<p>Italy’s Campi Flegrei has been restless again when it comes to earthquakes, and a new AI approach is helping scientists see what the ground is really doing. </p>



<p>In a peer-reviewed study, researchers from <a href="https://www.stanford.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford University</a>, along with colleagues at INGV Osservatorio Vesuviano and the <a href="https://www.international.unina.it/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Naples Federico II</a>, reanalyzed continuous seismic records. The team found more than four times as many small earthquakes between January 21, 2022, and March 20, 2025.</p>



<p>The researchers did not detect any direct sign of magma moving upward. Instead, they highlighted very shallow hybrid quakes tied to the hydrothermal system.</p>



<p>That fuller picture matters because small events reveal where the crust is stressed and how energy is moving through the volcanic field. With cleaner detections and sharper locations, scientists can track changes faster and judge when activity starts to cluster in risky ways.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clear-signals-urgent-stakes">Clear signals, urgent stakes</h2>



<p>“Seismicity could change at any time, and that may be the most important thing about this study: this capability of getting a clear view is now operational,” said study co-author Greg Beroza, a geophysics professor at Stanford University.</p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supervolcano-campi-flegrei-naples-italy-solfatara-crater-phlegraean-fields-signs-of-waking-up/">caldera</a> sits within the Neapolitan area, where more than half a million people live and work. That density means even modest shaking or ground movement can disrupt daily life, strain buildings, and complicate evacuations.</p>



<p>History shows why clarity is essential. During the 1982-1984 crisis, uplift and persistent earthquakes damaged structures across Pozzuoli. A major analysis documented that the events triggered the evacuation of about 40,000 people.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-turns-noise-into-earthquake-signals">AI turns noise into earthquake signals</h2>



<p>The team trained a machine learning workflow on continuous waveforms and used it to scan years of data consistently. That created one catalog rather than a patchwork of methods, so patterns stand out instead of becoming blurred.</p>



<p>AI did more than count earthquakes. The workflow sharpened event locations and magnitudes, turning noisy curves into clean signals that line up with mapped features and known hot zones. </p>



<p>That is the kind of precision emergency managers need when activity jumps in hours, not weeks. One payoff is a much clearer view of the caldera’s thin ring shaped structures and shallow faults. </p>



<p>Those features organize the small quakes and help separate background rumble from changes that could matter for public safety.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-volcano-under-quiet-strain">Volcano under quiet strain</h2>



<p>Campi Flegrei is a large caldera, the broad depression left by past eruptions, ringed by faults and dotted with old vents and fuming ground. It is not a single cone, it is a field where different parts can wake up at different times.</p>



<p>The region breathes over years through uplift and subsidence known as bradyseism. Those slow vertical motions have been recorded for centuries and often line up with swarms of small earthquakes.</p>



<p>In the new catalog, most activity sits at very shallow depths and traces a narrow ring fault system consistent with surface features and the zone now rising. </p>



<p>The authors reported no direct signature of magma rising toward the surface in this interval. This lowers near-term eruption concern but does not remove the need for close watching.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-faults-reveal-hidden-stress">Faults reveal hidden stress</h2>



<p>Faults are breaks in rock that slip when stress overcomes strength, and their length and orientation constrain how big an earthquake could be. When small <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earthquakes-and-flood-zones-hidden-risks-in-the-pacific-northwest/">quakes</a> line up along a longer fault, planners can bound the upper size of plausible events rather than guess in the dark.</p>



<p>Seeing faults crisply also helps compare present unrest with past episodes. Shaking that migrates onto a new segment or clusters at the edge of the ring may signal a change in how the system stores and releases pressure.</p>



<p>Those signals are not predictions by themselves. They are inputs to models that weigh where stress is building, how close rocks are to failure, and what level of shaking the built environment can handle.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-refines-risk-planning">AI refines risk planning</h2>



<p>Near real-time detections let observatories update maps of active zones as conditions evolve. That supports decisions like where to inspect bridges, how to stage ambulances, or when to test public alerts before a busy weekend.</p>



<p>Sharper locations and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-detect-major-earthquakes-months-in-advance/">magnitudes</a> also help engineers validate expected shaking levels against what instruments record in town. With that feedback loop, officials can refine microzonation, revisit building priorities, and tune maintenance schedules before the next swarm.</p>



<p>Past experience is a warning here. During 1982-1984, the harbor shallowed and commerce paused, schools closed, and the government approved new housing to relocate residents. </p>



<p>Planning for unrest is not only about eruptions, it is about everyday disruptions that stack up when the ground keeps moving.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-helps-not-predicts">AI helps, not predicts</h2>



<p>The present results point to pressure within a shallow system, not direct <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/magma-layer-keeps-the-yellowstone-supervolcano-dormant/">magma</a> rise, during 2022-2025. That aligns with other independent work that has argued for pressure buildup and evolving stress in the crust during long stretches without eruption.</p>



<p>Unrest can still change quickly. More small quakes could organize into tighter clusters, or uplift rates could shift, and those changes would be visible fast with the new tools.</p>



<p>AI does not replace dense earthquake monitoring or local expertise. It helps analysts keep up when data surge, flag subtle changes that a human might miss after a long night, and focus attention on the signals that matter most.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adw9038" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science</em></a>.</p>



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AI detects earthquake surge beneath Europe’s most dangerous volcano

Italy’s Campi Flegrei has been restless again when it comes to earthquakes, and a new AI approach is helping scientists see what the ground is really doing. In a peer-reviewed study, researchers from Stanford University, along with colleagues at INGV Osservatorio Vesuviano and the University of Naples Federico II, reanalyzed continuous seismic records. The team found more than four times as many small earthquakes between January 21, 2022, and March 20, 2025. The researchers did not detect any direct sign of magma moving upward. Instead, they highlighted...

<p>The Eta Aquarid <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-eta-aquarids-meteor-shower-peaks-this-weekend/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">meteor shower</a> will dazzle stargazers this weekend, reaching its peak from the evening of May 4 to the early hours of May 5. During this peak, spectators can expect to see up to 50 shooting stars per hour, according to astronomers.</p>



<p>The Eta Aquarids are known for their speed, traveling into Earth's atmosphere at about 66 kilometers per second. They are also known for producing a high percentage of persistent trains - luminous trails that last for several seconds after the meteor itself has disappeared.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-eta-aquarids-nbsp">The Eta Aquarids&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The shower is named after its radiant point, which is located in the constellation Aquarius, near one of its brightest stars, Eta Aquarii. This is the point in the sky from which the meteors appear to emerge.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The best viewing times are between midnight and dawn, and while the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/southern-taurid-meteor-showers-will-peak-this-weekend/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">meteor shower</a> is visible worldwide, it will be more pronounced in the Southern Hemisphere - where the Aquarius constellation is more prominently positioned in the sky.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-debris-from-halley-s-comet-nbsp">Debris from Halley’s Comet&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“The Eta Aquarids are pieces of debris from Halley’s Comet, which is a well-known comet that is viewable from Earth approximately every 76 years,” <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a> experts said. “Also known as 1P/Halley, this comet was last viewable from Earth in 1986 and won't be visible again until the middle of 2061.”</p>



<p>Halley's Comet has been observed for millennia, but the specific connection between the comet and the Eta Aquarid meteor shower was made in the late 19th century. </p>



<p>The meteor shower itself has likely been observed as long as people have been watching the skies, but scientific recognition of its origin connected to Halley's Comet helped define its annual predictability.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-origin-of-halley-s-comet">Origin of Halley's Comet</h3>



<p>The comet is named after the English astronomer Edmond Halley, who first predicted its periodic return in 1705. Halley didn't discover the comet, but he determined that reports of comets appearing in 1531, 1607, and 1682 were actually sightings of the same comet returning at regular intervals. </p>



<p>Using Newton's recently formulated laws of motion, he predicted the comet would return in 1758. Halley died before this return, but the comet's punctual appearance helped to solidify his prediction.</p>



<p>Halley's Comet was the first comet to be recognized as periodic, changing the understanding of comets from atmospheric phenomena to celestial bodies in solar orbit. </p>



