<p>Astronomers have caught a nearby stellar duo in a dramatic act. A super-dense white dwarf star is siphoning material from its larger companion at a pace never seen before.</p>



<p>The system, known as V Sagittae (V Sge), sits about 10,000 light-years away and orbits so tightly that the two stars whirl around each other every 12.3 hours. </p>



<p>As the white dwarf feeds, the pair blazes far brighter than similar systems - a century-old mystery that a new study says it has finally cracked.</p>



<p>Led by Pasi Hakala from the <a href="https://www.utu.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Turku</a> in Finland, the team used the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope in Chile to probe V Sge’s extreme behavior. The results point to a runaway case of “stellar cannibalism.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-white-dwarf-in-a-feeding-frenzy">White dwarf in a feeding frenzy</h2>



<p>White dwarfs are the ultra-compact embers left behind when <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planet-forming-disks-surrounding-stars-often-last-much-longer-than-expected/">sun-like stars</a> exhaust their fuel. On their own, they glow faintly. Paired with a close companion, they can become voracious, as gravity from the white dwarf pulls gas - mostly hydrogen - off the neighboring star.</p>



<p>As that gas piles up, it heats to extraordinary temperatures and ignites thermonuclear burning on the dwarf’s surface. </p>



<p>The study concludes that V Sge’s famous overbrightness comes from this very process operating at ferocious rates. It turns the white dwarf’s outer layers into a sustained, nuclear-powered beacon.</p>



<p>The V Sge system has baffled astronomers since its discovery in 1902 because it outshines its peers so dramatically. The study argues the system is in a “feeding frenzy,” with mass transfer exceeding what the white dwarf can absorb.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-luminous-halo-signals-instability">Luminous halo signals instability </h2>



<p>One of the team’s most striking finds is a broad ring of gas - a luminous <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/breathtaking-photo-shows-an-ice-halo-forming-around-the-sun/">halo</a> encircling both stars. That ring appears to be the overflow. </p>



<p>The system rips material from the companion that the white dwarf can’t accrete and flings it outward to form a circumbinary shroud.</p>



<p>The sheer energy released in the process, the researchers say, is also jostling the system, contributing to the erratic, “wild” motion seen in monitoring data.</p>



<p>That halo isn’t just window dressing. It’s a clue that V Sge is being pushed toward instability. When the inflow of fuel momentarily overwhelms the white dwarf’s ability to burn it steadily, pressure can build until the surface layers detonate in a thermonuclear flash.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-rare-outburst-on-the-horizon">A rare outburst on the horizon</h2>



<p>The team warns that V Sge is primed for a classic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/t-coronae-borealis-nova-explosion-nearby-star-light-up-earths-skies/">nova</a> - a powerful, but non-destructive outburst triggered when accumulated hydrogen ignites on the white dwarf’s surface. </p>



<p>If that happens in the coming years, the system could brighten enough to be visible to the naked eye. It would be a rare treat for skywatchers.</p>



<p>Farther down the line, the endgame could be even more spectacular. As the stars spiral inward and the white dwarf gains mass, they may collide or reach a catastrophic limit.</p>



<p>In that scenario, V Sge would explode as a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernovae-explosions-seem-to-have-altered-earths-climate-in-the-past-and-could-do-so-again-at-any-time/">supernova</a> - an event so luminous it would be visible even in daylight. That fate isn’t guaranteed, and it may be centuries away. But the current feeding rate and the presence of the gas ring suggest this binary is on a dangerous trajectory.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-star-system-in-real-time">A star system in real time</h2>



<p>For decades, astronomers struggled to explain why V Sge was the brightest system of its kind. </p>



<p>By tying its glare to sustained thermonuclear burning driven by extreme mass transfer - and by revealing the telltale, system-wide gas ring - the new study provides a coherent picture of how this oddball works.</p>



<p>It also offers a living laboratory where scientists can study how close binaries evolve and how novae trigger. It may even explain how some white dwarfs cross the threshold into supernovae.</p>



<p>Most of the time, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-star-redefines-our-understanding-of-stellar-evolution/">stellar evolution</a> plays out slowly, across eons. V Sagittae is a rare exception: a nearby, rapidly changing system writing its next chapter in real time. Keep an eye on the southern sky. The next burst from this hungry white dwarf could be bright enough for all of us to see.</p>



<p>The research is published in the journal <em><a href="https://arxiv.org/abs/2507.22637" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society</a></em>. </p>



<p>Image Credit: University of Southampton</p>



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White dwarf star devours its companion in record feeding frenzy

Astronomers have caught a nearby stellar duo in a dramatic act. A super-dense white dwarf star is siphoning material from its larger companion at a pace never seen before. The system, known as V Sagittae (V Sge), sits about 10,000 light-years away and orbits so tightly that the two stars whirl around each other every 12.3 hours. As the white dwarf feeds, the pair blazes far brighter than similar systems - a century-old mystery that a new study says it has finally cracked. Led by Pasi Hakala...

<p>A new study led by the <a href="https://www.unmc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Nebraska Medical Center</a> suggests that frequent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dangers-of-vaping-and-second-hand-vaping-are-greatly-underestimated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vaping </a>among teenagers could increase their exposure to toxic metals like lead and uranium, potentially endangering brain and organ development. These findings highlight the urgent need for regulatory and preventative measures aimed at this age group.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vaping-popularity">Vaping popularity</h2>



<p>Vaping has become increasingly popular among teenagers. In 2022, data showed that approximately 14% of U.S. high school students (around 2.14 million) and over 3% of middle school students (around 380,000) reported vaping in the previous month.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-toxic-metals-in-vaping-liquids">Toxic metals in vaping liquids</h2>



<p>The researchers note that certain metals, which are particularly harmful during developmental stages, have been found in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/e-cigarettes-linked-to-increased-risk-of-heart-failure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">e-cigarette</a> aerosols and liquids. </p>



<p>Exposure to these metals is associated with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vaping-interferes-with-memory-focus-and-decision-making/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive issues</a>, behavioral disturbances, respiratory problems, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases in children.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vaping-and-toxic-metal-exposure-nbsp">Vaping and toxic metal exposure&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study aimed to explore the relationship between the frequency of vaping, the choice of vape flavors, and the levels of potentially <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-may-remove-toxic-metals-from-soil/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">toxic metals</a>. </p>



<p>The researchers utilized data from the nationally representative Wave 5 (December 2018 to November 2019) of the <a href="https://www.icpsr.umich.edu/web/NAHDAP/studies/36231" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PATH Youth Study</a>, which included 1,607 teenagers aged 13 to 17. After certain exclusions, 200 vapers were analyzed.</p>



<p>Participants' urine samples were tested for cadmium, lead, and uranium. Vaping frequency was categorized into occasional (1–5 days/month), intermittent (6–19 days), and frequent (20+ days).&nbsp;</p>



<p>Additionally, vape flavors were classified into four groups: menthol or mint; fruit; sweet flavors like chocolate or desserts; and other flavors including tobacco, clove or spice, and alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lead-levels-among-vapers-nbsp">Lead levels among vapers&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Among the 200 exclusive vapers analyzed (63% female), the study found that lead levels were 40% higher in intermittent vapers and 30% higher in frequent vapers compared to occasional users.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Uranium levels were notably twice as high in frequent vapers as in those who vaped occasionally. Furthermore, vapers who preferred sweet flavors exhibited 90% higher uranium levels compared to those choosing menthol/mint flavors.</p>



<p>No significant differences were noted in urinary cadmium levels across different vaping frequencies or flavor types.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-metal-in-vaping-devices-varies-by-brand">Metal in vaping devices varies by brand</h2>



<p>While this is an observational study and definitive conclusions about the relationship between toxic metal levels and vaping habits cannot be made, the researchers caution that metal content in vaping devices can vary by brand and device type (tank, pod, mod).&nbsp;</p>



<p>The experts also note that although urinary levels indicate chronic exposure, they only represent a single point in time. Additionally, uranium found in urine can come from various sources, including environmental exposure from natural deposits, industrial activities, and diet.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-study-implications-nbsp">Broader study implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“Nonetheless, these compounds are known to cause harm in humans. Of particular concern were the increased <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/uranium-detected-in-two-thirds-of-u-s-drinking-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">uranium</a> levels found within the sweet flavor category,” noted the study authors. </p>



