<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>In certain corners of the world where climate catastrophes strike with alarming regularity, the impact on marginalized communities can transform their perception of daily life. A recent study from the <a href="https://www.ku.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Kansas</a> has shed light on the impact of frequent exposure to severe weather conditions. This exposure has led to the formation of what could be termed a "disaster subculture" in a poverty-stricken neighborhood in Seoul, South Korea.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disaster-subculture-helps-to-normalize-hardship">Disaster subculture helps to normalize hardship</h2>



<p>A disaster subculture refers to a set of shared attitudes, behaviors, and practices that develop among a group of people frequently exposed to natural disasters. This concept is often observed in communities that regularly experience events like hurricanes, floods, or earthquakes. </p>



<p>These communities adapt to their challenging circumstances by developing unique coping mechanisms, knowledge, and survival strategies that are transmitted across generations, helping them manage the psychological and physical impacts of living in high-risk environments. </p>



<p>Essentially, the disaster subculture helps residents normalize and endure their hazardous conditions, often leading to a resigned acceptance of their situation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disaster-subculture-in-seoul-s-jjokbang-chon">Disaster subculture in Seoul's Jjokbang-chon</h2>



<p>Residents of Jjokbang-chon, a district marked by extreme <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/india-poverty-is-key-source-of-global-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">poverty</a>, endure the harsh realities of climate change from the confines of cramped, 70-square-foot living spaces. Throughout a year of immersive ethnographic research, Joonmo Kang, an assistant professor of social welfare, delved deep into the lives of these individuals to understand disaster subculture. </p>



<p>Kang discovered that many residents have become so accustomed to severe weather that it shapes their entire outlook on life. The study uncovers a poignant narrative of indifference and acceptance among the residents. Despite living in conditions that many would find unbearable, they often express a fatalistic acceptance of their situation. </p>



<p> "All year around, all four seasons are filled with distress; every day is a disaster… the weather doesn't matter," stated one of the residents.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-in-social-work-and-climate-justice">Challenges in social work and climate justice</h2>



<p>The implications of this study related to disaster subculture are profound for social work and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ipcc-climate-action-urgently-needed-to-end-human-suffering/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate justice</a>. "This research focused on how people make meaning of extreme weather. The findings revealed they developed a ‘disaster subculture'… It is what it is,” Kang noted. </p>



<p>This acceptance and normalization of hardship reflect a significant challenge in addressing the needs of these communities. A community organizer working with the residents offered insight into their mindset, suggesting that the residents' acceptance might also be an expression of their efforts to cope. </p>



<p>"It might also be their way of telling us, ‘I am trying my best to adjust,’ and at the same time even though they have a desire to get out of here, they might just be saying that because they don't have the resources or the means to turn things around," the organizer explained.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-disaster-subculture">Understanding disaster subculture </h2>



<p>Understanding these lived experiences is crucial for social work professionals who aim to serve <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hurricane-related-deaths-on-the-rise-especially-in-vulnerable-communities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vulnerable populations</a> effectively. Kang’s research emphasizes the need to address the root causes of such living conditions and to listen closely to those directly affected. </p>



<p>Kang draws an analogy with the boiling frog metaphor, suggesting that unlike the frog, people in these extreme conditions offer valuable insights into potential solutions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advocating-for-marginalized-communities">Advocating for marginalized communities </h2>



<p>Kang plans to further explore how to empower and advocate for marginalized <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/poor-communities-on-river-deltas-will-be-hit-hard-by-coastal-flooding/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">communities</a> in addressing the daily impacts of climate change. “The folks who live these experiences know best. They have agency, and we need to listen to them."</p>



<p>His approach suggests a shift towards a more inclusive and responsive strategy in social work and climate justice, emphasizing the importance of listening and responding to the needs and desires of those most affected.</p>



<p>In conclusion, this study not only highlights the resilience and adaptability of marginalized populations in the face of environmental extremes but also calls for a reevaluation of how social agencies engage with and support these communities. </p>



<p>By acknowledging the distress and suffering of the disaster subculture in Jjokbang-chon, we must recognize an urgent need to address the broader implications of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-increases-poverty-in-asia-pacific-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> on a deeply personal level.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ijsw.12650" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Journal of Social Welfare</a></em>.</p>



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'Disaster subculture' helps people cope on the frontline of the climate crisis

In certain corners of the world where climate catastrophes strike...

<p>Dust emissions in Central Asia have surged as the Aral Sea continues its dramatic decline. Once the world's fourth-largest lake covering an expansive 68,000 square kilometers, the Aral Sea has drastically diminished since the 1960s.</p>



<p>Originally, the lake was fed by the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers, drawing their waters from the mountain ranges of Pamir and Tian Shan. It thrived until unsustainable agricultural practices in the mid-20th century began to divert its essential water sources. </p>



<p>This transition ultimately transformed the once vast lake into the Aralkum Desert, a major source of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/atmospheric-dust-plays-surprisingly-crucial-role-in-stabilizing-ocean-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmospheric dust</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-dust-from-the-aral-sea">Rising dust from the Aral Sea</h2>



<p>Recent research highlights a troubling trend: over the last three decades, Central Asia has become 7% dustier. This increase corresponds with a near doubling of dust emissions, escalating from 14 million tons in 1984 to 27 million tons by 2015.</p>



<p>The study, conducted by a team from the <a href="https://www.tropos.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research</a> and the <a href="https://www.fu-berlin.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Free University of Berlin</a>, suggests that these figures are likely underestimated. Traditional satellite observations often fail to detect two-thirds of dust emissions, as they frequently occur under cloudy conditions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-far-reaching-effects-of-increased-dust-emissions">Far-reaching effects of increased dust emissions</h2>



<p>The widespread effects of increased dust emissions from the Aralkum Desert are significant and have consequences across Central Asia. The fine dust particles released into the atmosphere pose serious health hazards to local populations such as respiratory issues and cardiovascular problems. </p>



<p>This degradation of air quality isn't confined to areas close to the desert; it extends to urban centers like the capitals of Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, which are notably far from the source.</p>



<p>The dust has environmental impacts beyond just air quality. It lands on glaciers, darkening their surfaces which leads to faster absorption of sunlight. This accelerates the melting process, contributing to a quicker reduction in glacier volumes.</p>



<p>As these glaciers are crucial water sources for the region, their melting intensifies the existing water scarcity issues, affecting agriculture, drinking water supplies, and the overall ecological balance in the area.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aral-sea-dust-dynamics">Aral Sea dust dynamics </h2>



<p>To better understand these phenomena, the researchers utilized the COSMO-MUSCAT atmospheric dust model to simulate emissions and their effects. One of the challenges they faced was the lack of comprehensive data on the soil and surface characteristics of the Aralkum Desert. </p>



<p>Another challenge involved varying wind patterns, which influence the distribution and intensity of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sahara-desert-dust-storms-carry-harmful-bacteria-and-fungi-around-the-globe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dust storms</a>. Westerly winds tend to dominate this dust storm activity. The researchers noted that as the Arctic warms, westerly wind currents could become even more frequent in winter, with consequences for people east of the desert.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-radiative-effects-of-dust-over-aral-sea">Radiative effects of dust over Aral Sea</h2>



<p>"Looking at the changes between the past and the present, the near doubling of dust emissions over the Aral Sea/Aralkum region has led to an increase in both radiative cooling and heating at the surface and in the atmosphere," said lead researcher Dr. Jamie Banks.</p>