<p>Its appearances have provided valuable opportunities for scientific study, helping to advance knowledge about the nature of comets, their composition, and their interaction with solar wind and the solar system.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eta-aquarid-meteor-shower-visibility-nbsp">Eta Aquarid meteor shower visibility&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Active from April 15 to May 27, the Eta Aquarid meteor shower's visibility may be influenced by lunar brightness. Fortunately, with the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/timeless-mystery-solved-scientists-uncover-what-is-inside-the-moons-core/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moon</a> waning to a thin crescent, conditions this weekend are optimal for meteor viewing.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For the best experience, the <a href="https://www.farmersalmanac.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Farmer's Almanac</a> recommends looking southeast to see the meteors as they enter the atmosphere and burn up in a brilliant display. If observers miss the peak on May 5, there will still be excellent opportunities to view the meteor shower until May 10.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-way-to-view-the-eta-aquarids-nbsp">Best way to view the Eta Aquarids&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“To view the Eta Aquarids, find an area well away from city or street lights,” NASA astronomers explained. “Come prepared with a sleeping bag, blanket, or lawn chair. Lie flat on your back with your feet facing east and look up, taking in as much of the sky as possible. After about 30 minutes in the dark, your eyes will adapt and you will begin to see meteors. Be patient – the show will last until dawn, so you have plenty of time to catch a glimpse.”</p>



<p>Meteors, commonly referred to as shooting stars, originate from leftover <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bouncing-comets-could-deliver-lifes-building-blocks-to-exoplanets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">comet</a> particles and broken asteroid bits. </p>



<p>As comets orbit close to the sun, they emit dust that spreads into a dusty trail along their paths. Each year, the Earth passes through these debris trails, which causes the debris to collide with our atmosphere and disintegrate, creating vivid streaks of light in the sky. </p>



<p>Despite their dramatic appearance, these celestial events pose no threat to Earth, as the particles almost always burn up before they can reach the surface.</p>



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



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Eta Aquarids meteor shower set to put on a dazzling show

The Eta Aquarid meteor shower will dazzle stargazers this weekend,...

<p>In a remarkable display of the sun's power, new sunspot region AR3663 has unleashed two potent solar flares within a mere six-hour window. These <a href="https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/news/r3-strong-radio-blackout-observed-030222-utc">explosive events</a>, reported by the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center, have already had a tangible impact on Earth's radio communications.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sunspot-region-ar3663-lashes-out">Sunspot region AR3663 lashes out</h2>



<p>Solar physicist <a href="https://twitter.com/drkstrong" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Keith Strong</a>, posting on the X platform, explains that last night's X-flare was the 11th largest flare so far this cycle. </p>



<p>“X FLARE! Sunspot region AR3663 just produced an X1.7 flare, the 11th largest flare so far this cycle. It was an impulsive flare lasting a total of about 25 minutes and peaking at <a href="https://twitter.com/drkstrong/status/1786237553470833127?t=142">02:22</a> U.T,” Strong enthused. “This is the 30th X flare so far during SC25, compared to just 19 at the same stage in SC24.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-x-class-solar-flare-was-powerful-eruptions">X-class solar flare was powerful eruptions</h2>



<p>The first eruption occurred on the night of May 2, when the sun released an X-class solar flare, the most powerful category of flares. This event followed a strong <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/powerful-m9-5-flare-region-3654-strong-solar-activity-causes-radio-blackouts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">geomagnetic storm warning</a> issued by the NOAA on May 2, 2024.</p>



<p>Peaking at 10:22 p.m. EDT (0222 GMT) and ending shortly after at 10:27 p.m. EDT (0227 GMT), this flare caused widespread shortwave radio blackouts across Australia, Japan, and much of China.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-m-class-flare-was-a-secondary-and-lesser-strike">M-class flare was a secondary and lesser strike</h2>



<p>Just six hours later, on the morning of May 3, the sun unleashed another powerful flare. This time, an M-class solar flare, the second most powerful category, peaked around 4:00 a.m. EDT (0800 GMT). </p>



<p>The proximity of these two events has left astronomers intrigued and eager to study the underlying mechanisms.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-coronal-mass-ejection-cme">Potential coronal mass ejection (CME)</h2>



<p>At the time of both eruptions, the explosive sunspot was facing Earth. This orientation raises the possibility that at least one of the solar flares may have been accompanied by a coronal mass ejection (<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-solar-outburst-detected-simultaneously-at-earth-the-moon-and-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CME</a>).</p>



<p>CMEs are large expulsions of plasma and magnetic field that can have significant effects on Earth's magnetic field and technology.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ongoing-analysis-and-monitoring">Ongoing analysis and monitoring</h2>



<p>Scientists are currently analyzing data from various solar observatories to determine the presence and characteristics of any associated CMEs.</p>



<p>The Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (<a href="https://soho.nascom.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SOHO</a>) and its Large Angle and Spectrometric Coronagraph (LASCO) instrument have captured imagery that suggests a northward-directed CME after the X-class flare.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-threat-of-x-class-flares">Threat of X-class flares</h2>



<p>The forecast for the coming days indicates a likelihood of moderate solar activity, with a chance of more X-class flares between May 3 and May 5. These powerful flares have the potential to cause further radio disruptions and even impact Earth's magnetic field, leading to geomagnetic storms and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/solar-storms-will-intensify-then-slow-as-the-solar-cycle-peaks-in-early-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">beautiful aurorae</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stay-tuned">Stay tuned</h2>



<p>As the sun continues to exhibit heightened activity, scientists remain vigilant in their monitoring efforts. The recent solar flares serve as a reminder of the sun's immense power and the importance of understanding its impact on our planet.</p>



<p>Through ongoing research and observation, we can better prepare for and mitigate the effects of these cosmic events on our technology-dependent world.</p>



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Massive solar flares erupt towards Earth causing radio blackouts

In a remarkable display of the sun's power, new sunspot...

<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/atlantic-ocean-currents-slowing-as-water-temperature-rises/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean</a> plays a vital role in Earth's carbon cycle, acting as a vast sink that absorbs atmospheric carbon dioxide. Understanding how carbon moves from the ocean's surface to its depths is crucial for modeling climate change. New research from Brown University, <a href="https://www.whoi.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution</a>, and the <a href="https://www.mbl.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marine Biological Laboratory</a> sheds light on a previously overlooked mechanism: oceanic intrusions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-are-oceanic-intrusions">What are oceanic intrusions?</h2>



<p>Oceanic intrusions are fascinating and complex phenomena that occur when water masses of different densities, temperatures, or salinities come into contact within the ocean. </p>



<p>These differences in water properties can be due to various environmental factors, such as solar heating, evaporation, or the influx of fresher water from rivers or melting ice. When these differing water masses meet, the denser water tends to slide under the lighter water, creating a layered effect in the ocean's subsurface.</p>



<p>These intrusions are not trivial in scale; they often stretch horizontally across many kilometers. Imagine vast, underwater rivers weaving through the ocean, sometimes extending over tens or even hundreds of kilometers. </p>



<p>But their impact isn't just lateral. Vertically, these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-circumpolar-current-speed-increasing-rising-sea-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">currents</a> can push or pull water hundreds of meters below the surface. This vertical movement is particularly significant because it acts against the usual stratification of the ocean, where lighter, warmer water sits above cooler, denser layers.</p>



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



<p>The mechanism of <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/wave-tides-currents-an-important-distinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oceanic</a> intrusions is pivotal for the transport of microscopic organisms. These organisms, primarily phytoplankton, bacteria, and other microorganisms, typically inhabit the upper layers of the ocean where sunlight penetrates, enabling photosynthesis. </p>



<p>As the intrusions occur, they sweep these microorganisms along, carrying them from the sunlit, productive upper layers to the darker, nutrient-poor depths of the ocean.</p>



<p>This transport is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it aids in the redistribution of nutrients and organic materials throughout different layers of the ocean, which can affect local ecosystems profoundly. For instance, as these microorganisms are transported deeper, they can introduce organic carbon to regions where it is otherwise scarce, impacting the local food chains and microbial dynamics.</p>



<p>Furthermore, this process plays a significant role in the global carbon cycle. The ocean is a major carbon sink, and the movement of carbon from the surface to the deep ocean (a process known as the biological pump) is essential in controlling atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. </p>