<p>“Candy-flavored e-cigarette products make up a substantial proportion of adolescent vapers, and sweet taste in e-cigarettes can suppress the harsh effects of nicotine and enhance its reinforcing effects, resulting in heightened brain cue-reactivity.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>“E-cigarette use during adolescence may increase the likelihood of metal exposure, which could adversely affect brain and organ development. These findings call for further research, vaping regulation, and targeted public health interventions to mitigate the potential harms of e-cigarette use, particularly among adolescents.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vaping-health-concerns">Vaping health concerns</h2>



<p>Vaping, often considered as a less harmful alternative to smoking cigarettes, still raises significant health concerns. The practice involves inhaling vapor from electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), which use a liquid that contains nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lung-damage">Lung damage</h3>



<p>One major concern is that e-cigarettes can cause damage to the lungs. The inhalation of vapor can lead to conditions like e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI), which has been linked to serious lung damage and even deaths.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nbsp-heart-problems-nbsp">&nbsp;Heart problems&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Another issue is that the nicotine in e-cigarettes is highly addictive and can lead to sustained tobacco product use among younger people. It also poses other health risks such as increased heart rate and blood pressure, which could lead to cardiovascular problems.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-harmful-substances-nbsp">Harmful substances&nbsp;</h3>



<p>In addition to the potential exposure to heavy metals, vaping is associated with potential exposure to other harmful substances like volatile organic compounds and carcinogenic chemical compounds that come from both the liquid itself and the heating elements of the devices.</p>



<p>Despite the potential for reduced exposure to some of the more harmful toxins present in cigarette smoke, the long-term health effects of vaping are still not fully understood, and research continues to uncover new risks. This ongoing uncertainty suggests a need for cautious evaluation before considering vaping a safe alternative to smoking.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/tc-2023-058554" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Tobacco Control</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Frequent vaping exposes teens to toxic metals

A new study led by the University of Nebraska Medical...

<p>In a recent development within the field of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/traditional-computers-verify-errors-made-by-quantum-computers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">computer</a> science, researchers have identified two innovative types of cybersecurity threats. These threats exploit the conditional branch predictor in top-tier Intel processors, potentially compromising billions of devices.</p>



<p>The team, which includes experts from various prestigious institutions and industry giants, will share the findings at the prestigious 2024 ACM ASPLOS Conference. </p>



<p>The study focuses on what is known as the "Pathfinder" attack, which targets a specific component of the branch predictor - the Path History Register (PHR). </p>



<p>The register plays a pivotal role in modern computing by logging the sequence and addresses of branches. This allows for more nuanced insights than were previously possible with other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/are-our-pets-leaking-information-about-us/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">attacks</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cybersecurity-affecting-intel-processors">Cybersecurity affecting Intel processors</h2>



<p>The core of these new attacks centers on their ability to manipulate the branch predictor, which is essential for optimizing processor performance. This component predicts the future directions a program might take using historical data. </p>



<p>In the past, attackers had only a basic grasp of these pathways by examining entries in the predictor's tables. Conversely, the recent research takes advantage of the Path History Register's (PHR) comprehensive logging of the last 194 taken branches in the latest Intel architectures.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoding-cybersecurity-threats-intel">Decoding cybersecurity threats Intel</h2>



<p>By developing techniques to access and decode the PHR's data, the researchers showcased their unique ability to trace the exact sequence of branch outcomes. This breakthrough allows them to uncover the complete order of processed branches. Such extensive access marks a significant advance over previous methods, permitting the capture of branch sequences that span tens of thousands.</p>



<p>"We successfully captured sequences of tens of thousands of branches in precise order, utilizing this method to leak secret images during processing by the widely used image library, libjpeg," explained Hosein Yavarzadeh, the study's lead author and a PhD student at the <a href="https://ucsd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California San Diego</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spectre-reimagined">Spectre reimagined</h2>



<p>Further enhancing the cybersecurity threat landscape, the team introduced a sophisticated Spectre-style poisoning attack on Intel processors. This method allows for the precise control of branch predictions to force the execution of unintended code paths, thus leaking sensitive data.</p>



<p>"This manipulation leads the victim to execute unintended code paths, inadvertently exposing its confidential data," noted Professor Dean Tullsen, a key member of the research team. "We now have such precise control that we could misdirect the 732nd instance of a branch taken thousands of times."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-security-patches">Security patches </h2>



<p>The discovery of these cybersecurity threats has elicited swift reactions from leading industry players. In response, both Intel and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) have actively engaged in measures to address these vulnerabilities. </p>



<p>The companies are preparing to release comprehensive security updates and detailed bulletins that are designed to mitigate the risks associated with the vulnerabilities found in their processors. This proactive approach aims to safeguard devices and maintain user trust in their technology.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pathfinder-attack-and-future-cybersecurity-on-intel-processors">Pathfinder attack and future cybersecurity on Intel processors</h2>



<p>As we delve deeper into the implications of this research, it's clear that the "Pathfinder" attack represents a significant advancement in the realm of cybersecurity. </p>



<p>"Pathfinder can reveal the outcome of almost any branch in almost any victim program, making it the most precise and powerful microarchitectural control-flow extraction attack that we have seen so far," noted Kazem Taram, an assistant professor at <a href="https://www.purdue.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Purdue University</a>.</p>



<p>The collaborative effort, including contributions from UC San Diego, Purdue University, <a href="https://www.gatech.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Georgia Tech</a>, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Google, underscores the critical nature of cybersecurity research in today's digital age. </p>



<p>As processors become increasingly sophisticated, so do the methods of exploiting them, making ongoing research and collaboration across academia and industry essential to safeguard future computing environments.</p>



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Cybersecurity threats hit Intel processors, impacting billions globally

In a recent development within the field of computer science,...

<p>In an unexpected and concerning development, researchers recently diagnosed a bottlenose dolphin in Florida with the highly pathogenic avian <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/avian-influenza-h5n1-marine-mammals-spreading-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">influenza</a> virus, commonly known as HPAIV.</p>



<p>This diagnosis marks the first documented case of this virus in a cetacean in North America, signaling a significant expansion in the known range of mammals susceptible to avian <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-flu-killed-hundreds-of-seals-in-new-england-last-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flu</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-avian-influenza-in-dolphins">Avian influenza in dolphins</h2>



<p>The situation was discovered after a marine animal rescue team responded to an emergency involving a dolphin in distress located in Dixie County, Florida. Unfortunately, the dolphin did not survive, and following its death, a comprehensive postmortem examination was performed by researchers to determine the cause.</p>



<p>During the autopsy, scientists took multiple tissue samples from various parts of the dolphin's body, including the brain, for detailed laboratory analysis. Initially, these samples were analyzed by a local zoological medicine diagnostic lab, which conducted tests to eliminate other possible diseases that might have caused the dolphin’s condition.</p>



<p>After other diseases were ruled out, further tests were conducted at the Bronson Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory. It was here that they confirmed the presence of the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) in the dolphin's lung and brain tissues, marking a significant finding as it indicated the virus's ability to infect species beyond birds.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-identifying-the-invisible-enemy">Identifying the invisible enemy</h2>



<p>The National Veterinary Services Laboratory provided a detailed classification of the virus identified in the dolphin, specifying that it was the highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) virus belonging to the HA clade 2.3.4.4b. This particular subtype is notorious for its strong virulence and remarkable ability to cross species barriers, making it a significant concern in terms of animal and potentially human health.</p>



<p>To further investigate this, the virus underwent additional scrutiny at a Biosafety Level 3 enhanced laboratory. </p>



<p>Laboratories of this level are equipped to handle pathogens that can cause serious or potentially lethal disease through inhalation, thus providing a safe and controlled environment for researchers. This setting enabled scientists to conduct more intensive and detailed examinations of the virus’s properties.</p>



<p>In this advanced laboratory setting, researchers were able to perform intricate studies that included genetic sequencing and viral behavior analysis under various conditions. These activities aimed to provide a clearer picture of how the virus infects cells, replicates, and spreads between hosts. </p>



<p>Understanding these aspects is crucial for developing effective control measures and anticipating potential future outbreaks that could affect other species. The work done in this enhanced biosafety environment was key to gaining a deeper understanding of the unique characteristics of the H5N1 virus found in the dolphin.</p>



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



<p>Allison Murawski, D.V.M., led the research as part of her involvement with an aquatic animal medicine program and played a crucial role in developing the case report. She worked closely with Dr. Richard Webby, who directs the World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Studies on the Ecology of Influenza in Animals and Birds.</p>



