern for peripheral clocks which aids in metabolism and other key functions.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protect-your-sleep-sanctuary">Protect your sleep sanctuary</h3>



<p>Darkness is crucial for optimal sleep and proper circadian clock function. Make sure your bedroom is as dark, cool, and quiet as possible. Invest in blackout curtains, use a sleep mask, and consider minimizing electronic devices in the bedroom. Avoid stimulating activities right before bed and instead incorporate a relaxing wind-down routine like reading or taking a warm bath.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eating-schedule-matters">Eating schedule matters</h3>



<p>Your <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/muscles-defy-aging-with-remarkable-resilience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">muscle</a> clocks may benefit significantly from a set eating pattern. Time-restricted feeding, where you eat your meals during a specific window each day (usually 8-12 hours), gives your body a longer fasting period. This fasting window can promote processes like cellular repair and optimize circadian rhythms in various tissues.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tune-in-to-body-s-cues">Tune in to body's cues</h3>



<p>Chronic fatigue, weakness, and difficulty regaining muscle strength – even with exercise – may point to a disruption in your <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-moonlight-affects-the-circadian-clocks-of-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">internal rhythms</a>. Don't hesitate to consult with your doctor if you notice a persistent lack of energy or a decline in physical function. They can help you determine if optimizing your circadian patterns could boost your well-being.</p>



<p>Remember, taking small, consistent steps to work <em>with</em> your body's natural rhythms can have a profound effect on your energy levels, muscle health, and overall vitality, potentially unlocking a path towards healthier aging.</p>



<p>The study is published in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adj8533" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science</em></a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cell.com/cell-stem-cell/abstract/S1934-5909(24)00140-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Cell Stem Cell</em></a>.</p>



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Syncing brain and muscle circadian rhythms slows aging

Our bodies are miraculous machines, governed by a complex orchestra...

<p>Whales, the majestic titans of the ocean, have always captured our imagination. From legendary sea monsters to the star of <em>Moby Dick</em>, these massive creatures bring wonder and awe. But what would it be like to understand what they say to each other? A recent study, conducted by researchers at <a href="https://www.csail.mit.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MIT CSAIL</a> and <a href="https://www.projectceti.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Project CETI</a>, gives us exciting new insights into the complex world of <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/sperm-whale-physeter-macrocephalus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sperm whale</a> communication, and brings us one step closer to deciphering their "language."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-secret-communication-in-sperm-whales">Secret communication in sperm whales</h2>



<p>Sperm whales, the largest toothed whales on our planet, are known for their exceptional brains – the largest of any animal. Their complex social structures within families and cultural groups likely require sophisticated ways to stay connected and coordinate. To communicate, sperm whales use a series of clicks known as codas.</p>



<p>Recent research provides insights into just how sophisticated this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-project-aims-to-help-humans-talk-to-whales/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">communication</a> system may be:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-phonetic-alphabet">Phonetic alphabet</h3>



<p>Scientists have discovered that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/robots-used-to-monitor-endangered-sperm-whales/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sperm whales</a> possess a kind of "phonetic alphabet" embedded within their codas. This means they can manipulate the rhythm, tempo, and even add extra clicks (called 'ornamentation') to create variations within their communication.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-combinations">Combinations</h3>



<p>The meaning of a sperm whale's coda doesn't just come from the individual clicks. The specific sequence of clicks and pauses is essential. Changing the order can alter the message being sent. This system grants the whales a vast vocabulary of sounds with different meanings.</p>



<p>"This is a step toward showing that other species have levels of communication complexity that have not been identified so far, deeply connected to behavior," said Daniela Rus, director of CSAIL.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-did-scientists-figure-out-sperm-whale-communication">How did scientists figure out sperm whale communication?</h2>



<p>Understanding sperm whale communication presents a unique challenge. To uncover their conversations, researchers employed a combination of cutting-edge technology and advanced analysis:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bio-logging-tags">Bio-logging tags</h3>



<p>These specialized tags attach to free-swimming whales, providing an unprecedented level of detail. They precisely record the clicks these whales make, along with their movement data. This provides scientists with the raw information needed to decipher their communication.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-machine-learning-algorithms">Machine learning algorithms</h3>



<p>The sheer volume and complexity of the recorded data require powerful analysis tools. Machine learning algorithms excel at finding patterns within massive datasets. These algorithms were crucial to identifying the subtle variations and combinations within sperm whale codas.</p>



