<p>Strength training often brings to mind toned arms and powerful legs. But new research suggests that the benefits extend much further. Lifting weights may also reshape the trillions of microbes living in our gut, which influence everything from metabolism to immunity.</p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/studies-learn-the-exact-amount-of-time-you-should-spend-training-to-build-muscle/">gut</a> microbiome is closely linked to both health and aging. Inside of it are microbes like <em>Faecalibacterium, Akkermansia, </em>and<em> Roseburia hominis</em>. These tiny organisms produce short-chain fatty acids that strengthen the gut lining and ease inflammation.</p>



<p>Endurance activities like running or cycling are known to boost these helpful microbes. But when it comes to resistance training, the picture has remained far less clear.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conflicting-past-studies">Conflicting past studies</h2>



<p>Until recently, research painted a mixed picture. Some trials found that weight training shifted microbial communities, while others reported almost no changes. </p>



<p>Matthieu Clauss of the <a href="https://www.nih.no/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Norwegian School of Sport Sciences</a> in Oslo noted that the existing research remains limited.</p>



<p>To settle this uncertainty, Sven Nahnsen and colleagues at the <a href="https://uni-tuebingen.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Tübingen</a> studied 150 sedentary adults. Participants engaged in an eight-week resistance program using advanced machines that adjusted loads in real time and tracked every lift.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-strength-and-gut-microbes">Tracking strength and gut microbes</h2>



<p>This digital system created detailed performance records while ensuring progressive, individualized training. Stool samples collected before, during, and after the program allowed researchers to map microbial changes.</p>



<p>When researchers looked at the whole group, they saw no clear changes in microbial diversity. The story shifted, however, once strength gains came into focus. </p>



<p>Participants who made the biggest improvements showed noticeable rises in <em>Faecalibacterium</em> and <em>Roseburia hominis</em>. In fact, these microbes were especially abundant in individuals who gained far more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strength-training-may-be-the-best-exercise-for-insomnia/">strength</a> than everyone else.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microbes-differ-in-strong-lifters">Microbes differ in strong lifters</h2>



<p>The study revealed clear differences between high and low responders. The strongest gains were linked with distinct changes in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natures-sweet-remedy-honey-is-a-microbial-marvel/">microbial</a> composition.</p>



<p>High performers also showed enrichment of members of the Lachnospiraceae family, many of which are linked to anti-inflammatory effects.</p>



<p>Notably, an amplicon sequence variant classified as <em>Roseburia hominis</em> showed the most significant increase in high responders by week eight.</p>



<p>Other enriched microbes included <em>Bacteroides massiliensis</em> and certain <em>Prevotellaceae</em>. Meanwhile, taxa like <em>Lachnoclostridium</em> and <em>Oscillospiraceae</em> declined.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gut-shifts-depend-on-training-progress">Gut shifts depend on training progress</h2>



<p>Why do only some people experience these changes? <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/weight-training-shields-the-aging-brain-from-dementia/">Training</a> compliance was similar, and diet surveys showed no clear differences. </p>



<p>This suggests factors beyond effort or food intake. One possibility is that microbial shifts themselves supported muscle gains by increasing production of short-chain fatty acids, which enhance energy metabolism and recovery.</p>



<p>Resistance training did not increase overall microbial richness (alpha diversity), unlike endurance training, but it did remodel microbial composition (beta diversity) in high responders. </p>



<p>This points to a dose-response effect: only when strength improvements cross a certain threshold do microbiome shifts emerge.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lifting-and-running-converge">Lifting and running converge</h2>



<p>Despite differences between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-running-can-help-you-move-think-and-feel-better/">running</a> and lifting, both exercise types seem to converge on similar microbial outcomes. </p>



<p>Enriched short-chain fatty acid producers like <em>Faecalibacterium</em> and <em>Roseburia</em> suggest common pathways that support gut integrity, regulate glucose, and reduce systemic inflammation.</p>



<p>The changes occurred without dietary modification, meaning resistance training alone can act as a driver of gut remodeling. This highlights its role not only for musculoskeletal health but also for metabolic and immune regulation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exercise-benefits-are-clear">Exercise benefits are clear</h2>



<p>Some mysteries remain. Stool metabolomics showed no significant changes, which may indicate that functional shifts were subtle, localized, or required longer adaptation. </p>



<p>The study also lacked a non-exercising control group, leaving room for further confirmation.</p>



<p>Even so, outside experts remain hopeful. The results suggest that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exercise-reduces-depression-and-anxiety-in-children-and-teens-with-mental-health-issues/">exercise</a> of any kind can benefit gut health. They also point to the possibility that resistance training sparks unique, health-related shifts in the microbiome.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strength-training-as-gut-medicine">Strength training as gut medicine</h2>



<p>From a public health perspective, resistance training may offer far more than toned muscles. It could serve as a non-drug approach to improving gut health, especially for people facing chronic inflammation or the challenges of aging.</p>



<p>The changes happening inside the gut are striking. Beneficial microbes increase, the gut lining becomes stronger, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fasting-helps-the-body-fight-inflammation-and-chronic-diseases/">inflammation</a> settles down. These microbes also help regulate blood sugar and energy use, lowering the risk of long-term conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and digestive problems.</p>



<p>What makes this especially interesting is that participants did not need to change their diets. The exercise itself appeared to reshape the gut community, suggesting that strength training works as its own form of medicine.</p>



<p>For many, this shifts how we think about working out. Exercise is not only about muscles or appearance - it is about keeping the body resilient from within. Regular resistance training might help people recover faster, age more gracefully, and carry less risk of disease throughout life.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.13.670057v1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bioRxiv</a></em>.</p>



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



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Strength training can boost healthy gut bacteria

Strength training often brings to mind toned arms and powerful legs. But new research suggests that the benefits extend much further. Lifting weights may also reshape the trillions of microbes living in our gut, which influence everything from metabolism to immunity. The gut microbiome is closely linked to both health and aging. Inside of it are microbes like Faecalibacterium, Akkermansia, and Roseburia hominis. These tiny organisms produce short-chain fatty acids that strengthen the gut lining and ease inflammation. Endurance activities like running or cycling are known to...

Untitled design - 1

<p>A recent breakthrough is empowering scientists to unveil the secret underground activities of microbes, shedding light on their astonishing capabilities and their vital contributions to our planet.</p>



<p>Barren landscapes in sun-scorched places like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/death-valley-may-reach-the-hottest-temperature-ever-recorded-this-week/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Death Valley, California</a> are a testament to the extremes our planet can harbor, a place where the mere concept of life seems improbable. </p>



<p>But appearances can be deceiving. Deep beneath the cracked, parched surface, scientists have opened a window into a world pulsating with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-soil-microbes-survive-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbes</a> and their hidden activities.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microbes-activities-in-extreme-environments">Microbes activities in extreme environments</h2>



<p>Microbes, the minuscule powerhouses behind many of Earth's fundamental processes, thrive in seemingly impossible environments. From <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/what-are-hydrothermal-vents-an-unlikely-home/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hydrothermal vents</a> to nuclear waste sites, they have evolved remarkable adaptations. </p>



<p>But studying those living in truly extreme settings, like the depths of Death Valley, presents a special set of challenges. Researchers could look at the genetic blueprints of these microbes, but this data only revealed their potential capabilities. </p>



<p>The critical question of how active those capabilities were at a given moment -- in other words, what those microbes were actively doing to survive -- remained largely unanswered. </p>



<p>This activity level is essential for understanding their influence on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/temperature-fluctuations-have-reshaped-earths-water-cycle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global cycles</a> like the movement and transformation of carbon, an element crucial to life.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-method-reveals-microbes-activities">New method reveals microbes activities</h2>



<p>A team of researchers at the <a href="https://www.bigelow.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences</a> has achieved a remarkable feat. They've developed a way to directly link the genetic code of individual microbes with their moment-by-moment activities. </p>



<p>This provides an unprecedented glimpse into the real-time functioning of microbes in their natural environments, like seeing how a car engine operates while it's in motion, not just while it's parked.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-genomes-to-phenomes-project">The "Genomes to Phenomes" project</h2>



<p>This innovation is the result of the bold and ambitious "<a href="https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/funding-opportunities/agricultural-genome-phenome-initiative" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Genomes to Phenomes</a>" project. It's a testament to the potential for insights when experts from diverse fields – marine science, desert research, and genetics – join forces.</p>



<p>The project's power lies in its combination of cutting-edge techniques:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-single-cell-genetic-sequencing">Single-cell genetic sequencing</h3>



<p>This technique begins by isolating single microbes and deciphering their individual DNA sequences. This provides a detailed genetic blueprint, revealing the potential functions a microbe is <em>capable</em> of based on the genes it possesses. It like a parts list for a machine - we can see what the machine could potentially do, but not if it's currently switched on.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flow-cytometry">Flow cytometry</h3>



<p>Adapted from its use in medical science, flow cytometry allows researchers to analyze microbes from water samples collected in the depths. Researchers treat each microbe with a special dye that lights up under a laser during certain internal reactions.</p>



<p>The brightness of the light corresponds to how active those reactions are. This is where things get exciting because it tells us which of the 'machines' on our parts list are not just present, but are actually switched on and running.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-combining-techniques">Combining techniques</h3>



<p>Previously, when studying microbes in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/life-in-the-extreme-microbial-activity-discovered-in-old-faithful/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme environments</a>, scientists were limited to just a genetic parts list. They could see what genes a microbe had, but not whether or how it was actually using them. This new method bridges that gap. </p>



<p>Now, researchers can directly measure the activity of specific microbes deep beneath the surface. This reveals which microbes are the key players in their environment and exactly what roles they play in essential processes, like breaking down and transforming carbon, impacting vast, global systems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-subterranean-microbial-world-activities">Subterranean microbial world activities</h2>



<p>Armed with this toolkit, the team descended nearly half a mile beneath Death Valley's surface, targeting a groundwater aquifer. </p>



<p>Lacking oxygen, this environment would be uninhabitable to most life forms. Yet, the scientists detected a community of microbes specially equipped to survive these conditions. </p>



<p>Using their method, they were able to perform a kind of microbial census, identifying not only the most abundant species, but crucially, which ones were the most active players in this underground ecosystem.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-activities-of-microbe-candidatus-desulforudis-audaxviator">Activities of microbe <em>Candidatus Desulforudis audaxviator</em></h2>