<p>Together, they investigated the origins of the virus, its unique genetic mutations, and its potential to infect other mammals. Their research included sequencing genomes from local <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deadly-bird-flu-outbreak-requires-urgent-coordinated-response/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a> and analyzing viruses isolated from Northeast seal populations.</p>



<p>Despite their efforts, the experts could not determine the exact source of the dolphin's infection. "We still don’t know where the dolphin got the virus and more research needs to be done," Dr. Webby stated.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-research-beyond-dolphin-avian-influenza">Research beyond dolphin avian influenza</h2>



<p>This case demonstrates the power of collaborative research. Mike Walsh, D.V.M., an associate professor of aquatic animal health and Murawski’s faculty mentor, highlighted the importance of this teamwork.</p>



<p>"This investigation was an important step in understanding this virus and is a great example where happenstance joins with curiosity, having to answer the ‘why’ and then seeing how the multiple groups and expertise took this to a fantastic representation of collaborative excellence," noted Walsh.</p>



<p>As a result, this research emphasizes the unpredictable nature of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-the-influenza-virus-hack-our-cells/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">influenza</a> viruses and their ability to spread across species. It also underscores the ongoing need for surveillance and research to better understand these pathogens and reduce their impact on wildlife and potentially, human health.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-024-06173-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Biology</a></em></em>.</p>



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Dolphin in Florida tests positive for avian influenza

In an unexpected and concerning development, researchers recently diagnosed a...

<p>A recent global study has shed light on a long-debated question in the world of entomology: are <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/are-insects-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insect</a> populations more active during the day or night? The findings, led by <a href="https://research-repository.uwa.edu.au/en/persons/mark-wong" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Mark Wong</a> of <a href="https://www.uwa.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The University of Western Australia</a>, reveal a surprising pattern – insect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-weather-has-increased-seasonal-insect-activity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">activity</a> increases by a third (31.4%) at night.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insect-activity-cycles">Insect activity cycles</h2>



<p>Insects play vital roles in ecosystems across the globe. Many flowering plants rely on insects to transfer pollen between blooms, ensuring the fertilization of seeds and the production of fruits and vegetables. Without insects like bees, butterflies, and flies, our food supply would be dramatically limited.</p>



<p>Insects help break down organic matter such as decaying leaves, fallen logs, and animal waste. This releases essential nutrients back into the soil, promoting plant growth and supporting the health of whole ecosystems.</p>



<p>Diverse animals, including birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals, rely on insects as a primary food supply. Insects help to transfer energy up the food chain and support biodiversity at multiple levels.</p>



<p>Understanding their activity patterns across the day-night cycle is thus essential for comprehending broader ecological processes.&nbsp;When insects are more active directly influences their ability to carry out these vital roles in the ecosystem. </p>



<p>Knowing whether certain species are predominantly nocturnal or diurnal helps us understand factors like pollination timing, predator-prey relationships, and how ecosystems respond to environmental change.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insect-activity-at-night-and-day">Insect activity at night and day</h2>



<p>Dr. Wong's research provides a comprehensive picture of which insect groups favor nocturnal or diurnal lifestyles:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nocturnal-insects">Nocturnal insects</h3>



<ul>
<li><strong>Mayflies:</strong> Delicate insects with large, transparent wings. They are vital to aquatic ecosystems - their nymph stage is spent underwater and they are a key food source for fish. Adult mayflies have a famously short lifespan, emerging just to mate and lay eggs.</li>



<li><strong>Caddisflies:</strong>&nbsp;Similar to small moths, their aquatic larvae often build cases around themselves from materials like leaves and twigs for protection. They play a crucial role in processing organic matter in streams and rivers.</li>



<li><strong>Moths:</strong>&nbsp;While some moths are diurnal, many species are nocturnal. They are important pollinators, especially for night-blooming flowers, and serve as food for bats and other nocturnal predators.</li>



<li><strong>Earwigs:</strong>&nbsp;Identified by their distinctive pincers, these insects are mostly nocturnal scavengers. They help control pest populations and contribute to the breakdown of decaying matter.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diurnal-insects">Diurnal insects</h3>



<ul>
<li><strong>Thrips:</strong>&nbsp;Tiny, slender <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/common-insect-species-face-the-greatest-declines/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insects</a> that feed on plants. While some species can damage crops, many are beneficial as they pollinate flowers or prey on other insect pests.</li>



<li><strong>Bees:</strong> Perhaps the most famous pollinators. Bees live in structured colonies and collect pollen and nectar to feed their young, facilitating the reproduction of countless plant species.</li>



<li><strong>Wasps:</strong>&nbsp;While often considered pests, many wasps are actually predators of other insects, helping control populations of flies, caterpillars, and other potential crop pests. Some wasps are also important pollinators.</li>



<li><strong>Ants:</strong>&nbsp;Social insects that live in highly organized colonies. They have diverse roles, from seed dispersal and pollination to preying on smaller insects or scavenging for food.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-drivers-of-insect-activity-patterns">Ecological drivers of insect activity patterns</h2>



<p>Insects have evolved a variety of strategies to avoid becoming a meal. One key strategy is to be most active when their main predators are not. This explains why many aquatic insects have higher <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-variables-can-predict-future-mosquito-activity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">activity</a> levels at night, given that fish are primarily visual daytime hunters.</p>



<p>Moreover, terrestrial insects face a different set of predators, particularly nocturnal creatures like bats, which often use echolocation to find prey. This is a major reason why terrestrial insects often exhibit increased activity during daylight hours.</p>



<p>Nocturnal activity was found to be significantly higher in aquatic habitats like rivers and streams. Conversely, terrestrial ecosystems, particularly grasslands and savannas, showed higher concentrations of insects during the day.</p>



<p>"Fish tend to hunt aquatic insects during the day, whereas nocturnal animals such as bats make life on land more hazardous at night," explained Dr. Wong. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-trends-in-insect-activity">Global trends in insect activity</h2>



<p>"We found peak levels of nocturnal activity in the warmer regions of the world, as more insects likely sought refuge from the heat of the day," said Dr. Wong. This highlights the sensitivity of nighttime insect populations to temperature fluctuations.</p>



<p>The study emphasizes the potential threats posed by climate change and artificial light pollution. Rising temperatures could further disrupt nocturnal insect populations in warmer climates, while artificial lighting can interfere with the natural behaviors of many nocturnal insects.</p>



<p>"Such research can be exhausting, as traps need to be installed and replaced multiple times over days and nights, across many different locations," noted Dr. Wong.</p>



<p>"But it is absolutely indispensable. Insects are among the most diverse and important organisms on our planet, and studying their intricate rhythms represents not just a scientific endeavor, but an imperative for conserving biodiversity on a rapidly changing planet."</p>



<p>The study is published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-47645-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.</p>



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Nighttime buzz: Insect activity increases by 31.4% at night

A recent global study has shed light on a long-debated...

<p>We've long understood the impact of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brain-health-and-diet-nutrition-helps-lower-dementia-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diet</a> on our weight, heart health, and risk of diseases like diabetes. However, a growing body of research, including a landmark study from the <a href="http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Warwick</a> emphasizes a lesser-known but equally vital connection – the profound relationship between what we eat and the health of our brains.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diet-and-brain-function">Diet and brain function</h2>



<p>The researchers tapped into the UK Biobank, a massive database containing medical and lifestyle information from hundreds of thousands of people. The research team combined detailed food surveys with a wealth of objective health data, including:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Blood tests:</strong>&nbsp;These reveal metabolic markers that can be influenced by diet, such as cholesterol and blood sugar levels.</li>



<li><strong>Brain scans:</strong>&nbsp;These images provide insights into brain structure and potential changes influenced by health factors like nutrition.</li>



<li><strong>Genetic testing:</strong>&nbsp;This analyzes an individual's DNA to understand variations in genes that might affect food preferences or how the body processes certain nutrients.</li>



<li><strong>Mental well-being assessments:</strong>&nbsp;Participants completed questionnaires designed to measure aspects of mood, anxiety, and overall mental health.</li>



<li><strong>Cognitive tests:</strong>&nbsp;Participants took tests designed to evaluate problem-solving abilities, memory, attention, and other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/walk-20-minutes-daily-to-boost-your-brain-power/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain</a> functions.</li>
</ul>