<p>These phenomena do not persist year-round but occur in episodes, profoundly influencing the seasonal climate dynamics. </p>



<p>"Aralkum dust increases the air pressure at ground level in the Aral region, altering large-scale weather patterns," noted Dr. Banks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-central-asian-dust-conference">Central Asian dust conference</h2>



<p>The findings were presented at the Second Central Asian Dust Conference in Nukus, Uzbekistan, near the former Aral Sea shores. As the research continues, the scientific community aims to refine these models and deepen our understanding of dust's climatic impacts. </p>



<p>The establishment of the "OLALA" research group at TROPOS focuses on enhancing the remote sensing of mineral dust, a crucial step for global climate monitoring.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-environmental-management">Global environmental management</h2>



<p>This case study of the Aral Sea underscores the broader environmental challenges faced by regions around the world, where desertification and degradation pose immediate threats to ecosystems and human health.</p>



<p>The situation in Central Asia highlights the complex and delicate interplay between human activities and the health of our planet. The ongoing expansion of the Aralkum Desert, which is directly linked to previous unsustainable agricultural practices and water management, underscores how human interventions can lead to severe ecological consequences. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-cautionary-tale">A cautionary tale </h2>



<p>The increasing dust emissions from the Aralkum Desert are not just a local problem; they represent a broader environmental signal warning us of the critical need for sustainable practices.</p>



<p>As the desert grows and its dust impacts air quality, human health, and even climate patterns far beyond its immediate surroundings, it serves as a powerful cautionary tale. Without adopting and enforcing better practices, similar ecological and health crises could unfold in other parts of the world. </p>



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Aral Sea dust emissions have doubled, with major climate impacts

Dust emissions in Central Asia have surged as the Aral...

<p>Rivers serve as vital lifelines across the planet, sustaining ecosystems, human populations, and economic activity. Understanding their dynamics, including the amount of water that is stored and discharged by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/river-deltas-are-threatened-by-human-activities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rivers</a>, is essential for effective freshwater resource management. </p>



<p>A recent <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>-led study provides novel insights into these dynamics, highlighting regions experiencing significant water stress.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-river-water-storage-amount">River water storage amount</h2>



<p>Historically, obtaining accurate and reliable estimates of the total volume of water stored in rivers worldwide has posed significant challenges due to limitations in measurement techniques and data availability. </p>



<p>The recent research conducted by NASA has made significant strides in addressing this issue. By employing a combination of advanced computational models and extensive stream-gauge measurements, the study estimates that Earth's rivers collectively hold about 539 cubic miles (2,246 cubic kilometers) of water. </p>



<p>The volume of water in rivers, although small, is significantly important. It represents a fraction of the total freshwater resources, which are only 2.5% of Earth's water. Yet, this amount is essential for management of the global water cycle.</p>



<p>River water supports ecosystems, agriculture, and human populations extensively. Its impact is much greater than its volume implies. This knowledge is crucial for those managing water resources.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-millions-of-river-segment-simulations">Millions of river segment simulations</h2>



<p>The research team integrated traditional stream-gauge measurements with advanced hydrological computer simulations. This method involved analyzing approximately 3 million river segments across the globe, representing a comprehensive effort to map <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/mahakam-river-in-east-kalimantan-indonesia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">river</a> dynamics more accurately than ever before.</p>



<p>The researchers observed important discrepancies between the runoff simulated by their hydrological models and the actual data from stream gauges. These differences highlighted the need for adjustments in their computational models to more accurately mirror real-world conditions. By addressing and reconciling these discrepancies, the researchers refined their models to improve calculations of river water volumes. </p>



<p>The ability to calculate both storage and discharge with greater precision is vital for understanding the balance of water within river systems, assessing the sustainability of water use, and planning for future water management strategies under changing climatic conditions. </p>



<p>This innovative blend of empirical measurement and simulation represents a major step forward in hydrological science, providing a clearer picture of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/river-respiration-is-a-lot-like-breathing-in-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">riverine</a> water dynamics that are essential for both science and policy-making.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-amazon-s-river-water-storage-amount">Amazon's river water storage amount</h2>



<p>The Amazon River basin has been highlighted as a particularly significant area in the recent study, demonstrating its substantial role within the global hydrological system. </p>



<p>This vast basin, which is the largest river system in the world by volume, was found to contain approximately 38% of the world's total river water storage. This significant figure not only illustrates the sheer volume of water that the Amazon holds but also emphasizes its crucial role in maintaining global water balance.</p>



<p>Furthermore, the study found that the Amazon basin accounts for 18% of the total river discharge into the world's oceans. This high percentage of discharge reflects the Amazon's pivotal function in transporting freshwater from land to sea, influencing oceanic salinity, currents, and ultimately global climate patterns.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-areas-of-water-stress">Areas of water stress</h2>



<p>"These are locations where we’re seeing fingerprints of water management,” said lead author Elyssa Collins, who conducted the analysis as a <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JPL</a> intern and doctoral student at North Carolina State University in Raleigh.</p>



<p>The study pinpoints regions where intensive human water use results in reduced river discharge. Notable areas include the Colorado, Amazon, Orange, and Murray-Darling river basins. This analysis identifies potential hotspots where careful water resource management is paramount.</p>



<p>"We don't know how much water is in the account, and population growth and climate change are further complicating matters," said JPL’s Cédric David, a co-author of the study. "There are many things we can do to manage how we’re using it and make sure there is enough water for everyone, but the first question is: How much water is there? That’s fundamental to everything else.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-remote-sensing-for-river-monitoring">Remote sensing for river monitoring</h2>



<p>The recent launch of NASA's Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite offers valuable new data for water resource monitoring. SWOT's ability to map global surface water elevations, including river heights, complements the findings of this study, enhancing potential for refined analysis and informed management decisions.</p>



<p>This comprehensive study advances our understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-new-insights-into-the-dynamics-of-meandering-rivers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">river</a> water dynamics and pinpoints regions facing increasing amounts of water scarcity. These insights emphasize the need for proactive freshwater resource management strategies to ensure the continued health of these vital systems and the communities they sustain.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-024-01421-5"><em>Nature Geoscience</em></a>.</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA</p>



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What amount of water do Earth's rivers hold?

Rivers serve as vital lifelines across the planet, sustaining ecosystems,...

<p>Scientists at the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a> have made a significant breakthrough in understanding how certain viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, spread through the air. The findings reveal that carbon dioxide (CO2) levels play a critical role in the lifespan and transmission of airborne <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/could-a-new-virus-put-an-end-to-the-global-amphibian-pandemic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">viruses</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-co2-increases-virus-lifespan">CO2 increases virus lifespan</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/viruses-can-either-help-or-harm-their-hosts-immune-systems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Viruses</a> are known to spread through tiny droplets expelled when we breathe, sneeze, or cough. These droplets carry viruses from one person to another through the air. However, recent research explores how the chemical makeup of droplets influences the lifespan of a virus.</p>



<p>Under normal circumstances, the fluid in these droplets is slightly alkaline. This alkalinity works against virus survival, deactivating viruses gradually like a microscopic defense mechanism.</p>



<p>The study introduces a critical variable: CO2. When CO2 is present in the air, it interacts with the moisture in the droplets, acting like a mild acid. This interaction is crucial because it decreases the natural alkalinity of the droplets by making them less alkaline.</p>