<p>The research revealed one bacterium, <em>Candidatus Desulforudis audaxviator</em>, to be the star of the show. This organism has evolved to use sulfate for energy – a kind of 'breathing' that replaces the need for oxygen, giving it an edge in this oxygen-barren zone.</p>



<p>“Previously, we had to assume that all cells were operating at the same rate, but now we can see that there is a wide range of activity levels between individual members of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-dormant-soil-microbes-survive-in-a-60-year-old-fire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbial</a> communities,” explained Melody Lindsay, the lead researcher on the study. “That helps us understand what these microbial communities are capable of and how that might influence global biogeochemical cycles.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-reach-of-innovation">The reach of innovation</h2>



<p>Having started with oxygen-using <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbes-involved-in-decomposition-may-help-solve-crimes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbes</a> in the ocean, the scientists are now successfully applying their method to other challenging environments. </p>



<p>From the sediments of Maine's coastline to the depths of the ocean floor, this technique is pushing the limits of our knowledge. </p>



<p>Even more excitingly, it holds the potential to inform our search for life in the subsurface environments of other planets.</p>



<p>"Right now, we’re getting all of these point measurements around the world, and they do help us better understand what microbes are up to, but we need to scale it up," said Lindsay. "So, we’re thinking about how to apply this method in new places, even potentially on other planets, in expanded ways.”</p>



<p>This method marks the beginning of an exciting new era in microbial research. The discoveries made remind us that life finds a way, even in seemingly impossible environments, and that organisms too small to see play incredibly influential roles in Earth's most fundamental processes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-of-knowing-microbes-activities">Broader implications of knowing microbes activities</h2>



<p>This innovative technique has broad applications, making it a powerful tool for various research areas and environments:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oceanographic-studies">Oceanographic studies </h3>



<p>The method has proven effective in subsurface land studies. It shows promise for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-can-deep-ocean-microbes-survive-without-sunlight/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine</a> research. It's ideal for investigating microbes in deep-sea sediments and water columns. These are areas where traditional sampling struggles.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-monitoring-via-microbes-activities">Environmental monitoring via microbes activities</h3>



<p>Researchers can use this method to monitor environmental health by analyzing the microbial communities and their activity levels in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-urchin-larvae-cannot-survive-in-water-polluted-with-plastic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">polluted water</a> sources or soils. This could help in assessing the impact of contaminants or changes in environmental conditions.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-astrobiology">Astrobiology</h3>



<p>The technique's ability to identify and analyze life forms in extreme environments makes it promising for astrobiology, especially in the search for life on other planets or moons within our solar system that have subsurface oceans or ice layers, like Europa or Enceladus.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-medical-and-biotechnological-research">Medical and biotechnological research</h3>



<p>While not its initial application, the method's principles could be adapted for studying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-microbes-from-earth-could-survive-the-conditions-on-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbial</a> communities in the human body or in industrial processes. This could improve understanding of microbiomes' roles in health, disease, or biodegradation.</p>



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



<p>By examining how microbes in various environments respond to changes in conditions, researchers can gain insights into how global warming and other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-soil-microbes-could-revolutionize-climate-predictions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> factors affect microbial-driven processes like decomposition and carbon cycling.</p>



<p>The study is published in <em><a href="http://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2309636121">Proceedings of the National Academy of Science</a><a href="https://www.pnas.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">s</a></em>.</p>



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Microbes' activities underground are no longer a mystery thanks to new technology

A recent breakthrough is empowering scientists to unveil the secret...

Thermometer,Shows,High,Temperature,In,Summer,Heat

<p>If you thought <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/red-alert-climate-warning-issued-after-2023-smashed-heat-records/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2023</a> was hot, you were absolutely right. Climate models, the tools we rely on to predict the future, couldn't foresee just how dramatically temperatures would spike.</p>



<p>Europe sweltered under record-breaking heatwaves, wildfires raged across <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/canadian-wildfires-of-2023-were-a-global-environmental-setback/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">California</a>, and devastating floods swept through Pakistan. </p>



<p>These disasters didn't just make headlines; they displaced families, destroyed livelihoods, and tragically, took lives. </p>



<p>Scientists have now confirmed that it was the hottest year on record, and that's causing both alarm and fascination.</p>



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



<p>Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and typical weather patterns across our entire planet. These changes can include hotter summers, harsher winters, unpredictable rainfall, stronger hurricanes, rising sea levels, and a whole host of knock-on effects.</p>



<p>While some of these shifts occur naturally over long periods, the rapid warming we're seeing right now is overwhelmingly caused by human activity - especially our reliance on burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, and gas).</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-greenhouse-effect">The greenhouse effect</h3>



<p>Greenhouse gases like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-co2-emissions-expected-to-reach-a-new-high-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon dioxide</a> (CO2) play a crucial role in regulating Earth's temperature. When sunlight hits our planet, some of that energy is absorbed, warming the surface. </p>



<p>A portion of this energy is then radiated back into space as heat. Greenhouse gases naturally trap some of this outgoing heat in the atmosphere, maintaining a habitable temperature for life on Earth.</p>



<p>However, excessive amounts of greenhouse gases, primarily released through burning fossil fuels, intensify this natural process. This leads to an imbalance where more heat is trapped than escapes, causing the planet's overall temperature to rise.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2023-climate-change-a-scorching-surprise">2023 climate change: A scorching surprise</h2>



<p>While the ongoing trend of global warming was widely understood, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/november-2023-sets-global-record-as-warmest-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2023</a>'s dramatic temperature increase underscored its alarming immediacy. Here's why scientists are concerned:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-normal">Beyond normal</h3>



<p>The global average temperature in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/prediction-this-winter-will-be-the-warmest-in-recorded-history/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2023</a> significantly exceeded those typical of the pre-industrial era (1800s). This rapid warming marks a departure from previous incremental changes, forcing scientists to re-evaluate their models and predictions.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-causes">Complex causes</h3>



<p>While climate science has established the relationship between human activity and global warming, the exceptional spike in 2023 suggests a complex interplay of factors. These include:</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aerosol-regulations">Aerosol regulations</h4>



<p>Recent changes in shipping regulations aimed at reducing air pollution near ports may have unintentionally allowed more sunlight to reach Earth's surface, contributing to warming.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hunga-tonga-hunga-ha-apai-eruption">Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai eruption</h4>



<p>This powerful 2022 volcanic eruption released massive amounts of water vapor into the stratosphere, potentially contributing to temporary heat-trapping effects.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solar-cycle">Solar cycle</h4>



<p>The sun's natural 11-year cycle of activity is a recognized factor influencing Earth's temperature. Its current upswing likely played a role in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-sea-levels-spiked-dramatically-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2023</a> heat spike, but scientists believe it's insufficient to explain the record-breaking anomaly on its own.</p>



<p>The lack of a single, clear-cut explanation highlights the interconnectedness of our climate system and suggests that our understanding of feedback mechanisms and their potential for rapid change may be incomplete.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-does-2023-climate-change-imply">What does 2023 climate change imply?</h2>



<p><a href="https://science.gsfc.nasa.gov/sci/bio/gavin.a.schmidt" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gavin Schmidt</a>, a top NASA climate scientist, thinks something more fundamental might be at play. Here are his three main possibilities and what they mean for our future:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-statistical-anomaly">A statistical anomaly</h3>



<p>2023 might represent a rare confluence of various natural climate forcings. While these natural factors could combine to cause unusually hot years, they don't fully explain the magnitude of the 2023 temperature increase. </p>



<p>Schmidt's statement underscores the limitations of current models in predicting the convergence of all these elements, highlighting the need for continuous refinement to increase their accuracy. Even if the "blip" theory holds true, a return to pre-industrial "normal" temperatures is highly unlikely.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-knowledge-gaps">Knowledge gaps</h3>



<p>Our scientific understanding of climate change, while extensive, may require significant revisions. The underlying processes influencing global warming might be more complex and interconnected than previously thought. </p>



<p>This could include underestimating the sensitivity of the climate system to greenhouse gas emissions or needing to better account for feedback loops within the system itself.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapid-and-unpredictable-change">Rapid and unpredictable change </h3>



<p>The most concerning possibility is that the climate system is undergoing an accelerated shift, moving towards a new state faster than our models predicted. </p>



<p>This scenario implies that nonlinear dynamics and unforeseen feedback mechanisms within the Earth's system could lead to abrupt and unpredictable climate disruptions. </p>



<p>As a result, the ability of scientists to project future climate scenarios could be seriously compromised.</p>



<p>"We need answers for why 2023 turned out to be the warmest year in possibly the past 100,000 years," said <a href="https://science.gsfc.nasa.gov/sci/bio/gavin.a.schmidt" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Schmidt</a>. "And we need them quickly."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-is-there-cause-for-panic">Is there cause for panic?</h2>



<p>Not everyone agrees with Schmidt's analysis. Michael Mann, a climate scientist at the <a href="https://www.upenn.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Pennsylvania</a>, argues that the 2023 temperature spike is actually similar to other extreme years in the past and that models aren't totally failing. "The situation is extremely similar to what we saw during the 2014–2016 period," he explains.</p>



<p>"I think it's unfortunate that so much has been made of the El Niño-spiked 2023&nbsp;global temperatures, where in my view there is nothing surprising, or inconsistent with model predictions, there," said Mann. </p>



<p>"There are much better, scientifically-sound reasons to be concerned about the unfolding climate crisis --particularly the onslaught of devastating weather extremes, heat waves, wildfires, floods, drought, which by some measures are indeed exceeding model predictions."</p>



<p>Others, however, believe that the sheer magnitude of the recent warming suggests we might be crossing a threshold into even more volatile climate patterns.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-2023-climate-conundrum-a-call-to-action">The 2023 climate conundrum: A call to action</h2>



<p>Whether 2023 was an outlier or a glimpse into the future, the extreme weather events we saw last year, both in the US and globally, are proof positive that the climate crisis isn't some far-off possibility. </p>



<p>It's here, it's now, and it's dangerous. Unraveling the mystery behind 2023's unprecedented temperature increase is a matter of critical importance.</p>



<p>Determining whether the spike was a one-time anomaly or a sign of more frequent and extreme heatwaves in the future is vital. </p>



<p>This knowledge will inform how society adapts, prepares for climate-related risks, and develops strategies to mitigate those risks.</p>