<p>The data collected by the tags and analyzed with these algorithms revealed something remarkable: the patterns underlying sperm whale communication are far more complex and nuanced than previously imagined. This discovery indicates a surprisingly sophisticated communication system within these magnificent creatures.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-whales-that-changed-the-world">Whales that changed the world</h2>



<p>Whale research, especially understanding their communication, played a crucial role in sparking the "Save the Whales" movement. This successful conservation effort was ignited by the work of biologist Roger Payne, who was the first to document the hauntingly beautiful songs of humpback whales. </p>



<p>"Roger's research highlights the impact science can have on society. His finding that whales sing led to the Marine Mammal Protection Act and helped save several whale species from extinction," said David Gruber, founder of Project CETI.</p>



<p>This research isn't just about whales. It's about the fundamental question of how intelligent beings communicate. Imagine trying to understand an alien civilization with a completely different way of seeing and interacting with the world - that's the kind of challenge researchers faced in this project.</p>



<p>"One of the intriguing aspects of our research is that it parallels the hypothetical scenario of contacting alien species," said Pratyusha Sharma, a PhD student at MIT.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-decoding-sperm-whale-communication">Future of decoding sperm whale communication</h2>



<p>The potential to understand the messages and meanings within sperm whale communication is tantalizing, but we're still in the initial stages of this incredible scientific journey. This research has established a strong foundation for further exploration, opening up a range of exciting questions:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Understanding the meaning:</strong> Could those intricate changes in rhythm, tempo, and other click variations hold specific meanings? Could sequences of whale clicks function much like words within a sentence, with their arrangement changing the message?</li>



<li><strong>The rules of whale communication:</strong> Is there an underlying "grammar" to these whale conversations? Do they follow a set of discoverable rules, or are their communications more instinctual and less structured?</li>



<li><strong>Beyond the basics:</strong> As scientists learn more about the building blocks, they'll also want to observe whale communication in a broader context. Do whales modify their communication depending on social situations or the specific tasks they're undertaking?</li>
</ul>



<p>Answering these questions won't just satisfy our curiosity about whales. This research deepens our understanding of how intelligent species communicate on Earth. It may even provide insights relevant to the search for extraterrestrial intelligence and communication.</p>



<p>"Scientists are particularly interested in whether signal combinations vary according to the social or ecological context in which they are given, and the extent to which signal combinations follow discernible 'rules' that are recognized by listeners," said Professor Robert Seyfarth from the University of Pennsylvania.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-significance">Study significance</h2>



<p>Could we one day communicate something simple to a whale? Maybe something like the classic first message from humans to extraterrestrials – "We come in peace"? That's a long way off. But understanding animal communication is both fascinating and essential. </p>



<p>Perhaps this research will help us appreciate the rich social lives of whales and the incredible diversity of communication on Earth, furthering conservation efforts along the way.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-47221-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a></em>.</p>



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Sperm whales' communication "alphabet" decoded with AI algorithm

Whales, the majestic titans of the ocean, have always captured...

<p>Scientists found a way to help immune cells attack cancer more effectively using CAR-T cell therapy. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/micro-nanoplastics-mnps-help-cancer-cells-spread/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cancer cells</a> are notorious for their ability to evade the human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reprogramming-the-immune-system-to-attack-cancer-cells/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">immune system</a>, a trait that makes them particularly challenging targets for treatment. </p>



<p>These cells deploy a molecule known as programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), effectively creating a "shield" that suppresses immune cells and complicates the development of effective cancer immunotherapies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-car-t-cell-therapy-and-cancer">CAR T-cell therapy and cancer</h2>



<p>At the Wang Lab in the Alfred E. Mann Department of Biomedical Engineering at the <a href="https://www.usc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Southern California</a>, led by Peter Yingxiao Wang, researchers are pioneering a groundbreaking method that cleverly uses a tumor's own defensive mechanism against it. </p>



<p>The experts have developed a novel form of Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/t-cells-could-be-used-to-slow-down-or-even-reverse-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">T-cells</a> - crucial white blood cells in our immune response - are altered to detect and destroy cancer cells.</p>



<p>The innovative approach includes the creation of a unique molecule named "PDbody," specifically designed to target the PD-L1 protein that tumors use as a shield. This enables the CAR T-cells to recognize and attack the cancer cells, effectively breaching their defenses.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-targeted-cancer-destruction">Targeted cancer destruction</h2>