<p>By using advanced computer tools (machine learning) to analyze all this data, the researchers aimed to find reliable patterns linking <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ditch-the-diet-trends-for-a-healthier-relationship-with-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dietary</a> choices to various aspects of physical and mental health.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diet-impacts-mental-well-being-and-brain-structure">Diet impacts mental well-being and brain structure</h2>



<p>The study's findings strongly suggest that eating a balanced diet plays a significant role in supporting our brains. People who made whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and fish a priority in their diets showed several key benefits:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Improved mental health:</strong>&nbsp;These individuals were less likely to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety. Eating a nutritious diet may influence the production of brain chemicals involved in regulating mood and managing stress.</li>



<li><strong>Enhanced cognitive function:</strong>&nbsp;A healthy diet was linked to better scores on tests measuring problem-solving skills, memory, and attention. This suggests that the nutrients found in whole foods help support the brain's ability to process information effectively.</li>



<li><strong>Higher volumes of gray matter:</strong>&nbsp;Gray matter is a type of brain tissue packed with nerve cells that are essential for thinking, learning, and decision-making. Those who ate a balanced diet had more gray matter, potentially impacting overall intelligence and cognitive abilities.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-importance-of-gradual-changes-in-diet">Importance of gradual changes in diet</h2>



<p>The researchers stress that fad <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-healthy-diet-your-secret-weapon-against-aging-and-dementia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diets</a> or restrictive eating plans are unlikely to provide long-term benefits for brain health. Instead, they recommend focusing on creating sustainable changes that you can maintain over time. </p>



<p>Small, gradual shifts, like slowly cutting back on added sugar or overly processed fats, can be impactful. This approach has a few advantages:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Reduced cravings:</strong>&nbsp;When you make gradual adjustments, your body has time to adapt, potentially reducing strong cravings for unhealthy foods.</li>



<li><strong>Natural preference shift:</strong>&nbsp;Over time, as you introduce more whole foods, your taste buds might adjust, making healthier options seem more appealing and enjoyable.</li>



<li><strong>Habit formation:</strong>&nbsp;Making small and consistent changes can more easily become lifelong habits than attempting drastic overhauls that depend solely on willpower, which often proves unsustainable over time.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetics-environment-and-socioeconomic-factors">Genetics, environment, and socioeconomic factors</h2>



<p>The study underscores the intricate interplay between nature and nurture. While our genes can influence food preferences, access to healthy food is just as important. </p>



<p>"Since dietary choices can be influenced by socioeconomic status, it's crucial to ensure that this does not hinder individuals from adopting a healthy balanced dietary profile," noted Professor Jianfeng Feng, the study's lead author.</p>



<p>The research highlights the potential for food policy to shape public health. Governments play a role in making nutritious options affordable and accessible to all. On a more personal level, schools and families are also crucial for instilling healthy eating habits from a young age.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-diet-brain-connection">Significance of diet brain connection</h2>



<p>While this study provides compelling evidence about the link between nutrition and brain health, it's important to remember that this is a complex and evolving field of research. There's still much to learn. One particularly fascinating area that scientists are exploring is the role of the gut microbiome. </p>



<p>Our digestive system houses trillions of bacteria, collectively known as the gut microbiome. These microbes play vital roles in digestion and immune function. Researchers are discovering that the bacteria in our gut communicate with our brains in surprising ways. </p>



<p>Changes in the composition of our gut microbiome, influenced by diet, could potentially affect our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bright-light-instantly-enhances-brain-function-alertness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain</a> function and even our mood.</p>



<p>Scientists are investigating how a healthy diet fosters a beneficial gut microbiome, which in turn could have positive implications for our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-the-brain-focus-with-so-many-distractions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brains</a>. This research might lead to exciting new approaches to promote mental well-being and cognitive health.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s44220-024-00226-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Mental Health</a></em>.</p>



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Healthy diet linked to positive changes in brain structure

We've long understood the impact of diet on our weight,...

<p>Ko Mochizuki, a researcher from the <a href="https://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Tokyo</a>, has made a significant discovery challenging the common belief about the pollination of the genus <em>Angelica</em>, traditionally seen as having a broad range of pollinators. The findings reveal that two species within this genus, <em>Angelica decursiva</em> and <em>Angelica hakonensis</em>, are primarily pollinated by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-are-hornets-so-successful-as-invasive-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hornets</a>, a rarity in the plant world where hornets are seldom seen as main pollinators.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flowers-of-the-apiaceae-family">Flowers of the Apiaceae family</h2>



<p>The typical flowers of the Apiaceae family, to which <em>Angelica</em> belongs, are white, small, open, and produce nectar and pollen that attract diverse insect species. It's not uncommon for over 100 different insect species to visit the flowers of some plants in this family, categorizing them as generalists.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, Mochizuki's observations in Nagano Prefecture in 2015 and later in 2018 at the Nikko Botanical Garden showed a different story for these two specific <em>Angelica</em> species.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“I observed a fierce visitation by hornets for the first time in 2015 in Nagano Prefecture and then again in 2018 in the Nikko Botanical Garden where they were feeding on the nectar of the inflorescences of <em>A. decursiva</em> and <em>A. hakonensis</em>," he reported.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-apiaceae-species-and-hornet-pollinators-nbsp">Apiaceae species and hornet pollinators&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Mochizuki embarked on a detailed study. He was motivated to investigate whether these species are predominantly pollinated by hornets, a belief contrary to the established view that Apiaceae species are generalists.</p>



<p>The research method involved quantifying the number and type of "visitors" to the flowers, capturing some to check the amount of pollen on their bodies, and conducting experiments with different mesh covers to isolate the influence of hornets and other insects on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wasps-are-undervalued-as-predators-and-pollinators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollination</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-importance-of-hornets-as-pollinators-nbsp">Importance of hornets as pollinators&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The results from all three approaches confirmed that hornets were the most frequent visitors. Interestingly, Mochizuki found that excluding hornets from the flowers resulted in higher than expected seed production.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Excluding the hornets allowed other visitors to gather on the flowers. Especially considering that I had previously observed hornets hunting and killing other insect visitors when they encountered each other on the inflorescence,” he said.</p>



<p>The findings highlight the need to reconsider the ecological roles of hornets, often viewed only as pests or invasive species.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Hornets are generally considered pests in their native range and problematic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tweets-provide-insights-on-how-invasive-insects-spread/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">invasive species</a> in some areas such as North America. Nevertheless, this study underscores the importance of hornets as pollinators, opening new avenues for research and conservation,” Mochizuki concluded.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hornets-as-pollinators">Hornets as pollinators</h2>



<p>Hornets, though often associated with their stinging ability and predatory habits, also play a role in pollination. Unlike bees, which are primary pollinators, hornets are considered secondary pollinators. Here's how they contribute to pollination:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-incidental-pollination">Incidental pollination</h3>



<p>While hornets primarily feed on other insects, they also visit flowers for nectar. In the process of feeding on nectar, pollen can stick to their bodies and get transferred from one flower to another, facilitating pollination.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flower-visits">Flower visits</h3>



<p>Certain species of hornets are more likely to visit flowers than others. For instance, the Asian giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia) has been observed visiting flowers, though it is less common compared to smaller species.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-limited-role">Limited role</h3>



<p>Compared to bees, butterflies, and other dedicated pollinators, hornets' overall contribution to pollination is relatively minor. Their body structure is not as well adapted for carrying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/carrying-pollen-increases-bumblebees-body-temperature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollen</a> as that of bees, and they do not have behaviors specifically aimed at pollination.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-impact">Ecological impact</h3>



<p>Hornets can impact ecosystems through their predatory behavior on other insects, including some pollinators. This can indirectly affect pollination dynamics, especially if they reduce the numbers of primary pollinators in an area.</p>



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



<p>The Apiaceae family, commonly known as the carrot or parsley family, is a diverse and significant group of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pollinators-are-not-just-attracted-to-plants-by-scent-but-also-by-humidity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a>, primarily recognized for its aromatic members that are often used in cooking and traditional medicine.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The Apiaceae family contains about 3,700 species spread across 434 genera. These plants are widely distributed across the globe, particularly in temperate regions. They thrive in a variety of habitats, from mountainous areas to flat plains.</p>



<p>Plants in this family are usually aromatic herbs with hollow stems. The leaves are often compound and the flowers are typically small, clustered in umbels, which is a defining characteristic of the family. These umbels present as a series of short flower stalks spreading from a common point, somewhat like the ribs of an umbrella, hence the name.</p>



<p>Many Apiaceae species are cultivated for their edible roots, seeds, or leaves. Familiar examples include carrots (Daucus carota), celery (Apium graveolens), parsley (Petroselinum crispum), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), and dill (Anethum graveolens). Several species also have medicinal properties and have been used in traditional remedies for a variety of ailments.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ecy.4311" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Ecology</em></a><em>.</em></p>



<p>Image Credit: Mochizuki 2024</p>



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Hornets are the most important pollinators for some plants

Ko Mochizuki, a researcher from the University of Tokyo, has...