<p>In environments with high CO2 levels, like poorly ventilated rooms or crowded spaces, the acidity in droplets increases. This disrupts their natural self-cleaning process. </p>



<p>By reducing alkalinity, CO2 creates more favorable conditions for viruses. This allows them to stay infectious longer. The extended virus lifespan increases the chances that more people will be infected. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-the-co2-virus-connection">Significance of the CO2-virus connection</h2>



<p>This research provides valuable insights into how and why viruses are transmitted more effectively in certain environments, highlighting the following key points:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crowded-poorly-ventilated-spaces">Crowded, poorly ventilated spaces</h3>



<p>These areas are often found in public transport, offices, or indoor events. They tend to have high CO2 levels because many people breathe in close proximity. The study suggests that high CO2 levels decrease the natural alkalinity of respiratory droplets and prolong the life of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-19-virus-lingers-body-two-years-after-infection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">viruses</a> within them. </p>



<p>This chemical shift likely leads to higher virus transmission rates. Crowded spaces that are poorly ventilated are known hotspots for spreading diseases.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ventilation">Ventilation </h3>



<p>Fresh air has always been considered beneficial for respiratory health, but this study quantifies just how crucial good ventilation is in controlling virus spread. By introducing outdoor air, we can effectively dilute the concentrations of both CO2 and airborne viruses indoors. </p>



<p>This reduces the overall viral load and speeds up virus deactivation. Improving ventilation or opening windows enhances public health safety in crowded spaces.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change">Climate change</h3>



<p>The broader environmental context of this research cannot be ignored. As global CO2 levels continue to rise due to human activities like burning fossil fuels and deforestation, the implications for public health could be profound. </p>



<p>Increased atmospheric CO2 could mean that even outdoor environments might someday mimic the less alkaline conditions typically found in crowded, poorly ventilated indoor spaces. </p>



<p>This could increase the stability and transmissibility of respiratory viruses worldwide. It highlights a dire need for robust public health strategies to address both environmental and health policy challenges. This approach is crucial to mitigate the risks of future pandemics.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-of-co2-virus-connection">Implications of CO2-virus connection</h2>



<p>The study has far-reaching implications for public health measures to help prevent airborne <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deadly-virus-threatens-global-chocolate-supply/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">virus</a> transmission. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enhanced-ventilation">Enhanced ventilation</h3>



<p>Indoor air quality emerges as a pivotal factor in mitigating the transmission of viruses. Enhancing ventilation is essential, particularly in shared and frequently occupied spaces such as offices, schools, and public transportation. This can be achieved through several methods:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Natural ventilation:</strong> Simply opening windows can significantly improve air exchange and reduce CO2 levels, making this one of the most accessible methods.</li>



<li><strong>Mechanical ventilation:</strong> Upgrading HVAC systems to ensure they are not only circulating air but effectively replacing it with fresh air from outside.</li>



<li><strong>Air filtration systems:</strong> Implementing HEPA filters or other air purification technologies can help remove viral particles from the air, complementing the dilution of CO2.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monitoring-co2-levels">Monitoring CO2 levels</h3>



<p>Monitoring CO2 levels in indoor environments provides a practical way to assess air quality in real-time. High CO2 levels often indicate inadequate ventilation, signaling a higher risk for prolonged virus transmission in these spaces. </p>



<p>Therefore, CO2 monitors can serve as an early warning system, prompting necessary adjustments to ventilation practices, particularly in crowded or enclosed areas like conference halls and classrooms.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-continued-importance-of-masking">Continued importance of masking </h3>



<p>Physical barriers such as masks remain crucial in controlling the spread of respiratory <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/viruses-have-eyes-and-ears-on-their-hosts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">viruses</a>. Masks effectively block a significant portion of respiratory droplets from being inhaled or expelled, thereby reducing the overall risk of virus transmission. </p>



<p>This protective measure is particularly important in settings where ventilation improvements are impractical or insufficient.</p>



<p>While the research is ongoing, the findings from this study contribute to a new understanding of airborne virus lifespan and transmission in the face of rising CO2 levels.</p>



<p>"We are now gaining a much more complete picture of the role exhaled respiratory aerosols play in transporting infectious viruses between people and the mechanisms that control their survival," said co-author Professor Jonathan Reid.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-47777-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a></em>.</p>



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Virus lifespan and transmission boosted by high CO2 levels

Scientists at the University of Bristol have made a significant...

<p>In today's fast-paced world, finding time for exercise can be challenging. However, a recent study presented at the <a href="https://www.escardio.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESC</a> Preventive Cardiology 2024 congress in Athens reveals a simple way to boost your heart health and longevity: <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climbing-stairs-can-slash-your-heart-disease-risk-by-20-percent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stair</a> climbing.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stair-climbing-and-overall-health">Stair climbing and overall health</h2>



<p>"If you have the choice of taking the stairs or the lift, go for the stairs as it will help your heart,” noted study author Dr. Sophie Paddock of the University of East Anglia.</p>



<p>Dr. Paddock and her team took a rigorous scientific approach to examine the heart and health benefits of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climbing-stairs-is-a-simple-way-to-test-heart-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stair</a> climbing. They conducted a meta-analysis, a statistical process that combines the results of multiple studies to identify patterns and draw more robust conclusions. </p>



<p>This methodology is particularly valuable in health sciences as it increases the reliability of the findings by broadening the base of data considered.</p>



<p>For their analysis, Dr. Paddock’s team selected studies that collectively involved almost half a million people, spanning various demographics and health backgrounds. This large sample size not only lends credibility to the findings but also ensures that the results are applicable to a diverse population. </p>



<p>The study participants included in the meta-analysis varied in terms of age, ranging from 35 to 84 years. The research also included data from individuals who had previous cardiovascular events.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stair-climbing-and-heart-health">Stair climbing and heart health</h2>



<p>The analysis revealed that individuals who regularly engage in stair climbing had a 24% decreased risk of mortality from any cause when compared to those who predominantly use elevators or escalators. This statistic is particularly compelling, suggesting that even moderate, low-intensity physical activity like stair climbing can have a significant impact on overall longevity.</p>



<p>The benefits of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/every-move-counts-even-minimal-activity-can-boost-heart-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stair</a> climbing extended specifically to heart health, with a 39% reduced risk of death from cardiovascular diseases. This figure highlights the potential of stair climbing to significantly bolster heart health and prevent fatal heart conditions.</p>



<p>Dr. Paddock and her team concluded that promoting stair climbing as a form of daily exercise could be a simple, cost-effective public health measure with the potential to improve heart and health outcomes on a large scale. </p>



<p>This study not only reinforces the importance of physical activity for maintaining cardiovascular health but also emphasizes the accessibility of stair climbing as a practical and effective way to incorporate exercise into daily life.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-benefits-of-stair-climbing">Health benefits of stair climbing </h2>



<p>Consider stair climbing as a "stealth workout." As you navigate your daily tasks, you simultaneously provide your heart and lungs with a brief, yet intense, fitness boost with stair climbing.</p>



<p>This activity demands more from your muscles and encourages deeper breathing - factors that collectively strengthen your body gradually. Regular physical activity is crucial for maintaining good health, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/energy-recycling-stairs-climbing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stair</a> climbing presents a cost-effective, readily accessible method to incorporate exercise seamlessly into your daily life.</p>



<p>"Even brief bursts of physical activity have beneficial health impacts, and short bouts of stair climbing should be an achievable target to integrate into daily routines,” noted Dr. Paddock.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stair-climbing-in-everyday-life">Stair climbing in everyday life</h2>