<p>The study at the Wang Lab, led by postdoctoral researcher Linshan Zhu and supported by Professor Longwei Liu, has made significant strides in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cancer-research-ai-will-change-the-way-we-see-tumors/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer research</a>. </p>



<p>Their latest publication showcases an engineered monobody that specifically binds to the PD-L1 molecule, a protective mechanism used by tumor cells. This strategic binding targets the cancer cells and disables their defenses, making them susceptible to an immune attack.</p>



<p>“Imagine the CAR is a real car. You have the engine and the gas. But you also have a brake. Essentially, the engine and gas push the CAR T to move forward and kill the tumor. But the PD-L1 works like the brake that stops it,” explained Peter Yingxiao Wang, the Chair of the department and leader of the research team.</p>



<p>By transforming PD-L1 from a brake into a target, the engineered CAR T-cells can aggressively attack and eliminate tumor cells. </p>



<p>“This chimeric PDbody-CAR molecule can lead the CAR T we designed to start to attack, recognize, and clear the tumor. At the same time, it will block and prevent the tumor cell from stopping the CAR-T's attack. In that way, our CAR T will be more potent,” noted Wang, highlighting the enhanced effectiveness of this innovative approach.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-precision-and-safety-of-car-t-in-cancer-treatment">Precision and safety of CAR-T in cancer treatment</h2>



<p>The researchers focused on a highly invasive form of breast cancer that expresses PD-L1, but the molecule is also found in other cells, posing a potential risk of damage to healthy tissue. To tackle this, the team explored the unique microenvironment of tumors - specifically, their typically lower pH levels.</p>



<p>"We know that the pH is relatively low in the tumor microenvironment - it is a little acidic," noted one team member. "So, we wanted our PDbody to have a better binding ability in an acidic environment, which will help our PDbody distinguish the tumor cells from other surrounding cells."</p>



<p>To enhance the precision of the therapy further, the researchers employed an engineered genetic "gate" system called SynNotch, ensuring the PDbody CAR T-cells only target cancer cells expressing another protein, CD19. </p>



<p>This reduces the risk of harming healthy cells. “In simple terms, the T-cells will only be activated at the tumor site because of this SynNotch gating system,” the researcher elaborated. "Not only is the pH more acidic, but also the tumor cell's surface will determine whether the T-cell will be activated, giving us two layers of control."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-inspiration-for-advanced-solutions">Evolutionary inspiration for advanced solutions</h2>



<p>To perfect their engineered molecule, the team used a process inspired by natural selection, known as directed evolution. This involved creating a vast library of monobody variants and selecting the most effective one for targeting PD-L1.</p>



<p>"Using directed evolution, we screened a large number of different monobody mutations to select which one will bind to the PD-L1. The one selected has these features that can not only recognize the tumor PD-L1 but can block the brake mechanism that PD-L1 has and then guide the CAR T-cell to the tumor's surface to attack and kill the tumor cells," explained Wang.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-promising-progress-toward-clinical-application">Promising progress toward clinical application</h2>



<p>With promising initial results in a mouse model, where the SynNotch gate system effectively guided the PDbody CAR T-cells to activate precisely at tumor sites, the research team is optimistic about the potential of this therapy. </p>



<p>The experts will continue to refine the technique, aiming to enhance its precision and effectiveness before progressing to clinical trials. As they look to integrate these findings with other innovative treatments like focused ultrasound, the potential for a new generation of cancer therapies appears bright. </p>



<p>"We now have all these genetic tools to manipulate, control, and program those immune cells to have so much power and function," said Wang. "We hope to create new ways to guide their function for particularly complicated solid <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/holy-grail-molecule-can-kill-all-types-of-solid-cancer-tumors/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tumor</a> treatments."</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsnano.4c01597" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACS Nano</a></em>.</p>



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



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Turning cancer's defense against itself using novel CAR-T therapy

Scientists found a way to help immune cells attack cancer...