<p>Measles, a once-declining infectious disease, is experiencing a worrying resurgence. New data from the World Health Organization (<a href="https://www.who.int" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WHO</a>) reveals a dramatic increase in measles cases worldwide, raising concerns about the potential for a major public health crisis.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measles-cases">Measles cases</h2>



<p>Global measles cases nearly doubled in 2023 compared to 2022:&nbsp;This startling increase in cases indicates that measles is spreading at an alarming rate. It underscores the urgency of addressing factors contributing to the decline in vaccination coverage.</p>



<p>The number of countries experiencing large, disruptive measles outbreaks has tripled in the past year:&nbsp;This means more countries are struggling to contain measles outbreaks, which significantly strains their healthcare systems and puts countless lives at risk. The increasing geographical spread makes global containment much more difficult.</p>



<p>In 2024, nearly half of all reported cases originated in the WHO European Region:&nbsp;This surprising statistic reveals that even regions previously making progress towards measles elimination are now experiencing major setbacks. It highlights the need to strengthen immunization programs and address vaccine hesitancy across all regions.</p>



<p>Overall, these figures paint a grim picture of the global measles situation. If unchecked, this trend has the potential to undo decades of progress and trigger a devastating global health crisis.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-measles-virus">The measles virus</h2>



<p>Measles is a highly contagious <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/virus-lifespan-and-transmission-boosted-by-high-co2-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">viral</a> illness that primarily affects the respiratory system. It presents with symptoms such as:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>High fever:</strong>&nbsp;A significant increase in body temperature, often reaching 104°F (40°C) or higher.</li>



<li><strong>Characteristic rash:</strong>&nbsp;A widespread, red, or reddish-brown rash that usually starts on the face and head before spreading to the rest of the body. Individual spots may join together, giving the skin a blotchy appearance.</li>



<li><strong>Runny nose:</strong>&nbsp;A persistent discharge from the nose, indicating inflammation in the nasal passages.</li>



<li><strong>Red, watery eyes:</strong>&nbsp;Eyes may become bloodshot and produce excessive tears due to irritation and inflammation.</li>
</ul>



<p>In some cases, measles can progress into severe and potentially life-threatening complications. These can include:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Pneumonia:</strong>&nbsp;An infection of the lungs that causes inflammation and difficulty breathing. This is a common complication of measles, especially in young children.</li>



<li><strong>Blindness:</strong>&nbsp;Measles can cause permanent vision loss due to damage to the eyes or optic nerves.</li>



<li><strong>Encephalitis:</strong>&nbsp;Inflammation of the brain, which can result in seizures, neurological problems, and even death.</li>



<li><strong>Death</strong>&nbsp;In rare cases, measles can be fatal, particularly in young children with weakened immune systems.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measles-vulnerability-in-children">Measles vulnerability in children</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/india-avoid-child-deaths/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Children</a> under five years of age are particularly susceptible to measles and its complications. Their immune systems are still developing, making them more likely to experience severe illness, hospitalization, and long-term health problems.</p>



<p>In severe cases, complications like pneumonia, blindness, and even death can occur. Children under five are especially vulnerable to these complications.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-factors-contributing-to-the-resurgence">Factors contributing to the resurgence</h2>



<p>Several factors have likely played a role in the rising measles cases:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-declining-vaccination-rates">Declining vaccination rates</h3>



<ul>
<li><strong>Misinformation and vaccine hesitancy:</strong>&nbsp;The spread of inaccurate or misleading information about the safety and effectiveness of measles vaccines has eroded public trust and reduced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vaccines-helpful/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vaccination</a> acceptance in some communities.</li>



<li><strong>Impact on herd immunity:</strong>&nbsp;When a large portion of a population is immune to a disease (through vaccination), it becomes very difficult for the virus to spread, protecting even those who are unvaccinated. Falling vaccination rates undermine this 'herd immunity', increasing the risk of significant outbreaks.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-covid-19-pandemic-disruptions">COVID-19 pandemic disruptions</h3>



<ul>
<li><strong>Focus on COVID-19 mitigation:</strong>&nbsp;Public health resources and attention were understandably diverted to combating the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/measles-outbreaks-are-back-and-covid-19-will-make-them-worse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COVID-19 pandemic</a>, leading to temporary disruptions in routine healthcare services, including childhood immunization programs.</li>



<li><strong>Missed vaccinations and immunity gaps:</strong>&nbsp;Children who missed their scheduled measles vaccinations during the pandemic have developed gaps in their immunity, leaving them susceptible to infection and creating a larger pool of potential carriers of the virus.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-instability">Global instability</h3>



<ul>
<li><strong>Disruptions to healthcare systems:</strong>&nbsp;Conflicts, natural disasters, and other humanitarian crises often cause severe disruptions to essential healthcare services. Immunization programs frequently become casualties in these situations, as resources are diverted and access to care becomes challenging.</li>



<li><strong>Vulnerability of displaced populations:</strong>&nbsp;People who have been displaced due to conflict or crises are often living in crowded, unsanitary conditions with limited access to healthcare. These conditions are ripe for the rapid transmission of measles and other infectious diseases.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-path-to-elimination-under-threat">The path to elimination under threat</h2>



<p>"Significant progress was made toward measles elimination in recent years. However, the current surge in cases jeopardizes these gains," noted Dr. Patrick O'Connor of the WHO. He emphasized the importance of maintaining high, consistent, and equitable vaccination coverage to prevent future outbreaks.</p>



<p>While there are challenges, Professor Hanna Nohynek from the <a href="https://thl.fi/en/main-page" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare</a> highlighted the success of the Americas region, which achieved measles elimination in 2016. Their strategy focused on intensive vaccination campaigns, strengthening routine immunization, and robust surveillance.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recommendations-for-action">Recommendations for action</h2>



<p>To reverse the measles resurgence, experts emphasize the following interventions:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Prioritize vaccination:</strong>&nbsp;Ensure you and your family are fully vaccinated against measles according to recommended immunization schedules.</li>



<li><strong>Promote reliable information:</strong>&nbsp;Share accurate, science-based information about the safety and efficacy of measles vaccines. Counter misinformation that fuels vaccine hesitancy.</li>



<li><strong>Support global vaccination efforts:</strong>&nbsp;Donate to or advocate for organizations working to improve access to vaccines in low- and middle-income countries.</li>
</ul>



<p>Measles is a preventable disease. By working together and prioritizing vaccination, we can protect ourselves and communities worldwide from this potentially devastating illness.</p>



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



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Global measles crisis: Cases nearly doubled in 2023

Measles, a once-declining infectious disease, is experiencing a worrying resurgence....

<p>The captivating image of dinosaurs – especially apex predators like <em>Tyrannosaurus rex</em> – as cunning, highly intelligent creatures has long been a staple of both scientific inquiry and popular imagination. </p>



<p>But a new study led by the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a> is shaking the foundations of this long-held belief, suggesting that these prehistoric giants might not have been the intellectual powerhouses we envisioned.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-previous-claims-on-intelligent-dinosaurs">Previous claims on intelligent dinosaurs</h2>



<p>The study has shed light on the cognitive abilities of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/megaraptor-species-named-fujianipus-yingliangi-discovered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dinosaurs</a>. Previous research hinted at exceptionally high neuron densities in the brains of certain species. These findings led to compelling hypotheses suggesting that dinosaurs might possess intelligence levels similar to primates. </p>



<p>This revelation opened the possibility of remarkably complex behaviors, previously considered unique to mammals. Scientists began to envision dinosaurs engaging in behaviors such as tool use, passing down knowledge within their groups, and even demonstrating rudimentary problem-solving skills. </p>



<p>These implications have the potential to significantly transform our understanding of dinosaur behavior and evolution as a whole.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-neurons-determine-dinosaur-intelligence">Neurons determine dinosaur intelligence</h2>