<p>Here are practical tips to effectively incorporate stair climbing into your daily routine and enhance your heart and overall health:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-start-small">Start small</h3>



<p>You don’t need to overhaul your routine overnight. Begin by incorporating one or two flights of stairs into your daily activities. As this becomes a more comfortable part of your day, gradually increase the number of flights. This approach helps build endurance and strength without overwhelming you, making the habit more likely to stick.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-build-it-into-your-day">Build it into your day </h3>



<p>Look for opportunities to choose the stairs over elevators or escalators. This could be at work, in apartment buildings, at shopping centers, or even during your commute. </p>



<p>The key is to integrate this activity seamlessly into your day so that it doesn’t feel like a chore but rather a natural part of your life. Making <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/need-pick-climbing-stairs-beat-caffeine/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stair</a> climbing a default decision whenever possible maximizes your physical activity without requiring extra time.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenge-yourself">Challenge yourself</h3>



<p>To keep the activity engaging, set challenges for yourself. You might time how long it takes you to climb a certain number of flights and try to beat your time with each attempt. </p>



<p>Alternatively, use a fitness app that tracks the number of steps or floors climbed and set daily or weekly goals. These challenges can provide a sense of achievement and progression, making the exercise more rewarding and motivating.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-celebrate-every-step">Celebrate every step</h3>



<p>Change your perspective on stair climbing from being just another exercise to an act of self-care. Each step you take isn’t just physical exertion - it's an investment in your long-term health and vitality. </p>



<p>Celebrate your commitment to better health with each flight you climb. This positive mindset can make the experience more enjoyable and less of a duty, helping you maintain this beneficial habit over the long term.</p>



<p>Stair climbing not only improves your physical health but also enhances your overall well-being by embedding an empowering, sustainable practice into your everyday life.</p>



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Stair climbing linked to a 24-percent lower risk of mortality

In today's fast-paced world, finding time for exercise can be...

<p>A landmark scientific investigation has revealed a shocking truth: a select group of multinational companies are the primary contributors behind the global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/9936-chemicals-found-in-plastic-products-used-for-food-packaging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic</a> waste crisis. This study lays bare the need for urgent corporate action on plastic reduction and waste management.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consequences-of-plastic-waste">Consequences of plastic waste</h2>



<p>Plastic pollution represents a severe and escalating threat to the health of our planet. It not only mars the natural beauty of our coastal regions, creating sprawling and unsightly waste areas along our beaches, but also necessitates expensive and extensive cleanup operations. When left unchecked, plastic waste can transform vibrant beach landscapes into litter-strewn environments.</p>



<p>Further complicating the issue, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-win-the-battle-of-planet-vs-plastic-drastic-changes-are-needed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic</a> pollution severely impacts our aquatic systems. It clogs rivers, lakes, and streams, hindering the free movement of water and thereby increasing the risk of flooding. This obstruction also complicates navigation, making waterways less safe and efficient for transportation. </p>



<p>More critically, the accumulation of plastics in these waters chokes marine ecosystems, trapping and killing aquatic life, and disrupting the balance of these habitats.</p>



<p>The consequences of plastic pollution extend into our food supply as well. Tiny particles of plastic, known as microplastics, have infiltrated marine life, entering the food chain through fish and shellfish. </p>



<p>There is growing concern that microplastics might also be making their way into agricultural produce through contaminated soils and water used in farming. This introduces a direct pathway for plastics to enter human bodies, with potential health implications that are not yet fully understood.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-origins-of-plastic">Understanding the origins of plastic </h2>



<p>Addressing this crisis demands a thorough understanding of its origins. Recognizing where and how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-pollution-kills-ocean-embryos-during-development/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic</a> pollution starts enables us to tackle the problem more effectively, targeting the sources and mechanisms through which plastics are entering and harming our ecosystems. </p>



<p>By tracing plastic pollution back to its roots, we can implement strategic interventions to prevent its escalation and mitigate its impacts on our environment and health.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-waste-contributors">Plastic waste contributors</h2>



<p>Thanks to a global citizen science initiative, researchers have meticulously tracked the sources of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/4200-harmful-plastic-chemicals-hidden-in-everyday-objects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic</a> waste. This project harnessed the power of public participation, with volunteers in 84 countries conducting over 1,500 "brand audits" between 2018 and 2022. </p>



<p>The dedicated individuals collected over 1.8 million pieces of plastic pollution, meticulously documenting the brands of each item. This unprecedented data set offered a unique window into the corporate origins of plastic pollution, allowing researchers to link specific waste items back to their source producers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-major-polluters-from-plastic-waste-contributors">Major polluters from plastic waste contributors</h2>



<p>The study's findings were staggering, illustrating a disturbing concentration of power within the plastic waste crisis. A mere handful of major companies shoulder responsibility for a massive portion of the world's plastic waste. </p>



<p>The Coca-Cola Company leads with a staggering 11 percent of identified branded plastic pollution, closely followed by PepsiCo at 5 percent. Nestlé, Danone, and Altria also bear significant responsibility, contributing 2-3 percent each. </p>



<p>Astonishingly, only five corporations generated almost a quarter (24%) of the branded plastic pollution detected globally. The lack of labeling on much of the remaining trash suggests that the true impact of these corporate giants is likely even larger.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-single-use-packaging">Single-use packaging</h2>



<p>“The companies above the trend line were typically food and beverage companies, while the companies below the trend line were mostly household and retail companies,” noted the study authors, led by Dr. Win Cowger. </p>



<p>A clear trend emerged: companies specializing in single-use, disposable packaging and "on-the-go" products are the primary drivers of plastic pollution. The study reveals a strong connection between a product's intended lifespan and the likelihood that it becomes pollution. </p>



<p>Short-lived, single-use items are designed for rapid disposal, overwhelming waste management systems and polluting the environment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-call-for-corporate-action">The call for corporate action</h2>



<p>Reduced plastic production is the primary solution to curb plastic pollution. The responsibility now rests with major corporations to drastically overhaul their production and packaging methods to address this issue effectively. Here's what this transformation entails:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-phasing-out-single-use-plastics">Phasing out single-use plastics</h3>



<p>It's essential for companies to move away from disposable plastic items. They should focus on enhancing reusable product delivery systems and investing in the creation of innovative packaging solutions that do not rely on plastics. This shift not only reduces waste but also encourages a move towards more sustainable consumption patterns.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transparency-and-accountability">Transparency and accountability</h3>



<p>Companies must implement clear labeling and robust reporting systems to accurately track and report their plastic production and disposal methods. This transparency is vital for monitoring progress and ensuring that corporations are held accountable for their environmental impact. </p>



<p>Effective tracking and reporting enable stakeholders, including consumers and regulatory bodies, to verify that companies are actively reducing their plastic output and contributing to a more sustainable future.</p>



<p>While individuals play a role in plastic reduction, the study highlights that without systemic corporate change, this crisis will continue. The time for incremental adjustments has passed. The major plastic waste contributors behind the world's insatiable plastic habit must lead the way to a cleaner future.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adj8275" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a></em>.</p>



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Coca-Cola, Pepsi among top contributors to plastic waste

A landmark scientific investigation has revealed a shocking truth: a...