<p>Oceanic intrusions help facilitate this by carrying carbon-rich organisms into the deep ocean where they eventually decompose, locking away carbon from the atmosphere.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oceanic-intrusions-and-microbes">Oceanic intrusions and microbes</h2>



<p>An international team of researchers conducted extensive fieldwork in the subtropical Mediterranean Sea. Employing Conductivity-Temperature-Depth (CTD) sensors, water sampling techniques, and computer modeling, they investigated the role of intrusions in transporting surface microbes to the deep ocean. Here are some of the key findings from the study:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Year-round transport</h3>



<p>Oceanic intrusions are a dynamic and ongoing phenomenon, occurring throughout all seasons, which contrasts sharply with previous models that primarily associated carbon transport with seasonal patterns. </p>



<p>Traditionally, scientists believed that carbon transport via <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctica-ice-shelves-melting-faster-due-to-ocean-currents/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean</a> currents was mostly a seasonal occurrence, linked to specific climatic conditions that vary throughout the year, such as temperature changes or seasonal winds that might influence ocean currents. </p>



<p>However, the discovery that intrusions happen year-round introduces a new understanding of how carbon and other nutrients are continuously cycled between ocean layers. This revelation is significant as it suggests that the ocean's role in carbon storage and atmospheric carbon regulation is more constant and reliable than previously thought, providing a stabilizing effect on global carbon levels regardless of seasonal fluctuations.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Biomass-rich origins</h3>



<p>Intrusions typically begin in regions where microbial life is abundant, particularly where surface-dwelling microbes like phytoplankton thrive. These areas are often nutrient-rich, illuminated by sunlight, and support a diverse array of microorganisms. </p>



<p>The initiation of intrusions in these biomass-rich zones is crucial because it ensures that a significant amount of organic material and microorganisms are available to be transported deeper into the ocean. </p>



<p>The presence of such high concentrations of microbes at the origin points of intrusions enhances the efficiency and impact of this transport mechanism, carrying substantial amounts of carbon and nutrients into the deeper, less hospitable parts of the ocean where fewer life forms can survive and compete for these resources.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Microbial hitchhikers</h3>



<p>The composition of microbial communities found within oceanic intrusions offers compelling evidence of their role in transporting surface-dwelling microorganisms to deeper waters. Studies have shown that these communities closely resemble those found at the ocean's surface, including both photosynthetic organisms and the bacteria that depend on them for food. </p>



<p>The similarity indicates that intrusions effectively capture and transport these communities from the upper, light-filled layers down to darker, deeper layers. This transport is critical because it extends the influence of surface microbial communities into the deep ocean, affecting deeper ecosystems by introducing new sources of energy (in the form of organic carbon) and altering the microbial dynamics. </p>



<p>The transport process not only helps in distributing life-sustaining elements but also plays a crucial role in deeper oceanic chemical processes, such as the decomposition and subsequent storage of carbon, impacting overall ocean health and the global carbon cycle.</p>



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



<p>Oceanic intrusions provide a continuous carbon transport mechanism, supplementing the traditionally understood method of sinking particles.</p>



<p>Moreover, the influx of microbes to deeper waters diversifies available food sources, impacting deep-sea food webs and microbial biodiversity. This research reveals a significant new factor in the ocean's carbon cycle. It underscores the complex interplay between physical ocean currents and ocean biology. </p>



<p>"We found that because these organisms are so small, they can be swept up by ocean currents that then bring them deeper than where they grow. It's often a one-way trip for these organisms, but by taking this trip, they play a critical role in connecting different parts of the ocean,” said Mara Freilich, assistant professor at <a href="https://www.brown.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brown University</a>.</p>



<p>The study opens numerous avenues for further exploration. Researchers will strive to determine the global prevalence of intrusion-based carbon transport, its role in various ocean regions, and how it could influence the ocean's response to a changing climate. </p>



<p>Integrating this new knowledge into climate models will enhance our understanding of the ocean's role in regulating the Earth's climate system.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2319937121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a></em>.</p>



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Oceanic intrusions move tiny sea life to the deep layers

The ocean plays a vital role in Earth's carbon cycle,...

<p>Biologists from the <a href="https://www.ab.mpg.de/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior</a> (MPI-AB) in Germany and the <a href="https://www.unas.ac.id/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National University</a> in Indonesia have discovered a male Sumatran orangutan using natural remedies to treat a facial wound. </p>



<p>This finding marks the first recorded instance of an animal applying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/narrowing-the-search-for-new-medicinal-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">healing plants</a> to wounds, suggesting that such medical behaviors might have originated from a common ancestor shared by humans and orangutans.</p>



<p>The researchers noted that while self-medication through ingestion is common in various animal species, the application of biologically active substances to wounds has not been previously documented outside of human practices.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-orangutan-treats-his-own-wound-nbsp">Orangutan treats his own wound&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The experts, who led the study at the Suaq Balimbing research site in Indonesia - a protected rainforest home to about 150 critically endangered Sumatran orangutans - witnessed the orangutan, named Rakus, engage in this unique behavior.</p>



<p>“During daily observations of the orangutans, we noticed that a male named Rakus had sustained a facial wound, most likely during a fight with a neighboring male,” reported lead author Isabelle Laumer, a primatologist at MPI-AB.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-medicinal-plant-leaves-nbsp">Medicinal plant leaves&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Rakus was observed selecting leaves from a liana known as Akar Kuning (<em>Fibraurea tinctoria</em>), chewing them, and applying the sap directly to his wound. He then covered the wound with the masticated leaves.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This plant is recognized in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties and contains compounds such as furanoditerpenoids and protoberberine alkaloids, known for their antibacterial and antioxidant activities.</p>



<p>“This and related <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-lianas-impact-forests-around-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">liana</a> species that can be found in tropical forests of Southeast Asia are known for their analgesic and antipyretic effects and are used in traditional medicine to treat various diseases, such as malaria,” Laumer explained.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-successful-wound-treatment-nbsp">Successful wound treatment&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The subsequent observations revealed no infection, and the wound had closed within five days.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Interestingly, Rakus also rested more than usual when being wounded. Sleep positively affects wound healing as growth hormone release, protein synthesis, and cell division are increased during sleep.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-innovation-within-the-orangutan-population-nbsp">Innovation within the orangutan population&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The researchers examined the intentionality and emergence of such behavior, emphasizing its potential innovation within the orangutan population at Suaq.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The behavior of Rakus appeared to be intentional as he selectively treated his facial wound on his right flange, and no other body parts, with the plant juice. The behavior was also repeated several times, not only with the plant juice but also later with more solid plant material until the wound was fully covered. The entire process took a considerable amount of time,” Laumer said.</p>



<p>According to senior author Caroline Schuppli, an expert in cognitive evolution and animal behavior at MPI-AB, while the orangutans at Suaq rarely consume this plant, incidental contact during feeding might have introduced its therapeutic effects.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“It is possible that wound treatment with <em>Fibraurea tinctoria</em> by the orangutans at Suaq emerges through individual innovation,” she explained.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-roots-of-wound-treatment-nbsp">Evolutionary roots of wound treatment&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study not only provides the first evidence of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/great-apes-will-suffer-through-frequent-and-extreme-climate-events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">great apes</a> managing wounds with medicinal plants but also invites further exploration into the evolutionary roots of such behavior, hinting at a shared ancestral trait between humans and apes in recognizing and utilizing natural substances for medical purposes.</p>



<p>“As forms of active <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chimpanzees-tend-to-each-others-wounds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wound treatment</a> are not just human, but can also be found in both African and Asian great apes, it is possible that there exists a common underlying mechanism for the recognition and application of substances with medical or functional properties to wounds and that our last common ancestor already showed similar forms of ointment behavior,” Schuppli concluded.</p>



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



<p>Sumatran orangutans are a critically endangered species of great ape native to the island of Sumatra in Indonesia. Known scientifically as <em>Pongo abelii</em>, they are one of the three species of orangutans. Sumatran orangutans are distinguished by their lighter color and slightly smaller size compared to their Bornean counterparts.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lifestyle-and-reproduction-nbsp">Lifestyle and reproduction&nbsp;</h3>