<p>Recent concerns about significant declines in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-insect-decline-what-are-the-causes-and-consequences/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insect</a> populations have intensified the demand for comprehensive data on their status worldwide. </p>



<p>Insects, despite their ubiquity and diversity, have remained a mystery in many ways, primarily due to the sheer difficulty of distinguishing between the myriad species. </p>



<p>“So far, such data are only available for a few insect groups and for selected regions. To improve on the status quo, we need urgent assessments of all types of insects in all parts of the world,” explained Roel van Klink, a senior researcher at the <a href="https://www.idiv.de/en/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv)</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Technology to monitor insect populations </h2>



<p>A series of technological innovations are significantly enhancing the ways researchers study and monitor insects. Various methods are employed to track and identify these creatures more effectively and efficiently. </p>



<p>For example, inexpensive devices can now capture the unique sounds of many <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-can-detect-insect-dna-in-air-samples/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insect species</a>, enabling scientists to identify them by their audio signatures. Additionally, lighting techniques are used to attract insects, which can then be photographed and identified from the images captured. </p>



<p>More advanced methods include the use of radar and lasers to remotely detect and classify insects based on their size and wingbeats. </p>



<p>Another innovative approach involves analyzing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/environmental-dna-can-help-monitor-pollinators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental DNA</a> samples extracted from media such as water or air, allowing researchers to identify insect species through their genetic sequences.</p>



<p>“These novel methods have enormous potential to close the vast data gaps we have for insects. They can provide us with new, more, and better data at lower costs, partly due to the semi- or fully autonomous nature of the data collection. Additionally, these new technologies typically avoid harming insects,” explained Professor Toke Thomas Høye of <a href="https://ecos.au.dk/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aarhus University, Denmark</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reducing-reliance-on-experts">Reducing reliance on experts</h2>



<p>One of the most significant benefits of these new methods is their ability to reduce dependence on the limited number of experts who can distinguish between different insects. </p>



<p>Traditionally, these specialists are overwhelmed by the volume of work, but now, they can delegate routine identification tasks to computers. This shift allows the experts to concentrate on more complex and critical scientific inquiries.</p>



<p>"Most importantly, the new methods reduce our dependence on experts, since the people who can tell insects apart are few and overburdened with work," stated Høye.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-technology-to-identify-insect-populations">Technology to identify insect populations </h2>



<p>The challenge of understanding insect populations is enormous; an estimated 80% of insect species are still unidentified by science. </p>



<p>Using traditional methods to characterize these species could span over a thousand years. However, there's a growing momentum in efforts to better identify and understand these populations. </p>



<p>Tomas Roslin, professor of Insect Ecology at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, is optimistic about the potential of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/environmental-health-ai-can-identify-insects-based-on-their-sounds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">artificial intelligence</a> and computer-based methods to accelerate research. </p>



<p>“Now, computer-based methods and artificial intelligence can massively speed up the task of describing life on Earth. By teaching computers how to separate insects, we can make sense of billions of images, millions of sound recordings, and trillions of DNA sequences,” said Professor Roslin. </p>



<p>This rapid progress of technology is vital for enhancing our understanding of the diverse insect populations around the globe.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A unified approach to monitoring insect populations</h2>



<p>The integration of these diverse technological advances offers unprecedented opportunities for comprehensive surveys of insect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insect-populations-are-headed-towards-widespread-chaos-in-our-continually-warming-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">populations</a>, as detailed in a special issue led by researchers like Dr. Silke Bauer from the Swiss Federal Research Institute. </p>



<p>“Together, these technical advances will revolutionize our knowledge about insects. They make surveys of all types of insects feasible. While they have so far been developed in isolation from each other, our special issue marks the beginning of their integration. By combining them, we will gain unprecedented insights into insect populations across the world." </p>



<p>Dr. Bauer also emphasized the importance of ensuring that these technologies and the data they produce are accessible globally, to promote both global insights and equality.</p>



<p>This wave of technological innovation has the potential to completely transform our understanding of the insect realm, offering new tools for scientists racing to preserve these vital components of ecological systems worldwide.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rstb.2023.0101" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences</a></em>.</p>



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

Technology offers new hope for declining insect populations

Recent concerns about significant declines in insect populations have intensified...

<p>Picture a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eel-robot-moves-silently/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">robot</a>. You're probably imagining something metallic, with rigid joints and whirring motors. But what if robots could be soft and squishy? </p>



<p>Soft robotics is a fascinating field where engineers take inspiration from nature. Instead of hard shells, these robots use flexible materials that can bend, stretch, and twist like origami, opening up possibilities for new ways robots can interact with the world.</p>



<p>However, controlling a floppy robot is no easy task. How do you steer something that can bend in any direction? Researchers at <a href="https://www.princeton.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Princeton</a> and <a href="https://www.ncsu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">North Carolina State University</a> have a brilliant solution, inspired by the ancient art of origami. </p>



<p>"The concept of modular soft robots can provide insight into future soft robots that can grow, repair, and develop new functions," the team explains.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-the-new-soft-robot-like">What Is the new soft robot like?</h2>