<p>An international team of experts, including paleontologists, behavioral scientists, and neurologists, conducted a thorough analysis of the techniques used to estimate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extraordinary-dinosaur-fossils-discovered-from-the-end-of-cretaceous-era/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dinosaur</a> brain size and the number of neurons within those brains. </p>



<p>The study highlighted significant issues with previous assumptions. The team's findings suggest that earlier studies may have overstated both the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-explore-the-brain-of-a-160-million-year-old-dinosaur/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain</a> size and the density of neurons. This casts doubt on the previously assumed direct link between high neuron counts and advanced intellectual abilities.</p>



<p>“We present revised estimates of encephalization and telencephalic neuron counts in dinosaurs, which we derive from phylogenetically informed modeling and an amended dataset of endocranial measurements. For large-bodied theropods in particular, we recover significantly lower neuron counts than previously proposed,” wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Furthermore, we review the suitability of neurological variables such as neuron numbers and relative brain size to predict cognitive complexity, metabolic rate and life history traits in dinosaurs, coming to the conclusion that they are flawed proxies for these biological phenomena." </p>



<p>"Instead of relying on such neurological estimates when reconstructing Mesozoic dinosaur biology, we argue that integrative studies are needed to approach this complex subject.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dinosaur-capabilities-and-limitations">Dinosaur capabilities and limitations</h2>



<p>How do we understand the minds of extinct creatures? The researchers emphasized the importance of a multi-faceted approach. </p>



<p>“Determining the intelligence of dinosaurs and other extinct animals is best done using many lines of evidence ranging from gross anatomy to fossil footprints instead of relying on neuron number estimates alone,” explained study co-author Hady George.</p>



<p>Scientists can use multiple sources of information: skeletal anatomy, bone structure analysis, comparisons with the behavior of modern-day relatives, and even the trace fossils left behind by these ancient creatures. Together, these tools paint a more complete picture of dinosaur capabilities and potential limitations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-highly-intelligent-reptiles">Highly intelligent reptiles</h2>



<p>While it may seem less thrilling to imagine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossilized-dinosaur-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dinosaurs</a> without primate-level intellect, this study offers a compelling shift in perspective. “They were more likely akin to highly intelligent reptiles, which presents a different, but equally fascinating picture of their capabilities.” explained Dr. Darren Naish, co-author of the study.</p>



<p>Dinosaurs were not failures; they were incredibly successful within the context of their evolutionary journey. This means we should focus on their strengths as dinosaurs instead of comparing them to mammals who evolved along a different path millions of years later.</p>



<p>Importantly, dinosaurs were the apex lifeforms for a vast swath of Earth's history. They weren't competing with mammals but rather occupied the dominant ecological niches on the planet. Their success depended on the ability to evolve traits suited to their environment. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dinosaurs-were-intelligent-for-their-time">Dinosaurs were intelligent for their time</h2>



<p>Dinosaurs thrived for millions of years because they weren't merely surviving, but mastering their environments. This mastery was achieved through a stunning array of adaptations. Their physical adaptations, like immense size, protective armor, or specialized teeth, are easily visible in fossils. </p>



<p>They also evolved complex behavioral adaptations such as herding for safety, migration to follow resources, and intricate nesting behaviors to care for their young. Additionally, their physiological adaptations, such as unique metabolic processes or highly specialized sensory systems, allowed them to exploit specific ecological niches.</p>



<p>Traditionally, judging dinosaurs as "failed mammals" implies a narrow view of evolution where our own intelligence is the only worthwhile endpoint. A more insightful approach recognizes that dinosaurs were incredibly successful, evolving within the distinct challenges and opportunities of their specific eras. </p>



<p>Dinosaurs represent a unique evolutionary trajectory, demonstrating the remarkable ability of lifeforms to adapt and flourish within Earth's ever-changing environment.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://anatomypubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ar.25459#" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Anatomical Record</a></em>.</p>



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



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

Dinosaurs were less intelligent than modern day monkeys

The captivating image of dinosaurs – especially apex predators like Tyrannosaurus...

<p>Ever spent ten minutes frantically searching for your phone, only to find it snug in your pocket? You're definitely not alone, and thankfully, it doesn't mean your brain is failing you. In their new book&nbsp;<em><a href="https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.4324/9781003391166/psychology-memory-megan-sumeracki-althea-need-kaminske" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Psychology of Memory</a></em>, psychologists Dr. Megan Sumeracki and Dr. Althea Need Kaminske unveil the science behind forgetting, how to boost our memory, and why those amazing memory feats you see in movies are usually fiction.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forgetting-and-memory-working">Forgetting and memory working</h2>



<p>Memory does not work by simply recording everything that happens to us. Instead, our brains actively reconstruct and re-shape <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forgetting-workplace-information-good/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">memories</a>. This editing process is crucial because it allows us to focus on the larger meaning and important lessons from our experiences.</p>



<p>If we could remember every single detail of our lives, the truly important moments might be difficult to distinguish from the mundane. This has real-world implications. For example, if you witness a minor car accident, your memory of the event might be incomplete or have some small inaccuracies. This doesn't automatically mean you're unreliable. </p>



<p>Dr. Kaminske points out that it's essential for juries to understand that some degree of imperfect recall is completely normal, especially in situations that are stressful or emotionally charged.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lost-your-keys-your-brain-may-be-doing-its-job">Lost your keys? Your brain may be doing its job</h2>



<p>"I (Althea) spend an embarrassing amount of time looking for my phone, water bottle, and keys...our memory systems are not necessarily designed to remember where we put our phones. Or keys. Or water bottles," writes Dr. Kaminske.</p>



<p>Our brains are excellent at remembering information that directly helps us achieve our goals or needs. If finding water was a critical part of your daily survival, you would quickly become skilled at remembering the location of water sources. This is because your brain would prioritize that information as essential.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-types-of-memory">Types of memory</h2>



<p>Memory is far more complex than just remembering past events like what you ate for breakfast. Our brains use different types of memory systems, each with a specific purpose:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Short-term memory:</strong>&nbsp;This acts as a temporary holding space for information. It allows you to briefly retain things like a phone number you just looked up, just long enough to dial it.</li>



<li><strong>Long-term memory:</strong>&nbsp;This is the vast storage system of your brain. It holds everything from facts you learned in school to significant life experiences.</li>



<li><strong>Event-based memory:</strong>&nbsp;This specialized type of memory helps you plan and carry out future actions. It reminds you of tasks like picking up dry cleaning or going to a doctor's appointment.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-can-we-enhance-memory-to-forget-less">Can we enhance memory to forget less?</h2>



<p><em>The Psychology of Memory</em>&nbsp;dives into how our memories function, and offers real techniques to give them a boost. While turning into a memory champion with a photographic mind might be unrealistic, there's plenty we can do to get a little sharper.</p>



<p>Want to become a faster learner or make sure you never <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forgetting-may-actually-be-a-form-of-learning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forget</a> an anniversary again? Here are a few tips from the book:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-retrieval-practice">Retrieval practice</h3>



<p>This technique strengthens memory by forcing you to actively recall information. Repeatedly saying a new colleague's name reinforces the connection in your brain, making it easier to remember later. Think of it as directly strengthening the pathways to that specific bit of information.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-schema-power-nbsp">Schema power&nbsp;</h3>



<p>This involves connecting new information to knowledge or patterns you already understand. This creates a richer network of associations in your brain, making the new information easier to store and retrieve. For example, if you're learning a new language, connect vocabulary words to similar words in your native tongue or another language you know.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-visual-tricks">Visual tricks</h3>



<p>Our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brain-forgets-clean-mind-clutter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brains</a> are quite good at processing visual information. Creating a mental image for complex presentations, or drawing simple diagrams to summarize key points, capitalizes on this ability. Visual associations can provide "hooks" within your memory to make recall easier.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forget-the-memory-feats">Forget the memory feats</h2>



<p>We've all seen movies with characters boasting photographic memories or the uncanny ability to memorize a deck of cards at a glance. While these things aren't impossible, they're the result of specific techniques and lots of practice – not some inborn brain superpower.</p>



<p>"Anyone who has studied knows that regular practice is essential. But to become an expert in a field of learning, people need to employ deliberate practice. The difference is that deliberate practice involves purposeful and deliberate attention whereas regular practice just involves repetition,” noted Dr. Sumeracki and Dr. Kaminske. </p>



<p>Forgetfulness is normal, and actually a sign your <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-forget-distracting-memories/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain</a> is working efficiently. Understanding how your memory works is the first step toward improving it in ways that serve you day-to-day. So next time you lose your keys – take a deep breath, and maybe try one of those memory tricks.</p>



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



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Forgetting things is a natural part of the memory process

Ever spent ten minutes frantically searching for your phone, only...