<p>These apes are predominantly arboreal, spending most of their lives in the trees of tropical rainforests. Their diet is primarily frugivorous, consisting largely of fruits, but also includes leaves, bark, and insects.</p>



<p>These orangutans have a slow reproductive rate, which contributes to their vulnerability. Females give birth to a single offspring only once every eight years or so, making population recovery a slow process.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-primary-threats-nbsp">Primary threats&nbsp;</h3>



<p>The primary <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/illicit-hunting-remains-a-major-threat-to-orangutans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">threats</a> to their survival include habitat loss due to deforestation for palm oil plantations, logging, and agriculture. Illegal wildlife trade and conflict with humans, when orangutans venture into farmlands, also pose significant risks.</p>



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



<p>Conservation efforts are in place to protect the Sumatran orangutan, involving habitat preservation, anti-poaching patrols, and rehabilitation centers that rescue and return orangutans to the wild. International and local organizations collaborate to raise awareness and funds to support these initiatives, aiming to secure a future for the species in their natural habitat.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Despite these efforts, the Sumatran orangutan remains one of the world’s most endangered primates, with an estimated population of just over 14,000 individuals.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-58988-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Scientific Reports</em></a><em>.</em></p>



<p>Image Credit: Armas / Suaq Project</p>



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Wild orangutan treats his facial wound with a healing plant 

Biologists from the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior (MPI-AB)...

<p>Loneliness is not just a fleeting feeling but a persistent state that can profoundly affect our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/loneliness-harms-health-more-than-alcohol-obesity-or-smoking/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health</a> and well-being. A comprehensive study conducted by <a href="https://www.nm.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northwestern Medicine</a> has revealed that loneliness in adulthood exhibits a U-shaped trajectory, peaking during young and older ages while dipping in middle adulthood. </p>



<p>"Loneliness is a pervasive experience with adverse impacts on health and well-being. Despite its significance, notable gaps impede a full understanding of how loneliness changes across the adult life span and what factors influence these changes," wrote the study authors. </p>



<p>The U-shaped loneliness pattern described by the researchers has been consistently observed across nine longitudinal studies spanning multiple countries, including the U.K., Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, Australia, Israel, and others. </p>



<p>These studies were conducted prior to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/loneliness-was-widespread-during-the-second-wave-of-covid/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COVID-19 pandemic</a>, which only exacerbated the feelings of loneliness worldwide.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-risk-factors">Key risk factors </h2>



<p>The study highlights several factors that contribute to increased loneliness throughout one’s life. Women, individuals who are socially isolated, those with lower educational levels, and people suffering from physical impairments are found to be at greater risk. </p>



<p>Socioeconomic factors such as lower income, being divorced or widowed, and having <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/millions-of-americans-have-lost-years-of-time-to-poor-mental-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">poor mental</a> or physical health also play significant roles in contributing to this persistent state.</p>



<p>Study co-author Professor Eileen Graham emphasized the critical nature of this issue. “The uptick in loneliness in older adulthood is striking. Considering the detrimental health implications of loneliness, similar to those of daily smoking, it's crucial to understand who is most affected and why, as they age out of midlife," said Professor Graham.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-growing-epidemic">A growing epidemic </h2>



<p>The study’s revelations are timely, especially in light of last year’s declaration by the U.S. Surgeon General, which labeled loneliness as an epidemic requiring urgent intervention. </p>



<p>Professor Graham suggests that insights from the study could pave the way for targeted interventions to reduce social disparities and, by extension, loneliness - particularly among <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/loneliness-hits-people-hardest-in-their-20s-and-40s/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">older adults</a>.</p>



<p>One practical approach could involve general practitioners assessing loneliness levels during regular wellness visits, which might help identify at-risk individuals early on. This proactive measure could potentially help mitigate the long-term impacts of loneliness on health.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-loneliness-at-different-stages-of-adulthood">Loneliness at different stages of adulthood </h2>



<p>The relationship between social interaction and loneliness is complex. During middle adulthood, people often engage in numerous social activities - whether through work, marriage, or parental interactions - that might provide a buffer against loneliness. </p>



<p>However, this is not a one-size-fits-all scenario. “You can have a lot of social interaction and still be lonely or, alternatively, be relatively isolated and not feel lonely," noted Professor Graham.</p>



<p>For younger adults, loneliness can be particularly challenging as they navigate significant life transitions such as advancing their education, starting careers, and forming new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/good-friends-key-happiness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social circles</a>. </p>



<p>"As people grow and transition from young adulthood into midlife, they establish more permanent relationships and social networks, which can be protective against loneliness," noted Professor Tomiko Yoneda of UC Davis.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-loneliness-across-the-lifespan">Addressing loneliness across the lifespan</h2>



<p>The findings of this study not only deepen our understanding of how loneliness evolves throughout life but also underscore the need for tailored strategies to combat this growing issue across different stages of life. </p>



<p>Addressing loneliness is not just about increasing social interactions but also about enhancing the quality of these interactions to foster genuine connections and well-being.</p>



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



<p>When people feel lonely, they're more susceptible to a range of mental and physical health issues. For example, loneliness can contribute to increased stress levels, which can in turn affect the cardiovascular system and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. It's also linked to higher rates of depression and anxiety, which can have a cascading effect on overall well-being.</p>



<p>Physiologically, loneliness can influence sleep patterns, leading to poorer quality sleep and shorter sleep duration. This can exacerbate health problems and decrease immune function, making individuals more vulnerable to various illnesses.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Additionally, chronic loneliness might contribute to an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia, due to the potential impact on brain health and cognitive function.</p>



<p>From a behavioral standpoint, lonely individuals might engage in less physical activity and could have different eating habits, potentially leading to obesity or other related health issues. They might also be less likely to seek medical help or adhere to medical advice, further compounding the risk of negative health outcomes.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/09567976241242037" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Psychological Science</a></em>.</p>



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Loneliness drops in middle adulthood, but then grows with age

Loneliness is not just a fleeting feeling but a persistent...

<p>A series of awe-inspiring astronomical events is set to unfold this month, including intimate planetary alignments and the dazzling Eta Aquariids meteor shower. Guided by NASA's latest skywatching tips, you will know exactly what to look for in the spring sky of May 2024.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-planetary-alignment-in-early-may">Planetary alignment in early May</h2>



<p>The month begins with an enchanting alignment on May 3rd, where the crescent Moon, Saturn, and Mars will create a striking scene in the early morning hours. “On May 3rd, in the hour or so before dawn, you'll find the crescent Moon rising with Saturn in morning twilight,” noted <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/solar-system/skywatching/whats-up-may-2024-skywatching-tips-from-nasa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This celestial gathering offers a splendid view of the Moon and Saturn closely trailed by the vibrant Red Planet, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-mars-seismic-discoveries-and-the-quest-for-past-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars</a>, which rises approximately 45 minutes after Saturn. This alignment forms a captivating lineup in the eastern sky that is perfect for early risers.</p>



<p>The following morning, the celestial dance continues as the Moon, showing an even slimmer crescent, positions itself neatly between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saturn-now-leads-the-solar-system-moon-race-with-145/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saturn</a> and Mars. This event marks the continuation of the planets’ journey after their close conjunction in early April.</p>



<p>For those with an unobstructed view of the horizon, the elusive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/is-there-life-on-mercury-possibly-in-the-planets-craters-study-reveals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mercury</a> also makes an appearance, rising in the hour just before sunrise. Although it competes with the dawn's twilight, its brightness offers a rewarding challenge, especially for observers in the Southern Hemisphere where it ascends higher in the sky.</p>



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="4EpLl4H3Jh-3595959-12187" type="single"]</div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lunar-occultation-nbsp">Lunar occultation&nbsp;</h2>



<p>A special highlight for skywatchers on the U.S. East Coast, particularly from south of Delaware through Florida, occurs on May 23rd. The full Moon will be seen passing directly in front of Antares, a bright red star in the constellation Scorpius, an event known as an occultation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Over a couple of hours as the pair rise into the night sky, the Moon will move slightly in its orbit, first obscuring and then revealing Antares,” said NASA.</p>