<p>ESA's Mars Express has captured a fascinating image of the southern polar region of Mars, revealing a landscape covered with "ice spiders" and dotted with dark spots and intricate patterns. </p>



<p>These features are not actual living creatures, but rather the result of a unique natural phenomenon that occurs during the Martian springtime.</p>



<p>These <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Angustus-Labyrinthus-Mars_Inca-city_perspective_mars-express_esa_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">small, dark shapes</a> form when spring sunshine falls on layers of carbon dioxide deposited over the dark winter months. </p>



<p>The sunlight causes carbon dioxide ice at the bottom of the layer to turn into gas, which subsequently builds up and breaks through slabs of overlying ice.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-martian-ice-spiders-form-on-the-surface">How Martian 'ice spiders' form on the surface</h2>



<p>The process of the "ice spiders" formations on Mars is a fascinating one. As the carbon dioxide gas builds up beneath the ice, it eventually bursts free, dragging dark material up to the surface as it goes. </p>



<p>This gas, laden with dark dust, shoots up through cracks in the ice in the form of tall fountains or geysers, before falling back down and settling on the surface.</p>



<p>The gas bursts free in Martian springtime, dragging dark material up to the surface as it goes and shattering layers of ice up to a meter thick. </p>



<p>This creates dark spots of between 45 m and 1 km across. This same process creates characteristic 'spider-shaped' patterns etched beneath the ice, giving rise to the spooky story that Mars "ice spiders" may be lurking below.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-from-exomars-trace-gas-orbiter">Insights from ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter</h2>



<p>In addition to the Mars Express imagery, another ESA Mars explorer, the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter (<a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/Exploration/ExoMars" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TGO</a>), also captured images of the Mars "ice spiders" patterns. </p>



<p>The TGO images <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Angustus-Labyrinthus-Mars_Inca-city_ice-spiders_mars-express_esa_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reveal the tendril-like patterns</a> especially clearly, lying near but outside the region shown in the new Mars Express image.</p>



<p>The Mars Express view shows the <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Angustus-Labyrinthus-Mars_Inca-city_perspective-view_mars-express_esa_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dark spots on the surface</a> formed by escaping gas and material, while the TGO perspective also captures the spidery, web-like channels that are carved into the ice below.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-angustus-labyrinthus-also-known-as-inca-city">Angustus Labyrinthus -- also known as Inca City</h2>



<p>The dark spots captured by <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Mars_Express" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars Express</a> can be seen all over the image, creeping across towering hills and expansive plateaus. However, most can be seen as small spots in the dark region to the left, which sits just at the outskirts of a part of Mars nicknamed Inca City.</p>



<p>The reason for this name is no mystery, with the linear, almost geometric network of ridges being reminiscent of Inca ruins. More formally known as <a href="https://www.esa.int/var/esa/storage/images/esa_multimedia/images/2024/04/topography_of_angustus_labyrinthus/26050842-1-eng-GB/Topography_of_Angustus_Labyrinthus.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Angustus Labyrinthus</a>, Inca City was discovered in 1972 by NASA's <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/mariner-9/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mariner 9 probe</a>.</p>



<p>Scientists still aren't sure exactly how Inca City formed. They surmise that sand dunes could have turned to stone over time. </p>



<p>Perhaps material such as magma or sand is seeping through fractured sheets of Martian rock. Or, the ridges could be '<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esker" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eskers</a>', which are winding structures related to glaciers."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-landscape-shaped-by-time-and-nature">Landscape shaped by time and nature</h2>



<p>The landscape of the southern polar region of Mars is one that has been shaped by time and the forces of nature. </p>



<p>Towards the <a href="https://www.esa.int/var/esa/storage/images/esa_multimedia/images/2024/04/mars_express_sees_traces_of_spiders_in_mars_s_inca_city/26050582-1-eng-GB/Mars_Express_sees_traces_of_spiders_in_Mars_s_Inca_City.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">middle section of the image</a>, the landscape changes somewhat, with large roundish and oval swirls creating an effect reminiscent of marble. This effect is thought to occur when layered deposits are worn away over time.</p>



<p>To the right-center of the frame lie a few prominent steep-flanked, flat-topped mounds and hills that rise up for more than 1500 m above the surrounding terrain. </p>



<p>These form as softer material is eroded over time by flows of wind, water or ice, leaving behind the harder material that forms these hills.</p>



<p>The ground towards the right (north) becomes increasingly covered in smooth, light-colored dust. Some signs of the Mars "ice spiders" can be seen scattered across the plateaus here, lurking amongst various canyons and troughs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ice-spiders-inca-city-and-the-never-ending-wonders-of-mars">Ice spiders, Inca City, and the never-ending wonders of Mars</h2>



<p>As ESA's Mars Express and ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter continue to explore the intriguing landscape of Mars, they reveal the Red Planet's dynamic and complex nature. </p>



<p>The discovery of the mysterious Mars "ice spiders" in the southern polar region, the enigmatic Inca City, and the evolving terrain shaped by erosion and time demonstrate the importance of ongoing Mars exploration. </p>



<p>These findings captivate our imagination and provide valuable insights into the geological processes and history of our neighboring planet. With each new observation, we take a step closer to unraveling the secrets of Mars and understanding its place in the cosmic puzzle.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the <em><a href="https://journals.aas.org/planetary-science-journal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Planetary Science</a>.</em></p>



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Mars Express finds "ice spiders" on the surface of Inca City

ESA's Mars Express has captured a fascinating image of the...

<p>Snow isn't just the pristine, fluffy blanket that covers our winterscapes; it's a dynamic and multifaceted element of nature. </p>



<p>At first glance, describing snow seems straightforward - it's cold, white, and ubiquitous in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-winters-are-getting-colder-while-world-is-getting-warmer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">winter</a> landscapes. </p>



<p>However, beneath its simple appearance lies a complex nature that has recently attracted significant scientific attention.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-deep-dive-into-the-complexity-of-snow">A deep dive into the complexity of snow</h2>



<p>A recent doctoral thesis defended at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (<a href="https://www.ntnu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NTNU</a>) in Gjøvik delves deep into the optical properties of snow. </p>



<p>The researcher, Mathieu Nguyen, has conducted an extensive study analyzing over a thousand images of snow to understand how it interacts with light.</p>



<p>Nguyen explained: "Snow reflects all wavelengths of light and can appear very different depending on the conditions and the angle at which light hits it. The age and density of the snow and air pollution also affect what it looks like. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/changes-humidity-snowmelt-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Snow’s appearance</a> is a very complicated matter."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-science-of-sparkling-snow">The science of sparkling snow</h2>



<p>One of Nguyen's primary interests has been how snow absorbs and reflects sunlight, causing the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-science-of-snowflakes-and-their-astonishingly-predictable-movement/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">snow crystals</a> to sparkle spectacularly on sunny days. </p>



<p>These crystals act like tiny mirrors, reflecting sunlight directly at viewers and creating a "spark" effect in the landscape. This phenomenon is not only beautiful but also potentially very useful.</p>



<p>"Understanding how snow sparkles can help us in many practical ways, from improving road clearance decisions to enhancing <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/traces-of-a-glacier-avalanche/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">avalanche</a> monitoring in mountainous regions," said Nguyen.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-potential-for-future-technologies">The potential for future technologies</h2>



<p>The implications of Nguyen's research are broad. He believes that this understanding could be crucial for the development of sensor technologies, especially in countries like Norway, where snow is a significant part of the landscape. </p>



<p>Such technologies could make winter travel safer, particularly with the advent of autonomous vehicles.</p>