<p>Moreover, the rapid changes we're witnessing demand more advanced and continuous monitoring systems. Scientists need real-time, high-resolution data on various climate indicators to keep pace with the evolving state of our planet and refine their predictive models accordingly.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-from-2023-climate-change">Insights from 2023 climate change</h2>



<p>By deciphering the complex interplay of factors that led to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/record-heat-of-2023-likely-exceeds-that-of-the-last-100000-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2023</a>'s heatwave, we can gain crucial insights that could drive innovation in several areas:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Improved climate modeling:</strong> A deeper understanding of feedback mechanisms and the climate system's sensitivity will help scientists create more accurate and dependable projections of future scenarios.<br></li>



<li><strong>Novel adaptation strategies:</strong> Recognizing potential trigger points for abrupt climate shifts can inform proactive measures to build societal resilience and develop targeted adaptation solutions.<br></li>



<li><strong>Technological breakthroughs:</strong> Uncovering hidden vulnerabilities in our climate system could inspire the development of new technologies for carbon capture, renewable energy sources, and other climate-focused solutions.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-2023-climate-knowledge-to-individual-change">From 2023 climate knowledge to individual change</h2>



<p>Science alone is not enough. Even with the most sophisticated understanding of the climate crisis, the real work lies in taking urgent and decisive action.</p>



<p>Drastic reductions in greenhouse gas emissions through a rapid transition away from fossil fuels are essential. This requires policy changes, investments in alternative energy sources, and shifts in industrial practices.</p>



<p>Additionally, while large-scale change is necessary, everyday actions matter too. Choosing plant-based foods over meat, using public transportation, reducing energy consumption, and being politically active all contribute to the collective effort needed to address the climate crisis.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-024-00816-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a></em>.</p>



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



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Global temperature increase in 2023 blew past all climate models

If you thought 2023 was hot, you were absolutely right....

<p>Over the last four decades, the English-language <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/listening-music-exercise-fight-fatigue/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">music</a> scene has witnessed a notable transformation in the complexity and emotional content of song <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pop-music-lyrics-sadder-angrier/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lyrics</a>. A recent study led by Eva Zangerle and her team at the <a href="https://www.uibk.ac.at/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Innsbruck</a> focuses on this lyrical evolution. </p>



<p>The team analyzed 12,000 songs from genres such as rap, country, pop, R&amp;B, and rock, spanning from 1980 to 2020. The research reveals a clear trend towards simpler, more repetitive lyrics, alongside an emotional deepening over time.</p>



<p>The study initially faced scrutiny due to a potential error in the coding used for analysis. The authors, however, remain confident in their main findings, acknowledging that minor aspects might be affected. </p>



<p>Corrections have been made to the press release to ensure accuracy, and updates will follow as the situation develops. The research team extends their apologies for any confusion caused.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-simplicity-of-song-lyrics">Simplicity of song lyrics</h2>



<p>Zangerle's research points out a gradual simplification in the lyrics of English-language songs. This includes a noticeable decline in vocabulary diversity, which is especially significant in the rap and rock genres. This simplification is accompanied by an increase in lyrical repetitiveness across all examined genres. </p>



<p>The authors suggest a reason for these changes. They believe it reflects how we consume music today, with songs often playing in the background of our daily activities. This is a shift from the past, when music was more often the main focus of dedicated listening sessions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-shift-toward-emotional-song-lyrics">A shift toward emotional song lyrics</h2>



<p>Apart from the structural changes, the study also points out a shift towards more emotional and personal song lyrics over the years. </p>



<p>Rap songs, in particular, have seen an uptick in both positive and negative emotional expressions. Meanwhile, R&amp;B, pop, and country genres have experienced an increase in the use of negatively charged lyrics, with all genres showing a rise in anger-related words. </p>



<p>This evolution indicates a broader trend of artists expressing more vivid emotional landscapes through their music.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-generational-listening-preferences">Generational listening preferences</h2>



<p>Further insights emerged from an analysis of lyric views on Genius, an online song lyric platform. </p>



<p>The data suggests a generational divide in listener preferences: older rock songs enjoy more views than their newer counterparts, indicating a nostalgia or preference for the lyrics of the past among rock enthusiasts. </p>



<p>Conversely, country music fans seem to engage more with the lyrics of newer songs, pointing to an evolving country music scene that resonates more with contemporary audiences.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reflecting-on-four-decades-of-music">Reflecting on four decades of music</h2>



<p>The findings from this comprehensive study offer a fascinating glimpse into how song lyrics have transformed over the past 40 years, becoming simpler and more emotionally charged. </p>



<p>These trends not only reflect changes in music production and consumption but also hint at a deeper connection between artists and listeners through the power of words. </p>



<p>As the music landscape continues to evolve, the study of its lyrics offers invaluable insights into the cultural and emotional shifts within society.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Music in the mid to late 20th century</h2>



<p>The 1950s to 1970s saw the rise of rock and roll, R&amp;B, soul, and later, disco. Song lyrics increasingly dealt with social and political issues, reflecting the tumultuous times. Artists like Bob Dylan, The Beatles, and Marvin Gaye wrote songs that addressed war, civil rights, and personal freedom.</p>



<p>In the 1980s to 1990s, the emergence of genres like punk, hip-hop, and grunge brought new dimensions to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tennessees-elvis-act-will-protect-musicians-from-ai/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">songwriting</a>. Punk and hip-hop, in particular, provided platforms for social commentary and rebellion against mainstream values. Lyrics became more explicit, addressing issues like poverty, inequality, and identity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Music in the 21st century</h2>



<p>The digital age has transformed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/listening-music-exercise-fight-fatigue/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">music</a> consumption, creation, and distribution. Genres have blended, and global influences have become more pronounced. </p>



<p>Lyrics now traverse a wide range of themes from personal and introspective to social and global issues, reflecting the diversity of human experience in a connected world.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Evolution of song lyrics</h3>



<p>Throughout their evolution, song lyrics have served as a mirror to society, reflecting cultural, social, and technological shifts. The medium has expanded from purely religious or ceremonial expressions to a broad canvas that encompasses the entire range of human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/live-music-evokes-stronger-emotions-than-streamed-music/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emotion</a> and experience.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-55742-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a></em>.</p>



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



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The evolution of song lyrics: Less complexity and more emotion

Over the last four decades, the English-language music scene has...

<p>Researchers at <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chemical-analysis-sheds-light-on-mastodon-migration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">San Diego State University</a> have introduced a computational model to predict the risk of large animal extinctions. This model is inspired by the debated causes of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chemical-analysis-sheds-light-on-mastodon-migration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mastodon</a> disappearances during the Late Pleistocene.</p>



<p>This period, marked by mastodons thriving in what is now California against a backdrop of widespread Ice Age glaciers, ended with their extinction around 11,000 years ago. </p>



<p>The model emerges amidst ongoing debates over the causes of extinctions, such as human hunting, climate change, or other factors. It aims to shed light on these mysteries by examining past patterns and ecological dynamics.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-megafauna-hunting-pressure-model">The megafauna hunting pressure model</h2>



<p>Miriam Kopels, a PhD student at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and Isaac Ullah, an associate professor of anthropology at San Diego State University, have crafted the "megafauna hunting pressure model." </p>



<p>The model examines human-animal interactions, life traits, and environmental changes to predict large animal extinctions. By simulating different pressures on animals, it seeks to guide conservation efforts during a critical time for biodiversity.</p>



<p>"We have carefully crafted the model with understandings from anthropology and archaeology about human behavior and how humans interact with nature," said Ullah. "We're taking that knowledge and information and encapsulating it so that it can be applied to other cases."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-giant-african-buffalo-case-study">The giant African buffalo case study</h2>



<p>The megafauna hunting pressure model draws inspiration from the giant African buffalo, <em>Syncerus antiquus</em>, which lived alongside humans for centuries before its extinction around 12,000 to 10,000 years ago. The debate over its extinction parallels that of the mastodon, with no consensus among scientists.</p>



<p>Subsequently, Kopels and Ullah's study examined human and animal behaviors, environmental impacts, and incorporated the life history traits of the Cape buffalo, a currently living species, into their model. They adjusted for size differences and other factors to refine their analysis.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-different-factors-affecting-extinction-risk">Different factors affecting extinction risk</h2>



<p>The researchers conducted computer simulations across 24 scenarios, adjusting human hunting intensity, environmental factors like habitat diversity and growing seasons. This approach enabled them to assess how different variable combinations impact the likelihood of extinction for each scenario.</p>



<p>The research indicated that aggressive male buffalo behaviors and unstable climates and food sources heighten extinction risks. </p>



<p>"Those particular animals are really important for the population dynamics," said Ullah. "If you reduce the number of breeding females by just a small amount, you disrupt the entire breeding cycle for these slow reproductive, large-bodied animals, and just over a few decades that can have a really major impact."</p>



<p>Consequently, Ullah is extending the model's use to develop sustainability strategies for heritage cattle in the American Southwest, adapting to changing climates. Furthermore, the model aims to support conservation of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-may-be-enduring-its-seventh-mass-extinction-not-sixth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">at-risk species</a> like black rhinos and desert tortoises. It identifies critical vulnerability points to devise better protection strategies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tackling-the-animal-extinction-crisis">Tackling the animal extinction crisis</h2>



<p>"We hope that conservation professionals will utilize this tool to simulate how predation, environmental constraints, and animal life history all interact to increase - or decrease - the odds of an extinction event," said Kopels.</p>



<p>This innovation is a leap forward in conservation science, according to Kopels and Ullah. Their work provides a versatile tool, grounded in archaeological and anthropological insights. It's adaptable to any species' reproductive biology, signaling hope in tackling the extinction crisis.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">More about animal extinctions&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Animal extinctions have been a natural part of Earth's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-may-be-enduring-its-seventh-mass-extinction-not-sixth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">history</a>, but the rate has drastically increased in recent times, primarily due to human activities. Extinctions occur when species are unable to adapt to changing environmental conditions or compete with other species for resources. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Main causes</h3>



<p>Natural causes like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/volcanic-winters-weakened-the-dinosaurs-before-the-asteroid-hit/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcanic eruptions</a>, climate change, and asteroid impacts have historically triggered extinctions. However, in the current epoch, known as the Anthropocene, human actions are the dominant force driving species to extinction.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Habitat destruction&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Habitat destruction is a leading cause, as forests, wetlands, and other natural areas are cleared for agriculture, urban development, and mining. This not only reduces the living spaces of many species but also fragments their habitats, making it difficult for them to find food, mate, and migrate.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Overexploitation</h3>



<p>Overexploitation through hunting, fishing, and poaching has also decimated populations, with species like the dodo bird and the passenger pigeon being hunted to extinction.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Pollution</h3>



<p>Pollution, from plastic waste choking marine life to toxic chemicals contaminating water sources, affects animals' health and reproductive capabilities. Invasive species introduced by human activities can outcompete, prey on, or bring diseases to native species, leading to declines in their populations.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Climate change&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Climate change, fueled by greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels, is causing temperature and weather patterns to shift more rapidly than many species can adapt to. Coral reefs are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deepest-known-coral-reef-bleaching-discovered-alarming-scientists/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bleaching</a>, polar ice is melting, and sea levels are rising, endangering species from polar bears to small island-nesting birds.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><em><a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/quaternary-research/article/modeling-postpleistocene-megafauna-extinctions-as-complex-socialecological-systems/EF5A7BA02B284D261A16A2E19BF099BB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Quaternary Research</a></em></em>.</p>



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



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Computational model created to predict animal extinctions

Researchers at San Diego State University have introduced a computational...