<p>The planetary alignment will conclude on May 31st, with Saturn and the crescent Moon rising together in the early morning hours, offering a grand view in the southeastern sky. They will appear close enough to be seen together through binoculars, in a beautiful end to May's skywatching events.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meteor-showers-from-halley-s-comet">Meteor showers from Halley’s Comet</h2>



<p>May 2024 skywatching also features one of the two annual meteor showers originating from Halley's Comet. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eta-aquarids-see-up-to-50-shooting-stars-per-hour-this-weekend/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eta Aquariid</a> meteor shower, peaking overnight on May 5th into the morning of the 6th, results from Earth crossing through the orbital path of Halley's Comet, encountering streams of meteoric debris.</p>



<p>The Eta Aquarids are known for their speed, traveling into Earth’s atmosphere at about 66 kilometers per second. They are also known for producing a high percentage of persistent trains – luminous trails that last for several seconds after the meteor itself has disappeared.</p>



<p>“The Eta Aquariid meteors are seen each year in May, whereas the Orionid meteors streak through our skies in October,” noted NASA. The shower’s radiant point is in the constellation Aquarius, which rises after midnight.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-skywatching-in-may-the-eta-aquarids">Skywatching in May: The Eta Aquarids</h2>



<p>The best viewing times are between midnight and dawn. While the meteor shower is visible worldwide, it will be more pronounced in the Southern Hemisphere – where the Aquarius constellation is more prominently positioned in the sky.</p>



<p>Here, with optimal dark sky conditions, it is possible to view up to 50 meteors per hour. In the Northern Hemisphere, about 10 to 20 meteors will be visible per hour.</p>



<p>“It's still an above average shower, though, especially with the peak this year being near a new moon, making for a darker sky,” noted NASA. “And with the warmer temperatures that come with springtime north of the equator, it can be a worthy shower to go out and enjoy.”</p>



<p>“As always, to see the most meteors, find yourself a safe, dark spot away from bright lights and give your eyes a few minutes to adapt to the dark.”</p>



<p>“Lie down with your feet pointed more or less toward the east, and look straight overhead. Bring a warm drink and a friend or two, and turn an early morning into a ‘meteor morning,’ as you search the skies for the eta Aquariid meteors.”</p>



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Cosmic sightings: NASA skywatching guide for May 2024

A series of awe-inspiring astronomical events is set to unfold...

<p>In recent years, astronomers have stumbled upon a peculiar phenomenon in the vast expanse of the universe: enormous circular radio features surrounding some galaxies. Structures like the featured named Cloverleaf, collectively known as odd radio circles (ORCs), have puzzled scientists since their discovery in 2021. </p>



<p>Thanks to advancements in technology, radio surveys have become sensitive enough to detect these faint signals, leading to the identification of eight ORCs scattered randomly beyond our galaxy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hunting-the-cloverleaf-orc">Hunting the Cloverleaf ORC</h2>



<p>Esra Bulbul, an astrophysicist at the Max Planck Institute for <a href="https://www.mpe.mpg.de/main" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Extraterrestrial Physics</a> in Garching, Germany, and her postdoctoral researcher Xiaoyuan Zhang, have been at the forefront of unraveling the mystery of ORCs. </p>



<p>Their study focused on the Cloverleaf ORC, which has provided valuable insights into the formation and nature of these enigmatic structures.</p>



<p>"This is the first time anyone has seen <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasas-x-ray-telescope-discovers-the-ghostly-cosmic-hand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X-ray emission</a> associated with an ORC," said Bulbul. "It was the missing key to unlock the secret of the Cloverleaf's formation."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-x-ray-vision-unlocks-orc-secrets">X-ray vision unlocks ORC secrets</h2>



<p>Bulbul and Zhang began their investigation by examining data from <a href="https://www.mpe.mpg.de/eROSITA" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eROSITA</a>, an orbiting German/Russian X-ray telescope. </p>



<p>They noticed some X-ray emission that seemed to originate from the Cloverleaf, based on a mere 7 minutes of observation time. </p>



<p>This finding prompted them to assemble a larger team and secure additional telescope time with <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/XMM-Newton_overview" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">XMM-Newton</a>, an ESA mission with <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a> contributions.</p>



<p>"We were allotted about five-and-a-half hours, and the data came in late one evening in November," Bulbul recounted. "I forwarded it to Xiaoyuan, and he came into my office the next morning and said, 'Detection,' and I just started cheering!"</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-assembling-the-cloverleaf-orc-puzzle-pieces">Assembling the Cloverleaf ORC puzzle pieces</h2>



<p>The X-ray emission observed by the team traces the distribution of gas within the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-mesmerizing-beauty-of-spiral-galaxies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">group of galaxies</a>, much like police tape around a crime scene. </p>



<p>By analyzing how the gas has been disturbed, scientists determined that the galaxies embedded in the Cloverleaf are actually members of two separate groups that drew close enough together to merge.</p>



<p>"We really got lucky," Zhang said. "We saw several plausible X-ray point sources close to the ORC in eROSITA observations, but not the expanded emission we saw with XMM-Newton. It turns out the eROSITA sources couldn't have been from the Cloverleaf, but it was compelling enough to get us to take a closer look."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shock-waves-from-a-galactic-merger">Shock waves from a galactic merger</h2>



<p>The team proposes that the merger of the two galaxy groups produced shock waves that accelerated particles, resulting in the observed radio emission. </p>



<p>The temperature of the X-ray emission, around 15 million degrees Fahrenheit (8-9 million degrees Celsius), suggests that the Cloverleaf ORC is hosted by approximately a dozen galaxies that have gravitated together.</p>



<p>"Galaxies interact and coalesce all the time," said Kim Weaver, the NASA project scientist for XMM-Newton at NASA's <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Goddard Space Flight Center</a> in Greenbelt, Maryland, who was not involved in the study. </p>



<p>"But the source of the accelerated particles is unclear. One fascinating idea for the powerful radio signal is that the resident <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/largest-map-of-supermassive-black-holes-unveiled/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supermassive black holes</a> went through episodes of extreme activity in the past, and relic electrons from that ancient activity were reaccelerated by this merging event," Weaver concluded.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-elusive-nature-of-orcs-holds-their-mystery">Elusive nature of ORCs holds their mystery</h2>



<p>While the team has solved the mystery of the nature of the Cloverleaf ORC, their findings have also raised additional questions. <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-luminous-galaxy-ngc-3783-and-a-blue-giant-star/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Galaxy group</a> mergers are common, but ORCs are extremely rare, and it remains unclear how these interactions can produce such strong radio emissions.</p>



<p>"The power needed to produce such an expansive radio emission is very strong," Bulbul explained. "Some simulations can reproduce their shapes but not their intensity. No simulations explain how to create ORCs."</p>



<p>Bulbul and her team plan to study the Cloverleaf in more detail to unravel these remaining mysteries. "Mergers make up the backbone of structure formation, but there's something special in this system that rockets the radio emission," she said. "We can't tell right now what it is, so we need more and deeper data from both radio and X-ray telescopes."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-window-into-the-cosmos">Window into the cosmos</h2>



<p>The study of ORCs and galaxy mergers offers a unique opportunity to explore a wide range of cosmic phenomena. </p>



<p>As Weaver aptly put it, "We stand to learn a lot from more thorough observations because these interactions take in all kinds of science. You've pretty much got everything that we deal with in the cosmos put together in this little package. It's like a mini universe."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cloverleaf-orcs-and-the-future-of-radio-astronomy">Cloverleaf, ORCs, and the future of radio astronomy</h2>



<p>In summary, the discovery of the Cloverleaf ORC and the groundbreaking research conducted by Esra Bulbul, Xiaoyuan Zhang, and their team have opened a new chapter in our understanding of the universe. </p>



<p>Their findings highlight the complex interactions between galaxies and the formation of these enigmatic structures. As astronomers continue to explore the mysteries of ORCs and galaxy mergers, we eagerly anticipate the new insights and discoveries that will emerge from their tireless efforts. </p>



<p>The study of the Cloverleaf serves as a testament to the power of collaboration, advanced technology, and the indomitable human spirit in our quest to unravel the secrets of the cosmos.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.aanda.org/articles/aa/full_html/2024/05/aa49900-24/aa49900-24.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Astronomy and Astrophysics</a></em>.</p>



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An ORC named 'Cloverleaf' is captured in a new light

In recent years, astronomers have stumbled upon a peculiar phenomenon...