<p>"Caterbot", the innovative soft robot, breaks from traditional designs. Instead of a single, rigid body, it's constructed from a series of patterned cylinders stacked vertically. </p>



<p>These cylinders are the secret to its adaptability – each one possesses the ability to collapse into a flat disk and then re-expand into its full cylindrical form. The pattern that allows this unique folding and expansion is called a Kresling pattern.</p>



<p>The Kresling pattern allows the robot to mimic the movements of its natural inspiration, the caterpillar. By carefully controlling which segments fold, bend, or expand, the Caterbot gains the ability to twist, turn, and navigate tight corners with remarkable precision. </p>



<p>It can even change its shape to squeeze and wriggle its way through challenging obstacles, demonstrating an unprecedented level of flexibility in robotics.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-steering-into-the-origami-soft-robot">Building steering into the origami soft robot</h2>



<p>Steering a typical soft <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/robots-will-soon-be-able-to-use-air-to-move-objects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">robot</a> often requires tacking on extra equipment, making it bulky. This added weight and complexity can hinder the very flexibility that makes soft robots attractive. The Princeton and NC State team found an elegant way to integrate the steering directly into the robot's structure.</p>



<p>They turned to specialized materials science. By combining two materials that expand and contract differently when heated, they created a system that mimics the action of biological muscle. These materials are cleverly layered along the folds of the robot's origami-like segments.</p>



<p>The researchers also incorporated a network of super-thin heating elements, much like minuscule wires, within the structure. Sending carefully controlled electrical currents through these heating elements allows the team to selectively heat specific areas of the robot's skin. </p>



<p>This localized heating causes the expansion and contraction materials to react, resulting in precise bending and folding that enables the robot to steer in the desired direction.</p>



<p>"In this work, we achieved localized, sharp folding to actuate the origami pattern. This effective actuation method can be generally applied to origami structures for soft <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-creatures-of-the-past-inspire-the-future-of-soft-robots/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">robotics</a>," explains Shuang Wu, a researcher at NC State.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-can-the-origami-soft-robot-do">What can the origami soft robot do?</h2>



<p>This shape-shifting caterpillar-bot isn't just about wriggling through obstacles. It can move with precision - inching forward, reversing direction, and skillfully navigating even the most complex and twisted pathways. If a task requires moving an object, the Caterbot's adaptable design allows it to grasp and transport small items.</p>



<p>But here's where things get truly exciting – the robot's modular construction sets it apart. Each segment functions as an independent building block. </p>



<p>These individual units can detach and seamlessly reattach into entirely new configurations, offering immense flexibility for adapting to different tasks and environments.</p>



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



<p>The modular design of this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/household-robots-now-with-added-common-sense-and-ability-to-self-correct/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">robot</a> opens up a world of possibilities. Picture a swarm of these tiny robots, each working in tandem. They could collaborate to access confined areas during search and rescue missions, navigating through collapsed structures or hazardous environments. </p>



<p>The medical field also holds tremendous potential, envision flexible medical robots able to move with precision through delicate areas of the human body, revolutionizing less invasive procedures.</p>



<p>"We have created a bio-inspired plug-and-play soft modular origami robot... This is a very promising technology with potential translation to robots that can grow, heal, and adapt on demand," explains <a href="https://engineering.princeton.edu/faculty/glaucio-paulino" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Glaucio Paulino</a>, a Princeton professor leading the research. </p>



<p>This vision highlights the goal of creating robots that can expand their form, potentially repair themselves, and seamlessly adapt to the task at hand.</p>



<p>Although refining the Caterbot's speed and steering precision requires more work, the core concept demonstrates the remarkable power of origami. This ancient art form, traditionally executed with simple paper, is now influencing the forefront of robotic innovation. </p>



<p>It's a thrilling example of how blending old and new can spark extraordinary breakthroughs, leaving us excited to imagine what incredible feats these flexible, adaptable robots might achieve in the future.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2322625121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a></em>.</p>



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New 'soft robot' can crawl and move like origami folds

Picture a robot. You're probably imagining something metallic, with rigid...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<p></p>

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...

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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>



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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...

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prrq8Ql81zk
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Acid rain and a crisis solved.</figcaption></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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



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



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https://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
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<p>Probiotics - beneficial microbes that balance gut bacteria and aid digestion - are typically fragile and can be destroyed by stomach acid or processing. </p>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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<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>



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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>

Santiago, Chile in South America

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