<p>Nature-based solutions are pivotal in the fight against climate change, with U.S. ecologists, scientists, and policy experts rallying together for their enhancement at the federal level. </p>



<p>Harnessing their extensive knowledge in climate and ecosystem sciences, the experts have put forward key recommendations. The proposals aim to build a robust scientific basis for nature-based climate solutions (NbCS), focusing on their effective nationwide rollout.</p>



<p>NbCS strategies include protecting carbon-rich forests and wetlands, enhancing land management, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/restoring-coastal-ecosystems-can-mitigate-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">restoring ecosystems</a>. These strategies are essential for enhancing the removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. </p>



<p>Consequently, the importance of these solutions is paramount. Their successful implementation could be crucial for meeting global greenhouse gas reduction goals and averting further climate destabilization.</p>



<p>However, the implementation of NbCS has sparked controversy. It often advances faster than the scientific community's grasp of their long-term benefits. Therefore, there is a pressing need for a more robust, evidence-based approach to nature-based climate solutions, ensuring their deployment is both effective and scientifically sound.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mapping-the-future-recommendations-for-robust-nbcs">Mapping the future: recommendations for robust NbCS</h2>



<ol>
<li><strong>Open Data, Open Opportunities:</strong> Experts emphasize the need for federal agencies and partners to make data and products freely accessible. This transparency is key to advancing science and refining methods to assess NbCS effectiveness. Openness fosters collaboration, ensuring projects are based on top-notch science.</li>



<li><strong>A Network of Networks:</strong> For precise carbon benefit assessments of NbCS, experts recommend creating a tiered ecosystem monitoring network. This network, tracking carbon across ecosystems with diverse data and tools, seeks a thorough NbCS impact understanding through advanced techniques and datasets.</li>



<li><strong>The Mapping Initiative:</strong> Detailed mapping is essential to track management practices and link carbon outcomes to specific management changes or disturbances. This is vital for extending localized monitoring to wider, policy-relevant areas. Better data access and resolution will improve NbCS effectiveness evaluations.</li>
</ol>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implementing-science-driven-nbcs">Implementing science-driven NbCS</h2>



<p>The need to strengthen the scientific basis for NbCS is more critical than ever, given the recent surge in federal and private investments in NbCS projects. To ensure these investments yield meaningful climate mitigation outcomes, they must be underpinned by a solid scientific basis.</p>



<p>Dr. William Anderegg of the <a href="https://www.utah.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Utah</a> emphasizes the critical need for better science to guide NbCS efforts: "We're at an inflection point —we need better science to get this right. These proposed measures aim to address current gaps in knowledge and data, providing a pathway to more credible and effective NbCS programs."</p>



<p>The call to action underlines the importance of developing a coordinated approach to monitoring land-sector greenhouse gas exchanges. By emphasizing open data sharing and creating a network-of-networks, the United States can lead in developing robust NbCS programs. Additionally, improving large-area mapping will ensure these programs offer substantial benefits for biodiversity, communities, and the climate.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-united-front-science-and-strategy-in-climate-action">A united front: science and strategy in climate action</h2>



<p>Dr. Kim Novick of Indiana University notes new federal initiatives could enhance NbCS programs if based on transparency and science.</p>



<p>Meanwhile, Jonathan Sanderman of the Woodwell Climate Research Center highlights the critical role of nature-based <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nature-inspires-solutions-for-a-sustainable-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solutions</a> in shaping our climate future. He stresses the importance of understanding their capabilities and the necessity of measuring their success.</p>



<p>The collective expertise of the scientific community, combined with strategic coordination and investment, is poised to pave the way for a future where nature-based solutions are integral in our fight against climate change. </p>



<p>These recommendations provide a roadmap for the science-based implementation of NbCS across the U.S. Moreover, they reaffirm the vital role of scientific inquiry in shaping our environmental policies and practices.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">More about nature-based climate solutions&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Nature-based climate solutions involve leveraging the power and processes of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/survey-mother-nature-is-more-likely-to-solve-climate-change-than-geoengineering/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nature</a> to mitigate climate change and its impacts. These solutions are grounded in the understanding that healthy ecosystems like forests, wetlands, and grasslands can play a crucial role in sequestering carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere, thus reducing the overall concentration of greenhouse gases. </p>



<p>Beyond carbon sequestration, nature-based solutions offer a multitude of co-benefits including biodiversity conservation, water filtration, soil stabilization, and enhancement of local livelihoods through sustainable practices.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Forests and wetlands</h3>



<p>For example, reforestation and afforestation efforts involve planting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-and-bushes-near-highways-improve-air-quality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trees</a> in areas where forests have been depleted and in locations where forests did not previously exist. Trees absorb CO2 as they grow, making these efforts a straightforward way to capture significant amounts of carbon over time. </p>



<p>Similarly, restoring wetlands can also sequester carbon, while providing critical habitat for wildlife and natural water filtration systems.</p>



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



<p>Conservation agriculture practices, another facet of nature-based solutions, focus on improving the resilience and carbon storage capacity of agricultural lands. Techniques such as crop rotation, reduced tillage, and cover cropping not only enhance soil health and productivity but also increase the amount of carbon that soils can hold.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Urban greening</h3>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nature-based-solutions-city-greening-reduces-carbon-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Urban greening</a> initiatives, including the creation of parks, green roofs, and urban forests, contribute to lowering urban temperatures, improving air quality, and enhancing urban biodiversity, all while sequestering CO2.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Careful management</h3>



<p>Nature-based climate solutions are increasingly recognized for their potential to provide a significant portion of the carbon dioxide removal needed to meet global climate targets.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, their implementation must be carefully managed to ensure that they do not lead to unintended negative consequences, such as the displacement of local communities or the loss of biodiversity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2318505121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a></em>.</p>



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



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Nature-based climate solutions are now more critical than ever

Nature-based solutions are pivotal in the fight against climate change,...

<p>Social support among primates, including humans, is fundamental for survival and success within their societies. Navigating the complex web of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/male-dolphins-whistle-to-maintain-social-relationships/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social relationships</a> - identifying allies, foes, and competitors - is critical for gaining an evolutionary advantage.</p>



<p>Consequently, researchers across primatology, neuroscience, and computational biology are captivated by this elaborate exchange system. </p>



<p>It's based on reciprocity and quid pro quo interactions. Yet, despite keen interest, the brain's methods for processing and reacting to social cues are still largely enigmatic.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bridging-brains-and-behavior-in-primates">Bridging brains and behavior in primates </h2>



<p>Enter Michael L. Platt, a neuroscientist from the <a href="https://www.upenn.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Pennsylvania</a> with a rich background in primatology and human behavior studies. Platt and his team's pioneering work illuminates the brain circuits behind support and empathy. </p>



<p>The research marks a significant leap in understanding how primates, including humans, navigate their social environments.</p>



<p>Building on this foundation, Platt articulated the essence of their findings. "We've identified a distributed neurophysiological record of social dynamics, laying a potential computational groundwork for community life in primates, our species included," said Platt.</p>



<p>"This study not only highlights the neural basis of social support and empathy but also heralds a new, more natural and ethical approach to studying primate behavior."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observing-brain-activity-in-primates">Observing brain activity in primates</h2>



<p>Camille Testard, the paper's lead author and a former PhD student in Platt's Lab, contrasts their methodology with traditional research approaches. Previous studies often fell into one of two categories: controlled laboratory experiments or observations of primates in their natural habitats. </p>



<p>"Our work bridges these two worlds. By employing minimally invasive, wireless neuro-recording devices, we've observed the brain activity of monkeys in a more free-ranging setting," said Testard .</p>



<p>The team observed two male monkeys in social scenarios with their female partners and others. Notably, the researchers equipped the monkeys with tiny, FDA-approved neural implants targeting specific brain regions involved in visual processing and more complex social interactions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-neural-planning-in-primates">Neural planning in primates</h2>



<p>The findings were surprising. The neuronal activity in both targeted brain areas was remarkably similar. This suggests a unified brain effort in processing social information and predicting behaviors, based on past interactions and present context. </p>



<p>"This insight into neural planning is unprecedented," noted Platt, highlighting the integrated brain functions in social navigation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-empathy-and-support-in-neural-circuits">Empathy and support in neural circuits</h2>



<p>Another key finding was the "mirroring" effect in stress responses, showing a neural basis for empathy and support. The researchers witnessed this mirroring.effect in the stress response when the female partners received a glare from the experimenter.</p>



<p>"It's mirroring in the sense that the male is exhibiting a stress response that would suggest he was the one who had an encounter with the experimenter, and this effect may be critical for empathy," explained Testard.</p>



<p> Moreover, the researchers meticulously documented grooming behaviors, revealing a neural accounting system of social exchanges. "Our weeks-long observation showed a brain-based ledger of social transactions, mirroring the tit-for-tat behavior observed in grooming," said Testard.</p>



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



<p>Platt suggests that these insights could illuminate aspects of human social interactions, particularly when the balance of social give-and-take is disrupted, likening it to the dynamics of uneven text message exchanges between friends.</p>



<p>Looking to the future, Platt envisions expanding the study to include more monkeys, thereby capturing a fuller picture of the complex social webs they navigate. The team is also keen on exploring the role of prosocial hormones like oxytocin and vasopressin in these interactions.</p>