<p>For centuries, the vastness of the universe has captivated the minds of scientists and philosophers alike. One question that has long puzzled physicists is the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-matter-does-not-exist-universe-27-billion-years-old-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">existence of dark matter</a>, an invisible substance that seemingly permeates the universe, exerting its gravitational influence on the visible stars and galaxies we observe.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-lies-behind-the-dark-side-of-the-universe">What lies behind the dark side of the universe</h2>



<p><a href="https://cos.northeastern.edu/people/pran-nath/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pran Nath</a>, the Matthews Distinguished University Professor of physics at <a href="https://www.northeastern.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northeastern University</a>, shares his thoughts on this mysterious phenomenon. </p>



<p>"95% of the universe is dark, is invisible to the eye. However, we know that the dark universe is there by [its] gravitational pull on stars," Nath explains.</p>



<p>Despite its elusive nature, dark matter's presence is undeniable, as evidenced by its gravitational effects on the visible universe.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-relationship-between-dark-and-visible-matter">Relationship between dark and visible matter</h2>



<p>While the existence of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/large-amount-of-dark-matter-may-be-missing-from-the-milky-way/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dark matter</a> has been widely accepted, the relationship between the visible and invisible domains, particularly in the early stages of the universe's formation, remains an open question. </p>



<p>Traditionally, it was assumed that these two sectors evolved independently of each other. However, Nath and his team have challenged this notion, proposing that the visible and hidden sectors may have co-evolved in the aftermath of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-study-claims-our-universe-is-27-billion-years-old-double-the-current-age-estimate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Big Bang</a>, with significant implications for the universe's development.</p>



<p>To test this hypothesis, Nath and Ph.D. candidate Jinzheng Li conducted a series of computer simulations, introducing feeble interactions between the visible and hidden sectors in their models of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oldest-black-hole-ever-discovered-dates-back-to-the-dawn-of-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Big Bang</a>. </p>



<p>While these interactions were not substantial enough to affect the outcomes of particle accelerator experiments, the researchers sought to understand their impact on the visible sector as a whole, from the moment of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/james-webb-captures-galaxies-that-are-too-old-to-exist/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Big Bang</a> to the present day.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-temperature-enigma-of-the-hidden-sector">Temperature enigma of the hidden sector</h2>



<p>The results of their simulations, published in a paper titled "Big Bang Initial Conditions and Self-Interacting Hidden Dark Matter" in <em>Physical Review D</em>, were nothing short of remarkable. </p>



<p>Even with minimal interactions between the two sectors, Nath and Li discovered that dark matter's influence on visible matter could have a significant impact on observable phenomena, such as the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/universes-expansion-rate-hubble-tension-puzzles-astronomers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hubble expansion</a>, which describes the expanding nature of the universe.</p>



<p>One crucial variable in their models was the temperature of the hidden sector during the Big Bang. While the visible sector is believed to have started out extremely hot at the moment of creation, the initial temperature of the hidden sector remained uncertain. </p>



<p>Nath and his team modeled both scenarios -- a hot and a cold hidden sector -- and found that, despite significant differences between the models, both were consistent with the visible universe we observe today.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pushing-the-boundaries-of-experimental-capabilities">Pushing the boundaries of experimental capabilities</h2>



<p>Rather than viewing this finding as a limitation of their experiment, Nath emphasizes that it highlights the need for more precise experimental tools. </p>



<p>He mentions the Webb Telescope as an example of the next generation of instruments that will enable researchers to make more accurate observations and shed light on the true nature of the hidden sector's initial conditions.</p>



<p>Ultimately, the goal of this modeling work is to better understand the universe and our place within it. As Nath eloquently puts it, "What's the significance of this? Human beings want to find their place in the universe. And more than that, they want to answer the question, why is there a universe? And we are exploring those issues. It is the ultimate quest of human beings."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-visible-and-dark-matter-shaped-the-universe">How visible and dark matter shaped the universe</h2>



<p>In summary, this fascinating research highlights the complex relationship between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-matter-may-reveal-the-origin-of-magnetic-fields/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dark matter</a> and visible matter in the universe. </p>



<p>By challenging the assumption of independent evolution and introducing feeble interactions between the two sectors in their Big Bang models, the scientists have opened up new avenues for understanding the universe's origins and development. </p>



<p>As experimental capabilities continue to advance, the questions posed by their models will find answers, bringing us closer to unraveling the ultimate mysteries of our cosmic existence. </p>



<p>This pursuit of knowledge represents the fundamental human quest to comprehend our place in the universe and the very reason for its existence.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://journals.aps.org/prd/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevD.108.115008" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Physical Review D</a></em>.</p>



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



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

Visible and dark matter evolved together after the big bang, claims a new study

For centuries, the vastness of the universe has captivated the...

Symphysodon,Discus,In,An,Aquarium,On,A,Green,Background

<p>The animal kingdom is replete with varied behaviors that define survival strategies and influence biodiversity. Among these, curiosity is a critical personality trait that impacts <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/species-survival-adapt-diets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animal adaptation</a> and survival. It compels animals such as cichlids to explore new areas within their habitats, diversifying their experiences and potentially their genetic makeup, although it also increases their vulnerability to predators.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-cichlids-and-biodiversity">Exploring cichlids and biodiversity </h2>



<p>Nestled in the heart of Africa, Lake Tanganyika functions as an exceptional natural laboratory for exploring the complexities of biodiversity. This expansive lake hosts a myriad of cichlid species, each distinguished by its unique shape, diet, habitat, and coloration. </p>



<p>The incredible range of these characteristics among cichlids enables them to adapt to different ecological roles within the lake’s ecosystem. By filling various niches, these fish effectively spread out across different environmental zones, which reduces direct competition for resources among them. </p>



<p>This adaptation not only helps maintain ecological balance but also fosters a rich diversity within the lake, making it an ideal subject for scientific study.</p>



<p>Recent research led by Professor Walter Salzburger from the <a href="https://www.unibas.ch/en.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Basel</a> focuses on these cichlids to understand how curiosity contributes to the emergence of new species.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cichlid-curiosity">Cichlid curiosity</h2>



<p>Dr. Carolin Sommer-Trembo, the lead author of the study, dedicated nine months to closely observing 57 different cichlid <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cichlid-fish-transform-their-shape-to-handle-environmental-changes/">species</a> along the southern shores of Lake Tanganyika. </p>



<p>She utilized large experimental ponds to examine the exploratory behavior of these cichlids, all of which were initially captured from the lake and subsequently returned to their natural habitat.</p>



<p>Upon returning to Basel, Sommer-Trembo analyzed video recordings to assess how each species adapted to these new environments. She identified significant variations in exploratory behavior that remained consistent even in controlled laboratory settings.</p>



<p>"Large differences in exploratory behavior were observed between the cichlid species," Sommer-Trembo noted, emphasizing a strong connection between behavior, habitat preference, and physical traits. </p>



<p>Notably, bulkier cichlids found closer to the shores exhibited greater curiosity compared to their more elongated counterparts in open waters.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-insights-into-cichlid-curiosity-and-biodiversity">Genetic insights into cichlid curiosity and biodiversity</h2>



<p>The research team took an innovative approach to explore the genetic foundations of these behaviors, developed in collaboration with Dr. Milan Malinsky of the <a href="https://www.unibe.ch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bern</a>. </p>



<p>They discovered a genetic variant strongly linked to curiosity, characterized by a specific "T" in the DNA sequence, which almost perfectly predicts increased exploratory behavior, while a "C" suggests less curiosity.</p>



<p>Using CRISPR-Cas9, a cutting-edge gene-editing technology, the researchers successfully induced mutations in this specific DNA region, thereby enhancing the cichlids' curiosity. </p>



<p>Additionally, they employed artificial intelligence to provide predictive insights into the exploratory behaviors of cichlid species that had not previously been studied.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-from-fish-to-humans">Broader implications: From fish to humans</h2>



<p>Interestingly, the genetic variant identified is located near the gene cacng5b, which is active in the brain and is also present in other vertebrates, including humans. </p>



<p>This gene is associated with neurological and psychiatric conditions, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorders.</p>