<p>Furthermore, Nguyen's work could lead to more accurate methods for classifying different <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/six-different-types-snowflakes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">types of snow</a> from images - a capability that is currently lacking. </p>



<p>"If we are to have fully autonomous cars here in Norway, this type of technology will also contribute to safer travel on winter roads," he noted.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-global-perspective-is-necessary">A global perspective is necessary</h2>



<p>To refine these classifications, Nguyen emphasizes the need for a more extensive dataset, ideally with images from various global locations. </p>



<p>"It will be important to get images from other places where the environment is different. Understanding how different levels of pollution play a role in the appearance and properties of snow will be crucial," said Nguyen.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-snow-in-digital-and-future-realities">Snow in digital and future realities</h2>



<p>The digital representation of snow, as seen in video games and simulators, often falls short of capturing its true complexity. </p>



<p>Nguyen's findings promise to bridge this gap, offering a more realistic depiction of snow that could enhance virtual experiences, especially as global climates change and snow becomes less prevalent in many regions.</p>



<p>Nguyen's dedication to his research could not only revolutionize our understanding of snow but also help us prepare for a future where snow might be a rarer sight. </p>



<p>"If we are to teach someone who may never have seen snow before what it is, we must be able to reproduce it in all its complexity," said Nguyen.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-snow-research">The future of snow research</h2>



<p>With climate predictions suggesting significant reductions in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/accurately-measure-snowfall-new/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">snowfall</a> across the Northern Hemisphere, Nguyen's work is timely. </p>



<p>By improving our understanding of snow's properties and enhancing its digital representation, this research not only satisfies scientific curiosity but also prepares us for a changing world where the familiar sight of winter snow may become a precious memory.</p>



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



<p>Snow is a form of precipitation that occurs when water vapor in the atmosphere freezes into ice crystals. These crystals form unique, six-sided structures and can clump together to create snowflakes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Snow is distinct from other forms of winter precipitation such as sleet or freezing rain, primarily due to its soft, fluffy texture. It typically falls during colder months when the air temperature is at or below freezing.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The presence of snow can influence an area's climate and ecosystem, providing moisture essential for many regions, and it is a key component of winter sports and recreational activities.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The insulating properties of snow also affect soil temperatures and plant life, impacting agriculture and wildlife patterns. Snow's reflective surface helps regulate the Earth's temperature by reflecting sunlight, thus playing a role in the global climate system.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3263/14/2/35" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Geosciences</em></a>.</p>



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



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Secrets of snow complexity can improve winter safety

Snow isn't just the pristine, fluffy blanket that covers our...

Abstract,Tech,Background.,Floating,Numbers,Hud,Background.,Matrix,Particles,Grid

<p>Scientists have discovered a novel method to manipulate light waves by deforming the two-dimensional photonic crystal that contains them. This discovery opens up new possibilities for the development of nanophotonic chips and has the potential to revolutionize the field of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-data-transmission-speed-record-set-by-scientists-using-optical-cables/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photonics</a>, spawning new lasers and quantum devices.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-controlling-light-waves-with-photonic-crystals">Controlling light waves with photonic crystals</h2>



<p>A team of researchers from <a href="https://amolf.nl/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AMOLF</a>, in collaboration with <a href="https://www.tudelft.nl/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Delft University of Technology</a>, has successfully brought light waves to a halt by deforming the two-dimensional photonic crystal that contains them. </p>



<p>The researchers demonstrate that even a subtle deformation can have a substantial effect on photons in the crystal, resembling the effect that a magnetic field has on electrons.</p>



<p>"This principle offers a new approach to slow down light fields and thereby enhance their strength. Realizing this on a chip is particularly important for many applications," says AMOLF-group leader Ewold Verhagen.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inspiration-and-lessons-learned-from-electrons">Inspiration and lessons learned from electrons</h2>



<p>The researchers drew inspiration from the way <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/attosecond-electron-freeze-frame-of-liquid-water-seen-for-the-first-time-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">electrons</a> behave in materials. In a conductor, electrons can move freely, but an external magnetic field can stop this motion. </p>



<p>The circular movement caused by the magnetic field stops conduction, and electrons can only exist in the material if they have very specific energies, known as Landau levels.</p>



<p>In <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nanotech-material-graphene-passes-human-safety-tests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">graphene</a>, a two-dimensional material consisting of a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a crystal, Landau levels can also be caused by a different mechanism than a magnetic field. </p>



<p>When the crystal array is deformed, such as by stretching it like elastics, conduction is stopped, and the material turns into an insulator, binding the electrons to Landau levels.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-applying-the-concept-to-photons">Applying the concept to photons</h2>



<p>The group of Verhagen, in collaboration with Kobus Kuipers of Delft University of Technology, demonstrated a similar effect for light in a photonic crystal.</p>



<p>"A photonic crystal normally consists of a regular -- two dimensional -- pattern of holes in a silicon layer. Light can move freely in this material, just like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/electrons-in-graphene-exhibit-very-strange-fractional-behavior/">electrons i</a><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/electrons-in-graphene-exhibit-very-strange-fractional-behavior/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">n</a><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/electrons-in-graphene-exhibit-very-strange-fractional-behavior/"> graphene</a>," says first author René Barczyk, who successfully defended his Ph.D. thesis on this topic in 2023. </p>



<p>"Breaking this regularity in exactly the right manner will deform the array and consequently lock the photons. This is how we create Landau levels for photons," Barczyk concluded.</p>



<p>In Landau levels, light waves no longer move; they stand still instead of flowing through the crystal. The researchers succeeded in demonstrating this, showing that the deformation of the crystal array has a similar effect on photons as a magnetic field on electrons.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-steering-light-waves-on-a-chip-with-deformation-patterns">Steering light waves on a chip with deformation patterns</h2>



<p>Verhagen says, "By playing with the deformation pattern, we even managed to establish various types of effective magnetic fields in one material. As a result, photons can move through certain parts of the material but not in others. Hence, these insights also provide new ways to steer light on a chip."</p>



<p>Simultaneously, a research team from <a href="https://www.psu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pennsylvania State University</a> has published an article in the same journal about how they demonstrated -- independently from the Dutch team -- an identical effect. </p>



<p>While some details in the approach differed, both teams were able to stop light waves from moving and observe Landau levels by deforming a two-dimensional photonic crystal.</p>



<p>"This brings on-chip applications closer. If we can confine light at the nanoscale and bring it to a halt like this, its strength will be enhanced tremendously," Verhagen explained. </p>



<p>"And not only at one location, but over the entire crystal surface. Such light concentration is very important in nanophotonic devices, for example for the development of efficient lasers or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-ping-pong-game-played-by-two-atoms-controlling-photons/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum light</a> sources," he concluded.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-controlling-light-waves-spawns-a-new-era-in-nanophotonics">Controlling light waves spawns a new era in nanophotonics</h2>



<p>The discovery of harnessing the power of deformation to control light waves marks a significant milestone in the field of nanophotonics. </p>



<p>By manipulating photonic crystals through subtle deformations, researchers have unlocked a new era of possibilities for on-chip applications, light concentration, and the development of efficient lasers and quantum light sources. </p>



<p>This breakthrough, independently confirmed by two research teams, paves the way for unprecedented control over light at the nanoscale, promising to revolutionize the future of photonics and open up exciting avenues for technological advancement.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41566-024-01412-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Photonics</a></em>.</p>



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



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Quantum leap: Scientists make light waves "stand still"

Scientists have discovered a novel method to manipulate light waves...