<p>"With the nuanced, second-by-second analysis of brain activity, we're just scratching the surface of understanding the neural underpinnings of social behavior," said Platt. "This research paves the way for exciting new directions, and we're eager to uncover what further secrets lie in the primate, and by extension, the human brain."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Social support among primates</h2>



<p>Social support among primates is a complex and multifaceted aspect of their behavior, deeply rooted in their evolutionary history and critical for their survival and well-being.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Primates, including humans, exhibit a range of social support mechanisms that enhance group cohesion, provide protection against predators, and assist in the rearing of offspring. This social support manifests in various forms, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-close-friendships-improve-our-gut-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">grooming</a>, sharing food, forming alliances, and providing care for the young and the injured.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Grooming</h3>



<p>Grooming is one of the most visible forms of social support among primates. It serves not only to clean the fur and remove parasites but also to establish and maintain social bonds.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Through grooming, primates show affection, reduce stress, and reinforce social hierarchies and relationships within the group. This activity fosters a sense of belonging and mutual trust, which is crucial for the group's harmony and cooperation.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sharing food&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Sharing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/japanese-snow-monkeys-have-learned-to-fish-for-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food</a> is another vital aspect of social support. Primates often share food with their kin and allies, strengthening bonds and ensuring the survival of closely related individuals and favored partners. </p>



<p>This behavior also teaches young primates the skills and norms of food sharing within the group, which is essential for their social development and integration.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Forming alliances&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Forming alliances is particularly prominent in some primate species. These alliances can be seen in both competitive and cooperative contexts, such as defending territory, gaining access to mates, or securing higher positions within the social hierarchy.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Alliances are often based on kinship, friendship, or reciprocal relationships, highlighting the complexity of primate social structures.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Group care</h3>



<p>Caring for the young and the injured is a testament to the empathetic capabilities of primates. Mothers, and sometimes other group members, provide extensive care to their offspring, including feeding, protection, and teaching.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cold-climates-led-to-longer-maternal-care-among-colobine-monkeys/">care</a> extends to injured or ill members of the group, where they may receive grooming, food, and protection, showcasing a level of empathy and understanding of the needs of others.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Group survival&nbsp;</h3>



<p>These social support systems are not just beneficial for the individual but are crucial for the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/south-african-primates-face-multiple-threats/">survival</a> of the group. They enhance group cohesion, facilitate conflict resolution, and improve the overall fitness of the group by ensuring that members are cared for, protected, and integrated into the social fabric.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study of social support among primates not only provides insights into the social dynamics of our closest evolutionary relatives but also sheds light on the origins and importance of social support in human societies.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07178-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature</em></a>.</p>



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



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How the brain regulates social cues and support systems in primates and humans

Social support among primates, including humans, is fundamental for survival...

<p>The cataclysmic impact of a giant meteor around 65 million years ago brought an end to the reign of the majority of dinosaur species, leaving behind a void in which birds, the direct descendants of dinosaurs, emerged as thriving survivors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This event marks a critical junction in the evolution of birds, which have since exploded into a diverse group of approximately 10,000 species today.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comprehensive-family-tree-of-birds">Comprehensive family tree of birds</h2>



<p>Scientists have long struggled to piece together a comprehensive family tree of birds to understand their evolutionary journey across millennia.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The advent of affordable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sequencing-dna-protect-biodiversity/">DNA sequencing</a> technologies promised a resolution to this complex puzzle, simplifying the classification process that has bewildered researchers for centuries, much like it has facilitated the understanding of lineage and relationships across a multitude of other species.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-peculiar-dna-fragment-in-birds">Peculiar DNA fragment in birds</h2>



<p>However, the avian world was not without its enigmas. Recent scientific endeavors have found that an event concurrent with the dinosaurs' demise 65 million years ago had obscured the true lineage of birds.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This discovery emerged from a pair of groundbreaking research papers released on April 1, which identified a segment of one chromosome that remained in stasis, resisting the natural blending with adjacent DNA regions over the course of millions of years.</p>



<p>This peculiar fragment, representing a mere two percent of the entire bird genome, previously led scientists to believe that the avian family tree could be broadly divided into two major groups, with species such as flamingos and doves considered closely related evolutionary kin.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-four-primary-avian-groups">Four primary avian groups</h2>



<p>The discovery of a more precise family tree, which takes into account the deceptive nature of this genome segment, now proposes four primary avian groups and places flamingos and doves in more distant branches of the evolutionary lineage.</p>



<p>"My lab has been chipping away at this problem of bird <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shrinking-giants-unraveling-the-evolution-of-animal-size/">evolution</a> for longer than I want to think about,” said senior author Edward Braun, a professor of biology at the <a href="https://www.ufl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Florida</a>. “We had no idea there would be a big chunk of the genome that behaved unusually. We kind of stumbled onto it.” </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conflicting-interpretations-of-the-family-tree-nbsp">Conflicting interpretations of the family tree&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Decades ago, Braun and his team embarked on a journey to construct a family tree for the Neoaves, which encompasses the majority of existing bird <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-have-wiped-out-hundreds-of-bird-species/">species</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Initial analyses based on the genomes of 48 species led to the classification of the Neoaves into two overarching categories, segregating doves and flamingos into one group, with all other species in the opposing group.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A subsequent analysis involving 363 species, however, produced a divergent family tree that separated doves and flamingos into distinct categories.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-new-insights-into-bird-evolution">Critical new insights into bird evolution</h2>



<p>Confronted with two conflicting interpretations of the avian <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-perching-bird-family-tree/">family tree</a>, the researchers delved deeper into the genetic data in search of clues that could clarify which version was correct.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“When we looked at the individual genes and what tree they supported, all of a sudden it popped out that all the genes that support the older tree, they’re all in one spot. That’s what started the whole thing,” Braun explained.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-suppression-of-genetic-mixing">Suppression of genetic mixing</h2>



<p>Further investigations revealed that a specific section of the bird chromosome had not undergone the expected genetic mixing through the process of recombination - a fundamental mechanism in sexual reproduction that ensures <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/channel-island-foxes-threatened-by-low-genetic-diversity/">genetic diversity</a> within a species.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This suppression of recombination in a critical genome segment coinciding with the period of dinosaur extinction had caused flamingos and doves to appear more closely related than they truly are when considering the entirety of the genome.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-similar-mysteries-may-exist-in-other-genomes">Similar mysteries may exist in other genomes</h2>



<p>The discovery of this anomalous genomic region, capable of misleading evolutionary analysis yet detectable more than 60 million years later, is a proof of the complexity of bird evolution and the challenges inherent in unraveling the true history of these avian descendants of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unique-molting-patterns-may-have-saved-birds-during-dinosaur-extinction/">dinosaurs</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Braun highlighted the potential for similar mysteries to exist within the genomes of other organisms, as yet undiscovered due to the lack of extensive genetic sequencing efforts.</p>



<p>“We discovered this misleading region in birds because we put a lot of energy into sequencing birds’ genomes. I think there are cases like this out there for other species that are just not known right now,” Braun concluded.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2319506121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Proceedings of the National Academy of Science</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Untold story of bird evolution revealed through genetics 

The cataclysmic impact of a giant meteor around 65 million...

<p>Gardening under the stars? That's so old-fashioned. NASA's setting its sights on a more extreme landscape: the Moon. In 2026, the <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/mission/artemis-iii/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Artemis III mission</a> will land astronauts on the lunar surface, carrying a miniature greenhouse to grow plants on the moon that could change the future of space exploration.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-grow-plants-on-the-moon">Why grow plants on the moon?</h2>



<p>If <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lunar-anthropocene-how-humans-have-impacted-the-moon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">humanity</a> truly aims to establish permanent settlements on the Moon or embark on long-duration voyages to Mars, mastering the art of space farming becomes not just beneficial but absolutely essential. </p>



<p>Plants are Earth's original, solar-powered life-support machines. Their ability to recycle carbon dioxide into oxygen and convert sunlight into edible biomass has sustained life on our planet for eons.</p>



<p>But transplanting this system into the harsh vacuum of space brings extraordinary challenges. Extreme temperatures, intense radiation, and the lack of familiar soil and gravity create a hostile environment. Yet, overcoming these obstacles is key to our future as a spacefaring species. </p>



<p>Space agriculture promises to reduce our reliance on Earth-supplied resources, making exploration more sustainable. It's the path to a future where astronauts cultivate their own food and oxygen, creating self-sufficient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-plans-to-build-house-on-the-moon-by-2040/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">outposts</a> among the stars.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-leaf-nasa-s-moonshot-for-plants">LEAF: NASA's moonshot for plants</h2>



<p>The Lunar Effects on Agricultural Flora (LEAF) is NASA's plant-growing experiment for the ages. Designed by Space Lab Technologies, this miniature greenhouse is getting ready to face the lunar environment head-on. </p>



<p>Astronauts on Artemis III will set up these plant chambers, carefully sowing the seeds of three special plants: thale cress, duckweed, and Brassica rapa (which is basically a speedy version of cabbage). Their goal is to see how these Earth-born plants handle the unique challenges of growing on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/moon-is-shrinking-moonquakes-potential-problems-for-astronauts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moon</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meet-the-moon-plants">Meet the moon plants</h2>



<p>Thale cress, Duckweed and brassica rapa are the chosen ones for this lunar saga. Each plant, a potential pioneer in space agriculture, holds the key to sustainable space exploration.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Thale cress </h3>



<p>Thale cress, a humble plant with a comprehensive genetic blueprint, stands at the forefront of space botany research. </p>



<p>Scientists have meticulously mapped its entire genetic code, making it the perfect space guinea pig. This little plant is about to embark on a mission: serving as a living laboratory in space. </p>



<p>Exposed to the harsh realities of space – like intense radiation and no atmospheric shield – any changes in its genes will be like a flashing neon sign. These mutations will tell scientists a fascinating story about how space affects living things. </p>



<p>By studying thale cress, NASA can learn how to protect future astronauts from radiation and even develop crops for future space colonies. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Duckweed </h3>



<p>Duckweed, a marvel of biological efficiency, thrives with a simplicity that belies its potential. This plant, essentially a floating cluster of leaves, dispenses with the complexity of roots and stems. </p>



<p>Yet, it is a powerhouse of nutrition, boasting a rapid growth rate that could turn it into the cornerstone of space agriculture. </p>



<p>Its resilience and minimalistic approach to existence make it an ideal candidate for off-Earth farming experiments. </p>