<p>"This puts the focus back on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/environmental-change-makes-animals-alter-their-behavior/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animal behavior</a> as a driving force behind key evolutionary processes," says Sommer-Trembo.</p>



<p>The implications of this research extend beyond the aquatic borders of Lake Tanganyika, suggesting potential insights into the biological foundations of personality traits in humans.</p>



<p>As the study of cichlids in Lake Tanganyika continues to reveal the intricate connections between genetics, behavior, evolution and biodiversity, it may also offer a glimpse into the mechanisms of human behavioral traits, potentially linking our own evolutionary story to those of the curious cichlids.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-cichlid-fish-beyond-their-curiosity">More about cichlid fish beyond their curiosity</h2>



<p>As discussed above, cichlid fish are a remarkably diverse group of freshwater fish, primarily found in tropical regions of Africa and Central and South America. </p>



<p>Their diversity is not just limited to their coloration and body shapes but extends to their behavior, reproductive strategies, and environmental adaptations, making them a favorite subject of study in evolutionary biology.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Origins and distribution</h3>



<p>Cichlids are most notably abundant in African lakes, with Lake Malawi, Lake Victoria, and Lake Tanganyika being the most famous for their cichlid populations. </p>



<p>Each of these lakes harbors hundreds of cichlid species, many of which are endemic - meaning they are found nowhere else on Earth. </p>



<p>Lake Tanganyika, in particular, is considered one of the oldest lakes in the world and hosts some of the most ancient cichlid lineages.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Morphological diversity</h3>



<p>The physical diversity of cichlids is astounding. They vary greatly in size, from just a few centimeters to over 30 centimeters in length. </p>



<p>Their bodies can be slim and elongated or short and stocky, adapted to different types of water flow and predation pressures. </p>



<p>The coloration of cichlids is equally varied and often plays a role in mating rituals; bright colors can attract mates or intimidate rivals.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Behavioral adaptations</h3>



<p>Cichlids exhibit a wide range of behaviors that have adapted to their environments. Some species are known for their complex mating dances and elaborate breeding behaviors, including mouthbrooding, where the female or even the male carries fertilized eggs in their mouths to protect them until they hatch. Others have developed unique feeding strategies like filter feeding, scraping algae, or cracking open shells.</p>



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



<p>Cichlids fill a wide array of ecological niches within their environments. Some are predators, eating smaller fish or invertebrates, while others may graze on algae or detritus on the lakebed. </p>



<p>This specialization helps to reduce direct competition for resources and is a driving force behind the speciation and high biodiversity observed in their habitats.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Conservation concerns</h3>



<p>Despite their adaptability, many cichlid species are threatened by environmental changes, including pollution, habitat loss, and the introduction of non-native species. </p>



<p>In Lake Victoria, for example, the introduction of the Nile perch in the 1950s led to the extinction or near-extinction of numerous cichlid species due to predation and competition.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Scientific importance beyond cichlid curiosity</h3>



<p>Cichlids are a key model group in studies of evolutionary biology, especially in understanding speciation, the process by which new species evolve. Their rapid rates of speciation and diverse adaptations make them ideal for studying genetic, ecological, and behavioral evolution.</p>



<p>Overall, cichlids not only contribute significantly to the biodiversity of their native habitats but also offer valuable insights into the evolutionary processes that drive the diversity of life on Earth.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adj9228" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a></em>.</p>



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

Animal curiosity boosts biodiversity in global ecosystems

The animal kingdom is replete with varied behaviors that define...

<p>Recent research sheds light on a significant health challenge in India: the increased risk of stunting associated with children living at higher <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/body-trouble-higher-altitudes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">altitudes</a>. </p>



<p>The study was focused on children residing 2,000 meters or more above sea level, who were found to have a 40% greater risk of stunted growth compared to their counterparts living below 1,000 meters.</p>



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



<p>Stunting, a chronic condition marked by inadequate height in children, reflects prolonged undernutrition during key developmental stages, primarily from conception to age two. This condition emerges not just from insufficient nutrient intake but also from factors like recurrent infections, particularly gastrointestinal ones, which impair nutrient absorption and increase nutrient losses. </p>



<p>Poor maternal nutrition before and during pregnancy significantly contributes to stunting, affecting fetal growth and increasing stunting risks in infants. Additionally, improper infant feeding practices - such as non-exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months and inappropriate timing and diversity of complementary foods - can exacerbate the situation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-stunting">Impact of stunting</h2>



<p>The consequences of stunting extend beyond height, adversely affecting cognitive development, which in turn impacts educational performance and future economic productivity. Moreover, stunted individuals face higher risks of developing chronic health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases later in life due to metabolic adaptations during undernourishment. </p>



<p>Addressing stunting requires multifaceted approaches, including improving maternal nutrition, advocating for exclusive breastfeeding, ensuring adequate nutritional intake during early childhood, and enhancing overall socioeconomic conditions. By implementing these strategies, communities and governments can mitigate the long-term impacts of stunting on individuals and societies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-altitudes-and-children-stunting">High altitudes and children stunting</h2>



<p>The researchers analyzed data from the 2015-16 National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4), which included a substantial sample of 167,555 children under the age of five from across India.</p>



<p>The majority of these children lived at altitudes less than 1,000 meters above sea level. However, a notable minority resided higher up, where they experienced significantly higher rates of stunting - chronic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cost-healthy-foods-malnutrition/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">malnutrition</a> that leads to reduced growth.</p>



<p>This vulnerability was particularly severe in rural areas, leading researchers to advocate for prioritized nutritional programs in the country’s mountainous regions.</p>



<p>Despite various national efforts to address malnutrition, stunting still affects over a third of young children in India, especially those between 18 and 59 months of age.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-altitude-effect-behind-children-stunting">Altitude effect behind children stunting</h2>



<p>The study highlighted several factors that influence stunting rates. Notably, maternal education significantly impacts these rates. Children of mothers without any schooling suffer higher rates of stunting compared to those whose mothers have higher educational achievements.</p>



<p>Moreover, aspects of antenatal care, including clinic visits, tetanus vaccinations, and supplements of iron and folic acid, serve as protective factors against stunting.</p>



<p>Children born later in birth order or those smaller at birth also showed higher stunting rates, illustrating the complex nature of malnutrition that goes beyond just <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/living-at-high-altitude-leads-to-longer-life-by-changing-metabolism/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">altitude</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overcoming-the-high-altitude-and-children-stunting-hurdle">Overcoming the high-altitude and children stunting hurdle</h2>



<p>The researchers suggest that high altitude directly challenges health by reducing appetite, restricting oxygen delivery to tissues, and limiting nutrient absorption.</p>



<p>Environmental hardships, such as lower crop yields and harsher climates, compound these physiological barriers, escalating food insecurity at higher elevations.</p>



<p>Additionally, the provision and access to healthcare become more problematic in these regions, further complicating the implementation of effective <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/childrens-health-benefits-of-city-life-are-diminishing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nutritional programs</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solutions-for-the-multifaceted-problem">Solutions for the multifaceted problem</h2>



<p>The study calls for a multipronged approach to combat stunting, recommending a blend of reproductive health initiatives, women's nutrition programs, infant and young child feeding interventions, and food security measures. It underscores the importance of ongoing research, monitoring, and evaluation to inform evidence-based policies and ensure targeted actions. </p>



<p>Professor Sumantra Ray from the <a href="https://www.nnedpro.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NNEdPro Global Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health</a> notes that although public health interventions in India have successfully tackled issues like iodine deficiency, understanding the complexities of malnutrition deeper requires examining its various determinants - heredity, environment, lifestyle, and socioeconomic factors.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-above-stunting">Rising above stunting</h2>



<p>This study not only identifies the heightened risk of stunting among children living at higher altitudes but also serves as a critical reminder of the broader impacts of geographic and socioeconomic factors on health. </p>



<p>By tailoring health and nutrition strategies to the needs of vulnerable populations in challenging environments, India can make significant strides toward ensuring all children have the opportunity to achieve healthy <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-eggs-increases-growth-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">growth</a> and development.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><em><a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjnph-2024-000895" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BMJ Nutrition Prevention &amp; Health</a></em></em>.</p>



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



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

Living at high altitudes increases stunting in children

Recent research sheds light on a significant health challenge in...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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<p>—–</p>

Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>

Social modeling affects our food choices

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists discover we age in bursts

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists solve the mystery of tickling

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>



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



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

Retired professor claims he solved time travel

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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