<p>The evolution of Earth's continental <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unexpected-molten-rock-layer-discovered-under-earths-crust/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crust</a> during its early history holds clues to the dynamic processes that shaped our planet. For decades, scientists have debated over a significant change in crustal composition approximately 3 billion years ago. </p>



<p>While plate tectonics undoubtedly played a role, new research from <a href="http://english.gig.cas.cn" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry</a> challenges the notion of tectonic forces as the primary cause. It suggests a surprising role for increased heat within Earth's mantle.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-zircon-in-earth-s-geological-history">Zircon in Earth's geological history</h2>



<p>Zircon, an exceptionally resilient mineral, acts as a vital repository of Earth's geological history. These crystals originate within the depths of molten rock, capturing the conditions of their formation in their unique chemical makeup. </p>



<p>As zircon solidifies, it encapsulates isotopes of various elements such as oxygen, hafnium, and uranium. By examining these isotopes, scientists gain invaluable insights into the age and development of the Earth's crust. </p>



<p>This analysis enables researchers to construct a detailed chronology of geological events. It helps them understand the dynamic processes that have influenced the composition and structure of the continental crust over billions of years.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-s-crust-rejuvenation">Earth's crust rejuvenation</h2>



<p>Geochemical analysis of zircon crystals revealed a significant shift in crustal composition approximately 3 billion years ago. This shift, marked by a change in specific isotopic ratios, indicates a process of crustal "rejuvenation" – the addition of newly formed material to older continental crust. </p>



<p>Traditionally, the rejuvenation of Earth's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/who-is-drilling-a-hole-more-than-30000-feet-deep-in-the-earths-crust-and-why/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crust</a> has been attributed to an increase in global tectonic activity. This theory suggests that the movement of massive tectonic plates at the Earth's surface resulted in the recycling of older crustal materials. </p>



<p>However, the new research presents a different perspective. The study indicates that changes beneath the Earth's surface may have played a more significant role in rejuvenation than previously thought.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-mantle-heat">Role of mantle heat</h2>



<p>The research highlights a significant increase in heat emanating from Earth's mantle about three billion years ago. The boost in thermal energy could have been triggered by shifts in the radioactive decay processes within the mantle. </p>



<p>This led to a heightened release of heat. The consequences of increased mantle heat would have been dramatic for the crust lying above it. The intensified heat would cause the lower regions of the crust to undergo partial melting, ultimately resulting in the formation of magma pools at the crust-mantle boundary. </p>



<p>As this newly formed magma rose and interacted with the existing crustal materials, it would induce changes in the crust's composition. These alterations often result in the formation of new rock types and leave distinct geochemical signatures.</p>



<p>Such changes are particularly evident in zircon crystals found within these rocks. Zircon, with its ability to encapsulate and preserve the chemical fingerprints of its formation environment, serves as an excellent recorder of these processes. </p>



<p>By analyzing the isotopic and elemental composition of zircons, scientists can trace back these transformative events in the Earth's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mountain-terrain-below-earths-surface/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crust</a>, gaining insights into the dynamic interactions between the mantle's heat and the overlying crustal structures.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reworking-of-earth-s-crust-and-continental-growth">Reworking of Earth's crust and continental growth</h2>



<p>The reworking of Earth's crust driven by increased mantle heat appears to have been a crucial factor in the expansion of the planet's continental landmasses. As the mantle heated up, it caused the lower crust to melt and generate buoyant magmatic materials. </p>



<p>The new materials, once solidified, added volume and buoyancy to the crust, effectively thickening it. This process likely contributed significantly to the creation and stabilization of large continental blocks.</p>



<p>The thickening of the crust through the addition of newly formed magmatic materials from deep within the Earth provides an alternative perspective to the traditional views that emphasize surface tectonic activities, such as plate movements, as the primary drivers of continental growth. </p>



<p>The heat-driven model emphasizes the importance of internal geodynamic processes, showing how deep Earth dynamics intricately connect to observable changes at the surface.</p>



<p>By acknowledging the role of mantle heat in shaping the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-ancient-breath-study-links-atmospheric-oxygen-and-mantle-chemistry/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth’s</a> continents, scientists highlight the interconnectedness of the planet’s interior processes with its exterior geological features. </p>



<p>This approach not only challenges the conventional focus solely on surface tectonics but also enriches our understanding of Earth’s geological history by demonstrating how subsurface conditions influence the development and evolution of continental structures.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-earth-s-evolution">Rethinking Earth's evolution</h2>



<p>The research prompts a re-examination of our understanding of Earth's formative years. While subduction zones (where one tectonic plate dives beneath another) were active in the early Earth, their influence on crustal growth may have been complemented by deep mantle processes. </p>



<p>Elucidating the interplay between internal heat dynamics and surface tectonics is crucial for building a comprehensive model of our planet's evolution.</p>



<p>The study of ancient zircon crystals sheds light on the complex history of Earth's continental crust. While tectonic forces remain essential, this research underscores the importance of internal heat for shaping the continents we inhabit. </p>



<p>Continued investigation into Earth's deep history will undoubtedly refine our understanding of its remarkable transformation over billions of years and provide insights into the unique features that make our planet habitable.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2024GL108715" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geophysical Research Letters</a></em>.</p>



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



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Mantle heat shaped Earth's crust 3 billion years ago

The evolution of Earth's continental crust during its early history...

<p>In the vast expanse of the universe, galaxies paint a breathtaking picture across the cosmic canvas. Among these celestial wonders, one galaxy stands out with its magnificent central bar and tightly wound spiral arms: NGC 2217.</p>



<p>Recently, the NASA/ESA <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/hubble/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hubble Space Telescope</a> captured a stunning image of NGC 2217, also known as AM 0619-271, in the constellation of Canis Major (The Greater Dog). </p>



<p>The barred spiral galaxy, roughly 65 million light-years from Earth, spans an impressive 100,000 light-years across, making it similar in size to our own <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxies-like-our-own-milky-way-are-not-unique/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-luminous-heart-of-ngc-2217">The luminous heart of NGC 2217</h2>



<p>At the heart of NGC 2217 lies a luminous bar, where countless stars congregate, forming a brilliant central region. This bar plays a crucial role in the galaxy's evolution, acting as a cosmic funnel that channels gas from the disk into the core.</p>



<p>Dr. Emily Thompson, an astrophysicist at the <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cambridge</a>, explains, "The central bar in galaxies like NGC 2217 is essential for their growth and development. It helps transport gas and dust to the center, where new stars can form or feed the supermassive black hole residing there."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Nature of supermassive black holes</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/largest-map-of-supermassive-black-holes-unveiled/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Supermassive black holes</a>, with masses ranging from millions to billions of times that of our Sun, reside at the center of most, if not all, large galaxies. </p>



<p>These cosmic behemoths, like the one growing at the heart of galaxy NGC 2217, exert an immense gravitational influence on their surroundings, shaping the structure and evolution of their host galaxies.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Formation and growth</h3>



<p>The exact formation mechanism of supermassive black holes remains a topic of ongoing research. Scientists propose several theories, including the collapse of massive gas clouds in the early universe, the merging of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-black-hole-disrupts-a-bigger-one-causing-cosmic-hiccups/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">smaller black holes</a>, and the rapid accumulation of matter through accretion.</p>