<p>In the microgravity of space, where every square inch and every drop of water counts, duckweed's ability to produce high yields with little input could revolutionize how astronauts approach food production. </p>



<p>Its adaptability to a variety of conditions on Earth hints at its potential to thrive in controlled environments elsewhere, making it a leading contender for sustaining life on missions far from home.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Brassica rapa </h3>



<p>Brassica rapa, with its rapid life cycle, could very well be the poster child for efficient space farming. This relative of the cabbage sprints through its growth phases, offering a swift return on the investment of planting it in extraterrestrial farms. </p>



<p>Brassica rapa's rapid growth rate positions it perfectly for studies focused on how Earth's crops adjust to the harsh environment of space. </p>



<p>Achieving successful cultivation of this plant on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/orion-spacecraft-captures-stunning-photo-of-earth-and-the-moon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moon</a> or Mars would represent a significant advancement. It would highlight progress in developing life support systems that can sustain human life beyond our planet.</p>



<p>Providing fresh, nutritious food quickly is crucial for the long-term health and morale of space travelers. Brassica rapa could emerge as a vital resource in the hostile and unforgiving environment of outer space.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growing-more-than-moon-plants">Growing more than moon plants</h2>



<p>"This research will be a pivotal step toward understanding how we might use agriculture in space to support human crew, paving the way for sustained Lunar exploration and even missions to Mars,” says Christine Escobar, vice president of <a href="https://spacelabtech.com/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Space Lab Technologies</a>.</p>



<p>LEAF is the star of the show, but Artemis III has another science payload on board. NASA's also sending equipment to monitor moonquakes and search for hidden resources like water ice. These clues are vital to setting up a base where we can stay for longer periods.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-would-a-space-farmer-be-like">What would a space farmer be like?</h2>



<p>A space farmer would take on the pioneering role of growing crops in the challenging environment beyond Earth's atmosphere. </p>



<p>Such an individual would have to adapt traditional farming skills to meet the extraordinary demands of extraterrestrial agriculture. The following details offer insight into the multifaceted nature of a space farmer's role:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Highly skilled and versatile</h3>



<p>Space farmers would need a deep understanding of plant biology, hydroponics, and aeroponics, coupled with the mechanical skills to maintain and repair their farming equipment under zero or low-gravity conditions. They'd be part scientist, part engineer, capable of troubleshooting both biological and technical issues.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Innovator and problem solver</h3>



<p>Given the unpredictable nature of space environments, they'd excel in innovation and improvisation, constantly developing new methods to enhance crop yield, nutritional value, and resistance to space-related stresses such as radiation and microgravity.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Physically and psychologically resilient</h3>



<p>The physical isolation and confined spaces of extraterrestrial habitats demand a high level of mental and emotional resilience. </p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/novel-stretchy-sensors-could-transform-space-farming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Space farmers</a> would be adept at managing the psychological challenges of long-duration missions, maintaining their well-being, and fostering a positive living and working environment for themselves and their crewmates.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Eco-conscious and sustainable thinkers</h3>



<p>Understanding the closed-loop ecosystems of space habitats, space farmers would practice sustainable agriculture, focusing on resource conservation, recycling waste, and ensuring the ecological balance of their farming practices to support long-term human survival and health.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Enthusiastic about moon plant cultivation education</h3>



<p>They’d likely share their knowledge and experiences, contributing to educational programs and scientific communication. Their insights would not only pave the way for future space farmers but also inspire sustainable practices on Earth.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Future-oriented and ethically minded</h3>



<p>As pioneers on the frontier of space, they'd be deeply aware of the ethical implications of introducing Earth life to other planets. Their work would be guided by principles that respect the extraterrestrial environments they work in.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Collaborative team players</h3>



<p>Space farming would require close coordination with other crew members, scientists on Earth, and automated systems. </p>



<p>Space farmers would excel in teamwork and communication, ensuring that agriculture integrates smoothly with other life support and research activities.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-artemis-iii-beyond-growing-plants-on-moon">Artemis III: Beyond growing plants on moon</h2>



<p>Artemis III is about a return to the Moon, but it signifies something bigger. It's a stepping stone toward a future where we don't just visit other worlds, we <em>live</em> on them. </p>



<p>NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy highlights the importance of these experiments: "These three deployed instruments were chosen to begin scientific investigations that will address key <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/studying-the-origin-of-the-moon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moon</a> to Mars science objectives."</p>



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NASA's Artemis III mission aims to grow plants on the moon by 2026

Gardening under the stars? That's so old-fashioned. NASA's setting its...

<p>According to a recent prospective study led by <a href="https://www.medstarhealth.org/locations/medstar-union-memorial-hospital" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MedStar Health</a> in Baltimore, users of e-cigarettes face a significantly increased risk of developing heart failure compared to those who have never used them.</p>



<p>Affecting over six million adults in the U.S., <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/living-close-to-bars-and-pubs-increases-the-risk-of-heart-failure/">heart failure</a> is a condition characterized by the heart's inability to pump blood effectively due to it being either too stiff or too weak. This can lead to severe symptoms and frequent hospitalizations as individuals age.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-e-cigarettes-and-heart-health-nbsp">E-cigarettes and heart health&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Electronic nicotine delivery systems, encompassing e-cigarettes, vape pens, hookah pens, personal vaporizers, mods, e-cigars, e-pipes, and e-hookahs, emit nicotine in an aerosol form without burning tobacco.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Despite their introduction in the U.S. in the late 2000s and initial claims of being a safer smoking alternative, a growing body of evidence raises concerns about their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vaping-linked-to-lower-sperm-counts-and-testicular-damage/">health implications</a>.</p>



<p>"More and more studies are linking e-cigarettes to harmful effects and finding that it might not be as safe as previously thought," said lead author Yakubu Bene-Alhasan, a resident physician at MedStar. "The difference we saw was substantial. It’s worth considering the consequences to your health, especially with regard to heart health."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-e-cigarette-use-and-heart-failure-nbsp">E-cigarette use and heart failure&nbsp;</h2>



<p>This investigation utilized data from the <a href="https://allofus.nih.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">All of Us Research Program</a>, a large national study led by the National Institutes of Health, focusing on the correlation between e-cigarette usage and new diagnoses of heart failure among 175,667 participants.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The group, including 60.5% females with an average age of 52, saw 3,242 individuals develop heart failure over a median follow-up period of 45 months.</p>



<p>The analysis revealed that individuals with any history of e-cigarette use had a 19% higher chance of experiencing heart failure compared to non-users.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-other-risk-factors-for-heart-disease-nbsp">Other risk factors for heart disease&nbsp;</h2>



<p>This assessment took into account various factors including demographic and socioeconomic backgrounds, other risk factors for heart disease, and the use of substances such as alcohol and tobacco. According to the scientists, the age, sex, or smoking status of participants did not alter the impact of e-cigarettes on heart failure risk.</p>



<p>Diving deeper, the risk increase was statistically significant for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) - a condition where the heart muscle does not relax as it should.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, this link was not found for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), which involves a weakened heart muscle. With rising HFpEF rates, identifying risk factors and enhancing treatments has become a priority.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-research-is-urgently-needed-nbsp">Further research is urgently needed&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study aligns with animal research and other human studies suggesting that e-cigarette use could negatively affect the heart in ways that contribute to heart failure. Past attempts to directly connect e-cigarette use with heart failure have faced challenges due to the limitations of cross-sectional study designs, small sample sizes, and fewer heart failure cases.</p>



<p>"I think this research is long overdue, especially considering how much e-cigarettes have gained traction," said Bene-Alhasan. "We don’t want to wait too long to find out eventually that it might be harmful, and by that time a lot of harm might already have been done."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"With more research, we will get to uncover a lot more about the potential health consequences and improve the information out to the public."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-relationship-between-e-cigarettes-and-heart-failure">The relationship between e-cigarettes and heart failure </h2>



<p>Bene-Alhasan also cautioned against using e-cigarettes as a cessation too since many people may continue vaping long after they quit <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/smoking-cigarettes-accelerates-aging/">smoking</a>. Instead, the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/index.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a> (CDC) advocates for a mix of counseling and medication as the most effective quitting approach.</p>



<p>Although the study's design allows for inferences rather than definitive conclusions about the causal relationship between e-cigarette use and heart failure, its extensive sample size and detailed substance use and health information render it a critical step forward in understanding this relationship.</p>



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



<p>E-cigarettes, also known as electronic cigarettes, are devices designed to simulate the experience of smoking without burning tobacco.&nbsp;</p>



<p>They work by heating a liquid to generate an aerosol, commonly referred to as vapor, that the user inhales. This liquid typically contains nicotine (the addictive substance found in traditional cigarettes), flavorings, and other chemicals.&nbsp;</p>



<p>E-cigarettes were initially introduced as a tool to help smokers reduce or quit their cigarette smoking.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ongoing-debate">Ongoing debate</h3>



<p>The use of e-cigarettes has sparked a considerable amount of debate among health professionals, regulatory agencies, and the public.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Supporters argue that e-cigarettes are a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes because they do not produce tar or carbon monoxide, two of the most harmful components in tobacco smoke. They also point to the potential benefits for smokers who have struggled to quit smoking by other means.</p>



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



<p>However, e-cigarettes are not without their controversies. Critics raise concerns about the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dangers-of-vaping-and-second-hand-vaping-are-greatly-underestimated/">health risks</a> associated with inhaling the chemicals found in the vapor, including the potential for lung injury.&nbsp;</p>



<p>There is also worry about the appeal of flavored e-cigarettes to teenagers and young adults, potentially leading them to start using nicotine, a highly addictive substance. This has led to discussions about the regulation of flavors and marketing practices that may target younger individuals.</p>



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



<p>The regulatory landscape for e-cigarettes varies widely from country to country, ranging from complete bans to relatively loose regulations. Many countries are still evaluating how to regulate these products, balancing the potential benefits for smokers looking to quit with the risks of increasing nicotine addiction among non-smokers, particularly youth.</p>



<p>The study will be presented at the <a href="https://www.expo.acc.org/ACC24/Public/Enter.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session</a>.</p>



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E-cigarettes linked to increased risk of heart failure

According to a recent prospective study led by MedStar Health...