An extraordinary celestial spiral

<p>A team of astronomers has recently captured a stunning image of an unusual pre-planetary nebula, known as IRAS 23166+1655, using the Advanced Camera for Surveys on the NASA/ESA <a href="https://esahubble.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hubble Space Telescope</a>. The nebula is located around the star LL Pegasi (also known as AFGL 3068) in the constellation of Pegasus (the Winged Horse).</p>



<p>The striking picture shows what appears to be a thin spiral pattern of astonishing regularity winding around the star, which is itself hidden behind thick dust. According to the researchers, the spiral pattern suggests a regular periodic origin for the nebula's shape.</p>



<p>The material forming the spiral is moving outwards a speed of about 50,000 km/hour. By combining this speed with the distance between layers, we calculate that the shells are each separated by about 800 years.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-binary-system-believed-to-cause-the-spiral-formation">Binary system believed to cause the spiral formation</h2>



<p>The astronomers believe that the spiral arises because LL Pegasi is a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exoplanet-found-in-the-habitable-zone-of-a-binary-star-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">binary system</a>, with the star that is losing material and a companion star orbiting each other. </p>



<p>The spacing between layers in the spiral is expected to directly reflect the orbital period of the binary, which is indeed estimated to be also about 800 years.</p>



<p>The creation and shaping of planetary nebulae is an exciting area of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stellar-cannibalism-scientists-find-the-remnants-of-devoured-stars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stellar evolution</a>. Stars with masses from about half that of the Sun up to about eight times that of the Sun do not explode as supernovae at the ends of their lives. </p>



<p>Instead, a more regal end awaits them as their outer layers of gas are shed and drift into space, creating striking and intricate structures that to Earth-bound observers often look like dramatic watercolor paintings.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ll-pegasi-the-enigmatic-star-behind-the-spiral-nebula">LL Pegasi: The enigmatic star behind the spiral nebula</h2>



<p>As mentioned previously, LL Pegasi is the star at the center of the remarkable spiral nebula IRAS 23166+1655. This enigmatic star has captured the attention of astronomers worldwide, as it plays a crucial role in the formation of the stunning geometric structure that surrounds it.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cool-pulsating-giant">Cool, pulsating giant</h3>



<p>LL Pegasi is a type of star known as an asymptotic giant branch (AGB) star. These stars are in the late stages of their lives and have expanded to become cool, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cosmic-mystery-solved-the-puzzling-behavior-of-a-pulsar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pulsating giants</a>. </p>



<p>As they pulsate, they shed their outer layers of gas and dust into space, creating the building blocks for the intricate nebulae that will eventually surround them.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-binary-connection">Binary connection</h3>



<p>One of the most intriguing aspects of LL Pegasi is its suspected binary nature. Astronomers believe that the star is part of a binary system, where two stars orbit each other. </p>



<p>The presence of a companion star is thought to be the key factor in shaping the spectacular spiral structure of IRAS 23166+1655. As the stars orbit each other, they create a regular pattern of material ejection, leading to the formation of the evenly spaced shells that make up the spiral.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-of-ll-pegasi">Evolution of LL Pegasi</h3>



<p>As LL Pegasi continues to evolve, it will eventually shed its outer layers completely, exposing its hot core. This will mark the beginning of a new chapter in its life as a <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/cosmic-cannibalism-and-stellar-winds-unveiling-the-secrets-of-messier-76/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planetary nebula</a>. </p>



<p>The material ejected during its AGB phase will be ionized by the intense radiation from the exposed core, creating a glowing shell of gas that will expand into space. </p>



<p>The spiral structure created during the binary interaction phase will likely persist, adding to the beauty and complexity of the resulting planetary nebula.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-central-star-yet-to-emerge-from-dust-cocoon">Central star yet to emerge from dust cocoon</h2>



<p>IRAS 23166+1655 is just starting the process of creating a planetary nebula, and the central star has yet to emerge from the cocoon of enveloping dust. </p>



<p>The researchers used images from the Wide Field Channel of the Advanced Camera for Surveys on Hubble to create this picture. Images through a yellow filter (F606W, colored blue) were combined with images through a near-infrared filter (F804W, colored red). </p>



<p>The exposure times were 11 minutes and 22 minutes respectively, and the field of view spans about 80 arcseconds.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ethereal-jewel-in-ll-pegasi">Ethereal jewel in LL-Pegasi</h2>



<p>In summary, the discovery of the stunning spiral formation in the pre-planetary nebula IRAS 23166+1655 by the Hubble Space Telescope has opened a new window into the captivating realm of stellar evolution. </p>



<p>As astronomers continue to study this remarkable object, they will undoubtedly unravel more secrets about the intricate processes that shape the cosmos. </p>



<p>This celestial masterpiece serves as a testament to the power of human curiosity and the technological marvels that allow us to explore the vast expanse of the universe. </p>



<p>With each new finding, we inch closer to understanding the fundamental laws that govern the birth, life, and death of stars, and the fascinating structures they leave behind.</p>



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



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Pre-planetary nebula formation captured around the star LL-Pegasi

A team of astronomers has recently captured a stunning image...

<p>In the face of escalating animal extinction, an emerging field of conservation medicine suggests that chemists and pharmacists could play a crucial role in reversing this grim <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/endangered-species-day-millions-of-species-share-the-earth-with-humans-and-they-need-our-help/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trend</a>. </p>



<p>The researchers propose that integrating the expertise of medicinal chemists into wildlife conservation is a strategy that could potentially save numerous plant and animal species from the brink of extinction.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chemists-and-animal-extinction">Chemists and animal extinction </h2>



<p>The scientist leading this initiative, Timothy Cernak, a professor of Medicinal Chemistry at the <a href="https://umich.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Michigan</a> College of Pharmacy, emphasizes the critical need for medicinal chemistry in conservation. </p>



<p>"Medicinal chemistry expertise is desperately needed on the frontlines of extinction," said Professor Cernak. "Animals are dying at staggering rates, but they don't have to. Modern bioscience has achieved enormous breakthroughs in treating human diseases, and the same medications and science can be applied in the wild."</p>



<p>Professor Cernak's lab not only focuses on drug discovery for human conditions but has also begun applying its findings to combat diseases in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predicting-disease-transmission-between-wildlife-and-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildlife</a>, such as the deadly fungus devastating amphibian populations. </p>



<p>This multifaceted approach to both human and animal health is gaining traction, and the research actively promotes the role of chemistry in conservation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expanding-the-conservation-toolkit">Expanding the conservation toolkit</h2>



<p>The push for a collaborative approach in conservation is evident as Professor Cernak and his team, including local high school students, encourage professionals from various fields to join forces. </p>



<p>"We are chasing mass die-offs around the world," said Professor Cernak, listing species from lowland gorillas to the akikiki bird of Hawaii as being in critical danger. "It’s crucial to bring the power of modern pharmaceuticals and the dosing expertise of medicinal chemistry into conservation efforts."</p>



<p>By integrating medicinal chemistry, Professor Cernak believes that immediate, impactful interventions can be made in wildlife disease, a major driver of the current <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extinction-event-shows-how-life-responds-to-extreme-changes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mass extinction</a>. </p>



<p>The work in his lab includes using advanced techniques to test chemical compounds on affected wildlife, identifying potential treatments for diseases that are currently decimating species like the Panamanian golden frogs.</p>



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



<p>Beyond immediate interventions, Cernak envisions a larger role for pharmaceutical companies and emerging scientists in the field of conservation medicine.</p>



<p>“At the higher level, my mission is to have pharmaceutical companies be involved in this space and young scientists view this as the field they want to go into - a field that doesn’t really exist at this point,” he noted.</p>



<p>The immediate goal includes fundraising and expanding research to further establish the value of this nascent field.</p>



<p>The urgency of this mission is exemplified by recent incidents like the mass die-off of sea lion pups in Argentina from avian flu, highlighting the potential public health implications of wildlife diseases.</p>