<p>Supermassive black holes grow by consuming gas, dust, and stars that venture too close. As matter spirals towards the black hole, it forms an accretion disk, where friction and gravitational forces heat the material to extreme temperatures, causing it to emit intense radiation across the electromagnetic spectrum.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Influence on galactic evolution</h3>



<p>Supermassive black holes play a crucial role in the evolution of galaxies. The energy released by the accretion process can trigger powerful outflows and jets, which can regulate star formation and shape the distribution of gas and dust within the galaxy.</p>



<p>In some cases, the feedback from supermassive black holes can quench star formation by heating and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supermassive-black-holes-are-very-messy-eaters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">expelling gas from the galaxy</a>. Conversely, the outflows can also compress gas clouds, triggering the birth of new stars in other regions.</p>



<p>"The interplay between the central bar, the inflowing gas, and the supermassive black hole is a complex and fascinating process," adds Dr. Thompson. "By studying galaxies like NGC 2217, we can gain a better understanding of how these cosmic giants evolve over time."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-colorful-collaboration">Colorful collaboration</h2>



<p>The stunning image of NGC 2217 was colorized using data from the Panoramic Survey Telescope and Rapid Response System (<a href="https://www2.ifa.hawaii.edu/research/Pan-STARRS.shtml" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pan-STARRS</a>). </p>



<p>This collaborative effort showcases the power of combining data from various astronomical instruments to create a more comprehensive picture of the universe.</p>



<p>Dr. Michael Johnson, a researcher at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (<a href="https://www.cfa.harvard.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CfA</a>), emphasizes the importance of such collaborations. </p>



<p>"By combining data from the Hubble Space Telescope and Pan-STARRS, we can unlock new insights into the structure and composition of galaxies like NGC 2217. This synergy between telescopes allows us to push the boundaries of our understanding of the cosmos," Johnson enthused.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ngc-2217-an-inspirational-window-to-the-cosmos">NGC 2217: An inspirational window to the cosmos</h2>



<p>As we gaze upon the magnificent central bar and tightly wound spiral arms of NGC 2217, we are reminded of the awe-inspiring beauty and complexity of the universe. </p>



<p>Through the lens of the Hubble Space Telescope and the collaborative efforts of astronomers worldwide, we continue to unravel the secrets of these cosmic masterpieces, one galaxy at a time.</p>



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



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Hubble captures another cosmic masterpiece in galaxy NGC 2217

In the vast expanse of the universe, galaxies paint a...

<p>A team of researchers led by the Institute for <a href="https://cmcm.ibs.re.kr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Basic Science Center for Multidimensional Carbon Material</a> (CMCM) in Korea has recently developed a method to produce lab-grown <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-diamonds-may-hold-the-key-to-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diamonds</a> in just 150 minutes, offering a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to natural diamonds. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diamonds-at-a-fraction-of-the-cost">Diamonds at a fraction of the cost</h2>



<p>The lab-created diamonds are indistinguishable to the naked eye from their natural counterparts, but they exhibit significant differences under a microscope, which contributes to their substantially lower price.</p>



<p>While natural diamonds take billions of years to form, lab-grown diamonds can be produced quickly and at a fraction of the cost. For example, in the US, a one-carat princess-cut diamond costs an average of $2,500, whereas a comparable lab-grown diamond is priced at just $500.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-structure-of-lab-grown-diamonds-nbsp">Structure of lab-grown diamonds&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The process involves mixing silicon with liquid metals such as gallium, iron, and nickel in a crucible and heating it to 1,877 degrees Fahrenheit. The mixture is then exposed to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/methane-emissions-are-higher-than-previously-estimated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">methane</a> and hydrogen gasses, which dissolve into carbon gas that combines with the silicon, prompting the carbon atoms to bond together and form small diamond crystals.</p>



<p>Senior author Rodney Ruoff emphasized the crucial role of silicon in this synthetic process. “If we don't add some silicon, we don't get diamonds,” he explained. Moreover, the researchers found that diamond formation continues to progress over time, with the full structure forming at 150 minutes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expanding-lab-grown-diamond-industry">Expanding lab-grown diamond industry</h2>



<p>Despite this breakthrough, the diamonds produced are still only about 100 nanometers across, roughly the size of a typical virus. However, Ruoff is optimistic about the future of this technology. “A lot of labs around the world are going to start cooking things up,” he said, predicting that this could revolutionize the already expanding lab-grown <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/revolutionary-process-turns-carbon-emissions-into-diamonds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diamond industry</a>.</p>



<p>The lab-grown diamond market has experienced rapid growth, increasing from less than one percent of global diamond sales in 2015 to approximately 20 percent by the end of last year.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lower-cost-of-lab-grown-diamonds-nbsp">Lower cost of lab-grown diamonds&nbsp;</h2>



<p>This surge is primarily due to their lower cost. For example, a two-carat lab-grown diamond costs about $1,000, much less than the $13,000 to $14,000 price range for a similar natural diamond.</p>



<p>“Prices of lab-grown diamonds are falling. The reason is because of simple supply and demand. So many manufacturers are coming out and flooding the market with them, which is causing prices to dive,” said Mehul Sompura, CEO of <a href="https://www.diamondhedge.com/%C3%B9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Diamond Hedge</a>. “For the most part, it's difficult to distinguish between the two, but it has to do with impurities, and with a microscope you can see growth patterns. You won't get your money back, that's the main problem.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sustainable-alternative-to-blood-diamonds">Sustainable alternative to blood diamonds</h2>



<p>Lab-grown diamonds also offer a sustainable alternative to blood diamonds - diamonds mined in war zones and sold to finance an invading army's war efforts, an insurgency, terrorism, or a warlord's activity -  and can reduce the environmental impact associated with traditional diamond mining. For every carat of diamond mined, nearly 100 square feet of land is affected and 5,798 pounds of mineral <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbes-can-be-used-to-store-carbon-and-reuse-mining-waste/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">waste</a> is created.</p>



<p>“Diamonds are very ingrained in our culture. I think, as humans, we just desire these rare, precious gemstones and metals. It's not practical, but it makes us feel good,” concluded Paul Zimnisky, a leading diamond industry analyst.</p>



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



<p>Diamonds, often celebrated for their brilliance and durability, are one of the hardest natural substances found on Earth, making them highly sought after for jewelry and industrial applications. They form under high-pressure, high-temperature conditions existing deep within the Earth's mantle, from where they are brought closer to the surface through volcanic eruptions. The process can take between 1 to 3.3 billion years.</p>



<p>The allure of diamonds is not just in their sparkle but also in their rarity, which makes them symbols of wealth and status. Each diamond is unique, with characteristics such as cut, color, clarity, and carat weight determining its value.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The cut of a diamond affects its ability to reflect light, enhancing its visual properties, while the clarity refers to the presence of internal inclusions or external blemishes. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pink-diamonds-were-formed-when-supercontinent-nuna-broke-up/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">color</a> can range from colorless to light yellow and brown, with truly colorless diamonds being the rarest and most valuable.</p>



<p>The mining and distribution of diamonds have been associated with conflict and ethical concerns, leading to initiatives like the Kimberley Process, which aims to prevent "conflict diamonds" from entering the market.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07339-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Diamonds can be grown in a lab in less than 3 hours

A team of researchers led by the Institute for Basic...

<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>



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<p></p>

Social modeling affects our food choices

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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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>



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

Retired professor claims he solved time travel

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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