<p>Did you know that Mars wasn't always the cold planet we imagine today? Evidence from the Curiosity rover suggests that billions of years ago, Mars was a much warmer and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-has-a-water-reservoir-two-miles-deep-enough-to-fill-earths-red-sea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wetter place</a> – a world covered with water from rivers, lakes, and possibly even oceans. </p>



<p><a href="https://mars.nasa.gov/msl/home/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA's Curiosity rover</a> is on a mission to uncover the secrets of this ancient water, and its latest investigation site is sending ripples of excitement through the scientific community.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-in-mars-gediz-vallis-channel">Water in Mars' Gediz Vallis channel</h2>



<p>Mars' Gediz Vallis channel, spotted from space, resembles a dried-up riverbed. Scientists are drawn to this feature because it hints at being carved by ancient water or wet mudslides. </p>



<p>This makes it crucial for understanding the past environments of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-captured-in-true-color-like-youve-never-seen-the-red-planet-before/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars</a>, especially those potentially harboring liquid water. </p>



<p>By exploring such channels, rovers like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasas-curiosity-rover-explores-mars-ridge-with-intriguing-watery-past/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Curiosity</a> can shed light on Mars's ancient climate and its past potential for life.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-curiosity-rover-climbing-mount-sharp">Curiosity rover climbing mount sharp</h2>



<p>For the past several years, Curiosity rover has been steadily ascending the slopes of Mount Sharp. This enormous mountain, rising 3 miles above the dusty floor of Gale Crater, is like a geological history book written in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-look-to-mars-to-help-clarify-how-river-paths-change-over-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">layers of rock</a>. </p>



<p>Each layer whispers of a distinct era in Mars' past – a story of shifting climates and evolving landscapes.</p>



<p>Curiosity's climb began in 2014. Early on, the rover encountered layers rich in clay minerals – a telltale sign of prolonged interaction between rock and water. This hinted at a Mars that was once far wetter than the barren world we see now. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dramatic-changes-on-mount-sharp">Dramatic changes on Mount Sharp</h2>



<p>Mount Sharp's layered slopes on Mars tell a dramatic story of the planet's changing environment. Early on, Mars may have hosted rivers and lakes – conditions ripe for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/curiosity-mars-rover-finds-more-compelling-evidence-for-life-on-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">potential life</a>. </p>



<p>As Curiosity climbs, it sees layers revealing a transformation. Clay minerals in lower regions imply a watery past where rock and liquid interacted. But higher up, sulfate-rich layers point to a Mars where water vanished, leaving salty remnants.</p>



<p>This reveals not a static <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/moxie-has-successfully-extracted-oxygen-from-mars-atmosphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars</a>, but one with a complex climate history. Lakes became deserts, only for water to return and carve features like the Gediz Vallis channel. </p>



<p>This suggests dramatic cycles of wet and dry periods, raising tantalizing questions about the planet's past water cycles and long-term climate shifts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mars-timelines-and-water-troves">Mars timelines and water troves</h2>



<p>Investigating the Gediz Vallis channel has the potential to shake up our understanding of Mars' geological history. </p>



<p>If water indeed carved the channel, it suggests that dramatic episodes of water flow continued to shape the planet’s surface, even during much drier periods of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lake-sediments-found-in-jezero-crater-hint-at-past-life-on-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Martian history</a>.</p>



<p>There's another exciting element to this story. The channel holds a jumble of boulders and other debris that tumbled down from higher up Mount Sharp – regions Curiosity will never reach. These rocks  offer scientists a sneak peek at the geology in these inaccessible areas.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-from-curiosity-rover">Insights from Curiosity rover</h2>



<p>"If the channel or the debris pile were formed by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-evidence-found-for-life-on-mars-where-ancient-rivers-once-flowed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">liquid water</a>, that's really interesting. It would mean that fairly late in the story of Mount Sharp -- after a long dry period -- water came back, and in a big way," said Curiosity's project scientist, Ashwin Vasavada of NASA's <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a> in Southern California.</p>



<p>This discovery highlights a surprising fact. Curiosity has already shown us something important. Mars' shift from wet to dry probably wasn't smooth or gradual. </p>



<p>There seem to have been cycles, with water appearing and disappearing over immense stretches of time. The Gediz Vallis channel could be evidence of a surprisingly late resurgence of water.</p>



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



<p>As we speak, the Curiosity rover continues to examine the channel, taking pictures and gathering data. </p>



<p>Every rock, every bit of dust, is being analyzed by the mission team back on Earth, eager to piece together the dramatic saga of Mars' transformation from a potentially habitable world to the stark place it is today. </p>



<p>Mars, it seems, is full of unexpected twists and turns. And somewhere, perhaps concealed within those ancient riverbeds or debris flows, there might even be clues that point to the possibility of past Martian life.</p>



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



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

New insights into Mars' vanishing water mystery from Curiosity rover

Did you know that Mars wasn't always the cold planet...

<p>A new study led by <a href="https://wsu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Washington State University</a> (WSU) has projected a promising future for the Canada lynx within the United States, which could potentially extend its habitat into regions previously thought to be unsuitable due to climate change. </p>



<p>The scientists used a sophisticated model, validated by historical records, to predict the lynx's past and future distributions.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-canada-lynx-habitat-range">Canada lynx habitat range</h2>



<p>The model indicates that as early as 1900, the lynx occupied a significantly larger range within the United States than the confined northern areas they are currently known to inhabit. </p>



<p>The study suggests potential future <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lynx-habitat-selection-is-heavily-influenced-by-human-disturbance/">habitats</a> in Utah, central Idaho, and the Yellowstone National Park area, despite the ongoing threat of climate change.</p>



<p>“History matters even for wildlife. As part of the criteria for species recovery, we have to understand their historic distribution. Otherwise, how can we help recover a species, if we don't know what we’re recovering to?” said lead author Dan Thornton, a wildlife ecologist WSU.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Having a more precise picture of a species’ past can also help avoid an effect known as “shifting baseline syndrome” -&nbsp; a gradual change in what scientists accept as normal for the environment, or in this case, a species’ habitat.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mapping-out-the-lynx-s-past-range-nbsp">Mapping out the lynx's past range&nbsp;</h2>



<p>By projecting back to 1900 and forward to 2050 and 2070, the researchers analyzed climatic and land use data to map out the lynx's potential historic and future <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/canada-lynx-may-need-a-climate-refuge-to-survive/">ranges</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This projection was validated by analyzing records from museums and accounts from hunters and trappers, revealing a wider historic range of the lynx across various U.S. regions, thus contradicting previous assumptions that the species was confined to its current range.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-optimistic-future-for-the-lynx-nbsp">Optimistic future for the lynx&nbsp;</h2>



<p>These findings point to a more optimistic future for the lynx, identifying regions unaffected by current climate projections as potential habitats. These areas, which fall within the lynx's historically occupied territories, offer a beacon of hope for the species' expansion and conservation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, further research is needed to ascertain the viability of these regions in supporting lynx populations amidst changing climate conditions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-historic-ranges-of-other-species-nbsp">Historic ranges of other species&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Thornton notes the complexity of estimating historical ranges due to limited past data on species distributions. He advocates for innovative approaches to tackle this challenge.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Thinking about historic range is really important. It’s also quite difficult because we often have limited data on where species were in the past. But there are potential ways to go about addressing that, and we wanted to provide one possible approach in this paper.”</p>



<p>This novel methodology not only sheds light on the Canada lynx's resilience and adaptability but also serves as a model for assessing the historic ranges of other species. By integrating historical records with modern scientific modeling, researchers can offer more informed strategies for the conservation of lynx and other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/endangered-animals/">threatened species</a>, aiming for a future where wildlife thrives across expanded and restored habitats.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-the-canada-lynx">More about the Canada lynx</h2>



<p>The Canada lynx, a medium-sized wildcat native to North America, is known for its distinct physical characteristics and habitat preferences.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>This elusive feline boasts a silvery-brown coat, tufted ears, and large, padded paws that act as natural snowshoes, enabling it to navigate the deep snow of its boreal forest habitat.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diet">Diet</h3>



<p>The lynx's diet is heavily reliant on snowshoe hares, with the abundance of this prey significantly influencing the lynx's population cycles and distribution.</p>



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



<p>The Canada lynx's thick fur and long legs are adaptations to its cold environment, stretching across Canada and into parts of the northern United States. Despite its wide range, the lynx is seldom seen by humans due to its solitary and secretive nature. It primarily hunts at night, relying on its acute hearing and eyesight to detect prey.</p>



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



<p>Reproduction occurs once a year, with litters of one to four kittens born in the spring. These kittens depend on their mother for food and protection for their first year, learning hunting skills that are crucial for their survival in the wild.</p>



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



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lynx-population-in-france-is-on-the-brink-of-extinction/">conservation status</a> of the Canada lynx varies regionally, with some populations considered stable and others at risk due to habitat loss, climate change, and human activities. Efforts to preserve its habitat are critical for the lynx's future, highlighting the importance of understanding and mitigating the impacts of human encroachment on wildlife ecosystems.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2024.110541" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Biological Conservation</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Canada lynx’s historic range points to a promising future

A new study led by Washington State University (WSU) has...