<p>Additionally, the researchers are pioneering the use of AI and other technologies to expedite the drug discovery process, potentially enabling quicker responses to emerging threats to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-scale-wildlife-surveys-can-reveal-the-health-of-entire-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildlife health</a> and preventing further extinctions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-collaborative-future-in-conservation">A collaborative future in conservation</h2>



<p>The research efforts advocate for a harmonious integration of medicinal chemistry with the ongoing efforts of veterinarians and conservationists. </p>



<p>"Bringing chemists and pharmacists into the conservation fold isn’t meant to diminish the roles of other professionals but to blend their experience and achieve the same goals of saving lives - and ecosystems," explained Professor Cernak.</p>



<p>The concept of "One Health Pharmacy," which recognizes the interconnected health of plants, animals, and humans, is central to Cernak's philosophy. </p>



<p>This approach treats any living being - plant or animal - that is sick or in need, thereby reinforcing the link between human and environmental health.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-harnessing-chemistry-to-combat-animal-extinction">Harnessing chemistry to combat animal extinction</h2>



<p>The advancements in technology, particularly AI, are not only transforming drug discovery for human patients but are also setting the stage for future conservation efforts. </p>



<p>"Streamlining drug and agrochemical discovery with automation and artificial intelligence is likely to usher in a future era of accelerated medicinal invention tailored to specific patient populations," said the researchers. </p>



<p>They envision a future where medicinal chemistry can be directly applied to solve specific health issues in endangered species, offering new hope in the fight against extinction.</p>



<p>This innovative approach marks a significant shift in how conservation efforts may be conducted in the future, illustrating the potential for cross-disciplinary collaborations to foster solutions that benefit both wildlife and human populations alike.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02334" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Medicinal Chemistry</a></em>.</p>



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



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Chemists could be key to prevent animal extinction

In the face of escalating animal extinction, an emerging field...

Blue,Glowing,Quantum,Gravity,In,Space,,Surrender,,Computer,Generated,Abstract

<p>Gravity, the force that keeps our feet on the ground and the planets in orbit, is an integral part of our daily lives. Despite its ubiquity, the true <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gravity-measured-in-the-quantum-realm-for-the-first-time-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nature of gravity</a> remains a mystery. Scientists are still grappling with the question of whether gravity is fundamentally a geometrical phenomenon, as proposed by Einstein, or if it is governed by the laws of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-entanglement-discovery-is-a-revolutionary-step-forward/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum mechanics</a>.</p>



<p>In a study published in <em>Physical Review X</em>, researchers from Amsterdam and Ulm have proposed an innovative experiment that could shed light on this age-old question. </p>



<p>Ludovico Lami, a mathematical physicist at the <a href="https://www.uva.nl/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Amsterdam</a> and <a href="https://qusoft.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">QuSoft</a>, and his colleagues have designed a new approach that circumvents the challenges faced by previous experimental proposals.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quantum-gravity-conundrum">Quantum-gravity conundrum</h2>



<p>The quest to unify quantum mechanics and gravitational physics is one of the most significant challenges in modern science. Progress in this field has been hindered by the inability to conduct experiments in regimes where both quantum and gravitational effects are relevant. </p>



<p>As Nobel Prize laureate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-consciousness-and-you-what-happens-when-machines-become-sentient/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Roger Penrose</a> once stated, we don't even know if a combined theory of gravity and quantum mechanics will require a "quantization of gravity" or a "granitization of quantum mechanics."</p>



<p>"The central question, initially posed by Richard Feynman in 1957, is to understand whether the gravitational field of a massive object can enter a so-called <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/full-chemical-complexity-of-quantum-decoherence-finally-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum superposition</a>, where it would be in several states at the same time," explains Lami. </p>



<p>"Prior to our work, the main idea to decide this question experimentally was to look for gravitationally induced entanglement – a way in which distant but related masses could share <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-gravity-search-south-pole-neutrinos-experiment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum information</a>. The existence of such entanglement would falsify the hypothesis that the gravitational field is purely local and classical," he continued.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overcoming-the-delocalisation-dilemma">Overcoming the delocalisation dilemma</h2>



<p>The primary obstacle in previous experimental proposals has been the creation of distant but related massive objects, known as delocalised states. </p>



<p>The heaviest object for which quantum delocalisation has been observed to date is a large molecule, which is significantly lighter than the smallest source mass whose gravitational field has been detected. This discrepancy has pushed the hope of an experimental realization decades into the future.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-designing-a-novel-experiment-to-beat-the-odds">Designing a novel experiment to beat the odds</h2>



<p>Lami and his colleagues have proposed a potential solution to this deadlock. Their experiment aims to reveal the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/graviton-like-particle-observed-in-quantum-material-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantumness of gravity</a> without generating any entanglement. </p>



<p>"Our team designed and investigate a class of experiments involving a system of massive 'harmonic oscillators' – for example, torsion pendula, essentially like the one that Cavendish used in his famous 1797 experiment to measure the strength of the gravitational force," Lami explains. </p>



<p>"We establish mathematically rigorous bounds on certain experimental signals for quantumness that a local <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/radical-new-theory-finally-unites-gravity-spacetime-and-the-quantum-realm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">classical gravity</a> should not be able to overcome. We have carefully analysed the experimental requirements needed to implement our proposal in an actual experiments, and find that even though some degree of technological progress is still needed, such experiments could really be within reach soon."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-power-of-entanglement-theory">Power of entanglement theory</h2>



<p>Surprisingly, the researchers still rely on the mathematical machinery of entanglement theory in quantum information science to analyze their experiment, despite the absence of physical entanglement. </p>



<p>Lami clarifies, "The reason is that, although <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-entanglement-discovery-is-a-revolutionary-step-forward/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">entanglement</a> is not physically there, it is still there in spirit -- in a precise mathematical sense. It is enough that entanglement could have been generated."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-era-of-quantum-gravity-research">New era of quantum gravity research</h2>



<p>In summary, the study by Lami and his colleagues from Amsterdam and Ulm opens a new chapter in the quest to unravel the quantum nature of gravity. </p>



<p>Their innovative experimental proposal, which relies on the mathematical framework of entanglement theory without requiring physical entanglement, brings us closer to answering the fundamental question posed by Richard Feynman over six decades ago. </p>



<p>As technological progress continues to advance, the realization of this experiment becomes increasingly feasible, promising to shed light on one of the most profound mysteries in modern physics. </p>



<p>The implications of this research extend far beyond the realm of theoretical physics, as a deeper understanding of the quantum-gravity relationship could revolutionize our perception of the universe and our place within it.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://journals.aps.org/prx/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevX.14.021022">Physical</a><a href="https://journals.aps.org/prx/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevX.14.021022" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> </a><a href="https://journals.aps.org/prx/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevX.14.021022">Review X</a></em>.</p>



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Unraveling the quantum nature of gravity

Gravity, the force that keeps our feet on the ground...

<p>For many, the idea of biting into a sour lemon brings about a strong urge to rid oneself of the overwhelming tartness of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/taste-buds-wired-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sour</a> flavors. However, recent research reveals a fascinating twist in taste preferences among adults: approximately 12% actually revel in these intense sour sensations.</p>



<p>The study, conducted by researchers at <a href="https://www.worldcampus.psu.edu/?cid=CPC39866&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjw88yxBhBWEiwA7cm6pSYRIMr0bd1ruy2w1icHuOymsFT79la4b7YsJa8RYleKr0ZKHExBpRoCHo0QAvD_BwE" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Penn State</a> in collaboration with Italian scientists, marks a significant advancement in understanding the complexity of taste. The research has shed new light on adult taste preferences, challenging the prevailing notion that sour flavors are universally disliked.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unraveling-the-sour-puzzle">Unraveling the sour puzzle</h2>



<p>Historically, it has been understood that children may have a fondness for intense sour flavors - a preference evident in about one-third of the young population. Yet, until now, the persistence of this preference into adulthood had not been directly examined. </p>



<p>"This is the first time it's been convincingly shown that there is a segment of adults who likes strongly sour things," explained Professor John Hayes, director of the Sensory Evaluation Center at Penn State.</p>



<p>The researchers embarked on an international exploration to debunk the myth that adults grow out of their sour inclinations. </p>