<p>The ongoing battle against the sedentary lifestyle prevalent among American youth has prompted researchers at the <a href="https://www.umass.edu/">University of Massachusetts Amherst</a> to explore innovative avenues to encourage physical activity among children.&nbsp;</p>



<p>With a staggering two-thirds of children in the U.S. not meeting the recommended 60 minutes of daily moderate to vigorous physical activity, the study led by the university’s kinesiology experts has analyzed the influence of family pets, specifically <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dog-walking-older-adults-active/">dogs</a>, on encouraging kids to be more active.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-initial-observations-nbsp">Initial observations&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The initial findings revealed an intriguing connection between children's physical activity levels and interaction with their family dogs, accounting for about 20% of their daily exercise, highlighting the potential of pets in fostering healthier lifestyles among children.</p>



<p>The research of senior author Katie Potter, an assistant professor of kinesiology at UMass Amherst and the director of the UMass Behavioral Medicine Lab, aims at devising practical strategies to boost <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/any-type-of-physical-activity-can-help-protect-the-brain/">physical activity</a>, with a particular emphasis on the relationship between children and dogs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-promoting-physical-activity-in-children-nbsp">Promoting physical activity in children&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“There are so many ways we might leverage the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-dogs-bond/">human-dog bond</a> to promote physical activity in kids, but first, we need to understand how much physical activity dog-owning kids get with their dogs,” she explained.&nbsp;</p>



<p>To clarify this, the scientists initiated a more extensive study, aiming to capture a broader and more diverse demographic to solidify their initial observations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expanding-upon-the-pilot-study">Expanding upon the pilot study</h2>



<p>The research team is now engaging families from beyond Western Massachusetts, enabling a wider participation through a remote study setup.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Participants, including children aged 7 to 10 years and their canine companions, are equipped with ActiGraph accelerometers featuring Bluetooth technology to monitor and measure proximity-based physical activity as they engage in their everyday routines.</p>



<p>“Our preliminary study was the first time that this type of research had been done specifically quantifying physical activity with the dog and the kid in proximity together,” said lead author Colleen Chase, a doctoral student in Potter's lab.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We're interested in replicating that study to see whether that 20% value holds at a significant sample size of participants.”&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pet-ownership-and-children-s-physical-activity">Pet ownership and children's physical activity</h2>



<p>This novel approach opens the door to a deeper understanding of how pet ownership may influence the physical activity levels of children, potentially informing future public health interventions aimed at combating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/childhood-obesity-rates-spiked-during-the-pandemic/">childhood obesity</a> and inactivity.</p>



<p>The broader impact of this study lies not just in its immediate findings but in its contribution to a larger conversation about the multifaceted strategies needed to address physical inactivity among children.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-pathways-to-enhance-children-s-health">New pathways to enhance children's health</h2>



<p>“This is a pretty concerning issue in the United States right now. That's why we're trying to get creative with methods to address this. It's a very wholesome line of research. You know, we're working with kids. We're working with dogs. But we do have these larger, significant health problems that we are working to address through this research,” Chase said.</p>



<p>Through a meticulous blend of technology, behavioral science, and the intrinsic bond between humans and animals, Potter, Chase, and their team at UMass Amherst are uncovering new pathways to enhance children's health and well-being.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research not only highlights the potential role of family dogs in promoting physical activity but also sets a precedent for the integration of pets into broader public health strategies to ensure a more active, healthy future for our children.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-children-s-physical-activity-levels-in-the-united-states-nbsp">Children’s physical activity levels in the United States&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Physical activity levels among children and youth in the United States remain a concern. According to the CDC, less than a quarter of children aged 6 to 17 years engage in 60 minutes of physical activity every day​ (CDC)​.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overall-physical-activity-grade">Overall physical activity grade</h3>



<p>The 2022 United States Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth reflects a similarly challenging picture, with an overall physical activity grade of D–. This grade indicates that only 21% of children and youth ages 6 to 17 meet the guideline of 60 minutes of physical activity daily.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-age-and-income-disparities-nbsp">Age and income disparities&nbsp;</h3>



<p>The report also highlights disparities based on age and income, with physical activity levels dropping significantly as children get older and lower levels of active transportation and organized <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/children-who-play-team-sports-have-fewer-mental-health-problems/">sports</a> participation among youth from lower-income households​ (ACE Health &amp; Fitness)​.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comprehensive-assessment-nbsp">Comprehensive assessment&nbsp;</h3>



<p>The report card also graded other areas related to physical activity, such as organized sport participation (C), <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/childrens-inactivity-remains-a-problem-after-the-pandemic/">sedentary behaviors</a> (D), and sleep (C+), showing a nuanced landscape of factors influencing children's physical fitness and activity levels. </p>



<p>For example, although there's a slight improvement in organized sport participation, the prevalence of sedentary behaviors and inadequate sleep among youth presents ongoing challenges​ (ACE Health &amp; Fitness)​.</p>



<p>This comprehensive assessment, which is the fourth of its kind since 2014, serves not only as an accountability tool but also as a call to action for implementing new initiatives, programs, and policies to support healthy environments and improve physical activity levels among children and youth​​.</p>



<p>The study is published in the <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1123/jmpb.2023-0014" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Journal for the Measurement of Physical Behavior</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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<p>----</p>

Family dogs boost children’s physical activity levels 

The ongoing battle against the sedentary lifestyle prevalent among American...

<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=lHHxOej4QfE
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Researchers found a correlation between Alzheimer's disease and traffic pollution.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-invisible-threat-in-urban-air"><strong>Invisible threat in urban air</strong></h2>



<p>City dwellers face an unseen danger with every breath. New findings from Emory University researchers suggest that fine particulate matter from <a href="http://earth.com/news/traffic-related-air-pollution-might-increase-alzheimers-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vehicle emissions may significantly elevate the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease</a>. The study examined brain tissue samples from 224 individuals who had confirmed diagnoses and volunteered their brains for scientific research.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disturbing-connections-emerge"><strong>Disturbing connections emerge</strong></h2>



<p>Scientists analyzed neuritic plaques — protein clusters that characterize Alzheimer's — while mapping each participant's exposure to PM2.5 particles based on residential location and surrounding traffic density. The correlation proved more alarming than anticipated. Individuals experiencing higher pollution exposure showed nearly double the likelihood of elevated plaque accumulation in brain tissue.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-timing-matters"><strong>Timing matters</strong></h2>



<p>The research team discovered that pollution exposure during the final year before death demonstrated the strongest association with brain changes. This timeline suggests relatively rapid impacts from environmental toxins on neural health. The connection remained robust even after accounting for various demographic and health factors.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-vulnerability-patterns"><strong>Genetic vulnerability patterns</strong></h2>



<p>Perhaps most concerning, people lacking the APOE gene—which naturally predisposes individuals to Alzheimer's — exhibited more than twice the susceptibility to pollution-related brain damage. Study author Dr. Anke Huels noted this indicates environmental elements like air contamination could trigger the disease in cases where hereditary factors don't explain.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-public-health-implications"><strong>Public health implications</strong></h2>



<p>These findings, published in <em><a href="https://www.neurology.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neurology</a></em>, underscore the critical importance of air quality regulations in urban planning. The research suggests that implementing stricter emission controls and promoting alternative transportation could serve as powerful tools in Alzheimer's prevention.</p>



<p>As cities worldwide grapple with growing traffic congestion and aging populations, this study highlights an urgent need for comprehensive approaches to environmental health that protect both our lungs and our minds.</p>



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<p>—–</p>

Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHHxOej4QfE Researchers found a correlation between Alzheimer's disease and traffic...

<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=2E0mn5mTvhQ
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">'Death Star' moon Mimas conceals a 15-million-year-old ocean that scientists never expected.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-waters-beneath-ancient-craters">Hidden waters beneath ancient craters</h2>



<p>Scientists have made a startling discovery that challenges everything we thought we knew about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saturn-moon-mimas-has-remarkably-young-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saturn's moon Mimas</a>. Beneath the heavily cratered surface that earned it the nickname "Death Star" lies a global ocean that formed just 5 to 15 million years ago—a remarkably young age by cosmic standards.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cassini-data-reveals-orbital-secrets">Cassini data reveals orbital secrets</h2>



<p>The discovery, led by Dr. Valéry Lainey of the <a href="https://observatoiredeparis.psl.eu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Observatoire de Paris</a>, emerged from careful analysis of <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>'s Cassini spacecraft data. By studying subtle irregularities in Mimas's orbit around Saturn, researchers detected the gravitational signature of liquid water hidden 20 to 30 kilometers beneath the moon's icy shell.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-unlikely-ocean-world">An unlikely ocean world</h2>



<p>At only 400 kilometers in diameter, Mimas seemed like the least likely candidate to harbor a subsurface ocean. Unlike other ocean moons such as Europa and Enceladus, which show clear surface signs of internal activity, Mimas displays no obvious hints of the liquid water beneath its ancient, crater-scarred exterior.</p>



<p>"Mimas is a small moon, and its heavily cratered surface gave no hint of the hidden ocean beneath," explained Dr. Nick Cooper from <a href="https://www.qmul.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queen Mary University of London</a>, a study co-author.</p>



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



<p>The ocean's recent formation makes Mimas a prime target for studying how oceans develop and potentially support life. This discovery adds another member to the exclusive club of ocean worlds in our solar system, each offering unique insights into the conditions necessary for habitability.</p>



<p>The research, published in <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a></em> journal, demonstrates how advanced orbital analysis can reveal hidden features of celestial bodies, opening new possibilities for understanding ocean formation throughout the cosmos.</p>



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Scientists discover unexpected young ocean on Saturn's cratered moon Mimas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2E0mn5mTvhQ 'Death Star' moon Mimas conceals a 15-million-year-old ocean that...

<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=K0DuSr87SHY
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">57 million-year ice age mystery solved by Australian scientists.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-earth-became-a-frozen-wasteland">When Earth became a frozen wasteland</h2>



<p>Imagine Earth as a giant snowball, frozen solid from the North Pole to the equator. This wasn't the plot of a science fiction movie – it was our planet's reality 700 million years ago during an extreme ice age that has puzzled scientists for decades.</p>



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



<p>Australian researchers from the <a href="https://www.sydney.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Sydney</a> have finally cracked one of geology's greatest mysteries: what caused the Sturtian glaciation and why it persisted for an unprecedented 57 million years. This period occurred long before dinosaurs roamed the Earth, when no complex plants or multicellular animals existed.</p>



<p>Dr. Adriana Dutkiewicz, the study's lead author, describes a world completely unlike today's climate. "Imagine the Earth almost completely frozen over," she explained. "The planet was blanketed in ice from poles to equator, and temperatures plunged."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-combination-of-climate-factors">The combination of climate factors</h2>



<p>The research team discovered that this massive freeze resulted from a "double whammy" of geological events. First, plate tectonic activity reduced volcanic carbon dioxide emissions to historically low levels. Volcanic activity typically releases CO2 into the atmosphere, creating a greenhouse effect that keeps Earth warm.</p>



<p>Simultaneously, weathering of volcanic rocks in what is now Canada actively absorbed atmospheric CO2, further reducing greenhouse gas concentrations. When atmospheric carbon dioxide levels dropped below 200 parts per million – less than half of today's levels – glaciation engulfed the entire planet.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-climate-implications">Modern climate implications</h2>



<p>Published in the journal <em><a href="https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/geology" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geology</a></em>, this research provides crucial insights into Earth's climate system. While geological climate changes occur over millions of years, the study emphasizes that human-induced climate change is happening at a pace ten times faster than previously observed natural changes, highlighting the urgent need to understand our planet's delicate climate balance.</p>



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What caused the planet's longest ice age

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0DuSr87SHY 57 million-year ice age mystery solved by Australian scientists....

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

Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>

Social modeling affects our food choices

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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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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