<p>By analyzing the responses of adult participants from two distinct cultural backgrounds - the United States and Italy - they were able to observe how sourness was perceived across different demographics.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preferences-for-sour-flavors">Preferences for sour flavors </h2>



<p>The study meticulously gauged the reactions of 143 American adults and 350 Italian adults to varying degrees of sourness in beverages - citric acid in water and pear juice spiked with citric acid, respectively. </p>



<p>Participants, predominantly white and of similar age and gender demographics, were recruited from a metropolitan area in Tuscany and from State College, Pennsylvania. The individuals were asked to rate the intensity of sourness and their liking of them. </p>



<p>The findings were revealing: the majority exhibited a strong dislike for increased sourness, but a notable minority of about 11 to 12 percent showed an increase in liking as the sour flavors intensified.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-consistency-in-sour-flavor-preferences">Cultural consistency in sour flavor preferences</h2>



<p>"Italian <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saliva-influence-foods-eat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food</a> culture and American food culture are so wildly different. And yet we end up with almost identical percentages, which suggests to us this is not an effect of prior exposure. It's probably something innately different about those people," noted Sara Spinelli, a researcher from the University of Florence and first author on the paper.</p>



<p>This uniformity across cultures underscores the existence of a "sour liker" demographic that transcends cultural boundaries, particularly in their preference for sour flavors. </p>



<p>The discovery of this consistent taste preference segment opens new avenues for food manufacturers to cater to this unique group. </p>



<p>Professor Hayes suggests that recognizing these differences can lead to the development of tailored <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/food-products-need-environmental-impact-labels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food products</a> that might encourage healthier eating habits, particularly in alternatives that are less sweet yet still palatable to the sour-enjoying populace.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-embracing-the-diversity-of-taste">Embracing the diversity of taste</h2>



<p>The study not only illuminates the persistence of sour flavor enjoyment into adulthood but also highlights the importance of considering individual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-have-trained-an-ai-algorithm-to-taste-wine/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">taste</a> preferences in food science and product development. </p>



<p>"This could ultimately serve to promote the consumption of healthier foods and beverages that are lower in sweetness but still acceptable to consumers," said Professor Hayes.</p>



<p>The research underscores the diversity of our palates, particularly in flavor preferences. It serves as a reminder that appreciating this diversity can lead to enhanced consumer satisfaction and healthier <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mindfulness-improves-health-by-helping-people-make-smart-dietary-choices/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dietary choices</a>. </p>



<p>Understanding the varied responses to sour flavors across different cultures highlights the potential for more tailored food products that cater to specific taste profiles.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-foods-with-sour-flavors">Foods with sour flavors</h2>



<p>Foods with sour flavors are quite diverse and often highly appreciated for their vibrant, tangy qualities. Sourness in foods can come from various sources like citrus fruits including lemons, limes, and oranges, which are naturally rich in citric acid. </p>



<p>Vinegar, used in dressings and marinades, also imparts a sharp sour taste due to acetic acid. Fermented products like yogurt, sour cream, and kefir have a distinctive tang due to lactic acid produced during fermentation. </p>



<p>Additionally, pickled vegetables, sauerkraut, and kimchi offer a unique sour flavor from the fermentation process. Tamarind, a popular ingredient in Asian and Latin American cuisines, provides a deep, puckering sourness to dishes. These ingredients not only enhance the taste of food but also can contribute to the complexity of a dish’s flavor profile, often balancing sweetness and spice.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0950329324000545?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Food Quality and Preference</a></em>.</p>



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<p></p>

A surprising amount of adults like intensely sour flavors

For many, the idea of biting into a sour lemon...

<p>Researchers at the <a href="https://ucsd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California San Diego</a> have developed an innovative biodegradable thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), commonly used in products like footwear and memory foam. </p>



<p>This new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bioplastics-are-just-as-toxic-as-traditional-plastics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bioplastic</a>, which incorporates bacterial spores capable of decomposing the material at the end of its life cycle, represents a significant advancement in efforts to reduce the environmental footprint of the plastic industry. According to the experts, this development could transform the way commercial plastics are viewed in terms of environmental sustainability.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biodegradable-living-plastic">Biodegradable living plastic</h2>



<p>Thermoplastic polyurethane is valued for its soft yet durable properties, but its resistance to natural decomposition poses environmental challenges. The scientists aimed to address this issue by embedding spores from the bacterium <em>Bacillus subtilis</em> into the plastic. These spores can break down polymer materials, a feature that the team capitalized on.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“It’s an inherent property of these bacteria. We took a few strains and evaluated their ability to use TPUs as a sole carbon source, then picked the one that grew the best,” said Jon Pokorski, a nanoengineering professor at the UC San Diego.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-remarkably-biodegradable-plastic-nbsp">Remarkably biodegradable plastic&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The process involved feeding <em>Bacillus subtilis</em> spores and TPU pellets into a plastic extruder, where they were mixed and melted at 135 degrees Celsius and then extruded as thin strips.&nbsp;</p>



<p>To test the material’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biodegradable-breakthrough-plastics-that-wont-make-us-sick/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodegradability</a>, these strips were placed in both microbially active and sterile compost environments maintained at 37 degrees Celsius. The water and nutrients in the compost activated the spores, which facilitated the plastic's degradation. Remarkably, the strips achieved 90% degradation within five months. </p>



<p>“What’s remarkable is that our material breaks down even without the presence of additional <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-microbes-from-earth-could-survive-the-conditions-on-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbes</a>. Chances are, most of these plastics will likely not end up in microbially rich composting facilities. So this ability to self-degrade in a microbe-free environment makes our technology more versatile,” Pokorski said.</p>



<p>The safety of the degradation process is supported by the benign nature of <em>Bacillus subtilis</em>, which is not only used in probiotics but is also generally regarded as safe for humans and animals and beneficial to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/big-data-plant-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant health</a>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adapting-the-bacterial-spores-nbsp">Adapting the bacterial spores&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Addressing the durability and safety of the process, the researchers adapted the bacterial spores to withstand the high temperatures necessary for plastic production using adaptive laboratory evolution.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We continually evolved the cells over and over again until we arrived at a strain that is optimized to tolerate the heat,” explained co-senior author Adam Feist, a bioengineering research scientist at UC San Diego.</p>



<p>Moreover, the spores serve a dual function by also acting as a strengthening filler within the plastic, which is comparable to how rebar reinforces concrete.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Both of these properties are greatly improved just by adding the spores,” Pokorski said. “This is great because the addition of spores pushes the mechanical properties beyond known limitations where there was previously a trade off between tensile strength and stretchability.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scaling-up-the-technology">Scaling up the technology</h2>



<p>While the research currently focuses on laboratory-scale production, the team is actively working to scale up the technology for industrial application and extend it to other types of plastics.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“There are many different kinds of commercial plastics that end up in the environment - TPU is just one of them. One of our next steps is to broaden the scope of biodegradable materials we can make with this technology,” concluded Feist.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>Biodegradable plastic is a type of plastic designed to decompose naturally in the environment under the action of living organisms, primarily bacteria.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Unlike traditional plastics, which can take hundreds of years to break down and can leave harmful residues, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biodegradable-breakthrough-plastics-that-wont-make-us-sick/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodegradable</a> plastics are made from natural materials such as corn starch, sugarcane, or other plant-based substances. These materials enable the plastic to break down more quickly and safely when exposed to natural elements like heat, moisture, and microorganisms.</p>



<p>The production and use of biodegradable plastics are seen as environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional plastics because they are derived from renewable resources and are intended to reduce the accumulation of waste in landfills and oceans.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, the effectiveness of biodegradation depends on specific conditions such as temperature and the presence of microbes, which can vary widely in different environments.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This means that while these plastics are designed to degrade in industrial composting facilities, they may not break down as efficiently in cooler, less active composting settings or in natural environments, leading to potential misunderstandings about their environmental benefits.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-47132-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Communications</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Biodegradable ‘living plastic’ contains bacterial spores that break it down

Researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<p>—–</p>

Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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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>



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



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



<p></p>

Social modeling affects our food choices

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists discover we age in bursts

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists solve the mystery of tickling

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>



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



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

Retired professor claims he solved time travel

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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